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Odds are good that if you own a tablet or smartphone, you use it while watching TV. A new Nielson survey says that 40% of people with at least one of these devices use it daily while sacked out in front of the TV. Users of eReaders, though, not so much. Only 14% of that group admit to using the device in front of the TV.
It is important to note that these are just the figures for daily use of mobile devices. If you factor in those that say they engage in this behavior a few times a week, you have the overwhelming majority of users. When asked just what is so important, most users say they check email, browse the web, and use social networks.
To be frank, it’s a little surprising that the 40% figure isn’t higher. Some content companies are taking note of the trend by releasing companion apps for popular programs and channels. The opportunity to tie in advertising on mobile devices with TV programming will likely push more companies in this direction over time. Do you use a mobile device while watching TV?
Image via Nielson
Comments are closed on this article
bling581
October 14, 2011 at 10:04am
It's odd that I was just thinking about this the other day. Why do I have a smartphone and pay so much money for a data plan when the majority of my useage is at home through my WiFi? I can watch TV on my computer, but it's not comfortable so I sit on my couch and stream Netflix and Hulu while checking email, surfing the web or downloading apps on my smart phone.
Holly Golightly
October 13, 2011 at 10:24pm
You know what would be perfect. TV not on TV, but TV on something much better. I would love to stream cable tv on my tablet. I want every channel to be playable on my tablet.
I do not plan on watching TV and my tablet at the same time. Actually, I do not want to watch TV on a regular TV set. I want to see my favorite shows anywhere I go. I would also love to watch TV from my computer. No more expensive cable boxes!!!
chriswm
October 13, 2011 at 10:22pm
I kind of have a touch of A.D.D. so I surf the web on my phone and watchs tv.
CaptainFabulous
October 13, 2011 at 8:22pm
Gotta do something to pass the time while ignoring 20 minutes of commercials every hour.
mattatooski
October 13, 2011 at 4:13pm
Absolutley. Every single day without question and shame. Might be watching a doco and will use the tablet between ads to 'verify' facts, or go to a website i see on a ad, or play solitaire, or go to maxPC. It does have its downside tho, I was trawling through IMDB on the show Operation Repo (dont know why i started watching it in the first place but I did) and then found out it is all totally fake. Cant watch it anymore but thats a good thing right .....
chart2006
October 13, 2011 at 6:24pm
Agreed! I have my Touchpad or phone readily available when i watch TV primarily because I'm always checking facts or wanting more information on something I just saw. I tend to watch the History, Discovery, and Science channels a lot and when I want more information on the topic my "research" material is right at my fingertips.
