An interesting read on the future of mobile

[DavidJ726]

A very interesting read, even though they bring up framentation, and seem to feel that IOS will probably win the war

The Future Of Mobile [DECK] - Business Insider

Enjoy!

David...

 

[Maikai.Guy]

Not a very surprising conclusion from BI. They are very Apple friendly. Just click on their "mobile" section and see for yourself.

Two of their graphs contradict each other. One shows Android flat since Q3,2011 (it's wrong), the next shows Android ownership percentages continuing to grow. Both can't be true.

Also, the numbers they show for iOS are for ALL iOS devices, including iPod. Most serious data miners don't include iPod numbers. It's not at all the same demographic. Although it technically runs iOS, it shouldn't be included. The real worldwide market percentage of iOS phones is somewhere in the teens and has remained relatively flat for more than a year now.

I agree with their conclusion that the younger generation has more fully adopted smartphones. IMHO, the younger generation is much more iPhone focused than the older generations. If I'm right, that means as the older generations adopt smartphones, they will more likely be Android phones. I think this is already evident in the runaway market share numbers for Android.

 

[pazzo02]

IMHO, the younger generation is much more iPhone focused than the older generations. If I'm right, that means as the older generations adopt smartphones, they will more likely be Android phones. I think this is already evident in the runaway market share numbers for Android.

I have to disagree with you on this point. I would think the younger, more tech saavy demographic would be more interested in Android and that the older demographic would prefer iPhone due to their "it just works" marketing. I know the main reason I moved from iPhone to Android was due to the capabilities it has over iOS. I would think that someone less techie could feel a little overwhelmed with Android. That's my experience, anyway. Also, as a whole, Android phones on average are more affordable than iPhone. But that could play for either demographic.

 

[DavidJ726]

Regardless of the demographics, and who's using what, there's no doubt that mobile devices are rapidly gaining ground,and that the unfortunate result of this growth is that there's a lot more idiots with their heads burried in the phone while they're driving....

 

[Maikai.Guy]

I have to disagree with you on this point. I would think the younger, more tech saavy demographic would be more interested in Android and that the older demographic would prefer iPhone due to their "it just works" marketing. I know the main reason I moved from iPhone to Android was due to the capabilities it has over iOS. I would think that someone less techie could feel a little overwhelmed with Android. That's my experience, anyway. Also, as a whole, Android phones on average are more affordable than iPhone. But that could play for either demographic.

Yeah, I thought that for awhile, but over time it has become clear to me that...
1) The younger generation isn't all that tech savvy.
2) Apple has done an absolutely outstanding job of creating a "must have" mystique around the iPhone that younger egos have a lot of difficulty ignoring.

I'm an electrical engineer, so it's not surprise I'd root my phone. What surprises me is how many non-tech associates of mine (people in sales! - 'nuff said!) have dug into their phones, rooted, and customized. I was turned onto the Cornerstone stuff from a secretary... um... sorry... "admin" they are called now. ;-) And she was about 45 or so.

After observing and thinking about this for quite some time, my opinion is the following:
- The generation before the baby boom was tech-ignorant.
- The first half of the baby boom generation is tech-aware.
- The second half of the baby boom is tech-comfortable.
- Generations X and Y are tech savvy.
- Generations after that, which you would think would be savvy are turning back to tech-comfortable.

It seems to me the younger generation doesn't care to understand how or why these things work. They don't marvel at the invention. It's been part of their lives all along. To them, it's always existed. They didn't see it grow. They are just "users," understanding little about how and why. More importantly, not caring how or why.

I think this is the underlying reason Apple is so successful with young people. They aren't selling tech to these kids, because these kids can't appreciate tech. They are selling this generation's equivalent of artwork or jewelry. They are appealing to young weak egos in need of affirmation. Apple tells them "This will make you cool."

I don't think the older generation cares about that message.

Of course, this is all speculation on my part, derived from my casual observance. I'd love to see the market numbers broken out along demographic lines.

 

[DavidJ726]

GenX & being tech savy reminds me of the "good ole days"... While I look with fondness of running a multi-line BBS on OS2 while the rest of the world barely knew what Windows 3.1, running Quarterdecks QEMM to squeeze out another 300+k of ram above the 640k, and fiddling with DMA assignments, conflicting IRQ's on the serial ports, and 28.2 modems, there's another part of me that likes having something that works out of the box. There's no denying that Apple has done that, and made it very appealing to the masses. Can't blame them for that!

And... since my HTC EVO 4G is nearly dead and I'm eligible for an upgrade, (and Apple still doesn't appeal to me yet) I think I'm ready to try the new Samsung Galaxy whateveritistheywanttocallitnow, as soon as t's available...

 

[pazzo02]

1) The younger generation isn't all that tech savvy.

That doesn't bode well for future innovations, then.

 

[Ry]

It seems to me the younger generation doesn't care to understand how or why these things work. They don't marvel at the invention. It's been part of their lives all along. To them, it's always existed. They didn't see it grow. They are just "users," understanding little about how and why. More importantly, not caring how or why.

I think this is the underlying reason Apple is so successful with young people. They aren't selling tech to these kids, because these kids can't appreciate tech. They are selling this generation's equivalent of artwork or jewelry. They are appealing to young weak egos in need of affirmation. Apple tells them "This will make you cool."

I agree.

And this is what Apple wants - the technology behind it all should be invisible to the end user.

 

[Maikai.Guy]

I agree.
And this is what Apple wants - the technology behind it all should be invisible to the end user.

I wonder if there were people like me throughout the ages saying similar stuff:

These kids today don't know how to farm. They don't know enough to pick out the best melon from the group.

These kids today don't know how to butcher a cow. They don't know how to identify a good cut of meat.

 

[Ry]

I wonder if there were people like me throughout the ages saying similar stuff:

These kids today don't know how to farm. They don't know enough to pick out the best melon from the group.

These kids today don't know how to butcher a cow. They don't know how to identify a good cut of meat.

These hipster kids are vegan anyways.