Nirvana Phone

Last updated

A Nirvana Phone was a marketing phrase coined by Citrix for a smartphone that could be docked with external displays and keyboards to create an alternative desktop or laptop computer system. It was to define a new category of mobile device with a capability beyond a conventional smartphone computer. [1] The NirvanaPhone provides the processor, storage media, display adapter, communication channels, and operating system. The docking station provides power, and connectivity. To be useful the NirvanaPhone differs from a simple smartphone by having significant processing power, video output at high resolution, plus keyboard and mouse input. A smartphone is generally accepted as a device that has both mobile phone capability as well as an operating system that can run applications such as email, web browser, media player and personal organizers. The NirvanaPhone adds external monitor capability which could be a computer monitor, an HDTV, or a video projector. The dock could be a cradle, cable or a wireless connection. This allows the NirvanaPhone to run applications that can utilize a full-sized display for better readability or collaboration. Or in combination with a keyboard and mouse, perhaps using Bluetooth, the NirvanaPhone could act as a thin client connected to a virtual desktop for business use.

Contents

History

The concept of using a smartphone as a PC has been around for a number of years. [2] As early as 2002, the Treo 180 running Palm OS could be docked with a keyboard but lacked data communications. By 2007, the Nokia N93/N95 [3] smartphone running Symbian OS included a TV-out feature, but the NTSC video was only adequate for photo and low resolution video viewing and the phone did not support many applications. The newer Nokia phones have HD video-out capability and their application set and connectivity options have grown. The i-Mate 8501/8502, also released in 2007, [4] was perhaps the first smartphone that provided a full 1024×768 XVGA resolution which could support a full desktop user interface. While short-lived, [5] the i-Mate with a receiver application installed and network linked to a remote server with desktop virtualization software could provide a full PC experience.

As early as 2008, [6] Citrix Systems coined the phrase Nirvana Phone and articulated the benefits. To minimize the processing, memory, and storage requirements on the phone, Citrix and Open Kernel Labs [7] developed a thin client - virtual server software suite that was first demonstrated in 2010. [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]

In 2010 a new generation of smartphones appeared including many that have the required video-out capability to qualify as a NirvanaPhone. The HTC EVO phone includes HDMI capability which can output 720p resolution, high enough for virtual desktop usage. The Dell Streak also includes HDMI through a docking station. The iPhone 4 provide an optional VGA connector that can support up to 1024×768 resolution, also potentially capable of a desktop experience when connected to an external monitor. This movement included Nvidia's Tegra 2 system-on-a-chip that integrated both multiple CPUs and a GPU. [13]

By 2011, the Motorola Atrix 4G was introduced as a fully operational NirvanaPhone.[ citation needed ] Using the Atrix's 1280×720 video output through a mini-HDMI connector, Motorola developed a light docking station that converts the Atrix into an instant laptop. The Atrix smartphone also has a dual-core 1 GHz processor, giving it better performance than many contemporary smartphones and tablets. The concept used by the Atrix received positive reviews and awards such as best smartphone CES 2011 [14] However the Atrix specifically has also had negative reviews based on the cost of the docking stations. [15]

Current implementations

Both Samsung and Motorola have desktop modes built into their phones, called Samsung DeX and Motorola ReadyFor respectively.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smartphone</span> Handheld mobile device

A smartphone, often simply called a phone, is a mobile device that combines the functionality of a traditional mobile phone with advanced computing capabilities. It typically has a touchscreen interface, allowing users to access a wide range of applications and services, such as web browsing, email, and social media, as well as multimedia playback and streaming. Smartphones have built-in cameras, GPS navigation, and support for various communication methods, including voice calls, text messaging, and internet-based messaging apps.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laptop</span> Personal computer for mobile use

A laptop computer or notebook computer, also known as a laptop or notebook, is a small, portable personal computer (PC). Laptops typically have a clamshell form factor with a flat-panel screen on the inside of the upper lid and an alphanumeric keyboard and pointing device on the inside of the lower lid. Most of the computer's internal hardware is fitted inside the lower lid enclosure under the keyboard, although many modern laptops have a built-in webcam at the top of the screen, and some even feature a touchscreen display. In most cases, unlike tablet computers which run on mobile operating systems, laptops tend to run on desktop operating systems, which were originally developed for desktop computers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mobile computing</span> Human–computer interaction in which a computer is expected to be transported during normal usage

Mobile computing is human–computer interaction in which a computer is expected to be transported during normal usage and allow for transmission of data, which can include voice and video transmissions. Mobile computing involves mobile communication, mobile hardware, and mobile software. Communication issues include ad hoc networks and infrastructure networks as well as communication properties, protocols, data formats, and concrete technologies. Hardware includes mobile devices or device components. Mobile software deals with the characteristics and requirements of mobile applications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clamshell design</span> Electronic device form factor

A clamshell design is a kind of form factor for electronic devices in the shape of a clam shell. Mobile phones, handheld game consoles, and especially laptops, are often designed like clamshells. Clamshell devices are usually made of two sections connected by a hinge, each section containing either a flat panel display or an alphanumeric keyboard/keypad, which can fold into contact together like a bivalve shell.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Handheld PC</span> Computer that is significantly smaller than a laptop

