The ways the internet is changing and what it means for us
The birth and popularisation of the internet during the last 30 years has made the impossible possible and unlocked a new world of information, entertainment, and communication. It’s changed our habits, the way businesses operate, and how we spend our money.
The internet of today is almost unrecognizable compared to the primitive dial-up service of the late 90s and early 00s that we now simply treasure as nostalgia. Today, internet users can play high-spec games, watch the high-resolution video, and explore the world in 3D from the comfort of their phone, tablet, or laptop.
But that change will continue, and it’s likely that what we now consider as being state of the art will be dismissed as basic and awkward in just a few short decades’ time. In this article, we will explore the evolutions on the horizon and what it will mean for us as consumers.
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The rise of mobile
By 2009, mobile accounted for 53.3% of all internet traffic, up from just 16.2% in 2013. It is expected that this trend will continue, as more of the world gets its hands on Android and iOS handsets that are capable of connecting to cellular and wi-fi networks.
The majority of leading websites are now optimized for mobile access, often striking a balance between scaled-down visuals and high functionality, to ensure their brand doesn’t miss out on engagement or custom. And brands that were slow to adapt, especially in retail, were quickly left behind.
But mobile need not mean making the experience less engaging for visitors. The emergence of the folding phone, and all-around larger displays, is helping to deliver a brighter and more complex experience on the so-called smaller screen.
Websites are also taking advantage of new payment methods, such as providing shoppers with the option of charging purchases to their phone bill and tracking their location to offer a bespoke, ‘local’ service.
Source: Pexels
Immersive experiences
While the general public increasingly demands a platform they can access on the go, there is also a desire for more vivid and immersive online experiences that help to replicate ‘the real thing’.
Many who go to YouTube, for example, for their entertainment, expect features like 4K and HDR video as standard. They also expect to be able to find content on their favourite TV shows, films, and sporting events brought to life like never before, while other platforms and industries are experimenting with new technology like augmented and virtual reality.
The rise of online gambling, especially in new markets like India, is challenging platforms to think outside the box and offer something a little more engaging to potential punters. Casinos have experimented with live dealer experiences, while sports betting platforms offer players the chance to watch live sporting events unfold without leaving their platform.
Augmented reality is already used heavily in sport, with the technology utilized to replay tennis shots and help umpires judge whether a shot was in or out, or just display engaging graphics over the top of the field of play to keep viewers informed.
Online sports betting websites are also harnessing that technology to upgrade the experience for bettors. For example, many punters go to BettingGuru.in to gain an understanding of the features available, alongside other aspects like introductory offers.
But the gambling sector is just one example of an industry capitalizing on the pace of change online. Leading brands are constantly evolving the way they interact with visitors to offer a service that suits them, whether it’s an immersive experience at home or a functional and efficient platform on the go.
As the internet continues to change, the big winner will be the consumer.
