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Consumers Adopting Innovation: Wearables, Wireless Audio, Connected Devices Experience Largest Ownership Growth in 2016, says CTAHousehold ownership of wireless audio, wearables and connected devices saw the largest household ownership gains from 2015 to 2016, according to new research from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™. The 18th Annual Consumer Technology Ownership and Market Potential Study's findings also verify that smartphones are now a household staple, with ownership trends beginning to mirror those of televisions, which remain the most pervasive tech product in U.S. households. Fastest Growing Tech Tech devices experiencing the largest increase in household ownership from 2015 to 2016 include portable wireless speakers (up 10 percentage points to reach 35 percent household ownership); wearable fitness activity trackers (20 percent ownership) and wireless headphones (36 percent ownership) both increasing nine percentage points; and smart TVs (50 percent ownership) increasing by seven percentage points. "Wireless, portable, connected devices are driving tech adoption," said Gary Shapiro (News - Alert), president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association. "Highly sophisticated tech devices such as wearable health trackers and Bluetooth-enabled headphones are now available in a wide array of styles and price points, making them more accessible for households across the country - improving our productivity, entertainment experiences and wellness, across generations." "Today's fastest growing tech products in American homes show a clear and unifying theme - devices that are connected," said Steve Koenig, senior director of market research, CTA. "The latest in connected audio and video, and wearables are now seeing ownership growth enjoyed only by smartphones and tablets in recent years." Most-Owned Tech Devices The most-commonly owned tech products shifted considerably again in 2016:
Emerging Tech IoT continues to drive growth in emerging tech devices. Among the fastest growing tech categories overall, wearable fitness activity trackers are now owned by 20 percent of U.S. households - almost double the number of households that owned the technology last year - with another 15 percent of households planning to purchase in the next year. Smart home devices (smart thermostats, lighting controls, motion sensors, etc.), led by smart thermostats, are now owned in 15 percent of households. Additionally, eight percent of households currently own a smartwatch, and another eight percent are planning to buy one in the next year. The ever-expanding adoption and growth of IoT will also help lead the U.S. consumer technology industry to a record-setting $287 billion in retail revenues ($224 billion wholesale) in 2016, according CTA's U.S. Consumer Technology Sales and Forecasts. The 18th Annual Consumer Technology Ownership and Market Potential Study ascertains ownership and purchase intent of consumer technology products among U.S. households across video, audio, automotive, computer, gaming, communications and emerging tech categories. It is designed and formulated by CTA Market Research, the most comprehensive source of sales data, forecasts, consumer research and historical trends for the consumer technology industry. The complete study is available for free for CTA member companies at members.CTA.tech. Non-members may purchase the study at the CTA store. About Consumer Technology Association: Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM is the trade association representing the $287 billion U.S. consumer technology industry. More than 2,200 companies - 80 percent are small businesses and startups; others are among the world's best known brands - enjoy the benefits of CTA membership including policy advocacy, market research, technical education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. The Consumer Technology Association also owns and produces CES (News - Alert)® - the world's gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. Profits from CES are reinvested into CTA's industry services. UPCOMING EVENTS
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