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Mobile commerce study highlights consumer demand

| January 3, 2013

Mobile Commerce Study mobile paymentsMore consumers becoming interested in mobile commerce

The retail industry has been eager to appeal to mobile consumers, but many companies seem to have been approaching the issue with a certain degree of caution. Slow implementation of mobile-centric services, such as mobile commerce, coming from retailers has not gone unnoticed by consumers. A new study from Moosylvania, an advertising agency, shows that a large number of consumers want to see more mobile information and mobile commerce services in the stores they favor.

Study shows majority of consumers want more mobile-centric services

According to the study, which surveyed 1,874 smart phones owners, 80% of consumers want to see more product information made available on their smart phones. The study notes that consumers want to see this information in a way that is optimized to be viewed on their mobile device. This demand is becoming more apparent as the number of consumers who rely on their smart phones while shopping increases. Consumers are becoming more likely to use their smart phones and other mobile devices while shopping in order to take advantage of special offers made by retailers online, as well as take advantage of the convenience offered through mobile commerce services.

Mobile research is high among smart phone owners

The study shows that 30% of smart phone owners typical research products through their devices while away from home. Approximately 73% of consumers compare prices on certain products offered by several retailers. The study also shows that these consumers are more likely to spend large amounts of money through mobile commerce. Approximately 50% claim they have made a purchase of $100-$999 using their mobile device. Only 12% of consumers claim to have never used their smart phone to make a purchase.

Consumers show more enthusiasm for mobile commerce

The study also shows that mobile consumers are eagerly anticipating the arrival of comprehensive tools that will make mobile commerce easier for them. Some 44% of consumers say they would like to see advanced mobile wallet platforms for their mobile devices. These platforms are developed to help consumers participate in mobile commerce more easily by providing them with a way to efficiently and securely store their financial information.

Mobile gaming may benefit from emerging trends

| January 3, 2013

Mobile Gaming Trends

The past year has seen many highs and lows for the game industry and its various companies

The advent of mobile gaming has had a significant impact on the industry as a whole and has helped spawn trends that are likely to dictate the course of the game industry into the future. With more consumers showing favor for mobile gaming over traditional channels, encouraging developers to focus more on mobile platforms and incorporate new business methods that defy tradition.

Research highlights the prospects of mobile gaming

According to research from Gartner, more than 821 million smart phones and tablets were sold in the U.S. throughout 2012. As the penetration of mobile devices increased, so too did the focus on mobile games. Rovio, developers of the popular Angry Birds franchise, is one of the prime examples of the success that can be found in the mobile gaming space. The developer’s success has encouraged several other development studios to enter into the mobile space. Gartner research suggests that 44% of mobile consumers participate in mobile gaming, creating a significant incentive for game developers to target this audience.

Developers turning to corwdfunding

Crowdfunding is also becoming a popular trend in the game industry, especially where mobile gaming is concerned. Platforms like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo have paved the way for game development studios to tap directly into consumers for financial support. Several developers have used this to great success. Crowdfunding is expected to help provide the mobile gaming space with more momentum into 2013, especially as larger development studios begin making use of such platforms to fund ambitious mobile games.

Problems persist for game industry as a whole

Though the mobile gaming market represents significant opportunities, economic turmoil continues to cause problems throughout the game industry. Recently, major developer THQ filed for bankruptcy after a long period of financial trouble. Larger companies, such as Blizzard Entertainment, Sega, and Electronic Arts, have also reported layoffs in recent months. While many of these setbacks are expected to be rectified in the coming year, the industry is still likely to experience turmoil to some degree in 2013.