Microsoft’s “A Perfect 2015” Survey Reveals Consumers still prefer Desktops & Laptops for achieving personal goals in 2015

ASIA PACIFIC – With the festive period round the corner, consumers in Asia Pacific are starting to plan for their goals in 2015 and it looks like technology tools and toys will take centrestage in enabling them realise their personal goals and that of their loved ones.

In a survey conducted by Microsoft Asia Pacific in November which attracted 2,273 respondents across nine Asia Pacific markets, 43% said that they hope to spend more quality time with their family in 2015; 40% hope to go on a relaxing vacation, while 36% of respondents wish to stay healthy and exercise more.

Click here to access an infographic showing the key findings of this survey
Click here to access an infographic showing the key findings of this survey

When asked about the technology tools of choice in helping them achieve their personal goals in the year ahead, 74% of respondents chose a desktop or a laptop, followed by smartphone (70%), social networks (58%), apps (58%) and tablet devices (56%).

Respondents who are planning to give a gift this festive season are also magnanimous individuals. They want their loved ones to be entertained (51%), be able to communicate more effectively with colleagues and loved ones (37%), as well as to enable them to be more productive (35%) with the technology-related gifts they receive. So, when it comes to the technology gift of choice for their loved ones, 43% said that a smartphone would be the most helpful tool to help them achieve their goals in the year ahead. 16% felt that a tablet would be helpful to their loved ones, while 11% said that a desktop or laptop PCs would do the same. Smart TV (9%) and phablet devices (6%) rounded up the top five devices seen as helpful to loved ones in 2015.

“When we think of buying a present for your loved ones, we often think of buying the flashiest toys or the hottest devices in town, but tend to forget the true value of a gift that can empower them to achieve their personal goals,” said Guenter Weimer, Senior Director, Microsoft Windows and Surface, Microsoft Asia Pacific. “It was interesting to see many respondents choosing the desktop or laptop as their preferred device. With the wide range of choices of Windows devices, online services and apps which combine the best of work and play, our gift guide this year features the best of the best for consumers to think wisely about how to invest in themselves for the year ahead.”

Picking the right moment and person for that special gift

The survey also found that 67% of respondents would consider buying a technology-related gift during their loved ones’ birthday, followed by Christmas (36%), then the New Year (32%).

If you are a dad, tough luck, you are least likely to get a gift this festive season. Mums (32%) are more likely to receive a present and respondents are also more likely to buy themselves gifts (22%) during this period. 22% of respondents also said that they are more likely to give a technology-related gift for their significant other. Gift givers in Asia Pacific are also generous, with 47% stating they were willing to set aside between US$100 and US$499 for a gift to a loved one while another 29% would pay more than US$500.

Connecting with family through technology

With majority of respondents indicated spending quality time with their family as the top resolution in 2015, the top 4 modes for communication with their loved ones included apps like Skype, WhatsApp, Viber as well as social networks (64% respectively), followed by mobile phone (62%) and email (45%).

Understanding the evolving needs of consumers who are connecting with their family and loved ones via technology, the recently released Skype Qik (available on iOS, Android and Windows Phone) is a free video messaging service from the Skype team which enables users to share video moments within groups. The service runs alongside Skype, and is a great and effortless app to help turn moments into great conversations.

On Windows and Windows Phone Stores, top communication apps such as KakaoTalk, LINE, Viber and WhatsApp are available for download onto smartphones, tablets and PCs for instant connection with your loved ones.

There’s a Windows and Windows Phone for everyone this festive season

Consumers can choose from more than 20 new Windows PC devices this festive period. The latest Windows PC devices now come in a range of striking styles, from sleek, portable and versatile tablets, powerful and slim notebooks to space-saving all-in-one desktop PCs sporting HD and touch-screen displays. The new generation of Windows 8.1 devices also include ultra-portable 2-in-1s which allow users to use it the way they want it in any scenarios imaginable.

In fact, an earlier Microsoft survey conducted in August 2014 with 2,900 mobile professionals in eight Asia Pacific markets highlighted that 41% of respondents carry both a tablet and a laptop at all times. A Windows 2-in-1 device like the Surface Pro 3, Asus Transformer Book T100 TA and Acer Aspire Switch 10 brings the best of a tablet and a PC together in one sleek, portable yet powerful device to help users with their everyday productivity needs in an increasingly mobile environment.

“Windows devices have evolved over the years. With Windows 8.1, we have redefined the way people are interacting and using their devices for productivity and entertainment purposes,” added Weimer. “This festive season, our partners have brought to market new devices that are more powerful and portable than ever before with a price range that will fit every shopping budget.”

Here is a list of new Windows and Windows Phone devices for the festive season:

For more information on Windows and Windows devices, visit www.windows.com and for more information on Windows Phone, visit www.windowsphone.com.

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