By Shivaun Hales

2012 will be the year that Australian consumers adopt more than one tablet, and budget smartphones flood the market, according to research firm Deloitte.

The Deloitte global Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) report released last week also pointed to a rise in near field communications (NFC).

“We expect to see new record numbers of smartphones and tablets sold as well as computers of all descriptions,” said Deloitte Australia technology, media and telecommunications industry leader Damien Tampling.

While consumers are expected to slow down spending on ‘big-ticket’ items, Tampling said consumer electronics purchases could increase as an alternative to spending on travel or sporting events.

One tablet’s not enough

Deloitte’s report predicts Australians will invest in more than one tablet, the company predicts 5 million tablets will be sold globally in 2012 to people who already own one.

“The tablet explosion has shown little sign of slowing since it hit the market in 2010,” said Tampling (pictured).

“More tablets per household and more again in the workplace, may well further expedite consumer’s moves away from traditional print media, in particular print news,” he said.

Tampling believes tablet sales are increasing as it becomes an important device in the workplace, with service industries setting up internet ‘hot spots’ for staff and clients.

According to Deloitte more than 25% of tablet sales in Australia are expected to be generated by companies seeking greater mobility for their employees.

$100 smartphones on the rise

Technology vendors will rollout more low-cost smartphones, with Deloitte TMT research predicting more than half a billion cheap smartphones costing less than $100 will be in use by the end of 2012.

“Demand for basic handsets with computer-like functions is driving this growing market with the biggest opportunity in emerging markets where internet access is low, but the desire for communication and information services is growing,” commented Tampling.

The flood of smartphones will put pressure the supply chain to cut the prices of components, as well as app developers with smartphone owners demanding free apps.

Tampling pointed out the market will be extremely competitive and handsets that launch as market-leaders early in the year may lose momentum later in the year.

NFC evolves payment process

Near-field communications (NFC) technology is also set to soar with the increase in smart devices, and Deloitte believes 2012 will be a year of rapid changes in the mobile payment system.

Deloitte estimates the number of NFC enabled devices will rise from 90 million 300 million by the end of 2013, and that 42,000 NFC readers will be rolled out to Australian retail merchant premises.

However NFC uptake in Australia will depend on the collaboration between telcos, banks and device manufacturers.

“Any lack of interest or motivation to get moving will however only provide a longer window for other innovative payment technologies to emerge,” said Tampling.