Providing market intelligence for more than 35 years

In The News

Top 5 markets disrupted by sharing economy apps

Sharing economy apps like Airbnb, Uber and HomeAdvisor have the ability to thrive and disrupt incumbent industries. We have identified the five top markets that could become the next frontier of digital disruption, including car sharing, vehicle repair and maintenance, self-storage, tech support and textbook selling/renting.

Car sharing

Uber has already become a major disruptor in one area of the auto industry by cutting out taxi service companies and connecting passengers directly with drivers. Car-sharing apps may become the next wave of auto industry disruptors. These apps are attractive to consumers who want a driving experience without the need for car ownership. The apps connect car owners who are willing to let others use their car when it is not in use — e.g., sitting idle in an airport parking lot or parked at home — and people in need of a car — e.g., business or leisure travelers who need flexible transportation options. Car-sharing apps can offer flexible rental terms and real-time pricing adjustments based on supply and demand.

From the article "Top 5 markets disrupted by sharing economy apps" by Harry Wang.

Previously In The News

The Challenge For Smart Home Companies: Getting A Foot In The Door

But many consumers are leery. News articles questioning the privacy and security of home networks and connected devices, including always-listening smart speakers, have put off potential buyers. The s...

Cable Companies Join Netflix As Users Switch To Streaming Services

According to a report released July, Parks Associates found that 59 percent of U.S. broadband households subscribe to Netflix, Amazon, or Hulu. Netflix’s deals with pay TV companies helped it surpa...

Amazon, Google, Wal-Mart Fight For Your Smart Home

The hottest smart-home purchase this holiday season is likely to be a smart video doorbell. As many as 14% of U.S. households with broadband access say they're pretty likely to buy the device that...

Password Sharing: Charter, ESPN, Viacom Lead Crackdown On Giving Friends, Family Passwords

According to an analysis produced by Parks Associates, about one-third of internet users stream cable TV by using the login credentials of someone they don’t live with. The firm estimated that passwor...