An iStorm in a teacup

clock

I had to laugh the other day when I caught the end of a film from the late 1980s - big hair and even bigger mobile phones. As time has passed, the size of mobile phones has decreased at the same rate as their sophistication has grown. At what point did a mobile phone metamorphose from a device that makes phone calls, to a multi-media handset that stops just short of making the tea?

Take the new iPhone for example. You can store and view photos and videos, listen to your favourite songs, surf the web, send emails, take pictures…oh, and you can also use it to call your mum. Our appetite for gizmos and gadgets is evident; over half a million iPhones were sold in the first weekend after it hit the shops. But what about those people who don’t want all-singing, all-dancing technology? What if you only want a phone, plain and simple, or you’re among the 21% of households who prefer not to have a mobile phone at all? The great thing about technology is that it is consta...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Technology

Why the next generation of wealthtech will be built on data lakes

Why the next generation of wealthtech will be built on data lakes

'The objective is not simply data storage; it is continuous regulatory intelligence'

Chris Davies
clock 17 June 2026 • 5 min read
The FCA is opening the door for innovation - advisers should be paying attention

The FCA is opening the door for innovation - advisers should be paying attention

'The FCA's pro-innovation approach can impact on how advisers do business'

Dawid Kotur
clock 16 June 2026 • 4 min read
Advisers turn to DIY AI builds but urged to approach with caution

Advisers turn to DIY AI builds but urged to approach with caution

Debate around whether they should just rely on specialists

Isabel Baxter
clock 12 June 2026 • 4 min read