Tech

Is Bitcoin Going to Replace Gold in The Future: Here Is What Experts Are Saying

Published

3 years ago

June 8, 2020

For a very long time, a particular form of conversation is gaining ground in crypto circles. This conversation revolves around the nature of Bitcoin, and whether it can replace gold. In recent times, Bitcoin’s ability as a solid hedge has attracted the attention of investors, who feel that the crypto stands to become a stable hedge in the future.

In this article, we are going to look at whether this is a mere conjecture, or is there any truth to the matter. We will also look at some properties, which has made investors proclaim Bitcoin as the new ‘digital gold’. Finally, we will look at either side of opinions and see what supporters and critics are saying.

Bitcoin and Gold: Similarities

One of the first things, which we should discuss, pertains to how Bitcoin is similar to gold in some important respects.

Both Bitcoin and Gold are available on earth in finite or limited quantities. This means that they do not have unlimited supply. If you do not have limitless supply, the value of an asset is fixed as a store of value.

Both Bitcoin and Gold can be easily transferred across countries and continents. In other words, they both enjoy universal acceptability. You can exchange your gold for currency in Russia, in the same way you can in Puerto Rico. The same holds true for Bitcoins as well.

Can Bitcoin emerge as a credible ‘Store of Value’ in different countries?

One of the major arguments, which is being forwarded pertains to the development of Bitcoins in the developing world. If you are familiar with the economic situation and financial happenings in the underdeveloped world, you will realise how their currencies suffer from extreme volatility.

This means that a pound of bread could be worth 10 or 1000 within one week. As a store of value, Bitcoin could help remove this volatility and stabilise the economy in a major way. Experts point out currency losing value is not only a concern for the masses.

It is also very bad news for governments and central banks who have to exchange their currencies to buy global supplies like oil, food and medicines. Another major reason contributing to the push for Bitcoin over Gold are the Millennials and Gen Z.

The above generations are products of a digital economy. They shop, eat, travel online and expect their currency to be virtual also. This makes them the generation who is going to call all the shots in the near future. In other words, for the younger generation, it is all about crypto. Visit bitcoin up if you are interested in bitcoin trading.

Bitcoin cannot replace Gold: What are the sceptics saying?

There is no doubt that Bitcoin still has a long way when it comes to replacing gold. However, critics who believe that Bitcoin can never achieve that distinction based on concrete points.

They point out that the underdeveloped world does not have access to electricity and the internet at all times. In such a situation, it is practically impossible to have a currency system, which has at its foundation, electricity and the internet.

Another reason that they put forth is the fact that gold has different uses apart from just being a store of value. For example, gold is extensively used in jewellery making. It also finds rampant use in industries like electronics, and medical services like dentistry.

However, to counter the same, Bitcoin advocates use the Blockchain technology argument, they state that modern communications, payments and supply chains can be built using Blockchain tech.

Conclusion

Whether, Bitcoin will ever be able to replace gold is something, which only time will be able to tell us. However, going by the initial responses, Bitcoin continues to show us a promising future. We will all have to wait and see whether we are able to see this reality within our lifetimes or not.

Tech

Mobile Commerce Trends: Do You Need a M-Commerce App in 2023?

Published

2 weeks ago

November 18, 2023

Jonathan Grilli

Twenty years ago, our parents could only dream of convenient shopping from any place they were with the help of a small device in their pocket. Today, dreams come true, and there is no surprise in getting clothes, groceries, or booking tickets via mobile phone. M-commerce is emerging as the friendliest shopping method through safer mobile payments, technological advancements, and the rise of specialized m-commerce apps. Let’s dive deep.

What is M-Commerce?

Mobile commerce (m-commerce) refers to purchasing and selling goods and services via a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. M-commerce has been increasing in recent years and is expected to grow in the coming years.

According to Statista, mobile e-commerce sales reached $2.2 trillion in 2023, accounting for 60% of all e-commerce sales worldwide. This share has steadily increased, from 56% in 2018 to an expected 62% in 2027.

