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Carriers Beware: We're All Too Dumb To Use Mobile Data
from the education-time... dept
While wireless carriers are pinning their revenue dreams on wireless data, it looks like they still may need to take a step back and focus on the basics. A new study of mobile phone users finds that, while many of them have phones that can handle data, most identify themselves as "too dumb" to figure out how to use data services. The recommendation from the company doing the study is that carriers simplify the interface -- which isn't a bad idea, but might not be that easy. What's a little more worrisome is that this may be a bigger indicator. If people find a service really compelling, they'll get over some pretty complex usability hurdles to use it. The fact that many aren't bothering with wireless data suggests they don't see enough value to make it worth it to learn. Simplifying the interface brings down the hurdle, but doesn't necessarily make anyone feel any more compelled to jump over it.
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UI on handsets
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>value to make it worth it to learn.
Or - like me - they find that a mobile phone line is too expensive to use for Internet access.
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Compelling Serivces
In fact, 55% of the people said they'd be "encouraged" to use more services if they were simpler. (Of course, "encouraged" doesn't necessarily mean they would use them and it's not likely simplifying the services would make people less likely to use them.)
However, the important thing to note is that most people seem to want the services.
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Not a problem in Japan, because....
This creates a much higher likelihood that content and data service offerings will be interesting enough to overcome the inconveniences of the interface.
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