Despite heavy investment in mobile phone development and services, the majority of UK consumers continue to use their mobile phones for calls and texts only, according to the results of a survey commissioned by mobile interaction management company, SNAPin Software. The research shows that as many as 60% of UK mobile users use their mobile phone exclusively for calling and texting.
Among those respondents who do take advantage of the other features on their mobile phone, the camera was a top choice. 30% of respondents use the camera or take and send pictures to friends and family. Only 12% of mobile users e-mail or access the Internet from their mobile, and only 1% use their mobile for blogging.
According to SNAPin, UK consumers are experiencing a number of issues that may be perceived as barriers to the wider adoption of mobile features and services. Based on the research results, these can be identified as services apathy, billing confusion and manual fatigue. To support this statement, SNAPin points out that 60% of respondents said they are not interested in using the mobile services available on their phone; 29% said they are confused about mobile operators billing rates and how they are being charged for additional offerings; and 18% said they cannot not be bothered to go through a user manual in order to learn how to use certain applications.
Todays mobile phones are packed with functionality, yet many mobile users only discover a mere fraction of the features and applications available, says SNAPin Software Preseident and CEO, Robert Lewis. We believe this situation is symptomatic of how mobile handset manufacturers and operators approach user education. Users need simpler and less time-intensive ways of discovering their mobile phones potential. These need to be delivered at the right time when users require them most.
The SNAPin survey was carried out by YouGov among 1,961 adults and is representative of all GB adults aged 18+. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18 and 20 December 2007.