Denny |
February 17, 2013
Australian market sees shift due to mobile games
Mobile games have been having a major impact in Australia. The Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (iGEA), leading game industry group based in Australia, has announced that the country’s game industry reported more than $1.16 billion in retail sales last year. Much of these sales were in the realm of mobile games. While mobile games adding momentum to sales in the game industry may not be a surprise, the effect they are having on consoles may mark a major shift in the retail side of the game business.
Console sales on the decline
According to iGEA, the rise of mobile games is having a major impact on consoles. For nearly the entirety of the game industry’s existence, consumers have relied on consoles to play their favorite games. The advent of mobile technology changed that, however, giving consumers the ability to play games from a smart phone or tablet. These devices has made it more convenient for consumers to game, thereby leading them away from consoles and toward mobile games.
Mobile games expected to see promising growth this year
The iGEA notes that the rise of mobile games has lead to the decline of console sales in Australia. Consumers throughout the country are favoring mobile devices for gaming and digital purchases. Technology analysis firm Telsyte estimates the mobile games sphere to experience 18% growth in 2013, backed from $620 million revenue generated in this sector during 2012. The firm expects that the growing popularity of mobile games will continue to have an impact on console sales well into the future.
Next gen consoles poised to compete with mobile games
A new generation of gaming consoles is on its way. Both Sony and Microsoft have plans to introduce their respective next gen systems this year. Both systems have been hyped aggressively and are highly anticipated among consumers, but whether they will be able to overcome the challenges they are facing from mobile games has yet to be seen. Sony and Microsoft may have taken steps to ensure that their consoles appeal to mobile gamers as it is expected for next gen consoles to include mobile elements.
Denny |
February 12, 2013
Comcast takes aim at mobile security
Comcast, one of the largest communications companies in the U.S., has launched a new mobile security application for smart phones and tablets. The applications, called Constant Guard Mobile, aims to address the growing issue of mobile security and help protect consumers from exploitation. Comcast claims that new threats are emerging in the mobile space on a nearly daily basis. Without adequate protection, a consumer’s information is prone to theft and can be used to nefarious ends.
Cybercrime is becoming a very serious threat in the US
Comcast Vice President of Strategic Services suggests that cybercrime is becoming more common throughout the mobile world. Mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets, are very attractive targets for hackers because of the kind of information that is stored on them. Consumers often use their mobile devices to check their bank accounts, make purchases, and share personal information. Because mobile devices are so important to consumers throughout the U.S., Comcast is taking steps to address any mobile security concerns these people may have.
Security platform may help protect consumers
Comcast is the first Internet service company in the country to offer mobile security services for smart phones and tablets. The Constant Guard Mobile application is available for both iOS and Android platforms. The company is developing a desktop version of the security suite and intend to offer this version as a new way for PC users to protect themselves while online. Comcast believes that the platform will help keep consumers safe from hacking attempts, malware, and other forms of cybercrime.
Reliance on mobile technology breeds new concerns for security
Mobile security is becoming more of a problem as people begin to rely more heavily on their mobile devices. In the early years of mobile technology, mobile phones where very limited in the amount of information they contained. Now, however, many people pour their entire lives into their mobile devices, making them valuable targets for malicious parties that may benefit through the use of this information. Comcast is one among several companies that is working to improve the access consumers have to comprehensive mobile security solutions.
