Chart of the week: The relentless rise of the smartphone

Smartphones have become the defining technology of our age, outselling PCs four to one.

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Steve Jobs was right when he promised in 2007 that smartphones "would change everything", says The Economist. They have become the "defining technology" of our age and the fastest-selling gadgets in history, outstripping the growth of the basic mobile phones that came before them: 1.3 billion were shipped last year alone. They now outsell personal computers at a rate of around four to one.

Around two billion people now have a smartphoneand that number is set to double by the year 2020.That means around 80% of the global adult population will own one within five years, up from 50% today.The average American spends a total of two hours on one every day.

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