The potential emergence of the third major mobile platform and the changing fortunes of HTML5 will be two themes that dominate the app sector in 2013, according to industry experts.

Speaking to Mobile World Live in an exclusive new video feature, Carl Taylor, technology director at Hutchison Whampoa Europe, said the existing duopoly of iOS and Android needs to be challenged.

“I really look forward to seeing what will develop in that space. There is room, there is clearly room, both in the free OS space and in the licensed space,” he said.

Despite predicting that iOS and Android will continue to dominate, Adam Leach, practice leader for devices at analyst firm Ovum, said there could be “some interesting traction” for Windows Phone 8 and that 2013 will be “a crunch year” for BlackBerry as it aims to “convince users that they’re still relevant in the marketplace” with the launch of BlackBerry 10.

CEO of apps analytics company Distimo, Vincent Hoogsteder, also backed Windows Phone to do well, saying “it holds pretty good cards”.

“The development environment is good. Tools are good. Device sales are picking up,” he said. Hoogsteder added that the contest between BlackBerry and Microsoft has the potential to be interesting in 2013.

Turning to HTML5, Hutchison Whampoa Europe’s Carl Taylor said some of the initial reluctance around the technology will “fade to the back” this year. “I’m sure we’ll see a lot more consistent HTML5 implementation throughout 2013 and beyond,” he said.

Watch the full video here.