Wi-Fi Hot, TV Not for Cell Phone Users

by Ed Oswald

Cell phone users think a handset with Wi-Fi access is important, but scoff at features such as the capability to watch TV on their phones, according to a study on future cell phone features by research firm InStat.

InStat found that Wi-Fi, mapping features and traffic alerts, and voice activated text input scored highest with users. However, when asked about features such as using their phones for watching TV -- as some phones in Asia are beginning to include as a feature -- or using the phone as a wallet, which some Scandinavian countries already offer, users showed little interest.

"Some of these opinions will shift with time," says Neil Strother, In-Stat analyst, "Enthusiasm could build for services that do not poll well today. But it will be up to manufacturers and carriers to help move these end-users to more favorable views."

In percentage terms, 42 percent of users were either "very interested" or "extremely interested" in voice activation. More than 40 percent said the same for Wi-Fi or Skype access for their mobile handsets. However, on the other side, only 12 percent were interested in watching TV from their phones.

The findings were part of a larger study by the firm to find out what users expect from their phones over the next five years as the wireless industry moves towards 4G.

InStat told BetaNews a total of 739 U.S. residents completed the survey, and the sampling error was plus-or-minus 3.6 percent at a 95 percent confidence level.

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