More than eight million Australians own one and its marketshare is worth over $15 billion in the Australian economy – the smartphone’s popularity is rapidly rising.
Yet with computers, tablets, and mobile phones already allowing society to communicate at any place and any time, how many more devices do we need?
Just one more, according to Samsung.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is to hit Australia’s shores after April 26 this year, a device Samsung promises will make “our lives and life tasks that much easier”.
Mr JK Shin, Samsung President and Head of IT and Mobile Communications, said innovation and understanding the customer allowed this progress to occur.
“We imagine the possibilities, explore new directions and listen to you to understand what a smartphone should provide for us in our lives,” he said.
The Phone:
Samsung’s newest model was launched at America’s Radio City Music Hall on March 15, this year.
Samsung Unpacked 2013 – Watch Samsung’s sneak preview into the Samsung Galaxy S4.
Master of Ceremonies, Will Chase, said the company’s latest device will allow its owner to “experience life without boundaries, without limitations”.
From scrolling through websites without the touch of one’s hand, to pausing a video if one’s eyes look away – there is little this smartphone cannot do.
Yet Scott Eaton, a third year Biomedicine Student at the University of Melbourne, doesn’t believe these functions are necessary.
“Why should I get a new phone when the thing I have works?”
“My phone can call, it can text and that’s all I need,” he said.
The Experts:
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) released its final report about the communication habits of Australians earlier this year.
It found the number of Australians with a smartphone, over the age of 18, more than doubled from June 2011-June 2012 and predicts the trend will continue in 2013.
“The smartphone market is predicted to exceed half of mobile phone sales for the year, with up to a billion units sold,” the report said.
According to ACMA, the introduction of the iPhone in 2007 “revolutionised mobile phone design and catalysed industry growth.”
What are we using our phones for? ACMA’s research compares smartphone and non-smartphone users.
The People:
Yes Optus Sales Representative, Robbie Issa, believes the smartphone industry is exciting.
“There’s something new being released every year,” Mrs Issa said.
“Technology won’t ever reach its limit – technical advances are happening all the time.”
Despite its appeal, Mr Eaton is adamant he won’t join the smartphone frenzy until it’s absolutely necessary.
“I don’t see the point in wasting money updating to a model, that can only do that little bit more than the phone I already have,” he said.
“People are made to feel as if they’re missing out on something, which is why smartphones are so popular.”
To read ACMA’s Communications 2011-12 Report Series, click here and download the relevant file.
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