In a recent survey conducted by market research firm Omdia, commissioned by the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), findings reveal significant insights into device preferences for digital activities. The study involved 1,000 consumers and 1,000 enterprise users to explore how desktops and smartphones are used in online interactions.

Despite the widespread use of smartphones, desktops remain an essential tool, particularly in enterprise settings where AI-driven applications are involved. The survey highlights that young people show a preference for desktops when engaging with AI technologies.

Among enterprise respondents, 78% have access to both desktop and smartphone devices for work purposes. However, desktops are favored for AI applications and customer support tasks. This suggests that future productivity gains and economic growth could be significantly influenced by desktop usage.

Key findings from the survey include:

- Over two-thirds of respondents have switched their default browser.

- 74% of enterprise users anticipate increased desktop usage due to AI within the next year.

- 39% of consumers use AI applications several times a week for work, while 47% of enterprise users engage with these tools daily.

- Both consumer and enterprise users prioritize making AI applications easier to use at a rate of 47%.

- A notable percentage—67% of consumers and 72% of enterprise users—have changed their default browser on their devices.

Trevor Wagener, CCIA’s Chief Economist and Director of the Research Center, commented on the findings: “The survey shows a preference for using desktop computers and browsers over smartphones to access AI tools amongst enterprise users, implying that most of the estimated $6.6 trillion economic impact of AI productivity gains by 2030 will be driven by desktops and browsers.”