Business
Social Engagement Series: 8 Reasons You Can’t Afford to Miss the Mobile Wave [Report]
By now you’ve probably heard the buzz surrounding mobile media and mobile marketing. If you’ve zoned it all out so far, you’ll want to tune in now.
The UK Embassy in Beijing has a QR code to access its Sina Weibo account.
Investment firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers’ (KPCB) comprehensive annual Internet Trends slide deck boasts some staggering mobile statistics for 2013.
If you enjoyed our post on the 2013 Social Media Marketing Industry Report, we’ve extracted the 8 most relevant points from KPCB’s extensive 117-slide report that you’ll need for your business.
So, why mobile? Because the key to successful marketing and customer engagement is to learn what medium consumers use most and put yourself and your business in front of them in that medium, and we’re already three years into the mobile age.
Pretty soon, not being available on mobile devices will be as crippling for your business as not having a company website at all.
The Top 8 Reasons Why You Need to Get on Mobile Marketing from KPCB’s 2013 Internet Trends Report
1) Mobile Internet traffic has been and continues to be on the climb. It’s currently 15% of all global Internet traffic, a 5% jump from last year.
2) Almost everyone and their mom has a phone. There are now over 1.5 billion smartphone subscribers, and over 5 billion mobile phone users overall, a 31% growth from last year. The top two smartphone markets are China and the U.S., in descending order.
At this point, people are hooked on their phones. The average person reaches for his phone nearly 150 times a day. Texting is the top reason to reach at 23 times a day, calls are #2 at 22 times a day, and time-checking rounds out the top three at 18 times a day.
As such, mobile operating systems have the lion’s share of the global market share.
3) Mobile operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows Phone) have 88% of the global Internet market share, an 83% jump from six years ago. Even among the three, iOS and Android surpass Windows Phone by 25%.
That said, if you’re finally warming up to smartphones, another mobile wave is already here: tablets.
4) Tablets are already eclipsing smartphones. iPad sales have tripled from last year — 140 million units were sold so far this year versus just under 60 million iPhones.
Tablets are starting to outsell laptops and desktop PCs as well after only three years. Approximately 115 million tablets have flown off the shelves compared with about 80 million laptops and roughly 30 million desktop PCs.
Tablets are even in their own league separate from computer vendors. Apple and Samsung are the top two tablet vendors, versus HP and Dell for laptops and PCs.
5) Online education is on the rise. 32% of students are taking at least one online course as of May 2013, causing more schools to supply their students with ebooks to read on tablets and ereaders instead of physical textbooks.
Furthermore, there are far more open-source online learning platforms available for those who desire a skill without spending thousands on college, including iTunes U, Coursera, and Codecademy (free web design and app coding courses). In fact, iTunes U accounts for 25% of open-source online course enrollment, and Coursera accounts for 35%.
The KPCB report even lists Twitter, YouTube, and Google Docs as the top three Internet learning tools as of 2012.
6) As if that wasn’t enough, mobile Internet use has moved to automobiles as well. Google’s car is completely unmanned and runs on the mobile web (GPS, etc.). Remember the Social Media Marketing Industry Report’s mention of auto manufacturers integrating podcasts into their new models? That’s mobile Internet use.
KPCB reports that Internet radio service Pandora has higher mobile and vehicle use (approximately 60% and 13%, respectively) compared to listening via PC.
7) Mobile is wearable too. Thanks to health and fitness apps and websites, more people own wearable Internet-connected devices (anklets/bracelets, pedometers, etc.) which post their fitness results on the web. Google’s Glass has also joined the mobile mix as a wearable computer.
8) Mobile web transactions are far more prevalent now. In China alone, 9 million QR codes are in use as of March 2013, a quadruple jump from 2012. 42% of them are used for passcodes (coupons, rewards, tickets, etc.), 33% for ad promotions, 22% for data, and even 3% for payments.
There are even taxi reservation apps in which China citizens can competitively bid for a cab, push to talk to a cab driver, and/or track the driver’s arrival for their pickup in real time.
Additionally, more people are handling their finances online. There are already five emerging online financial services with explosive growth over the past year:
- Chase Mobile has nearly tripled growth, processing over $29 billion in gross online payments per year
- Square, the mobile payment device and service made popular by the Apple Store, has already tripled its growth from last year, processing over $15 billion in gross payments to date
- Bitcoin has quintupled its 2012 revenue with over 18 million cumulative transactions
- Lending Club has tripled its revenue from last year with over $1.8 billion in loans issued to date
- Free bill payment app Check has seen a whopping 17-fold increase from last year, processing over $500 million in bill payments per year
If you were still on the fence about going mobile, these findings are all the motivation you need to start asking around.
Share this post with your networks and bookmark it. You’ll definitely come back to it.
Photo of UK Embassy in Beijing taken from the Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers 2013 Internet Trends Report, Slide #63.
Business
Orlando Regional REALTOR Association Event Highlights Orange County Growth, Housing Trends and Economic Outlook
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) hosted its second annual State of Real Estate event for Orange County on April 17, bringing together industry professionals, policymakers and community leaders to examine the region’s housing market and economic outlook.
Held at ORRA’s headquarters in Orlando, the event focused on the evolving dynamics of residential and commercial real estate across Central Florida. Discussions centered on housing affordability, economic growth and long-term regional development.
