Widgets Improve The Convenience Of The Mobile Internet

December 8th, 2008

Pete Nuthall

With contributors:

James McQuivey, PhD , Michelle de Lussanet , Laura Wiramihardja , Charles Golvin

Summary

The slow uptake of mobile Internet services has meant a failure to deliver the promised data revenues that would offset mobile operators' heavy investment in 3G networks and licenses. Only 14% of European mobile users regularly used the mobile Internet at the start of 2008, despite virtually all mobile phones carrying mobile Internet functionality. Why have mass-market mobile users shunned the service? Because the barriers to usage outweigh the benefits. Mobile browsing — the dominant form of access today — simply isn't convenient. Mobile widgets — single-purpose applications that a user can download onto a phone — offer a new alternative for mobile Internet access and promise greater convenience for consumers who have distinct needs while "on the go."

Want to read the full report?

This report is available for individual purchase ($1495).

Forrester helps business and technology leaders use customer obsession to accelerate growth. That means empowering you to put the customer at the center of everything you do: your leadership strategy, and operations. Becoming a customer-obsessed organization requires change — it requires being bold. We give business and technology leaders the confidence to put bold into action, shaping and guiding how to navigate today's unprecedented change in order to succeed.