Chapter 2: Mobile Computing

Introduction
• Mobile Computing can be described as the ability to compute
remotely while on the move.
• It can also viewed as encompassing two separate and distinct
concepts: Mobility and Computing.
 Computing denotes the capability to automatically carry out certain
processing related to service invocations on a remote computer.
 Mobility provides the capability to change location while
communicating to invoke computing services at some remote
computers.
• Mobile Computing is also considered as the discipline for
creating an information management platform free from
spatial and temporal constraints.
 Fundamentals of Mobile
Computing
• The discipline of mobile computing has its origin in Personal
Communication Services (PCS).
 PCS refers to a wide variety of wireless access and personal mobility
services provided through a small terminal (eg. Cell Phone)
 PCS are connected to Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to
provide access to wired telephones.
 PCS includes
 Higher-tier Digital Cellular Systems
 Low-tier telecommunication system
 Principles of Mobile Computing
• Portability
 Devices/nodes connected within the mobile computing should
facilitate mobility.
 They may have limited device capabilities and power supply
• Connectivity
 Defines the Quality of Service (QoS) of the network connectivity.
 The network availability is expected to be maintained at a high
level with minimum amount of lag/downtime
• Interactivity
 Connected devices can communicate and collaborate through active
transactions of data
 Principles…
• Individually
 A portable device or a mobile node connected to a mobile network
often denote an individual
 A mobile computing system should be able to adopt the technology
to cater the individual needs
 Should also be able to obtain contextual information of each node
 Mobile Devices and Mobile OS
• A mobile computing devices are
 Any device that is created using mobile components such as mobile
hardware and software
 Are portable devices capable of operating, executing and providing
services and applications like a typical computing device.
 Devices that are known as portable computing devices or handheld
computing devices
• Some of the most common forms of mobile computing
devices are
 Netbooks
 A small, light, low-power notebook computer that has less processing power
than a full-sized laptop but is still suitable for word processing, running a Web
browser and connecting wirelessly to the Internet.
 Mobile Devices…
 Cellular Phone
 is identified as a mobile system consisting of the equipment and SIM card that
actually assigns the mobile telephone number.
 A cell phone is a portable telephone that can make and receive calls over a
radio frequency link while the user is moving within a telephone service area.
 Smart Phone
 A handheld personal computer with a mobile operating system and an
integrated mobile broadband cellular network connection for voice, SMS, and
Internet data communication;
 Most if not all smartphones also support Wi-Fi.
 They are typically pocket-sized as opposed to tablets
 They are able to run a variety of software components known as apps.
 While basic apps comes pre-installed others are available for download from
places such as Google Play Store or Apple App Store
Cellular Phone

Smart Phone
Mobile Devices…
 Mobile Devices…
• Smart Pad
 Smart pad (multi-finger touch pad) is a different from traditional
touchpad, because it can support multi-finger gesture to let user
interact with their notebook system more intuitively.
 Mobile Operating System (Mobile
OS)
• A Mobile OS is
 An operating system that helps to run other application software on
mobile devices.
 The same kind of software as the famous computer operating systems
like Linux and Windows, but now they are light and simple to some
extent.
 Existing Mobiles OS are all derived from Linux.
 Combines the beauty of computer and hand use devices.
• Core components of a Mobile OS
 Kernel
 Is the heart of the mobile OS
 It handles device’s hardware like the CPU and memory
 Ensures hardware and apps can talk to each other by managing scheduling,
memory, device connections
 Components of Mobile OS…
 Application Framework
 Base for running mobile apps
 Takes care of things like managing apps’ lifecycle, security permissions, how
app talks to the system
 Eg. Androids SDK and IOS’s UIKit.
 Hardware Abstract Layer (HAL)
 A bridge between the kernel and the upper software layers of the mobile OS.
 It creates the standard way to work with hardware parts like sensors, cameras,
and input devices.
 Features of Mobile OS
• Mobile OS has many different things that makes mobile
devices better, easy to use and safer
 User Interface (UI)
 UI features include graphical and interactive elements for user-device
interaction
 Multitasking
 Allows users to run multiple apps simultaneously and switch between them
seamlessly
 Networking
 Supports various wireless connectivity options including Wi-Fi, cellular
networks, Bluetooth and GPS
 Media and Entertainment
 This feature improves multimedia consumption, entertainment, and creativity
on mobile devies
 Features of Mobile OS…
 Device Management
 Includes setting section for users to manage their mobile devices such as
configurations, updates, security settings and preferences.
 Security Services
 Ensures device and data security against threats like malware, unauthorized
access and data breaches.
 Cloud Integration
 Enables uses to store, sync and access their data like photos, contacts, notes
and other data
 Location Based Services (LBS)
 Enables mobile devices to determine their geographic location using a
combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular networks and Bluetooth.
 Popular platforms of the Mobile
OS
• Android OS
 The most popular mobile OS based on the Linux Kernel and open-
source software.
 It was developed by Google and was launched in 2008.
