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Americans are as attached as ever to our mobile devices. However new data from the Edison Research Share of Ear study shows how prevalent mobile devices have become to in-car listening.
In 2014, 15% of those surveyed aged 13+ said they used mobile devices for their in-car listening. In the latest data, that figure has jumped to 29%.
In the breakdown, 53% of those relying on their mobile devices for in-car listening stream music, with an additional 14% streaming owned music. 17% listen to podcasts on their devices. YouTube accounts for 9% of all mobile device time spent listening in-car. Audiobooks (4%), AM/FM streaming (2%), and SiriusXM (1%) round out the list.
The company notes that increased listening options, like streaming, podcasts, videos, audiobooks, and owned music, play into the increase. Additionally, more connectivity avenues like Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB ports, as well as software like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay makes utilizing mobile devices increasingly easier in 2024 compared to 2014.
The report from Edison comes as an estimated 80 million will travel more than 50 miles for Thanksgiving, according to AAA.