NEWS – While those of us here at The Gadgeteer are constantly checking out various gadgets, it seems a large part of the world had been falling prey to the “let the smartphone do it” syndrome. At least it was, before the recent global pandemic and resulting quarantine brought back uses for small, single-purpose items. John Herrman, over at the New York Times, recently wrote a great article about how this played out – and is still playing out with this fall’s new phone launches, holiday shopping on the horizon, and a winter (still) spent in virtual isolation.
As I read, I thought back about several articles I’ve read or written regarding the convergence of life onto the smartphone, and have noticed it in my immediate family and in those I interact with every day. Over the last seven months, I’ve helped folks with webcams, lighting for their Zoom calls, upgrading computers or tablets for homeschool use, online storage decisions – you name it. Just yesterday, someone was asking me about re-installing software for their phone, and I asked if they had a computer. Their answer: “Does a Chromebook count?” I was reminded of Steve Job’s famous Trucks to Cars metaphor. If you’ve not watched it, it’s great. I don’t know if he came up with that during the interview or not – I’d never heard it stated quite like that before, but it’s startlingly accurate – and prescient. It’s well worth the two and a half minutes it’ll take you to watch it.
All in all, Herrman’s article is an interesting read, and something to consider. As Gadget Ambassadors, make sure your friends and family know that you’re available to help them make good decisions about things they may have never had to consider before. Sure, they probably know you’re the family geek, but make sure you’re approachable and have the link to your favorite Gadget website handy: the-gadgeteer.com!
