Will the current economic crisis further slow mobile handset growth? Although it seems certain, findings from Globo suggest the slowdown could be more significant. In a recent study, it found that 65% of users of wireless devices who want access to e-mail or other online applications won’t replace their current handsets just to obtain it.

New developments in mobile software are the logical next step in the development of the mobile society, according to Dr. Joseph Coughlin, director of MIT’s AgeLab and non-executive director of Globo.

He argues that current economic developments are driving the imperative for open software that could turn every mobile phone into a smartphone. He claims the next generation of all-in-one solutions will push, synchronize and share a user’s applications onto one single platform regardless of the service provider or handset.

Coughlin said that the industry has moved beyond mere mobility to a mobile lifestyle. He also points out that personalization has moved to the point that contacts are not calling your home, mobile or office phone; they are calling you.

“The next generation of mobile software will enable users to take every aspect of their lives – work and social – with them, no matter what device they possess – mobile or PC. New open mobile communication platforms will be able to integrate services such as messaging, social networking, e-mail, calendars and contacts, enabling both the consumer and corporate user to share folders, files and more.”