Comments on: Content Discovery a Lucrative But Dangerous Place for Operators

By: Adam Mars

Adam Mars — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:58:34 +0000

I think that if a carrier analyzes the purchases made by a user on their devices and serves up recommendations based on their purchase history, there won’t be a large backlash from users. This is a similar model to Amazon, iTunes Genius etc.

Now if carriers somehow aggregate more personal information from text messages, call lists, or even web browsing, then I can see users having more concerns over privacy. Those types of activities can be very personal.

Can you imagine seeing a recommendation for the game “Lemonade Tycoon” show up in a shopping client because a user mentioned in a text message that a glass of Lemonade would sound nice? Verrrry big brother-ish.

But I dont see that happening. Carriers will base their recommendation off of purchase events and consumers will be alright with that.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:45:29 +0000

Carriers typically do not make the application discovery and purchase process easy. They insist on users use their tiny mobile screens to look for content and applications. Many of them do not even have a search function to find applications.

Some operators might offer a browser look-up but the catalog shown could be different from what is shown on the device. After consumers find an application they like, they have to go back to the phone and re-locate the app and buy it from there.

To add insult to injury, some carriers charge consumers even to browse the application catalog and for application downloads from their devices!!!

By: sumitcan

sumitcan — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:12:22 +0000

2 things:
1. How about you continue to record their data but dont push consumption so that takes care of the “you’re freaking me out” part, but you rather make it an option and when they do need it, it will be there and close to matching their preferences.
2. I am curious to know the demographics of the survey respondents who prefer not to disclose information. We have the younger generation most definately being active in social networks and online gaming platforms where they’re inherently sharing information. So my point is, maybe this is a mute question and is being amplified by the generation gap. Case in point, 10years ago who would have believed putting credit card info into the web was a safe option…

By: dave

dave — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:59:26 +0000

meehive.com for iphone? solved.