Posts Tagged ‘music’
Monday, March 11th, 2013
 While larger brands are already appling for new generic top-level domains (gLTDs) that will become available this year (2013), most small and medium-sized businesses are unaware of them or think they may be confusing.
More than 600 managers and owners of SMBs were surveyed in January 2013 by Sedo, a domain marketplace, revealing that:
- 63 percent are unaware that new gTLDs will start being released this year;
- 40 percent felt that there was no advantage or were unsure what the advantage of a new gTLD would be; and
- 94 percent said they were not currently planning to purchase a new gTLD.
A gTLD is the suffix at the end of a web address, such as “.com,” “.net,” or “.org.”
For nearly two decades, the Internet’s governing body, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), has slowly introduced new extensions it deemed appropriate for public use.
In 2008, the organization began a process to fundamentally change the way people navigate online by introducing the possibility of an unlimited number of domain extensions that any company or individual could apply to manage.
Last year, it received more than 1,900 applications from companies including Google, Amazon.com, Microsoft, AOL, HBO, American Express, McDonalds, L’Oréal, Nike, Chrysler, Wal-Mart and many others. After a lengthy approval process, the first new extensions will become available for use in mid-2013, with the potential for 1,000 of them to be introduced over the following year.
Are they confusing?
Despite the fact that many large brands have applied for gTLDs and intend to use them, there is a lack of gTLD awareness among small and mid-sized businesses. Some 62.7 percent of respondents said that they were unaware that new gTLDs were going to become available in 2013, while over half of respondents said they felt that new gTLDs will only make the internet more confusing.
“This research makes it clear that more education is needed if new gTLDs are to be successful. The public deserves to know that something as engrained in their daily lives as the Internet will be fundamentally changing,” said Tobias Flaitz, Sedo’s CEO.
“It’s incumbent upon the applicants and those in the domain industry to spread the word. We need to tell the public what new gTLDs are and highlight how they will ultimately benefit both consumers and businesses alike by providing more options for registering web addresses and for branding opportunities. If the public doesn’t understand why this is happening then there will be little chance for success.”
Despite the fact that 63.7 percent of respondents had purchased domain names in the past, indicating that they have some familiarity with the use of domains, almost all respondents (94.1 percent) said that they were not currently planning on purchasing a new gTLD when they became available.
When asked what would persuade them to do so, 16.9 percent felt they’d look into it if new gTLDs were widely adopted, while 15.7 percent would do so if it increased search engine optimization (SEO). 15.4 percent said reasonable pricing would be the deciding factor.
Lack of Knowledge Leads to Confusion – and Security Fears
- Over half of respondents (52.3 percent) felt that new gTLDs would only create confusion. Just over 5 percent said new gTLDs would make things less confusing.
- Confusion is a recurring theme in the research: When asked what they felt the biggest problems were for gTLD adoption, more than half said “confusion” (51.2 percent), followed by “awareness” (19.7 percent) and “cost” (8.2 percent).
- That same lack of awareness and understanding can be seen in the findings that 54 percent of respondents would be hesitant to click on domain names ending in something other than .com, .net or .org. Of this group, 22.7 percent were worried about the potential security issues of uncommon domain names.
New gTLD Chances for Success
- Respondents were asked to rank the 10 most commonly applied for new gTLDs in order of chances for success.
- “.llc” was described as having the most potential for success, followed by “.design,” “.music,” “.movie,” and “.home.”
- The one expected by respondents to be the least successful was “.app,” which ironically received more applications than any other gTLD, with 13 companies vying for control of the extension.
For a copy of the “gTLD Awareness Report,” detailing the results of the research, please visit: http://www.sedo.com/gTLDs.
Tags: .home, brands, design, gLTDs, Internet domain extentions, movie, music, SMBs
Posted in Internet/New Media, Studies, surveys, reports | No Comments »
Monday, June 4th, 2012
 Google Android continued to grow its share in the U.S. smartphone market, accounting for 50.8 percent of smartphone subscribers, while Apple captured 31.4 percent, during the first quarter of 2012, according to digital measurement service comScore’s MobiLens.
Samsung was the top handset maker with a 25.9 percent market share.
