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Apple might still be in the lead, holding 40 percent of the smartphone market, but its competitors are starting to catch up. Looking at the latest United States smartphone market share numbers, research firm Parks Associates shows that 86 percent of U.S. broadband households now own a smartphone, with Apple holding position as the dominant manufacturer while competitor Samsung begins to catch up.

From the article "Samsung Is Catching Up To The iPhone, By The Numbers" by Jeff ...read more

A refresh of the Apple TV is definitely coming at the right time. According to a new report from Parks Associates, Amazon’s Fire TV outsold Apple’s streaming video device in the United States in 2014.

Roku continues to lead the pack with a 34 percent market share. Google nabbed 23 percent of sales. Amazon overtook Apple for third place.

The report said that 20 percent of U.S. households with broadband own some type of streaming media player while 8 percent use a streamin ...read more

Earlier this month, a study from Parks Associates showed that the Apple TV lags behind the media player line from Roku. According to the data, 44 percent of U.S. broadband households used a Roku while 26 percent have an Apple TV.

From the article "Netflix on the Apple TV will now automatically play the next episode" by Brent Dirks.

On Wednesday, Parks Associates announced that 44 percent of U.S. broadband households with a streaming media player used a Roku. This compared to 26 percent who opted for an Apple TV.

This is an 18 point difference. Last year, the gap was 13 points.

Things could soon improve for the Apple TV, according to Barbara Kraus, Parks’ director of research. One of the reasons is Amazon’s Fire TV, whose arrival “could awaken the sleeping giant that is Apple.”

Another reason: A ...read more

Currently, 87 percent of iPhone 4S owners use Siri on a monthly basis, according to a new Parks Associates survey (via The Wall Street Journal). Of these, many use the digital assistant to make calls and send text-messages. Less, however, use Siri to perform tasks such as to play music and schedule meetings.

One place Siri might not be welcomed is on the long-rumored iTV. According to the Parks Associates survey, just 37 percent of iPhone 4S users said they “definitely” want ...read more