Cellphone touchscreen keyboards appeal to buyers

BOSTON, USA: Strategy Analytics has found that respondents in both the US and Western Europe indicate a strong interest in having some form of a touchscreen keyboard for their wireless device, whether it be entirely touchscreen or as an addition to other types of keyboards.

While the majority of Apple respondents are interested in a touchscreen keyboard on their next device, more than half of them would be interested in a touchscreen and a physical QWERTY keyboard, as shown in a survey of nearly 2500 wireless users.

The recent Strategy Analytics Wireless Device Lab report, “QWERTY/Touchscreen Phones Set to Dominate,” investigates the user interest levels in various types of mobile phone keyboards.

“Despite strong interest in a touchscreen-only device, or a touchscreen combined with a physical keyboard, the traditional 12-key keypad still appeals to the mass market segment,” commented Christopher Dodge, Analyst in the Strategy Analytics User Experience Practice.

Paul Brown, Senior Analyst at Strategy Analytics, added, “With interest in various keyboard combinations differing by segment, it is important for both device manufacturers and operators to offer a variety of keyboard options within their device portfolios.”