World Cup To Be Watched On 6B Screens, With TV Accounting For Less Than Half

Smartphones, tablets or PCs "account for more than half" (57%) of the viewing platforms as opposed to conventional TV screens for ardent fans of the World Cup, according to INDIAN TELEVISION. A report published on the official website of research firm Ovum revealed that connected devices "are playing a crucial role in evolving viewing habits for big-events." The World Cup "is expected to have a combined reach of broadcast TV and streaming options available on up to 5.9 billion screens worldwide." Ovum senior analyst Ted Hall said in a statement, "With the likes of tablets providing the convenience and flexibility to consume content whenever and wherever, fans are able to watch more of the tournament than ever before." Ovum noted that if there is anything lacking, innovation-wise, for the '14 iteration of the tournament, "it is the limited access to games in the 4K/Ultra HD format" (INDIAN TELEVISION, 6/19).