• iPhone OS / iOS
 Developed by the Apple inc for the use on its mobile devices
• Bada
 Is a Samsung mobile OS that was launched in 2010 to run on mid-
range Samsung produced smart phones
• BlackBerry OS
 Developed by Research in Motion (RIM) designed specifically for
BlackBerry handheld devices.
 Popular Mobile OS…
• Symbian OS
 Was developed by Symbian Ltd in 1998 for the mobile phones.
Nokia was the first company to release Symbian OS on its mobile
phone at that time.
• Windows Mobile OS
 It was developed by Microsoft for the Pocket PCs and Smart Mobiles
• Harmony OS
 The latest mobile OS that was developed by Huawei for the use of
its devices
• Tizen OS
 An open-source, Linux-based OS developed collaboratively by
Samsung and Intel along with the Linux Foundation and the Tizen
Association.
 Mobile Computing Issues and
Challenges
• Hardware Challenges
 Limited Battery Life
 Mobile devices rely on batteries, which drain quickly under heavy usage,
especially when running graphics-intensive applications, streaming, or
connecting to the internet.
 Processing Power and Memory
 Mobile devices, especially low-end smartphones, often have limited processing
power and memory compared to desktops.
 This constraint limits the complexity of applications that can run effectively and
can result in slower performance, especially for applications that require
significant computation.
 Screen Size and Resolution
 Mobile devices have small screens, which can hinder usability, especially for
complex interfaces or applications
 Designing mobile-friendly interfaces is a constant challenge for developers.
 Issues and Challenges…
• Network and Connectivity Challenges
 Variable Network Quality
 Mobile devices rely on network connectivity, which can vary significantly depending
on location, network congestion, and availability of mobile towers.
 Bandwidth Limitations
 Mobile networks are often limited by data bandwidth, especially in rural or
underdeveloped areas.
 Low bandwidth impacts data transfer rates, slowing down applications and reducing
the quality of streaming services.
 Latency
 Mobile applications, especially those requiring real-time interaction, suffer from
latency due to network routing, signal quality, and distance from network
infrastructure.
 Roaming and Handoff
 When users move between different networks (such as Wi-Fi and cellular), there may
be interruptions or delays in connectivity.
 Issues and Challenges…
• Security and Privacy
 Data Security
 Mobile devices are vulnerable to data theft and unauthorized access due to
their portability, frequent use in public places, and lower security measures
compared to desktops.
 App Permissions and Privacy
 Many mobile apps require permissions to access sensitive data.
 Poorly managed permissions can lead to privacy risks for users.
 Malware and Phishing
 Mobile devices are increasingly targeted by malware and phishing attacks.
 BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
 In business environments, employees may use personal devices for work,
posing risks to corporate data security.
 Issues and Challenges…
• Software and Compatibility Challenges
 Operating System Fragmentation
 Mobile platforms, especially Android, are fragmented with multiple OS versions
and custom manufacturer skins.
 Application Performance Optimization
 Developing applications that run efficiently across different devices with varied
hardware specifications is challenging.
 Frequent Updates and Patches
 Mobile OS and apps require regular updates to address bugs, security
vulnerabilities, and new features.
 Cross-Platform Development
 Building applications for multiple platforms (e.g., iOS and Android) while
maintaining consistent functionality and user experience requires additional
resources and development expertise.
 Issues and Challenges…
• Usability and User Experience
 Touch Interface Constraints
 Designing intuitive and responsive touch interfaces is challenging due to the
small screen and lack of physical buttons.
 Responsive Design
 Mobile applications must adjust to various screen sizes, orientations, and
resolutions.
 Ensuring a responsive design that works well across all devices is essential for a
good user experience
 Context Awareness and Personalization
 Mobile devices have sensors that enable location-based and context-aware
applications.
 However, using these sensors without negatively impacting user privacy or
device battery is challenging.
 Issues and Challenges…
• Interoperability and Integration with Other Systems
 Compatibility with IoT Devices
 Mobile devices are increasingly integrated with IoT ecosystems, such as smart
homes and wearables.
 Ensuring interoperability between devices using different protocols and
standards is complex.
 Enterprise System Integration
 In corporate environments, mobile applications often need to integrate with
enterprise systems.
 Ensuring smooth, secure, and real-time access to corporate data on mobile
devices is a major challenge.
 Issues and Challenges…
• Regulatory and Compliance Issues
 Data Protection Regulations
 Mobile devices collect and store personal data, subjecting them to privacy
laws.
 Compliance with these laws is essential for mobile applications, especially for
those handling sensitive data.
 Content and App Store Regulations
 Different app stores have varied policies and requirements regarding content,
privacy, and security.
 Ensuring compliance with these regulations can be difficult for app developers,
especially with complex or data-intensive applications.
 Issues and Challenges…
• Scalability and Reliability
 Scalability
 As mobile application usage grows, developers must ensure that their backend
infrastructure can scale to handle increasing loads without downtime or
degraded performance.
 This is particularly challenging for real-time applications like social media or
messaging apps.
