Consumers are increasingly watching one piece of content at several locations and via multiple devices, including their smartphones, according to a new study from Ericsson (Nasdaq: ERIC) ConsumerLab. The report, which surveyed more than 15,000 people worldwide, found that 72 percent of people watch TV on their mobile devices and in multiple locations--using different devices in different locations.
The report also found that mobile apps and over-the-top services are challenging existing business models, but in the United States slightly more people have increased their spending on TV packages and bundles (25 percent) than those who have decreased their TV spending (24 percent), which means cord-cutting overall has remained fairly stable.
Meanwhile, video on demand remains popular with all age groups, with VOD usage increasing from 61 percent in 2011 to 63 percent in 2013, but it has grown dramatically among those over the age of 65. Ericsson reports that 40 percent of respondents over age 65 watch on-demand content.
Consumers also like "a la carte" video content and rank it as an important part of their viewing experience. In fact, Ericsson warned that the simplicity of setting up and using OTT channels, along with easy access to the Internet, is going to make it increasing easy for consumers to watch the content they want.
However, this plethora of choice will also make content discovery more important, and consumers want flexibility and simplicity when it comes to content discovery and recommendations.
No ads, HD quality video, on-demand content, simple-to-use interfaces and a la carte TV are the five most important things to consumers for their TV experience. The bottom five items are personalized apps, video telephony, apps on the TV, watching different camera angles and interactive TV.
For more:
- see this press release
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