The Internet of Things Gets "Real"

BOSTON, Feb. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A new series of insights from the User Experience Innovation Practice (UXIP) at Strategy Analytics' (www.strategyanalytics.com) has identified this year's key UX trends from CES 2015 relating to the wireless device, media and automotive industries. From high resolution audio and virtual reality in gaming, to next generation advanced driver assistance systems, by far the biggest theme overall was "The Internet of Things gets real".

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"The concept of an Internet of Things (IoT) - connecting any device with an on/off switch to other devices or systems via the internet - has been developing for several years. Consumers are becoming familiar with monitoring and controlling all aspects of their lives via apps on their smartphones," commented Paul Brown, Director, UXIP. "Internet access is becoming virtually ubiquitous in advanced markets and the ability of the mainstream consumer to monitor and control these devices is now a reality due to accelerating penetration of smartphones and tablets, is a having a positive effect," continued Brown.

While the IoT concept is not new, Strategy Analytics expects 2015 to be the year where consumer familiarization and widespread adoption of IoT solutions accelerates.  To date, the industry has been primarily concerned with scalability issues and connectivity protocols; the consumerization of IoT presents a new set of challenges, including how to create propositions that consumers will pay for and how to deliver a usable and engaging user experience.

Added Kevin Nolan, VP, UXIP, "Some observers have suggested that in the future anything that can be connected, will be connected; but from a consumer perspective, not every product should be internet-enabled simply for the sake of it.  When consumers make a purchase, they tend not to think about abstract system-level cost efficiencies.  Rather, they are most likely to consider only the specific benefits to them and the direct price/value trade-off of incorporating connectivity within each device.  For this reason, failure to define a direct and compelling benefit to the consumer of making each product connected is likely to lead to lower than expected adoption."

For further information on the insights released relating to wireless device, media and automotive UX trends from CES 2015, please contact the Analysts listed below.

About Strategy Analytics

Strategy Analytics, Inc. provides the competitive edge with advisory services, consulting and actionable market intelligence for emerging technology, mobile and wireless, digital consumer and automotive electronics companies. With offices in North America, Europe and Asia, Strategy Analytics delivers insights for enterprise success. www.StrategyAnalytics.com 

US Contact: Paul Brown, +1-617-614-0723, pbrown@strategyanalytics.com
European Contact: Diane O'Neill, +44(0)-1908-423-669, doneill@strategyanalytics.com