Father of mobile phones envisions future under-the-skin devices
Martin Cooper, often referred to as the "father of mobile phones," has shared his vision for the future development of these devices. According to his predictions, phones may eventually become an integral part of our bodies, as we might implant them under our skin in the future.
Martin Cooper is the man who made it possible for us to use modern smartphones. Cooper was the one who authored the patent for the "cellular telephone system", created the first mobile phone, and nearly half a century ago made the first mobile voice call. On 3 April 1973, Cooper contacted his rival, Joel Engel, using a portable phone.
During a gathering in Barcelona at MWC 2023, where leading manufacturers showcased the latest smartphone models, Cooper was honoured for his contributions to telecommunications, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first mobile call. Seizing the moment, Cooper shared his insights about the future of phones.
What will the phone of the future be like?
While some have speculated that smartwatches might replace traditional phones, and others have pointed to augmented reality glasses, Cooper offered a more daring vision at MWC 2023. He is convinced that future generations will incorporate phones as part of their bodies, implanted under the skin near the ears.
Martin Cooper admits that he never foresaw that mobile phones could be used as cameras or encyclopaedias. Acknowledging technological advancement, he notes that today's devices still have their limitations. Modern phones require being held to the head or using additional accessories such as headphones, which can be inconvenient. An implanted phone could address these issues, using the energy generated by the human body for its operation.
Cooper shares his intriguing vision
Although Cooper's vision is quite bold, it is not unrealistic. Some companies are already working on chips to be implanted under the skin and solutions that integrate the brain with a computer. Technology is moving towards reducing the number of devices we need to carry, and Cooper's ideas fit in with this trend.
Cooper also highlights issues related to smartphone addiction and the loss of privacy. However, he remains optimistic and believes that society will be able to find a better balance in technology use.
