4G speeds may make mobile commerce a major success in the UK
Mobile commerce is on the rise in the United Kingdom and the success of retailers focusing more on mobile payments may rely heavily on Internet speeds. Mobile Internet is still in a state of infancy throughout much of the world. High-speed 4G connections are still somewhat rare, despite rampant demand for such a service. While telecommunications companies are putting a great deal of effort behind making 4G more widely available, delays in high-speed mobile Internet access could mean missed opportunities for UK retailers.
Retailers beginning to become more accommodating of mobile commerce
Retailers throughout the United Kingdom are becoming more inclined to support mobile commerce in a variety of ways. As consumers become more reliant on their mobile devices, they are beginning to find their smartphones and tablets useful for shopping and similar activities. Mobile shopping is quickly becoming a very popular trend among many consumers, according to a recent study from eBay Europe. The study suggests that access to 4G speeds could lead to a universal surge in mobile commerce as consumers find services easier to use.
eBay predicts surge in mobile shopping
eBay Europe predicts that the expansion of 4G availability could cause mobile shopping to spike by 113%. High-speed connectivity means that mobile commerce services are easier to use. This also means that mobile payments can be processed more quickly, eliminating the waiting period that could potentially lead to some payments being lost in virtual limbo because of a connectivity issue with a mobile network. Along with a surge in mobile shopping, eBay Europe predicts that high-speed Internet could lead to more sales.
High-speed Internet could lead the way for higher sales
eBay anticipates that 4G connectivity will help mobile commerce reach more than $2 billion in sales in the coming years. Access to high-speed Internet makes it easier for consumers to find products they are interested in. It also makes it easier for consumers to purchase these products and continue shopping, thereby increasing the amount of money people are willing to spend while shopping online with their smartphones and tablets.
UK game industry sees promising growth with the help of mobile games
The game industry in the United Kingdom is on the rise, according to a new report from Games Investor Consulting, a business intelligence firm focused on the game industry. Gaming continues to gain momentum all over the world as games become more accepted in modern society. In the past, games were considered a very niche market and those that played games where shunned in some communities. Now, however, nearly everyone with a mobile device plays mobile games, and gaming has become a prominent part of many cultures around the world.
Gaming is gaining more acceptance in society
Gaming becoming more accepted around the world has very positive implications for the game industry, of course. According to the report from Games Investor Consulting, the game industry in the UK is showing promising growth. In terms of employment, the industry grew by 4% in 2012, ending a three-year employment decline. The number of game development studios in the UK grew from 329 to 448 last year. Many of these studios have a strong focus on mobile games, which have become a very important interest for the game industry as a whole.
Mobile games help boost performance of UK industry
The report notes that investments in game studios rose from $620 million in 2011 to $650 million in 2012. Investors are showing support for studios that have been making mobile games. These games have become a formidable force in the game industry because of their appeal to consumers. Many people are tethered to their mobile devices and have turned to mobile games to fill out portions of their day. Many of these games are free, which is part of their attraction, but they also offer additional services for a fee. Mobile games are also very strong advertising tools, with consumers constantly being exposed to advertisements as they play these games.
Games Tax Relief initiative may add further momentum to game industry growth
The UK’s game industry is expected to continue growing partly because of mobile games, but these games are not the sole contributing factor to this expected growth. The UK government is currently preparing to launch the Games Tax Relief initiative, which is expected to be enacted in April of this year. The initiative will provide game development studios with tax breaks, offering financial relief to several companies, both large and small, throughout the country.
