Bringing connectivity to a larger audience means strategic focus on features
Implications - Putting cell phones and connectivity in the hands of consumers of all income levels is becoming increasingly important, as the Internet has transitioned from a novelty to the main form of communication and education. Cell phone manufacturers are responding by accelerating one key feature per device, boosting affordability by way of strategic development.
Workshop Question - How could your brand and your consumers benefit from more widespread connectivity?
Trend Themes
1. Affordable Connectivity - Companies are accelerating one key feature per device, boosting affordability by way of strategic development, in response to the increasing importance of putting cell phones and connectivity in the hands of consumers of all income levels.
2. Wi-fi First Smartphones - FreedomPop and Intel are introducing a low-cost Wi-Fi-first smartphone that is capable of switching easily between Wi-Fi and cellular network without affecting the user's experience, reversing the way we think about phones.
3. Simplistic Smartphones - The O Phone offers basic functionality, yet modern design, to promote user-free attachment for consumers who seek to disconnect from their tech gadgets and spend less time on their phone.
Industry Implications
1. Telecommunications - Telecommunications industry can revolutionize their smartphones by accelerating one key feature per device for affordability, and offering Wi-Fi-first smartphones. Companies can also explore producing simplistic smartphones to offer consumers basic functionality and modern design to promote user-free attachment.
2. Travel - As technology continues to make travel easier, manufacturers in the travel industry can incorporate travel-specific smartphones like the IconQ Q5.5 equipped with pay-as-you-go or international sim card through its dual sim card slot to cater to the roadie's needs.
3. Mobile Applications - Mobile application companies can create walkie-talkie messaging platforms that offer free voice calls between friends and family over a strong Wi-Fi connection, without increasing the price of a mobile bill. Companies can also explore producing intuitive and simplistic smartphones for user-free attachment.
