Tag: abi research

Study predicts the rise of NFC technology in mobile commerce

| March 28, 2013

NFC Technology on the riseNFC technology beginning to gain more traction in mobile commerce

NFC technology has begun to lose some of its luster with consumers in regards to mobile commerce, but that does not mean that the technology is going away any time soon. Though many consumers have reservations concerning the use of NFC technology in mobile commerce, NFC remains one of the cornerstones of mobile payments. The technology enables mobile devices to conduct transactions for goods and services and helped expose people to the concept of mobile commerce. Despite the importance of the technology, NFC-enabled mobile devices are still quite rare. This may soon change.

Study shows that more NFC-enabled devices are incoming

A new study from ABI Research, a leading market research firm, suggests that the number  of NFC-enabled devices around the world will surpass 500 million in 2014. The study predicts that at least 285 million NFC devices will be shipped around the world this year, with heavy shipments being seen in large markets like the U.S. and some parts of the Asian Pacific. Mobile device makers are currently the strongest supporter of NFC-enabled devices and are expected to labor intensely to show that these devices can be useful, especially in the realm of mobile commerce.

Galaxy S III helps promote NFC and shed light on the challenges it faces

Currently, the most popular NFC-enabled mobile device is the Samsung Galaxy S III. This smartphone is equipped with NFC technology that has been lauded as an ideal way to share digital content among consumers. The fact that the smartphone can be used to participate in mobile commerce has received relatively little attention since its launch last year. The Galaxy S III has, of course, been used for mobile payments, but it also represents the challenges that device makers have with promoting the mobile commerce capabilities of NFC-enabled devices, namely raising awareness and encouraging consumers to actually pay for goods using their smartphones or tablets.

NFC technology may not be ideal for mobile commerce

The study from ABI Research shows that device makers are ready to embrace NFC technology, but mobile network operators may have more trouble supporting the technology and its use in mobile commerce. NFC technology has no inherent security features, as it acts simply as a transmission technology capable of sending and receiving digital information. Therefore, the security measures needed to keep consumers safe are the responsibility of device makers and mobile network operators. Network operators have, thus far, shown little interest in incorporating significantly more robust, and more expensive, security measures in order to support NFC technology.

Mobile commerce may have a bright future

| March 27, 2013

Mobile Commerce Bright FutureMobile commerce is picking up momentum

Mobile commerce is growing rapidly and that growth does not appear to be slowing down any time soon. The current state of mobile commerce suggests a bright future, largely due to the proliferation of mobile technology and the perceived convenience of mobile payments. Indeed, mobile devices are beginning to become more popular than PCs. According to a study conducted by  the International Telecommunications Union, as of August 2012, more than 7 billion mobile devices were operating all over the world, exceeding the number of active PCs by three times.

Mobile sales to reach new heights in near future

A recent study from Abi Research suggests that mobile commerce will reach $119 billion by 2015. This is roughly 8% of the current e-commerce market. E-commerce is still considered to be a powerful force, especially in the retail industry, but mobile commerce is benefiting from increased exposure and a growing number of retailers interested in engaging mobile consumers in a new form of commerce. Another study by Forrester Research suggests that mobile commerce in the U.S., in particular, will reach $31 billion by 2016.

US mobile commerce experiences aggressive growth

In the U.S., mobile commerce is experiencing a magnanimous rise to fame. More consumers are beginning to become comfortable with the concept of mobile payments, making them more likely to purchase goods and services using their smartphones or tablets. Mobile traffic to websites is on the rise, powered by growing interests in the realm of mobile marketing. Location-based services are also playing a role in encouraging consumers to participate in mobile commerce as they are able to find stores and attractions more easily, especially while traveling.

Security may derail bright future

While the current state of mobile commerce does paint a bright future, the future is, of course, unknowable. There are many challenges that face mobile commerce that could derail the burgeoning industry’s future. The most significant of these challenges, currently, is security. Without adequate security, a consumer’s financial information is at risk of theft and exploitation. The security dangers inherent in mobile commerce have kept many consumers from conducting mobile payments.