Internet advances in 2008

The coming year may not bring many major technological breakthroughs, but could see significant changes in the way we connect to, and use, the internet.

Internet connectivity is likely to become increasingly mobile, which portable computers in particular becoming smaller.  This will be possible through greater use of flash memory and drives, which have the added benefit of being more reliable and stable than old-fashioned hard drives.

Mobile internet take-up will also increase, with mobile broadband through Wimax becoming increasingly common, which increases the viability of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) telephone services, such as Skype-using broadband devices.  Nonetheless, widespread use of mobile VoIP may not come this year -– for one thing, mobile carriers may not be enthusiastic about Skype and other services undercutting their rates. 

Mobile devices will be developed that significantly improve the mobile browsing experience. In particular, Apple is likely to release an update to the iPhone, which will incorporate 3G technology.  This will drive innovation among competitors, notably Nokia.