Cellphone Users Call Vendors to Get Back
to Basics, "Make a Better PHONE"
Lost in the mania around enhanced features such as touch
screens, open OS, and Internet access, consumers are asking
cellular handset vendors to make a better PHONE, according to
market research firm, In-Stat http://www.in-stat.com.
Over 1,300 survey respondents were asked the open ended
question, "What features are desired on your next phone?" The top
three responses were better connectivity, better audio and
simplicity.
In many cases vendors have been so focused on making complex
camera phones, music phones or mobile Internet devices, they have
lost sight of the fact that phone functionality is mediocre at
best. How often have we seen someone with a finger in one ear and a
cellphone pressed to the other ear, desperately trying to hear a
conversation? Our survey responses suggest that there is an
opportunity for vendors to develop phones with great audio quality,
robust connectivity and antenna features that are simply easy to
use.
In-Stat believes that, in the short term, a limited competitive
advantage can be created by bringing to market new hardware
features and form factors. Real advantages, however, will be
created through the integration and improved performance of
existing features. Better displays, audio, HD video, and
connectivity will command premiums in the market. Rugged phones
will also become more popular. The proliferation of increasingly
powerful features and multiple connectivity options is also
increasing demand on batteries. Phones that are well architected
and intelligently designed will be winners in the marketplace.
Recent research by In-Stat found the following:
- Video conferencing on cellular handsets is a feature that has
yet to find significant adoption but early adopters are 30–39
year olds with high income.
- Survey respondents expressed more interest in form factors that
are more mainstream than the new “exotic” futuristic
form factors such as wearable. Of the futuristic form
factors, dual-screen received the most interest followed by e-paper
and roll out displays.
- Larger screens with touch sensitivity are already gaining
momentum and will continue to gain popularity. Customization of
home screens will improve usability with personalization quickly
becoming a must have.
- Perhaps the most compelling advancement in user interfaces will
be the integration of picoprojectors into phones. Picoprojectors
overcome one of the most significant constraints inherent in mobile
devices, small screens. The strongest interest was shown in
the 25-34 year age segment.
- Media features continue to penetrate the market and the rise of
social networking has helped drive demand for integrated
cameras.
- According to respondents, digital cameras, speaker phones and
GPS were the top features on the “Ideal Phone.”
This Market Alert is drawn from the In-Stat research,
Future Cellphones: Leveraging Building Blocks for Better
Experiences (#IN0904432WH), which identifies and
measures users' interest in features and capabilities of their
current phones and what they want in their next phone.
The report provides survey results and analysis across a number
of areas:
- Current and future cellphone form factors and input
preferences.
- Users' interest in specific capabilities and features.
- Emerging technologies that will enable new features and
capabilities
- Market segments that are leading adoption of new features
- Vendors progress on bringing new phones, features and services
to market
For a free sample of the report and more information, please
contact a sales representative:
http://www.instat.com/sales.asp
To purchase it online, please visit: http://www.instat.com/catalog/wcatalogue.asp?id=66
The price is $3,495 (US).
This research is part of In-Stat's Mobile & Computing
Devices service, which examines the market trends, consumer
requirements, form factors, and features of mobile communications
and computing devices, including cell phones, smartphones, MIDs,
mini-notes/netbooks, and PCs.
Recent related research from In-Stat:
Mobile Processor Review
The Recession Reshapes the Worldwide Cellular Handset 5-Year
Forecast
Mobile VoIP—Transforming the Future of Wireless Voice
The Apps Store is Born: Smartphones Enable New Marketing and
Advertising Opportunities Worldwide
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