The comfort that comes with moving around with our beloved devices is undeniable. It’s hard to imagine a time when phones were too bulky and heavy to carry around with us, and their modern, lightweight form means they are the most common type of handheld device in the world. Recent findings show people use their phones for four hours and 37 minutes daily, on average. This amounts to more than one full day every week and six days each month. Let’s explore why these devices have become such an important part of our lives.
What are handheld devices?
A portable device that fits within one’s hand qualifies as a handheld device, and the definition encompasses any small computing or electrical equipment that can be held and operated using one or both hands. This category covers handheld devices that enable cellular communication as well as various other computing devices.
Portability is the fundamental attribute of mobile devices. The devices should remain operational without any connection to power outlets or network connections. They usually feature a screen or some form of user interface, along with a battery to store power.
Here are some examples:
- Smartphones, such as Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy
- Smartwatches, such as Fitbit and Apple Watch
- Tablets, such as Amazon Fire Tablet and Microsoft Surface Go
- Handheld gaming consoles, such as PlayStation Portable (PSP) and Nintendo Switch
- E-readers, such as Amazon Kindle and Kobo eReader
Why handheld devices will remain essential in our lives
Here are some of the top reasons we can expect to see handheld devices continue to play a central role in our daily lives in the future.
● Effective communication
Communication has become much easier thanks to portable gadgets. The days when people relied on landline phones, phone booths, or letters are well behind us. Now you can quickly make inquiries, send a message to a loved one, or make a phone call without moving an inch.
● Networking
Social media and the internet have made connecting with people around the world very straightforward. It is now easy to meet people for a business engagement or make a new friend. Moreover, people don’t need to physically attend meetings or conferences, with apps such as Zoom and Google Meet enabling everyone to listen to speakers halfway across the world.
● Emergencies
During an emergency, everyone needs a quick solution and an immediate response, and handheld devices shine in these scenarios. In a crisis, your device enables you to easily seek help or look up first aid options.
● Mobile Gaming
Handheld devices have been optimised to make online gaming a beautiful experience. Mobile phones and gaming consoles such as PSPs have made it possible to play newly released games on the go. These devices have also made online casinos possible, which means players can visit their favourite sites and participate in these games. Online casinos often design their websites and apps to offer a user-friendly experience on handheld screens, and when playing online, the user has the same experience as playing traditionally.
● All In One
Mobile technologies and smartphones have created numerous businesses while making certain products obsolete. A single device can now stand in for a portable music player, GPS, calculator, calendar, and others. Many people continue to own these individual items, but their number decreases yearly.
Mobile phones will soon become the main method of payment while also serving as digital car keys and home control systems. At the same time, the price of smartphones tends to decrease every year in most parts of the world while their capabilities grow stronger.
● Education
Thanks to online educational programs and courses, people can now attend lectures from the comfort of their homes, places of employment or anywhere else in the world, and it’s now easier to access vital information on the spot. A simple Google search provides access to the vast wealth of information available online. Numerous websites, such as YouTube, offer lessons that can elevate people from beginner to expert level in the career of their choice.
● Digital wallets and e-commerce
Digital wallets and e-commerce apps have become commonplace thanks to the popularity of handheld devices. Digital wallets are financial apps that are available on mobile devices to help store payment information. These apps make it easy to make payments or manage funds without the need to carry around credit or debit cards. E-commerce, on the other hand, refers to buying things online. There are various sites and apps through which you can order anything anywhere in the world and have it delivered to your doorstep.
Handheld devices are changing lives
There are so many other functions and aspects worth noting. For example, our phones now help us travel solo from one place to another safely without asking for directions; we can simply order an Uber or use Google Maps to find our way. Although these devices are important for daily activities, they have also replaced physical interactions and are even changing how we think.