Mobile Future

Super Bowl Sunday: Viewers Keep Mobile Devices Close

2012-02-03T15:03:56+00:00

Mashable recently highlighted a survey by Harris Interactive outlining smartphone users expected mobile activities during Super Bowl XLVI. Almost half of Super Bowl viewers are expected to look at their mobile devices up to ten times during the game and a third of viewers will have their device-in-hand as they watch the game.

To learn more, click here.

Spectrum Auctions: Fueling Our Innovation Economy

2012-01-31T19:03:12+00:00

On Capitol Hill today lawmakers discussed the urgent need to address spectrum capacity to meet exploding consumer demand for wireless connectivity. And not a moment too soon. In today’s wireless market, data-intensive mobile devices are gobbling bandwidth at an astounding rate, literally sucking the oxygen out of the wireless ecosystem. In fact, the FCC’s own data shows the U.S. exhausting its current supply of mobile spectrum by 2013.

It’s critical that policymakers move immediately to sustain the pace of mobile innovation and investment in the United States. And one of the more immediate ways they can do is to move ahead now with voluntary spectrum auctions. Implementing a spectrum auction process that is open to all stakeholders will continue to fuel economic recovery and help ensure that consumers will have enough spectrum to meet exponentially growing demand in today’s competitive wireless market.

It is well documented that the expansion of licensed wireless broadband networks and services is driving economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing productivity. In fact, a study released last week by economists Robert Shapiro and Kevin Hassett indicated the transition from 2G to 3G created almost 1.6 million jobs between April 2007 and June 2011, and the build out of 4G should add over 230,000 new U.S. jobs by the end of this year.

Now is the time for leadership. Policymakers on Capitol Hill, at the FCC and in the Administration must work together to chart a clear path to address the nation's immediate spectrum deficit. More than 300 million wireless consumers are waiting. And the clock is ticking.

Smarter & Connected Vehicles

2012-01-31T14:31:01+00:00

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that several major auto makers are working to integrate smartphone and tablet apps into vehicles. In the near future, music streaming apps such as Pandora and radio streaming apps such as Stitcher and TuneIn could allow users to customize stations for the road.

To learn more, click here.

Data Hungry Smartphones

2012-01-27T16:25:07+00:00

As The Washington Post recently reported, a new study by mobile network firm Arieso looks at the increased data usage by iPhone 4S users and found that the latest iPhone uses twice as much data as the iPhone 4 and almost three times as much data as the iPhone 3G.

Paul Farhi writes in the article:

“In all, Arieso says that the Siri-equipped iPhone 4S “appears to unleash data consumption behaviors that have no precedent.”

To learn more, click here.

New Mobile Future Report: The Connected Device Decade

2012-01-26T19:35:52+00:00

This report examines how the next wave of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and other connected devices will further accelerate mobile opportunity and exacerbate the looming spectrum crunch. The report authored by Jim Kohlenberger, former White House policy advisor and Mobile Future advisory board member, points to a nation on the verge of a wireless-driven technological revolution fueled by a vast sea of breakthrough connected devices offering astonishing new digital opportunities.

Click here to read The Internet’s Third Act: The Connected Device Decade.

New Study Shows Gains From Investing In Wireless

2012-01-23T19:17:47+00:00

A recent study by NDN examines the economic and employment gains associated with investing in more advanced wireless infrastructure. According to the study, 1,585,000 new jobs were created with the transition from 2G to 3G wireless networks and NDN forecasts that transitioning from 3G to 4G mobile broadband networks could create 231,000 or more additional jobs.

To learn more, click here.

Spectrum Delay Is Not An Option

2012-01-23T16:05:09+00:00

Check out Mobile Future Chairman Jonathan Spalter’s latest op-ed in The Hill on the immediate need to free-up more mobile spectrum to meet exponentially growing demand here.

