Chapter 7: Application Outlook 287 At the other end of the spectrum, there are toolbox-like multi- purpose devices that provide an open platform for further application development. Usually, devices in this category implement the majority of GEMS phases and can manage several different content types. Therefore, they may require a clear separation between the applica- tions and the platform. A good example of these is current smart phones. In this chapter, we consider both dedicated application+device designs, and multimedia computer-like toolbox devices with an open platform offering a variety of applications. Furthermore, we consider applications that are provided as web services. Though they are not mobile as such, in most cases they can be accessed by means of mobile devices. What is common to all of these approaches is that the application, inclusive of the platform component or not, provides the logic and implementation of the personal content experience functionality, through a user interface. Often the separation is not as clear as indicated above. Many vendors, such as Apple with its iTunes and iPod suites, provide bundled solutions as a combination of applications, services, and devices that work smoothly together, forming a coherent user experience. Most device manufacturers include PC software for the “M” phase in their sales package, such as photo organizers provided by camera manufac- turers, and music organizers by media player manufacturers. Many have online services that add to the functionality provided by the primary application. A typical example is a camera manufacturer that provides an online album service for its customers, with the ability to share the album with friends and family, support for communities, and 2 other functionality. Hence, the GEMS phases that may be missing in the primary application can be performed through an additional media service. This chapter adopts a case-driven approach. We examine the essen- tial application design aspects derived from user needs and existing technology, and solidify them by presenting and analyzing numerous existing applications and services that highlight their particular aspects. While analyzing these cases, we not only tie them to GEMS in order to classify them, but also aim to identify the factors behind their successes or failures. As discussed in Chapter 1, the domain of personal content is growing uncontrollably, implying that new devices, applications, and services 2 See, for instance, Sony’s ImageStation, http://www.imagestation.com/