According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, global mobile phone shipments grew a striking 18 percent year-over-year, to 188 million units during Q2 2005 (April - June). Mega-vendors Nokia and Motorola outperformed in emerging markets, to grab an impressive, combined 50 percent share of total sales. Chris Ambrosio, Director of Strategy Analytics' Wireless Device Strategies service, noted, "Strong growth in emerging mobile phone markets, such as South America and Africa, is driving demand for increasing numbers of entry-level devices, precisely the mass-market segments where Nokia and Motorola are among the strongest." "The worldwide handset market is once again becoming concentrated in the hands of just a few major brands," said Neil Mawston, Associate Director of the Wireless Device Strategies (WDS) service at Strategy Analytics. "For example, Nokia and Motorola accounted for exactly half the global market in Q2 2005, leaving more than 60 other brands to fight for the remaining 50 percent." Following 361 million handsets sold globally in the first half of 2005, Strategy Analytics forecasts 775 million units for the full-year 2005.
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...