In a research report published by CTIA Wireless, there were 327.6 million data-capable wireless devices for 315.5 (est.) million residents in the U.S. Of this number, 96 million were smartphones and 15.2 million were tablet computers.

Have you thought to yourself why smart phones and tablet computers are taking the world by storm? The answer is easy! When you think of mobility and the overwhelming demand for mobile devices, it is clear that there is no room for a mouse or even a stylus—those pen-like poles that would pop out of their special hole only to be lost because you did not press them ALL THE WAY IN! Argh! Times have changed.

What in the world does the Department of Health and Human Services have to do with banking? Not much, you may say. But if you take a moment to dig a little deeper, you may be surprised.

Follow the FED…Yup yup, it is true. On March 14th the Federal Reserve Board of Governors announced that it is official … they have launched a Twitter channel. No, not a new cable channel, but a new communication channel strategy using Twitter. Ok… can we say Federal Reserve and Cool in the same sentence without referring to the economy or interest rates in the same sentence? If you don’t believe me, the link to the press release is; http://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/other/20120314a.htm

It is one thing to say that the internet is everywhere, which of course is a popular generalization. Realistically speaking, it is safe to say that the internet is just about everywhere and depending on your location, access is free.

Last January during the opening session of the 2011 Consumer Electronic Show, the CEO of Verizon Wireless stated that 50% of the traffic on the internet at that time was video. That statement, however, was before 4G and slightly ahead of the building wave in portable computing devices called tablets.

Move over Chip plus pin! There is a new wave of super smart cards hitting the market and they are already certified by MasterCard and Visa. These cards not only add an additional layer of security which can assist a financial institution in complying with the FFIEC guidance, these cards can also be used to access more than one account, and more.

If the attendance at International Consumer Electronics Show is any indication of consumer confidence and the economy, then get ready for a fantastic 2012.

On Sunday, Jan. 8, the International Consumer Electronics Show pre-conference press events begin and ABA Banking Journal will be there covering them. CES is always a great place to restore your vision because of all of the innovation present.

Using 21st Century technology is an exciting space to be, and some financial institutions are getting it! The Digital Native is not a new topic of this blog; and as I prepare to attend the Consumer Electronics Show in early January, of course, the anticipation is starting to build. The good news is that some financial institutions are also causing me to feel a sense of anticipation by virtue of what they are beginning or, in a few cases, continuing to do in the Digital Native space. Here are just a few examples: