Nearly half of Canadians believe mobile communication will replace most
physical interactions
British Columbians more likely than any other Canadian to forego
alcohol, sports, coffee, their car, their pet or even their best friend
in exchange for always-on internet access
VANCOUVER, Dec. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - British Columbians are not only
embracing the technology that keeps them connected, they clearly depend
on it. Almost everyone in the province (81%), who owns a smartphone say
they are attached to their devices. And, it's not just smartphones,
tablets and computers keeping them connected - 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.
According to the latest Rogers Innovation Report, commissioned by Rogers
Communications and conducted by Harris-Decima, Canadians are optimistic
about the future; from virtual butlers to communicating with pets, they
envision a world where technology will unleash a connected reality
beyond one's imagination. Nearly half (40%) of British Columbians
believe virtual communication will replace face-to-face interactions
and half (50%) expect to converse exclusively through text, social
media and email in the next five years.
"Enhanced networks are leading to a rise in internet usage in Canada,
creating 'Generation D' - a group that lives and breathes life online
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."
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 seventy per cent of the day with their phone within
reaching distance. Over half (56%) of smartphone users in B.C. admit to
checking their devices at least once during a date and forty-one per
cent check their mobiles before brushing their teeth in the morning.
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.
Looking ahead, Canadians envision an increasingly virtual reality,
powered by tailored apps and faster networks. From connected closets to
cars, virtual wallets and interactive TV, here is a snapshot of what
Canadians' expect in the future:
-
Connected concierge: Over four-in-ten (41%) British Columbians 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%) of British Columbians, believe apps will connect them
to physicians and thirty-one per cent think apps will even predict life
threatening health issues.
-
Mind e-reader: A quarter (25%) of British Columbians expect their devices to read
their mood and help them communicate with their pets.
-
Steer clear: A majority of British Columbians (80%) believe that cars will
anticipate accidents and provide weather alerts.
-
Cut the plastic and tap into purchases: British Columbians lead the way for future mobile payment App usage -
almost six-in-ten device users (55%) expect to use mobile payment apps
more often over the next 12 months.
-
Choose your own adventure: Almost half (49%) of Canadian 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.
Canadians are a step ahead, envisioning the possibilities that gadgets
and apps could bring to the future. While, forty-eight per cent need to
play catch-up and get on-board with smartphone technology, 'Generation
D' already anticipates the smartphone of 2019 that includes retina
scanners (53%), built in projectors (25%), augmented reality (46%) and
3D screens (33%). Continuing with the connected trend, one quarter
(25%) of Canadians see themselves sporting at least two connected
accessories within the next five years.
For a summary of the key findings, click here or check out the "Generation D is Here" video.
About the Survey
An online survey was conducted by Harris/Decima among a national sample
of n=1,009 Canadian panelists, aged 16+ who own either a smartphone or
tablet device for personal use. The survey was administered in both
English and French between November 21st and December 2nd, 2013. The
data is weighted to replicate the actual population distribution by
age, gender and region according to the 2011 Census.
About Rogers Communications
Rogers is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. We
are Canada's largest provider of wireless voice and data communications
services and one of Canada's leading providers of cable television,
high speed internet and telephony services. Through Rogers Media we are
engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping,
sports entertainment, magazines and trade publications, and digital
media. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A
and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For further
information about the Rogers group of companies, please visit www.rogers.com.
SOURCE Rogers Communications Inc.
