Google Chromecast usage is down… but streaming overall is up!
What’s up with this? I love my Chromecast, AND my Roku… but, it seems, some folks don’t see the benefits of both. Granted, if you get a Roku 3, you have Chromecast capabilities built-in, in that that Chromecast plug-in in your Chrome browser “sees” the Roku3 as a Chromecast… so, best of both worlds!
Parks Associates – “New research from Parks Associates reports that usage of Google Chromecasts appears to be decliningwhile adoption of streaming media players has increased to nearly 20% of U.S. broadband households, up from 14% in 2012.
360 View: CE Adoption and Trends, which includes data and analysis of a 1Q 2014 consumer survey of 10,000 U.S. broadband households, shows ownership of Chromecasts is steady at approximately 6% of U.S. broadband households, but monthly usage rates are slightly lower than the last two quarters of 2013. The percentage of Chromecast owners who use the device at least monthly to view web pages on a TV declined from 76% in 3Q 2013 to 57% in 1Q 2014. Similarly, the percentage of Chromecast owners who use the device at least monthly to watch online video on a TV dropped from 78% to 73%.
‘Streaming media players are starting to play a bigger role in home entertainment, but interest in new entry Google Chromecast is waning,’ said John Barrett, director, Consumer Analytics, Parks Associates. ‘Streaming media players, thanks to their ease-of-use, trail only game consoles and smart TVs as the most frequently used streaming media device in the home. By contrast, only about 22% of Chromecast owners say it is the most frequently used streaming device in their home.”
The research also finds smart-TV adoption increased to over one-third of U.S. broadband households.
‘As consumers add new devices to their home, the usage habits in the home change and adapt to the new device, its benefits, and its capabilities,’ said Brett Sappington, director, research, Parks Associates. ‘Chromecast was introduced last summer. Given the low price, many consumers purchased one and began experimenting with it, producing high initial use. Over time, however, owners developed a better understanding of Chromecast’s usefulness and appropriate niche in the video-viewing environment. Some continue to use Chromecast regularly, while others are choosing different options to get online video to their televisions.”
Glenn Hower, Research Analyst, Parks Associates, will examine monetization opportunities created by streaming devices, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and other IP-connected devices in the webinar ‘Driving revenue from multiscreen opportunities’ on June 11, 2 p.m. ET (11 a.m. PT). The event, hosted by FierceCable, will discuss the revolution in content distribution created by these devices and examine the implications for content providers, distributors, and advertisers. The speakers will also analyze the variety of multiscreen strategies that are currently being used by pay-TV providers. Registration is available online.
To request specific research or an interview with John Barrett, Brett Sappington, or Glenn Hower, contact Holly Sprague at hsprague@gmail.com or 720-987-6614.
About Parks Associates: Parks Associates is an internationally recognized market research and consulting company specializing in emerging consumer technology products and services. Founded in 1986, Parks Associates creates research capital for companies ranging from Fortune 500 to small start-ups through market reports, primary studies, consumer research, custom research, workshops, executive conferences, and annual service subscriptions.
The company’s expertise includes digital media and platforms, entertainment and gaming, home networks, Internet and television services, digital health, mobile applications and services, support services, consumer apps, advanced advertising, consumer electronics, energy management, and home control systems and security.
Each year, Parks Associates hosts industry webcasts, the CONNECTIONS™ Conference Series, and Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer.”