Nearly a quarter of US households own a smart speaker, according to Nielsen research. The number has risen to 24%, from 15.3% in 2017 and 22% in Q1 2018. Almost two-thirds have started using the device in the last six months. Usage is 65 minutes a day, rising to 72 minutes at weekends. The figures suggest the Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod and Google Home are gathering momentum. But there are some caveats. Owners predominantly use smart speakers for music, with real-time information searches the next most common use.
Nearly a quarter of US households own a smart speaker, according to Nielsen research. The number has risen to 24%, from 15.3% in 2017 and 22% in Q1 2018. Almost two-thirds have started using the device in the last six months. Usage is 65 minutes a day, rising to 72 minutes at weekends. The figures suggest the Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod and Google Home are gathering momentum. Nielsen's research revealed that 40% of households have more than one, with 45% intending to buy another. Owners predominantly use smart speakers for music, with real-time information searches the next most common use.