Technology Crossroads

The mobile revolution is well underway, as powerful computing devices are being carried by more and more individuals everyday in the form of an Apple or Android “cell” phone.  I remember being envious of those that could sport a blackberry for the benefit of having immediate access to e-mail. As a small business owner, I now own an iPhone (after trying an Android Phone) and  recognize that this is a personal investment that can easily return value well beyond the monthly service fee. Value returned denominated in saved time (by using the navigation app when I find myself lost in traffic), increased service levels (returning e-mails instantly, and being easily able to  returning e-mail almost instantly. This topic is about the re-ordering of the tech-ecosystems caused by the convergence of digital communication, mobile computing, and apps.

For example, the reordering of the consumer electronics universe is getting collapsed into a hand held computer and an app. For example, I last year I signed up for and completed two legs of a triathlon (Make a Wish Foundation – Sea Colony Triathlon), the swimming and biking stages.  Don’t ask, my times were bottom third (but I did finish the two legs I had planned).

As I was dusting of my severely underutilized Specialized road bike, I realized the cycle meter had gone missing.  Off to the bike shop.  The place had no less than 20 models to choose from.  They ranged from wired sensors hooked to black LCD modules ($20 – $40), to GPS derived meters, by the likes of Garmin ($200+). Then it hit me.  There must be an app for that.  It turns out there are several, and $4.99 and 5 minutes later, I had my GPS cycle meter, rivaling even the high priced Garmin, without losing my bike to the shop for a day or two.   I am sure they already know it, but Garmin, your lunch is getting eaten by small upstart companies that have had their barrier of entry eliminated by IOS and Android enabled cell phones.  No more specialized hardware design, sales channel, supply chain, or manufacturing  knowledge required.  I ride around with my cell affixed to my handle bars, while other way too fit cyclists zoom past with their cutting edge equipment (aerodynamic helmets, carbon fiber frames), but way over priced/under performing cycle meters. Give them about two years, they’ll figure it out.