Report highlights division in mobile commerce between iOS and Android
On the surface, mobile commerce encompasses any form of shopping, payment, or banking done on a mobile device. Below the surface, however, mobile commerce is divided into two categories: Those with iOS devices and those with Android devices. While both parties of consumers regularly participate in mobile commerce, those investing in the field are very interested in which party is more active in this realm. Arbitron, a leading media and market research firm, has released a new report highlight which group of consumers has greater representation in mobile commerce.
Mobile commerce activity highest among iOS consumers
According to the report, iOS consumers participate in mobile commerce more than Android consumers. The report notes that mobile shopping is the most popular form of mobile commerce among iOS consumers. Approximate 67.5% of iPhone users, for instance, shop from their mobile devices, whereas 43% of Android users shop from their mobile device. iOS consumers are not only spending more time in mobile commerce, of course, they are also spending more money.
iPhone users spending more time and money in mobile shopping
The report shows that iOS consumers are more likely to be affluent and have access to disposable incomes. The report suggests that the average household income of these consumers is $105,200, compared to the $89,300 average income of Android consumers. iPhone users are also typically younger than Android users and more likely to engage in marketing and impulse purchases. The majority of these users spend their time on eBay and Amazon when shopping, according to the report.
Report could push Apple to take mobile commerce more seriously
The information provided by Arbitron is important for those investing in the mobile commerce field. Firstly, the report offers some insight on what consumer demographic is participating the most in mobile commerce, allowing companies to better target their products. Secondly, the information highlights the growing demand for mobile commerce services coming from iOS consumers, which may encourage Apple to take mobile commerce more seriously in the near future.
Facebook could be showing more enthusiasm for mobile commerce
It is no secret that Facebook is looking to appeal more heavily to mobile consumers. The social network has begun seeing its place as social media dominator slip over the past year as a growing number of tech-savvy and younger consumers begin to look elsewhere for their social networking fix. Facebook recently identified mobile as its future, but the social network’s exact plans therein are still somewhat vague. Mobile commerce, marketing, and mobile games may be part of the company’s plans to solidify its grip on the often fickle realm of social networking.
Facebook acquires Osmeta
Facebook has announced its acquisition of Osmeta, a software startup with a focus on the mobile sector. The acquisition comes on the heels of the launch of the Facebook Home application. The app serves as a sort of faux operating system, changing the way a smartphone’s interface looks and functions. The goal of the application is to make Facebook ever-present in the lives of mobile consumers by, quite literally, making the social network the first and last thing people see on their mobile devices.
Mobile plans are not yet clear
Exactly what Facebook plans to do with Osmeta is not clear. Osmeta notes that it has been working on a large project for some time, but details concerning this project are equally unclear. The company currently accounts for 19 software engineers from varied backgrounds. There is speculation suggesting that Facebook has plans for a new mobile commerce application or mobile commerce features that will be incorporated into the Home application. Facebook has shown some interest in mobile commerce in the past and has even recently begun charging for certain services it used to offer for free; services that mobile consumers must pay for if they want to use them.
Facebook may eventually address mobile commerce
Like other social networks, Facebook is currently at a crossroad. The social network is becoming increasingly enthusiastic about the concept of monetization, while it is also facing strong feedback from its users who want to see the social network remain a free platform. Whichever path it chooses, the company will remain focused on the mobile space, which will eventually bring Facebook to confront the prospects of mobile commerce more aggressively.
