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Android faces crossroads with upcoming consoles

| January 28, 2013

Android mobile gaming crossroadsAndroid mobile gaming may be set for a major paradigm shift

Android mobile gaming has been getting a great deal of attention over the past several months. The Android platform has long been popular in terms of mobile games, but the future of the platform may be decidedly more static. The impending launch of the Ouya and Nvidia’s Project Shield, both of which are stationary consoles based on the Android platform, may have a measurable impact on the Android’s position in the mobile gaming realm.

Android-based consoles equipped with advanced technology

Mobile gaming on the Android has been evolving for several years. While there are still significant gaps between the Android and traditional game consoles, the Android platform has become more capable of supporting advanced games due to the expanding capabilities of new technology. The Nvidia’s Tegra 3 processor, for example, allows the Android to support games that have features that had traditionally been exclusive to consoles. With the coming of Android-based consoles, however, the platform may see its mobile gaming pedigree marred.

Developers may favor consoles over mobile platforms

The Ouya and Project Shield will boast of more advanced technology than what can be found on the most modern Android mobile devices. These consoles will be able to play games that will be a significant step above the capacity of mobile devices, despite being based on the same platform. Thus, game developers will have more freedom in the types of games they can produce for the platform, which may end up leaving Android mobile devices behind in terms of mobile gaming.

Mobile gaming may still thrive despite challenges in the future

Despite the possible risks associated with upcoming Android-based consoles, Android mobile devices are still likely to be popular platforms for mobile gaming. Because the upcoming consoles are significantly less mobile than a smart phone or tablet, gamers may not be inclined to acquire mobile titles for these consoles. Android mobile devices will eventually catch up to the capabilities of their console counterparts, but this may take several months, if not years. Moreover, consumers will likely have to purchase an entirely new device that features this advanced technology, whereas they could purchase a console and not have to worry about making another investment for several years.

Mobile commerce growing quickly in the UK

| January 28, 2013

Mobile Commer UK GrowthMobile commerce moving with blinding speed throughout the UK

Mobile commerce has become one of the fastest growing sectors in the United Kingdom. The advent of this sector has had a powerful impact on website traffic across several industries, such as retail. More consumers have been turning to their mobile devices to make purchase online, which are done through e-commerce sites, and this trend is no longer going beyond the notice of advertisers, according to a report from Econsultancy, a leading market research firm.

Advertisers may begin shifting focus to mobile commerce

Advertisers in the United Kingdom are becoming increasingly aware of the prospects of mobile commerce. Econsultancy notes that approximately 58% of the country’s population owns a smart phone, with 19% owning a tablet of some kind. This presents a major opportunity for marketers to engage a massive demographic of consumers that have only seen mild engagement through mobile marketing initiatives. Focus on mobile commerce may be the key to reaching these consumers in an effective way.

E-commerce sites may present a good opportunity for marketers

According to Econsultancy, mobile commerce in the United Kingdom grew by 300% between 2011 and 2012. Tablet owners seem to be the most interested in mobile commerce, with 69% of these people making purchases from their tablet devices each month throughout the country. Marketers have an opportunity to engage these consumers if they begin to shift focus toward e-commerce sites, many of which are currently lacking in terms of marketing clout and search engine optimization (SEO).

Mobile optimization is important for e-commerce sites

SEO.org.uk, a marketing specialist based in the United Kingdom, notes that e-commerce sites will need to take their mobile compatibility into account if they want to continue seeing success in the changing world of commerce. Sites that are not optimized to be viewed on a mobile device are becoming an increasingly dubious liability, as more people are using their mobile devices to shop and purchase products. The firm also notes that looking into SEO strategies to reach a wider audience may be a good decision if companies want to stand out from the competition.