MetaFacts TUP/Technology User Profile analysis results for subscribers
One in three Gen Z Americans have a new PC, unlike Boomers – Experienced generations replace PCs less frequently than newer users, especially in the US, UK, and Germany. However, Japan and China’s Gen X started with computers later. Notably, Gen Z shows a strong inclination towards using the latest computers. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1127_newp] in TUP Lenses: Devices; PCs; User Profile
Home computer use is age-skewed; whether youngest, younger, or older varies by country – Home computers are not used as readily by all age groups. There are wide age differences in most countries due to engrained habits, replacement by smartphones, and socioeconomics.
This MetaFAQs reports on the installed base of home computers among online adults in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and China, split by user age group. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1121_pcag] in TUP Lenses: PCs; User Profile
Apple iPads dominate the market for tablets, with a higher penetration than Android tablets among online adults around the world. Among millennials and Gen Xers, however, Android tablets have their strongest foothold, especially in the US. Among online Germans, Android tablet users outnumber iPad users among millennials, Gen Xers, and Boomers, and the reverse is true among Gen Z adults.
This MetaFAQs reports on the number and percentage of online tablet users by operating system family, country, and age generation in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and China. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1103_andp] in TUP Lenses: Tablets
Employers are saddling younger adults with used/refurbished computers. Over one-third of American adults aged 18 to 24 actively using an employer-provided PC are using one previously used by someone else. In the UK, that rate among younger adults is nearly as high. Older adults don’t have as high a rate.
This MetaFAQs reports on the percentage of PC users actively using a used/refurbished computer by computer ownership and age group within the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and China. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1101_used] in TUP Lenses: PCs; Mobile Phones; User Profile
Who hasn’t misplaced their phone or keys or wondered where their luggage was?
Using technology to help find items has reached a plateau. The percentage of online adults using a wireless item tracker such as Tile or Apple’s AirTag has remained flat between 2021 and 2023. Overall global active usage has subsided from one in six to one in eight online adults. Active penetration rates have dropped among groups such as Gen Z adults in the US, UK, Germany, and China.
This may have seemed like yet another device to help attract users into adopting or staying with technology ecosystems. It’s too early to see if it’s making a difference. The market penetration is too small.
This MetaFAQs reports on the percentage of online adults in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and China who actively use a wireless item tracker such as from Tile or Apple’s AirTag. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1025_tile] in TUP Lenses: Consumer Electronics; Technology Ecosystems
Younger techies dominate? Seniors beg to differ – Seniors, those aged 55 and above, represent a significant portion of online adults and bring a rich history of technological experience. Their journey began with enhancements in landlines and the dawn of pricey, less reliable mobile phones. They witnessed PCs evolve from hobbyist creations to essential tools for work, education, and daily tasks. Television expanded from just a few networks to the vastness of cable, with streaming emerging more recently in their tech narrative. This demographic adapted as technology milestones like the Apple II, email’s surge, and the decline of paper maps. Their long-standing tech experience offers a unique perspective and challenges the notion that younger generations solely drive technological innovation.
This MetaFAQs reports on the number of online adults aged 55 and over in the US, Germany, UK, Japan, and China. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1013_seni] in TUP Lenses: User Profile
Gamers pass the halfway mark – Over half of the online adults in the US, UK, and highly-educated segments in China regularly play games using their connected devices. While Generation Z leads in game-playing rates, it’s a popular activity across all age groups. Interestingly, there’s no single predominant device for gaming. Smartphones are more prevalent for gaming than consoles among adults in many countries, particularly among Gen X and Boomers. While gaming PCs are gaining traction, their presence is still less than most platforms, barring tablets. Notably, only a minority of Gen X and Boomer players prefer tablets over gaming PCs. This MetaFAQs provides the detailed penetration of game-playing activity, segmented by platform, country, and generation. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1009_game] in TUP Lenses: User Profile; Activities; Game Consoles, Gaming PCs, and Game-Playing
More employees in large companies use a work printer – Employees in larger companies are more likely to be actively using a work printer than employees with smaller employers. Somebody, somewhere, needs that paper printed. That the percentage would be higher among larger employers may seem at first to be a matter of company size. However, these TUP penetration statistics are based on responses per employee, not per employer. Active printing rates are also because larger companies tend to find it harder to change. Many are set in their ways, especially those adhering to defined procedures and practices. That’s not to suggest that printing on paper is a regressive practice. But, among many circles, it’s considered passé. Especially as digital transformation continues and a growing number of employees are using collaboration tools, paper forms and reports are facing downdrafts in usage.
This MetaFAQs reports on the percent of employees regularly using an employer-provided printer by the size of the employer. Report [TUP_doc_2023_1001_wpri] in TUP Lenses: Printers; User Profile
Smartwatches have quickly gained popularity, gracing the wrists of millions. These devices offer more than just timekeeping and fitness monitoring; they’ve evolved into personal assistants. Users value their multi-functionality, utilizing them for calendars, health metrics, reminders, and more. In addition, they’ve become a symbol of modern luxury. However, the latest wave of TUP confirms that the smartwatch market penetration seems to have reached a peak or plateau. Now, it’s largely about replacing older models rather than attracting first-time users. Therefore, manufacturers need to adapt their strategies, focusing less on expanding their user base and more on meeting the needs of existing customers.
These TUP tables report on the number and percentage of online adults regularly using a smartwatch such as an Apple Watch. They also include the number who are planning to purchase one within the coming 12 months.
Printers have seen a decline in usage, but interestingly, specific generational cohorts show varied printer adoption rates. It’s essential to note that generations are defined by the era of their birth, not merely age. These cohorts share common experiences and often adopt behaviors influenced by peers born in the same timeframe, leading to distinct technological preferences and habits. The broader use of printers among the Boomer/Silent generations is more a reflection of deeply engrained habits than merely of age. This MetaFAQs reports on the number of printers actively used by online adults within generational age groups and country.