In a world where everyone has a cell phone, everyone is constantly communicating, and the Internet is in the palm of your hand, it is hard to believe that the world of mobile technology has not reached it's full potential. The fast growing world of mobile 2.0 is still a toddler and it's still learning how to walk and talk, and everything that it can do.

In the United States, ultra-connectivity is still a fairly new world. Texting is only recently become the norm to most, and having a Internet-connected phone is still a feature that most do not have. But, the future looks bright.

The recent high-tech trends in the mobile all have to do with one things: location. Startups like Foursquare and Gowalla are location based social-networks in which you "Check-In" your location on your phone to show those in your network where you are. Your friends can meet up with you based on where your last check in was. Foursqaure even rewards your for checking in to different locations. Business have figured out ways to monetize these location based social networks by offering discounts and rewards if your check-in. For example, some bars will offer free drinks if you show them that you check into their location.

In Japan, what are known as "thumb novels" have become popular. More and more people are reading stories that are made to be read on a cell phone. I think these are a great idea, especially in a country that is heavily populated with people living in large cities like Tokyo and Kyoto who are commuting on trains and subways. It seems like a great way to pass the time.