Phones to get smarter in ’ 18 with ‘ futuristic’ tech
If 2017 was about dual cameras and longer battery life, the year 2018 is expected to churn out smartphones with larger screens packed with features like facial recognition and augmented/ virtual reality. Put simply, the phones are slated to become grander, lighter and smarter in 2018 with features so advanced that they would seem straight out of a sci- fi flick. And 2017 has already set the tone for such new age innovations.
The handset in 2017 was less about calling, more an extension of the owners’ personality — a highresolution camera, an ondemand movie screen, a portable music system, apps for just about anything — and all these tech wonders in one device that fit snugly into the palm of your hand. Handset makers kept the momentum high through the year, refreshing their portfolio with new models across multiple price points. Companies such as Samsung, Micromax and Vivo introduced devices with 18: 9 aspect ratio displays that promises a better viewing experience to users.
The devices became an instant hit with Indian users, who, incidentally, are now the biggest consumers of mobile data. Facial recognition and artificial intelligence — through virtual assistants — are slated to reach more hands as Chinese and domestic players bring such features onto more affordable devices.
These AI- based features are also making their way into wearables like fitness trackers and smartwatches that help people improve their health and lifestyles. Interestingly, Chinese players — Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo and Lenovo — continued to dominate the Indian market, taking up four spots in the top five tally ( in terms of shipment).
As per research firm Counterpoint, about 134 million smartphones are
● Phones with larger screens packed with features such as facial recognition and virtual reality to dominate this year.
● Of 298M phones, 143M are likely to be feature phones in the year 2018.
expected to be sold in the country this year, with the number growing to 155 million next year. While the growth of smartphones has been phenomenal, it has not dampened the sale of feature phones significantly. Of the 298 million phones expected to be sold in 2018, 143 million are likely to be feature smartphones. Reliance Jio, which changed the telecom sector’s landscape in 2016 with free calls and data plans at throwaway prices, shook the market once again this year with “4G- enabled feature phone” at an effective price of zero. The device allows users to access data and even watch videos. The user can use the JioPhone for 36 months and get a full refund of the security deposit of ` 1,500 by returning the device. Jio’s masterstroke forced telcoms such as Airtel and Vodafone to team up with handset makers like Micromax and Intex to offer handsets bundled with offers at subsidised rates. The year 2017 also saw handset makers placing their bets on ‘ hero’ models such as Galaxy Note 8 ( Samsung) and Redmi 4A ( Xiaomi) to not just woo new customers but also convert them into brand loyalists.
Experts feel the focus will be on enhancing the software of the phone, allowing users to do more with their devices. While the affordable segment — handsets priced under ` 8,000 — continued to be the sweet spot for the market, customers seem to be warming up to the idea of shelling out more for additional features.
Interestingly, the refresh cycles also continue to decrease with some consumers replacing their devices within a year of purchase. He added that the sub ` 5,000 categories would account for about 23 per cent share of the market, ` 8,000- 20,000 segment 43 per cent and the premium category ( above ` 30,000) three per cent share in 2018.
The mushrooming of phones has claimed its victims. Sales of desktops and laptops have been impacted, but analysts feel PCs will remain a prime medium for content creation. Mobile phones and tablets will be consumption devices.