Asia Pacific

Octopus has established itself as the most widely used and popular open loop pre-paid card in Hong Kong, offering a myriad of convenient features and services. Recognising the growing interest among local residents to explore the mainland during…

As of July 2023, 10 pre-paid card issuers had had their payment clearing license revoked, according to PBOC (People’s Bank of China). In fact, the majority of these issuers voluntarily cancelled their licenses, affected by stringent government…

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is the harshest global crisis since World War II, and will have a long-lasting impact on economies around the world. Countries are entering historic recessions, public debt will skyrocket and labour markets will…

Overall demand for portable players in Vietnam continues to grow, driven by wireless speakers. These devices appeal to young audio enthusiasts who are eager to improve sound quality or upgrade their current models. They are attracted to features such…

In general, sales of portable players have been primarily fuelled by the popularity of wireless speakers, which have remained unaffected by the rise of smartphones, unlike portable multimedia players and e-readers. In fact, the growth of wireless…

Retail volume sales of portable players in Thailand in 2023, as portable media players, epitomised by the iPod, continued on their path of decline. With the rise of smartphones, consumers now have access to various applications that provide similar…

Wireless speakers continued to drive growth in portable players in 2023, being the only product area to have recorded a positive increase in sales in retail volume terms. Compact, portable and affordable, as well as being compatible with “on-the-go”…

Overall demand for portable players is expected to increase in South Korea 2024, driven solely by wireless speakers, which accounts for the bulk of retail volume sales. Thess devices offer the flexibility of portable, cable-free listening, and are…

In 2024, portable players is anticipated to maintain solid retail volume growth in Singapore, with wireless speakers remaining the only category with notable sales within portable players. The widespread popularity of wireless speakers in the local…

Portable players in Malaysia is well placed to benefit as the country’s property market is expected to stabilise in 2024, despite ongoing economic uncertainty, with some urban/suburban areas positioned for more robust growth. There is cautious…

It was in May 2022 that Apple announced it was discontinuing its iPod brand. Apple’s iPod is an iconic device, changing the face of music over the last two decades. With the advertising copy “1,000 songs in your pocket”, the first model debuted in…

In 2024, the portable players category in Indonesia is overwhelmingly shaped by the prevalence of wireless speakers in terms of retail volume. Sales are fuelled by consumers’ need for a portable solution that can easily connect to their smartphones.…

In 2023, portable players in India saw positive retail volume and current value growth, driven solely by the sale of wireless speakers. The vast majority of sales in portable players can be attributed to wireless speakers, which are witnessing…

Demand for portable players in Hong Kong continues to rise in 2024, albeit at a slower rate compared to the previous year following the removal of pandemic restrictions, which led to more frequent social gatherings and greater mobility outside of the…

In 2024, portable players in China is set to maintain a similar performance to 2023, with decline in retail volume terms, but growth in current value terms. Overall, the advances in technology seen in multifunctional consumer electronics such as…