Global streaming media device sales to hit 86 million units in 2019

Parks Associates releases new industry research on the connected CE market

Parks Associates today announced three industry reports on the connected CE market. The new reports provide in-depth analysis of industry trends and consumer research, forecasts, business model strategies, and recommendations for players within key market segments, including connected CE, digital audio, and streaming media devices.

Parks Associates research finds the global annual unit sales for streaming media devices, including both player and stick form factors, will increase from 30 million units in 2013 to 86 million units in 2019. More than 330 million 4K UHD TVs will be sold globally by the end of 2019, an increase from two million in 2013. By 2020, nearly 97 million wireless speakers will be sold globally.

“The number of connected CE categories and devices continues to expand as companies look to disrupt the market,” said Stuart Sikes, President, Parks Associates. “The key priorities for our research are to identify emerging business models, effective partnerships, and engagement strategies that help develop profitable consumer products and services.”

Newly released research includes:

Connected CE: Trends and Innovation focuses on the market innovations and trends within the ecosystem for connected CE devices. The report examines mature categories such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, streaming media devices, and Blu-ray players as well as disruptive technologies and innovations.

Digital Audio for the Connected Consumer examines growth trends and the future outlook for key audio devices as well as the implications for digital audio content and services as consumers access these services in the connected home and through connected CE.

The Streaming Media Device Landscape addresses future strategies for major streaming media devices as well as the growth of the market, the impact of new entrants, and outlook for the streaming media device space over the next five years.

Data highlights include:

• Cord cutters use a gaming console (37%) the most to stream video and other content, closely followed by a streaming media device (34%).
• 13% of U.S. broadband households purchased a streaming media device in 2014, boosting adoption to nearly 30%.
• 66% of U.S. broadband households use a streaming audio service; 26% of U.S. broadband households subscribe to a paid streaming audio service.
• Emerging CE devices to watch include mini-computers (“compute sticks”), hobby drones, and GPS systems for people and pets.