Americans are becoming so used to accessing Twitter, Facebook, news outlets and more while on the go that a new study from market research consulting firm iGR found that smartphones will make up 96 percent of all mobile phone sales by 2016. In 2011, that number was 76, compared with just 33 percent in 2009.

"The growth in the U.S. smartphone market has been very strong in the last few years," said Iain Gillott, president and founder of iGR. "But as the market becomes saturated, smartphone sales growth will slow. For OEMs who are hoping to gain, or regain, market share in the U.S., the time to act is now. By 2014, we believe the majority of the smartphone sales growth will be over."

The predicted surge in smartphone prevalence may revolutionize how those with a computer science degree or online computer science degree work in the future. Advancements in mobile device hardware and software - as well as carrier network developments - have spurred the growing dominance of smartphones among U.S. consumers.

Also this week, a survey from Epic Digital found that mobile app growth has been astronomical in recent years. By 2014, it said, mobile device usage is estimated to overtake desktop internet users.