Author: Stephen

Intel sets sights on wearable technology

| March 11, 2014

Intel steps into the field of wearable devices with acquisition of Basis Science

Wearable technology has become a hot issue. Technology firms around the world have begun investing in the research and development of smart watches and other sorts of wearable devices that may become popular with consumers in the future. Intel is one such firm, and the company has recently finalized the acquisition of Basis Science, makers of health tracker technologies. Health has become a popular field for wearable devices due to the increasing mobility of consumers. These devices could be helpful for people that want to keep track of information concerning their day-to-day health.

Basis attracts attention from technology firms for its wearable device

Basis suggests that it has been approached by various technology companies in February, all seeking acquisition. Interest from these firms is largely focused on the company’s Basis Health Tracker, which is a watch that keeps track of a user’s heart rate and other information. The watch is the only product that Basis has produced, but it has become quite popular because it exists as a convenient solution for those that are health-oriented.

Intel intends to establish a presence in the emerging wearable device market

Wearable Technology in Sight of Big CompanyIntel has a strong interest in wearable devices because of trends that have begun to emerge among consumers. Google Glass has managed to highlight the interest that consumers have in wearable devices. These augmented reality glasses have generated a great deal of hype and have also shed light on similar products being developed by other technology firms. The demand for smart watches is also on the rise and Intel is keen to ensure that it can establish a noticeable presence in an emerging market.

Wearable devices may not replace smartphones any time soon

Some firms have suggested that wearable devices will eventually replace smartphones and tablets. The issue, however, is that wearable devices are still in a state of infancy. They do not have the technical abilities needed to dethrone smartphones as t he favored mobile device among consumers. In the future, this may change, but wearable devices may currently be little more than a gimmick.

Mobile commerce accounts for 32% of all retail sales in the UK

| March 6, 2014

Mobile shopping has seen strong growth in the United Kingdom

IMRG Capgemini, a prominent retail industry association, has released a report highlighting the growing popularity of mobile shopping in the United Kingdom. Many consumers in the UK have begun to use their smartphones and tablets to shop online for products that they are interested in. These people also purchase these products directly from their mobile devices, taking advantage of discounts and other deals being offered by retailers. As mobile shopping becomes more prominent throughout the country, many UK retailers are evolving to accommodate a mobile-centric audience more effectively.

Consumers are showing favor for shopping for and purchasing products from their mobile devices

According to the report, mobile purchases now account for 32% of all online sales in the United Kingdom. Consumers have become quite comfortable with the concept of mobile commerce and have shown favor for the convenience that it represents. The report shows that the majority of mobile purchases have to do with apparel and fashion, but many people also use their mobile devices to shop for and purchase electronics and other sorts of products.

Tablets may become the dominant mobile shopping platform

UK Mobile Commerce - Retail SalesAn estimated 70% of the United Kingdom’s populace currently owns a smartphone or tablet. As mobile commerce becomes more popular, many consumers are reporting that tablets offer a more enjoyable shopping experience. Approximately 12 million tablet devices were sold in the United Kingdom in 2013 and many retailers are beginning to fashion their mobile commerce initiatives to cater to tablet devices specifically. Tablets may soon become the most favored mobile shopping platform, but smartphones currently boast of that honor.

Consumers remain concerned over the security of mobile commerce

While consumers have shown their eagerness to participate in mobile commerce, they have also expressed serious concerns. The majority of these concerns have to do with the security of their financial information. Mobile commerce, as a whole, is still quite new. This can mean that retailers and other groups participating in the sector have not yet come to fully understand the security issues that exist in this field.