Tablet becoming the primary companion device for TV viewers

The preferred form factor for those who like to bitch on Twitter about X Factor.

Market researcher Strategy Analytics: Digital Home Observatory has completed the research into second-screen users who surf the web whilst watching TV.

Laptops used to be the preferred option but with the introduction of tablets into the market, square-eyed consumers are making the transition to adopt the latter as the preferred personal device, according to the report.

And what about smartphones? Strategy Analytics claims phones will provide 'alert' functions such as text and voice messages when watching the TV.

Caroline Park, senior analyst and report author, said: "The tablet is clearly becoming the primary TV companion device for advanced users.

"Designers wishing to engage consumers while in the home/TV-watching environment should, therefore, focus on the tablet as the device with the greatest opportunity to provide a relevant, enhanced TV experience."