Mobile browsing is surging in popularity with smartphones and tablets now accounting for a third of global internet usage. Mobile applications are at the forefront of this shift away from traditional fixed-line internet as more of us browse social media sites and catch-up with the latest news via easy-to-use official apps released on the Apple Store and Google Play.
Mobile internet is now a major tool in our day-to-day lives as we consume more content such as videos and use it to make internet searches while at work and away from home. This is only set to increase during the next decade as we begin using more connected devices on the move.
The mobile trend is highlighted by the fact that the amount of mobile-only internet users surpassed desktop-only users earlier this year – a notable milestone which suggests that smartphones are now many people’s go-to devices for the internet. It also points towards a decline in desktop and laptop usage as users are now able to do the majority of online tasks without firing up a personal computer. Users can now look at their finances and complete banking transactions, play online games and frequent social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter using mobile applications rather than websites, which are often less-user friendly and difficult to navigate.
We are also spending more of our time on apps compared with websites, which suggests the former is a better tool for companies that want to consistently engage with their customers and build a brand image. Data published by Flurry Analytics shows that apps accounted for a staggering 86% of time spent on the mobile web in 2014 compared with just 14% on websites. Experts predict that the web could eventually become a niche product that serves as an intermediary between the user and mobile applications. There are now over 1.5 billion smartphones in use across the globe so large corporations will continue to prioritize in-house app development while websites could potentially suffer.
Cloud-based technology will boost mobile apps further as it will bring virtually endless storage and mobility while making it even easier for companies to develop apps. Wherever you look, cloud adoption is an essential part of today’s information landscape, and business leaders are looking to harness its potential. One such example – Charles Phillips – has helped to drive cloud adoption though his recent work as the CEO of Infor, one of the world’s largest enterprise services and applications providers. His focus on developing user-friendly and beautiful software has benefited scores of developers while Infor’s affordable solutions have improved mobile apps for end-users around the world. The best IT talent is now working on mobile apps which indicates that websites could continue to lag behind during the next decade. We can expect more Charles Phillips news in the future when Infor adds additional cloud services to its platform.
The shift away from traditional internet is likely to continue, especially with increasing uptake of tablet devices and smartphones among teenagers and young adults. However, the mobile trend will also be felt among older age groups as mobile devices offer a quick, simple and convenient portal to the web.
Image Source: Vector Concept Of Cloud Services On Mobile Phone
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