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The talk around BlackBerry and smartphone circles lately has been the shift from a business-centric device to a consumer device. While BlackBerry’s success was once on the business side, they’re seeing more and more consumers adopt their phones, and other smartphones. Why? Because they’re all-in-one devices that provide superior entertainment capabilities. In fact, 90 percent of the over 3,000 respondents to this survey said that they wouldn’t switch back to a traditional handset after using a smartphone for a period of time.

“This survey speaks volumes about the powerful riptide smartphone and BlackBerry devices are creating in the mobile entertainment market,” said Nicholas Reichenbach, executive vice president of publishing for Magmic Games. “The results suggest that positive entertainment experiences on devices are a critical factor in product adoption and loyalty. As a result, it is important for mobile carriers, OEMs and entertainment publishers to continue efforts to offer compelling entertainment products to mobile customers.”

The findings of the survey are as follows, of which 83 percent were in the age 22 to 49 demographic:

• 90 percent of the gamers said that gaming on a smartphone was superior to gaming on a traditional handset. Fairly obvious. People tended to like the bigger screen and easier controls in terms of their gaming.
• Here’s a good one: 51 percent of respondents, and 60 percent of female respondents, said that they play games on their BlackBerry more than they do on any other console. Obviously, these respondents have never played Rock Band.
• 65 percent of BlackBerry owners purchase an entertainment product or service at least every three months.
• Puzzle games like Tetris and Sudoku were the most popular. I can’t say I’m surprised. Tetris is the greatest game ever invented.
• 41 percent said they play games during the workday. This makes sense, since 79 percent said that they felt more relaxed after playing a game.

So as we see more and more people taking advantage of BlackBerry features other than voice and email, we’re going to see more and more consumers pick up the devices. This is certainly why RIM is preparing a new round of consumer-friendly models, including the Curve.

[Business Wire]

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