Here on ResourceShelf, we are constantly posting new web resources aimed at researchers and — more and more so — mobile researchers. Earlier today, we talked about two services that offer home sale prices, facts about homes, and other real estate info via your mobile device.
Today, Ingenio, a major player in player in the pay-per-call space, has released some a new report containing numerous statistics about mobile usage in the United States. It’s titled: 2007 Consumer Cell Phone Usage Poll. Commissioned by Ingenio, the report was conducted by Harris Interactive.
The news release and summary are here. The full text of the report is available here. For those who like visuals, here are two that do a nice job of summarizing some of the data. 1 ||| 2
Perhaps most interesting to the information professional is that more and more people (nearly 50%) are using their mobile devices/phones to conduct other services beyond making phone calls. This is more fuel to the fire that info pros need to become aware of what the mobile web can and cannot offer, and also to think about how certain services can be used by libraries/information centers. Let’s plan now for the future.
As we’ve said many times, the days of the podcast are numbered as phones offer more features and improved bandwidth. The podcast will become the cellcast or mobilcast. No need to first download and then listen. Simply stream the program directly to your mobile device. Of course, it will be interesting to see if the iPhone, due out in a few days, will also act as a driver to an increasing number of people using a mobile device as more than just a phone.
At the same time, services like SoonR, Orb, nuTsie, and JaJah Mobile will be among the types of services that end users will not only find useful but can also save them time, money, and effort. Three important selling points.
Also, a question. Should libraries consider offering pay-per-call services? Would this serve as a reminder that telephone reference is alive and well? Perhaps, via just a single phone number. Then a user would enter his or her zip code/postal code and, within seconds, be connected to the local library’s reference desk. Again, something to think about.
Fast Facts From the Report:
+ While nearly one-half of mobile phone owners (49 percent) currently use their phones for more than just making and receiving phone calls, the study finds that in the next three years, 57 percent of mobile phone owners anticipate using their phones for more than just phone calls.
+ Women are more likely than men to say that their phones are personal to them (66 percent women vs. 60 percent men), and younger mobile phone owners are especially likely to feel that their phones have strengthened their personal relationships (60 percent of those ages 18-34 vs. 37 percent of those ages 35+).
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