Wearables and IoT rise, but smartphones remain the central hub of connectivity

The landscape of consumer technology is evolving rapidly, driven by leaps in artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and wearables.

Yet, despite these advances, experts predict that smartphones will continue to occupy a central role in our daily digital interactions.

According to Ernst Wittmann, TCL Regional Manager for Southern and East Africa, smartphones are not becoming obsolete; rather, they are more essential than ever as we navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

"The smartphone is one of the most widely adopted consumer technologies in history," Wittmann explained, noting that 84% of adults in developing countries own a device.

"In contrast, while wearables are gaining traction, their adoption still has a long way to go."

Devices like smart glasses, fitness bands, and smartwatches have not yet penetrated the market to the extent seen with smartphones, which continue to dominate as the primary device for managing everyday life.

Wittmann elaborates on the flexible nature of smartphones, which seamlessly integrate various functionalities that cater to our needs at work, home, and on the go.

"Your smartphone captures a wealth of data, location, motion, photos, and more, allowing it to act as a bridge to the burgeoning ecosystem of connected devices."

The constant use of mobile technology is a testament to its adaptability and effectiveness in serving multiple roles.

The smartphone's capabilities extend beyond mere communication. It features a large touchscreen for intuitive navigation, supports diverse connectivity options like cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, and boasts powerful processing power that handles complex tasks, such as AI processing, with relative ease.

This multifunctionality makes it the control centre for smart homes and connected cars alike.

Wittmann said, "Connected devices such as smart cameras and lighting systems typically link back to smartphone apps. Whether checking a live camera feed or monitoring solar energy production, smartphones serve as the digital dashboard for our connected lives."

Even fitness wearables, which track health and activity metrics, rely heavily on smartphones for data display and trend management.

As the world of tech advances, wearables and IoT devices may excel at performing specific functions, but it is clear that the smartphone remains crucial to their operation.

In vehicles, platforms like Android Auto transform car displays into smartphone extensions, giving users access to familiar interfaces for navigation, media, calls, and messaging.

The dual potential of smartphones extends further as the technology continues to develop.

While AI devices and voice assistants are emerging, offering limited functionality within niche use cases, they predominantly depend on smartphones for setup and operation.

Wittmann added, "Content-rich AI experiences are increasingly becoming part of smartphones, enabling features like real-time translation and enhanced security."

These advancements not only enhance user experience but also solidify the smartphone's position as pivotal in our lives.

As wearables and IoT devices proliferate and become more autonomous, smartphones will continue to play a vital role as the central control device within our digital ecosystems.

Wittmann’s foresight suggests that even with ongoing technological innovation, our relationship with smartphones will only deepen in the foreseeable future.

BUSINESS REPORT