Asia Bizz: The smartphone market has been one of the most booming businesses in recent years, and with the launch of several phones every month, it comes as no surprise that the number of users are on the rise as well. The latest Asian nation to cross a milestone in the number of smartphone users is Korea – with 10 million users and counting. The news was revealed by Korea Communications Commission on Wednesday.
The number of users is expected to cross 20 million by the end of 2011, with the ever increasing number of users and lifestyle changes experienced by several people across Korea. The smartphone trend began barely 2 years ago in 2009, when Korea saw the launch of the iPhone. With just a mere 800,000 people using smartphones on the eve of 2010, the number has jumped to 10 million in less than a year and a quarter.
Youngsters in Korea make up the majority part of smartphone users due to the convenience that the gadget provides in staying connected to people and the things they like (via apps). Research shows that 60% of smartphone users are people in the age range of 20-30. With an urge to be constantly updated and equipped with the basic technological requirements (camera, internet, music player all-in-one), this device has been branded a necessity for the youth. It is also viewed as a portable mini-computer, and with apps to compensate for PC features, it is well worth the money, or so the users say.
The smartphone market has also boomed in other Asian countries like China, India, Japan and with newer models by brands like Samsung, LG, Nokia, Panasonic, Sony, the market is growing by the minute.
