2011 was a year of unbelievable growth in the apps market. Strategy Analytics research group (http://www.strategyanalytics.com) estimates that more than 30 billion apps were downloaded across various connected devices.

This explosive growth will lead to increased competition for the coming year, along with validation that the app economy is real and here to stay, with more players entering the app space, according to the research group. Three predictions from the report, "2012 App Predictions: Phones, Tablets, TV’s, and Cars -- Oh My!" include:

° Apple will roll out carrier billing in emerging markets;

° Amazon and Nook app stores will account for more than 25% of Android downloads in the US; and

° A car manufacturer will partner with Android for a dedicated automotive app market.

Manufacturers, developers, and content owners recognize apps opportunities in bringing differentiated products to market while locking consumers into an ecosystem. As a result, in 2012, many companies will begin integrating apps with their devices while market leaders will seek ways for maintaining their edge in any way possible.

"These three key predictions portend a trend in the apps space next year," says Josh Martin, director of Apps Research at Strategy Analytics. "The theme for 2012 will be new storefronts, new devices and new business models."

-- Dennis Sellers