A star is born

If you want to know whether a technology is mainstream or not, look to popular culture. And no culture has more influence on the general public that big blockbuster movies. So it is worth noting when feature films start to feature wireless data in starring roles no less. This tells us that things like SMS – short-messaging service – have crossed over the chasm and are no longer limited to selective demographics (young people, geeks) but are becoming mainstream technologies we depend upon day in and day out.

Two cases in point. Check out Martin Scorcese’s “The Departed” where SMS messaging is used to build suspense and advance the plot line. It’s fun to watch the multi-talented Leonardo DiCaprio save the day by texting with one hand behind his back in a moving car without ever hitting a wrong key. Similarly, wireless data plays a starring role in the new James Bond movie “Casino Royale” where text messages are used as a force of good and evil. What’s interesting about this is that it shows just how much wireless data is the “it technology” of the moment. Also noted the fact that Sony Ericsson phones are featured prominently in Casino Royale. To make the most of its product placement in the movie, Sony Ericsson launched a limited edition James Bond Casino Royale silver K800i Cyber-shot camera phone. Not quite as good looking as Daniel Craig without his clothes on but a close second. In my humble – and very biased – opinion.

Related Link
Tech Digest review of Sony Ericsson special edition phone