Better Browsers Needed to Grow Mobile Web

• Posted: Sunday, December 09, 2007
• |
• Author: pradhana
• |
• Filed under: Mobile Content

Stalled mobile web adoption rates suggest it's necessary to develop improve browser alternatives, according to a new report published by market analysis firm JupiterResearch. In "Mobile Internet: Leave the Browser at Home on the Desktop," JupiterResearch says that 63 percent of mobile users are not using their phones to access Internet services that remain popular on traditional desktop computers.

However, 37 percent of mobile users are accessing some kind of information or services via wireless handsets, suggesting increasing consumer demand for more than voice services.

"We're not advocating the browser go away, just that there should be an alternative for 'glanceable' content--the content people need frequently," said JupiterResearch vice president Julie Ask in a prepared statement. "Consumers are willing to pay for good experiences and products. The industry should focus on this reality. In turn, they can double or triple current adoption levels and drive up usage by focusing efforts on those cell phone users who would be motivated by a better user interface and more compelling experiences."

Better experiences, combined with lower pricing, will likely drive adoption of Internet services on cell phones, although from a provider perspective there are varying degrees of expense and challenges associated with implementation. Still, consumer demand for better experiences is creating a valid need for a complement to the browser on mobile devices. Such alternatives will better serve mobile subscribers, especially for glanceable content needs

"Browser alternatives such as widgets or applets, which are mini applications that allow for content to be easily accessed from a home screen or with just a few clicks, can meet consumer demands for quick access to information," said David Schatsky, President of JupiterResearch. "The goal should be to engage the user through ease of operation so that accessing information in this manner will eventually become second nature." [FierceMobileContent]

• Permalink
• RSS 2.0
• 
• 
• 
• 
•