ZDnet reported today that Gartner predicts a build up in handset inventory — which will affect 3G mobile phones in particular — as mobile operators, especially in Western Europe, will fail to convince consumers that Christmas this year will be a 3G Christmas. Gartner thinks that users aren't impressed with the functionality offered by a 3G phone - "They don't notice if it takes 30 seconds to download a song or not."
We'd like to know where consumers are downloading the songs. Perhaps Gartner was referring to ringtones. Hm. Anyhow -
Gartner is right - and wrong. Inherent 3G functionality is videocalling and faster downloading. It's probably true that consumers in general probably don't care too much about these features, but the real point is that 3G mobile phones are still big and bulky, and videocalling and faster downloading alone do not make them more attractive. What 3G phones need is added functionality which leverages upon their inherent strengths - That's what our crystal ball says.
It also predicts that the Nokia N70 and the HTC Universal will still sell very well throughout this christmas period - because they have that extra added functionality. It cried a little when it thought about the Nokia N91. Mineral tears are funny to see.
[via Phoneyworld]
