Cell phones have become so popular that many of us already use them as hand/brain extensions. We hang out, communicate, buy and sell things, book vacations, look for properties, and do many other things using these miraculous devices.
Some industries have not been completely transformed by the advent of mobile technology, but each area has made some adjustments to this new environment.
And some other sectors are no longer the same because mobile phones have changed the way people use services in these sectors. This article looks at the six industries where mobile phones now dominate over desktop computers and laptops.
Banking services
From peer-to-peer money transfers to paying utility and overhead bills, online transactions are the backbone of modern life. And this backbone would not be able to withstand such pressure without convenient mobile banking apps. Although most banks also have a website where users can log in and carry out all their operations, it is a more cumbersome hassle. The user must turn off their desktop or laptop, open the website in question and go to the desired sections.
With a mobile phone in your pocket and a banking app included, everything goes much faster and smoother. Many banks today even offer their loyal and registered customers the opportunity to apply for loans via mobile apps. However, when it comes to mortgages, consumers still have to go to the bank in person and negotiate the terms.
Gambling options
Online games have been a thing of the past for several decades. In the 1980s and 1990s, playing games with other computers was severely restricted. The rapid growth of the Internet in the 2000s accelerated the development of online gaming, while smartphones put games in the pockets of literally every owner.
This particularly benefits iGaming (online betting and gambling) as people can now bet on sports games or play poker on their phones. The global penetration and presence of smartphones have contributed to the unprecedented adoption of mobile-friendly platforms. Hence now people from Chile to South Korea, from South Africa to Norway Play casino on mobile phones, by using various incentives and bonuses to increase their chances of winning on such games. There are free signups, bonuses, extra spins and 24/7 customer support for added security.
Travel provider
It is almost impossible to imagine traveling without using mobile apps to organize trips, find accommodation, rent cars, etc. In the last seven years, the Global travel app sales has increased from $370 million in 2017 to $1.25 billion in 2023 and to an expected $2 billion in 2027.
Sure, many hotels, travel agencies, and airlines still use websites. This is not just because they want to be user-friendly in this area. Websites are a kind of showcase for companies in various industries, including niches in travel and hospitality.
However, the convenient availability of smartphones and mobile apps has made them popular around the world, from China and its super apps to mediocre solutions in the West.
The future integration of advanced payment services and expanded personalization based on AI tools will further increase the spread of travel and tourist apps.
E‑commerce platforms
And now we come to probably the most mobile-influenced industry in the world: e‑commerce. Online shopping – and the associated shipping industry – have had an unprecedented impact on people’s lives over the past fifteen years. From the way we plan our monthly spending to how we purchase various goods online — mainly clothing, but groceries and other deliverable products are currently climbing the ladder — the online commerce numbers are incredible.
And such a strong penetration of e‑commerce into our everyday lives would not be possible without a cell phone. You’re on the bus or having coffee with your friends and you receive a notification that an item you were looking for is on sale. With just a few taps on the mobile screen, this product can be purchased and ordered. Such shopping convenience cannot be compared with anything else; Numbers support this statement. A Pew Research Center study has shown that in 2022, approximately 76% of U.S. online shoppers will use mobile to make most of their purchases. This number rises to 92% of buyers aged 30 to 49.
In the coming period, we can expect online stores in some industries to abandon their websites and turn to a combination of social media shopping options and mobile apps.
Fintech innovations
Financial technology is not far behind travel, e‑commerce and hospitality in terms of powerful mobile development and new growth opportunities. Particularly interesting is how mobile phones have improved online transactions in various rural areas of South America, Africa and Asia. Ten years ago, many people in these regions had no way to send or receive money online. Even if they could use PayPal or Alipay, it could take weeks or even months for their local banks to process such payments.
However, the increasing affordability of modern smartphones has democratized the online transaction market. Regardless of whether you live in Western Europe, Central Africa or the Amazon region, you can make your digital transfers just as quickly. Equally important, these transactions are equally secure in all these parts of the world as they are processed by providers with a global presence.
Additionally, this evolution of fintech services has helped millions of people improve their lives through remote work and gigs. While many of them certainly use their desktop computers to perform agreed tasks, all rely on mobile phones and web-based transactions to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Finally, the growth of the cryptocurrency market and blockchain technology is pushing the boundaries even further. Now you can buy tangible goods (and non-fungible tokens alike), pay for your video games, or deposit your chips Crypto betting Sessions with Bitcoin & Co.
Property Upgrades
Imagine if you bought a house or just shopped about ten years ago. You go to a real estate agency’s website and browse through hundreds of properties until you find something that closely matches your interest. And twenty years ago, most of this activity had to be done offline — people would go to a brick-and-mortar real estate agency, talk to an agent, and then start exploring the areas and homes they wanted in person.
With mobile apps, home hunters, home sellers, agents and builders can now expedite various real estate processes. As a buyer, you can simply download the app you want and start browsing thousands, if not millions, of homes locally, nationally or globally. Dozens of filters help you narrow down the selection based on your preferences. There are still real estate agents who can help you with the next steps of buying a home after you have selected several options. Advanced and easily integrated visual solutions, such as virtual tours, further enhance the entire process.
To top it off, the advanced banking and fintech services that can be accessed and used through mobile apps enable people to buy homes or invest in real estate in more remote parts of the world.
Diploma
For example, the average smartphone today has been more powerful than the average desktop computer since 2010. The future will pack even more innovation into our mobile phones, so the smartest thing we can do is to take advantage of these advantages and use them to our greatest advantage.
