North Americans still prefer voice calls for social contacts

Software company AppTrigger has conducted a survey that shows North American mobile users prefer voice calls for social contacts - although they also want advanced applications. The survey of (just) 250 users said 74% wanted additional services but preferred voice as the main communication channel. In addition, 50% use voicemail at least once a day and 23% now use mobile email. [Press release].

SpinVox raises $100 million

Voicemail-to-text company SpinVox says it's raised over $100 million in its latest funding round, putting an end to the flotation rumours. Co-founder and CEO Christina Domecq said "Closing this funding round is an exceptional achievement given the current state of the global financial markets. We are delighted to have this group of institutional investors join the company." The new investors, which include GLG Partners, Goldman Sachs, BlueMountain and Toscafund Asset Management, join existing investors including Martin Hughes of Tosca Fund, Charles Dunstone of The Carphone Warehouse and Peter Wood, the founder of Direct Line; along with ABN Amro, Gartmore and Allen & Co. [Press release]

Spinvox considering flotation

Voicemail-to-text company Spinvox is said to be considering a stock market flotation as one of its options for raising funds. The five-year-old company now operates in seven countries and expects its sales to increase from from £40 million this year to £100 million in 2009. [Source: Sunday Times]