Technology, it seems, evolves like the speed of light. Enhancing and accelerating connectivity, communication – and fun and leisure – are highly sought-after attributes by millions of Americans.
In this particular promotional product sector, understanding the trends in use, who uses what, how, why and when, will showcase how universal this market is, and how relevant it may be for almost all of your clients. After all, it's about both the staff (employee incentives, gifts or company store), and end-users. The only exception are Neo-Luddites, those who are opposed to increased new technology.
The following information emanates from the prestigious Pew Research Center (pewinternet.org).
Focusing on cellphone use, data showed that 67 percent of cell owners find themselves regularly checking their phone for messages, alerts, or calls – even when they don't notice their phone ringing or vibrating. Also, 44 percent of cell owners have slept with their phone next to their beds because they wanted to make sure they didn't miss any calls, text messages, or other updates during the night. Further, 29 percent of cell owners describe their cell phone as "something they can't imagine living without." Talk about being connected 24/7!
As of May 2013, 63 percent of adult cell owners use their phones to go online. Also, 34 percent of cell internet users go online mostly using their phones, and not using some other device such as a desktop or laptop computer.
As of October 2014, Pew Research Center data showed that 64 percent of American adults own a smartphone. To elaborate further, 90 percent of American adults own a cell phone, 32 percent of American adults own an e-reader, and 42 percent of American adults own a tablet computer. Meanwhile, many smartphone owners – notably younger adults, minorities and lower-income Americans – depend on their smartphone for internet access. Of U.S. adults who own a smartphone, 7 percent identify as being dependent upon this device.
This research shows a strong dependence upon this device, and as a result, accessories such as cases, holders, earbuds and chargers are exceptionally attractive.
According to Pew researcher Monica Anderson in her October 29, 2015 report, "Technology Device Ownership: 2015," as of late 2015, 68 percent of American adults own a smartphone, an increase from 35 percent from 2011; tablet ownership among adults has increased to 45 percent. That said, Pew research has shown that smartphone ownership may be nearing the saturation point with several demographics: 86 percent of people ages 18-29 have a smartphone, as do 83 percent of those ages 30-49 and 87 percent of those living in households earning $75,000 and more.
Meanwhile, purchases of e-readers are seemingly declining, according to Anderson. Pew research cites that as of end 2015, about one-in-five adults (19 percent) own an e-reader, compared to in early 2014's e-reader ownership of 32 percent. Ownership of MP3 players has remained somewhat stable – with 40 percent of adults enjoying their MP3s steadily since 2008. This is a similar situation to computer ownership.
Anderson explains, "These changes are all taking place in a world where smartphones are transforming into all-purpose devices that can take the place of specialized technology, such as music players, e-book readers and gaming devices. Some of the changes in device ownership patterns are particularly evident for young adults."
For example, in 2010, three-quarters of 18- to 29-year-olds owned an MP3 player; by 2015, only half (51 percent) had one. Similarly, in the latter part of 2015, 78 percent of adults under the age of 30 own a laptop or desktop computer, compared with 88 percent in 2010. "Smartphone ownership, on the other hand, has surpassed both of these devices, with 86 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds owning one in 2015. In other words, as smartphones came to prominence several years ago, younger owners perhaps did not feel as much of a need as their older peers to have other kinds of devices," Anderson elaborates.
Cellphones, according to research, continue to rule. Pew research shows that approximately nine of 10 American adults (92 percent) own a mobile phone. In 2004, when Pew Research conducted its first poll on cell ownership, 65 percent of Americans owned a cellphone.
Gaming devices are strong in popularity; approximately 40 percent of U.S. adults have a game console, a steady percentage for five years. Approximately 14 percent of adults own a portable gaming device. Meanwhile, researcher Anderson in her November 25, 2015 report, "Smartphone, computer or tablet? 36% of Americans own all three," Pew research shows that 66 percent of Americans have at least two digital devices (computer, smartphone or tablet) – and 36% own all three. "Fueled in part by the rapid adoption of smartphones and tablets, the share of American adults who own a smartphone, computer and a tablet has doubled since 2012. At that time, only 15% of U.S. adults owned all three devices," Anderson writes, adding that 30 to 49 year olds are most likely to own multiple devices.
Globally, digital research firm eMarketer predicted in 2014 that approximately 4.55 billion people worldwide would use a mobile phone. Furthermore, in a recent report the company noted that mobile phone use will rise from 61.1 percent to 69.4 percent of the global population. eMarketer also predicts smartphone adoption to continue on a fast-paced trajectory through 2017. This market is continually ripe for new products and accessories to enhance constantly emerging technology.
What's New
• Brand new tech accessories from Starline include: RoxBox™ Caster Bluetooth Speaker, Persona™ Bluetooth Speaker, Quad Power Pack (2,200mAh), Terrain and Habitat In/Outdoor Weather Stations, Evoke Bluetooth® Earbuds, Props Power Bank (10,000 mAh), and Pier 5-port Charger (8A/40Watt).
• New from High Caliber Line are 1-Clip Cellphone Leash, Contego RFID Smart Wallet, Solar Power Bank, Millennium Power Bank, Flexible USB Light, and Boom Boss Wireless Speaker.
• Mobile Edge now provides Wired Selfie Stick, Wireless Folding Optical Mouse, USB Wireless Optical 7 Button Mouse, and a number of carrying cases.
• Prime Line now offers Disco Lights Bluetooth® Speaker and Econo Mobile Charger Set, Bluetooth® Cylinder Mini Speaker and Emergency Mobile Charger, Tuscany™ Tech Case and Charging Accessories, Tech Case, Tough Tech™ Two Case Set, Tuscany™ Tech Case and Power Charging Essentials, and the Mini Bluetooth® Sound Kube and Econo Mobile Charger Set.
• For 2016, iclick has debuted the External Hard Drive N320, KeyBook, WFI Lightning Phone Adapter AD2, Dual Car Charger RK9, and the Power Pack C300.
• At Spector & Co., consider the Fidus Junior 6,600 mAH Power Bank with UL certified battery, as well as choice of several tech gift sets.
• US Flash specializes only in technology accessories. For your customers, you can select from a wide variety of flash drives, ear buds, power bank portable chargers, phone and tablet covers, wireless mice, Bluetooth speakers, USB car chargers, selfie sticks, SD cards and more.
• Evans Manufacturing provides such goodies as the USB Single Port Car Charger, Fold-Up Cell Station, Vibe Earbuds, Retractable Earbuds, Dually Car Charger, Power On™ UL Listed Power Bank, and the #itsme Selfie Stick.