Do smartphones bring the real beginning of a paperless society?
Filed under: business, corporate, gadgets and gizmos, iphone, lifestyle, mobile phone
I run a small business and lead a busy life and I rely on lists and tables to keep projects on track. I’ve always kept track of my life on paper and now I’ve got a smartphone, everything is changing.
Like many iPhone users, I am completely and utterly in love with it. I’m not sure if like Kristen I would write it a love letter but yes it has made my life easier.
When I first heard about the iPhone my first thought was – “I can’t think of anything worse than getting my emails 24/7″ but it’s really changed my whole business and working life.
Here are some examples:
I don’t write a “To Do” list anymore. I simply use ‘Notes’ on my iPhone and then email it to myself. Instead of the traditional crossing off on paper, I hit delete. It’s very empowering to see your to do list shrink in front of you.
Recently, I booked Gold Class movie tickets (in case you are wondering Avatar was excellent – worth spending the extra money). When booking you get the option to print out the tickets or to take in a booking code. Being lazy and not wanting to take my laptop downstairs to the printer, I just transferred the receipt to my iPhone with the intention of quoting the booking code upon arrival.
At the cinema I passed my iPhone to the usher to provide them with the booking code, but he just scanned the barcode straight from the screen, and guess what? It’s worked! On my iPhone I can book and pay for my tickets which the usher then scans – all paperless.
One final example, I don’t use many recipe books now that I have my iPhone Apps such as Jamie Oliver – 20 min meals. I simply select my recipes for the week, then add them to a shopping list. Once I remove the ingredients I already have I can shop straight from the list or email them to myself / boyfriend to complete the shopping – all paperless.
Smartphone capabilities may have just begun the ‘real’ paperless society. I’d be interested to hear how smartphones have changed the way you do things. Has this technology changed the way you use paper?
I think it is amazing how people use the devices differently Natalie and you have just highlighted another way I would never have thought of. Good-O!
I think the real debate on the paperless society is going to explode very soon with the launch or re-launch of tablet style devices. The list of devices about to hit the market is increasing and the popularity of eReaders is growing rapidly as well, which I believe is going to affect the big Media guns the most.
How much will you pay for the Herald Sun on an iPad? People in the US already pay 75c for the New York Times each day on the Kindle, and yet it is free on the iPhone.
Will you pay for a subscription based service to your favourite mags?
Would you be willing to download eBooks to your device of choice that might have a certain lifespan and then disappear?
How will Murdoch monetize his monopoly on what is undoubtedly a highly anticipated device – the iPad – when Steve Jobs master plan seems to be to destroy Adobe Flash based content?
These are some of the questions I think we will all be watching unfold in the very near future, and I for one can’t wait!
Bring on the new tech. Viva-La-Paper-Revolution!!
Dan, you certainly raise some very interesting points. Firstly, I’m glad that you found some new ways to utilise your iPhone.
Secondly, I’m not sure how people will change and adapt to the re launched tablet devices.
Often the internet is perceived as free content – and news, well that’s difficult to charge for when people can listen or watch for free. Personally I wouldn’t pay for a news service but then again, for me whilst I love the paperlessness (is that a word?) of my iPhone, when reading magazine for enjoyment and relaxation I wouldn’t want to read them on a screen.
I guess it’s one of those things that only time will tell.
Does it make a difference if reading for business or pleasure?