According to the analyst, a new paradigm for the global information-sharing network has been created by wireless communications devices with greater levels of intelligence and new modes of interaction.
They include tablet PCs, smartphones and compact notebook computers, which have increased in availability and proliferated in recent years.
Gartner identifies the potential for context-aware computing to form one of the four core transformational trends in the IT sector as a result of this.
Peter Sondergaard, senior vice-president at the industry analyst and global head of research, says: "This enables the creation of software and services that will blend data, text, graphics, audio and video with context such as location, language, desires, feelings."
Mr Sondergaard was research director at International Data Corporation prior to joining Gartner as a research analyst in 1989.
