# Budget Tech As consumers opt for multiple devices, inexpensive technology satiates demand. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Jul 28, 2014 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/budget-tech ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.0/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Budget Tech trend? **Budget Tech:** Technology has become necessary in Western culture, which has left some consumers without the ability to keep up because of costs. As an answer to this disparity, budget tech is not only making new innovations available for strapped consumers, but allowing those with means to have more than one device to support ever-extravagant lifestyles. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 3 to Jul 26, 2014 - Published: Jul 28, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Budget Tech trend ### Budget Tech As technology has become an essential part of western culture, budget tech products are making innovation accessible for strapped consumers. ### Affordable mobile devices As per the increasing demand by consumers for multiple mobile devices, there is an advancing sector emerging for less expensive tech products. ### Top-notch budget devices The newest devices offer premium design and competitive specs that come at a more budget-friendly price point. ## What the Budget Tech trend means for industry ### For Retail Retail companies should look into less costly alternatives to expensive high tech devices to fulfill rising consumer demand for technology. ### For Telecommunications Innovations like the Nokia Lumia 530 are opportunities for mobile phone carriers to establish a step towards a cheaper device market and move into emerging markets. ### For Technology The affordability of new devices is creating new markets of people who can now access technology for less, enabling many to participate in a wider range of digital experiences. ## Trend signals for Budget Tech Trend score 3.0 out of 10, from popularity 49%, activity 33%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 49% - Activity: 33% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Budget Tech trend 5 featured examples from Apr 3 to Jul 26, 2014. - [Elegantly Thrifty Laptops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/imac): The Newest iMac Computer Offers Top-Notch Design at a Low Price (Category: Tech) Implication: The Elegantly Thrifty iMac highlights an opportunity for the computer hardware industry to explore more cost-effective manufacturing processes and materials, while still deliverin… - [Thrifty Touchscreen Laptops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arcbook): The ArcBook is Perfect for Cost-Conscious Students & Professionals (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce cost-effective technology solutions, like the ArcBook, to meet the needs of budget-conscious students and professionals. - [Budget-Friendly Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lumia-530): The Nokia Lumia 350 is the Cheapest Windows Phone Ever Made (Category: Tech) Implication: Companies in the mobile device industry can create budget-friendly smartphones to appeal to customers with low income. - [Versatile Inexpensive Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tab-4): The Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Line Consists of Slim Multimedia Tablets (Category: Tech) Implication: The demand for affordable yet capable computing devices for both personal and professional use creates opportunities in the consumer electronics industry. - [Cost-Conscious Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moto-e): The Moto E is a Handy, Wallet-Friendly Smartphone (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunities to provide affordable and widely accessible smartphones to budget-minded consumers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)