Canadians Have High Expectations For Technology In 2012
Canadians predict faster network speeds, smaller laptops and purchases over their wireless device in 2012 and beyond, according to a new survey1commissioned by Rogers Communications. The survey finds that most Canadian smartphone or tablet users feel technology will improve their lives in the future.
There are high expectations for technology in 2012, with young men being the most optimistic that the power of technology will improve their lives. The poll was conducted by Vision Critical in December 2011 among more than 1,000 adult Canadian smartphone or tablet users. This survey is the first of the Rogers Innovation Report, a regular survey commissioned by Rogers to explore Canadians’ habits and views on technological innovations.
“The Rogers Innovation Report shows that technology is making smartphone and tablet users’ lives easier and better and they expect that these advances will continue,” says Upinder Saini, Vice President of Product Development, Rogers Communications. “Now that they’ve seen all that technology can do to improve their lives, they crave more.”
According to those surveyed, the top technology predictions include:
Smaller and lighter laptops – Chiropractors can expect to see fewer shoulder injuries from heavy laptop bags with 85 per cent of those surveyed believing that laptops will continue to get smaller and lighter and fit into a handbag.
Faster network speeds – 83 per cent of those surveyed say that faster networks are on their way, allowing us to seamlessly play mobile games, stream videos, movies and music on the go.
Bulging back pocket begone – Say goodbye to the old leather wallet as 79 per cent of those surveyed expect that more people will use their smartphones to make purchases over the next few years.
Turn on the lights with your smartphone – 82 per cent believe that devices will be connected and that one device will control systems inside and outside the home. The majority welcome a way to adjust the heat, air conditioning, lights and security system through their mobile device.
Smartphone love – Dependency on smartphones is high with 85 per cent of those surveyed saying they are attached to their devices. Seven per cent describe themselves as “ridiculously” attached and 22 per cent say they “wouldn’t want to live without it” or “would be lost without” their smartphones. Thirty-nine per cent2 of Canadians say they take their smartphones to bed or have them on the nightstand and 23 per cent have the urge to use them in the bathroom.
Living in the cloud – 81 per cent of respondents believe that they will be able to access their movies, photos and documents anywhere virtually. The majority (68%) believe that technology advancements will mean less clutter and more shelf space as files, books, music, movies and pictures will be stored virtually.
Books are here to stay – Survey participants still believe in printed books, with just 37 per cent believing that e-readers and tablets will replace printed books.
“Canadians are connecting to each other and to devices that are literally transforming their daily lives,” says Saini. “We have only scratched the surface of what the Internet can do for us. I get very excited when I think about where technology is taking us. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it. The future is here and more is coming.”
Survey Criteria
1 From December 6th to December 7th 2011, Vision Critical conducted an online survey was conducted among 1,010 randomly selected adult Canadians that own and use a smartphone or tablet, who are Angus Reid Forum panelists. The margin of error—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to ensure a representative sample. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.
2 On November 18-21, 2011 Vision Critical conducted an online survey among 1,003 randomly selected Canadian adults who are Angus Reid Forum panelists. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current education, age, gender and region Census data to ensure a sample representative of the entire adult population of Canada.