Canadian 'Generation D' Wants Apps

Canadians are dependant on their mobile devices. From smartphones to tablets devices, Canada prefers its technologies over even activities such as a morning cup of coffee. According to a recent report by Rogers.com, Nearly half of Canadians believe mobile communication will replace most physical interactions A quarter think apps will allow people to chat with pets in the next five years. The report also states Canadians are already heavy users of accessories and customized apps, and expect technology to be even more integrated into their lives within the next five years.

Rogers Infographic

"Enhanced networks are leading to a rise in internet usage in Canada, creating 'Generation D' - a group that lives and breathes life through mobile devices and that shares an optimistic view of what's next," said Raj Doshi, senior vice-president, products, Rogers Communications. "Over the next few years, technology will continue to shift into high gear, offering consumers completely personalized connected experiences anytime, anywhere."

Read what Canadians' expect in their mobile future:

• Connected concierge: Over a third (39%) expect apps to become their butler, to draw baths, cut the lawn, vacuum and even do their laundry.

• An app a day could keep the doctor away:  Over half (52%) believe apps will connect them to physicians and 31 per cent think apps will even predict life threatening health issues.

• Mind e-reader: Even a quarter (25%) expect their devices to read their mood and help them communicate with their pets.

• Steer clear: A majority (84%) believe that cars will anticipate accidents and provide weather alerts.

• Cut the plastic and tap into purchases: By 2019, over half (61%) of Canadians expect to throw out their physical wallets, to be replaced with mobile wallets that include credit and debit cards, and personal ID.

• Choose your own adventure: almost half (49%) of TV viewers will take to social media to alter a show's plot by voting in real-time.

• Character copycat: Today we love Don Draper, and tomorrow we'll look like him. The majority of Canadians (64%) believe they will eventually purchase products directly from live programming.

*Rogers.com

Rogers indicates in the recent report that Canadians are becoming a Device Generation or 'Generation D'. Today, the majority (52%) owns a smartphone and they're not letting go, spending an average of 70 per cent of the day with their phone within reaching distance. Social media on smartphones reached new heights this year, with a quarter (25%) of Canadians admitting to Tweeting or Facebooking someone while in the same room; not surprisingly, over half (52%) of Gen Y tapped into this trend. Canadians also had quite the 'app-etite' in 2013; their smartphones and tablets included a buffet of twenty-five apps on average. Some of the most popular apps were Snapchat for Gen Y (46%) and Facebook (74%) for the majority of Canadians.