How popular is Apple’s HomePod voice-assistant smart speaker? Released in 2017, this smart speaker incorporates voice command using Apple Siri to connect with an Apple iPhone and Apple’s HomeKit home automation control hub. This MetaFAQs reports on the number of adults in the US who actively use at least one Apple HomePod between 2019 and 2020.
Broadened smart speaker usage in the US [MetaFAQs]
Are smart speakers going to set the tone for the future—or are they a niche tool? Smart speakers can be used for listening to music, news, phone calls, and for using voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri. This MetaFAQs reports on the number of online adults in the US that use at least one smart speaker by the speaker’s brand between 2019 and 2020.
Headsets – our sound islands [TUPdate]
Dan Ness, Principal Analyst, MetaFacts – December 10, 2020
Wireless Bluetooth headsets get a booster
Wireless Bluetooth headsets have been in the news lately, widely promoted as a year-end gift accessory. As a category, they have been available for decades, so why the latest emphasis, and is there enough demand for them?
Market demand has gotten stronger during 2020 in large part due to changed playing and working conditions. With the pandemic and stay-at-home restrictions worldwide, many people are now nearby a distinct set of people than they might interact with at their workplace or school. While quarantines can be a bonding experience, there can be added pressure when the sounds we make or listen to impinge on others.
Listening widespread, although differs by device type
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, or perhaps the ear. The music some may consider beautiful may seem like noise to others. Similarly, the phone call we may think thoughtful may sound to others like distracting chatter.
Top listening activities by device type and country [MetaFAQs]
Dan Ness, Principal Analyst, MetaFacts, November 1, 2020 The major sound-oriented activities are not the same for each type of connected device, nor across all of the countries surveyed. This MetaFAQs reports on the top activities for each type of connected device – smartphones, PCs, and tablets – and separately for the US, Germany, the…
Online Privacy – A Paradoxically Divisive Feature [TUPdate]
Dan Ness, Principal Analyst, MetaFacts, May 22, 2019 Most Americans value their privacy, although many have resigned themselves to having less, while others are taking steps to better safeguard theirs. Are privacy concerns a factor affecting the behavior or everyday Americans? Do attitudes and beliefs around privacy affect technology usage? Do Americans trust some brands…
Smart speakers more talk than action? Voice assistants across platforms [TUPdate]
Dan Ness, Principal Analyst, MetaFacts, October 19, 2018 Convenience is the surest bet to reach technology consumers. When it comes to voice assistants, convenience must be handy. It shouldn’t be surprising that consumers first choose what’s familiar and close to hand. More are actively speaking to devices they’ve already had before using smart speakers. Among…
Getting things done – The primary device from PCs to smartphones [TUPdate]
Dan Ness, Principal Analyst, MetaFacts, March 28, 2020 Getting things done. Isn’t it one of the main explanations we offer when we’re buying our tech devices? While much of actual tech device usage is about entertainment, communication, and shopping, productivity has its solid place in everyday use. Whether using a PC, smartphone, tablet, or some…
Voice assistants-does age matter? [MetaFAQs]
Dan Ness, Principal Analyst, MetaFacts, March 13, 2018 Age matters when it comes to voice assistant use, and it’s overly simplistic to say that they’re mostly being used by younger adults. Yes, there’s a strong age difference between active voice assistant users, former users, and those who’ve never even given one a try. Age by…
Voice assistants-what users ask about [MetaFAQs]
Dan Ness, Principal Analyst, MetaFacts, March 9, 2018 As the saying goes, many talk about the weather, yet few do anything about it. Our research doesn’t show if people expect Alexa to have any skills to do anything about the weather. However, it is the main subject users speak with Alexa about. That’s followed by…
Voice assistants-What’s listening now? [MetaFAQs]
Dan Ness, Principal Analyst, MetaFacts, March 1, 2018 Among voice assistant users, Apple AirPods have the most recent use of a listening device, with 78% having used it on the day we surveyed them. This high active-usage rate is closely followed by Apple notebooks or desktop Macs. Android smartphones rank last for this most-recent-use measure,…