With just a few taps on a smartphone nowadays, you can escape into a world of endless possibilities where you can watch your favourite shows, listen to quality music and play games alone or with friends on the go. The ability to access entertainment on the go can be attributed to the introduction of high-quality mobile apps along with 5G internet speed, which has become a cornerstone of our daily lives.
The internet has changed how we access and enjoy entertainment even to the extent that you can now attend virtual concerts if you own a VR headset and interact with 3D surroundings as if you were present. Below, we explore the many benefits and comforts of playing online games and accessing entertainment on the go.
The Shift to Mobile-first Entertainment
The convenience and portability of smartphones, tablets and laptops compared to desktop PCs have been significant in the shift from traditional forms of entertainment to online options. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ are quickly becoming staples for many modern families. The shift to mobile-first entertainment has had lasting effects on traditional media in many areas.
TV consumption has reduced significantly, especially during power outages, where smartphones remain a viable means of viewing entertainment. Nobody wants to spend time wondering when the lights will be turned on in the middle of a football match when they can just switch to their phones. Many TV shows are now adapting their services to appeal to mobile audiences so they can remain relevant.
As of 2023, the global mobile entertainment market was valued at $199.36bn and is projected to reach $709.67bn by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.2%. Google Play and Apple App Store are responsible for some of the changes the entertainment market has undergone. These app stores have introduced some impressive innovations by enhancing the overall convenience of mobile entertainment with the apps they have available.
Top Platforms and Trends in on-the-go Entertainment
In the current digital age, there is an app for almost every need. The following are the various forms of entertainment these apps have made accessible on the go:
Streaming services
It is now possible to stream a vast collection of movies and TV shows directly from our smartphones. Many of us must have watched movies on a mobile device at least once. In this world and age, accessing TV shows is much easier. Even if you do not have an account with streaming platforms like Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, there are many free platforms, while others allow you to share accounts between family members.
Aside from the ease of streaming movies, apps like Spotify and Apple Music have made streaming music a lot better. You might have noticed that the quality of your audio improved after switching from an older device to a newer one. This is the result of advancements in mobile processing power and network speeds. Aside from the streaming services that these apps offer, some even allow you to download material for offline viewing and listening.
Gaming
Mobile gaming has improved considerably. We can now play complex games like PUBG, Call of Duty and Fortnite, among many others on mobile devices. These games are perfect for short breaks or long commutes, and you can download them from Google Play or the Apple App store.
The variety of games available provide more than enough to keep anyone entertained for days. iGaming, and in particular online slots, have really grown in popularity since 2020. We’re also beginning to see more traditional online sportsbooks branch out into it. Online casino, Betway is a prime example of this, known for being a market-leading sportsbook, the brand has now expanded its offerings to include online slots and other popular casino games.
Social media
Social media has turned out to be more entertaining than anyone could have predicted, as it allows users to stay connected by sharing updates and watching content created by others. It is only natural to want to be updated on what is going on in the lives of friends and family, but social media has taken it further with innovations like live streaming where you can watch what is going on in someone else’s life in real time.
Each social media platform is popular and effective for various forms of entertainment. News updates on platforms like Twitter, fashion trend ideas from Pinterest, and dance moves and funny content on Instagram and TikTok all come together to provide access to the best forms of entertainment anywhere and anytime.
Conclusion
Our mobile devices have changed how we consume content for the better thanks to the easy access they provide to streaming, gaming, social media and reading on the go. Mobile-first entertainment has made us more connected and is constantly evolving in this digital age.