15th August 2013
It wasn't a case of if, but when … and now it has happened.
We are referring to global smartphone sales, which have outstripped those of 'feature' (conventional) phones for the first time, according to Gartner, the world's leading IT research and advisory company.
Smartphones have become indispensible to many people – with their convenient go-anywhere, multiple functions. However, the growth in smartphone use is accompanied by a corresponding increase in problems associated with their use. Rather than being mere phones, they also serve as computers, emailing, web surfing, shopping, banking and social networking devices, personal assistants, diaries, cameras …. the list goes on.
The problems we refer to over conventional handsets include vulnerability to viruses, spyware and other malware, a higher risk of theft, loss of the device and all its data, emails and browsing history, eavesdropping via wireless hotspots or shoulder surfing and download fraudulent apps. This list is far from complete. Of particular concern is the recent massive increase in smartphones – as well as tablets – being snatched whilst in use or being carried, reported on recently on this website.
In the second quarter of this year, according to Gartner, worldwide smartphones sales increased 6.5% over the same period in 2012 to reach 225 million units. Sales of conventional phones, however, declined 21% year-on-year to 210 million units. The fastest growth occurred in the Asia Pacific (74%), Latin American (56%) and Eastern European markets (32%), but growth was reported in all regions.
