Ericsson top trends: Smartphones to disappear in 5 years

Many consumers believe smartphones will cease to exist within five years, according to new research carried out by researchers on behalf of Ericsson.

"I think that's an important thing to think about when we talk about the future of developing technology, or services, or other products... this idea that it could be a more interactive process where consumers will expect to have more of a say".

Rebecka Catering Ångström of Ericsson ConsumerLab said: "A smartphone in the hand, it's really not that practical". For example, 44 percent of those surveyed said they believe an AI system would be good as a teacher, and one-third said they'd like an AI interface to keep them company (a la Joaquin Phoenix's Her).

"Emergency calls are toll free but what happens if a user's data allowance runs out in the middle of an emergency chat", the report warned, adding that "many global travelers turn off their mobile data connectivity when abroad, making an accident or emergency situation overseas even more risky as they may not know how to call for help". Another possible area is to shop for shoes and trying it virtually if the footwear fits.

The Ericsson Consumer Insight Summary Report, compiled by the Swedish telecom equipment vendors ConsumerLabs division, is representative of 1.1 billion people in 24 countries at the most broad, and 46 million urban smartphones users in 10 major cities at the most narrow, according to the company. "But consumer interest in new interaction paradigms such as AI and virtual reality (VR)", Michael Björn, Head of Research, Ericsson ConsumerLab, said in a statement.

Teenagers watch more YouTube video content daily than other age groups. Forty-six percent of 16-19 year-olds spend an hour or more on YouTube every day. Forty-four percent even want to print their own food. As a result, the concept of smarthomes may need rethinking from the ground up.

Commuters want to use their time meaningfully and not feel like passive objects in transit.

Consumers envision a time when internal sensors in our bodies will become the norm, social networks become the preferred way to communicate an emergency and homes are wired to monitor everything from mold outbreaks to water leaks. According to the Ericsson report, smartphone users believe AI will take over many common activities like searching the internet, getting travel guidance assistance, and other tasks.

Eighty-six per cent will use personalised commuting services if they are available. Six out of 10 consumers are also interested in a disaster information app.InternablesInternal sensors that measure well-being in our bodies may become the new wearables. As a positive side-effect, one in five say they have greater trust in an organisation that was hacked but then solved the problem.

Source: Ericsson top trends: Smartphones to disappear in 5 years