I recently ran across some amazing statistics about application downloads that got me thinking. According to Pinch Media, 80% of the services downloaded for free on an Iphone are not used anymore after one day. On the other hand 30% of the users will use software they purchased again. While the statistics were provided for Iphone, I am sure that similar numbers apply to all types of mobile phones.

To me, these numbers indicate the imbalance between choice and relevancy.

On the one hand, we have a huge selection of services and applications available, free and otherwise. On the other hand, we are challenged to find the ones that we want, we need, we like. A few trail blazers face the challenge and succeed. Most of us (myself included) give up and end up with a less-than-satisfactory or even annoying consumption experience.

Is there another way?

I think there is. (Mind you I work for Retalika so I am prejudiced.)

While there are a zillion different services and applications, I would be content with 10-20 applications that I use on a regular basis. However, I don’t want to waste time wondering through unknown websites, trying to determine if they provide what I need, if I trust them and if their application actually works. What I want is a single, trusted source that will provide me the applications I need.

Here are a few packages that vendors should offer:

• Social media – tools such as facebook, skype, twitter etc have become a common channel of communications. I always want to connect.
• Consolidated view – an even better idea to simply extending social media tools to the phone is a single view of my conversations across all touch points. I want to see my chats with my pal Dave on skype, twitter, email and LinkeIn in one place. That would really organize my life.
• Personal storage – I change my phone when I see a newer one that I like. I often change my SIM when I travel. I don’t change my contacts, calendar, business information etc. So what I need is a simple way that lets me keep my information in tact during changes.
• Anti-Spam – I get so many spam messages from companies that have my phone number. It’s really annoying and, unlike email, there is no easy way to get off the lists. Please let me block them.
• GPS – As a business traveler, I would like to find a close-by restaurant or the nearest gym (which I really should use more now that I have an international pass). Since my phone is with me at all times, it is the most convenient device for me to use.

So, what do you want? What are the top 5 things that would make your mobile device much more useful (aside from making coffee)?

photo credit svilen001.