FOLDING, STRETCHABLE, BENDABLE: EXPLORING TOP FUTURE TRENDS IN MOBILE DEVICES AND WEARABLES

Futurist keynote speakers posit that future trends in mobile devices tell us that the space is poised for major leaps forward over with the lightning-fast rollout of 5G infrastructure enabling bleeding-edge capabilities. From transformational new form factors like foldables, stretchables and invisibles to advanced displays, future trends in mobile devices offer all manner of exciting innovations ahead.

The commercialization of high-bandwidth 5G networks opens enormous possibilities. It promises up to 100 times faster speeds than 4G, near instantaneous communication, and exponentially expanded capacity. That sets the foundation to revolutionize everything from high definition streaming and gaming to automated manufacturing and self-driving vehicles when fully built out mid-decade. Bleeding-edge 5G connectivity (which is already giving way to 6G technology for those paying attention) will also boost mobile augmented and virtual reality experiences immensely.

Foldable devices that open outwardly to expand screens then refold compactly also enter the arena with much fanfare. Allowing the portability of smartphones plus panoramic viewing areas tablet-sized for next-gen gaming and videos, foldable adoption is projected to gain over 70 million shipments by 2025. Stretchables similarly morph and twist flexibly, while electronic invisibles like digital tattoos nearly disappear on skin for health tracking. Such form factors significantly extend functionality.

At the same time, advances in displays like brighter OLED panels, buttery-smooth variable refresh rates reaching 144 Hz, under-glass selfie cameras, and ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensors allow more generous, distraction-free interfaces. 3D depth-sensing cameras also upgrade photography/videography, augmented reality shopping, and security. High-speed 5G networking also synergizes additional sensors like LIDAR supporting automated driving assistance or environmental scans.

Of course, the machine learning capabilities backing such photography workflows and context-aware experiences receive major boosts from specialized AI accelerator chips now being integrated into premium devices. Translating languages, recognizing imagery and objects, responding to touchless gestures, and customizing operations to user habits grows increasingly effortless. Smart surfaces like self-healing protective screens further optimize longevity and durability.

While phones still center experiences short-term, the stage is set for future trends in mobile devices  and portable computing to fluidly power productivity and creativity in incredibly intuitive ways this decade. Early technology glimpses suggest laptops, tablets and smartphones will give way to unified smartglasses, foldables and invisibles – with users tapping AI to effortlessly manipulate holograms, data overlays and 3D project sculpting mid-air. How humans ultimately interface enterprises through mobile lenses still remains boldly to be written.