The world stopped turning for a few minutes in mid-September, as Apple announced the launch of its new iPhone 5 smart phone, the company’s latest iteration in the global mobile phone race.

The iPhone 5 went on sale in 11 countries around the world, and in some instances, sold out nearly as quickly as it went on sale.

That speaks more to Apple’s marketing prowess in creating consumer excitement more than anything else, but it’s true that smart phone users continue to rise in numbers around the world.

Mobile phone buyers continue to look for smart devices over ordinary ‘dumb’ phones. Recent statistics from research firm IHC indicate that global shipments of smart phones in 2013 “will exceed those of ordinary feature phones for the first time,” wrote The Economist.

And even amid the hoopla for its new iPhone 5, Apple still faces much competition from with smart phone handsets from Google’s growing Android operating system. CNET noted that over 500 million Android phones have been activated, and a senior Google executive wrote in a blog post that it’s adding 1.3 million phones every day to its Android universe.

According to research firm IDC, Apple increased its share of the smart phone market in 2012s 2nd quarter, but still trails the exploding base of Google/Android users. Between them, Android and iOS powered 85 percent of all smart phones shipped in 2012s 2nd quarter, a new combined high for both systems from Google and Apple.

So what’s next for users of smart devices? It seems that each fan base has staked out its own ground, and will not likely be swayed to switch platforms. What does that mean for cell phone users?

Faster processing power

Expect faster processing power in many smart phones in 2013, as phone manufacturers continue to boost their capabilities and offer incredible processing power and speed. Some of the latest models and their features that will surely wow consumers are reviewed at Smartphones2013.com.

More hands-free communication tools

More growth will be seen in accessories for both Android and iOS phones. More mobile phone users are indicating more preference for Bluetooth capabilities and the use of headsets for communication purposes. For those who like hands-free communicating, it may be worth the effort to pick up cell phone headsets at wireless emporium to enhance your mobile experience. Having your hands to work on other projects while talking hands-free on your phone can reap big productivity rewards.

Wireless charging

Wireless charging of one’s devices is in existence, but still out of the reach of mainstream consumers.

But look for that to change in 2013.

A company called Fulton Innovation has launched a new wireless charging breakthrough product that helps to standardize several existing wireless charging methods of inductive coupling, magnetic resonance, and Qi technology, according to Technaboob magazine.

The Fulton method involves placing one’s device on a flat plate, which charges up to three devices at the same time.

Amazing, indeed.

Mobile 3-D Technology to grow

Some futurists are pointing to an increase of 3-D technology coming into the mobile experience in the coming years.

Whether or not users are searching for that is unclear, but at least one company Amobee is producing 3-D mobile ads, writes TechCrunch, and that 3-D ad sharing capability will result in better ways for marketers to present its products in 3-D fashion.

That’s an important step for car makers, clothing retailers and more.

The iPhone 5 is a great device, no doubt, but with millions of dollars at stake in future sales, many smart phone makers are eagerly experimenting with future trends to try to move the business needle for next-generation smart phones.