Brands are likely to see tablet formats emerge as the leader for all digital display delivered across platforms such as desktop, tablets and mobile. Traffic is the biggest indicator.

Sears Holdings Corp. is letting consumers order groceries, pharmaceutical prescriptions and other products using their smartphones and pick them up at the nearest Kmart or get them delivered.

BMW’s Mini Financial Services has launched a mobile Web site that lets smartphone users process payments and common account requests using their handsets.

With more big-box retailers and department store chains such as Sears launching commerce-enabled applications for Apple’s iPad and other tablets, merchants must position their offerings to differentiate from competitors.

Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. has added another asset to its suite of mobile applications that increases consumer touch points and assists in the sales process.

What are the key trends with mobile applications and what will Apple, Google, Microsoft, Research In Motion and others do that will affect brands in their marketing and commerce?

Advance movie ticketing merchant MovieTickets.com is expanding its mobile offerings with free applications for Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch and Research In Motion’s BlackBerry.

Leading up to the busiest shopping season of the year, membership warehouse club Sam’s Club debuted a mobile Web site and smartphone applications to enhance and simplify the experience.

Starbucks Coffee has expanded its Starbucks Card Mobile payment test to nearly 300 company-operated stores in New York City and Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island.

Camera manufacturer and digital-imaging giant Canon U.S.A. is engaging shoppers throughout North America with a multifaceted mobile marketing program.