How might mobile apps change test?

On January 27, I posted a product tryout of an iOS Wifi spectrum analyzer. It’s the third iOS hardware measurement product that I’ve seen, the others being an oscilloscope and a wireless multimeter. There’s also an Android app that lets LTE phones monitor the network. What should be next for measurement mobile apps?I’d like to see a device that lets you monitor a general-purpose instrument that you already have. For example, how about a wireless (Wifi or Bluetooth) interface that lets you monitor and control a multimeter or oscilloscope, even if the instrument doens’t have wireless capability? The device would be a USB or even RS-232 to wireless interface. You’d then just need a software app (free download) to talk to the instruments. Some instruments have slots for options such as IEEE 488 ports. Why not develop a Bluetooth (for Androids and iOS) and a WiFi (for iOS) that goes in that slot?

I even envision test-system integrators developing custom mobile apps for test stations so you can monitor them anywhere. The app might even send you an e-mail, text, or, dare I say, phone call when an out-of limit condition occurs or when a test is complete. That way, you can cut your weekend or vacation short and return to the lab when a test ends.

What if you had an instrument whose only user interface was a mobile device? Imagine that you could just set up a test on your phone or tablet, then take it with you so nobody can disturb your test setup. Even better, have a key code in your smart phone that unlocks an oscilloscope. Without the phone, nobody could use the instrument. Your colleagues wouldn’t bother taking that oscilloscope or meter from your bench while you’re on vacation because they couldn’t use it without your phone. Imagine the lab politics that might ensue.

How else would you like to use a smart phone or tablet computer for test and other engineering applications? Leave your comments below.