By the end of 2012, 60% of U.S. broadband households owned at least one app-enabled CE device. Of the primary devices used to access apps, smartphones have the highest penetration rates, but newer app platforms, i.e., tablets and smart TVs, have experienced significant growth.

As connected device penetration rises, so does consumer usage of content outside of traditional channels. Parks Associates estimates smartphone and tablet app downloads in North America will reach nearly 7 billion at year-end 2013.

The availability of connected apps has impacted consumer media habits. For example, Parks Associates research finds consumers are increasingly using mobile devices and second-screen apps as alternatives to traditional remote controllers and interactive program guides (IPGs) while watching TV. 

Thirty-six percent of smartphone owners and 35% of tablet owners regularly use these apps to search for product/service information while watching TV.

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