Mobile location-based services or LBS are used to track the location of
users within a wireless network using location-enabled mobile devices. LBS make
use of GIS technology and the internet to track the location of users.
User-initiated LBS require an internet connection to gather the user’s location
and provide the search results. The various location-enabled mobile devices are
smartphones, tablets, PNDs, and location-enabled devices fitted in vehicles.
LBS are used to discover places and routes; for tracking; to obtain traffic
updates and real-time directions, to find routes to landmarks; obtain
information regarding ongoing local events; and find friends. LBS are also used
for location-based advertising, location-based shopping, location-based social
networking, and location-enabled searches as well as location-based
entertainment and infotainment.
Analysts forecast the Mobile LBS market
in the US will grow at a CAGR of 27.08 percent over the
period 2013-2018.
The Report recognizes the following companies as the key players in
Mobile LBS Market in the US: Foursquare Labs, Google, Groupon, HERE, Micello,
Shopkick, xAD , Appello Systems, AT&T Mobility, CityGrid Media , Groupon,
HERE (Nokia), JiWire, Lemon, Placecast (1020 Inc.),PlaceIQ, Poynt, SCVNGR,
Sprint, Telemap, TeleNav, TomTom, Verizon Mobile, Verve Wireless, Waze
(Google), Xtify.
Apart from traditional advertising channels such as electronic and print
media, social media marketing is gaining popularity among SMEs in the US. This
is because social media marketing is highly effective, affordable, and ensures
real-time advertising, all of which helps SMEs to effectively communicate with
their target audience on their mobile devices. Moreover, many restaurants and
leisure service providers are attracting customers, especially those in the
immediate vicinity of their locations, with innovative deals, offers, and
coupons on a daily basis. Thus, the growing adoption of mobile location-based
advertisements by SMEs is driving the growth of the Mobile LBS market in the US
over the next few years.
Covered in this
Report
The Mobile LBS market in the US can be categorized on the basis of
application into four segments: Navigation and Tracking, Location-based Search
and Advertising, Location-based Infotainment and Analytics, and Other Services.
Mobile LBS Market in the US 2014-2018, has been prepared based on an
in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report focuses
on the Mobile LBS market landscape in the US and its growth prospects in the
coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors
operating in this market.
According to the report, one of the main drivers in this market is the
increased adoption of location-based applications-enabled mobile media. In the
past decade, mobile devices were used merely for communication purposes.
However, with an increase in functionalities and processing capabilities,
smartphone and tablet users are able to use their mobile devices for other
purposes as well. The usage of location-based services with smartphones and tablets
has become common. Users are increasingly using mobile devices to obtain
real-time directions to nearby locations, weather forecasts, and traffic
updates.
Further, the report states that one of the major challenges in this
market is the concerns over data privacy. The data about a subscriber's
location is owned and controlled by the respective network operators, which
include mobile carriers and mobile content providers. With operators being
privy to such information, end-users are concerned about their privacy despite
the presence of legal frameworks to safeguard it.
