New research from YouGov Reports reveals that there has been little growth in in-home connectivity and content-sharing between devices, however there is potential around home TVs and connecting devices/sharing content.
The Device Connectivity 2015 report shows that the ability to connect with other devices is considered a fairly low priority for consumers. Around three in five of consumers (57%) say they have not yet taken part in any connectivity or media sharing activity; with the main reason given for this being a lack of interest (42%). The ability to connect with other devices is also considered a fairly low priority when purchasing new technology devices (18%).
Those who have experience of connecting devices together or sharing content across devices, are most likely to connect their smartphone, laptop, tablet etc. to items such as a Printer (40%), Television (37%) and Digital camera (29%). The most common activity among this group of ‘device connectors/content sharers’ is using their TV set to view photos taken or stored on their mobile device (37%) and to browse the internet (26%).
When asked which device connectivity and content sharing would appeal, regardless of experience, interest in specific activities and devices does however emerge. Many consumers are potentially interested in using their TVs to view the images taken on their camera and mobile devices (31% and 29% respectively), to browse the internet (22%) and to stream TV programmes/films from their smartphone/laptop/tablet (22%). These results also indicate why, in terms of potential device connectivity, consumers show most interest in connecting their mobile devices and TV together (35%).
Consumers’ interest in accessing online content via their living room TV sets reveals a growing interest in internet-enabled TV. Almost three in 10 UK adults (29%) have access to an internet-enabled/smart TV at home – up from 25% in January 2014 – while some 5% of adults say they intend to buy a smart TV during 2015.
Tom Rees, Associate Director, YouGov Reports commented: “in-home device connectivity has yet to be embraced by the majority, with many people unaware of how to connect devices and share content or unclear of the benefits.
“However, what we see is a potential desire for greater knowledge and experience in the area of ‘Online TV content’, browsing the web on a television, and streaming content there from tablets, smartphones and the like. As smart TV prices continue to drop, emphasising these capabilities may be the key in convincing some people to buy.”
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