Despite difficult economic conditions, consumers and businesses are still making significant investments in new technology, especially that will make workplaces more productive or enjoyable.
Smartphones and tablet computers are likely to drive demand for consumer technology even further after a positive 2011 year, according to Deloitte’s annual Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) Predictions 2012.
Despite costs of consumer devices becoming comparatively cheaper over the past year, demand for the latest in consumer technologies has been on the rise.
The latest TMT prediction says tablet sales will continue to increase with a further five million likely to be sold this year to people who already own one.
Keeping up with demand for various ‘smart-devices’ will prove a challenge for network operators, content owners and retailers as they will need to prepare to respond in this current rise in sales, Deloitte says.
Innovation leader of Deloitte New Zealand, Grant Frear says that the latest report shows promise in future sales of these devices, especially in the face of current economic conditions.
“What’s important to realise is that despite the difficult economic conditions, consumers and businesses are still making significant investments in the new technology, particularly those which enrich their lives and make workplaces more productive or enjoyable.”
“For instance, the amount of time it took for the [Apple] iPad to become the executive tool of choice was staggering. All this puts more pressure on IT departments to rethink the employee experience to match the consumer experience,” says Mr Frear.
The increase in popularity will only continue to grow over the coming year as new forms of ’smart’ technologies begin to seep out of the woodwork more frequently, Deloitte predicts.
