Full-Steam Ahead for Smartphones & Tablets

Smartphones & tablets are great for ferry rides

According to data released by Frank N. Magid Associates, reported on by eMarketer and others, consumers are showing a strong and growing preference for smartphones and tablets. Magid measured the adoption of these devices among a population of mobile phone owners, starting from 2011 and projecting into 2014. The growth of both types of devices has been nothing short of phenomenal. The penetration of smartphones was at 49% in 2011; it's expected to reach 80% in 2014. Tablet growth has been soaring, from 20% in 2011 to a projected 64% in 2014, amazing when you consider that the first iPad appeared in April 2010. Online consumption of entertainment is supplementing and sometimes replacing television as the preferred medium. According to the Magid study, in the 18-34 age bracket, 35% watch content primarily on a smartphone or tablet, 34% on a PC or laptop, and 21% on television. The trend is even stronger within the Hispanic population.

Perhaps one explanation for this sea change is that there are infinite content choices online and the lightweight portability of smartphones and tablets make these devices even more personal than are personal computers. Last night, for example, yahoo.com streamed a free Paul McCartney concert that was viewable on the iPhone or iPad, and easy to watch on a larger TV via the wifi connection of an AppleTV device. In essence, you could walk around the house watching the concert or you could enjoy it on a more traditional TV. It's giving the consumers what they want, when they want it, and in the format they prefer.

---