 Reliability and Crash Management
 Ensuring that mobile applications are reliable and do not crash under different
conditions (such as network drops, power-saving modes, or low memory)
requires extensive testing and robust error handling.
 Issues and Challenges…
• Testing and Quality Assurance
 Device and OS Testing Diversity
 Due to the variety of mobile devices, operating systems, and screen sizes,
testing mobile applications across all possible combinations is challenging.
 Emulators can help, but real-world testing on physical devices is often
necessary to ensure quality.
 User Feedback and Rapid Iteration
 Mobile users expect rapid fixes and updates.
 Managing a fast development cycle to address user feedback and fix issues
requires agile processes and efficient development resources.
 Mobile Computing Technologies
• Encompasses a range of tools, protocols and infrastructures
that enable devices to access, process, and transmit data
wirelessly.
 Wireless Communication Technologies
 Cellular Networks: 3G, 4G, 5G
 Wi-Fi
 Bluetooth
 Near Field Communication (NFC): Allows for close range data transfer between
compatible devices often used for contactless payments
 Mobile Operating System
 Android
 iOS
 Harmony OS
 Windows Mobile/Phone
Mobile Computing Technologies…
 Mobile Web Technologies
 HTML5: A markup language for creating responsive and interactive mobile web
applications
 CSS3 and JavaScript: Essential for designing and building the front-end of
mobile web apps, enabling features like animations and interactive content.
 Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): Web applications designed to offer near-native
experience, including offline capabilities and push notifications
 Mobile Application Development Frameworks
 Flutter: An open-source framework by Google for building natively compiled
applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase.
 React Native: A JavaScript framework maintained by Meta (Facebook) that
allows for cross-platform mobile app development.
 Swift and SwiftUI: Used for building native iOS apps.
 Kotlin: Officially supported language for Android development, offering modern
features
Mobile Computing Technologies…
 Mobile Cloud Computing
 Allows data and application processing to be performed on external servers
(clouds) rather than on the mobile device itself.
 Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform
(GCP)
 Mobile Sensors and GPS Technology
 Accelerometers and gyroscopes: detect orientation and motion
 GPS: Provides accurate location data, essential for navigation and location
based services
 Proximity Sensors: Detect the presence of nearby objects without physical
contact
 Mobile Payment Technologies
 Mobile Wallets: Enable secure transactions using tokenization and NFC. Eg. E-
Birr
 QR Code Payments: Used in mobile apps for scanning and making transactions
easily.
 Mobile Computing Technologies…
 Mobile Device Management
 Tools and software used by organizations to manage, secure, and deploy
mobile devices used by employees.
 Mobile Security Technologies
 Biometric Authentication: Uses physical traits (e.g., fingerprints, facial
recognition) for device security.
 Encryption: Ensures secures communication between devices and services.
 Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security beyond just
passwords
• These technologies collectively contribute to the
functionality, connectivity, and security of mobile computing
in everyday life.
 Mobile Computing Applications
• Mobile computing benefit us in different areas of our life and
work
 Healthcare Applications: Mobile computing significantly impacts
healthcare by allowing doctors, patients, and healthcare providers to
manage and access health information more efficiently.
 Mobile Health
 Remote Patient Monitoring
 Telemedicine
 Business and Productivity: mobile computing boosts productivity and
streamlines operations, enabling professionals to work from
anywhere.
 Mobile Office Applications
 Collaboration Tools
 Mobile CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Systems
 Mobile Computing Applications…
 Entertainment and Media: Mobile devices are central to modern
entertainment and media consumption. They provide access to a
variety of content at any time.
 Streaming Services
 Mobile Gaming
 Social Media Apps
 Education and E-Learning: Mobile computing has transformed
education by making learning more accessible and interactive.
 Mobile Learning Platforms
 Educational Tools
 Virtual Classrooms
 Mobile Computing Applications…
 Transportation and Navigation: Mobile computing plays a crucial role
in modern transportation and navigation, making travel more
efficient and convenient.
 GPS and Navigation Apps
 Ride-Sharing Services
 Public Transportation Apps
 Finance and Banking: Mobile computing has revolutionized the
financial sector, giving users greater control over their finances.
 Mobile Banking Apps
 Digital Wallets
 Investment Apps
 Mobile Computing Applications…
 Retail and E-Commerce: Mobile computing enhances the shopping
experience by making it easier to browse and purchase products.
 Mobile Shopping Apps
 Augmented Reality (AR) in Retail
 Mobile Coupons and Loyalty Programs
 Smart Homes and IoT: Mobile computing integrates with smart home
technology, allowing users to control and monitor their home
environment.
 Home Automation Apps
 Smart Device Integration
 Security and Surveillance Systems
 Mobile Computing Applications…
 Travel and Tourism: Mobile computing enhances travel experiences
by providing tools for planning and navigating trips.
 Travel Booking Apps
 Local Discovery and Recommendations
 Travel Safety and Assistance Apps
 Challenges and Future Trends: Despite its many benefits, mobile
computing faces challenges and is rapidly evolving.
 Security and Privacy Concerns
 Technological Advancements
 Emerging Trends

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