Technology Trends For 2012

As the year draws to a close, hopes and expectations for 2012 start to arise all over the place, so we thought we’d share some of the most plausible trends in the field of technology for next year.

According to research from YouGov, smartphone use will continue to grow and so will the role of mobile devices in browsing and online shopping. The percentage of UK people who own a smartphone is likely to nearly double and reach almost 70% but other types of technology, such as smart TVs and digital radio are predicted to lose some ground, as just 15% of the polled have plans to own a smart TV by the end of 2012.

The research points out that marketers should look for fresh ideas to boost consumer engagement, as 86% of smartphone users have been found not to respond to conventional advertising methods. In comparison, they are more likely to be influenced by special offers, location based marketing, access to exclusive content and sale vouchers.

Experts predict that the interest in tablets, digital readers and smart watches will increase. Almost a quarter of the surveyed admit to using their tablets while in bed and YouGov believes that the trend is likely to continue in 2012.

Digital will continue to devour print, as the number of traditional newspaper readers is expected to continue falling. It is probable that newspapers and magazines will cut some of their print circulation but will invest in developing mobile apps.