Author: Lucy

Two out of every three people who have a smartphone or tablet have shopped with it over the last 12 months.

The annual ING International Survey – Mobile Banking 2016 revealed a considerable rise in European mobile commerce. In fact, 66 percent of mobile device owners in Europe had purchased something over their smartphone or tablet during the last year.

This represented a notable increase over the figure from the year before when it was 58 percent.

The countries in which European mobile commerce was the strongest are: Turkey, Italy and Poland. Furthermore, 50 percent of mobile shoppers will probably go back to a store that has retained their mobile payment data. The convenience of not having to re-enter credit card or bank account details is an appealing one to smartphone using shoppers in Europe.

The current data shows more Europeans are using mobile commerce apps and websites than ever before. They are purchasing both services and products. Among products purchased over m-commerce, electronics and clothing are the most popular.

The survey suggested “one-click ordering” is a among the top drivers in European mobile commerce.

ING’s research also underscored an increase in mobile banking. The study showed that 82 percent of people who use banking services over mobile phone or tablet are also shopping over those devices.

The European countries most using m-commerce are Turkey at 88 percent of smartphone owners, Italy at 69 percent of mobile device owners, and Poland, also at 69 percent. That said, the countries experiencing the fastest growth of mobile commerce shopping are France and the Netherlands. Smartphone and tablet owners in those countries are taking part in m-commerce 16 percent more this year than they were last year.

The United States is also seeing a rapid growth. It has risen by 16 percent to reach 74 percent this year. In Australia, the growth was much more modest at only 6 percent, bringing it to 49 percent of device users.

European mobile commerce has risen faster among younger generations of smartphone and tablet user. That said, all age groups have grown in their use of mobile shopping.

Alibaba has released its new OS’Car RX5 to expand the IoT to the automotive sector.

Alipay mobile payments can be made by drivers from the seat of their new OS’Car RX5. The new sport utility vehicle is the product of a partnership formed between Chinese internet giant Alibaba Group and Shanghai-based automotive manufacturer SAIC Motor Corp. It has been introduced to China’s automotive market and is dubbed the “internet car”. It is equipped with a smart operating system, which makes it different from traditional cars. The hope is that the car will spread the internet-of-things (IoT) to the automotive sector.

This smart OS will provide consumers with an experience that is more than simple driving.

The OS’Car RX5 operating system was designed by Alibaba’s YunOS division. Specially designed for the automotive industry, the YunOS will boost consumer experience. According to chairman of Alibaba’s Steering Committee, Dr. Wang Jian, the smart operating system revolutionizes the car so it’s not just about driving. The smart OS becomes “the second engine of cars, while data is the new fuel,” Wang stated.

Alibaba’s new car takes a step beyond other cars that are able to access the internet via third-party apps or software. The company wants to make all vehicles a part of the much bigger IoT ecosystem. In this ecosystem, smart devices gather and exchange data for the purpose of improving efficiencies for users. Cars are a new smart platform, Wang said. He added that through this platform Alibaba can offer internet-based services to create a superior driving experience.

Alipay mobile payments will be only one of the e-commerce services part of the RX5.

The company’s internet car has navigation and voice control features. It also has three LED screens for interfacing with the operating system and 360-degree detachable cameras for taking selfies and recording trips.

The RX5 uses its own e-commerce system to provide consumers with services. For instance, using Alipay mobile payments, drivers have the ability to book and pay for gas stations, parking spaces and coffee shops.

Each driver is given their own “internet ID” that enables the smart OS to recognize different users and make personalized recommendations. These recommendations may include air temperature, music, and nearby restaurants based on previous trips.

President of YunOS, Zhang Chunhui, said that “In the future, we hope Internet-connected cars to be a solid foundation for the development of smarter transportation and smarter cities.”

Currently Chinese consumers can preorder the OS’Car RX5 via Tmall. Prices begin at $22,300. The expected delivery date for the cars is August.