There will be 27.9 million music phones in use in the US this year.
However, the researcher JupiterResearch says that only a relative few users are properly taking advantage of these handsets’ capabilities. According to a new report,, only about five per cent sideload songs onto their phone, while only two per cent downloading songs over the air.Jupiter says the resistance is based on high price points for downloads, prevalence of existing MP3 players, and compromises in device functionality to combine phone and music capabilities. It doesn’t believe the anticipated release of Apple's iPhone will change this.
Jupiter says that, to drive usage rather than simply ownership, the mobile and music industries must do more to make the case that music capabilities integrated into handsets deliver real consumer benefits. It can do this with fan communities, song identifiers and so on.
"Despite strong industry interest in music on mobile phones, adoption remains in its earliest stages," said David Schatsky, president of JupiterResearch. "It isn't the type of activity that can be forced into the marketplace, but it is something that should be nurtured in those who have already embraced it."
Advertisement
