2.3 million gadget-savvy people in Ireland use smartphones
The survey found some 50% (2.3m) of the population now use a smartphone as their main mobile phone. This is up from just 39% in 2012.
The use of tablets such as iPads is also growing, with almost half (49%) saying they have regular access to one, up from just 10% in 2012.
A further 15% of those who don’t have one say that they are likely to get one by the end of the year — indicating that the number of tablets amongst Irish adults may top 2m by the end of 2015.
Some 21% of households have access to a Smart TV, up from 14% this time last year, with 12% of those who do not have one saying they are likely to get one this year.
However, the jury is still out on the demand for wearable technologies such as fitness tracking devices, with just 20% of all adults interested in purchasing such devices.
More than 75% of the population also say they use the internet at least once a day, with 18% saying that they access the internet “practically every waking hour of the day”.
This rises to 41% for 16- to 24-year-olds. Managing personal emails tops the list of usage at 66%, watching YouTube comes in second at 59% while just half (50%) are using their home internet for online banking.
On-demand services such as Netflix and LoveFilm have seen a considerable growth in usage, up from 20% a year ago to 30% in the latest research.
The internet is increasingly being cited as a positive addition to peoples lifestyles, with 43% saying having access to food ideas and information online has given them a healthier outlook on what to eat and drink.
Eir director of Brand and Communications Lisa Comerford said the findings indicate that our fondness to being connected online is only likely to increase.
“Whether it’s keeping on top of work emails in the evening, helping children with their homework, looking up the best recipes, or planning a night out; access to the internet and a love of devices play an increasingly central role in our lives,” she said. “The trends only point to one thing — demand for greater and better connectivity is going to increase.”
