TORONTO – With mobile devices now an integral part of our everyday lives, next year will see smartphones increasingly becoming the central hub for our personal data and information, according to Telus.
“Next year promises to be the most connected year for consumer mobile technology to date, with a more compelling and powerful smartphone experience that goes well beyond the device itself,” said Brent Johnston, SVP consumer marketing at Telus, in the news release. “Innovations in cloud computing, wearable technology, connected accessories and the evolution of the mobile wallet will continue to transform how we connect to the world around us using mobile technology.”
Telus’ top five mobile tech predictions for 2015 are:
1. Innovation in the name of health – When it comes to connectivity, health is the next frontier of innovation. With the increase in fitness tracking and health-related wearables, these accessories will make monitoring health easier in the year ahead. Innovations such as wearable fall or heart-attack detectors and blood sugar monitors that send automatic text messages to alert of potential risks are expected to become readily available.
2. "Appcessories" to help your swing, batting average and slap shot – Beyond health, app-enabled wearable accessories will become the new way that smartphones collect performance-based results. Already emerging are creative sports appcessories typically worn on the wrist, arm or leg that measure performance when connected to a smartphone or tablet. These appcessories will grow to include basketballs and even musical instruments that provide valuable coaching data.
3. Connectivity at home and on the go – The ‘Internet of Things’ is primed to take off in 2015 and help make Canadians' lives easier. It is expected that smart-home products will be a large focus at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), as connected lights, security systems, thermostats, refrigerators, stoves and more are controlled remotely from a smartphone. Connected cars will also make a bold statement in 2015, and companies like Mojio are already working to enhance the driving experience with vehicle monitoring, automated trip tracking and vehicle diagnostics.
4. The rise of the mobile wallet – Mobile commerce will continue to advance in 2015 as more Canadians elect to make payments directly from mobile devices. With a simple tap or wave, a smartphone and a wireless payment kiosk can exchange payment information safely, securely and efficiently, allowing users to not just pay for lunch, but also to make mortgage payments, collect and redeem loyalty points and rewards, and make bank deposits.
5. The ever-evolving smartphone – Smartphones aren't going anywhere, even with the surge in wearable and connected home technology. One smartphone trend to watch for is larger screens, spurred by the launch of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. More large smartphones will enter the market in 2015 as the device continues to evolve as the central connected hub of all information. With an improved battery life, charging features, the ability to run multiple applications at once, vivid screens, and better camera features, smartphones will get smarter, stronger and last longer, further enhancing the mobile experience for consumers.
