LONDON, July 7 — Dell is actively considering new mobile devices and form factors as interest in traditional computers continues to fall.
In an interview with the Guardian, Sam Burd, the company’s global vice president of personal computing, said: “We’re exploring ideas in that space.”
Although much is being written about wearable technology, it’s still not clear if wrist- or face-worn computers really will take off other than in very specific areas — such as healthcare, sports and academia.
However, one thing is clear: the PC market is continuing to contract and tech companies that used to rely on robust computer sales are being forced to innovate and adapt to stay relevant to consumers.
And therein lies the biggest obstacle, rushing head-long into the still nascent smartwatch market could result in ill-considered products that fail to catch on.
As Burd acknowledges: “There are challenges in cost, and how to make it a really good experience. But the piece that’s interesting is that computers are getting smaller. Having a watch on your wrist — that’s pretty interesting, pretty appealing.”
In the same interview, Burd also says that in five years’ time the transition to mobile will be all but complete, but that there will still be a need for what he calls ‘static’ (i.e., traditional) computers in the mix. However, he believes that this future will be one created by a number of connected devices, with consumers owning and using multiple, linked gadgets, rather than a new type of device that is as game-changing as the first iPad.
“There’s a lot of discussion about how that fits into wearable devices like we’ve seen with Google Glass and watches. We’re looking at a world of lots of connected devices. I don’t see any magic new form factor like the iPad — I don’t think anybody saw how that was going to change devices,” he said. — AFP/Relaxnews
