In a study released last week by Piper Jaffray, 31% of US teens said they want iPhones in the next six months, up from 22% last fall, and almost twice the 16% who wanted an iPhone twelve months ago. Actual iPhone ownership among US teens is also up. 14% of US teens own an iPhone, up from 8% one year ago.

Consumer desire for mobile phones combined with the increased usage of streaming / audio on mobile is further evidence that mobile is the “new” walkman!

Does your station have a mobile strategy? Are you streaming with mobile apps? Does your site load well on mobile phones?

Your young-and-future audience is on mobile.

According to a study of 2089 teens aged 13-19 across the US who own cell phones, Harris Interactive reports:

• A majority (57%) of teens view their cell phone as the key to their social life.

• Second only to clothing, teens say, a person’s cell phone tells the most about their social status or popularity, outranking jewelry, watches and shoes.

• More than half of the respondents (52%) agree that the cell phone has become a new form of entertainment.

• One-third of teens play games on their phone.

• 80% say their cell phone provides a sense of security while on the go, confirming that the cell phone has become their mobile safety net when needing a ride (79%), getting important information (51%), or just helping out someone in trouble (35%).

• Teens carry cell phones to have access to friends, family and current events.

• Though only one in five (18%) teens care to pinpoint the location of their family and friends via their cell phone, 36% hate the idea of a cell phone feature that allows others to know their exact location.

Also on teens’ wish lists are phones that…

• Guarantee secured data access to the user only (80%)

• Provide accessibility to personal health records (66%)

• Present opportunities to be educated anywhere in the world (66%)

• Bring users closer to global issues impacting teens’ world (63%)

• Are shockproof and waterproof (81%)

• Have endless power (80%)

• Feature a privacy screen (58%)

• Are made of flexible material and fold into different shapes and sizes (39%)

• Have artificial intelligence – ask it questions and it gives answers (38%)