Ownership of Ultra HD (4K) TVs has doubled over the last year, with models featuring the new benchmark in picture quality now in 8% of UK homes (as of September 2015).

With the launch of the UK’s first 4K TV channel (BT Sport Ultra HD) and Amazon’s new streaming device (Fire TV) giving viewers compatible content to watch in the new format, television manufacturers will be hoping they can convince more people to upgrade to Ultra HD TVs without the need for significant discounting over the upcoming festive period.

Smartwatches have had a less successful start in comparison, with just 3% of consumers owning the wrist-worn gadget as the industry bemoans the lack of ‘killer apps’ that it needs to ignite interest in the category. Given that potential owners are likely to enjoy instant messaging, gaming and online gambling, developers would be wise to look at ways that they can tap into these areas to prove that the device offers something considerably different, and more convenient than the smartphone.

This report covers ownership of and intentions to purchase consumer technology products (eg televisions, laptops and smartphones), as well as which devices people have used to connect to the internet in the last three months.

We also look at what types of activities consumers have performed online using PCs (laptops or desktops), tablets and smartphones in the last quarter and analyse the factors that may be influencing ongoing trends in behaviour.

This edition of Digital Trends also provides an insight into consumers’ interaction with adverts seen on social media sites (eg Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc) and looks at their attitudes towards this form of advertising.