Does the Microsoft-Skype deal signal the next evolution of the tablet?

At the launch of the iPad last year, Steve Jobs began his presentation with a simple question, “Is there room for a third category of device? Something that’s between a laptop and smartphone.” With sales of more than 15 million iPads by the release of the iPad 2 this year, it would seem the answer is yes.

A recent survey from Nielsen Co. found that tablets are dramatically changing the relationship between users and traditional computers. The survey found that 35% of tablet owners now use their desktop less or not at all, with 32% of laptop-users following a similar pattern.

There can be no doubt that tablets are the ‘sexiest’ thing to hit the technology market in the last 15 years. They’ve become a ‘must have’, with major uptake in even the most conservative of places; in courts, in hospitals and even in the Houses of Parliament. Personally, I’m the classic technophobe but the potential of full Excel and other MS Office suites finding their way on to tablets means I may yet become a convert.

I can’t help but wonder if Microsoft’s purchase of Skype signals what the next step in the tablet revolution will be. There can be no doubt that the move to ‘the cloud’ is fast becoming a priority for industry leaders such as Microsoft, Google and Apple. The Skype deal would suggest Microsoft have placed an even greater value on the potential of the cloud than anyone previously thought.

For future tablet devices, ‘the cloud’ will be key, helping to bridge that gap between the traditional desktop and the current tablet offering, such as the iPad. Is there room for a third category of device? I believe the answer is yes but only if it offers the best of both worlds; the flexibility of a smartphone with the functionality of a laptop.

In a product management strategy session with WorldDesk this week, we took some time to imagine what the next generation of computing technology might look like. Here are some early thoughts…

  • Make the mobile device the desktop not the other way around.
  • The tablet on the road can become the desktop in the office by adding docking technology.
  • The key ingredient to making the tablet truly next generation is adding cloud storage and the ability to sync with a connection.
  • Technology, like that being offered by Deskstream is key, allowing for thin client technology that provides:

                (a) watertight security

                (b) full remote management

                © an ability to fully clone a device in minutes

                (d) and an ability to wipe the tablet remotely

  • Include 4G connectivity and work with the cell phone providers to give full mobile capability on the road, while leveraging a service such as Skype where wireless is available.
  • Finally, offer all this for a fixed monthly fee.

We’re currently working on a prototype that combines all of the above, a genuine next generation platform that will harness ‘the cloud’ in a effort to truly change how we see and use technology. I wonder if Mr Gates, with his purchase of Skype, is thinking along the very same lines.

– Danny Moore

*A small disclaimer: Lough Shore Investments is affiliated with both WorldDesk & Deskstream, more on that in the very near future.

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