Abstract:

Many times nowadays is emphasized the importance of access to up-to-date information. In general our era is regarded as the information age. In the same time there is a trend to couple information with an appropriate knowledge about particular area of research or interest. Thus knowledge becomes an increasingly important asset for individuals and organizations. With more upward intensity knowledge has been viewed as an active area of research. Accordingly there is a need for highly skilled knowledge workers utilizing knowledge management and PKM (personal knowledge management) approaches in particular for performing their job duties, engaging in lifelong learning activities or for managing their spare time things to do. Mobile devices are another phenomenon that has overtaken twenty first century society. Their initial purpose to serve as a voice communication enabler has been achieved already a while ago. Nowadays mobile devices such as smartphones possess far more diverse functionality. PDAs (personal digital assistants) are another handheld devices equipped with a wide set of functions. However smartphones tend to be more frequently used both in business and in non-business environments. Thus in this paper smartphone functionality and specifications are explored as well as the latest advancements and development trends in this area. Many times smartphones are used by knowledge workers as not infrequently their job duties require mobility. A classification has been developed that categorizes smartphone functionality and technical specifications in respect to applications in PKM. As follows smartphone technology applications towards knowledge management and PKM are also prospected. Finally the outcomes of this research are discussed and potential benefiting parties are identified.

Keywords:

smartphone, smartphone features, knowledge worker, personal knowledge.