BII MOBILE INSIGHTS: The Best (And Worst) Of Mobile Connectivity

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The Best And Worse Of Mobile Connectivity (Pew Internet)
Some 85% of American adults now own a cell phone of some kind. When asked to describe in their own words what they like most about owning a cell phone:

17% of cell owners say the best thing about their phone is that it is convenient.
12% like the ability to call or talk with others at any time.
11% like that their cell phone can help them get assistance in an emergency.
9% say that using the internet, email, or apps is the best thing about their mobile phone.
8% cite the ability to connect with family.

best words that describe mobility

However, the convenience and constant connectivity that these mobile devices offer also comes with a downside in the form of annoyances, interruptions, and cost. When asked what they like least about owning a cell phone:

24% of cell owners say that the worst thing about cell ownership is that they are constantly available and can be reached at any time.
15% say that the cost of cell ownership is the thing they like least.
12% cite problems with bad reception, poor signal, or dropped calls.
8% cite problems with battery life as the thing they like the least.
8% point to interruptions from telemarketers and other unwanted callers as their primary annoyance.

worst words that describe mobility

Cell owners are extremely attached to their phones. Although most don’t see that as too big of a problem.

impact of cell phones

Relatively modest numbers of users see a downside to cell ownership in the form of increased distractions and difficulty disconnecting from work life.

Apps And Mobile Web Will Account For Most Of Social Media Growth (Nielsen via TechCrunch)
Nielsen and NM Incite published a comprehensive look at the state of the social media ecosystem in 2012. Consumers now spend around 20% of their total time online using social networks via their personal computers, and 30% of their time online visiting social networks on mobile.

time spent online
Mobile devices are aiding in growing these numbers, with consumers’ time spent using social media mobile apps and mobile websites accounting for 63% of the year-over-year growth. Forty-six percent of social media users say they use their smartphones to access social media, and 16% say they use social media on a tablet.

Making The Right Choice: Native, Mobile Web Or Hybrid Mobile Apps (E-Junkie)
A developer works around three kinds of apps: mobile web, native and hybrid apps. Each has its own pros and cons but the real time question is how to make the right choice. It's not easy pickings. Rather than fighting the dilemma of 'what is the ultimate right choice', it's better to have a more accommodating view.

native vs. hybrid

Mobile web apps are typically developed using server-side scripting languages such as ASP.NET or PHP that are delivered to client-side processors in HTML or JS codes that comfortably run on mobile browsers. Native apps are created for particular platforms using coding languages for specific vendors. The third variant that's fast gaining repute are hybrid apps. They use HTML and related web technologies but run in a native container.

Fidelity Wireless Chief Examines The Mobile Revolution (Roger Crockett)
Joe Ferra, Chief Wireless Officer of Fidelity Investments, sat down to discuss the mobile revolution and its impact on financial services and the future of mobile banking. He believes that "there is so much more that it going to happen. What has not taken flight yet is user interfaces. You will start to see things beyond scrolling and touch screens. Voice and hand gestures will evolve, and one day iris scanning will eliminate the need for any data entry requirement. That will make things even more personal. You won’t have to tell a device or a provider who you are. The bank, for example, will know your name and what investments you have. That is a game winner."

WARNING: Don't Take Your Mobile Phone To Bed (Mashable)
It is a sleep deprivation gadget. According to this infographic, using electronics right before bed or, even worse, sleeping with them, can severely effect your sleeping patterns. Yet most of us do it. About 90% of 18-29 year olds say they sleep with their phone in their bed or right beside it. And one in two people say they check their phone right away if they wake up in the middle of the night for no reason.

gadgets ruin sleep