Ericsson ConsumerLab has identified 10 trends that are going to dominate Information and Communications Technology (ICT) products and services in 2013.
The cloud reshaping consumer needs and women driving the smartphone market are some of the key emerging trends identified by Ericsson ConsumerLab. Michael Bjorn, head, research, ConsumerLab, says, ?Our global research program is based on annual interviews with over 100,000 individuals in more than 40 countries and 15 mega cities. Over the years we have amassed a huge database of consumer trend data – and we see that the pace of change is currently more rapid than ever.?
The 10 trends identified by Ericsson ConsumerLab dominating ICT products and services in 2013 include:
1. Cloud reliance reshaping device needs
More than 50 per cent of tablet users and about 40 per cent of smartphone users in the United States of America, Japan, Australia and Sweden prefer the ease of having the same applications and data seamlessly available through the cloud on multiple devices.
2. Computing for a scattered mind
From desktops, files and folders to flat surfaces, applications and cloud services, consumers are increasingly opting for new devices. The purchase intent is higher for tablets as compared to desktop PCs, and for smartphones as compared to laptops.
3. Bring your own broadband to work
A total of 57 per cent of smartphone users are using personal broadband connectivity on their smartphones at work. Personal smartphones are increasingly being used for work such as sending emails, planning business trips and finding locations etc.
4. City-dwellers going mobile
By accessing the internet always and everywhere, consumers are now an unstoppable force making internet truly mobile. Increasingly, mobile network coverage is becoming one of the most important drivers of a satisfactory city life. By 2018, the total smartphone subscriptions will be around 3.3 billion.
5. Personal social security networks
As a result of economic slowdown, people?s trust in traditional structures and authorities is decreasing and consumers are increasingly relying on personal communities. Personal networks online are serving as a safety net and social media is emerging as a strong alternative for providing employment leads in comparison to the traditional job agencies.
6. Women are driving the smartphone market
Across markets women are driving mass-market adoption of smartphone. About 97 per cent of female smartphone owners use SMS. A total of 77 per cent send and receive photos, 59 per cent use social networking sites, about 24 per cent check in at locations and 17 per cent of women redeem coupons using their smartphones.
7. Cities emerging as hubs for social creativity
People living in cities have significantly more friends online than people in suburban areas. For 12 per cent of people living in cities, main reason for using social networking sites is to be able to connect and exchange ideas with others.
8. On-line shopping
A total of 32 per cent of smartphone users are already shopping using their smartphones. Majority of the users are going in for in-store and online shopping. The buyers want to see products, get information and make price comparisons. The consumers wish to make purchases immediately without having to queue up at the cash register.
9. TV goes social
A total of 62 per cent of viewers use social forums while watching video and TV. And 42 per cent of those who use social forums or chats while watching TV discuss things they are watching on a weekly basis. The majority of video and TV consumption on mobile devices is taking place at home.
10. Learning in transformation
Learning is being transformed through both internal and external forces. Young people are bringing in their personal technology experience into the classroom, driving a bottom-up pressure for change. Simultaneously, with a view to be more efficient governments and institutions are looking for new ICT solutions. Access to technology and connectivity is changing children?s outlook on a global scale. In India, out of 69 million urban children aged between 9 and 18, about 30 million own mobile phones.
