Author: Lucy

Mobile devices predictions see phablets outselling tablets this year

| February 12, 2014

The same forecasts have seen those devices outselling notebooks in 2014.

Although smaller sized tablets have been growing in popularity over the last few years, it is phablets that are expected to be the hot mobile devices, this year, as at least one analyst has already predicted that they will become the top gadget in terms of sales.Mobile Devices Sales Predictions

The Kindle Fire’s 7 inch tablet exploded into the market, changing the consumer expectation for screen size.

That device was first launched near the end of 2011. They have gone on to produce many more mobile devices at that and small tablet model sizes. Others have jumped into that mobile devices market, as well, including the Nexus 7 from Google. Though some screen size is lost, there are a number of appealing advantages to a smaller sized gadget. Among the primary benefits that have been identified by users are that they are more portable, they are lighter, and they are typically less expensive than models that are 8 inches and larger.

These mobile devices have taken off due to lower price and functionality alone, but there is more to this market.

These small tablets may be the volume leader at the moment, but it is anticipated that a whole new class is about to take over. The Galaxy Note kicked this trend started, when Samsung’s gadget was nicknamed a phablet. Since then, devices with displays between 5 and 6 inches have been growing in popularity as they combine the practicality of a small tablet with the capabilities of a smartphone.

Technology analyst Bob O’Donnell, from Technalysis Research, has forecasted that this year, phablets will become popular to such a degree that they will begin outselling 7 inch tablets before the year comes to a close. The prediction is that more than 240 million phablets will be shipped this year, when compared to 158 million small screen tablets (7 to 8 inch displays), and 173 million notebooks.

O’Donnell pointed out that “We are in the midst of a dramatic recasting of the entire market for devices.” He said that this may be the next phase in entirely redefining computing, once again. It will mean that computing can occur in a new way and in new places. The outcome, he said, is that there will likely be yet another considerable shift in influence and power among the various manufacturers.

Mobile commerce app from Hudson’s Bay bridges print and digital gap

| February 6, 2014

The HBC Department Store Group has launched new stronger shopping apps for its brands.

Among the latest announcements from the HBC Department Store Group is that it has now launched a new iOS mobile commerce app for both its Lord & Taylor and Hudson’s Bay retail stores.Mobile Shopping - Mobile Commerce App

The application has been designed to span the gap between traditional media and online shopping.

To achieve the mobile app development, HBC has been working with Pounce, a consumer facing mobile commerce application that brings together traditional media with the smartphone and tablet channel. This gives customers the ability to use their mobile devices to purchase merchandise that they have seen in print media such as flyers or catalogs. Pounce remains the only app with approval from Hudson’s Bay and Lord & Taylor which gives customers the ability to shop directly from what they are seeing in print.

This mobile commerce app gives consumers the chance to use their devices to scan images in print media.

The m-shopping app was launched in Canada immediately ahead of the start of the Winter Olympic Games, this year. The timing was deliberate as the Hudson’s Bay is the official apparel sponsor of the Paralympic and Olympic teams that Canada is sending to compete in the Sochi 2014 games. The print ads that the retailer issues just ahead of – and during – the games will be the first that will display the Pounce shopping opportunity for consumers.

Outside of Canada, the smartphone shopping app will also be launched in the United States for Lord & Taylor.

According to Michael Crotty, the HBC chief marketing officer, the purpose of this new effort is to be able to embrace the latest popular technology and combine it with traditional media. He explained that “Pounce creates the opportunity to combine offline and online channels in a seamless way. He also pointed out that the unique capability of the app provides a natural fit with the brand as they expand their omni-channel strategy. It provides not only the opportunity to continue with traditional marketing and to appeal to users of mobile devices, but also the chance to bring them together.