Consumer Advisory Newsletter, First Quarter, 2010

Dear Consumer Advisors:

Many thanks!  This letter describes some of the ways Consumer Advisors like you are shaping the wireless industry. In April of 2007, we launched our current Survey of User Needs (SUN). We’ve received about 1850 responses so far, and about 1100 have joined our Consumer Advisory Network. Researchers and industry managers use what we learn from consumers to better meet the needs of people of all ages and abilities.

2010 Online Accessibility Resources Survey

Take the survey. Register to win an iPod Nano!

 In 2004, consumers asked us for help in choosing among available wireless products and services.  So we developed the popular online and pocket guide, “Your Guide to Choosing a Cell Phone”.  Today, there are several online guides to help. Which are most useful?  Would a “guide to the guides” be helpful?  We invite you to tour these sites, tell us what you think of them, and register to win an iPod Nano.  This survey continues only until March 31, so take the survey as soon as you can. Visit www.wirelessrerc.org and click on "Take the 2010 Online Accessibility Resources Survey"

Results from the 2009 Survey of User Needs

About 86% of those who have taken the Survey of User Needs (SUN) already own or have access to a wireless device.  Safety and security still tops the list of reasons, but the importance of wireless technology for practical, everyday tasks is growing.

Asked why your wireless device is important, you gave the following reasons:

• Can reach anyone anytime              85%
• Can get emergency help                  75%
• Makes me feel more secure             68%
• Reminds me of appointments          34%
• Can get directions wherever I am   31%

The SUN also asks, “What are the most important wireless functions?” Most of you continue to rank voice communication high on this list, but text-based communications and data access are growing in importance:

• Voice communications                      79%
• Text messaging                                57%
• Internet access                                52%
• Email                                                51% 
• Instant messaging                           24%

New SUN Coming This Month!

This month we will launch an updated SUN to include new developments in wireless technologies and services.  Your answers to this new survey will help us identify ways that your needs for wireless technology are changing.

 We welcome new responders, as well. So please encourage others to take the survey online, on paper, or by phone – check the contact information at the end of this letter.

How Usable are Touchscreen Devices?

Last summer, Consumer Advisors helped us identify the virtues and challenges of using wireless products with touchscreens. We chose three popular devices:  Apple’s iPhone 3G, HTC’s Touch HD, and RIM’s Blackberry Storm 9530.

Our testers had both praise and complaints for each of the three. The iPhone 3G got high marks for its strong, distinctive graphic design, especially for those with visual or cognitive limitations. The Blackberry Storm earned praise for its "SureTouch" screen, which allows the user to highlight a choice before selecting it, then gives a tactile click when the choice is made. The HTC Touch HD was the only device of the three that includes a stylus, which nearly all testers appreciated.

You can read more about this testing, and add your own comments, by visiting our consumer forum, MyWirelessReview.com.

MyWirelessReview.com is Turning 2

In the spring of 2008, we launched MyWirelessReview.com, our online consumer forum on wireless technology.

Traffic has more than doubled over the past year, with the most popular topics being:

• Text-only wireless plans
• iPod Nano/iPhone
• Mini notebooks
• Blackberry Storm
• Prepaid unlimited plans
• Braille apps for iPhone
• Audio feature comparing the accessibility of Windows Mobile and Symbian OS

MyWirelessReview.com also offers reviews and YouTube videos on topics like:

• Using JAWS
• System Access screen readers
• accessibility tools in popular browsers and operating systems
• mobile accessibility applications such as Nokia’s “Magnifier” tool

We encourage Consumer Advisors to make MyWirelessReview your forum for sharing thoughts, ideas, praise, and gripes about wireless technologies with each other, and with industry.

Video Series on Hearing Aid Compatibility

The Wireless RERC’s five-part video series, “Hearing Aid Compatibility: Choosing a Cell Phone That Works for You” is available on CTIA’s AccessWireless.org website. This series helps clear up some of the mystery surrounding hearing aid compatibility by demonstrating the process of choosing a HAC phone.  Please post your questions or comments about this video series, or hearing aid compatibility in general on our consumer forum, MyWirelessReview.com.

Thanks for All Your Help!

Projects like these are only possible with your help. Your input really does help improve wireless products and services for customers of all ages and abilities. Please continue to take part in projects like those we’ve described in this letter. And contact us any time with comments, questions or suggestions:

John Morris,
Program ManagerShepherd Center/Wireless RERC
Voice: (800) 582-6360 or (404) 367-1348
john_morris@shepherd.org