<p>According to a recently concluded analysis by Ericsson ConsumerLab in Southeast Asia and Oceania, smartphone penetration has increased from 47 per cent last year to 63 per cent this year, while tablet penetration has increased almost three-fold from 14 per cent to 39 per cent.</p><p>The report also stated that there is a noticeable change in apps usage from 54 per cent to 76 per cent in the same period among daily Internet users.</p><p>"The key drivers to purchase a smartphone are to connect to the Internet and to be in touch. People's aspiration to upgrade their current phone and own a smartphone is another key driver.</p><p>"Malaysia started with 47 per cent smartphone penetration in 2012 among daily Internet users. Even as ownership already registered a 16 per cent increase to 63 per cent for 2013, an additional 17 per cent of the respondents surveyed indicated that they would buy a smartphone in the next six months," said Afrizal Abdul Rahim, head of ConsumerLab South East Asia &amp; Oceania.</p><p><a href="http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/instant-messaging-driving-smartphone-uptake-1.351394">Keep reading...</a></p>