Australia has experienced tremendous growth of the use of smartphone and tablet devices for holiday purchases.
The latest mcommerce news from Australia is clearly showing that people living in the land down under enjoy holiday shopping with the help of their smartphones and tablets and have been using them more than ever before throughout this season.
Recent data released by PayPal Australia has revealed that nearly one quarter of Australians have used mobile to buy.
The statistics have indicated that 22 percent of Australians have used a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device for mcommerce purposes throughout the Christmas shopping season. It has been estimated that by the end of 2012, there will have been $5.6 billion worth of purchases made in that country through the use of these devices.
When compared to the figures from previous years, mcommerce has exploded in Australia.
In 2010, the spending over mcommerce in Australia was recorded to be $155 million, which is tremendously lower than this year’s data. These figures are showing a phenomenal growth to the channel.
Among the additional trends that have been observed include the timing of the purchases. For example, over the Christmas period, nearly one in every three purchases that have been made over mcommerce have occurred between the hours of 8pm and midnight. Jeff Clementz, the managing director at PayPal Australia, has said that this indicates a new trend of using smartphones and tablets after the brick and mortar stores have closed.
He explained that “Our data demonstrates that for consumers, there is residual ‘shopping time’ continuing on from the ‘in-store’ experience after they leave the shopping centre, on their mobile devices.” He also went on to add that “Additionally, we are seeing consumers shop in short mission focused bursts on mobile devices as they knock items off their Christmas list while commuting or relaxing at home.”
The information that has been collected over the holiday season regarding the ways in which mcommerce is used by Australians will be very important for defining the way that features and services are offered and campaigns are run over upcoming shopping seasons.
Denny |
December 28, 2012
Augmented reality revolution may kick into full swing in 2013
Augmented reality is gaining steam and 2013 may be the year in which the technology reaches a new level of its potential. For the past two years, augmented reality has become a powerful force in marketing and entertainment, and while the technology is expected to continue performing well in these sectors, the methods in which it is used are likely to evolve. 2013 may mark the beginning of an augmented reality revolution that could have major implications numerous industries.
Augmented reality glasses may see limited launch next year
Google, Microsoft, and several other technology companies are currently in the process of developing augmented reality glasses. These glasses, such as Google’s Project Glass, are designed to use augmented reality to enhance a wearer’s everyday life. Digital displays are used to provide wearers with information they may find important, as well as give them the ability to connect with others via social networking. While these augmented reality glasses may not be available before 2014, they are likely to see limited release next year to whet the appetites of consumers.
Technology may have major implications for mobile marketing
A growing number of smart phones are becoming more proficient in their use of augmented reality. With the rise of companies like metaio, which specializes in augmented reality technology, the mobile space is expected to become much more interactive in 2013. This goes beyond smart phones having the capability of interacting with augmented reality experience, however, as the technology could open up a new era in location-based marketing for the advertising agency. Because augmented reality is heavily influenced by the local environment, marketers could leverage the technology to target consumers with location-specific campaigns.
Mobile gaming could use more interactivity
Augmented reality is also expected to have a major impact on mobile gaming. Games have long been an interactive pastime for millions of consumers, but augmented reality could put a new twist on mobile gaming. The technology could make games seem like they have an impact on the real world, as is the case with Google’s Ingress, which tasks players to go to real-world locations and solve puzzles.