Smartphone Platform Market Share
More than 107 million people in the U.S. owned smartphones during the three months ending in April, up 6 percent versus January. Google Android ranked as the top smartphone platform with 50.8 percent market share (up 2.2 percentage points). Apple’s share of the smartphone market increased 1.9 percentage points to 31.4 percent. RIM ranked third with 11.6 percent share, followed by Microsoft (4.0 percent) and Symbian (1.3 percent).
| Top Smartphone Platforms
3 Month Avg. Ending Apr. 2012 vs. 3 Month Avg. Ending Jan. 2012
Total U.S. Smartphone Subscribers Ages 13+
Source: comScore MobiLens |
|
Share (%) of Smartphone Subscribers |
| Jan-12 |
Apr-12 |
Point Change |
| Total Smartphone Subscribers |
100.0% |
100.0% |
N/A |
| Google |
48.6% |
50.8% |
2.2 |
| Apple |
29.5% |
31.4% |
1.9 |
| RIM |
15.2% |
11.6% |
-3.6 |
| Microsoft |
4.4% |
4.0% |
-0.4 |
| Symbian |
1. |
Mobile Content Usage
In April, 74.1 percent of U.S. mobile subscribers used text messaging on their mobile device. Downloaded applications were used by 50.2 percent of subscribers (up 1.6 percentage points), while browsers were used by 49.0 percent (up 0.5 percentage points). Accessing of social networking sites or blogs increased 0.3 percentage points to 36.0 percent of mobile subscribers. Game-playing was done by 33.1 percent of the mobile audience (up 1.3 percentage points), while 25.8 percent listened to music on their phones (up 1.3 percentage points).
| Mobile Content Usage
3 Month Avg. Ending Apr. 2012 vs. 3 Month Avg. Ending Jan. 2012
Total U.S. Mobile Subscribers (Smartphone & Non-Smartphone) Ages 13+
Source: comScore MobiLens |
|
Share (%) of Mobile Subscribers |
| Jan-12 |
Apr-12 |
Point Change |
| Total Mobile Subscribers |
100.0% |
100.0% |
N/A |
| Sent text message to another phone |
74.6% |
74.1% |
-0.5 |
| Used downloaded apps |
48.6% |
50.2% |
1.6 |
| Used browser |
48.5% |
49.0% |
0.5 |
| Accessed social networking site or blog |
35.7% |
36.0% |
0.3 |
| Played Games |
31.8% |
33.1% |
1.3 |
| Listened to music on mobile phone |
24.5% |
25.8% |
1.3 |
Tags: Android, Apple, browser use, comScore, downloaded apps, games, iOS, Microsoft, mobile, MobiLens, music, Q1 2012, RIM, Samsung, Simbian, social networking, text messaging
Posted in Analytics, Internet/New Media, IT, Mobile, smartphones, Studies, surveys, reports, Telecommunications | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 18th, 2012
 Personal mobile devices used at work can present a security problem. All those songs, games, apps, mobile connections and movie downloads are taking a toll on Americans’ wallets, with more than half of U.S. adults saying technology has made it easier to spend money and only 3 percent saying it has made it easier to save.
That’s according to a survey conducted for the American Institute of CPAs by Harris Interactive for National Financial Literacy Month.
The national phone poll of 1,005 U.S. adults found that Americans who subscribe to digital services spend an average of $166 each month for cable TV, home Internet access, mobile phone service and digital subscriptions, like satellite radio and streaming video—the equivalent of 17 percent of their monthly rent or mortgage payment.
Those who download songs, apps and other products spend an additional $38 per month, on average.
Given those expenses, it’s no wonder that 56 percent of Americans believe that technology has made it easier to spend money and only three out of 100 say it has made it easier to save. Thirty-seven percent are split on the issue, saying technology has made it easier to both spend and save.
Gaddget connections efficient, but bring financial challenges
“Our gadgets and connections can bring benefits like mobility and efficiency,” said Jordan Amin, chairman of the National CPA Financial Literacy Commission.
“But they can also bring financial challenges, like taking money that could go to savings, for instance, or contributing to credit card debt. We have to mind these expenses and budget for them to ensure the benefits outweigh the costs.”
Here are three tips from the National CPA Financial Literacy Commission on managing digital expenses:
- Set a budget. Decide how much you are willing to spend each month on digital services, apps and content. Not sure where to start? Look at how much you’ve spent on technology purchases in previous months and how that compares with your overall spending and saving. Too much? Just right? This will give you a baseline for determining an ideal budget for such purchases.
- Set up an account. Since many digital purchases are automatically drafted from bank accounts or charged to credit cards, it can be difficult to keep track of spending. To help, set up a separate checking account or credit card account—with a low limit—for your digital purchases. Set email or text message alerts to let you know when your balance is near your budgeted threshold. If you use a credit card, be sure to pay off the balance each month.
- Evaluate. Regularly evaluate your spending on digital products—especially subscription services with recurring fees. Are you using the services enough to justify the expense? At least yearly you should also look at spending on technology infrastructure such as cell phones and Internet connections. Are there new features, bundles or technologies that could lower your total bill?
Since 2007, the AICPA has conducted an annual survey of Americans to determine their top financial concerns and assess their financial well-being.
Additional findings from this survey include:
- Four in 10 adults, or 41 percent, download and pay for digital products or services.
