Android, Mobile and the Connected Consumer

Device ownership today has become empowerment for the digital consumer. According to a recent study released by Nielsen, reports indicate that increasingly, consumers are relying on mobile devices to research potential purchases and compare prices for goods and services. As U.S. consumers continue to take advantage of the convenience of anytime, anywhere browsing and shopping via their smartphones and tablets, there is a huge opportunity for retailers and brands to capture the full path-to-purchase.

The report also analyzed Q2, 2013 compared with the same quarter five years prior, computer-based video consumption is up 157 percent, mobile users are spending 59 percent more time watching video on their mobile devices. Indicating that consumers are embracing opportunities to engage with content when and where they want.

In the U.S., Hispanics make up the fastest growing population segment and Nielsen expects this group to contribute to 60 percent of the U.S. population growth in the next three years. They spend more time consuming digital video than the national U.S. average, and they are adopting smartphones at a much quicker rate.

As digital consumers find their own mix of devices and platforms to access and engage with social media, they are building profiles and connections on multiple social networks as well. While Facebook remains the largest social network in both the Web and mobile, consumers are embracing other social platforms such as LinkedIn (up 37% among users), Pinterest (triple unique users on smartphone apps), and Instagram (nearly double the number).

Nielsen shares that consumers are using smartphones and tablets in ways that are natural extensions of the programming they watch, like looking up information about the characters and plot lines, or researching and purchasing products and services advertised just minutes before. Using social media to engage with other viewers has also transformed the live viewing experience for millions of consumers across the country.