Home Entertainment: Listen to the Vision
Without doubt, high quality sound makes a vast diff erence listening to your favourite music, watching a movie or simply listening to a podcast. Now, as home audio and AI evolve, with smarter sound and simpler living for the everyday listener, there is a realisation to invest a little more to enhance everyday listening pleasures.
The Sound I
ER continually look at a variety of trends of which may support the independent
retailer in planning for expansion or diversity. Though growth in the global home audio market may have stagnated, the surrounding conversation is changing fast. That’s according to Futuresource Consulting’s
latest Audio Tech Lifestyles consumer research study, which reveals that while home audio device ownership across key product categories remains healthy, there is strong momentum behind how consumers are embracing artifi cial intelligence.
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www.ierdaily.co.uk “Home audio hardware ownership is
broadly in line with last year’s survey,” says Guy Hammett, Senior Market Analyst at Futuresource Consulting, “but consumer excitement is beginning to shift. Some consumers are already embracing AI’s potential, as the technology begins to enhance sound, adapt listening experiences, and reshape how people interact with audio in their homes. While the technology is evolving quickly, it’s more about consumers becoming more aware of what it can do to enhance their listening experiences.”
PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
The brave new world of home listening With more than 10,000 consumers surveyed across the USA, UK, Germany, Japan and China, an international pattern is beginning to emerge. AI is becoming a meaningful diff erentiator in the home audio market, with over half of consumers saying they think it could improve their listening experience. In addition, 42% say they are more likely to buy a device that includes AI functionality. From smart speakers that tailor playback to
user preferences, to adaptive EQ that adjusts to room acoustics, consumers believe that AI has the potential to deliver real-world value. However, enthusiasm is tempered by caution. This round of Futuresource research also shows that privacy remains a top concern, with consumers seeking reassurance about how their data is used. As a result, trust not technology, will ultimately defi ne adoption speed.
Simplicity rules the soundscape Despite the growing appeal of AI, consumers continue to prioritise ease of use, reliability and sound quality over technical sophistication. For many, smart means seamless, and simple setup, smooth connectivity and intuitive controls consistently top the wish list. Futuresource notes that the brands who succeed in translating technical complexity into straightforward benefi ts, such as superior sound and smarter convenience, are winning the
Winter 2025
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