1 November 2007
Are consumers finally switching onto the Internet on their mobile?
56% of mobile users are now accessing the Internet via their mobiles according to a poll conducted by online usability and accessibility consultants Webcredible.
Downloading ringtones, traditionally one of the most established additional features for mobiles, came top of the poll. Users were asked which Internet function they used most on their mobile; 25% of users polled said that their favourite activity was to download ringtones to their mobile via the Internet. However, map reading appeared to be less popular with just 3% stating that accessing maps or getting directions through their phone was the service they most preferred using.
Trenton Moss, director Webcredible comments, “The internet has been available via mobile handsets for many years but take up has been slow to say the least. However, for perhaps the first time we are beginning to see significant numbers of mobile users surfing on move.”
Moss continues, “Speed, cost and the capacity of handsets have all been hindering factors as has site usability. It takes considerable work and expertise to make a site 'mobile friendly' and to a point that it can be easily navigated. In the past sites have been guilty of trying to transpose a website straight onto a mobile format, making usability near impossible.”
Moss concludes, “This is getting much better, but there is still much room for improvement - it should not be ignored that 44% of users do not use their mobile for anything except for voice calls and texting.”
Webcredible surveyed 1166 mobile phone users and achieved the following results:
- Download ringtones - 282 votes (24%)
- Read news or sports content - 98 votes (8%)
- Check your email - 136 votes (12%)
- Use maps or get directions - 39 votes (3%)
- Use search engines to find information- 95 votes (8%)
- I don't do any of the above - 515 votes (44%)
About Webcredible
Webcredible is a user experience consultancy, offering a range of usability, accessibility and design services for websites, intranets, mobile devices and applications. The UK-based consultancy researches, designs and builds interfaces to support user requirements & business goals.
With a long list of global clients in the private and public sector, including Airmiles, BBC, eBay, Laura Ashley, Lloyds TSB, T-Mobile and World Health Organisation, Webcredible is widely regarded as one of the most respected consultancies in the user experience industry.
