- 70% want their devices to have smarter integration with other technology they use
- Wireless charging tops the list of most-wanted mobile phone feature
- Brits still consider calling and texting to be the most important functionality of a smartphone
LONDON, 2016-Feb-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — As the world’s biggest mobile event prepares to open its doors this weekend, Carphone Warehouse reveals what Brits really want to see from some of the latest handsets due to hit the market.
With much more than just new phone devices expected to come out of Mobile World Congress, the survey of 2,000 smartphone users reveals almost three quarters (70%) want their handsets to integrate seamlessly with other technology. Specifically 21% want a better experience when it comes to other connected devices in the home, whether that’s home security systems, smart meters, sound systems or checking the stock of their fridge.
However, the demand for seamlessness doesn’t stop here. Wireless charging is one of the most-wanted smart features, with almost a quarter of users polled (22%) looking for a more seamless way to charge their device and cutting the cord from plug to phone. Battery life continues to be a consumer pain point, with more than half (53%) stating their phone dies at least once a day and almost two in three (59%) went as far as saying it’s the most irritating aspect of their device.
Other features topping the wishlist include:
- Phone to become a more viable means for contactless payment on the go (17%);
- A more effective exercise companion (13%);
- The ability to drive and control their car with a smartphone (10%)
Despite demand for more innovative features, when it comes to choosing their latest handset, 75% of people said battery life was still key and more than half (54%) would pay more per month for a sustainable battery.
The research also shows that consumers are starting to look for more secure methods to prevent other people from accessing their devices, with fingerprint recognition seen as the safest way to secure a smartphone (23%), closely followed by retina scanning (23%) and voice recognition (18%). Despite being fairly new smartphone additions, 56% of those polled stated they would now opt for fingerprint recognition over traditional passcodes if given the option.
Traditional features continue to play an important role, with 68% of people still considering calling and texting to be the most important functions. When it comes to communication, the research reveals that 45% of men actually see calling as the most important function of a phone, compared to only 33% of women.
Jeremy Fennell, Managing Director of Carphone Warehouse, said: “Whilst we’re all eagerly awaiting the latest technological innovations to come out at Mobile World Congress, it’s clear the expectation is for handsets to step-up and become truly smart by acting as the remote control for our connected lives.”
“However, the fundamentals for communication should not be ignored. No matter how smart our handsets get we still want to talk, and have enough battery power to keep us being able to do all of the things we love simultaneously on the go.”
To find out more about the latest smartphones, please go to www.carphonewarehouse.com.
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For more information, please contact:
Carphone Warehouse Press Office
carphonewarehouse@mcsaatchi.com
020 7544 3600
Notes to editors:
About Dixons Carphone:
Dixons Carphone plc is Europe’s leading specialist electrical and telecommunications retailer and services company, employing over 40,000 people in 9 countries.
Focused on helping customers navigate the connected world, Dixons Carphone offers a comprehensive range of electrical and mobile products, connectivity and expert after-sales services from the Geek Squad and Knowhow.
Dixons Carphone’s primary brands include Carphone Warehouse, Currys and PC World in the UK and Ireland, Elkjøp, El Giganten, Gigantti and Lefdal in the Nordic countries, Kotsovolos in Greece, Dixons Travel in a number of European airports and Phone House in Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. Our key service brands include Knowhow in the UK, Ireland and the Nordics, Geek Squad in the UK, Ireland and various other European markets.
Business-to-business services are provided through Connected World Services, PC World Business and Carphone Warehouse Business. Connected World Services aims to leverage the Group’s existing expertise, operating processes and technology to provide a range of services to businesses.
For more information about Dixons Carphone plc, please visit www.dixonscarphonegroup.com
Follow us on: @DixonsCarphone