Multifunctional mobiles open up new realm of possibilities for work and fun

Consolidation and aggregation - these have been the hype words of the technology industry for some time now.

Perhaps nowhere has the anticipation (or cynicism, depending on your outlook) been higher for these words than on the telecoms side. Whizzy multifunctional devices using mobile and internet networks? A lot of us could hardly wait. Too bad then that industry enthusiasm and network roll-out hit the wall of a global economic slump, and that often, the conglomeration of features didn't work as hoped.

The first industry attempts at smartphones come to mind. These devices combine personal digital assistants (PDAs) that have calendar and contact features with mobile phones, and throw in internet access to boot. But they haven't been the wonder gadgets we had hoped for. Instead, they're a bit clunky, a bit finicky, and very expensive.

But many of the features of the higher-end smartphones are beginning to come in to plain old mobiles. Yes, they are pricey - around €250 on up to €700. But they blend email, internet access, voice calls and things like cameras impressively well.

Over the past week, while in Germany and then Finland, my eyes opened to the possibilities - and the fun - that lies ahead as these devices get fine-tuned, and our phones become far more than an object whose provenance is the voice call.

I'm using a device that has these features already, O2's XDA, a PocketPC with an integrated phone. The phone's a bit clumsy, operating more like the somewhat under-thought out Windows application it is, than like a phone, but I like its multi-functionality and sleek form. I occasionally use its email and net features while at home.

On this trip, for the first time I used the device incessantly for email and net access on the go - and it was a dream. Up came needed information, such as train schedules and addresses for hotels. That resolved potential headaches and language difficulties in an instant. Incoming phone models with colour screens and better resolution will give users a similar experience.

Then, while in Helsinki, I had the chance to test out a higher-end camera phone with good screen resolution and a larger than usual screen. Nokia loaned them to a large group of visiting journalists and boy, did we have fun over two days. These devices are not for taking serious pictures but spur of the moment shots of friends and places. They're perfect for that.

And built-in Bluetooth in the phones meant not just that we could transfer our snaps to a laptop or each other's phones with a click or two, but that you could also ask Bluetooth to find all other neighbouring devices - in this case, the phones nearby (you can block this feature, of course). Imagine the flirtation possibilities and fun at parties!

The phones, like most of the new mobiles, have email and internet capabilities too. At the moment, prices are high for both phones and services, but these will drop as a mass market develops. Then, the fun will begin. I'm convinced.