At sister site Compare Broadband, we are commonly told by customers that a landline is unnecessary. Mobile phones take the brunt of calls, texts, and communication. Now, new research shows a global surge in the use of smartphones. It is an industry that will only grow.
Google in conjunction with IPSOS Research has found that there is a "clear consumer shift" from the everyday feature phones to smartphones. The UK has had the largest increase, from 30 to 45% of the population now using smart phones.
Studies last year showed that Australia was well ahead of this trend and was already ranked second globally for its smartphone usage. In mid 2011, 37% of Australians had smartphones, and were using them to download more apps on average, 25 vs. the rest of the world's 22.
The Google/ISOS study indicated that smartphones were more frequently being used for internet access. In Japan, 88% of smartphone users access the internet on it daily. Similar figures have been found in Australia, and it was also noted that Australians use their smartphones for online banking and shopping. PayPal reported that throughout 2010 mobile transactions increased by 25% every month.
Nevertheless, the Google/ISOS study says that smartphone owners will not stop using their home computers for internet. Across the five countries who took part in the study, 75% of smartphone users said that they will also use their home internet daily.
The study also noted that tablets are being embraced as "the fourth screen". Tablet usage has increased worldwide. The US are currently the highest users of tablets, with 11% of the population owning one. Additionally, smartphone users are also tablet users; again, in the US, 17% of smartphone owners also use tablets. In 2011, after the huge number of new tablet launches from Apple, Samsung, and Motorola, the tablet market in Australian and New Zealand doubled to 420,000 units being sold. The iPad still has the dominant market position.
Check out the iPhone mobile plans or best smartphone caps available, or call us on 1300 850 518 for more information about how to get yourself set up with a smartphone.