Very soon, mobile sales will outnumber the population. But it is the Smartphone sales that are increasingly in demand by businesses. Forrester Research has numbered the current percentage of mobile retailers to be seventy per cent and estimates increase by 39 per cent each year. Similar studies point toward the fast and upward growth of mobile commerce. It is these statistics that are the driving force for businesses to enter the mobile platform for B2B and B2C.

One aspect of such a study that has caught the attention is that sales are more likely to take place by consumers who use mobile and desktop platforms rather than just the desktop. Another advantage pointed out was the mobile’s convenient ease of access. A third advantage for using the mobile is because it saves time for the fast paced lifestyles of today’s consumers, who would otherwise have to spend hours at brick and mortar stores to make their selection. Most importantly, mobile commerce is cost effective.

This trend has pressed retailers and businesses in general into rethinking their mobile strategy in terms of trade and commerce. Attracting customers to online stores through Smartphone apps is already a regular practice within the industry, especially the B2B. So if the company has a store on the web, it is high time they open  one on the mobile and consider creating a shopping app for the consumer, when the market is fresh and competition is low.

Limiting options does not guarantee sales. Window shopping is still something customers want to do and will bide their time to wait for a better price if they have to. Although Android and iPhone offer ‘simple yet incredible shopping experience’ for the user, it’s no longer about the right platform but more about cross platform apps.

Mobile apps should be customized, simple and accessible of commerce is to be successful between business and consumers. Nordstrom has invested in several services for selling their products through mobile. A report published online recommends smarter ‘native applications’ that are applicable across all mobile platforms. This way the consumer is not dependent on any particular operating system.

Mobil ecommerce is not just about direct purchase, but the influencing behavior and practices of a consumer. The most commonly observed behavior is ‘comparison shopping’ which is someone standing at a brick and mortar store, simultaneously checking prices on the mobile for the same product. Others use mobile commerce apps for research and purchase directly and exclusively from the mobile platform.

What was initially welcomed as a convenient travel planning and navigation tool is now cause for concern. Location based mobile service are lately being viewed with suspicion, fueled by security alert that iOS apps are tracking and recording geodata since the past several months without obtaining user consent. Another alarm sounded off when some apps were discovered to have been dispersing location data for unethical use. Although these apps were immediately removed from the mobile app stores, people are still doubtful about how many of such apps exist.

While mobile companies promise strict monitoring, a study of 1000 Americans revealed that majority use location based services despite concerns because of the invaluable information provided. It may be for entertainment purposes such as shopping and gaming. You know exactly where to go if you are in a new locality. From the business perspective, users can expand their network locally.  Corporate events can be tracked by distance of location.

Locations are tracked by linking apps to the Core Location Framework, which comprises different location services via WiFi, GPS or built-in cellular information. If users do not wish to reveal their location, they have the option to disable the service from the settings or switch to ‘Airplane mode’ to prevent location identification.

From their end, Apple officially announced that location based apps are not allowed in their iOS store solely designed for targeted advertising. App developers have been warned to observe this policy or their app will be barred from their store.

For secure use and to save battery power, Apple recommends users should switch off the service when not in use, opt for the ‘significant-change location service’ rather than the standard location service on the iOS and to maintain low resolution values.

Users are also advised to read the agreement prior to installing the app, which should spell out exactly how their personal data will be used.

Forbes suggests that there should be global standard for users to use color signals that inform and authorize app developers about the extent of location data that can be obtained.  Imaginative, but tricky.

For now, mobile companies need to work on providing better coverage and power. App developers need to give users a strong incentive to obtain location data in apps. Similarly, businesses need to work in cohesion with mobile companies to optimize location based apps that will benefit the user, the developer, and their firm.

When it comes to user experience, it must be complete. Good graphics, a high level of interactivity and exciting features work on the senses, but that is insufficient without good sound effects. Musicians have filed the gap by collaborating with app developers to create apps and games that have captivated the most disinterested, by adding ‘soul’ to technology.

The video rave

Video gaming is no longer about a few sounds of shots and beeps, it’s a musical experience in which performers are thriving live within apps and games.

