Global networking firm Cisco Systems recently released the Cisco 2012 Mobile User Survey.
Research carried out by Cisco's Internet Business Solutions Group found that increased global demand for mobile devices and network connectivity will see WiFi and traditional mobile networks play a critical role in meeting consumers' needs in the not-too-distant future.
Here are five of Cisco's predictions regarding key developments in mobile and WiFi:
1. Within the next two years, mobile will become one of the primary ways people access entertainment:
* 75% of mobile users will access social networks;
* Over 50% of mobile users will watch streamed and recorded videos; and
* Up to 50% of mobile users will read e-books.
2. The home will continue to dominate other locations for mobile device usage. In the next two years, more than half of all mobile device usage will take place in the home.
3. Devices will also get “out of the house” with increased usage in public spaces. In the next two years, 15% of all mobile device usage will occur in retail and public locations.
4. WiFi will become the predominant access technology for smartphones. Within the next two years:
* More than 75% of smartphones will regularly use WiFi; and
* Smartphone owners will use WiFi almost 50% of the time to connect to the Internet.
5. While smartphone penetration will continue to increase, much of the growth of mobile devices will come from nomadic devices. In the next two years:
* 25% of consumers will have e-readers; and
* 33% will have tablets.