Cell phone users have mixed feelings on future features - report

April 12, 2005

Cell phone users have mixed feelings about predicted new handset features, reports In-Stat. According to a proprietary survey of cell phone users by the high tech research firm, Wi-Fi- and Skype-enabled handsets, voice activation for text input, and mapping and traffic routing features resonate well. However, few respondents expressed interest in wireless phones that could be used as a wallet for purchases, or for watching TV programs.

Some of these opinions will shift with time and enthusiasm could build for services that do not poll well today. But it will be up to manufacturers and carriers to help move these end-users to more favorable views.

A recent report by In-Stat found the following:

· 42% of the respondents were very or extremely interested in voice activation for their wireless phones.

· More than 4 in 10 were very or extremely interested in buying a wireless phone with built-in Wi-Fi for voice and data.

· Just 12% had an interest in buying a wireless phone capable of receiving TV broadcasts.

This Market Alert is drawn from the In-Stat report, "Future Cell Phones: The Big Trends, 2005-2010", which forecasts when new trends in mobile phone features and services are likely to take off. You'll find out what to expect from Wi-Fi-enabled handsets, the latest on fuel cell rollouts, and the shipment picture for TV on wireless phones. In addition, primary research shows what end-users think about: location-based services, phones that act as your wallet for mobile payments, Skype-enabled cell phones, and growing storage capacity. Plus, there's a brief discussion about what manufacturers and carriers are doing as they prepare for 3.5G and 4G wireless services.

http://www.in-stat.com