The next step in evolution of mobile phone from “simple” telephones to mobile multi-media communication hub is social networking access via mobile browser and apps. This is going to be one of the big stories over the next couple of years that will fuel exponential increase in Social Networking Sites and their user base. It is estimated that currently more than 650 million people worldwide, or 13.4% of mobile subscribers, use the Web via a mobile device at least once a month (see this link). This number is all set to skyrocket as inexpensive smart phones continue to flood the market.
In a recent study by comScore on social networking access via mobile browser, it was found that 30.8 percent of smartphone users accessed social networking sites via their mobile browser, up 8.3 points from 22.5 percent one year ago. Access to Facebook via mobile browser grew 112 percent in the past year, while Twitter experienced a 347-percent jump. This validates the fact that Social Networking is the most popular and fastest-growing behaviors on mobile Web (see this link).
This is a global phenomenon, not limited to “developed” markets in North America or Europe. According to a recent global survey by The Nielsen Company covering 15,000 consumers across 15 countries, two-thirds of mobile users around the globe are interested in “smart” services that would feed them information based on location and social settings (see this link).
Given this rapid expansion of Social Networking, Mobile Broadband Internet and Smart Phone technology, one really wonders what can we expect to see over the next few years?
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To answer some of our questions, here is an excellent slideshare presentation on Mobile Trends for the next ten years compiled by Rudy De Waele , Co-Founder, dotopen.com
Please enjoy this presentation and do leave a comment on what you think will drive adoption of Social Networking technology through smart phones?
