Apple's launch of the iPhone 6 Plus reflects a wider trend of mobile devices slowly replacing PCs as the central device for the consumer's every day use. The rise of cloud computing has enabled mobile devices to fulfil most computing tasks so that "any trade-offs are outweighed by the convenience and flexibility provided by the mobile devices." Companies like Apple and Samsung have capitalised on the growing consumer demand for PC-like devices, with the introduction of 'phablets' beginning to change the very concept of a 'personal computer.' While tablets have certainly found a niche market, they remain an awkward size for basic mobile uses such as receiving mobile calls and texting.
The increased size of mobile screens, with the iPhone 6 Plus screen measuring 6.22 x 3.06 x 0.28 inches in size, will also help to close the gap between mobile phones and the traditional desktop experience. Video conferencing via user-friendly mobile apps such as Skype are predicted to be even more commonplace in the work place, with corporations investing more in remote working and flexible working practices by relying more on cloud technology and online productivity tools.
According to CloudTimes.org, 84% of smartphone users are already using cloud-based services. This is largely attributed to the domination of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and the almost entirely app-based Instagram. These platforms have (arguably) paved the road for cloud computing, with their apps "allowing users to log in and use the service seamlessly." The rise of mobile apps signals companies to rethink how they should be optimising their products and services for tech-savvy consumers who are conducting their online browsing via their mobile devices more and more often.
Apps like Snapchat have created new B2C marketing opportunities by levering their impressive 30 million monthly active users, and generating interest from companies eager to tap into Snapchat's domination of the 'Gen Z' market. Similarly, Twitter is working in on the opportunity through their upcoming 'call to action' function, which is designed to give businesses the opportunity to convert sales directly from the Twitter app.
Indeed with the storage capabilities of cloud-based services, coupled with the rise of mobile apps and smartphones designed to close the 'trade off' gap, one could say that, "carrying laptops is now unnecessary... everything can now be put in the cloud and accessed through the phone". For companies to take advantage of the new business opportunities presented by the changing mobile landscape, it is critical to source highly-qualified design, marketing, creative and advertising professionals who understand how to optimise products and service offerings.