October - 2016 - issue > CXO INSIGHT

The Wearables Tsunami: Are You Ready For This Exciting Future?

Pankaj Kedia

Sr. Director and Business Lead, Smart Wearables-Qualcomm Technologies

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Forward

During the course of my career, over the last 20 years, I have had the good fortune to participate in three mobile phases: From Desktop to Laptop Computing, The Emergence of Smartphones, and The Wearables Tsunami. Each phase has, in fact, been a revolution in how we work, live, and play. Today, the wearables segment is exploding as consumers want access to their data and information not just on their laptops and smartphones but also on the go with wearable devices on them. Qualcomm, with its strong heritage in smartphones and wireless connectivity, is at it again and leading the revolution.

From Desktop to Laptop Computing

It was not that long ago that using a PC meant being tied to your desk at work or at home. In the early 2000s, the evolution of PCs from desktop to laptop took hold and enabled us to work anywhere - in a train, on a plane, or while sipping Starbucks. We were more productive and collaborated more easily with our friends and colleagues. We enjoyed the freedom and flexibility the laptop brought to our daily lives.

The Emergence of Smartphones

Over the last 10 years, we have witnessed the rise of the smartphone as the new computing platform. The emergence of the smartphone platforms has made it possible to carry the Internet in our pockets and catalyzed the now ubiquitous apps store. The smartphone has given rise to such apps as Uber and Airbnb, thus making the sharing economy possible. The smartphone has enabled us to constantly stay in touch with our family and friends - over text and IM, over WhatsApp and Skype, and over Facebook and LinkedIn.