41 Percent of Consumers Interested in Mobile Enabled Caregiver Systems

16th February 2010

Consumers say that mobile connectivity in devices connected to the Internet make their lives richer and more enjoyable, but wireless carriers and corporations need to collaborate closely to accelerate widespread availability of embedded mobile devices and services to be valuable to consumers, according to research from Accenture and the GSMA.

Embedded mobile devices are products that are networked via cellular radio technology embedded in the devices. These devices can range from e-readers, to cameras, to home appliances.

The surveys queried three groups: early-adopter consumers that own at least four networked devices and use multiple Internet software services; high-level managers at companies outside the traditional mobile industry who are committed to embedded connectivity, and executives at mobile network operators (MNOs). The purpose of the research was to assess the embedded wireless market opportunity and the main barriers to its development. The corporate and MNO research focused on the automotive, health care, energy markets, and the digital home segment. .

The early-adopter consumers surveyed anticipate a proliferation of networked devices and a better life as a result. Seventy-six percent believe that most of the electronic devices they purchase in the future will connect to the Internet. The majority agree that these networked devices will save them time (88 percent), simplify their lives (86 percent), bring them closer to friends and family (82 percent), and make their lives richer and more enjoyable (82 percent). However, more than half (54 percent) of the consumer survey respondents believe that different devices that connect to the Internet do not work together as well as they should.

"It is very clear that the opportunity for embedded mobile devices and services is enormous," said Alex Sinclair, chief technology officer at the GSMA. "To fully capitalize on this opportunity, it is essential that mobile and other industry sectors collaborate closely to develop a robust and dynamic ecosystem that will spur the widespread availability and adoption of embedded mobile initiatives such as the GSMA's Embedded Mobile program will play a key role in making this vision a reality."

When asked about mobile-enabled caregiver systems, 41 percent of consumers indicated interest, and 72 percent of respondents who currently provide care for elders indicated interest. Caregiver systems include devices that connect to one another and the Internet to monitor a person's vital signs, level of physical activity, and physical condition, as well as devices that monitor for safety hazards. These systems enable monitoring via a laptop or a smart phone, send out "alerts" in case of an emergency and provide associated voice service that permits instant communication at the touch of a button.