Author: JT

Study predicts the rise of NFC technology in mobile commerce

| March 28, 2013

NFC Technology on the riseNFC technology beginning to gain more traction in mobile commerce

NFC technology has begun to lose some of its luster with consumers in regards to mobile commerce, but that does not mean that the technology is going away any time soon. Though many consumers have reservations concerning the use of NFC technology in mobile commerce, NFC remains one of the cornerstones of mobile payments. The technology enables mobile devices to conduct transactions for goods and services and helped expose people to the concept of mobile commerce. Despite the importance of the technology, NFC-enabled mobile devices are still quite rare. This may soon change.

Study shows that more NFC-enabled devices are incoming

A new study from ABI Research, a leading market research firm, suggests that the number  of NFC-enabled devices around the world will surpass 500 million in 2014. The study predicts that at least 285 million NFC devices will be shipped around the world this year, with heavy shipments being seen in large markets like the U.S. and some parts of the Asian Pacific. Mobile device makers are currently the strongest supporter of NFC-enabled devices and are expected to labor intensely to show that these devices can be useful, especially in the realm of mobile commerce.

Galaxy S III helps promote NFC and shed light on the challenges it faces

Currently, the most popular NFC-enabled mobile device is the Samsung Galaxy S III. This smartphone is equipped with NFC technology that has been lauded as an ideal way to share digital content among consumers. The fact that the smartphone can be used to participate in mobile commerce has received relatively little attention since its launch last year. The Galaxy S III has, of course, been used for mobile payments, but it also represents the challenges that device makers have with promoting the mobile commerce capabilities of NFC-enabled devices, namely raising awareness and encouraging consumers to actually pay for goods using their smartphones or tablets.

NFC technology may not be ideal for mobile commerce

The study from ABI Research shows that device makers are ready to embrace NFC technology, but mobile network operators may have more trouble supporting the technology and its use in mobile commerce. NFC technology has no inherent security features, as it acts simply as a transmission technology capable of sending and receiving digital information. Therefore, the security measures needed to keep consumers safe are the responsibility of device makers and mobile network operators. Network operators have, thus far, shown little interest in incorporating significantly more robust, and more expensive, security measures in order to support NFC technology.

4G could be a boon for mobile commerce

| March 26, 2013

Mobile Commerce UK 4G speeds may make mobile commerce a major success in the UK

Mobile commerce is on the rise in the United Kingdom and the success of retailers focusing more on mobile payments may rely heavily on Internet speeds. Mobile Internet is still in a state of infancy throughout much of the world. High-speed 4G connections are still somewhat rare, despite rampant demand for such a service. While telecommunications companies are putting a great deal of effort behind making 4G more widely available, delays in high-speed mobile Internet access could mean missed opportunities for UK retailers.

Retailers beginning to become more accommodating of mobile commerce

Retailers throughout the United Kingdom are becoming more inclined to support mobile commerce in a variety of ways. As consumers become more reliant on their mobile devices, they are beginning to find their smartphones and tablets useful for shopping and similar activities. Mobile shopping is quickly becoming a very popular trend among many consumers, according to a recent study from eBay Europe. The study suggests that access to 4G speeds could lead to a universal surge in mobile commerce as consumers find services easier to use.

eBay predicts surge in mobile shopping

eBay Europe predicts that the expansion of 4G availability could cause mobile shopping to spike by 113%. High-speed connectivity means that mobile commerce services are easier to use. This also means that mobile payments can be processed more quickly, eliminating the waiting period that could potentially lead to some payments being lost in virtual limbo because of a connectivity issue with a mobile network. Along with  a surge in mobile shopping, eBay Europe predicts that high-speed Internet could lead to more sales.

High-speed Internet could lead the way for higher sales

eBay anticipates that 4G connectivity will help mobile commerce reach more than $2 billion in sales in the coming years. Access to high-speed Internet makes it easier for consumers to find products they are interested in. It also makes it easier for consumers to purchase these products and continue shopping, thereby increasing the amount of money people are willing to spend while shopping online with their smartphones and tablets.