Mobile Trends for 2013

If the mid-nineties was the time for Internet revolution, this decade is the time for revolution in mobile technology. It is practically possible to run a business on high-end Smartphone devices. In this article, we will look into some of the mobile trends that will define 2013 and upcoming years. The points are based on the “13 Mobile Trends for 2013 and Beyond” report delivered by JWT Intelligence at the GSMA Mobile World Congress.

1. Partnership of Automobiles and Mobile: Automakers are adopting technology and implementing them in cars. For instance, built-in Wi-Fi connection and 4G availability are some of the features already available with selected car brands. The potential for this is impossible to ignore. This coming together gives travelers multiple entertainment options, improved safety, geo-local advertising and others.

2. Improved Machine – To – Machine Interaction: Machines are built for consumer consumption but increasingly, there is a trend of machine to machine communication where embedded objects communicate with each other with the help of wireless sensors. This trend is becoming visible in urban planning industries, healthcare, energy sectors and other industries. While it automates a lot of processes which previously required human intervention, it remains to be seen how this trend will perform in the coming years.

3. Better Opportunities: Even a basic mobile device has a basic Internet connection. The mobile has become a tool which aids the user to do anything, from making calls to running small businesses on their handsets. Lifestyle studies show that the mobile is slowly becoming a gateway to a better life, creating a kind of upward mobility.

4. Push Button Orders: Business establishments are realizing the power of mobile phones and the role it plays in the life of the 21^st century consumers. Often mobile phones functions as a genie which gives the consumers everything. If you want anything, you just ‘order’ it on the mobile and it reaches your doorstep, in any location.

5. Human Centered Mobiles: The report highlighted a fascinating trend. High tech users want devices that go beyond the basic Smartphone screen that we use now. True, the convenience of a Smartphone cannot be discredited but users want to go to the next level. The next level means not having to pull out a Smartphone to use basic applications. Wristbands, glasses and other convenient accessories are the preferred options. In other words, users want common accessories to be infused with technology so that they become an inherent part of our lives.

6. Mobile Shopping: The last two years have seen consumers using mobiles more than ever for online shopping. In other words, the strong mobile market is the Mecca for online shopping brands. Consumers are using mobiles to research products and services, share with social networks, pay with mobile, rate user experience and continue to engage with brands. Mobiles are empowering consumers and giving brands newer opportunities. Integration of technologies like NFC, augmented reality and geo-location features will further the trend.

7. Add On Capabilities: A Smartphone does not work in isolation. The device contains multiple sensors which tracks the device location and the surroundings to enhance user experience. The real time data helps technology developers to create better products, more add-on options for the consumers.

8. Brand Building: Mobiles are no more just an isolated piece of optional device which brands use for advertisement occasionally. Brands are blending in into the mobile lifestyle. Mobile advertisement is an essential part of any business promotional strategy. It’s helping them to understand what consumers need and find out ways to fulfill the demand.

Must Read: Is Android the future of Mobile Phone Technology?

Conclusion

These were the main mobile trends for 2013 and the unseen future. The mobile consumer market is really large and contains multiple growth opportunities.