Technology’s march brings us closer to life without cords

It wasn't too long ago that being "wired" meant you were connected -- as in connected to the Web, data and people. Today, however, people are more connected without all those messy wires.

Welcome to the wireless world, where mobile technology is delivering more and more every day.

"Wireless is going into everything now. From gas meters and e-books to netbooks and all sorts of mobile CE (consumer electronics) devices," said Rob Mesirow, vice president of business operations and director of the International CTIA Wireless show, scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

"We are just now entering the mobile decade," Mesirow said. "We will see huge transformations in parts of our life because wireless technology will be injected into it. These changes are already starting to happen."

He points to changes in health care as an example of the effect of wireless devices and strong networks.

"People are saving hundreds of millions of dollars today because of the ability to send text-message reminders to not forget doctor appointments or to just remind people to take their medications. Those are two of the biggest reasons for health-care problems in this country.

"Putting a wireless chip in a glucose meter or having a phone become a glucose meter are now possible," Mesirow said.

Wireless health is one of a dozen industry segments featured at the 25th annual show, with the theme: "Mobile Life -- it's just the beginning." Other segments with dedicated areas on the convention floor are: smart energy; intelligent transportation; retail solutions; mLearning ; mobile CE; cloud computing; mobile applications; mobile marketing and advertising; social networking; and mobile money.

"The Japanese call the mobile phone 'the remote control for their life,'" Mesirow said. "It will be very evident that is very true, as the mobile phone will become your wallet, the keys to the car and house. It will control your life."

"Mobile money is not just about mobile wallets," he said . "Think about how you transfer money now. It's ridiculous. People are paying money to transfer money. Look for smoother transaction without fees, and with instantaneous speed."

Mesirow said he believes South Korea and Japan will always lead the way in development of fast, wireless networks due to their limited geographic area and first-world economies. He also believes the United States will always lead in developing new wireless technologies.

"The pace of innovation is staggering," he said.

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