More Data Showing More Mobile Growth

2012-01-20T18:24:22+00:00

2011 truly was a banner year for wireless and as CNET recently reported, new data released by traffic site Pingdom points to the frenetic growth in the mobile sector. According to the report, there are now 5.9 billion mobile subscriptions globally, 350 million users log into Facebook from their mobile phone and of all handsets shipped in 2011, 85% were equipped with mobile Internet.

To read more, click here.

Start Cleaning Out Your Wallet

2012-01-18T20:22:49+00:00

Today, the NYTimes reported that Visa is enabling several smartphones with technology to make wireless payments. This near field technology would allow users to make a payment by simply waving their smartphone in front of a merchant’s terminal.

To learn more, click here.

Going Green Is Making Green

2012-01-13T15:34:26+00:00

In the wake of CES and the debut of numerous new and innovative gadgets, consumers might have the urge to upgrade their current mobile devices. But before users toss discarded phones into a nearby trash bin they would be wise to note the importance of recycling their old devices. As reported in Good Technology, there is heightened attention on responsibly disposing of old electronics and recycling these devices has grown into a five billion dollar industry in the United States alone.

To learn more, click here.

Mobile On The Move

2012-01-11T18:39:37+00:00

New numbers out this week all point to the continued growth in the wireless industry. According to a recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle, a report by Forrester Research and PayPal forecast that in as little as four years mobile payments could replace traditional means of payment. Additionally, newmediaage notes that a recent study estimates users will make the same number of purchases through tablets as they will through smartphones in 2012.

To learn more, click here.

Mobile Future Chairman Jonathan Spalter�s The Hill Op-Ed

2012-01-10T14:42:23+00:00

Read Mobile Future Chairman Jonathan Spalter’s op-ed in The Hill on the enormous potential the thriving wireless sector has to bolster our innovation economy here.

App Downloads Reaching New Heights

2012-01-06T15:57:38+00:00

As reported by Cnet, new data released by Flurry- a mobile analytics firm- finds that during the final days of 2011 there were over one billion application downloads. According to the research, in the last week of December alone users downloaded 1.2 billion apps, a sixty percent increase in the average number of weekly app downloads.

To learn more, click here.

Tablet Apps of 2011

2012-01-05T19:26:19+00:00

To aid user’s search through the constantly growing tablet app marketplace, Bob Tedeschi of The New York Times recently compiled a list of his preferred applications that emerged in 2011. Included in the rundown are apps to edit photos, create music and enhance user’s storytelling skills.

To learn more, click here.

2011: The United States of Mobile

2011-12-16T16:03:21+00:00

2011 was a banner year for mobile and wireless consumers. Among other things, this was the year when the number of mobile subscriptions surpassed the number of people. This is just one of the amazing developments highlighted in Mobile Future's annual video recap, The Mobile Year in Review 2011, that just launched. The frenetic growth in the wireless industry brought consumers a vast array of applications, devices and services, all unimaginable just a few years ago. We are rapidly headed into an exciting future where everything from household appliances to clothing that monitors vital signs are connecting wirelessly and being controlled by mobile devices in the palm of our hands.

Here are some of the highlights:

In the U.S., mobile subscriptions now outnumber the nation's population

One billion apps are downloaded worldwide each month

103 million tweets are sent via mobile devices every day

There have been one billion check-ins on Foursquare to date

26 photos are uploaded to Instagram every second

8 trillion texts were sent in 2011

1800% increase in traffic on U.S. networks in four years

166% increase in Facebook Mobile users in the first half of 2011 alone

More smartphones are purchased than PCs in the United States

2 billion networked mobile devices by 2015

Several trends that show no sign of abating are the significant choice and heated competition that continue to define every aspect of the wireless marketplace. This is clear from the number of carriers who debuted and expanded 4G services in 2011, the amazing innovation in mobile devices and the rise of the tablet wars. And our voracious appetite for all things wireless keeps growing as consumer enthusiasm for bandwidth-hungry tablets and smart phones drive forecasts that wireless data traffic will grow 21-fold from 2010 to 2015. In four years, its projected that U.S. wireless networks will move data at twice the volume of the entire global Internet in 2005.

