Other predictions include the continued upgrade of smartphones; TV maintaining its prominence over short form video (despite the popularity of YouTube); and the ‘Internet of Things’ is actually things not just people – where enterprises, rather than consumers, are expected to lead the way in innovation, with the use of drones and 3D printing more valuable than Bluetooth triggered electric kettles and clothes driers.
Print is not dead, at least for print books: Print books globally will continue to dominate the publishing industry. Deloitte predicts sales from print books will be five times that of eBooks. In fact print will represent more than 80 per cent of book sales worldwide. And it is the younger generation (18-34), specifically young women, who appreciate old fashioned printed books – because of their smell, look, and collectability. I must say that I’m still very firmly in the “real book” category even though I do a lot of other stuff on my devices – still on trend!!
Smartphone payments: While the mobile wallet won’t replace the traditional wallet yet, 2015 is expected to be a tipping point towards wider consumer adoption of in-store smartphone payments.
Smartphone upgrades continue: Counter to previous industry predictions that the smartphone market will plateau, over one billion of the 1.35 billion smartphones expected to sell worldwide in 2015, will be upgrades – new phones for those who already have one. The upgrade cycle may be lengthening, but battery capacity and age, screen size, speed, storage, software and design will continue to drive growth for these smartphone refreshes.
Short form video: a future, but not the future, of television: Short-form online content – that is a video under 20 minutes in length - is not expected to usurp long-form traditional television. YouTube videos, for example, will continue to be a future, but not the future, of screen-based entertainment – think Gangnam’s more than 2 billion instant views vs. CSI’s 17 million views each episode drawn out over at least 20 episodes delivering both more viewing time in the long run and reaping much more in revenue!
The Internet of things really is things, not people: More than 60 percent of the one billion global wireless Internet of Things devices will be bought, paid for and used by enterprises. The focus may well be on consumers to take up this technology – think Bluetooth enabled roller-doors and white goods, and wearable technology like smart glasses - but enterprises will be setting the example in innovation. And reaping the benefits in savings through smart factories, smart homes, eHealth and telematics aka measurement on site.
Drones and 3D printing: These are both examples of the Internet of Things where enterprises are leading the way in innovation. It is predicted a majority of drones in 2015 will be bought by consumers, but most of the real value will be through their high-profile and niche use by industries and businesses. Groundbreaking uses of drones include Surf Lifesaving Australia patrolling beaches, and in agriculture viz. farmers herding cattle.
A majority of 3D printers on the other hand will be bought for companies instead of consumers (80% of the predicted 220,000 3D printers sold worldwide in 2015) once again pointing to the real revolution being in the enterprise market. 3D printing will also boost the startup market given the ability to print cost effective tailored prototypes. Imagine you are a jeweller needing to recraft a ring’s gemstone setting - it is cheaper and faster to use a 3D printer than traditional methods!
It is an exciting year ahead for businesses especially those using technology to keep ahead of the game (and don’t be alarmed if you see young women smelling books)!
P.S. Deloitte has a track record of around 80 per cent accuracy in its annual TMT Predictions, so it will be interesting to see which of these predictions really make the cut in Western Sydney.
