MarketWatch

Parks Associates research finds two-thirds of U.S. consumers planning to purchase a smartphone are unwilling to pay more than $50 per month for mobile data plans while almost 50% of smartphone users do not know how much mobile data they use each month. The firm's analysts say these findings, from the report Mobile Data and Applications: Market Update, highlight the risks to mobile operators as they try to shift from unlimited to usage-based mobile data plans.

"Operators need to ...read more

"The consumerism of information technology continues at a frenetic pace," said Kurt Scherf, VP, principal analyst, Parks Associates. "With convergence occurring in the entertainment, communications, device, and services markets, there is significant opportunity for a variety of stakeholders in the digital lifestyles market."

From the article, "Digital Lifestyles: North America"

Parks Associates reports over 60% of U.S. tablet owners use the device weekly to listen to music, and these consumer habits will drive deployment of home audio products with embedded networking technologies. The research firm's report Networked Audio Products: Market Update says audio product manufacturers will add networking in order to connect their products to popular mobile devices and streaming services such as iTunes and Pandora.

"The continuing popularity of music ser ...read more

This report provides an updated analysis of the dynamic mobile data market from both mobile operator and over-the-top service provider perspectives. It also covers the mobile app industry to gauge its revenue potential for mobile operators and app developers. The report also includes the latest consumer data from Parks Associates' mobile tracking study.

"2012 will be a watershed year for mobile operators," said Harry Wang, Director of Mobile and Health Research at Parks Asso ...read more

The report explores global trends and the impact of wireless broadband on the fixed-line broadband market. It also includes broadband subscriber forecasts for North America and for the world through 2016.

"Broadband is a key enabling technology for the growth of the connected home and is a fundamental component of bundled services for operators," said Brett Sappington, director, research, Parks Associates. "Broadband penetration and speeds are increasing in all parts of the ...read more

The number of U.S. gamers alone has increased 241 percent from 2008 to 2011, according to a recent report on digital gaming trends from Parks Associates. Much of that growth will come from China as more and more Chinese consumers purchase smartphones, tablets and other devices optimized for online interactive gaming.

From the article, "OBJE Enters the Multi-billion Dollar Interactive Gaming Industry"

Cellular M2M connections are forecast to grow from 135 million in 2011 to 2.3 billion by 2020, as research from Parks Associates shows a great potential for service providers in the emerging connected home market. For example, 12 percent of US consumers and 9 percent of Western European consumers are highly interested in home security and home automation, and 19 percent of Western European consumers are highly interested in an energy monitoring service.

"With their large sub ...read more

International research firm Parks Associates today announced Best Buy, Motorola Mobility, San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E), and Verizon as keynotes at Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer. The presentations focus on new business strategies, partnerships, early successes, and new technologies enabling the deployment of smart energy solutions for consumers.

"Over 80% of U.S. consumers don't know the price they are paying for electricity, even though 62% strongly believ ...read more