It’s barely a week into the New Year and predictions for the biggest markets of 2014 are already starting to trickle in. Of course, these predictions are riding on the coattails of the greatest hits in 2013. So, what’s the common denominator between last year and this year?Apparently, the virtues of “sharing.”

According to market research company Nielsen Ratings, data-sharing not only hit a whole new level last year, but it is expected to ascend to new heights this year. This from a company that exemplifies the Golden Circle. Data-sharing has nothing on Nielsen’s dogged pursuit of information regarding what people buy and why they buy it.

The leading global information and measurement company just released the mobile app rankings for 2013. The companies leading the charge in social media and app development aren’t that surprising, but the statistics that motivate these companies are very telling, indeed. In fact, they may even inspire Plastic Printers stock of cards for the mobile market.

Share and Share Alike

Statistics give rankings credibility. They also illustrate how relevant those rankings are by proving that there’s demand worth investigating. As it happens, mobile technologyis in high demand in the United States.

Year-end analysis shows that almost 65% of Americans currently own a smartphone; that’s 150 million users on a daily basis. By the age of 16, 29 to 35 percent of Americans on a tablet. Before Christmas, statisticians estimated that there are more than 80 million tablets in households across the United States. The early forecast for the post-holiday season puts the number closer to 100 million tablets and growing.

There is a direct correlation between the household adoption of these technology options and the year's top-rated mobile apps.

The Big Three

Every study has its limits. Where Nielsen is concerned, the mobile technology reviewed did not include iPads, iPods, or MP3 players. It looked at the breakdown of the smart phone market and the top apps that were purchased or downloaded onto a mobile device.

What resulted is a three-way split between the brand names of OS mobile capability:

• Apple owns 41% of market
• Android owns 52% of market
• Google dominates the remainder

Most of you can probably see where this is going already, but just to be sure that everyone is on the same page, let’s find out how the breakdown of the market is reflected in the top-ranked apps of 2013:

• The Facebook app is number one on the top 10 list. Facebook-owned Instagram is ranked seventh, but is arguably the fastest growing app this year.

• Not to be overshadowed by social media's meteoric rise; Apple Maps takes second place in the fastest-growing category.

• Google claims the most mobile app "shelf space,” dominating the rest of the list with five of their apps ranked in the top 10.

• Twitter plays the role of social media book end; rounding out the list at number 10.

It’s clear that the current front runners in the mobile app market are, but instead market continues to expand, don’t be surprised if you see a divergent or two in the coming year.

Speaking of divergence; Plastic Printers can help you produce cards for the mobile market. Whether you want your card to include social media references, local search listings, QR codes, website information, or links to a personal blog; we can help you custom design top rated, in-demand cards for any projects.

All you need to do is go online to www.plasticprinters.com and get in touch with a designer by phone, by email, or by live chat. We’ll help you review your options in cards for the mobile market. Once it’s ready for print, you get final approval of the design using free online proofs that are provided by our company.

With the right team of experts, breaking into the mobile market using your business card couldn’t be easier. Our design team can keep you ahead of the curve all year long.