Key m-commerce trends to watch in 2023 and beyond:

Increased mobile shopping: More and more people are shopping on their mobile devices. M-commerce will account for over half of all e-commerce sales by 2025.
Social commerce: Using social media platforms to buy and sell products and services. Social commerce is becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger consumers.
Voice shopping: Utilizing voice assistants like Siri and Alexa to buy and sell products and services. Voice shopping is still in its early stages of development. Still, it is expected to snowball in the coming years.
Shopping with Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR): these experiences allow consumers to try on clothes, furniture, and other products before buying them. AR and VR shopping are still in their early stages of development. Still, they have the potential to revolutionize the way people shop.
Contactless payments: Apple Pay and Google Pay allow consumers to receive goods and services without swiping or inserting their credit or debit cards. Contactless payments are becoming increasingly popular.

These are just a few vital m-commerce trends to watch in 2023 and beyond. As e-commerce grows, we expect even more innovative and exciting shopping experiences to emerge.

How to prepare for the future of m-commerce

If you are a business owner, there are some things you can do to prepare for the future of m-commerce and keep up with the trends:

1. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly: Your website should be easy to navigate and use on mobile devices.

2. Provide mobile payment options: Make it easy for customers to pay for their purchases on their mobile devices.

3. Invest in social commerce: Use social media platforms to promote your products and services. Connect with customers and receive feedback.

4. Accept contactless payments: Offer contactless payment options to your customers to make paying for their purchases easier.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your company is well-positioned to succeed in the future of e-commerce.

Mobile app development in the era of m-commerce

There is no way of talking about m-commerce, not mentioning mobile app development. You use your smartphone to buy something online.

Mobile app development services are an array of services that help businesses to develop and launch mobile apps. The implementation areas may vary: healthcare, financial, agricultural, or construction mobile apps provide the best performance and encapsulate all the peculiarities of the domain.

Different types of mobile app development services are available, and the specific services that a business needs are determined by the size and complexity of the app, the target group, and the business’s budget. However, some standard mobile app development services include:

Ideation and design: working with the customer to understand their business needs and goals and to develop a concept and design for the app.

Development: writing the code for the app and implementing the desired features and functionality.

Testing: examining the app to ensure it is bug-free and works as expected.

Deployment: Publish the app to the appropriate app stores. Apple App Store and Google Play are among the widely known.

Many mobile app development companies offer additional services such as maintenance & support, app marketing and promotion.

M-commerce pros and cons

There are a set of benefits and disadvantages to using mobile app development services. Let’s take a look them.

Pros

Accessibility. M-commerce is democratizing online shopping by extending its reach to even remote areas. It makes online shopping more accessible and inclusive for everyone, regardless of location, and fosters economic growth in rural and underserved communities.
Reduced response rate. Mobile apps have a significant advantage over web browsers regarding response time. Mobile apps are created for specific devices and can use the device’s hardware and software resources. As a result, mobile apps can perform tasks more quickly and efficiently than web browsers.
Social media integration. M-commerce also integrates with social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. It allows brands to foster deeper community ties and loyalty among consumers.

Cons

The culture of instant gratification. With features like one-click transactions and same-day or next-day delivery, consumers have come to expect immediate gratification. This can diminish the joy of anticipation traditionally associated with shopping and affect broader perspectives on patience in life.
Impulse purchasing. With our smartphones in our pockets, we can now browse and purchase products from anywhere, anytime. This convenience has led to a surge in impulsive buying decisions, as customers are constantly bombarded with targeted marketing messages and have access to a vast selection of products with just a few taps.
Challenge for local businesses. Online platforms like Amazon and Walmart offer many products and services at attractive pricing, making it difficult for small, locally-owned businesses to compete. M-commerce can also lead to customers sidelining neighborhood brick-and-mortar establishments in favor of the convenience and wide selection of online products.

Wrapping up

M-commerce is a steadily growing industry that has already reshaped online shopping. Such technologies as voice shopping, augmented reality, social commerce, and contactless payments will form the e-shopping future.

Mobile app development services can be valuable for businesses that want to develop and launch mobile apps. If you own an e-commerce business, ensuring your website and mobile app are upgraded for mobile shoppers is crucial. Using social commerce platforms to reach your target audience on their mobile devices would be best.