Posted Thu Jul 10, 2014 at 05:00 PM PDT by Steven Cohen
A new report indicates that Roku reigns supreme as the top selling and most-used streaming media player in the US.
According to a study conducted by Parks Associates, Roku media players made up about 46 percent of all streaming media player purchases in the US throughout 2013. In contrast, Apple made up about 26 percent of sales. Likewise, the company also accounts for 44 percent of actual streaming media player usage in US broadband homes, while competitor Apple accounts for just 26 percent.
"Multiple factors have allowed Roku to outpace Apple in U.S. sales and usage," said Barbara Kraus, director, research, Parks Associates. "Roku has always had a close association with Netflix, the largest source of video downloads, and currently offers more than 1,700 channel apps as well as a choice of models with different features and price points, all of which appeal to consumers' purchasing instincts. With Amazon entering this CE category, there will be renewed pressure on all players to develop the best combination of 'can't miss' content with a simple and intuitive interface. "
Meanwhile, the company also predicts that more than 25 percent of US homes will have a streaming media player by 2015 and that global sales of streaming media players will reach almost $50 million by 2017, thanks in part to continued popularity and new devices like the Amazon Fire TV ($99).
The Roku 3 is currently on sale for $95 and the Apple TV is currently on sale for $102, though rumors persist that Apple is working on a new set-top box for release later this year.
Source: Parks Associates via Market Watch
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