2/3 of brits use just 4 functions

[difenbaker]

Two-thirds of Brits Use Just 4 Functions on their Phones
Posted to the site on 30th January 2007

Technology marches on with new and advanced products hitting the high-street daily. However, even with today's reliance on computers and mobile phones, over half (53%) of Brits feel that modern technology has now become too complicated and could turn their back on technology, according to the latest report from PayPal.

Whilst Brits are in some cases using some of the new technological advances, many still have no more than a basic understanding of them. The age old problem of setting a video recorder still exists for one in three Brits, even though they have been in the mainstream for 27 years. DVDs offer a more complex challenge with four in five (77%) not feeling confident to set one to record.

Also, mobile phones are now ubiquitous, yet many remain baffled by their features. The majority, almost two thirds (61%), use only four features on their mobile phone - calls, text messages, alarm clock and camera - while two fifths don't even know if their mobile phone has a camera function.

Neil Edwards, PayPal's technology expert comments: "It's a worrying sign for Britain that so many of us are baffled and therefore turned off by technology. There's no hiding from technology so burying your head in the sand won't make it go away. We all must embrace technology or risk becoming the tech illiterates of the world."

more here:
http://www.cellular-news.com/story/21676.php


cheers!

[Jose_R.A.M]

And just what age group are these "brits" who apparently don't know how to use remotely advanced features on their phones?

I sadly know a few people for whom texting is just waaaaaaaaay too advanced. Don't even start explaining colour screens or cameras.

[difenbaker]

And just what age group are these "brits" who apparently don't know how to use remotely advanced features on their phones?

I sadly know a few people for whom texting is just waaaaaaaaay too advanced. Don't even start explaining colour screens or cameras.

Kids maybe? Or teenagers who text more often than anything else on their phone? :D



cheers!

[carcomptoy]

And just what age group are these "brits" who apparently don't know how to use remotely advanced features on their phones?

I sadly know a few people for whom texting is just waaaaaaaaay too advanced. Don't even start explaining colour screens or cameras.
Would you be referring to old relatives and family friends, or kids our age?

[Jose_R.A.M]

Older generations, (not being ageist), but they themselves tell me they hate it.

I'm surprised by dif's comment...kids and teens who don't know how to use remotely advanced features? lol, especially after that article about teched up toddlers :)

[difenbaker]

Older generations, (not being ageist), but they themselves tell me they hate it.

I'm surprised by dif's comment...kids and teens who don't know how to use remotely advanced features? lol, especially after that article about teched up toddlers :)

That's right... mmm, dont know why I said that... I think it's not for lack of knowledge but rather it's the lack of usage - that I wanted to point out.

Quite often I see kids and teenagers having N73's, N80's, E61's, and now probably N95's too ..... and not using the data features in them?

I just dont get it sometimes.... that people would buy such advanced phones, but use only the 4 funtions mentioned above? It boggles the mind really. :)


cheers!

[Jose_R.A.M]

That's right... mmm, dont know why I said that... I think it's not for lack of knowledge but rather it's the lack of usage - that I wanted to point out.

Fair point:)

Quite often I see kids and teenagers having N73's, N80's, E61's, and now probably N95's too ..... and not using the data features in them?

Yup, me too. Sometimes I have to double take "is that 7 year old holding an N80??"

I just dont get it sometimes.... that people would buy such advanced phones, but use only the 4 funtions mentioned above? It boggles the mind really. :)

What we see in a phone is not really what others see. We note form, function and potential effectiveness on how that device can be implemented in our daily living (do I need it as an MP3 player, as my secondary camera, as my connection to the web etc).

Most likely, those users just go for "What's popular right now" or "what looks cool". In one particular forum that I sometimes visit, they also like phones, but not to the degree of being able to define what a certain feature is. As much as it shocks me that they don't know the difference between an LED flash and XENON, it really brings the perspective round of the majority of everyday users.

[carcomptoy]

I just dont get it sometimes.... that people would buy such advanced phones, but use only the 4 funtions mentioned above? It boggles the mind really. :)


cheers!
It doesn't boggle me...it enrages me :mad: Why don't you give the phone to someone who will actually use the majority of the features!!

[Jose_R.A.M]

It doesn't boggle me...it enrages me :mad: Why don't you give the phone to someone who will actually use the majority of the features!!

I was also going to include in my post above that you probably share this feeling more than most.

And we've gone through WHY many many many times CCT.:D

[carcomptoy]

I know I know...I can't help but ask rhetorical questions though!!:o:D

[Jose_R.A.M]

And I can't help but want to answer them. :p

On a serious note, this article refers to brits.

Are there any other countries using GSM networks that are known for their profound use of moderately advanced phone features?

[carcomptoy]

Probably Asian countries...they can barely afford the phone, let alone the service!

[666joe]

Are there any other countries using GSM networks that are known for their profound use of moderately advanced phone features?

Yup Asia is up the top with Europe trailing..... Used/evaluated most main providers and we are being screwed over by data + content costs. VF live for example - from launch was the first of its kind but Spain was already enjoying content and Adult content for months prior.. 3 is on the ball and after a rocky start they are leading the market....kudos and I never thought I'd be saying that...

The US use push to talk/2 way liek we brits use SMS. Social trends, market positioning and company greed all effect the costs so rather than get your head round them....

Try getting the avergae mum to pay £1.50 for crazy frog or £2 for the latest Jamelia wallpaper.....mines still on a 3510i (shudder)

[jayesh]

Well no question about costing of services here.... but yeah the article is bang on target.. I know quite a few people walking around with advanced super-phones... who use them just for calling and to look imp...

sadly i work for a news organization and i see this happening a little too often in my sphere