The wireless sector continues to be a driving force of the U.S. economy, supporting 2.4 million American jobs- from engineers, to apps developers to retail workers. And answering President Obama's call to build out an additional 500 MHz of spectrum for mobile will create 500,000 U.S. jobs and add $400 billion to U.S. GDP.

Already, there are 327 million mobile connections in the United States and the potential for wireless to improve virtually every aspect of modern life is staggering- from healthcare, to education to economic productivity to energy efficiency, participation in our government to connections to friends and family. While we can't predict with precision what's next, one thing is clear after a year of profound progress: The mobile future has arrived.

This article was originally published on Huffington Post.

2011 Mobile Year In Review

2011-12-15T13:54:39+00:00

In 2011, the mobile space saw profound growth and a vast array of new wireless innovations and services emerge. Our annual video, The 2011 Mobile Year in Review, takes a look at the major accomplishments and ground-breaking developments in the wireless space this year. For a more in-depth view of the mobile landscape in 2011, see our accompanying paper 2011 Mobile Year in Review.

To learn more, click here.

Apps for the Holiday

2011-12-07T16:41:27+00:00

Mashable recently compiled a rundown of apps that aim to spread holiday cheer. Included in the list are apps that countdown the number of days until Christmas, determine if users are naughty or nice, present interesting factoids and trivia about Christmas and let users electronically play dreidel.

To learn more, click here.

Dancing to the Beat of Your Own Smartphone

2011-12-05T17:14:34+00:00

Bob Tedeschi of The New York Times recently reviewed several new smartphone apps that aim to help both novice and experienced dancers learn new moves without the assistance of a dance instructor. Through demonstrations, explanations and customizable features, these apps prepare users to take the dance floor by storm. Also included in the run down are apps that teach users how to play the guitar.

To learn more, click here.

Mobile Future Statement on House Communications & Technology Subcommittee Spectrum Markup

2011-12-01T19:26:13+00:00

Today, the House Energy & Commerce Communications & Technology Subcommittee marked up legislation to authorize voluntary spectrum auctions to repurpose broadcast spectrum for mobile use.

Mobile Future Chairman Jonathan Spalter responded to the legislation, stating:

"We appreciate Chairman Walden and the subcommittee’s efforts today to move legislation forward to make additional wireless spectrum available to keep pace with exploding consumer demand. With the FCC predicting a spectrum crunch by 2013 for the nation’s 300 million wireless consumers, the clock is ticking. We strongly urge Congress to enact legislation to bring more wireless spectrum online as quickly as possible."

To read the full statement, click here.

Healthful Apps

2011-11-30T16:26:08+00:00

As MobiHealthNews reported, new data released by ABI Research finds the market for mobile fitness applications will grow frenetically in coming years. The report forecasts that by 2016 users will download at least one billion health-related apps annually and that the market for these apps will reach $400 million, up from $120 million in 2010.

To learn more, click here.

Smartphones As Study Guides

2011-11-28T18:43:03+00:00

Today, USAToday reported that a new cross-platform app can aid users as they study for standardized tests. BenchPrep helps prepare students for a variety of tests including the SAT, GRE, LSAT and MCAT, and students are able to access the application from their smartphones, tablets and even the Internet. This free app offers users mock exams, progress reports, customizable study schedules and the ability to interact with other users who are studying for the same test.

To learn more, click here.

Mobile Tools For Black Friday Deals

2011-11-22T18:04:57+00:00

With only three days until Black Friday shoppers would be wise to have their wireless devices ready. According to the Washington Post, a recent survey from InMobi found that mobile devices will be heavily relied upon on the biggest retail day of the year as 60 million mobile users are estimated to use their devices to shop and over 21 million shoppers are expected to purchase items directly through their mobile devices on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Also, as the NYTimes reported, a new app should help shoppers make the most of Black Friday deals and discounts. TapBuy provides users with a digital catalogue of deals from over one hundred companies and also allows users to search for deals within their vicinity. To complete a purchase, users simply snap a photo of the front and back of their credit card and the app inputs the information.

