5 credits
Mobile computing was developed in the early 1990's with the introduction of laptop computers. Since then, devices have become smaller, more intuitive and accessible, and have worked their way into businesses, homes, hospitals, and children's backpacks. The basic principles of system design for such technologies are not entirely different from larger-scale development, but designers must make different considerations and use special techniques for web and mobile technologies. In this course, students examine the technical, business, legal, and sociocultural benefits and challenges of mobile devices and wireless communication technologies. Through discussion and written assignments, students explore wireless protocols and business and consumer applications, such as mobile computing, communication, and multimedia devices; and intelligent and context-aware services.