8 Questions to… Lars Cosh-Ishii

Based in Tokyo since 2001, Lars Cosh-Ishii serves as Representative Director of Mobikyo. The company publishes Wireless Watch Japan (@Wireless_Watch), organizes Mobile Monday Tokyo networking events, operates Mobile Intelligence guided missions and provides related custom research and consulting services.

1. What is your preferred gadget at the moment?

I play with alot of different devices, so it’s somewhat difficult to choose. However, the latest smartphone offerings here from Sharp (Galapagos) and Toshiba (Regza) are certainly very impressive.

2. Your currently most loved app, mobile site, mobile service?

I would have to say that the mobile payment services, via FeliCa NFC, are by far the most often used function on my JPN handsets beyond voice/mail.

3. What are you reading and how (paper, ereader, smartphone, tablet…)?

I try to keep up with tweeps on my phone when on the run, otherwise usual full web via UMPC and usb dongle. As you might imagine I have an out-of-control feed list, local and global, to skim as possible. Being somewhat old-school, and spending far too much time on one screen or another, still prefer the printed word for long form.

4. What’s from your perspective the biggest trend in mobile- The Next Big Thing?

Hmmm.. the elephant in that room would have to be 4G and the promise of serious bandwidth and cloud-based services as the obvious example. That being said, the Next Big Thing to me is actually two-fold. 1- We are seeing significant growth in data use volume across the board so “More of Everything” along the same lines as when PC web entered the DSL and flat-rate era. 2- The increase of API’s enabling a “Mash of vertical segments” with user generated content and SNS having strong potential bolt-on opportunities. At any rate it’s easy to be bullish on the continued evolution in the RFID and AR space.

5. Which hype annoys you? What is overrated today?

Being based in Japan for nearly a decade, where hype is often warranted yet generally distained, I can say without hesitation that All Hot Air blows me the wrong way.

6. Who (individual, organisation, company…) will change the mobile world?

Who indeed.. it’s certainly “interesting” that we have not (yet) seen a FaceBook, Google or Twitter, now household names originated in the PC space, coming from the pure-play mobile side. Following those examples it would be reasonable to expect a new change agent might well emerge from relative obscurity.

7. Mobile experts one should read, one should follow?

Whew.. that would depend on the specific area of interest. I have several twitter lists that might help folks narrow their search for a few new great resources.

8. Who would you recommend to answer these questions next?

There are far too many wise and talented peers.. I really cannot choose. So, will turn the tables instead and kindly request that the interviewer answer these questions!