Smartphone platform use as of 2011 with “blue ocean” of potential growth.
There are about 350 million cellphones in use across North America. One-third of those are smartphones. The winning smartphone platform has yet to be determined, but as the above chart shows, Android-based phones have edged out RIM and Apple to lead the race.
More importantly for MESH Cities readers, the number of applications associated with those devices is growing exponentially. Why is this a game changer for cities? Outside of public protest movements like Occupy XYZ Street, urban planners are catching on to the idea that mobile-based applications offer a host of new ways to understand the city. Dr. Jennifer Evans-Cowley of Ohio State University observes that traditional methods of understanding cities are being swept aside by the disruptive power mobile Apps offer.
The Atlantic Cities notes some of the city Apps now in play:
- MyColumbus – 3-1-1 service requests.
- You The Man – New York City’s transportation department developed this one to curb drunk driving.
- myDelaware – Send a code violation directly to the city.
- Citizens Connect – Flag potholes, graffiti and other nuisances.