Perhaps composer Tommy Tallarico’s statement sounded exaggerated when he said Beethoven would have created music for video games were he to be alive today. Although the origins of music in games date back to the 19^th century, the revolutionary change has happened very recently as a result of technology and mobile apps, spreading globally and breaking cultural barriers. It’s equally remarkable to observe how youngsters have gained exposure through video games. For instance, in the Video Game Live Concert held five years ago where children watched live orchestra performances that turned the event into a rock-like concert made children appreciative of the classical genre.

Song apps

The technology complex is no longer a barrier for artists, either. In her interview, the Icelandic singer Bjork revealed how her ‘technophobic’ side to her personality dissolved because of the touchscreen. ‘Biophilia’ is the world’s first app album performed by Bjork. Each track is a unique interactive experience and uses the Cocos2D framework for the graphics on the iOS. The tracks are available as iPhone apps at individual prices.

The Trendsetters

Although music is a worldwide phenomenon, it is Japan who has pioneered the music-tech evolution, mainly for originality and conceptualization. Their music stems invariably from North America and the United Kingdom, such as indie. Noteworthy achievements include renowned Japanese composer Nobuo Uematsu who contributed to Final fantasy, an iPhone app that made the Guinness Book of World Records fifteen years ago. Others include the Koman ‘Bemani’ series, Namco and the rhythmic rap game NanaOn-Sha.

Most recently, the Webby Award for best game this year has been claimed by a Japanese band Androp for their music video game ‘Bell.’ Although information about the band remains mysterious, their work has been defined as ingenious. Their popularity peaked when they used over 200 flash cameras as a backdrop for the entire length of their track performance. The game has been aptly described as ‘bizarrely alluring’ by a reviewer. The music is enchanting even for those who don’t understand its lyrics.

To the layman, perhaps the most distinctive feature of this phone is its keyboard, which is exclusively touch and unlike the previous physical one that Blackberry is generally associated with and which they intend to continue in later models along with virtual keyboards. The predictive text appears above the letters on the keyboard as you type a message, which are then selected and swiped in upwards direction to the message board.

Acting on the request by developers, the Alpha version will be released by this month exclusive for Blackberry app development before releasing the product into the market. Except for the web browser and camera, this phone is almost appless. This means the BB10 has new software settings and is not an upgrade, and on which all previous Blackberry apps will be rewritten and will work in real time.  In addition, not all apps are expected to work either, with about 70 percent of Android apps estimated as compatible.

RIM intends to distribute about 2,000 BB10 devices free to developers for creating and testing apps at the ongoing Blackberry World Conference and Blackberry 10 Jam in Florida. Having suffered previously at the disappointing produce of apps by developers, this time RIM hopes the results will be better. They are offering developers a monetary incentive of USD 10,000 for producing ‘quality apps. ’

With this take, RIM has defined their goals very clearly and that they are not just about business, but entertainment as well. Gaming is going to be a key focus for RIM and they are encouraging game apps to take up a sizable patch of the platform. Already, popular game developers such as Gameloft have shown keen interest and are said to be working on making at least 11 game apps for BB10.

However, RIM has kept certain aspects concealed, such as the exterior and features, which will be different from the prototype release.  But whatever is visible, is impressive thus far. The UI has a remarkable screen display with a very high resolution set at 1280×768–definitely a superb welcome which will provide an enriched app experience for users. To get things going for developers, a WebKit Browser is available and the Smartphone SDK can be downloaded to package and distribute the apps.

Since the purpose of BB10 is for apps, the phone functionality is not installed in case anyone is thinking of attempting to get their hands on it. For that, just wait till its market release. In the meantime, here’s wishing good luck to Blackberry app developers, may the best apps win!

Forecasting about the technology industry is as challenging as the weather—both are on chance. With almost 90 percent mobile subscriptions in the world currently, that mobile devices will outnumber the world population within this year has left even the experts astounded! Research companies such as mobithinking and Cisco’s Visual Networking Index (VNI) reported figures that were “higher than anticipated.” The figures continue to increase at a staggering rate.

