Smartphone Industry: What Is The Role Of Smartphones During COVID-19?

 

Besides chatting with a friend, scrolling endlessly through Instagram, and sharing memes on Facebook, the usage of smartphones has increased greatly during the pandemic.

In the times of Coronavirus, the usage of smartphones has become crucial. We have become completely reliant on our smart devices to perform various day-to-day tasks and keep a tab on all COVID-19 related updates.

Through this article, we would discuss some of the key ways in which smartphones can support in a scary situation like the viral pandemic. Here we go!

• Connecting Through Virtual Mediums

        

Social distancing is extremely important in order to flatten the curve of this deadly disease. Though we can’t hang out with our friends, with smartphones we can stay in virtual touch with our nearest and dearest. Video conferencing is a saviour in such difficult times as when we couldn’t step outside or hold social gatherings, it has helped a lot of people to combat the feelings of isolation and loneliness.

• Online Shopping

The usage of online e-commerce platforms has increased globally due to the fear and tension among people worried about getting exposed to this infectious disease. COVID-19 has changed the fundamental shopping habits of most people. Through smartphones, almost everyone has turned to online shopping for their essential goods and other needs rather than in-store shopping. It is easy, safe and convenient to shop online, a trend that will continue to boom even after the crisis has ended.

• Rise of Digital Payment

In order to reduce the transmission of the virus through paper, more and more people are switching to digital modes of payment. Digital payments are accessible and hassle-free. You just need to own a smartphone, internet connection, and any digital payment app like Google Pay, Paytm, PhonePe etc. to just tap and pay within seconds. COVID-19 has compelled everyone to go for cashless payments and it is definitely a great way to ensure safety.

• Mobile Gaming

With the shutdown of the entire nation, people reached out for online games to overcome boredom and it will continue to do so throughout the pandemic as we move towards “Unlocking”. As per an article from the economic times, time spent in mobile gaming has increased by a great extent during lockdown. Gaming is a great way to connect and spend some fun time with our family or friends. It is also a good choice to pass the time while staying cooped inside in a safe way!

• Contact Tracing Apps

Such apps are being used to slow down the spread of COVID-19. The Government has made it mandatory for office goers and non-essential staff workers to install “Arogya Setu” app in their mobiles to detect and reduce the potential risk of infection. Countries across the world are using such Coronavirus tracking apps that may work differently but serve the same purpose. These apps are a crucial tool to track the details of the people who came in contact with a Coronavirus patient.

• Smartphone-Based COVID-19 Testing

Many scientists and researchers are working on self-testing for the novel Coronavirus that can be used through smartphones. In fact, an Indian startup has already developed COVID-19 detecting app which is now undergoing clinical trials before being made available for the general public. These apps will make it a lot easier to quickly detect and reduce the spread of the virus.

Takeaway

Without any doubt, smartphones are a form of rescue in this unfortunate situation when we are forced to stay at home. While the outbreak of Coronavirus has impacted the production of smartphones, at the same time, it has also increased the demand for them to get through this difficult time. From staying occupied to helping us stay sane and safe, smartphones will continue to play a major role throughout the crisis.