Reticle Research Report Update: December 2021
Welcome to the free edition of The Reticle Research Report (R3), where we share the focus of recent posts that subscribers can access as well as highlight other commentary by principal analyst Ross Rubin. Please feel free to share this issue. As always, you can sign up for a trial subscription to R3.
Research Delivered in the Paid Edition of R3
Our November issues included the first data from our recently launched October consumer survey.
Videogame product shortages will boost holiday console-ation prizes
We examined how this year’s supply shortages had affected those looking to purchase a range of products this holiday season. This included analyzing what percentage of those who had a range of products on their list—the latest premium game consoles, tech in general, and even non-tech items—had encountered recent difficulty in obtaining those products due to shortages and delays.
Among the findings, about half of those who intended to purchase a latest-gen console had already encountered difficulty in finding one. We also highlighted whether these shortages had forced choosing alternative products, how consumers said it would affect their shopping timetables, and how the game console shortage might benefit Sony’s and Microsoft’s competitors.
Entering the Metaverse: While VR has familiarity lead, consumers take steps toward AR
As companies continue to hop on the metaverse train and in the wake of Niantic launching its Lightship developers’ kit, we looked at the degree to which consumers have experienced both augmented and virtual reality. We also discussed the uptake for some of the leading applications using both technologies as well as consumer interest in some of its potential applications.
Other Commentary
ZDNet
After attending the MediaTek Executive Summit and just in advance of the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit, we shared our thoughts on the implications of MediaTek’s push to make TV processors more powerful as well as both companies’ moves into Windows PCs. We also looked at the advantages and liabilities that Meta has in the race it started to build and monetize the metaverse. And those with an interest in mobile device history will want to read our take on The Verge’s documentary on Handspring and the Treo.
Techspansive
Our weekly podcast with economist Shawn Dubravac of Avrio Institute discussed major tech news events, including Meta’s and Microsoft’s metaverse partnership and Apple’s vehicle-invoking, Mac-slamming defense against sideloading.
In the Media
We weighed in on Apple’s privacy policy impact on ad-supported social apps. We also wrote a piece for Fast Company looking at Windows 11’s interface inconsistencies that considered Microsoft’s roadmap.
Members of the media seeking commentary for stories can contact us at media@reticleresearch.com or visit Reticle Research’s media page for more information.
About R3
Powered by analysis of exclusive, original, proprietary, timely, and independently produced data, The Reticle Research Report (“R3”) helps tech industry stakeholders gain deeper, more actionable intelligence on topics shaping the tech economy. These include Big Tech sentiment, extended reality, 5G and mobility, voice agents, privacy, hybrid workplace dynamics, and the evolution of computing and wearables. R3 offers the data-driven insights associated with a syndicated research service, but with the accessibility and timeliness of a newsletter.
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About Ross Rubin
Ross Rubin is the founder and principal analyst at Reticle Research and the editor of R3. The former chief research fellow at Jupiter Research (acquired by Forrester Research) and executive director at The NPD Group, he has been a technology industry analyst for over 20 years. Ross contributes to ZDNet and Fast Company, hosts the Techschanges interview series, and co-hosts the Techspansive podcast.
Ross holds no investing position in any technology companies. Companies mentioned in R3 may be past or current clients of Reticle Research. They are not consulted regarding its content.