Developers, stay informed with the 5ws and 1h of technology if you wish to get ahead. Without boring you with too many statistical figures, here are some mobile achievements so far that can motivate you:

1. The global mobile data traffic was a little over two per cent higher than expected.
2. 1.2 billion people access the internet mobile web, which has increased nine times than its previous speed. Of these, there are several who use mobile web exclusively for internet usage.
3. Almost half the global population has access to the 3G network.
4. Video apps access is almost at a 50 per cent rate and is expected to increase to 70 percent by next year.
5. Smartphone consumers have increased to thrice the previous amount. However, non Smartphone, or feature phones continue to lead in usage. Considering their heavy marketing and with a global market share of 82 percent, just 12 percent of Smartphone are in use from the total global handsets.
6. With the iPhone and Android vendors constantly competing, it is Android who has beaten the tracks as the ‘top Smartphone’ OS.
7. Apple is the third largest vendor in device sales, behind Samsung and Nokia.
8. China is the world’s number one mobile consumer, followed by India and then the US.
9. Of over 300,000 mobile apps in the world, they are downloaded almost 11 million billion times. (Unofficial figures are considered to be much higher.)
10. 1 out 4 persons who downloaded a mobile app did not use it again. (A very significant fact for mobile app developers to work on by focusing on user retention more than discovery.)
11. SMS is the most commonly used app in the world, which makes it an asset for mobile marketing.
12. Apps are mainly used for entertainment purpose by users, mainly games and social network, while for all other information, the web browser is more frequently accessed.
13. In the US, iPhone apps are in higher demand than Android apps.
14. Reviews suggest that users will soon prefer using a combined web-app OS. One report suggested that the web help during the app discovery process, while accessing the apps would most likely be preferred as a standalone.
15. M-payments: Japan has made optimal use of mobile services, especially in transactions, such as purchasing digital goods, m-payments and m-commerce. Next is China..

For app developers who are working for the web platform, it’s high time you start putting in your creative energy toward mobile apps, but don’t give up the web platform. At least…not yet!

Consider the latest mobile statistics for this year that reveal 85 percent of the world population are mobile consumers, with US as being the third largest mobile consumer. This market strength has resulted in firms, whether small, medium and multinational, to develop a mobile strategy to leverage their business to incorporate mobile technology as internal and external mobile apps and/or mobile website services.

A small business research group, The SMB, reported on their recent survey, ‘2012 SMB Mobile Solutions Study,’ of how the mobile has impacted small firms. Major findings were ‘increased productivity, access to people and information more quickly, increased revenue and profitability and retention.’ Majority of small business surveyed used Smartphone and over half of these accessed mobile apps and business-critical apps.

Although there are some challenges related to IT infrastructure, small business firms have been very keen to use mobile applications since they consider the odds are outweighed by the benefits. The ‘2012 AT&T Small Business Technology Poll’ showed 96 per cent of small business depends on mobile technology services in their work system.

This popularity has given rise for mobile companies to invest and improve their services further for business corporations. Recently, AT&T launched an exclusive ‘Mobile Applications for Small Website,’ designed to offer various options of mobile app services that can be availed by small business firms. However, AT@T’s Office@Hand has proven to be a success and has contributed to the increased use of mobile service for small business. Among its many features are fax, internal and external remote connectivity with multiple mobiles, toll free numbers, visual voice messaging and an auto receptionist. The app also has the ability to transfer calls between mobiles and land-line telephones. Especially created for small business, the mobile app is available at USD 15 per month and can be downloaded as an iPhone app or Blackberry app.

Not all mobile initiatives have been successful. Two years ago, Microsoft decided to close down their mobile service designed specifically for small business, Response Point. The two year venture showed poor sales mainly because the features were no different from a regular telephone and they did not support remote extension.