- Based on those who download each type of content, Americans buy an average of five digital songs per month, five movies or TV shows, two apps, two games and two eBooks.
- Seven in 10 adults, 69 percent, with annual household incomes of $100,000 or more download and pay for digital products and services, which is significantly higher than the roughly one quarter of those, 28 percent, with annual household incomes of less than $35,000.
- If facing a financial crunch, Americans would rather change what they eat than give up their cell phones, downloads or digital TV services. Asked to choose the one action they would most likely take in tight time, 41 percent said they would cut back on eating out, 20 percent said they would cut off cable TV, 8 percent said they would end cell phone service and 8 percent said they would stop downloading songs and digital products.
Tags: apps, CPAs, digital spending, downloads, Harris Interactive, movies, music, National Financial Literacy Month, tips for saving
Posted in Digital Devices, Internet/New Media, IT, Studies, surveys, reports, Tech life/Culture | No Comments »
Monday, October 24th, 2011
 New global e-commerce research from Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE: PBI) reveals that one-size does not fit all when it comes to consumers’ online shopping preferences around the world.
While international shoppers share some characteristics, the survey reveals key differences among consumers in many countries. U.S. retailers looking to expand their businesses online to international markets should consider the unique consumer shopping behaviors and preferences in each country.
Commissioned by Pitney Bowes, the polling firm ORC International surveyed approximately 10,000 adults across 10 countries regarding shopping habits and preferences. Consumers were polled in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Online shopping a global habit
Online shopping is a truly global habit, according to the research. Overall, 93 percent of consumers polled have purchased products online, with 49 percent doing so during the last 30 days. Consumers in Germany,
South Korea and the U.K. were the highest for making online product purchases (98 percent) followed closely by Japan (96 percent). In Canada, where online shopping is least prevalent, more than four out of five (82 percent) reported having bought goods online.
The survey also found that international shoppers want four basic things when purchasing products online: competitive prices (71 percent); a broad selection of products (42 percent); easy, intuitive checkout (35 percent); and low costs for shipping, duties and taxes (35 percent).
Price of products was the most important consideration for purchasing products online in all 10 countries. However, other consumer preferences varied by country. For example:
- Ease and speed of the online checkout process was more important to consumers in Germany and South Korea (both 59 percent), but much less important in Japan (11 percent).
- French consumers were seven times more interested in the ability to track an order than Japanese consumers (37 percent versus five percent).
- Accurate delivery date estimates were more important to consumers in China and South Korea (both 20 percent) but less important in Canada (10 percent).
- A clear and easy to understand return policy was almost three times more important to consumers in China (36 percent) than to consumers in Brazil and the U.S. (both 13 percent).
“Given today’s economic situation, international e-commerce is becoming even more enticing as U.S. products are becoming more attractive and affordable for international buyers,” said Jay Oxton, president of mail services, Pitney Bowes.
“However, to be successful, retailers need to ensure they can offer a simple and seamless online shopping experience, and have a clear understanding of consumers’ purchasing, shipping and communications preferences in each market.”
Significant differences in why shoppers abandon carts
The study also showed significant differences in why the consumers surveyed abandon online shopping carts. High shipping costs (67 percent), additional fees at time of delivery such as duties and taxes (47 percent), and the delivery time (39 percent) were the top disincentives to complete purchases online. Consumers in the U.S. (83 percent), U.K. (79 percent) and Japan (78 percent) are three times more sensitive to shipping prices than consumers in South Korea (25 percent).
The survey also revealed insight on what types of products international consumers are more likely to purchase online than in a brick-and-mortar store. Top product categories for online purchases included books, videos and music (58 percent), computer hardware and software (41 percent), and consumer electronics (38 percent).
Consumers in China indicated they are more likely to purchase apparel (58 percent) and footware (53 percent) online versus in a store. As a matter of fact, for almost every category included in the survey, respondents in China are more likely to purchase products online with the exception of computer hardware and software (39 percent), and jewelry/watches and accessories (16 percent).
When asked about preferences for receiving information on new products, promotions or other offers from retailers/merchandisers, 59 percent of global consumers indicated they prefer e-mail communications.
A quarter prefer information from catalogs or direct mail
Twenty-five percent of respondents said they prefer to receive this information in catalogs and direct mail, indicating that mail is another strong channel for online retailers. Four percent of respondents prefer to receive information via text messaging, and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter).
Looking at all 10 countries, consumers in Brazil had the highest preference for receiving new product and promotional information via e-mail (72 percent). Consumers in Australia (33 percent) had the highest preference for receiving information in catalogs and direct mail followed closely by Canada (32 percent), Germany (31 percent) and the U.S. (30 percent).
