January 25, 2005
Teenagers say no to mobile frills (really?)
Mobile companies could be wasting their time by incorporating radios, cameras and mp3 players into handsets, according to fresh research published today, reports Netimperative.
"According to research from Mobeon Labs, a division of Swedish-based mobile messaging specialist Mobeon, the majority of 16-19 year olds are more than happy with being able to send SMS text messages and voicemails.
Commenting on the findings, Birgitta Olson, head of Mobeon Labs, said: "It is clear that the industry has misread young people's attitudes towards mobile phones. They want to keep it simple with voice and SMS and carry a fashionable phone that reflects their personality.
"We're looking at Generation Me, an age group that demands simple ways to keep in constant contact. They want to organise social events with friends, arrange lifts with parents and pass on gossip. Why send a video message when a text can be sent in seconds?" added Olson."
If that's so, why are cameraphones selling so well? Even more surprising coming from cell phone savvy Swedes. Here in Switzerland, my 15 year old son for his birthday in December wanted a cameraphone with MP3. (He's spoiled, I know - but he really knows what he's doing)
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