Smartphones and the Age Gap
A couple of years ago as I flew from Atlanta to Dallas, thunderstorms prevented us from landing and we were diverted to Austin to refuel and try again. On board was a large group of teenagers traveling together and I noted their immediate use of smartphones, laptops and such to understand what was going on and communicate with their anxiously awaiting parents. Wednesday, I had the pleasure of being delayed again by thunderstorms and what should have taken less than two hours turned into eight-and-a-half hours. But this time it was different. There was no group of teenagers traveling to or from some summer event. Instead it was a plane full of mostly adults and most flying on business.
The number of BlackBerrys rivaled the number of iPhones. Although, I noted only the iPhone users were nervously looking for power and upon landing in Houston competing for the few power outlets to recharge. So, I guess RIM has a few more seasons to go. However, what did give me pause was a comment I overheard from one of the passengers.
She said, I know how to respond to texts but I do not know how to create one. Perhaps I can call and leave him a message or send an email.”
This was interesting in that Samsung, which arguably sells the most wireless phones in the world, depends upon people like her. These are people who use and like technology but not that much. As I walked this plane of adults, I saw magazines, newspapers, books and some just sitting doing nothing. It was very different from the teenage passengers two years ago who were engaged with their mobile or electronic devices constantly. I was reminded of the difference this morning with the news that half of teens text while driving. Teens have a very difficult time disconnecting and, of course, this distraction results in accidents or bad driving. Interesting information, but back to the plane.
At some point, I realized that I was acting differently with this group than I had with the teenagers. With them, I was watching the weather and reading the news related to Dallas. I was on my Blackberry and using my air card when on the ground. This time though, I was surrounded by people who were less anxious. I read a newspaper, two books and only when we finally landed in Dallas felt the need to connect.”
Wednesdays blog discussed the importance of understanding online and data usage for a business as it transitions from separate voice and data connectivity to converged access. As you bring workers on board that are more connected,” this analysis of usage becomes even more important. As recent studies have shown, the growth in data consumption is exceeding even the most optimistic projections. It isnt that everyone has a smartphone or is on Facebook, its that the future is the smartphone or connected” devices and Facebook-like apps.
David Byrd is vice president of marketing and sales for
Broadvox
, and is responsible for marketing and channel sales programs to SMBs, enterprises and carriers as well as defining the product offering. Prior to joining Broadvox, David was the vice president of Channels and Alliances for Eftia and Telcordia. As director of eBusiness Development with i2 Technologies, he developed major partnerships with many of the leaders in Internet eCommerce and supply chain management. As CEO of Planet Hollywood Online he was a pioneer in using early Internet technologies to build a branded entertainment and eCommerce website company partnered with Planet Hollywood. Having over 20 years of telecom sales and marketing experience, he has held executive positions with Hewlett-Packard, Sprint and Ericsson.
