Those familiar with placed-based media might be sick of hearing about the integration of digital out-of-home with mobile devices. However, my interest is always piqued when I pick up information on the subject from a source other than a digital signage blog. It's a bit refreshing, in fact. That's why when I read the following on GigaOM, I just had to do some reiteration here:

Indeed, if you take all the emerging technology trends — multitouch, wireless connectivity, cheap silicon, better batteries, location-based services and a move toward open-source operating environments — and marry them to the explosion of digital information taking place, what you have is the opportunity for yet another screen in our increasingly digital lives.

The article also stated, "Google’s Android may have a similar impact, expanding beyond its mobile phone core focus to other network-connected devices, such as set-top boxes, netbooks and digital frames."

Similarly, Dave Weinfield recently posted his perspective on where the smartphone is headed with placed-based digital media networks. It's a great post, well worth reading. More perspectives on the whole issue will continue to emerge. My thoughts on the subject include the following: 

1. Emergence of one means eventual convergence with others. When one type of technology emerges in the digital evolution, someone will find a way to marry the stupid device with something else. Hence, the Smartphone and digital signage have a predestined betrothal. 

2. Target the senses: sight, sound, touch, small, and even taste. About 9 months ago I remember reading an article about a Japanese firm that had implemented a digital sign with smells. Eventual we may have a scratch and sniff screen. Or, better still a lick-able LCD digital signage screen. I know it sounds like a mix between Willy Wonka and the Consumer Electronics Show, but as the technology expands, the broad uses and true "long tail" will continue to emerge. 

3. RFID integration with digital signs will become more prevalent. 

4. SMS integration will be important. Although I personally feel SMS will eventually die, I strongly feel that interoperable communication with a digital signage screen via a mobile device will be extremely important for future marketing campaigns. In the case of the smartphone, SMS will be replaced by some other messaging app that could be easily downloaded and interfaced with an interactive sign. 

5. Bluetooth, however intrusive, will be increasingly used in out-of-home campaigns. We can only hope that privacy is maintained when it comes to Bluetooth Technology.

Providentially we have only hit the tip of the iceberg here. And as we continue to discover new forms of communication, we will eventually see how these forms will implement effectively and efficiently with existing mediums.