Providing market intelligence for more than 35 years

In The News

Top 5 markets disrupted by sharing economy apps

Sharing economy apps like Airbnb, Uber and HomeAdvisor have the ability to thrive and disrupt incumbent industries. We have identified the five top markets that could become the next frontier of digital disruption, including car sharing, vehicle repair and maintenance, self-storage, tech support and textbook selling/renting.

Car sharing

Uber has already become a major disruptor in one area of the auto industry by cutting out taxi service companies and connecting passengers directly with drivers. Car-sharing apps may become the next wave of auto industry disruptors. These apps are attractive to consumers who want a driving experience without the need for car ownership. The apps connect car owners who are willing to let others use their car when it is not in use — e.g., sitting idle in an airport parking lot or parked at home — and people in need of a car — e.g., business or leisure travelers who need flexible transportation options. Car-sharing apps can offer flexible rental terms and real-time pricing adjustments based on supply and demand.

From the article "Top 5 markets disrupted by sharing economy apps" by Harry Wang.

Previously In The News

12 Home Security System Myths That Make You Worry (But Aren’t True)

A Parks Associates survey revealed that 70% of users describe their systems as “easy to manage.” Experts stress usability is now a design priority, making home security accessible to all. According...

Google Home web app adds unified device controls

Average homes are adopting across brands, the research firm Parks Associates reported, with more than two in five U.S. internet households owning a smart home product from at least one brand. From...

The Best Smart Home Tech from IFA Berlin

The Connectivity Standards Alliance said it’s seeing “consistent growth” from Matter certifications, and vendors here increasingly positioned Thread radios and multi-admin support as table stakes, rat...

The Radical Changes That Are Making Your Smart Home Less Dumb

Most homes are “smart”: Consumer-tech tracking firm Parks Associates reports just over half of internet-connected U.S. households own at least one smart speaker. From the article, "The Radical...