This tweet the other day got me thinking.

There are a lot of assumptions a device could supersede the phone as being the ultimate mobile form factor. Because of the input/output requirements of such a device, I will propose a ‘phone’ is likely the right form factor going into this next generation of computing.

My axioms:

• Voice is a faster input than typing
• Voice is not always a convenient input based on your environment
• Editing text is faster with physical input than voice
• Reading is a faster output than listening
• Listening is a desirable output because it allows multitasking
• Visual information is a more accurate way to convey certain information than text
• Over the course of time, people will prefer inputs with the least resistance and the outputs with the highest fidelity information
• People will prefer less devices to many because of the cognitive tax of charging and management

My logic:

• Voice should win as an input because it’s the fastest, but it’s not always convenient and is difficult to edit, so a fallback of physical input is necessary
• Visual output should win because it is fast, flexible, and high fidelity, but it requires the user’s full attention, so a fallback of audio is desired

As cliche as it may be, I think something like the device in the movie Her (earpiece and screen) is very close to an ideal form factor for a primarily voice driven experience. It has a screen when you want dedicated output, an always on mic, and always available audio output.

But, the flexibility of the ‘phone’ to do any of these input and outputs as a single device is quite powerful. Its primary downside is that it lacks privacy on the audio output when using it as a speaker.

So, I have the feeling ‘phones’ will be with us for a long time. For those who want to take the extra leap, they can augment their phone by adding wireless audio and achieve a Her-like experience.