Over the next few years ultra-portable technology will unleash a battle for personal space, and have a major impact on products and services aimed at people on the move. The third generation of mobile phones (3G), will be the technical catalyst for much of this. There are significant commercial opportunities for those who can deliver carefully chosen applications of this exciting new technology.

The Appliance Studio has been investigating this area (independently and with partners such as HP Labs and Bristol University's Wearable Computing project). Over several years, we've built an extensive knowledge of the opportunities that exist, the fallacies that abound and the approaches required to achieve success. Some of the capabilities that will arise out of the combination of ultra-portable technology and mobile communications are:

Being in touch - I can stay in touch with colleagues, friends and intimate partners on multiple levels at any time.

Smart context - things around me can adapt to who I am and make personalised responses and offers.

Location aware - I can share my location with services that might be relevant to me where I am.

Natural interface - I can interact with automated services using voice and gesture .

New memories - I can capture significant moments using new combinations of media in natural and immediate ways.

Personal well being - I can have my personal health monitored and connected to services that enhance my well being, enjoyment and safety.

Personal identity - I can interact with security, privacy, and authenticated identity, choosing the level I which I reveal my identity.

Micropayment and electronic cash - I can buy products and services at very fine grain, with minimal hassle.

Please contact us if you'd like to learn more about our work in this area, and how we might help you deliver successful 3G products and services.