5 Smartphone Predictions for 2014
Massive innovations in consumer technology don’t happen every year—at least not in a mass market kind of way. In the case of smartphones, they look more or less the same as they did five years ago. Despite how people often think of the industry, it is far more inclined to a slower pace of iteration that produces more annualized products and a slower evolution of trends.
2013 will be remembered for a lot of things—bigger displays became mainstream, voice recognition got really good, Samsung surpassed Apple, and the design of all smartphone software became flattened thanks to iOS 7.
Here are our 5 predictions for what’s in store in 2014:
1. Curved Displays Will Be 2014’s Most Memorable Trend
Flexible displays were a really big deal at CES this year with both LG and Samsung showing massive 4K televisions with a curve in them (and even on that could bend on command). Curved displays on smartphones are slightly less impressive, but with the LG G Flex already hitting markets and the Samsung Round on its way, it’s sure to be one of the most talked about trends of the year. Regardless of whether or not the trend sticks with consumers, 2014 will no doubt be remembered as the year of the flexible displays.
2. The Dream of a True Mobile Point of Sale May Finally Come True
The phrase “mobile point-of-sale” might not mean much to you now—and perhaps it never will. But by the end of 2014, we predict that it might be one of your favorite things that your trusty smartphone can do. Point of sale refers to where the actual sale of a product or service happens—for most, it’s either a cash register or debit card reader. Though some attempts have been made through NFC (near field communication), Apple’s vision of stores without checkout stands is, by far, the more interesting solution. Whether or not Apple will take Passbook or iTunes payment to the next level (or if Google will follow suit) is up in the air, but if every store was like an Apple Store, we’d be happy campers.