(Image Source: Digital Trends)

BY YUTAKA HAYASHI

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

This just in: Smartphones are popular.  It may seem obvious...

But Nielson released a survey Thursday showing 62 percent of 25-34 year old mobile phone users make their calls on a high-end device.

"The vast majority of those under the age of 44 now have smartphones. Other groups show slightly lower penetration rates. Around 40 percent of 12-17 year-old teens and 40 percent of 45-54 year-olds reported owning a smartphone, as opposed to a more basic feature phone."

And it turns out -- younger smartphone users, or “Generation App,”  are passing on the trend to moms and dads.  A writer for MSNBC says....

"Parents of those generations seem to be picking up smartphones more frequently and readily as well, with an increase of five percent during this quarter to 30 percent for those ages 55 to 64."

So, what does this mean? A research director at Nielson explains to the New York Times -- we’re seeing a whole new market especially for advertisers.

“This is a wake-up call for potential advertisers waiting for a tipping point for mobile media or for smartphones to reach the majority. We’re already there with certain segments – 62 percent of those ages 25 to 34 already have smartphones. That’s critical mass."

A writer for GigaOM says -- sure, the youth dominate the smarttphone market.  But soon you’ll see plenty of apps geared toward their elders.

“There’s still potential opportunity for apps that target age-specific needs … Think of apps that focus on health care or transportation needs that older folks may have, for example."