Speakers and Panelists
- Lawrence Yun — Chief Economist, National Association of REALTORS
- Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando
- Racquel Asa — Head of External Affairs, Central Florida Expressway Authority
- Amy Mercado — Property Appraiser, Orange County
- Chris Atwell — Moderator, 2026 ORRA President
Industry experts said Central Florida’s economy continues to grow, though at a more measured pace. While housing and stock market wealth remain near record highs, job growth is softening, consumer sentiment has declined and loan defaults are rising — creating a market shaped by mixed signals.
Panelists noted the housing market has shifted into a more stable phase compared to the rapid growth seen during 2020 and 2021, with more balance and sustainable conditions.
Despite short-term fluctuations, long-term fundamentals remain strong. Orange County’s tax base has grown significantly since 2023, while the broader Central Florida region has experienced a 23% population increase over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people moving to the area each week.
Infrastructure and tourism were also highlighted as key drivers of future growth. Officials pointed to major roadway investments by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and the region’s continued strength as a tourism hub, drawing more than 75 million visitors in 2024.
“We’re operating in a global economy where interest rates, supply chains and migration policies all influence what happens at the local level,” said ORRA CEO Cliff Long.
Economic Trends Show Mixed Signals
Experts emphasized that strong asset values are being offset by softer job growth and declining consumer confidence.
Housing Market Enters Stable Phase
The market has transitioned from pandemic-driven volatility to a more balanced and sustainable pace.
Growth, Infrastructure and Tourism Drive Future
Population growth, infrastructure investment and tourism continue to support long-term expansion in Central Florida.
ORRA’s Impact and Benefits on the Real Estate Industry
The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association provides critical market insights, advocacy and professional resources for REALTORS® across Central Florida. Its events foster collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and the community, helping guide responsible growth, inform housing policy and strengthen the regional real estate market.
Business
Walmart’s Road to Open Call Returns to Orlando, Offering Small Businesses Access to National Retail Opportunities
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Walmart, in partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, will host the 2026 Walmart Road to Open Call pitch event on May 21 in Orlando, offering small businesses the opportunity to present their products directly to Walmart buyers.
The Orlando event is the only Florida stop in 2026 and is part of a nationwide initiative designed to support small business growth, expand supplier diversity and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.
OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Road to Open Call serves as a pathway for entrepreneurs to connect with Walmart’s sourcing team, refine their pitches and prepare for the company’s annual Open Call event in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Applications are open through May 1 at 10 p.m. EST. A select group of applicants will be chosen to participate in the Orlando event, where each business will receive a 30-minute, one-on-one pitch meeting with a Walmart buyer, along with feedback and mentorship.
Top participants may earn a fast pass to Walmart’s annual Open Call, where they can pitch for potential placement in Walmart stores or online.
FOCUS ON U.S.-MADE PRODUCTS
Walmart’s Open Call is the company’s largest sourcing event for products made, grown or assembled in the United States. The program is open to businesses across industries, including food and beverage, beauty, safety and consumer goods.
“The Road to Open Call provides a powerful platform for small businesses to grow and scale,” said Mark Espinoza, senior director of public affairs at Walmart. “By connecting entrepreneurs directly with our sourcing teams, we’re helping bring innovative, U.S.-made products to customers while supporting American jobs and local economies.”
LOCAL IMPACT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Local leaders say the initiative strengthens both entrepreneurship and the regional economy.
“We are proud to join forces with Walmart for the second consecutive year to bring this opportunity to the business community,” said Pedro Turushina, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “This initiative supports entrepreneurs and helps small businesses access national retail opportunities.”
Since launching in 2014, Walmart’s Open Call has helped thousands of small and midsize businesses become suppliers, while more than 85% of Walmart shoppers report valuing U.S.-made products.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — AdventHealth is now accepting applications for its 2026 Community Impact Grants, aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations working to address critical health needs across Central Florida.
The grant program partners with community-based organizations to expand initiatives that improve quality of life and promote long-term sustainability. Eligible nonprofits serving residents in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and South Lake counties are encouraged to apply.
Applications are open from March 30 through April 16, with funding expected to begin Jan. 1, 2027.
FOCUS ON COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS
The grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which identifies key challenges impacting residents’ well-being.
“Our annual Community Impact Grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment to ensure we are investing meaningfully where our neighbors need us most,” said Tricia Edris, senior vice president of innovation and partnerships for AdventHealth Central Florida. “We are honored to align our resources and stand as partners to create measurable, lasting impact across the region.”
PRIORITY AREAS FOR FUNDING
The 2026 grant cycle will focus on three key areas:
- Housing instability
- Transportation
- Food insecurity
These priorities reflect social determinants of health that can significantly influence a person’s ability to live a healthy and stable life. Community organizations often serve as the first line of support for residents facing these challenges.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AND PARTNERSHIPS
Past grant recipients say the program has helped expand opportunities for residents. Crystal Davidson highlighted the impact of the initiative on workforce development.
“Schools and colleges often don’t have the funding to provide introductory workforce programs that expose students to new career opportunities,” Davidson said. “Through partnership grants like the one AdventHealth is providing, we’re able to give young people hands-on experiences that help them discover their potential and build a path toward a meaningful career.”
AdventHealth will also host an informational webinar to guide organizations through eligibility requirements, funding priorities and the application process. Interested applicants can learn more and apply through the AdventHealth website.
