How Far Have Smartphones Dominated the World?

It has been projected that the year 2014 will mark the 1st billionth smartphone shipped globally, according to a research firm. Well, with the smartphone becoming a mainstream handheld device from being known as a cutting-edge communications tool, this number is already expected.

With a 40% smartphone market growth observed this year, a group of experts predict that the number will likely reach to 1.7 billion by 2017.

Due to the various functionalities incorporated into a smartphone, it has been regarded as an essential part of people’s lives. It serves a vital means for communication, education, entertainment, business, and a whole lot more. Although until now, the smartphone market still lacks the adequate numbers to overtake the shipment volume of feature phones. Some mobile consumers are still hooked up with a quite simpler handheld device that can basically meet their essential needs of just texting and calling. Plus, feature phones are no doubt relatively cheaper than smartphones. But according to Kevin Restivo, a senior research analyst at the International Data Corporation, “By 2017, smartphones are expected to take over nearly all sales in the most developed economies.”

The immense growth of the global smartphone market is credited to a variety of factors. First, we have the continuous innovation of smartphone manufacturers on their handheld devices, packing them with advanced features like the Sony Xperia Z Ultra that is protected by a water resistant casing that renders the device itself water proof. Second is the presence of apps development by third party software companies that makes the mobile device more interesting by the minute. Third are the extensive programs and marketing strategies of carrier networks, subsidizing the cost of mobile devices to reach out to people and make a commitment with their prospective clients. And fourth is the tactic of smartphone companies targeting consumers belonging to the middle class, driven by low-cost handsets like the iPhone 5C.

Now, you can already bear witness to the ubiquitous nature of smartphones. With Android leading the worldwide mobile platform market share, its competitors are pressured to find ways to boost their identity and patronage. Moreover, Android has seemed to catch the attention of the general public when it announced that instead of the originally planned brand new operating system known as the Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, it has partnered with both Hershey’s and Nestle to call its next dessert-themed, “K” OS the Android 4.4 KitKat. Shifting from one company to the other, just recently, Microsoft has bought Nokia with an aim to get ahead of the game in the battle of the smartphones. And these relentless developments and hullabaloos contribute in bringing the attention of consumers to the mobile market.

Source: EzineArticles by Author Harold Marshall . Harry is a resident of the humble state of New Jersey. He lives with his lovely wife in a suburban household where he has always pictured family life. Just recently, he worked as the co-editor in a publishing firm in New Jersey. At present, he is a part-time blogger for Ecell Global.

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