WebProNews

PC–Based Mapping Sites Attracting More Visitors

Mobile mapping portals continue to grow in popularity, but PC-based mapping sites continue to attract more visitors, according to a new report from ABI Research. The report found that the Asia-Pacific region is currently lagging behind North America and Europe, but it is on track to surpass both regions by 2013 with 245 million visitors, driven by the growing popularity of local Chinese portals Sohu and Baidu.

Mobile Accessory Market To Reach $63 Billion

The average U.S. owner of a mobile phone spends about $60 on accessories over the life of the phone, according to a new survey from ABI Research. Related market research indicates that the worldwide wireless handset accessories market is worth about $63 billion in 2009.

Google Maps To Catch MapQuest By End Of The Year

Even with the strong growth of portable navigation devices, online mapping sites remain popular for trip planning, local search and written direction. The current global number of 300 million unique visitors is expected to grow at annual rate of 15 percent in the coming years, according to ABI research. In the U.S. MapQuest and Google are competing for market leadership, leaving Yahoo Maps and Microsoft Live Search Maps trailing.

Mobile Search Usage Sees Increase

The majority (70%) of mobile phone owners, with data services accessed information via mobile search engines last year,representing a 14 percent increase over 2007, according to ABI Research. The use of mobile data services, including search, has steadily increased year over year. The increase in mobile search usage is nearly double the increase in users who said they accessed mobile Web sites generally.

Mobile Social Network Users To Become More Active

People using mobile social networks today are primarily checking messages, status updates and comments of friends instead of posting photos or comments themselves, according to a new study by ABI Research.The study found that pattern is changing as more people have access to better mobile devices and social network applications that make it easier for uploading and communication.

MySpace, Facebook Top Mobile Social Networks

Close to half (46%) of those who use social networks have visited a social network by using their mobile phone, according to ABI Research.The majority (70%) have visited MySpace and another 67 percent have visited Facebook. No other social networking site reached 15 percent mobile adoption.

Online Video Viewing Doubles

The number of people watching online video through a browser has doubled over the past year, going from 32 percent a year a go to 63 percent today, according to a new ABI Research study.ABI says the growth is due to the amount of rich content available in ad-supported format on portals and via social networks, along with increasing demand from people for video in both short-and long-form online content.

Mobile Social Networking Set To Take Off

Online social networking continues to grow, but mobile social networking is on track to attract 140 mobile users who will generate $410 million in subscription revenues by 2013, according to ABI Research."Subscriber numbers for mobile social networking will climb at a relatively modest rate for the next three or four years, but will then start to accelerate sharply," said Michael Wolf, ABI research director.

Report: Online Video Viewers To Top One Billion In 2013

Online video's popularity is going to skyrocket, and there's no reason for anyone to miss out on the profits, according to a new report.  ABI Research predicts that, in the year 2013, over one billion people will watch some sort of clip online.

Broadband Adoption Rising In Asia

Broadband access in the Asia-Pacific region has seen significant growth in the past decade, as operators have upgraded their networks in preparation of future demand for high bandwidth services according to a new study from ABI Research.