A handheld personal computer (PC), typically built around either a clamshell form factor or a gaming form factor with a gamepad integrated for video games, is a mobile device that is significantly smaller than any standard personal computer (PC), but based on the same principles as PCs. The clamshell form factor is sometimes referred to as a palmtop computer, not to be confused with Palmtop PC which was a name used mainly by Hewlett-Packard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tablet computer</span> Mobile computer with integrated display, circuitry and battery

A tablet computer, commonly shortened to tablet, is a mobile device, typically with a mobile operating system and touchscreen display processing circuitry, and a rechargeable battery in a single, thin and flat package. Tablets, being computers, have similar capabilities, but lack some input/output (I/O) abilities that others have. Modern tablets largely resemble modern smartphones, the only differences being that tablets are relatively larger than smartphones, with screens 7 inches (18 cm) or larger, measured diagonally, and may not support access to a cellular network. Unlike laptops, tablets usually run mobile operating systems, alongside smartphones.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mobile web</span> Mobile browser-based World Wide Web services

The mobile web comprises mobile browser-based World Wide Web services accessed from handheld mobile devices, such as smartphones or feature phones, through a mobile or other wireless network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asus Eee</span> Product family

Asus Eee is a family of products by AsusTek Computer Inc. The product family began with the release of the Eee PC subnotebook in 2007; since then, the product family has diversified into a number of PC form factors. According to the company, the name Eee derives from "the three Es," an abbreviation of its advertising slogan for the device: "Easy to learn, Easy to work, Easy to play".

A mobile operating system is an operating system used for smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, smartglasses, or other non-laptop personal mobile computing devices. While computers such as typical/mobile laptops are "mobile", the operating systems used on them are usually not considered mobile, as they were originally designed for desktop computers that historically did not have or need specific mobile features. This "fine line" distinguishing mobile and other forms has become blurred in recent years, due to the fact that newer devices have become smaller and more mobile, unlike the hardware of the past. Key notabilities blurring this line are the introduction of tablet computers, light laptops, and the hybridization of the two in 2-in-1 PCs.

The form factor of a mobile phone is its size, shape, and style, as well as the layout and position of its major components.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Display resolution standards</span> Commonly used display resolutions

A display resolution standard is a commonly used width and height dimension of an electronic visual display device, measured in pixels. This information is used for electronic devices such as a computer monitor. Certain combinations of width and height are standardized and typically given a name and an initialism which is descriptive of its dimensions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motorola Atrix 4G</span> Android smartphone developed by Motorola Mobility

The Motorola Atrix 4G is an Android-based smartphone developed by Motorola, introduced at CES 2011 along with the Motorola Xoom, Motorola Droid Bionic, and Motorola Cliq 2 on January 5, 2011. It was made available in the first quarter of 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Droid Bionic</span> Android smartphone developed by Motorola Mobility

The Motorola Droid Bionic is an Android-based, 4G LTE-capable smartphone designed by Motorola. It was originally scheduled for release in Q2 2011 but was delayed, eventually being released on 8 September 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motorola Photon</span> Motorola smartphone

The Motorola Photon 4G was a high end Android-based mobile smartphone that was distributed exclusively by Sprint. A very similar model was available as the Motorola Electrify from U.S. Cellular.

The Samsung Galaxy R (Royal) (GT-I9103) is an Android smartphone that was announced by Samsung on August 10, 2011 as a variant to the Samsung Galaxy S II.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Droid Razr</span> Android smartphone developed by Motorola Mobility

The Verizon Droid Razr is an Android-based, 4G LTE-capable smartphone designed by Motorola that launched on Verizon Wireless on November 11, 2011. It was announced on October 18, 2011 in New York City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motorola Atrix 2</span> Android smartphone developed by Motorola Mobility

The Motorola ATRIX 2 is a high end Android-based smartphone by Motorola. Originally announced on October 11, 2011, it is the successor to the Atrix 4G. This phone was succeeded by the Motorola Atrix HD.

Miracast is a wireless communications standard created by the Wi-Fi Alliance which is designed to transmit video and sound from devices to display receivers. It uses Wi-Fi Direct to create an ad hoc encrypted wireless connection and can roughly be described as "HDMI over Wi-Fi", replacing cables in favor of wireless. Miracast is utilised in many devices and is used or branded under various names by different manufacturers, including Smart View, SmartShare, screen mirroring, Cast and Connect, wireless display and screen casting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samsung DeX</span> Feature that enables users to extend their phone to a desktop-like experience

Samsung DeX is a feature included on some high-end Samsung handheld devices that enables users to extend their device into a desktop-like experience by connecting a keyboard, mouse, and monitor. The name "DeX" is a contraction of "Desktop eXperience".

A lapdock is a type of accessory designed to transform mobile devices, such as smartphones, into laptop-like computers by providing a display, keyboard, battery, and other essential components typically found in a laptop. Unlike laptops, lapdocks lack internal processing power, relying on the connected device for computation. Lapdocks are most commonly used with devices that support desktop-style operating modes, such as Samsung DeX and Windows Continuum, which was a feature on Windows 10.

References

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.