Canadian consumer preferences have been moving in line with global trends in terms of digital media consumption. An expectation for immediate access and gratification has led to digital entertainment platforms being the most popular options.
TV and movie streaming platforms have transformed the viewing habits of a generation that used to be restricted by TV and cinema schedules, music fans can now access the entire back catalogues of an artist without having to visit record stores, and gamblers no longer have the physical restraint of having to go to local casinos. Online casino specialist Alex Hoffman discusses the latest legal gambling insights and benefits to Canadian consumers who can access state-of-the-art gambling facilities with strong security and quick payouts.
Smartphone Adoption in Canada
Canadian smartphone adoption rates sit at around 95% of the population, with an even higher mobile connection rate of 41.6 million, which is 104% of the country’s population. This is a strong indication of the reliance modern Canadians have on mobile devices, and as technology continues to improve, this reliance will grow stronger.
The Access and Affordability Granted by Digital Entertainment Platforms
Smartphones are a modern necessity for many, with businesses and service providers easier to deal with online and on the move. The banking industry is an excellent example of how mobile technology has transformed the physical sector, with many local branches closing down as a money-saving exercise, and consumers being pushed towards online transactions.
The entertainment industry has also benefited from improving technology and connectivity, with mobile devices now able to provide high-quality visual, audio, and gaming experiences. The ability to download and stream the latest content has helped to improve access for many who might have struggled to get to towns or cities to buy physical copies of books, movies, and games.
The prohibitive nature of the online gambling industry is also something that improving connectivity has helped consumers with. In Canada, gambling regulations are determined by the governing bodies of each province. Similarly, in the US, individual states have the autonomy to determine their own betting laws.
This has led to market fragmentation, with operators prohibited from offering in some markets. However, because regulations only prohibit the operation of gambling sites, consumers can still access offshore alternatives.
Consumers in rural areas have also found that digital entertainment facilities have provided greater access than people in towns and cities might take for granted. Being able to stream the latest movie titles and music has helped to bridge the gap between communities in terms of access and has also improved social opportunities.
Online gaming has grown rapidly, with consumers now able to download the latest games or enjoy cloud gaming, where they don’t require specific hardware to enjoy new games. This has also allowed people to meet other gamers from around the world, with multi-player titles encouraging competition and collaboration.
While there are costs associated with digital entertainment, including the initial outlay for hardware like smartphones or game consoles, many services are offered on a subscription basis, helping consumers save money and benefit from large content libraries.
Platforms like Netflix have a monthly subscription fee that is typically less than the cost of one cinema ticket. The main difference is that consumers can then enjoy unlimited movies and TV for the month, and viewers won’t have additional costs of travelling or the inconvenience.
Viewers can stream or download content to watch without an internet connection, making it a great option for commuting or travelling. This is also true of music streaming sites and audiobook platforms.
Some gaming platforms also offer subscription services so players can enjoy a variety of game titles.
Why Digital Platforms are a Convenient Alternative to Traditional Forms of Entertainment
When the first generation of cell phones hit the market, they were seen as an extraordinary leap forward for technology. They provided users with the convenience and security of being able to contact others no matter where they were (as long as they could get a signal).
However, few could have imagined how far mobile devices would come in such a short time, with smartphones now acting as communication devices, gaming machines, portable TVs, music players, digital books, and much more.
Many consumers still like to invest in physical media, and DVD, book, and game collections are still worthwhile. However, the ability to carry a device that can fit in your pocket and potentially provides access to every song, movie, book, and game is something that people would now struggle to live without.
The expense associated with the purchase of physical goods or going to screenings and live events is now something that is no longer necessary. Consumers have the ability to be entertained on their own terms, and traditional forms of entertainment can also be enjoyed as a treat or novelty.
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