1 in 6 Brits will buy a tablet in 2012

 

Millions of us now use tablets to access news, entertainment and watch TV.

Britain’s appetite for new technology shows no signs of abating. According to broadcaster Sky, approximately 8% of UK adults got a tablet device for Christmas and a further 16% intend to purchase a tablet in 2012.

The study, commissioned by market research firm Mintel, suggests as many as 8 million tablet computers - like the Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab - could be sold across Britain during the 12 months ahead.

It also reveals that, thanks to massive growth in ownership of mobile technology - Ofcom data shows half of Brits own smartphones and one in 10 has a tablet - the average UK home now has six screens in total, half of which are “mobile”.

David Gibbs, Sky’s director of mobile, said: “Consumers are embracing smart mobile technology and using those devices to stay informed, in touch and entertained on the move. The explosion in smartphones and tablets is ideal for Sky as we innovate hard to make sure that we satisfy our customers’ demand to access great TV and news on the go.”

The satellite broadcaster already offers a number of apps, which help Sky customers get the most from their subscription. These include the highly popular Sky Go and Sky Movies applications, as well as a brand new Sky Sports News app for iPad.

Consumers now look to mobile devices for a broad range of TV, entertainment and news content. Sky’s survey identified watching films, TV and videos (37%), listening to music (48%), social media (48%) and keeping up with the news (40%) as the primary reasons for using a tablet.

The new Sky Sports News app is available free of charge to Sky customers who take Sky Sports or the Entertainment Extra package of channels. It has been specifically designed for Apple iPad devices and features live and on-demand video content, interactive graphics and up-to-the-minute data.

Apple’s iPad 2 was named “Tablet of the Year” at Stuff magazine’s Gadget Awards in 2011, but the US tech giant - also known for its iPhone and iPod products - faces growing competition from rivals such as Samsung, Motorola and Sony.

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