What will be the hot technology over the next few years? While no one can say for certain, it's not difficult to make a case for smartphones and mobile devices.
Consider these numbers: In the fourth quarter of 2011 alone, according to industry observers, 157.8 million smartphones flew off store shelves worldwide, bringing the total for the year to 491.4 million units. AverageU.S.smartphone ownership is at 41.8 percent of mobile subscribers, or 98 million people.
Industry reports indicate smartphone sales are expected to hit 1.5 billion units globally in 2016. Over the next five years, sales will see a 30 percent compound annual growth rate. By 2016, these devices are reportedly set to make up about two-thirds of all mobile phone sales. If you compare this with the number of PCs sold this year, which stood at 350 million units, smartphones are clearly going to be the gadget of choice for customers accessing the Internet.
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