As 2012 draws to a close, Ericsson ConsumerLab has identified the hottest consumer trends for 2013 and beyond.
Michael Bj"orn, head of research at ConsumerLab, says the global research programme is based on annual interviews with over 100 000 individuals in more than 40 countries and 15 megacities.
Here are the 10 hottest consumer trendsaccording toEricsson ConsumerLab:
1. Cloud reliance reshapes device needs.
More than 50% of tablet users and well above 40% of smartphone users in US, Japan, Australia and Sweden appreciate the improved simplicity of having the same apps and data seamlessly available through the cloud on multiple devices.
2. Computing for a scattered mind.
From desktops, files and folders to flat surfaces, apps and cloud services, consumers are turning their backs on a computing paradigm for the focused mind. Tasks are handled at the spur of the moment ? as we stand in a shopping line or talk to someone at a caf'e. Purchase intent is higher for tablets compared to desktop PCs, and for smartphones compared to laptops.
3. Bring your own broadband to work.
Some 57% of smartphone users use their personal smartphone subscriptions at work. Personal smartphones are increasingly being used for work, to send e-mails, plan business trips, find locations and more.
4. City-dwellers go relentlessly mobile.
By accessing the Internet always and everywhere, consumers are making Internet truly mobile. Total smartphone subscriptions will reach 3.3 billion by 2018, and mobile network coverage is one of the most important drivers of satisfaction for city life.
5. Personal social security networks.
As a result of economic turbulence, trust in traditional structures and authorities is decreasing and consumers increasingly trust their personal communities. Personal networks online serve as a safety net, and social media is shaping up to be a serious contender to the traditional job agency.
6. Women drive smartphone market.
Some 97% of female smartphone owners use SMS; 77% send/receive photos, 59% use social networking, 24% check in at locations, and 17% redeem coupons. Stats for men are lower in these areas.
7. Cities become hubs for social creativity.
City centre dwellers have significantly more friends online than people in suburban areas. Some 12% of people living in cities say the main reason for using social networks is to connect and exchange ideas with others, making it the third most common reason for social networking after staying up-to-date with friends and keeping them updated.
8. In-line shopping.
Some 32% of smartphone users already shop with smartphones; they now start to combine in-store and online shopping aspects. They want to see products, get information and make price comparisons, and get purchases immediately without having to queue up at the till.
9. TV goes social.
Some 62% use social media while watching video and TV ? and 42% of this subgroup discuss things they currently watch on a weekly basis. Over 30% are more likely to pay for content watched in social contexts. The majority of video and TV consumption on mobile devices takes place in the home.
10. Learning in transformation.
Learning is transformed through both internal and external forces: Young people bring their personal technology experience into the classroom, driving a bottom-up pressure for change. Simultaneously governments and institutions look for new ICT solutions in order to be more efficient. Connectivity changes the outlook for children on a global scale.
Share
