Canadians looking forward to a world without heavy laptops and bulky wallets
Rogers Innovation Report reveals top technology predictions for 2012 and
beyond
TORONTO, Dec. 20, 2011 /CNW/ – Canadians predict faster network speeds,
smaller laptops and purchases over their wireless device in 2012 and
beyond, according to a new survey1 commissioned by Rogers Communications. The survey finds that most
Canadian smartphone or tablet users feel technology will improve their
lives in the future.
There are high expectations for technology in 2012, with young men being
the most optimistic that the power of technology will improve their
lives. The poll was conducted by Vision Critical in December 2011 among
more than 1,000 adult Canadian smartphone or tablet users. This survey
is the first of the Rogers Innovation Report, a regular survey
commissioned by Rogers to explore Canadians’ habits and views on
technological innovations.
“The Rogers Innovation Report shows that technology is making smartphone
and tablet users’ lives easier and better and they expect that these
advances will continue,” says Upinder Saini, Vice President of Product
Development, Rogers Communications. “Now that they’ve seen all that
technology can do to improve their lives, they crave more.”
According to those surveyed, the top technology predictions include:
Smaller and lighter laptops – Chiropractors can expect to see fewer shoulder injuries from heavy
laptop bags with 85 per cent of those surveyed believing that laptops
will continue to get smaller and lighter and fit into a handbag.
Faster network speeds – 83 per cent of those surveyed say that faster networks are on their
way, allowing us to seamlessly play mobile games, stream videos, movies
and music on the go.
Bulging back pocket begone – Say goodbye to the old leather wallet as 79 per cent of those surveyed
expect that more people will use their smartphones to make purchases
over the next few years.
Turn on the lights with your smartphone – 82 per cent believe that devices will be connected and that one device
will control systems inside and outside the home. The majority welcome
a way to adjust the heat, air conditioning, lights and security system
through their mobile device.
Smartphone love – Dependency on smartphones is high with 85 per cent of those surveyed
saying they are attached to their devices. Seven per cent describe
themselves as “ridiculously” attached and 22 per cent say they
“wouldn’t want to live without it” or “would be lost without” their
smartphones. Thirty-nine per cent2 of Canadians say they take their smartphones to bed or have them on the
nightstand and 23 per cent have the urge to use them in the bathroom.
Living in the cloud – 81 per cent of respondents believe that they will be able to access
their movies, photos and documents anywhere virtually. The majority
(68%) believe that technology advancements will mean less clutter and
more shelf space as files, books, music, movies and pictures will be
stored virtually.
Books are here to stay – Survey participants still believe in printed books, with just 37 per
cent believing that e-readers and tablets will replace printed books.
“Canadians are connecting to each other and to devices that are
literally transforming their daily lives,” says Saini. “We have only
scratched the surface of what the Internet can do for us. I get very
excited when I think about where technology is taking us. Don’t blink
or you’ll miss it. The future is here and more is coming.”
About Rogers Communications Inc.
Rogers Communications 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, magazines and trade publications, sports entertainment, and
digital media. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange
(TSX: RCI.A) and (TSX: RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:
RCI). For further information about the Rogers group of companies,
please visit rogers.com.
About the surveys:
1 From December 6th to December 7th 2011, Vision Critical conducted an
online survey was conducted among 1,010 randomly selected adult
Canadians that own and use a smartphone or tablet, who are Angus Reid
Forum panelists. The margin of error—which measures sampling
variability—is +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been
statistically weighted according to ensure a representative sample.
Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.
2 On November 18-21, 2011 Vision Critical conducted an online survey among
1,003 randomly selected Canadian adults who are Angus Reid Forum
panelists. The results have been statistically weighted according to
the most current education, age, gender and region Census data to
ensure a sample representative of the entire adult population of
Canada.