Text messaging information had the highest preference with consumers in South Korea (13 percent), Japan (12 percent) and China (nine percent). Consumers in China (11 percent), and Brazil and South Korea (both five percent) responded the highest for receiving information via social media channels.
Tags: apparel, Australia, books, Brazil, Canada, catalogs, China, computer hardware, direct mail, footware, France, Germany, music, Pitney Bowes, pricing, shopping behavior differs globally, software, South Korea, U.S., UK< Japan, video, what online shoppers prefer globally, why shoppers abandon online carts
Posted in Internet/New Media, Marketing, Studies, surveys, reports, Tech Culture | No Comments »
Monday, January 17th, 2011
 Real-time social media is exploding on a global basis, according to the first GlobalWebIndex report. This massive shift is redefining the impact of social media from publishing to sharing and driving new opportunities for professional media and content producers to build sustainable businesses online.
The report explores how shifts in consumer adoption in social media to “real-time” technologies combined with the rise of packaged Internet platforms, such as apps, mobile platforms, consoles, tablets and television services are fuelling the consumption of traditional rich content and media online.
There are major shifts in the consumer involvement in social media, with monthly usage of social networking growing by 20% between July 2009 and September 2010, reaching 46% of global Internet users. Micro-blogging, as led by Twitter, increased 21%, to 12% of global internet users. There is also a significant increase in uploading video online, rising 16%, to 25% of web users on a monthly basis.
Real-time is re-orienting the Internet
This means that ongoing real-time contribution through status updates, tweets or link sharing is increasingly defining most people’s social contribution. Already over 10% of global Internet users post a status update on a social network more than once a day, while 5% contribute a micro-blog update at least daily.
This is in stark contrast to the long form: text-based forms of social contribution that defined early social media adoption. The percentage of Internet users writing a blog on a monthly basis fell by 4%, to 25% of web users, while contribution to forums or message boards fell by 11%, to 24% of web users.
Tom Smith, the founder of the GlobalWebIndex, states: “Real-time is re-orientating the Internet back to mass media and professional content creators thanks to the changing impact of consumer involvement in social media. Now users focus on sharing other people’s content and commenting or responding to live events instead of creating their own content.”
He continued, “The consumer is moving from being the creator to the distributor. Consequently ‘Real-time’ is a massive opportunity for ‘traditional’ media and content producers, a fact also clearly demonstrated by the individuals and organisations that dominate Twitter.”
Rise of “packaged Internet” eclipsing the browser
The open browser-based web is losing out to “packaged Internet” platforms, such as TV, e-readers or applications. This is most clearly marked in mobile Internet usage, which has increased in just one year from 25% of Internet users to 33% using it in the last month.
This is followed by mobile apps, which, as of September 2010, are accessed by 25% of internet users, internet via a games console at 10%, tablet/e-readers at 4%, and TV sets at 2% of global internet users. These trends undermine the concept of the Internet as a singular entity or media and point to a future where many people’s primary internet experience will not be via a browser, but by an Internet connected platform.
Smith continues, “Packaged platforms are re-engineering the Internet from a browser based experience. Crucially, it provides professional media and content producers with the means to build sustainable businesses online, something the open web has failed to enable. This is as important, if not more important, for a functioning society, as enabling consumers to publish and share their opinions. This commercial push will advance the delivery of the social entertainment experience.”
The explosion of traditional content through Internet platforms
The fastest growing motivation to use the Internet in 2010 was to “To find TV and films”, which grew by 29% between July 2009 and September 2010; that bodes well for online film providers, including DC-based Snagfilms, which just nabbed $10 million in growth capital to take its movies to even more digital devices.
This was followed by “To find music” (22% growth) and “Entertainment”, which grew by 13.4%. These three motivations outstripped all social media focused motivations and will continue to explode in 2011.
The result is that rich professional content is now a core part of a consumer’s web experience. By September 2010, 66% of global Internet users had watched a video clip in the last month, 29% had streamed live TV, 27% had watched full length TV on demand, 25% had downloaded free TV programming, 13% had illegally downloaded TV via P2P, and 9% had paid for content.
This is a concrete demonstration of how streaming, packaged platforms and the integration of social distribution have driven mass consumer consumption.
Smith concludes, “The Internet through its various forms is for many the lead entertainment platform of choice. The integration of social technologies and professional content will be the most exciting dynamic of the internet over the next five years. Your social network or the wider consumer network will be increasingly important in defining all content and media that you consume. While consumers may not define the agenda with their content, they will increasingly dictate the patterns of consumption.”
You can find a copy of the report at Globalwebindex.
Tags: entertainment, Globalwebindex, movies, music, online games, online social sharing opens new opportunities for web media, packaged Internet
Posted in Business advice, Internet/New Media, Studies, surveys, reports | 1 Comment »
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