3G needs new, more powerful user interfaces

CHESTERFIELD, Missouri -- New and more powerful user interfaces are just as crucial to the success of 3G wireless as applications and radio technology. That is one of the conclusions of the new 89-page report, The Evolving Mobile User Interface: Strategies for the Wireless Internet, released last week by Datacomm Research.

"The mobile user interface defines the 'look and feel' of wireless applications,'' said Jai Ganesh, principal author of the report. "Vendors that find the best way to get multimedia content into and out of palm-size devices will be the big winners. The success of NTT DoCoMo's 2G data service, i-mode, shows that the fine details are just as important as power and speed."

The report includes an executive summary highlighting business opportunities for hardware manufacturers, software developers, service providers, and content producers. There is also a discussion of why NTT DoCoMo's i-mode service has been successful, and the lessons it offers 3G wireless operators. There are sections on Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), Nokia's user interface categories, and the latest micro-display technology. The report also profiles over 30 vendors.

Additional conclusions found in the report are: 

▪ Vendors should create a range of standard interfaces that can be reused in different mobile phones and PDAs, as well as extended to new devices such as wireless MP3 music players, digital cameras, and personal health monitors.

▪ The ideal mobile user interface will exploit multiple input/output technologies. The user should be able to switch effortlessly from text-based screens to streaming audio/video to voice-powered interaction. Mobile users require different input and output methods in different situations.

▪ NTT DoCoMo's i-mode service offers important lessons regarding how best to garner support among software developers, information services, and content producers. DoCoMo's i-mode also serves as a model for leveraging an existing subscriber base, billing system, and radio network.

▪ Session initiation protocol (SIP) will play a major role in 3G wireless services. SIP enables functions such as instant messaging, "presence," and video calling -- capabilities influencing user interface design.

▪ Manufacturers need to separate radios from application-specific devices in the product development process. This will facilitate faster development and approval of new end user devices. It also enables individual customers to use a collection of devices for different purposes supported by one operator and one phone number.

Mobile carriers

"This report explains how mobile carriers will employ distinctive user interfaces to attract and retain customers," said Ira Brodsky, President of Datacomm Research. "Operators will build enhanced services on top of branded user interfaces employed in next-generation phones and an expanding portfolio of wireless-enabled devices."

Datacomm Research focuses on tracking, analyzing, and forecasting emerging telecommunication markets. Other recent reports include Public Wireless LANs, Wireless Streaming Media, Voice of the Internet, Global CDMA Business Opportunities, and Satellites in Cyberspace.