How 5G offers new possibilities for connected devices

With an average of 11 connected devices in American households, consumers are ready for faster and more reliable 5G networks.

5G concerns about cyber security and physical challenges: what you need to know
Dan Patterson discusses how 5G makes IoT, AR, VR, 3D views and more possible. He also talks about the many concerns about cyber security with 5G.

Connected devices dominate the consumer market, and 5G is about to take these options to a new level, according to a Deloitte report on Wednesday. The average American household has an average of 11 connected devices, including seven smart screens to view content. And further acceptance of smartphones, next-generation entertainment and smart homes will all be enhanced by the release of 5G, the report revealed.

SEE: 5G mobile networks: a guide for insiders (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

“People are in love with being connected at all times, especially if it gives them access to information and entertainment,” said Kevin Westcott, vice president of Deloitte. “The real exciting part for consumers is what the innovators will do with 5G.”

In the past, consumers often learned about technologies when they became available to the public. With 5G, however, consumers are well aware of the promises of technology. Because connectivity has grown so significantly, consumers have raised expectations and expectations around high-speed and real-time connectivity 5G touts, Westcott said.

Deloitte’s Connectivity and Mobile Trends report has shown that consumers are ready to use 5G devices. The majority (67%) of consumers said it would be more likely to upgrade to a 5G-compatible smartphone when 5G became available. Another 62% of consumers said they are likely to replace their home internet with 5G WiFi service.

The effects of 5G on connected devices and networks will be significant, the report found.

5G and smartphone acceptance

The smartphone refresh cycle is getting longer: almost one in three consumers said they have a smartphone that is at least two years old. Less than 60% of consumers said they plan to buy a new smartphone in the next two years, and 5G could be a factor, the report found.

“There are two things going on there,” said Westcott. “First, there is expectation for the next generation, 5G. There have also been moderate increases (with every generation) in the phones; we get slightly better screens, slightly better sound, maybe better cameras, but no major leap forward has been made – until we reach 5G. ”

More than half (52%) agreed that their current phone has the capabilities they need, or that the features of new phones are not advanced enough to justify upgrading. Others (40%) cited economic factors as the reason they will not upgrade because the phones are too expensive or not worth the upgrade, the report said.

5G and entertainment

5G will also have a significant impact on next-generation entertainment, especially as more airlines invest and roll out 5G over the next few years, the report said.

About 43% of consumers said they have trouble watching videos on their smartphones and 41% think their mobile data is not fast enough, the report found. 5G could dramatically improve the mobile video viewing experience for consumers.

More than 40% of Gen Z consumers said they will play more mobile video games with 5G, and nearly 35% of Gen Z and millennials said 5G would change how they use augmented reality and virtual reality (AR / VR), the report.

“As airlines roll out 5G in the United States, a significant number of consumers will take over the service quickly – if it delivers on its promise of higher speeds and better coverage,” Westcott said in the press release. “Large networks and studios will continue to launch their own streaming and other data-heavy entertainment services such as online multiplayer games, augmented reality and virtual reality, accelerating the race to attract and retain customers. Providers who can meet the” connectivity-plus content comparison is probably the most successful first. ”

SEE: Special report: How 5G will transform the company (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

5G in the house

Smart Home technology will see the biggest effects of 5G, especially as 5G paves the way for smart device integration, Westcott said.

Only 28% of consumers use at least one home automation and control device, such as a thermostat, lighting system or a surveillance camera that is connected to the internet. However, 62% of home automation users rank 5G’s potential to provide better home connectivity as one of the top three options that are likely to encourage them to use 5G, the report said.

We have seen the start of the integration of smart home and devices, where consumers use their devices to adjust lights or devices, but 5G would allow even more functionality, Westcott said.
For example: “I have a home automation system, but it is integrated with nothing except the internet, so I can talk to my phone. My frustration is always when I drive into my house and I am the first home, my wearable, my watch or my phone should be able to communicate with my home automation system, “said Westcott.

“(The tools) must turn on the lights in the living room and kitchen, which is the first place I always go. It must know all that,” Westcott continued. “But when I get home and my kids are home, it might be a different setting; maybe the television they watch is turned off and the television is turned on in their room so they know they have to leave and go to their room.”

“I really want all of this to be integrated, and 5G will be one of those things that will allow us to take that next chance,” he added.

5G and privacy

Privacy remains a top priority for users, with data breaches and security being brought to the attention of the public. Federal law in particular has made people much more aware of data privacy, such as GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act making headlines, Westcott said.

The majority (72%) of the respondents agreed with the statement: “I am now more aware of how my data is collected and used than a year ago.” Yet more than half (52%) of respondents said the value they get from their online services outweighs privacy accounts, the report found.

“Consumers are now beginning to understand the huge amount of data being collected and the value they provide,” said Westcott. “Much of our research says that people are willing to give up some personal information if they get value for it, but they certainly want to be able to control it and delete their personal information if they don’t get value, or they are worried.”

About 59% of consumers said they are “very” or “extremely” concerned about their smartphone data; 73% said the same about the security of their smart speakers; and 72% reported the same concern for home automation devices, according to the report.

The vast majority (91%) think they should be able to check, edit and delete their personal data, the report found.

To stay protected, Westcott recommended that no social network login data be used to sign up for other platforms. In addition, users must be wary of what information apps are asking for, especially contact and address books. Awareness is the key to protecting data, Wescott said.

For more information, read How to navigate in cyber security in a 5G world on TechRepublic.

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