
Internet-connected home (Shutterstock
image).
The average U.S. household with internet access had 17 connected
devices in 2023, according to new data released Jan. 10 at CES 2024 in Las
Vegas by Parks Associates. The tally is based on consumer research of 8,000
U.S. internet households in the third quarter, ended Sept. 30, 2023.
Among connected U.S. internet households, 66% have a smart TV,
42% have at least one smart home device, 31% have a security system, 39% have a
smart watch, and 89% have a streaming video service.
Dallas-based Parks also found that for the first time,
smartphone ownership surpassed TV ownership, with 90% of households reporting
ownership of a smartphone compared to 88% with a TV. The firm reports that 92%
of U.S. households also have fixed or wireless internet service at home.
“Smartphones are
ubiquitous now, and connected consumer electronics such as wireless earbuds,
tablets, and smart TVs are commonplace,” research analyst Sarah Lee said in a
statement.
Lee said connected devices are essential for entertainment
purposes and daily personal communications, which can include school, work, and
family.
“This necessity drives continued purchases, as every year CE companies
roll out innovative and advanced models that drive the consumer desire to
upgrade,” she said.
After a brief pause early in 2023, consumers’ enthusiasm for
consumer electronics products rebounded at the end of the year. Purchase
intentions for popular entertainment devices such as gaming consoles, streaming
media players, and VR headsets have increased compared to 2022 and now resemble
2021 levels, which was the height of the pandemic.
“Economic conditions and fear of a recession previously stalled
purchases of CE categories,” Lee said. “But higher intentions to purchase are
likely a reflection of prolonged delayed gratification, the end-of-year holiday
season, enticing retail promotions, and hope for continued economic improvement
in 2024.”
(Source: mediaplaynews)