Survey Finds Surfing the Internet is Number One Desired Cellphone Application

By Nick Flaherty www.flaherty.co.uk

Surfing the Internet was the most popular smartphone application last year, according to market researchers In-Stat (www.in-stat.com). Although applications remain, as a whole, relatively stable as far as desirability is concerned, the jockeying for the number one position tends to be constant.  In 2009, GPS turn-by-turn directions was the most desired cellphone application.  In 2010, it was still popular but fell to the number two position, usurped by cellphone users desire to surf the Internet. 

“The accelerated adoption of open operating systems has created an innovative environment unique to the cellphone market,” says Greg Potter, Analyst at In-Stat. “With compelling user interfaces and applications creating competitive advantages, the market has shifted its focus from individual features to improving existing capabilities that will provide the best experience.”

• Nearly 60% of respondents indicated that their wireless plan would include voice, messaging, and data.
• A physical QWERTY keyboard is still the preferred method for inputting new contacts.
• At almost 90%, respondents said that having a speakerphone was the most desired feature.   
• GPS directions and surfing the Internet were cited as something respondents were willing or might be willing to pay for.

The In-Stat research, Future Cellphones: Current User Preferences Drive Future Handset Designs (#IN1004741MCM) identifies and quantifies users’ interest in the features and capabilities of their current phones and what they want in their next phone, while tracking the changes in these opinions over time.

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