Zipit Messenger: Is there a need for specialization in the age of convergence? December 20, 2007
Posted by aapino in : digital information overload , trackbackZipit Wireless of South Carolina has introduced a new product, the Zipit Wireless Messenger 2, targeted at teenage text message senders. The company markets the device as a way to avoid the fee-based text messaging plans most wireless carriers provide by relying on WiFi hotspots (ala iPhone) and IM clients like AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, and Windows Live Messenger. For a $4.99 monthly fee, users can also send and receive text messages with cell phone users.
Personally, I find the product redundant for most users. Once equipped with a cell phone, few may carry around an additional device just to send messages. And for people that do adopt the product, its usefulness will depend on how often the user is inside a hotspot. I feel like a lot of the appeal of text messaging is the fact that it is entire mobile; one doesn’t need to relocate to send a message. The $149.99 Zipit Messenger 2 may not be conducive to truly ad hoc communication.
But the gadget is selling, at least in limited quantities. The Boston Globe reports sales in the tens of thousands. Whether it will reach critical mass may dependent on purchases for the upcoming holiday.
Do you think this product makes sense? Will teenagers use it as much as a phone? It appears to be in the exact opposite direction of the consumer electronics convergence craze we’ve witnessed in recent years. As other manufacturers are pushing smart phones that perform a host of different tasks, Zipit introduces a completely specialized and closed platform product. In my opinion, many DNs may find it inconvenient as it opposes to norms of constant connectedness and access to social online services. On the upside, it may reduce so-called information overload and distraction by only allowing access when within a hot spot. In that regard, it is more like an on/off utility instead of a continuous use personal tool.
Tony P
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Comments»
It would really depend. In my school must of my students have cell phones with free texting or sidekicks. I would think for those kids this would be a step backward.
I can’t see a teenager carrying two devices…unless they’re trying to hide one from their parents!
I think the target market for this device is people who want to stop competing with their kids over computer time.
Lots of kids just need the computer for IM’ing, Texting their friends and listening to their favorite songs.
This is where Zipit Wireless comes to the rescue.
From Zipit website:
“With 90 percent of U.S. teens sharing a home computer, the handheld Z2 eliminates family feuds caused by teens tying up the family computer to keep in touch with their friends via popular IM services that teens use and gives the user the freedom of portability without the hassles of the PC. There is no software to load, no long boot time, blue screen, spam or viruses to worry about. Parents love the Z2 for resolving the conflicts caused by sharing a computer and because it eliminates worries about unsolicited messages or access to inappropriate websites.” http://www.zipitwireless.com/corporate/press/overview/