• Home
• About Us
• Our Work
• Blog
• Talk To Us

When we designed and conducted the “Goin’ Mobile” ethnographic study with Arbitron back in 2010, we saw some amazing “stupid human smartphone tricks” that were precursors to major behavioral changes that have become societal in scope.

While speaking with a friend the other day who has an iPad but is still using a flip phone, she told me that she has purposely shied away from purchasing an iPhone because she thinks it will ruin her life.

That’s an interesting way to think about the smartphone phenomenon.  It is a game-changer, and while there are many positive aspects of owning an iPhone or one of the better Android handsets, the loss of attention-span and other cultural changes is undeniable.

We attempted to capture some of these usage patterns in Techsurvey8.  Overall, smartphone ownership has now passed the halfway mark, up to 52% in this new nationwide study.  And it’s interesting that both men and women are almost equally as likely to have one.

We also found that smartphone ownership tends to level the tech playing field by age.  Even those who have an iPhone or Android device in the oldest demos are using it to perform a myriad of cool and varied tasks.

The “dual pyramid” (below) speaks to the growing differences between the “haves” and the “have-nots.”  That is, those who have a smartphone, and those who are still using what is nicely called a “feature phone.”

(A friend of mine in his early ‘70s is a “have-not” and still jokes about the time I referred to his device as an AARP Phone.”)

So as you look at the pyramid, you can definitely see how smartphones aren’t just convenient, they have opened up a new world to users.

Now, the only thing that feature phone owners do more than their smartphone counterparts is talk.  In all other usage areas, it’s no contest.  When you take the dive into smartphones, a whole new world opens up to you.

Of course, that also sends a message to those of us who program and market radio stations.  Look at the capabilities and activities that our listeners now have – and of course, they run even higher in progressively younger-targeted formats.

So here are some takeaways, followed by a logical question or two:

Eight of every ten respondents receive and send email on their phones.

So how do your database emails look when listeners open them up on their smartphones?  Are you considering the UX – or user experience – in your email program?

Three in ten record videos and three-quarters take and share photos.

So how can you utilize the audience as “citizen reporters” at concerts and events?  If everyone has a camera (and a video camera), how can you use this network to create content and a real-time experience?

One-fifth use their smartphones for Twitter, while two-thirds do the same for Facebook

So are you acknowledging your audience in a timely way on these platforms and taking advantage of their real-time nature?

Nearly six in ten check out news, weather, and/or traffic info on these handheld wizards.

So how does your on-air information provide entertainment value, a local touch, and a greater degree of accuracy?  And if you’re running a news operations, how does your station’s mobile experience match up with audience usage patterns?

More than one-third check sports scores on their smartphones.

Does your app do more than stream – are you providing sports scores for the teams your audience cares most about in a mobile environment?

And six in ten regularly download and use apps.

And how does your station’s mobile app program reconcile with those big numbers?  Do you have apps, and if so, on which platforms and devices?  Do your apps provide more than just a stream – a unique, mobile experience that is reflecting of your brand’s essence?

That’s what I love about research.  It asks questions, and then generates more questions.  But these are good ones to be asking in a mobile environment that is moving at Mach 5, right before our very eyes.

What questions do you see on this pyramid, and how can you and your team answer them?

Email This

Apps, Radio, Smartphones, Technology

Daniel Ruby of Localytics.com writes, “The convenience of having your favorite local radio station in your pocket is resonating with listeners, according to our latest research.
Over the past 12 months, use of radio-based mobile apps grew 33%. By instantly turning any iPhone, iPad or Android device into a “radio”, users can listen virtually anytime and anywhere. The accessibility and convenience of mobile both increases listening hours and extends reach beyond traditional broadcasting ranges.”

“Our recently completed Techsurvey8 says a lot about the voracious appetite for all things mobile – especially apps,” said Fred Jacobs, President of Jacobs Media/jacAPPS. “We surveyed 57,300+ radio listeners across North America, more than half of whom now own a smartphone. Of those who download apps, over 70% download radio apps. When we asked our respondents which type of radio app they prefer, more than half opted for individually branded apps which allow for more features and customization. This is where radio is going.”

Read all of Daniel’s piece, “The convenience of radio anywhere.”

Email This

Apps, Radio, Smartphones, Technology

Samsung is out with a commercial showing an elephant operating a Samsung smartphone with his trunk! Samsung has produced the video to promote the Galaxy Note which features a 5.3-inch display and comes with an S Pen stylus tool, which allows users to write on the screen.

CNN’s Jeanne Moos has a classic piece showcasing the video, which is titled, “Peter The Elephant Plays With A Samsung Galaxy Note.”

Email This

Apps, Mobile, Smartphones, Technology

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

_________________________________

Kate Levy Promoted @ jacAPPS
Becomes Head Of Mobile App Development

Southfield, Michigan – jacAPPS, the largest mobile application developer in Michigan, announces the promotion of Kate Levy to lead its development efforts. Levy, a 2003 graduate from the University of Michigan, joined jacAPPS in early 2011 and rapidly demonstrated skills and a talent for mastering a wide variety of development challenges.

“The decision to promote Kate was one of the easiest I’ve ever had to make,” jacAPPS VP/General Manager Paul Jacobs remarks. “She’s not only got terrific development skills, but she truly understands the strategy behind what an app should provide to the end user. This combination makes Kate uniquely qualified to take over the development department at jacAPPS. Plus, she’s a huge Detroit Tigers fan, so she fits right into the mentality of our company.”

Levy added, “I’m excited to be able to assist our wide range of customers, from those interested in their first app to those with a full-scale app integration plan.”

Levy graduated from the University of Michigan in 2003 with a double degree in Computer Science and English Literature. Prior to joining jacAPPS, she worked as a developer and software engineer for GoKnow, an Ann Arbor software development firm.

jacAPPS has created over 600 apps for customers around the world and in Michigan, including The Ann Arbor Art Fairs, The Detroit International Jazz Festival, WRIF, WCSX, and many others.

For more information, contact Paul Jacobs at 248.353.9030 or by email at pauljacobs@jacobsmedia.com

Email This

app development, Technology

The below infographic shows that smartphones continue to influence local search and consumer buying habits. This study show the importance of keeping your business social site and listings up to date at all times.

Full Story Here

Email This

Future, iPhone App, Marketing, Research, Technology