30 July 2008
Mobile phones are no longer being used just to make and answer calls as consumers increasingly use their devices as cameras, mp3 players and even handheld computers, new figures show. According to the Mobile Data Association (MDA), sending text messages, taking pictures, listening to music and surfing the internet have become common activities for mobile phone users. Data from the industry organisation shows that almost 1.5 billion text messages and more than ten million pictures and videos are sent via mobile phones each week in the UK Steve Reynolds, Chairman of the MDA, said picture and video messaging volumes are "gathering real pace" and said the "proliferation of camera enabled devices" has been a driving force behind their growth. Mobile internet use meanwhile is expected to grow by 20% next year as consumers purchase new phones with internet capabilities. Indeed, the MDA predicts that over time mobile internet will rival traditional PC internet access and perhaps even supersede it. Meanwhile, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has issues a warning to mobile phone users that too much texting can result in pain and swelling in the thumbs and wrists.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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