Forget sophisticated data services, give us batteries that work, say users

September 27, 2005 - source: BWCS

Despite the hype about mobile data services and internet access on the go, what users really want is longer life for their mobile batteries. At least that is what market research firm TNS found in their recent study of almost 7,000 mobile users in 15 countries. The vast majority (75%) of respondents replied that better battery life is the main feature they want from a future converged device.

According to Hanis Harun, global account director for the survey firm, "The study shows that there is an appetite among consumers for powerful new applications, particularly those around entertainment media and imaging. However, the research also indicates that consumers now fully realize that such applications require enhanced battery life and increased memory and they are demanding these improvements as a priority."

The second most popular feature on phones, at least in the US, were video cameras and high resolution digital still cameras, which were noted as must-haves by 50% of respondents. Also in the US, users surveyed proved susceptible to Microsoft Office applications, which were desired by 42% and at least 20GB of memory which 41% of those asked thought was important.

The survey group was limited to a certain extent - TNS only questioned users who were between the ages of 16 and 49 years old and who used the internet at least once a week. The report found that 46% of mobile phone users had sent or received photos via their handsets but only 23% said they used messaging services to send audio or video clips. Japan (80% of users) and France (68%), perhaps surprisingly only 66% of Koreans questioned had done so. In the US the figure was even lower at 20%.

In fact, only 10% of users in the US admitted that they used their camera phone to take pictures on a regular basis. Almost 70% of American phone owners don't even have a camera on-board, according to the survey. Other countries included in the study included Australia, Brazil, Germany, Russia, India, France, the UK and Japan.