Survey Finds Nearly Half Of Consumers Fail To Upgrade Software Regularly And One Quarter Of Consumers Don't Know Why To Update Software

PALO ALTO, Calif., July 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Skype today announced the launch of International Technology Upgrade Week (ITUW), a global initiative joined by Norton by Symantec and TomTom to encourage consumers to regularly download free software updates to their computers, smartphones and tablets and other portable devices, like GPS units. The prime focus of International Technology Upgrade Week is to directly address consumers' concerns and educate them on the value of keeping their software up to date, especially when many updates are free.

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The need for this initiative is readily apparent, as a recent survey of American, British and German consumers revealed that 40 percent of adults don't always update software on their computers when initially prompted to do so. In each country, approximately one quarter of those surveyed said they don't clearly understand what software updates do and an equal percentage of consumers don't understand the benefits of updating regularly.

In looking at the impact of automatic update notifications, the survey found that while three quarters of adults received notifications on their computers telling them to update their software, more than half said they needed to see a prompt between two and five times before downloading and installing an update. Even for those consumers who recognized the benefits of upgrading, one quarter didn't know how to check if their installed software even needs updating.

"Here at Skype, we are constantly getting feedback from our users and making improvements to Skype every day," said Linda Summers, Director of Product Marketing at Skype. "Only by regularly upgrading, are consumers able to enjoy the benefits of improved voice and video calling quality, longer mobile battery life and bug fixes, in addition to new features that we regularly add across our product portfolio, like Photo Sharing on mobile, or Group Video Calling and Group Screen Sharing on a computer."

Symantec, the maker of Norton security software, recently reported blocking more than 5.5 billion malicious attacks in 2011, an increase of 81 percent over the previous year. Having the protection of a powerful security suite in this environment is essential – regardless of device or platform. With a current Norton subscription, users are entitled to update to the latest product version available on the market. Updating your Norton product is safe, easy, secure, and ensures customers benefit from the latest features and performance improvements. Users can learn more by visiting the Norton Update Center.

Consumers who use TomTom's in-car location and navigation products may experience out of date maps or get stuck in traffic by not regularly updating the software. All TomTom portable navigation devices are enabled to receive free daily map changes. These updates enable drivers to keep the TomTom map on their device up-to-date with immediate changes in their area, such as changed speed limits, new street names, blocked roads and new traffic directions. In addition, more structural, long-term changes such as the addition of roads or roundabouts are validated and updated within TomTom's maps and made available on a quarterly basis.

Consumer Insights

Across all regions surveyed, more men than women upgrade software when prompted to and said that they have updated software within the last week.

When asked for their top reasons for either downloading or not downloading updates, consumers across geographies offered the following responses:

Here are some step-by-step tips for getting your free updates from Skype, Symantec and TomTom.

Skype

Automatic updates are the easiest way to keep your Skype up to date. They are turned on by default for users with the most recently updated versions of Skype for Windows and Skype for Mac. If you'd like to confirm that you have the latest version of Skype, visit www.skype.com/download. For more information about why users should regularly update their Skype software, visit www.skype.com/go/upgrade.

Norton by Symantec

Norton users with a valid product subscription are eligible to receive the latest product updates via the subscription service model. These updates are critical for ensuring consumers have the latest protection. For more information, visit the Norton Update center at http://updatecenter.norton.com.

TomTom

• Connect your device to your computer
• Download the TomTom Application
• Register your device
• Download available updates

About the Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted using an online interview administered to members of the YouGov Plc GB panel of 350,000+ individuals who have agreed to take part in surveys. An email was sent to individual panelists (which were randomly selected from those panelists in the base sample which were identified as representing the sample definition), inviting them to take part in the survey and providing them with a link to the survey. The responding sample is weighted to the profile of the sample definition to provide a representative reporting sample. The profile is normally derived from census data or, if not available from the census, from industry accepted data.

About Skype

Skype is communications software whose purpose is to break down barriers to communication. With an Internet-connected device, families, friends and colleagues can get together for free with messaging, voice and video. At low cost, they can also call landlines or mobiles virtually anywhere in the world. Skype has recently introduced group video, allowing groups of more than two people to do things together whenever they're apart. Founded in 2003 and based in Luxembourg, Skype is a division of Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT). Skype can be downloaded onto computers, mobile phones and other connected devices for free at www.skype.com.

About Norton by Symantec

Norton protects the Stuff that matters to consumers, across all aspects of their digital lives. Norton provides a range of security solutions including technologies for PCs and mobile devices, live tech support services and online backup. Like Norton on Facebook.

About TomTom

Founded in 1991, TomTom (AEX:TOM2) is the world's leading supplier of in-car location and navigation products and services focused on providing all drivers with the world's best navigation experience. Headquartered in Amsterdam, TomTom has over 3,500 employees and sells its products in over 40 countries.

Our products include portable navigation devices, in-dash infotainment systems, fleet management solutions, maps and real-time services, including the award winning TomTom HD Traffic.

For the world's most up-to-date route planner, including live traffic information, go to www.tomtom.com/livetraffic.

For further information, please visit www.tomtom.com.

SOURCE Skype

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