A new study has found that the most dominant use of tablet devices in the UK and the US is for Web browsing.
The study conducted by research firm Strategy Analytics found that the average tablet user spends one and one-half hours per day for a wide range of browsing, content and communication applications.
The Tablet and Touchscreen Devices service (TTS) report, "Tablet Usage Behavior and Wi-Fi / 3G Connectivity Expectations," said that over 25% of all tablet usage is dedicated to Web browsing and email, for both owners and those who intend to purchase tablets in the near future.
Tablet use now accounts for 20% of weekly digital media consumption, said the report.
The study found that in the home, tablet connectivity with Wi-Fi was almost universally preferred. However, tablet use in most other locations showed a mixed picture which includes Wi-Fi, 3G and stand-alone operations. This means that nearly 65-75% of all usage across all environments takes place over a Wi-Fi network, said the report.
Associate Director in the Global Wireless Practice and author of the report Martin Bradley said for both existing tablet owners and potential buyers, Strategy Analytics analysis reveals that tablets are most used for Web browsing.
Bradley continued, "Another 40 percent of tablet use can be attributed to media and app store applications. Existing tablet owners enjoy exploring app store offerings, whereas future tablet buyers express interest in accessing readily available media store content."
Strategy Analytics VP David Kerr added, "Although, almost half of future users are uncertain about the need for 3G, Strategy Analytics research shows that with increasing affordability, operator subsidy, point of sale promotion and multi-device data plans more tablet users will seek consistent 3G always-on connectivity."
