Providing Market Intelligence for 40 Years

The answer: 17, per research released at the CES 2024 trade fair by Parks Associates.  That’s up from eight as recently as 2015.

The international market research and consulting firm’s latest Consumer Electronics Dashboard also noted that for the first time, smartphone ownership surpassed TV ownership, with 90 percent of households reporting ownership of a smartphone compared to 88 percent with a TV.

“Smartphones are ubiquitous now, and connected consumer electronics such as wireless earbuds, tablets, and smart TVs are commonplace,” said Sarah Lee, Research Analyst, Parks Associates. “Today, these devices are essential for entertainment purposes and daily personal communications, which can include school, work and family. This necessity drives continued purchases, as every year CE companies roll out innovative and advanced models that drive the consumer desire to upgrade.”

The research also showed consumer spending demonstrated what Parks described as “remarkable resilience” in 2023. After a brief pause early in the year, shoppers’ enthusiasm for consumer electronics products rebounded at the end of the year. Purchase intentions for popular entertainment devices such as gaming consoles, streaming media players and VR headsets increased compared to 2022 and now resemble 2021 levels, which was the height of the pandemic.

“Economic conditions and fear of a recession previously stalled purchases of CE categories,” Lee said. “But higher intentions to purchase are likely a reflection of prolonged delayed gratification, the end-of-year holiday season, enticing retail promotions and hope for continued economic improvement in 2024.”

From the article, "How Many E-Gadgets Per Household?"

Previously In The News

How to Decide If Cord Cutting Is Right for You

This lack of local channels is one reason that more households are using antennas, pulling in free over-the-air high-definition signals. In fact, Parks Associates, a research firm, estimates that one-...

HDTV Antenna Review: Top Picks From CR's Latest Tests

Market research firm Parks Associates says that one-fifth of U.S. homes with broadband access now use an antenna to get live TV. “Digital antennas are experiencing a resurgence as consumers consider o...

Why Cell Phone Service From Your Cable Company May Make Sense

"Plans from Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile are generally much less expensive than comparable plans from the major mobile brands," says Kristen Hanich, senior analyst at the market research firm Pa...

Amazon, Google, and Roku All Have New Streaming Devices

With more of us now using streaming video services during the COVID-19 pandemic—about three-quarters of all U.S. households subscribe to at least one streaming service, according to research from Park...