According to a Jupiter Research report, "Video on Cell Phones: It's Real in 2005, but a Paying Consumer Audience Isn't," 44 percent of online consumers surveyed are interested in viewing video on their cell phones for free, but only 19 percent indicate they would be willing to pay anything for those services. Wireless carriers in the U.S. have launched mobile video applications demonstrating both the progress and the potential of the technology. The Jupiter report also finds the lack of network coverage, high prices for both handsets and service, and limited access to real time content, however, will dampen consumer interest in the near term. "Although consumer interest in mobile video is strong, the cell phone will remain a voice-centric device in the near term," stated Julie Ask, research director at Jupiter. "Only 4 percent of consumers cited the ability to watch video as a priority feature for them when purchasing their next handset. Carrier subsidies will be required to develop a mass market base of higher end handsets with the most advanced video functionality," added Ask.
Alternative Payment Methods (APMs) – comprising digital wallets, instant payments, and QR payment systems – are experiencing explosive growth that's reshaping the global financial services marketplace. According to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research , the combined global transaction value for APMs is projected to reach $142 trillion by 2030. What's particularly fascinating is the underlying driver behind this trend: a growing desire for financial sovereignty, with nations developing domestic payment ecosystems rather than remaining dependent on international financial networks. Payment Ecosystem Market Development In 2024, approximately 45 percent of the global population used digital wallets – a remarkable adoption rate for a technology that barely existed a decade ago. China leads this transition, with 95 percent of its population using WeChat's payment functionality. WeChat exemplifies the "super app" phenomenon, where payment capabilities are in...