While traditional radio remains the most popular means of accessing music, radio listening has declined 4 percent in the last year while listening to music on a computer has increased by 22 percent, according to a survey of 5,000 consumers conducted by NPD Group. The study noted that 194 million people reported listening to the radio in March, while 77.2 million listened on a computer. Online radio listening increased 18 percent to 53.5 million, as did free streaming of online music, which was up 37 percent to 46.1 million consumers. NPD also found that the number of consumers ripping music onto their computers increased 102 percent from a year ago, while transferring music to MP3 players jumped 127 percent and paying to download songs grew 93 percent. "The rise of digital listening and storage for music continues unabated this year," said NPD Group's Russ Crupnick. "Technology companies are providing new tools to consumers in the form of powerful music-enabled PCs and portable music players, music companies are answering the call for more content and consumers are responding positively."
Despite a challenging backdrop from the ongoing effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the negative impact on fifth-generation (5G) wireless supply chains has been minimal compared to the wider mobile smartphone market. This led to 5G mobile devices becoming more diverse, brought to market quickly at a variety of price points, thereby accelerating affordability and adoption. The mobile market is transitioning to 5G and many leading vendors are now exploring the low-priced 5G smartphone segment. According to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research, 681 million 5G handsets will be shipped in 2022. Therefore, the race is on for OEMs to find that all-important level of differentiation in their flagship portfolios to help boost margins and improve market share. 5G Wireless Market Development Vendors continue to drive the adoption of new product designs, screen technology, chipsets, and camera setups -- notably within the flagship smartphone segment. Meanwhile, the leaders seek a