Providing market intelligence for more than 35 years

In The News

Why is Apple customers' appetite for its products insatiable?

Besides new phones, Apple is expected to significantly upgrade its Apple TV set-top box, which has barely changed since it went on sale in March 2012. The key difference in the new one, expected to cost about $149, will be voice-activated searching (using Siri) and control across multiple sources of content such as Netflix and iTunes, plus the App Store allied to a motion-sensitive controller, rather like Nintendo’s Wii.

The changes look timely, if not overdue. Apple TV is outsold by challengers including Amazon and Google, according to market research firm Parks Associates. Amazon’s Fire TV set-top box already has a voice-controlled interface, and Google’s Chromecast plug-in stick can be used to ‘cast’ content directly from a computer or phone to the TV. But there is plenty of room for growth, as only 20% of US households with broadband have a streaming device, the report found.

The refreshed Apple TV could also add the capability to play games and other apps. With gaming already a huge pursuit on smartphones, the prospect of it on a TV is exciting to iPhone developers, who for years have been wishing for a new Apple platform for apps. 

From the article "Why is Apple customers' appetite for its products insatiable?" by Charles Arthur.

Previously In The News

Nearly Half of Americans Looking for a New Home Want Smart Technology

A recent survey from Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC and Parks Associates found Americans are taking a different view about homes that are ready to move into, as an increasing percentage now requires...

Wait For New Episodes Online Might Get Longer

The changes are especially noticeable at Hulu, which is owned by parents of the very television networks - Fox, ABC and NBC - threatened by changes in the way we watch TV. Hulu has set itself apart by...

Netgear Orbi – Tri-band WiFi For Your Entire Home

“The connected home has become more data hungry than ever, and video consumption is the primary driver,” says Parks Associates. “Consumers are streaming video to every available screen from an increas...

Almost 50% Smart Home Devices In U.S. Are Self-Installed, Parks Associates Finds

Wireless home security sales are increasing, as almost one-half of home security owners in the U.S. have a home security system that connects wirelessly to sensors, according market research firm, Par...