Today in Tech: Mobile data in 2017; Microsoft Surface Pro Reviews; Jawbone & More

The coming mobile data explosion

Cisco just updated its global mobile data traffic forecast, with loads of facts and figures. Here's a sample that I found interesting.

• Monthly global mobile data traffic will surpass 10 exabytes in 2017.
• The number of mobile-connected devices will exceed the world’s population in 2013.
• The average mobile connection speed will surpass 1 Mbps in 2014.
• Due to increased usage on smartphones, handsets will exceed 50 percent of mobile data traffic in 2013.
• Monthly mobile tablet traffic will surpass 1 exabyte per month in 2017.
• Tablets will exceed 10 percent of global mobile data traffic in 2015.

No India specific data, but the numbers are worth a look. Cisco announcement here. The report here (pdf)

Microsoft's Surface Pro: What the reviews say

• The build quality is amazing... And the thing is very powerful and capable. But the tiny screen size, lack of apps, and general sense of confusion around Windows 8 makes me hesitate in recommending it over the Air, which I would consider the best ultraportable on the market. | Popular Science
• Like many products that try to be two things at once, the new Surface Windows 8 Pro does neither as well as those designed for one function. | AllThingsD
• Microsoft's second tablet doesn't have us reaching for our credit cards. Not quite yet. | Engadget
• Will it be the most popular consumer gadget on the market this year? No. But does it prove that Microsoft can be a powerhouse in the hardware realm? Absolutely. | Techcrunch
• The Surface Pro looks like a tablet, but it’s not a mobile device. It’s a portable device. | Wired
• With its anemic battery life and relative bulk, the Surface Pro should not be your go-to device if you really want a tablet experience. But there's a difference between mobility and mobile computing. For the latter, the Microsoft Surface Pro offers one of the best experiences you can get. | Mashable

Jawbone gets more interesting Jawbone UP, a wearable computing device, has not been launched in India yet. Even it's iPhone app is available only in US and Canada stores. Jawbone, the company, will launch them both sometime this year. Still, it was very much in the radar of those who were into wearable computing / personal analytics. Now, there's a reason to show even more interest. The Verge reports, Jawbone just made two acquisitions that might help boost both its hardware and software.

Also of interest

• It's the data, stupid: Stolen smartphones selling for up to £1,000 | Telegraph
• To save his job, of course: Why Michael Dell Really Had to Take Dell Private | Businessweek
• But then, Amazon already has your credit card details: Can Amazon’s Virtual Currency Pay Off Where Facebook Credits Failed? | AllThingsD

The thoughts and opinions shared here are of the author.