What to Expect in 2008: Works in Progress

Image source: Gizmodo

Nokia’s revival of the N-Gage has been a long time coming. Although the software has been introduced in most of Nokia's newer high-end handsets (N81, N82, N95), the application is unfortunately still under trial. From a December 2007 launch, it’s been postponed to sometime in 2008. But what about a dedicated gaming device? There are plenty of us who have used the old N-Gage and probably upgraded later to the QD. I’m curious why there haven’t been any more N-Gage devices... and regarding the patent for the new one that was out this year, when do we see a working model? I hope we get the answer ASAP. The patent design does seem a little odd with a pull-down grip like a joystick for a TV console. I don’t foresee a keypad though.

RIM Angular BlackBerry Keypad

Image source: Intomobile

QWERTY keypads on a BlackBerry are quite good. Then again, so are the QWERTY keypads on Palm Treos and other such devices. Maybe it’s time to take it up a notch. Or at least RIM thinks it’s about time. Their concept idea is to have a more comfortable keypad style to enable users to quicken their speed while navigating menus and typing messages. The angular keypad does seem sensible in an aesthetic sense if you type using both hands. The design seems like a good idea, but let’s wait and see.

These are my picks for what you could expect to see in 2008. Do bear in mind that these are in the drawing board stage, so some of them just may remain on paper and never see the light of day! The Google phone is likely to be the first to make its way out of the design room and into real life. I’d also like to thank all those readers who provided me with ideas and feedback. Hope you’ll continue to do so in the new year... and have a great time!