E-mail is the most desired service for mobile phone
users, with a third wanting their messages on
the move if speed and quality was not an issue using a basic mobile
device.
A survey of over 1,000 mobile phone users by
online usability and accessibility consultant Webcredible into
desired mobile services, found that access to
social networking followed closely behind e-mail, with 25% of
the vote.
In addition, 20% of those surveyed also highlighted a preference
for using their phone to access information about their
surroundings, and 13% said that they would use their phone to
obtain travel and route planning information.
Trenton Moss, director at Webcredible, said, "The ease of use
with regard to accessing e-mail via a Blackberry or PDA device has
caused a groundswell in consumers who want the ability to e-mail on
the move through a basic mobile device.
"What I find interesting though, is the speed with which social
networking is becoming a must have function on a mobile."
Just 9% said that they would like to be able to shop online.
Moss said, "Usability is a massive function and one which is
difficult to overcome if shoppers want to view a good quality image
of what they are buying. There is also still great uncertainty
among the public about the data security of shopping through mobile
phones."