Future business trends are inclined towards mobile companies aiming to simplify the system further by allying with iPhone, Android and Blackberry developers to provide compatible and affordable solutions for:

• corporate communications
• marketing and advertising
• CRM
• sales and services
• improved employee performance
• ease of transactions (esp. with international vendors)
• company’s account management

The issue of mobile game app ratings has become a major global concern. Each region has an independent body to classify media according to age, such as the Pan European Game Information (PEGI). In Australia however, it is government autonomy, the Australian Classification Board (ACB) that decides ratings for all electronic media, including video games. However, ACB decided to limit the age (MA 15) for the video game arcade, whereas for all other media the rating of 18+ is also included. This has barred millions of games from the country and at the moment, an amendment is currently under consideration.

While the responsibility to rate the game lies with Smartphone companies, the main decision maker is the game developer. In cases where there are user complaints against the rating, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in the U.S. intervenes and requests the mobile company to change their rating. The one major drawback to the various ways that mobile companies provide their ratings, which can sometimes be ambiguous or overlap across different platforms. For instance, the same game app may have a different rating in one mobile platform and another rating in another platform. Due to this ‘confusing hodgepodge’ the ESRB recently partnered with the Cellular Telephone Industry Association (CTIA) devised a rating system that would be applicable to game development. The ESRB/CTIA system involves filing out a questionnaire by the app developer, and content may be inspected to verify the information.

Unfortunately, just six mobile companies signed up for the system and for reasons that are not yet ascertained, two major giant mobile companies did not: Apple and Google. Both companies, with the most popular games in their app stores, are continuing with their own rating system. This wasn’t the first time either: Apple was reluctant to comply even two years ago when the ESRB President raised the issue.

Hopefully, either ESRB will continue in their attempts to involve the Apple Store and Google Play. It will certainly put the parents at ease to see a standardized, uniformed rating system. Although there is the option to install parental controls as well, the ESRB ratings are clearly spelled out and ESRB has made it a point that they are clearly marked so as to be easily noticeable, since a minority parents are ignorant of the fact that mobile game apps have age restrictions, as revealed in a survey in Britain. Incidentally, majority parents expressed concern and awareness with regard to movies content, not mobile game apps! Game developers are therefore advised to help the cause by acting responsibly and to create games, whether it is to create iPhone game apps, Android game apps, or BlackBerry game apps, to rate the game with a clear conscience and with the intention to provide suitable entertainment for all.

When the BlackBerry device was first introduced into the market, it gained widespread popularity among the business world. The main reason it attracted the rest of the masses was its messaging services, the BBM.

BBM’s plus points

• While the regular SMS feature allows a limited capacity of 160 character input, the BBM has a 2000 character capacity.
• The MMS that allows transfer of photo and video content is a separate feature on all mobiles, but the BBM allows it within the same service.
• BBM provides real-time notification of message delivery within BBM as well as to other phones and functions are similar to web chats.
• There are plenty of options available to customize the appearance of the message through avatars and other images.
• Contacts can be transferred from one BBM to another through e-mail request, via barcode scanning or providing the device PIN number.
• Files can be shared wirelessly between BlackBerry devices.

App functionality

• The BBM app can be downloaded from the BlackBerry App World.
• Communication and sharing of app activities with friends is also possible within the apps.
• With the BBM API, BlackBerry App Developers can Create BlackBerry Apps to allow sharing of games and social apps with friends.
• Location and contacts can also be shared through the app.

Messenger Competition

Unlike BBM, Hookt Messenger is available to use across multiple platforms. It also enables more number of users to chat together (upto ten). It contains graphic stickers and utilizes BlackBerry’s features such as the BlackBerry Push Service and Inbox integration. With this kind of competition, it was clever for BlackBerry to induct Hookt as a free BlackBerry app service.

The iOS5 is expected to introduce a similar service as BBM which can be used between iOS5 owners exclusively but BlackBerry still outshines because its messaging service is a preinstalled app on the device. One review has praised it for its ‘incredible depth’ that iOS5 will not match. The simply designed iMessage is compatible with other Apple devices, as does BlackBerry’s Playbook with its phone device. For instance, if you are writing a message on the iPhone, you can continue the same on the iPad as well.

BlackBerry is also integrated with third party apps, as opposed to iOS5. While the launch is still awaited for iOS 5, BlackBerry messenger latest beta version v6.2.0.24 was recently introduced in the market, with improved features and resolved previous operation issues.

