Mobile

eMarketer estimates that 1.7 billion people around the world will access the internet via a mobile device in 2013. By 2016, there will be a staggering 2.5 billion mobile internet users worldwide. As internet usage increasingly takes place on mobile devices—and particularly on smartphones—it is important to understand how consumers’ internet behavior is adapting to these new devices.

Mobile ad spending around the world more than doubled last year, eMarketer estimates, and though growth will moderate this year, double-digit increases in mobile ad spending will continue in coming years as outlays approach $37 billion by 2016.

Some 13% of those ages 16 and older have visited library websites or otherwise accessed library services by mobile device. This is the first reading in a national survey by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project on this subject.

As consumers increasingly rely on smartphones as a major source of Internet access, a new GfK analysis shows that social media represents by far the largest share of online time via these devices. Social sites and activities account for almost one-third (31%) of smartphone online minutes – double the proportion for email, which ranks second at 16%.

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and its Mobile Marketing Center of Excellence released “The IAB Mobile Phone Video Diaries,” research that shows that 63 percent of digital video screening on mobile phones does not happen on-the-go, but rather at home. Over a third (36%) of these home-based digital video activities happen in a room where a second screen – a TV, desktop computer or tablet – is also available for viewing purposes. These findings combine to point to significant cross-media opportunities for brand marketers, whether tying mobile digital video to live television programming or linking magazine ads to relevant mobile clips.

The Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) unveiled the seventh edition of the “U.S. Consumer Best Practices for Messaging” (CBP 7.0). These best practices provide guidance to activate common short code messaging programs over U.S. carrier networks.

Tapjoy released “The Mobile In-App Marketing Opportunity” findings study, conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Tapjoy. The commissioned study shows consumer-controlled, incentive-based advertising can increase ad relevancy, consumer sentiment and attention toward the advertisement.

The Federal Trade Commission issued a new staff report, “Mobile Apps for Kids: Disclosures report cover Still Not Making the Grade,” examining the privacy disclosures and practices of apps offered for children in the Google Play and Apple App stores. The report details the results of the FTC’s second survey of kids’ mobile apps.

Consumers continue to spend more time with mobile apps, thanks in large part to the growing number of minutes spent with mobile games. According to December data from mobile app analytics company Flurry, US consumers spent an average 127 minutes on mobile apps per day. That’s up 35% from 94 minutes spent per day in December 2011.

The promise of Mobile Qualitative Research is huge, and incredibly exciting: Real time, immediate, unobtrusive access to respondents. In a space that can feel fatigued by tried-and-true methodologies and even knowing and experienced respondents, mobile qualitative feels like a fresh and authentic way to engage people as people (not as consumers).

Financial services firm Cowen and Company surveyed 50 major US ad buyers in various industries in September and found that eight in 10 planned to increase their mobile advertising in the next 12 to 18 months. By the end of that time period more than three-quarters of respondents expected to devote at least 5% of their total ad budget to mobile.

Mobile phone adoption in Mexico has been slow, hobbled by general economic conditions and by a lack of competition in the mobile space. And yet there are clear signs of mobile growth on the horizon, according to a new eMarketer report, “Mobile Mexico: Overcoming Obstacles to Growth.”

With 2012 marking the first holiday shopping season where the majority of mobile subscribers own smartphones, today’s shoppers are better equipped than ever to find the best deals and get feedback about products on their shopping lists—anytime, anywhere. From pre-purchase research, to sharing an exciting find with friends, new data from Nielsen shows that smartphone and tablet owners are embracing their devices to make the most of their shopping experience.

Some 85% of American adults own a cell phone, and these mobile devices now play a central role in many aspects of their owners’ lives according to a new survey. For many cell owners, their phone is an essential utility that they check frequently, keep close at all times, and would have trouble functioning without.

The AdReaction 2012 study was conducted using qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies across 18 countries. The study was designed to understand what marketers need to know to explore advertising in the mobile space with confidence.

For years, marketers emphasized a build-for-the-desktop-first approach, with mobile serving as little more than a sideshow. However, rapid advances in smartphone and tablet ownership have changed that equation.

Savvy businesses are stepping up their mobile activities, not only in terms of content and marketing, but also in terms of customer service and support. According to a study by SAP and Social Media Today, 38% of companies surveyed worldwide in 2012 offered customer service through the mobile channel.