• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, December 20, 2011

According to a new consumer poll by Broadcom Corporation, exploring technology trends on the go, in the home, and on the road, 32% of those who own a capable mobile device say they consume more than 10 hours of content a week while on the go, and 51% say they consume more than five hours a week.

Survey highlights:

• More than one-third of survey respondents experience "connectivity withdrawal" when away from technology.
• More devices than ever are competing for wireless connections in the home. Nearly four times as many respondents have six or more wireless devices today than just two years ago.
• Two-thirds of respondents said they would stream video content to multiple wireless devices if their cable or satellite provider offered the service.
• Almost 90% of respondents would prefer to connect devices like digital music players to stereo systems wirelessly rather than using a cable.
• Navigation systems, driver safety features and online entertainment are top considerations for automotive purchases.

 Consumers are connecting more devices to the Internet and to other devices than ever before, and want to spend less time configuring those connections and more time enjoying them. The demand for seamless, pervasive connectivity will be possible with new technologies. Based on survey findings:

• The survey explored the notion of "connectivity withdrawal,” the feeling of stress or anticipation of not being able to get online with a mobile phone, laptop or tablet.  35% said they've suffered from connectivity withdrawal, while 30% said it happens at least once a week
• 22% of those surveyed claimed to have six or more wireless devices in their homes. Compared that to just a couple of years ago, the change was staggering. The percentage of people with six or more devices has almost quadrupled (from 6%) in the last three years.
• More than a quarter of those surveyed said that they've had to wirelessly configure and connect a device in the last month (28%). Less than half (46%) found the experience a pleasant one, so there's room for simpler connectivity technology, says the report.

Consumer demand for entertainment and safety features in vehicles is high, increasing the need for auto makers to include more complex networks in cars they produce. Ethernet technology is set to become the standard for in-car connectivity to help address consumer needs while reducing cost, complexity and weight.

Based on survey findings, the importance of features in vehicle purchasing decisions are as follows (percentage ranking as important):

• Driver safety features such as automated collision avoidance: 70%
• Navigation system, GPS: 69%
• Real-time access to traffic reports, other downloaded data: 52%
• Easy attachment point for iPod or other MP3 player: 50%
• Easy attachment for smartphone or tablet: 43%
• Surround view park assist: 41%
• Automated park assist system: 35%
• Infotainment (Rear-seat entertainment, etc.): 33%
• Internet access: 31%

In the home, multi-screen home entertainment is becoming a reality with the benefit of new technologies and standards. Based on survey findings:

• 68% of people surveyed say they watch more than two videos a day, while 24% say they watch at least five videos a day
• 87% estimated that they consume more than 10 hours a week of digital content. 54% of all respondents consume more than 20 hours a week.
• 62% said they would stream content that can normally only be watched on their TV to wireless devices such as laptops, smartphones or tablet PCs throughout the home should their cable or satellite provider offer the service.
• 67% are more likely to purchase a new HDTV that can easily connect directly to wireless devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptop PCs and the internet vs. one that cannot.

For additional information, please visit Broadcom here.