In 2013, two major firms in the United States of America,Facebook and analyst firm International Data Corporation, IDC, collaborated on a study named “Always Connected” which aimed to showcase the relationship between smartphones and social activities.

The study focused on the behaviour of Android and smartphone owners, over 70 per cent of whom believe in smartphone connections as the best and preferred form of direct communication to their friends and contemporaries.

One of the key things taken away from the report is that people are spending less time using smartphones as phones.
The study highlighted that only 16 per cent of user’s time was spent using their devices as a phone, whereas other activities such as emailing, 78 per cent, web browsing 73 per cent, and playing games 60 per cent ranked much higher.

As a result of these usage patterns, the design and form of the latest mobile phones is starting to change. Bigger screens, more human-centric UX and the rising popularity of large display smartphones which mix the best of phone / PC functions all point towards users now viewing their devices more as pocketable, personal computers as opposed to just phones.

To accommodate this contemporary trend, device makers LG Electronic says it is adding some touches to its designs to ensure its products meet the taste of time. Some of the areas it is focusing its innovation includes:

Cameras – The successful marriage of phone and camera remains one of the most iconic inflection points in the evolution of smartphones despite first appearing some years ago. LG said that powerful cameras like the 13 megapixel model featured in its G2 smartphone remains just as important. It makes digital communication become even more visual with new social media channels and live video-streaming on website like Youtube.

Batteries – With increased mobile phone usage, satisfying power needs have become  priority especially in Africa where power supply is a bit challenging. Innovations in battery technology however, have lagged behind advances in processing power. Since 2000, battery capacity has only doubled while processing speed has increased 12-fold.

Lithium Ion batteries are the current industry standard, however the race is on to engage with newer battery technologies such as wireless charging and carbon nanotubes to help improve efficiency.
Displays – Increased usage also means the need for more power-efficient, durable and versatile high contrast displays. LG’s OLED display technology, which features in both in its premium SMART TV and premium smartphone models such as the G Flex is a key differentiator in consumer buying decisions.