Intel looking to take a swing at mobile technology
The world of mobile technology may soon become more complicated as Intel looks to enter into the mobile space. Intel is the world’s leading producer of chips for PCs, with virtually every PC in the world equipped with some form of processor developed by Intel. Intel recently announced that it is beginning to develop chips for mobile devices, looking to expand its portfolio and become more dominant in the world of mobile technology. Intel’s endeavors have set it on a crash course with Qualcomm, the leading producer of chips for mobile devices.
Qualcomm may soon have serious competition in mobile chipsets
Qualcomm has been the leader in mobile chip development for some time. The company’s chips can be found in the vast majority of smartphones and tablets. Intel has taken note of the growing popularity of mobile technology, coming to expect that smartphones and tablets may one day replace PCs. In order to retain its strong presence in the world of computing, Intel is developing a new line of chips for such devices, but this endeavor may cause a rift throughout mobile technology.
New chipset could make cross-platform development difficult
For years, developers of mobile applications and hardware have benefitted from the fact that Qualcomm owns a majority share of the mobile technology market. The company’s chips allow for synergy between all mobile devices, making it easier for developers to create cross-platform software. Intel’s entry into the mobile technology field may create some problems for developers in the future. Because there will be obvious differences between the chips that Intel and Qualcomm develop, developers and mobile device makers will have to adopt, creating software and devices that are based on the respective chips coming from each company.
Intel mobile chips may cause rift in mobile technology
Intel’s presence in the world of mobile technology could put an end to rampant cross-platform development. Last year, Intel launched its first mobile chipset, but it received some criticism due to lackluster performance. Intel is currently working to make chips that are more capable of meeting the demands of modern technology and consumers. Intel plans to launch a new chipset relatively soon, which means that the day is coming when consumers will have to question whether their favorite mobile applications will actually work on a new smartphone or tablet that makes use of Intel chips.
Retail industry beginning to see an impact from mobile payments
The retail industry has come to a crossroad wherein it must discover the best way to engage consumers from around the world. Technology has played a major role in bringing the industry to this crossroad, especially as the Internet came to determine how successful many retailers would become in the future. The advent of mobile technology sparked evolution within the retail industry, and now the rise of mobile commerce is having the same effect. The future of the retail industry is beginning to look almost entirely dependent on mobile technology and retailers that shirk the mobile space may be setting themselves up to fail in the near future.
Retailers must focus more on mobile engagement
Mobile payments are quickly becoming more common around the world. Branding Brands CEO Christopher Mason notes that the retail industry is becoming more acclimated to the mobile space, largely due to the demands coming from consumers. Despite some interest from retailers, however, Mason suggests that most in the industry lack appropriate enthusiasm when it comes to mobile payments. Mason notes that of the 500 retailers in the world, only 40% have mobile consumer interfaces, which means many of these retailers are not providing an enjoyable experience to mobile consumer, who may soon determine the fate of these retail companies with the power held in their mobile wallets.
Wal-Mart takes note of the popularity of mobile devices
Wendy Bergh, senior director of mobile and digital strategy for Wal-Mart, notes that much of her focus in recent years has been on in-store experiences and how they can be improved through the use of mobile applications. Bergh suggests that applications are an ideal way to get consumers into physical stores, by offering these consumers discounts and services that are exclusive to physical stores and the applications used therein. Wal-Mart is currently developing a scanning application that will allow consumers to find products and purchase these products directly from their mobile device.
Mobile payments may soon dominate retail industry
Mobile payments may soon come to dictate the future of the retail industry. Consumers have shown some reluctance in participating in mobile commerce, largely due to security concerns. Many of the concerns that consumers have, however, are being addressed through the development of new mobile payments services that are more secure than their predecessors. As mobile commerce becomes more secure, it is becoming increasingly likely that consumers will favor mobile payments over traditional forms of commerce.
