According to a new Juniper Research’s report, revenues from mobile location-based services are expected to reach more than $12.7 billion by 2014, driven by 1) smartphone proliferation, 2) surge in application storefront launches, and 3) developments in “hybrid positioning technologies.”
The research company goes on explaining each of the points:
- New smartphones all have a high benchmark UI to measure against – the iPhone
- App stores will make downloading mobile clients easier, hence more people will use the services
- Carriers’ investments in infrastructure allows for browser-based, location-aware services
Most services will make money out of advertising, and Juniper suggests that the introduction of mobile coupons and vouchers benefits marketers and end users, alike.
Other findings from the report include:
- Improving the user experience of MLBS on feature phones is the key to get more users
- Privacy and information security remain main concerns
- In the next five years, most users will come from the Far East & China region, but most money will be made in Western Europe
And you can get additional information about Juniper’s report from their website.