With mobile subscriptions expected to reach 4.3 billion in 2009, growing to nearly 5.4 billion by 2013, according to ABI Research, mobile communications have evolved from “nice-to-have,” to providing utility-like services. Wherever we are, they allow us to stay in touch, to be informed and entertained. With mobile services we can create, buy, sell, and share, find out where we want to go and what’s nearby, and even do our banking.
The trends driving these capabilities are evolving and include changing distribution models, a greater choice of connected devices, faster networks and a proliferation of mobile applications. Before consumers consider which handset to purchase, it’s essential that they decide what they would like to do with the device. Some consumers are only interested in taking and making calls with their handsets. For such consumers any mobile phone will do. For other consumers, text, photos, music and games are almost more important than voice functionality on the handset. A third group of consumers want to use their handsets as mobile office assistants. These consumers need a phone that not just “smart,” it must offer e-mail and other office applications.
There are other considerations too in determining which handset is best. 3G phones tend to be larger in size in order to offer the best functionality. Other handsets are becoming smaller and smaller. How small is too small? That may depend on whether the phone has a touch screen or will be used to display photo or video content. Power is important. Check battery life before buying. Consumers who use their phones in areas with poor network coverage will find that their handset batteries deplete rapidly. Color screens, video transmission and Internet usage can also zap a battery fast. Some people purchase two handsets – one as a primary device and another, tinier one to use when voice and text are the only functionality required. Cameras in handsets are getting better each year. Coupled with GPS functionality, a good camera can help record life’s special moments. Last but not least, think about connectivity options – do you have to use 3G or is Wi-Fi access a possibility?
New phones come on the market every month. While basic design concepts such as the candy bar, flip or slide are still common, handset designers are moving towards using new materials and expanding input options. When choosing a new handset, consumers must narrow down the options by thinking first about the mobile features that offer the best lifestyle fit – and then contrast design, price and manufacturer’s support.
There are some great new handsets coming on to the market just in time for summer. Parents searching for a phone to give as a graduation present to the outstanding student in their lives can’t go wrong with Sony Ericsson’s W995 slider Walkman phone. With crystal clear resolution for the ultimate takeaway video experience, the W995 enables mobile entertainment when loaded with movie clips, sports highlights or music videos.
The W995 offers intuitive functionality when coupled with Media Go, a clever free download which automatically converts entertainment files to play on the handset. Simply drag and drop any video – including full length movies – song or photo directly from PC to phone with Media Go. Downloading content is as simple as pressing play.
The W995’s Walkman player and video playback at 30 frames per second make movies look great. Add Sony Ericsson’s Noise Cancelling Headphones HPM-88, which reduce external noise by 75 percent, and the world is left behind. Or consumers can share the fun by spreading the sound around with friends, simply by setting the phone on its built-in stand and pumping up the volume on the powerful built-in stereo speakers. For a true stadium experience, plug the W995 into the Snap-on Speaker Stand MS410 and a start up a mobile party.
The phone also comes equipped with an 8.1 megapixel camera, GPS, Wi-Fi and 3G. An 8GB Memory Stick Micro saves a ton of content. The W995 Walkman supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and UTMS/HSPA 900/2100 and comes in black, red and silver.
Another beautiful handset which is scheduled to be launched at CommunicAsia on June 16 is the LG GD900 Crystal. A designer’s delight, the Crystal is the first handset to feature a slide out, fully transparent touchpad made of tempered glass. The Crystal touchpad is touch sensitive supporting handwriting recognition and gesture control. The handset will glow when activated. The LG GD900 also has a 3.0 inch touchscreen sporting an S-Class user interface, an 8.0 Megapixel camera, HSDPA and Wi-Fi connectivity and a music and video player supporting DivX and a microSD slot.
Many handsets are nice to look at, but Samsung believes that functionality and value are equally important. Boasting compact design and intuitive usability, the Samsung Star (Samsung S5233) has been created to meet the needs of consumers who want a full touch phone at an affordable price.
The Samsung Star comes with the latest multimedia features in a slim and compact body that measures a mere 11.9mm. Adopting a 3.0-inch WQVGA full-touch screen and Samsung’s TouchWiz v1.0 User Interface with Mobile Widgets, the phone enables consumers to enjoy this mobile device easily rather than spending a lot of time learning how to use it. For example, through “Photo Contact,” users can call a contact by simply touching a designated image. Access is more intuitive than ever, allowing people to tap, drag and flick their way through the mobile’s features. Haptic feedback adds a sensory dimension, helping users know when their touch input is being received. The Samsung Star offers a 3.2 mega-pixel camera, video recording, 50MB memory capacity with an external memory slot up to 8GB. The handset features full browser support allowing users to surf the Net and check Web-based e-mail.
All of these are great handsets but which one is best? Choose the one that meets your lifestyle requirements while providing great value for money and you’ll think that you’ve selected the perfect mobile device.