TNS Global, a market research company, reportedly has released a Global Technology Index study that looks at customer expectations in U.S. wireless market.
The study reveals that demand for innovative products will increase by 2010 despite the recession. Consumers showed they were willing to spend more on their next handset, marking a shift in preferences that the market’s seen emerging for the past year. SMS messaging is the most important feature on a mobile device, the study says, followed by interest in touch screen devices, MP3 functionality and blue tooth capability. There also has been a drop in demand for a still camera feature – bad news for Sony Ericsson. The study was conducted in January, covering 20,000 consumers in 32 markets.
“The mobile phone plays such an integral part of consumers’ everyday lives and consumers are unwilling to compromise on their current experience,” said Charles White, senior vice president, Telecom Segment Leader, TNS (News - Alert) North America.
“Likewise, new products in the market are fueling consumers’ desires to own a top-of-the line device,” he added. “When the economic situation improves and consumer confidence is restored, the market will be flooded with buyers looking for new and exciting products. With product development cycles of 12 to18 months, it is the companies that are investing now that will reap the benefits of this upsurge and be best poised for financial success. Companies that are too cautious during this difficult time could miss a huge opportunity if their product portfolios are not relevant to the 2010 consumer.”
Constant technological improvements have led to a widely varying range of wireless products. Given a choice, consumers are unwilling to accept a downgraded version of their current device.
According to the study, the average global consumer is ready to spend as much as $25 more for his next handset. There is a greater demand for touch screen devices. While just 5 percent global consumers currently own a QWERTY or touch screen device, 13 percent interviewed said that they would like to purchase such as device. Within America, 18 percent of the consumers own a touch screen device while 35 percent expected to buy one in their next purchase.
However, problems like unplanned purchase for replacement of lost or stolen mobile phones that account for nearly 45 percent of the purchases in the United States and 60 percent worldwide restrict the consumer’s ability to upgrade to the instrument of their choice.
Don’t forget to check out TMCnet’s White Paper Library, which provides a selection of in-depth information on relevant topics affecting the IP Communications industry. The library offers white papers, case studies and other documents which are free to registered users.
Shireen Dee is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Shireen's articles, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Michael Dinan
Internet Telephony Magazine
Click here to read latest issue
CUSTOMER 
Cloud Computing Magazine
Click here to read latest issue
IoT EVOLUTION MAGAZINE
