Wednesday, 8 November 2006

Wireless Users Carry Redundant Devices, says In-Stat

Conventional wireless industry wisdom is that consumers seek a single wireless device with multiple capabilities built into the handset; however, studies show that most users carry redundant devices, reports In-Stat. For instance, more than 15% of people carry two wireless phones, the market research firm says.

"80% of the people that have a camera phone say they regularly carry their digital camera, 75% of SmartPhone users also carry a PDA, and more than 50% of users of multimedia phones also carry their MP3 player," says Bill Hughes, In-Stat analyst. "It is important to understand this customer behavior if the wireless industry is to offer commercially successful solutions."

In-Stat's survey turned up the following::

• Only 43% of the respondents to an In-Stat survey, all of whom are business users, stated that higher productivity would be obtained with a SmartPhone
• Many wireless users consider the additional capabilities offered within a wireless device to be a gift for becoming or remaining a subscriber, and not as a tool that is enhanced with real-time data
• Almost half the respondents believe that they will carry fewer devices by owning a SmartPhone. Most end up carrying a PDA anyway