Re:Windows Phone is dead
by BinaryIdiot on Saturday January 30, 2016 @12:26PM
(#11002734)
The problem with the cloud approach is you're using and storing data and credentials (even temporary) onto an unknown device. I don't think that'll ever become the norm. Using a phone to handle all this means you only need dumb hardware to hook into (which, again, could be accessed wirelessly) so even if the hardware is compromised there are still security controls in your device to limit the damage.
Ultimately I think the final outcome, which may take many decades to get here, is a device embedded inside of people that give them access to everything they need and if they need another way to interact with the information they'll use some sort of dumb terminal (because if everything is embedded in you and can be accessed easily via some wireless protocol, why would you go through the hassle of a separate authentication step where all your data could be exposed).
Whether there is a market for this today or not I don't really know. I'd love to find out but this is the type of thing that would require quite a bit of start-up capital and an MVP might be difficult to do.
Reason? From the situation you describe, it is just a small step to "store everything in the cloud; authenticate with your phone" (most locations with a keyboard, mouse, and monitor that people who can afford a fast phone will visit will have fast internet connections, and will easily have the 10W power budget needed to beat your phone, performance-wise)
You would have to trust the hardware you use, but you have to, anyways, the moment you plug a modern keyboard or monitor into your phone.
Yes, you would be ensured that the software you use on your phone is compatible with the software you use on your 'desktop' because it is the same software, but you also run the risk that it is suboptimal for either (the fonts may be too big for power desktop use, or you might need a pen for manipulating some not-too-often-used controls), and in the 'use phone to authenticate' scenario, you run less risk of running your phone's battery dry.