Smartphone in Guyana’s ICT Development

Georgetown: Smartphones are fast making its mark as a major device in the 4th Industrial Revolution, the age of technology fusion, and it’s poised to become a key component for the ICT development in Guyana, according to President of STARR Computer, Michael Mohan

“After we were hit by Hurricane Irma in Miami, we lost electricity, landline, television, and internet services for almost two weeks. And, it was my Samsung Smartphone that came to our rescue to run our company, home and entertainment. And by living through this process, we can attest to this new vision for accelerated growth in the ICT development in Guyana,” Mohan said.

During the past few years, Mohan said engineers have been debating if the smartphone will ever be as good as a computer.

"We have seen the regular cellphone migrated from a voice communication tool to a smartphone device. This transition occurred from its convergence with digital camera, to its incorporation with a range of consumer electronic features. And during this period, the device continued to shrink while becoming more stylish. Hostile competition through innovation forced many competitors out on the wayside from fame including Palm Pilot, Blackberry, and Nokio,” Mohan explained.

Today, he said a wide range of open market apps enhanced the user experience while running on the leading operating platform led by Android and IOS. The incorporation of Bluetooth, wi-fi, NFC along with Internet has created instant connection for a worldwide user experience. However, with more and more computer applications now running on the smartphone platform, a new challenge has been created to compete with the Personal Computer.

Furthermore, Mohan explained that the Introduction of the Samsung S8 and Note 8 has opened the doors for Guyana to enhance its ICT development. In addition, potentially new Government travel restriction regulations, will open doors for an integration of Smartphone to a PC as we enter the Fourth Industrial Evolution.

Guyana has gone a far way mastering the 1st Industrial Revolution (Manual to Mechanization). And, for economical reason and population size, the 2nd Industrial Revolution (mass production) was never much interest to our nation.

However, Mohan said STARR COMPUTER and many other agencies embraced the 3rd Industrial Revolution (automation) and today early adapters have benefitted. Finally, as the world moves into the 4th Industrial Revolution (Robotization), Guyana has a chance to join the rest of the world by fast forwarding our ICT Program. Smartphone application supported by Government intervention (lower taxation) is the answer.

“While demand will always be in place for a bigger screen, a more powerful processer, and a physical keyboard…there’s no denying that people spend a ton of time on their smartphones. And, while you might think that your laptop is your pride and joy, and, and that you could never, ever replace it –  but is that really true? Let’s take a look at the ways your smartphone is already on par with your laptop and will become an ICT development  enhancer as your go-to Internet/email/work/everything device,” Mohan noted.

The President of STARR Computer explained that the Samsung S8 and Note 8 switches instantly to a computer with a device called “Dex”.

“Samsung S8 and Note 8 is a smartphone on the go, and by seating it on a DEX at home, in the office, a lab, classroom or anywhere, not only recharges the device, but also creates an instant desktop computer. DEX interfaces with Monitor and all computer peripherals (keyboard, mouse, speakers, printers, scanners etc),” he said.

Further, Mr. Mohan said most ICT targeted young Guyanese are already a “smartphone” user, therefore this solution creates an ICT environment in the classroom, lab, office, home, and anywhere else. In addition, the smartphone/computer is the tool used to control robots, surveillance, and all smart devices including IOT. The list continues with 5G, Big Data, Artificial intelligence, 3D Printing and more.