Providing market intelligence for more than 35 years

In The News

3 Upgrades to See on the Next Apple TV

We've been saying for more than a year that Apple TV is due for a major makeover; compared to competitors such as Roku, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV, the streaming media player is clearly dated—the last refresh appeared in 2013. Apple fans need not worry, though. It sounds like that overhaul will finally arrive in about two weeks, in the form of a fresher look, a new operating system, and some enhanced features.

The timing—linked to the Sept. 9 press event for the new iPhone 6—couldn't be better. A survey released last week by market research firm Parks Associates has revealed that, based on 2014 sales, Apple has slipped to number four in the streaming media player market, trailing not only Roku and Chromecast, but also Amazon Fire TV.

From the article "3 Upgrades to See on the Next Apple TV" by James K. Willcox.

Previously In The News

Comcast and Charter face a grim new reality: actual competition

“Across the nation, all sorts of internet service providers have gained two new competitors,” says Kristen Hanich, the research director for Parks Associates, referring to T-Mobile and Verizon. “They...

Apple’s HomePod Has Arrived. Don’t Rush to Buy It.

Apple also provided statistics on smart speaker usage from the research firm Parks Associates. That report also found that playing music and getting the weather were the top uses of smart speakers, wh...

What's behind Netflix releasing viewing data? Flexing its muscles.

“Really it’s a chance for Netflix to set the standards and dialogue before the industry does or their competitors do,” said Paul Erickson, an analyst at Parks Associates. From the article "What's b...

Cirrent Will Connect Your Smart Home Devices To The Internet Right Out Of The Box

As smart home technology gets smarter, so should the way in which these innovative devices connect to the internet. Enter the San Mateo-based company Cirrent and its newly minted automatic connection...