Devices Research

The Networks Research Centre has an interest in devices and their future evolution in that they form the point at which our networks touch our customers and how our customers interact with our services. The concept of network also provides a natural intersection of the capabilities of future wireless/mobile devices and home/consumer devices. Our part in BT's Devices Research concentrates on Device Evolution; this component of the work ensures that innovation in device technologies will suit scenarios within the completed BT 21CN, and concentrates on three main aspects:

1. How devices might interact and co-operate better with each other in future
2. How devices can be made easier to use (and therefore the services accessed through them easier to consume)
3. How the increasing capabilities of devices can be balanced with the increasing capabilities of networks to which they connect.

The Device Evolution research activities look at solving problems which will support the next generation of devices and networks and their associated technologies, ensuring a basis for continued innovation in BT's devices research.

Focus

The focus of the Device Evolution work is on:

1. Researching issues such as advanced data synchronisation between devices within a next generation network context
2. Understanding the technology developments and likely timelines for not only devices themselves but also the underlying component technologies which they depend on e.g. power, displays, materials, chipsets etc.
3. Dialogues with vendors of devices about strategies e.g. whether complementary to BT future services and network strategy and potential collaboration either at a research level or for reference design/product development
4. Contacts with other external organisations doing relevant similar research e.g. MIT Media Lab, Consumer Electronics Lab in MA, USA, MobileVCE and other leading academic or industrial partners.

People

Device Evolution is being led by Jonathan Mitchener. Jonathan works closely with expert teams across BT (Networks, Mobility, and Broadband Applications) to undertake the research and deliver results to other parts of the company.

Recent Publications

• The Future of Devices.
• "Open Devices - their role in supporting converged services", BT Technology Journal - Vol 24 No2, April 2006.

Partners & Collaborations

BT is a Symbian Platinum Partnership member, and involved in the Mobile Linux Initiative. BT also supports the Fixed Mobile Convergence Alliance. We also work closely with the MIT Media Lab in the USA.