Broadcom survey reveals consumer demand for seamless, pervasive connectivity

IRVINE, USA: Broadcom Corp. has unveiled the results of a new consumer poll conducted by JZ Analytics, demonstrating an increased appetite for seamless and pervasive connections.

The November 2011 poll of 1,025 consumers explored technology trends on the go, in the home, and on the road and revealed details of consumers' desire for a more connected lifestyle. In response to increasing consumer demands, connectivity technologies are set to feature prominently at the upcoming 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show to be held January 10-13 in Las Vegas.

Connecting in the home
Multi-screen home entertainment is becoming a reality with the benefit of technologies and standards such as Transcoding, DLNA, Wi-Fi, MoCA and Powerline Networking. Based on survey findings:

Consuming online video: Two-thirds of people surveyed say they watch more than two videos a day (68 percent), while a quarter say they watch at least five videos a day (24 percent).

Consuming overall digital content: 87 percent estimated that they consume more than 10 hours a week of digital content. More than half of all respondents (54 percent) consume more than 20 hours a week.

Multi-screen entertainment in the home: Almost two-thirds (62 percent) said they would stream content that can normally only be watched on their TV to wireless devices such as laptops, smartphones or tablet PCs throughout the home should their cable or satellite provider offer the service.

Connected TVs: Two-thirds (67 percent) are more likely to purchase a new HDTV that can easily connect directly to wireless devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptop PCs and the Internet vs. one that cannot.

Connecting on the go
Consumers are connecting more devices to the Internet and to other devices than ever before, and want to spend less time configuring those connections and more time enjoying them. Consumers are demanding seamless, pervasive connectivity – something that will be possible with new technologies such as 802.11ac and Wi-Fi Direct. Based on survey findings:

"Connectivity withdrawal": Demonstrating the importance of connectivity in people's lives, the survey explored the notion of "connectivity withdrawal" – the feeling of stress or anticipation of not being able to get online with a mobile phone, laptop or tablet. 35 percent said they've suffered from connectivity withdrawal, while 30 percent said it happens at least once a week.

Number of wireless devices people own: 22 percent of those surveyed claimed to have six or more wireless devices in their homes. When asked to compare that to just a couple of years ago, the change was staggering. The percentage of people with six or more devices has almost quadrupled in the last three years (then = 6 percent).

Configuring wireless connections: More than a quarter of those surveyed said that they've had to wirelessly configure and connect a device in the last month (28 percent). Less than half (46 percent) found the experience a pleasant one, so there's room for simpler connectivity technology.

Consuming content on the go: Of those who own a capable mobile device, one-third (32 percent) say they consume more than 10 hours of content a week while on the go, and more than half (51 percent) say they consume more than five hours a week.

Connecting on the road
Consumer demand for entertainment and safety features in vehicles is high, increasing the need for auto makers to include more complex networks in cars they produce.

Ethernet technology is set to become the standard for in-car connectivity to help address consumer needs while reducing cost, complexity and weight. Based on survey findings:

Importance of features in vehicle purchasing decisions (percentage ranking as important/not important/unsure):
* Driver safety features such as automated collision avoidance: 70 percent
* Navigation system, GPS: 69 percent
* Real-time access to traffic reports, other downloaded data: 52 percent
* Easy attachment point for iPod or other MP3 player: 50 percent
* Easy attachment for smartphone or tablet: 43 percent
* Surround view park assist: 41 percent
* Automated park assist system: 35 percent
* Infotainment (Rear-seat entertainment, etc.): 33 percent
* Internet access: 31 percent.