Author: Denny

Mobile commerce is changing consumer behavior

| September 17, 2014

New report from comScore highlights a shift in consumer behavior, linked to mobile shopping

People are beginning to change their shopping habits due to new mobile services that are becoming available to them. A new report has been released by comScore that highlights this shift in consumer behavior. Traditionally, desktop and laptop computers have dominated the e-commerce space. This has begun to change as mobile technology begins to play a more important role in society. Consumers are becoming more mobile-centric and they are beginning to demand services that cater to their interests.

Mobile searchers are more likely to lead to actual purchases

The report shows that approximately 61% of searches on laptop and desktop computers resulted in a local purchase, while 78% of searchers on smartphones resulted in such purchases. Consumers appear to be more active in searching for products on mobile devices than on stationary computers. Mobile searchers are more likely to power sales, which is why more businesses are beginning to take steps to engage mobile consumers more aggressively.

Consumers are more likely to use mobile websites than applications when shopping online

mobile commerce - consumer evolutionThe report shows that approximately 7 in 10 consumers prefer mobile websites over applications when they are shopping online from their smartphones or tablets. Notably, mobile websites are more favorable among tablet users. This has to do with a tablet’s larger screen, which makes navigating a mobile website easier and more enjoyable for a consumer.

Electronic coupons are successful in promoting mobile commerce among consumers

The report also notes that 75% of mobile consumers make use of electronic coupons when t hey are shopping online. These coupons are issued by retailers as an incentive for mobile shopping. Sometimes, these coupons are part of loyalty programs that are specifically designed with mobile commerce in mind. Electronic coupons have proven that they are quite effective at encouraging mobile shopping, helping retailers find more success in the mobile commerce field. Notably, the majority of mobile transactions are made during the holiday season, where consumers use their smartphones and tablets to avoid long lines at retail stores.

Apple sets foot into the field of wearable technology

| September 15, 2014

Apple unveils a promising new wearable device that could redefine what people expect when they think of mobile technology

Apple made headlines in the technology world with the unveiling of the Apple Watch, a wearable device that is expected to go on sale in early 2015. According to CEO Tim Cook, the Apple Watch will “redefine what people expect” from wearable technology and the device may well serve as the dawning of a new era in Apple’s device portfolio. The device was revealed alongside Apple’s first official foray into the mobile commerce space with its Apple Pay service.

Apple Watch will support NFC technology and, by extension, mobile payments

The Apple Watch is quite similar to other wearable devices, such as smartwatches, but it includes numerous features that cannot be found elsewhere. Notably, the Watch supports NFC technology, which will allow a user to pay for goods and services using digital information rather than physical currency and other forms of payment. The NFC chip in Watch will also allow the wearer to engage in any interactive marketing campaigns that make use of NFC technology.

Watch will include the features that are common on all iOS devices

Wearable Technology NewsThe Watch will come in two sizes. Both sizes will feature a user interface that is similar to the iPhone. The Watch will also support a wide variety of mobile applications. Many of these apps are already available on the iPhone, but have been refined to function on Watch and make use of its features. All versions of Watch will also be equipped with Siri, as well as the other features that Apple customers have come to expect from their iOS devices.

Wearable technology could become more popular, thanks to Watch

Wearable technology is becoming quite popular, but the devices currently available are somewhat lackluster. Most wearable devices offer nothing that is not already available through conventional mobile technology. As such, the value of these devices is quite limited. The Apple Watch may be one of the first wearable devices to offer something unique and innovative. Whether or not it will be popular among consumers has yet to be seen, of course.