An extreme situation may be identity theft, but even obtaining your basic information is a violation that can be prevented, if not completely avoided. Cell phones are more prone to being lost within seconds because of their diminutive size. The more expensive the device, the higher the chances of theft.

A few weeks ago, Symantec, a global software company that provides security and management solutions, conducted an experiment ‘The Symantec Smartphone Honey Stick Project’ to find out what happens to smartphones when they are lost. 50 smartphones comprising obvious names of mobile apps such as ‘online banking’ and ‘contacts’ were intentionally ‘misplaced’ in 5 major cities in the US and Canada.  The phones were tracked through the GPS mechanism. Half of the devices were returned by the finders, but not as honestly. Almost all had attempted to gain access to private or corporate information, mainly ‘private photos’, ‘online banking’, ‘contacts’ and ‘saved password’ apps. Based on these findings, the company recommended that strict security measures must be maintained to protect sensitive personal or corporate data.

Whether it is for corporate or personal use, it is best to take some basic measures just as soon as you have purchased your smartphone. Whether android, iPhone or Windows Phone 7, all smartphones form of locking ability within the device features. It may be a security code, password, pin or swipe pattern (android). Ensure the pin/password does not identify with your personal information, such as date of birth.

Smartphones also feature apps that can remotely track and/or erase the data from the phone. You can install smartphone apps such as ‘Find my iPhone’ or ‘Where’s my Droid’ that feature remote protection with tools such as a map. Or, for instance, to track your Windows 7 phone, you can log in to a computer and follow the instructions on their website (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsphone/en-us/howto/wp7/basics/find-a-lost-phone.aspx) to remotely enable your phone to ring.

For app developers, test your application prior to publishing. Ensure that the iCloud app data in the iCloud storage is the user’s exclusively and not for your files or caches. Where possible, enable on-disk encryption prior to writing data, with an extended attribute that shows the level of protection, such as ‘complete’ or ‘complete unless already open.’ There is risk of losing data in this case, but the app can also be tracked and changed through various methods that notify when the data becomes unavailable.

Even with maximum measures, there are limitations and while app developers must do more, users must understand that the responsibility for securing data lies mainly with them and they optimize the services so there are no regrets when the phone is lost.

Generation Y is very fortunate, and if they want to count their blessings, then they should ask generation the previous generations who obtained their learning through:

1. Good education
2. Excellent reading skills, e.g newspaper
3. Extensive travel
4. Experience

It sounds great, but required plenty of physical effort. Compare that to the present way of learning via the internet while seated in one place and accessing with one touch.

Case example: The Titanic

It is electronic media that has contributed to mass awareness. The tragedy of the ship in 1912, the Titanic has become glamorized since the movie was released over a decade ago. To commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the incident, National Geographic recently released a game ‘Titanic Island Game’ in the iPhone app market, iTunes. Story telling in this manner is a very effective way to spread awareness across a large segment of people who would not otherwise gain the knowledge through formal education.

Learning through such adventure games or RPGs is no longer restricted to the elementary level. It has certainly beaten the traditional, silent learning: memorizing chapters in black and white print, which actually makes you forget the content because of the monotonous method.

However, caution should be observed regarding the source of learning. The adage ‘a little knowledge is a dangerous thing’ applies to those who do not obtain the information from the right source. To differentiate between facts and incorrect information has become increasingly difficult, as technology has become easy for the layman to use as he wills. Poor research and unclear concepts of subjects contributes to poor content in blogs and articles. A serious researcher can get into serious trouble for even quoting such amateurs. So much for awareness.

On the brighter side, the internet is great because it challenges previous learning. A wealth of knowledge is available to anyone. The best part is the level of interaction that was missing with the traditional method. Now, a topic can be discussed in forums, commented upon on social media, images and videos uploaded, and games are based on it.

At this moment, there is a transition in the use of technology from the computer to the mobile platform. This means access to information is available at anytime and anywhere. Even now, there are so many educational apps on the mobile that aid learning. It is just a matter of time when, experts believe, the mobile will become an essential learning tool in the formal classroom settings.