Device Demographics Show User Segments

With the caveat that demographics quite often are "blunt" predictors of end user behavior, the Yankee Group says males favor "HTC" devices, while females favor "Google"-branded devices, even when those devices are made by HTC.

Apparently, brand affects hardware preferences.

LG, Samsung and Sony Ericsson have a decidedly female bias, though it isn't entirely clear why. Devices made by LG, Samsung and Sony Ericsson are available in a wide range of prices, which could affect purchasing statistics, as 52 percent of all people in the United States are female.

Apple, Nokia, Palm and RIM products are equally attractive to both genders, the Yankee Group says. Despite Apple’s and RIM’s skew toward young buyers, their products appeal almost equally to both genders.

Perhaps the next step for device manufacturers is a more-direct effort to identify lead applications and the design of devices specifically optimized for those apps.

Yankee Group Research Report