Characterization of web browser usage on smartphones

Abstract

The increased use of smartphones has established a trend of web browsing through smartphone browsers. On one hand many of the smartphone web browsers are available and on the other hand many of the websites are customized for mobile browsing. This paper presents the results of a study conducted to reveal the usage patterns of smartphones web browsers. Mix methods of research are used in this study. It is initiated with a qualitative part to lay down the basis for further investigations and concluded with a quantitative part. The results revealed about some of the insights on smartphone web browser usage patterns, which are equally helpful for the industry and academia. The findings are presented in following categories: number of usage sessions per day, duration of sessions, common tasks performed, and frequently used browser features. Furthermore, usage patterns associated to these categories are identified and analyzed in context of age and experience groups. The findings suggest that respondents from 35 to 44years of age tend to use smartphone web browsers for less number of times in a day but have longer sessions. However, there is no significant difference in use of browser feature among different age groups.