Strategy Analytics: US Mobile Users Want Cordless Headsets and Push-To-Talk


Technophiles & Digital Youth Will Lead Demand for Video & Multimedia


Boston, MA & London, England -/June 04, 2004 Wi-Fi Technology News/- Strategy Analytics, the global research and consulting company, today released, "US Cellular Device Market Dynamics: End User Interest," highlighting the rising user interest in new features within the US mobile handset market.

This Strategy Analytics report, which surveyed 1,000 cell phone users across the US, found is a surging need for improved connectivity and usability among cell phone users in the US. Fifty-four percent of those surveyed want cordless headsets, while fifty percent want access to push-to-talk (PTT) connectivity, and over one-third would prefer improved personal information management (PIM) capabilities.

Eddie Tapiero, Wireless Device Strategies analyst and author of the report, comments, "Users are interested in true wireless connectivity, and they want it effortlessly. They want to connect with friends, family and colleagues using both wireless headsets and PTT. In addition, users would like the ability to synchronize calendars and scheduling applications and to connect to work resources without the need of base stations or wire lines. Current technologies, like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allow handsets to improve connectivity, thus we are likely to see OTA applications becoming more popular over the next couple of years."

Chris Ambrosio, Director of the Wireless Devices Strategies service, notes, "There is a strong pocket of interest and enthusiasm for increased levels of removable storage on mobile devices: interest in camera phone capability has doubled over the last year. Additionally, there is a strong positive correlation between the imaging segment, the nascent music and media segment and the desire for removable memory."

Other key findings of the report include: 22 percent of all users are interested in Bluetooth technology; only 13 percent of users are interested in QWERTY keypads, while only 1-in-10 see value in video or music applications or games; interest in multimedia and productivity applications will be driven by "Business Pragmatists," "Technophiles" and "Digital Youth," while "Traditionalists" and "Followers" --which make up over half of the market -- will prove a challenge for operators to migrate beyond SMS.

About Strategy Analytics
Strategy Analytics, Inc., a global research and consulting firm, provides timely insights and strategic business solutions to companies operating at the convergence of information, communications and entertainment technologies. With worldwide headquarters in Newton, MA and principal offices in England, France and Germany, Strategy Analytics focuses on market opportunities and challenges in the areas of Automotive Electronics, Broadband, Telematics, Wireless Strategies and Enabling Technologies. For more information, see http://www.strategyanalytics.com