To learn more, click here.

Mobile Future Chairman Jonathan Spalter’s WSJ Spectrum Piece

2011-11-17T15:13:50+00:00

Read Mobile Future Chairman Jonathan Spalter’s column in The Wall Street Journal explaining why we need to repurpose broadcast spectrum to meet growing mobile demand here.

Turkeys & Tablets

2011-11-16T16:32:41+00:00

According to a recent USAToday article, wireless devices can be of great help in the kitchen as users prepare this year’s Thanksgiving feast. Fine Cooking’s new tablet app, Thanksgiving Meu Maker, comes in handy for both the amateur cook and the experienced chef as it provides descriptions, recipes, nutritional facts and more for 75 holiday dishes. Also, Epicurious Recipes & Shopping List App is available on several smartphone and tablet platforms and provides users with a massive library of over 30,000 food and drink recipes, step-by-step instructions and the ability to create shopping lists so users don’t forget an essential ingredient while they’re at the store.

To learn more, click here.

Mobile Future to Joint Select Committee: Unleash Spectrum So Wireless Can Stimulate Economy

2011-11-15T18:51:10+00:00

Mobile Future Chairman Jonathan Spalter sent a letter to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction urging the Committee to call for voluntary spectrum auctions to meet growing consumer demand, reduce the deficit and spur lasting economic recovery and job creation.

To learn more, click here.

Smartphone Use Spans Across Generations

2011-11-10T20:11:39+00:00

As Engadget reported, recent data from Nielsen reveals that individuals between 55 and 64 years old are the fastest smartphone adopters. From Q2 to Q3, smartphone ownership among this demographic rose 5% and now 30% of soon-to-be grandparents are smartphone users.

To learn more, click here.

Heart Smart

2011-11-08T20:07:57+00:00

As CIO reported, a new iPad app seeks to help doctors better communicate with patients regarding cardiovascular issues. CardioTeach replaces the traditional diagrams, posters, and models that doctors use to explain heart illness and treatment options to patients. The app also lets users draw and add images so patients can enhance their understanding of the heart.

To learn more, click here.

Snap & Share

2011-11-04T15:35:08+00:00

Amateur photographers and camera addicted individuals increasingly use their continually improving smartphones to snap photos and share them with friends, family, and followers. As NPR notes, advances in technology have placed 6 to 8 megapixel cameras in our pockets that rival traditional point and shoots. Adoption and use of smartphone cameras is expected to skyrocket as more consumers turn to smartphones not only for quality and convenience, but also for the wireless connectivity that gives users an unparalleled ability to enjoy and instantly share photos with others.

To learn more, click here.

House passes Wireless Tax Fairness Act

2011-11-02T13:39:57+00:00

On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that prohibits state and local governments from imposing new taxes on wireless services for five years after enactment. Mobile Future Chairman Jonathan Spalter responded to the legislation, stating:

“We applaud Representatives Lofgren and Franks for introducing this important piece of legislation to prohibit new regressive taxes that could discourage consumer use of wireless technologies. With wireless data traffic in North America expected to grow more than 20-fold from 2010 to 2015, it is critical to foster an environment that promotes wireless usage and continued mobile innovation. We applaud the House for passing this bill today and urge the Senate to move this important legislation forward.”

To read the full statement, click here.

Mobile Future Statement on Nominations of Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai as FCC Commissioners

2011-11-01T16:06:14+00:00

Today, it was announced that Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai have been nominated to serve as FCC Commissioners.

Mobile Future Chairman Jonathan Spalter responded to the announcement, stating:

“We congratulate Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai on their nominations as FCC Commissioners and urge the Senate to quickly confirm their appointments. Given the potential wireless technology has for job growth and economic recovery, the FCC needs all hands on deck to address the pressing communication issues facing our country. We look forward to working with both Jessica and Ajit in their new roles.”

To read the full statement, click here.