Smartphones are fast becoming the most-preferred handheld devices for users because of the multitude of features they offer. It comes as no surprise that the number of newly acquired smartphones has exceeded that of feature phones in Japan during the past few months. Android-based devices lead the market in terms of share, followed by Apple phones.

Smartphone ownership is soaring in Australia as well with global smartphone penetration next only to Singapore. According to Google’s research, Australians are embracing the use of smartphones at a greater pace than others with as much as 75% of the research participants using their phones for online search during a normal week.

Despite the lack of business websites optimized for mobiles, customers in Australia are now relying more on their smartphones for buying different stuff, a fact consolidated by PayPal Australia’s own experience as detailed in Google’s study summarized here.

The rising trend of new smartphone acquisitions is expected to continue with forecasts of up to 90% smartphone users in the next four years among all mobile phone users in Australia.

Source:  SlashGear