A study conducted by Deloitte, who provide consulting, financial advisory, risk management, and tax services to selected clients around the world, have predicted that the global shipments of smartphones will exceed one billion units for the first time in 2013. An estimated two billion devices are predicted to be in use by the end of this year.
An interesting conclusion from the study suggests that as the base grows smartphone usage is likely to expand, with more owners using their smartphone to its maximum potential, rather than for the most basic functions, such as calling, texting and taking photos.
Due to the increased difficulty of finding feature phones that provide such basic functions – possibly as a result of market saturation of lost-cost smartphones and widespread adoption of open and third party operating systems – there are a distinct lack of alternatives for those wishing to upgrade.
As the research shows (Deloitte Global Mobile Consumer Survey, June 2012), in 2013, one in every five smartphone owners may never or rarely connect to the internet through their cellular network or Wi-Fi in the UK and other developed markets.
Of those smartphones that never or rarely connect in 2013, it is believed that some 400 million will be treated as a feature phone, using only the most basic functions.
As smartphone adoption increases, it’s surprising that under-utilisation of smartphones is also set to increase. One of the key predictions for 2013, is that between 50-100 mobile operators around the world will offer a new form of tariff that will provide ‘all-you-can-eat’ services, such as providing unlimited access to specific apps. This would certainly reduce the fear of exceeding data limits and facing high monthly bills, whilst encouraging use of the available apps and features.
A spokesperson from cheap international calls provider Firstnumber, commented on the recent predictions for 2013:
“It’s unfortunate that the gap in specifications between low-end and high-end smartphones, along with lack of understanding of data tariffs, can discourage many from taking full advantage of their smartphone for a variety of reasons.
“It’s also understandable that older generations may not be keeping as up-to-date with technology, but showing the benefits of smartphones in everyday use should be encouraged. It’s not just the games and apps, but the instant connectivity to family and friends that millions can benefit from.
“It’s clear that transparency and visibility is one of the major road blocks, and that looks set to be addressed throughout 2013.”
One of the vital areas that Deliotte highlighted when looking into 2013 telecom trends, is that “understanding the diversity of smartphones and smartphone owners is critical to any company adopting a mobile strategy.
Kaynak : 