Amazon Takes Share From Google in Media Player Market, Says Parks

Nearly 40 percent of U.S. broadband households own a streaming media player, said a Thursday Parks Associates report. Amazon’s share of the category advanced 4 percent year on year in Q1 to 28 percent, nibbling away at Google’s share (14 percent) while Roku held steady at 37 percent. Apple’s share leveled at 15 percent, and TiVo’s held at 1 percent. Analyst Kristen Hanich attributed the devices’ popularity to contemporary and friendly user interfaces, wide app support and affordability, which makes them easier to replace than a TV. Consumers ranked Roku first in several categories of usability, while Apple led in gaming and ability to buy content. Amazon’s Fire TV moved up to second place in ease of setup and approached Apple in ease of finding and buying content to watch. More than half of U.S. broadband households own a smart TV, setting up a two-lane competition for streaming eyes, as usage of gaming consoles for video has waned, said Parks.