The Future of Wireless Devices

Industry leaders and scholars discussed the Future of Wireless Devices on a panel at South by Southwest Interactive yesterday.  Discussion centered on the range possibilities in both the future of devices, including better phones and networked medical devices, and in utilization of bandwidth, including available spectrum for delivering data across the digital divide.  Panelists noted that reaching this potential will hinge on questions like standardization and future regulation.  The divide between potential and actuality of wireless technology was clear as we sat in the audience: despite good WiFi signals in the conference rooms, cords from laptops still overloaded outlets and power strips.