“The rise of smartphones and tablets has pummeled sales of cameras, personal audio, desktops, televisions, gaming consoles, PC peripherals, and the companies whose brand names were staked on them. Convergence has been en route to the tech market for two decades, but now that it’s fully arrived, its overriding impact is clear: hardware category obsolescence.”

– Billy Hulkower, Senior Technology Analyst

This report examines trends in consumer electronics and online activities to provide a broad overview of changing patterns in the behavior and attitude of consumers with regard to technology products. It is the first in a semiannual series, to be updated by Mintel in September 2013. Hardware penetration and sales are reviewed for the period 2008-13, alongside intent to purchase hardware and an analysis of what is sparking growth or declines in sales. Online activities are assessed to further identify opportunities for companies both within and without the consumer technology spheres to tap into emerging markets, and to shift focus within their marketing plans to optimize consumer engagement.