For a company like Citrix that specializes in enterprise-class virtualization solutions, trends like mobile working and Bring Your Own Device represent huge business opportunities. Naturally, we keep a close eye on these trends in order to respond in a timely and effective way to the evolving expectations of our 250,000 customers around the world.

This article sets out my predictions for some of the major developments in the mobility space in 2012, but with a twist – I've tried to go beyond the predictable and delve into some of the less obvious things I think we'll see over the next year.

1. Amazon phone – With no cellular voice calls.  I predict that Amazon will enter the smartphone space. Not from buying Research in Motion, as has been rumoured, and not just another carrier-supported device. I expect Amazon will enter with a low-cost device that does VoIP over data only with no cellular calling, dramatically lowering the monthly cost of a smartphone. This carrier-disruptive service will likely be provided by LightSquared or Clearwire, plus Amazon can further supplement the cost based on expected service and merchandize sales.

2. 7" tablets beat 10" tablets – The Tab and Fire have already proven there is a market for a smaller tablet that fits in jackets, lab coats and pocketbooks. When Apple joins in with a 7-inch iPad, I predict these may out sell the existing 10 inch standard, at least in certain markets.

3. Touch-less gestures - The iPhone and iPad got everyone used to touching their device. In 2012, new techniques based on hand gestures and device cameras will start to appear in selected smartphones and tablets. Maybe we will start to wave at our old monitors soon and expect something to happen!