The changing of the year also will bring changes in technology trends, according to the studies of a Ball State University professor.
Results of assistant professor of journalism Michael Hanley's studies suggest smartphones will play an increasingly larger role in people's lives.
"I really think that in 2010, the smartphone will become the key communication device that people are going to use," Hanley said.
Smartphones are devices that combine a cellular phone with the capabilities of a computer, making it easier for people to communicate on the go via e-mail, messenger or other Internet applications. With smartphones being convenient to fast-paced lifestyles, it is becoming a demand of many Americans.
"More and more people are buying smartphones," Hanley said. "It's basically a mini-computer. There's access to the Internet, you can look at photographs and videos all on a mini screen. Students would rather have phones with accessibility."
He recently compiled a list of trends for smartphones. He said smartphone applications make life easier for individuals: they have the similar characteristics to a netbook, allow users to read books with their phones and are used for geographical references for the nearest restaurant, store or parking area.
Hanley, who also is a mobile communications researcher at Ball State, has been studying smartphones for the past six years. In a survey conducted by Hanley in September 2009, Hanley found that out of the 266 students he surveyed, 38.7 percent of the students owned a smartphone or a touch screen phone, which he said is a large percentage. Hanley said that the reason some students are reluctant to purchase a smartphone is because of price. Smartphones range from $200 to $300. Hanley said that most students fear they would have to pay for their plan on their own. He said that when students are on their parents plan, with a discount, it makes it easier for them to manage their share of the bill.
Even so, on college campuses smartphones have become popular. They fit the on the go lifestyle of college students. Many students at Ball State have already adapted to the idea of the smartphone.
"I like the ability to receive e-mails to my phone instead of having to get on the computer to check them, because it may be an emergency," Whitney Motley, a freshman math education major, said. "If a class is canceled, I don't have to get up and check my e-mail because it would be right in front of me, on my phone."
Motley, who owns a Palm Treo Pro, said another advantage of having a smartphone is that it helps keep her organized with her academic and work schedules.
Junior advertising major Westin Long is the owner of a Blackberry Storm. Long says that the applications on his phone make it easy to find nearby restaurants and movie times. He said that other applications on his phone are helpful as well.
"I like how e-mails are sent to the phone and how you can use the Internet," Long said. "The phone is helpful because you get your e-mails immediately. It makes communicating with professors and classmates faster and easier."
Hanley said the benefit of college students having a smartphone in 2010 is that with features like GPS capability, Internet and video, they are able to provide more sophisticated types of entertainment.
Although smartphones are popular among college students, there are still some students who have yet to purchase one of the popular gadgets. Junior telecommunications major Maya Williams doesn't own a smartphone; however, she plans to get an iPhone soon.
"I like the convenience of smartphones," Williams said. "The smartphone will take time to get used to, but I'm hoping that it will make life as a student easier."
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