OK, not a new revelation per-se, but it is good to have data to confirm things…
If you look at the table above, you will see that cellphones, according to M:Metrics, are first and most a personal communication device… you can see how messaging takes the top spot on cellphone usage, obviously second to voice, followed by access to information via browser, followed by
personalization (ring-tones), followed by more communication functions (photo messaging/sharing, email and IM). Gaming is last.
For me, the above also confirms my belief on device convergence, where handsets will converge, but vertically, and focus in one of four areas: communication, personal organizer, social, media/entertainment, with some overlap/convergence. A fifth very specialized area is as a data terminal, such as the ones used in restaurants or delivery companies.
The report from M:Metrics also mentions another piece of data that should not be a new revelation but it is good that it is mentioned: “M:Metrics data suggests that the age of the owner has a significant impact whether a popular device is used to access mobile content.” I will add that age group determines usage patterns in general, being messaging the #1 usage amongst youngster (13 to 24 year olds?), at least here in the U.S. Also note that M:Metrics currently only samples the U.S. market, so I will add that if they also sampled other countries, they will find that “culture” also has an impact on what makes a popular device and how it is used. I would love to see M:Metrics data over time, and see how consistent the collected messaging usage numbers are — I believe, based on personal experience, that usage amongst youngsters is pretty consistent month to month, and the numbers are representative for that age-group.
Some time ago there was a long discussion/comments thread on Russ' weblog about messaging in the U.S. vs. Europe, and how small it is here in the U.S. vs. other countries — but it doesn't matter who has the most users, etc. — What really matter is the trend, the transformation that is happening all around the world, and that use of messaging (and the cellphone as a communication and sharing device) is growing all around the world… In short, communication (voice and messaging), sharing and personalization are the main usages of cellphone, here in the U.S., and I will
dare to say also around the world — and the numbers will keep growing. Also, instant messaging convergence will play a big role in handset's ability to enhance communications.
Last November we had the pleasure of having M:Metrics present at our Nov '05 Mobile Monday Austin, where David Gill presented similar data to the above. I have to say that M:Metrics is doing a very cool thing, and that it is great having M:Metrics collect this kind of data — very important to understand where the mobile & wireless market is and where it is going.
Debi (Mobile Jones) also wrote about the M:Metrics numbers, but from a different angle.
ceo