Nomophobic 2.0
In the past couple months ago, top executives of Samsung Electronics - EVP Eui-Suk Chung, mentioned about the new Galaxy Fold that can provide an entirely new way to use a smartphone. Meanwhile, I have read an article from Forrester Research that addressed a bold statement, saying smartphones are already "dead." Really?
I can say smartphones aren't made to last forever. They can remain a heck of a long time, but precisely how long depends on when you consider your phone "dead." Is it obsolete when it eventually won't turn on anymore? Perhaps you think its life to be over when it takes forever to start a new app?
Most people usually keep their smartphones for 1-3 years before exchanging it and upgrading, and there's a good reason why.
Android vs. iOS lifespan perhaps? According to Apple technology, new iPhones should remain a minimum of 3 years, again.... really? While, Android phones seem to be invented to last 2 years minimum, with so many makers of Android devices, that number can vary.
Can your phone last running for more than 2-3 years? Surely! It all depends on how properly you take care of it… and whether or not you have tolerance. While you can prevent physical damage to your phone, unavoidably, over time the performance will slow down. Then, why do smartphones slow down as they get older? Is it a feature (Joking!)? Most of the time the explanation is all about the updates.
Because new operating systems are released and apps are updated, older devices start to struggle. Most updates are intended to enhance and improve performance, but once in a while, it behaves the opposite. Some upgrades are created to take advantage of the newer, faster technology in the latest phones. Sadly, this situation can make old phones to slow down.
Then, what to do with your old smartphone?
Depending on the condition as you could still exchange your old smartphone and get a fair amount of cash, a lot of online commerce portals can serve your need for that. If your phone still works but has grown little annoyingly slow with age, in most cases, you can again trade your old phone for cash!
Meanwhile, if your phone is obsolete and won't turn on at all anymore, not all is wasted! Some people willing to buy old smartphones and use them for parts. Or, when no one else wants to get it: recycle it.
If your phone is antique and you can't find anyone that wants it from you, it's a chance to think about recycling it. Electronic devices should not be thrown away, but there are many places out there... is it?
Anyway, smartphones technology aren't going to be obsolete soon, even though we are continuing to start looking and touching our smartphones' screens much less than we do today, including reading this article (LOL). Apps and wearables and smart-apparel will measure and analyze and support you with your workouts and face-to-face social interactions and most everything else you do... is it AI things?
With these technologies, everyone now mumbled: "I can't live without you." Perhaps, around 25 years ago, people used to tell this verbally to their loved ones. But now, the phrase doesn't suit to their beloved ones as much it applies to their phone. The second they are separated from their devices; anxiety knocks them like a storm; it feels lonely without their phones. They have an unhealthy attachment to it. Thus, they isolate themselves from real life... Ask yourself for this before any advanced AI technology again hit your logic.
Enjoy the journey!