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MetaFacts' TUP findings

What tech consumers are actually doing with technology – current MetaFacts TUP/Technology User Profile research results

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Posted on February 4, 2019December 15, 2020 by metafacts

Device Jugglers Stretch Certain Multi-Platform Activities [TUPdate]

Consider the device juggler – emailing with a PC, next a smartphone, and then with a tablet or different PC. Do they seem more talented or rare than most of us? Our research shows they are not that unique. Ninety-six percent of those with 2 or more connected devices do at least one type of personal activity across multiple devices. However, the range of multi-platform activities is so broad and unique to the individual user that no single type of activity is cross-platform for the majority. This defines demand for smoother user experiences.

Based on the 2018 wave of the TUP/Technology User Profile survey, we find that 89% of online adults with 3 or more devices do at least one personal activities across 3 or more of their devices, and 83% of 4+ device users also do.

However, none of the type of activities are being used by more than one-sixth (17%) of those with 4 or more devices. And, the top multi-platform activity across multiple countries is obtaining free apps.

The top five multi-platform activities for those using 4 or more devices are similar in or more devices.

Multi-device users in China and India have the highest level of multi-platform activities, with several exceeding 10% of 4+ device users doing the activity across their 4 or more devices. These involve free apps, social media, and music or email. For multi-device Americans, multi-device game playing ranks highest. In the UK and Germany, multi-platform personal email ranks highest, although in these countries the multi-device rate is lower than in the US, India, or China.

Looking ahead

Technology users have proven that they can and will juggle multiple devices. Currently, the market is spotty, and for multiple reasons. Most multi-device users have devices which use different operating systems. This not only limits which apps are available or identical across platforms, but also means the user’s experience often requires adjustment or learning on their part.

Users continue to experiment with using more and then fewer devices. Most haven’t found a single device for all they do, and they aren’t likely to anytime soon. Furthermore, with experience, users discover more ways to use what they have and further integrate device use into their everyday lives. This underscores the growing demand and market readiness for a smoother, more integrated multi-device experience.

About this TUPdate

The analysis in this TUPdate is based on results drawn from the most-recent wave of TUP (Technology User Profile), the 2018 edition which is TUP’s 36th continuous wave. This survey-based study details the use of technology products by a carefully-selected and weighted set of respondents drawn to represent online adults. This specific wave spanned the US, UK, Germany, India, and China, and this TUPdate focused on the U.S. From the installed base we focused in on online adults and how many hours they use a Smartphone, PC, or Tablet.

Resources

Current TUP subscribers may request the supporting TUP information used for this analysis or for even deeper analysis. For more information about MetaFacts and subscribing to TUP, please contact MetaFacts.

CategoriesActivities, Devices, Game consoles, Gaming PCs and Game-playing, TUP 2018, TUPdates, User Profile TagsActivities, Consumer behavior, Game Playing, iPad, Online activities, Operating systems, PCs, Smartphone, Tablet

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Recent MetaFAQs, TUPdates, and Highlights

  • Active use of social networks Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp by country [MetaFAQs]
  • How many social networks do Americans actively use? [MetaFAQs]
  • Active use of Instagram by age group and country [MetaFAQs]
  • Meetings are dead. Long live meetings! Are we digitally transformed yet? [TUPdate]
  • How many gamers? [MetaFAQs]
  • Smart displays beginning with youthful interest [MetaFAQs]
  • Active use of Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp by age group and country [MetaFAQs]
  • Active use of Facebook by age group and country [MetaFAQs]
  • Synchronous or asynchronous communication – checking age preference [MetaFAQs]
  • Headsets – our sound islands [TUPdate]
  • Wireless Bluetooth headsets by smartphone operating system [MetaFAQs]
  • Smart Displays barely visible [MetaFAQs]
  • PC gaming by household size [MetaFAQs]
  • Generation gap amplified by headsets [MetaFAQs]
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TUP Topics

  • Activities
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TUP Topics

  • Activities
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Communication
  • Connected home
  • Consumer behavior
  • Demographics
  • Ecosystems
  • Employees
  • Entertainment
  • Facebook
  • Game Playing
  • Google
  • Home PCs
  • HP
  • Installed Base
  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Laptops
  • Market Adoption
  • Market penetration
  • Microsoft
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Mobility
  • Notebook
  • Notebooks
  • Operating systems
  • PC Activities
  • PCs
  • Penetration
  • Printers
  • Remote working
  • Shopping
  • Smartphone
  • Smartphone Activities
  • Smartphones
  • Social Networking
  • Sociodemographics
  • Tablet
  • Tablets
  • Technology adoption
  • Trends
  • Video calls
  • Videoconferencing
  • Windows

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Recent MetaFAQs, TUPdates, and Highlights

  • Active use of social networks Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp by country [MetaFAQs]
  • How many social networks do Americans actively use? [MetaFAQs]
  • Active use of Instagram by age group and country [MetaFAQs]
  • Meetings are dead. Long live meetings! Are we digitally transformed yet? [TUPdate]
  • How many gamers? [MetaFAQs]
  • Smart displays beginning with youthful interest [MetaFAQs]
  • Active use of Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp by age group and country [MetaFAQs]
  • Active use of Facebook by age group and country [MetaFAQs]
  • Synchronous or asynchronous communication – checking age preference [MetaFAQs]
  • Headsets – our sound islands [TUPdate]

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