Superficially it seems as if the mobile web is already the hotbed of innovation. iPhone and Gphone (as it turns out a pre-announced operating system) spurred breathless coverage, hype, and conjecture over the last 6 months. The New York Times reviews the current state of the mobile web and the gap between expectations fostered by the hype and today’s reality.
Interestingly, the humble text message remains the workhorse of mobile data. Not just a cash cow, SMS continues to grow rapidly even in mature markets like the U.K which saw 25% year over year growth in September 2007.
Why? Text messaging is easy to use with a simple interface. It just works. Allows for Instant Messaging like conversation but asynchronous. The counterparty to the communication doesn’t have to respond immediately. CNET gathered feedback from many younger people who suggested that email was shrinking relative to other communication channels and was increasingly used for only "formal" or business communication. Even instant messaging was on the decline. These messaging forms are not bad per se, but just can't beat the total package of SMS. One of the young entrepreneurs states, "For me IM died, replaced by text messaging."
Text messaging is very information efficient and simple to use. The log on and authentication of IM is handled by the mobile number. Fundamentally mobile phones are personal devices used by 1 person unlike the PC which caters to multiple users. Even those that utilize email admit it pales in comparison to text messaging use. Despite the fact that other data services such as mobile web, mobile tv, and even mobile music garner all the attention, I suspect text messaging still has room for valuable innovation and subsequent growth.
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