INDUSTRY PULSE NEWS

Explore the latest news, insights and analysis across your markets. Uncover the rich narratives behind the data and deepen your understanding with Futuresource’s Industry Pulse.

Rising prices force consumers to delay gaming PC upgrades

Global industry experts to examine market disruption, AI adoption, evidence-based selling and growth opportunities across K-12 education 

Futuresource Consulting and Bett have announced a new webinar, Global EdTech 2026: Navigating Market Change, Proving Impact and Capturing Growth, taking place on 17 September 2026 at 3:00pm BST. 

Rising prices force consumers to delay gaming PC upgrades

Despite rising prices and further pressure for OEMs to downsize capacity, RAM and SSDs continue to be critical components of the Games Console and PC landscape.  While the sector is currently facing headwinds driven by component shortages, price increases, and the industry's current obsession with enterprise data centre and AI-focused products, Futuresource Consulting believes the long-term prospects for gaming storage products remain strong. 

AR glasses poised for breakthrough growth as XR market enters new phase

New Futuresource Consulting research reveals AR glasses are emerging as one of the strongest growth opportunities across the XR landscape, while enterprise adoption and AI-powered experiences reshape the future of immersive technology. 

Futuresource webinar to explore the future of smart glasses as competition intensifies across the wearables market

Futuresource Consulting has announced the next instalment of its Consumer Tech Outlook Webinar Series, examining one of the most closely watched developments in consumer technology: the rise of smart glasses  

Global loudspeaker market enters new growth phase as brands battle for share in an evolving audio landscape

New Futuresource research reveals where demand is accelerating, how consumer priorities are shifting, and which opportunities will shape the next chapter of the loudspeaker industry.  The global loudspeaker market is entering a pivotal new phase, with premiumisation, changing consumer behaviours and evolving entertainment experiences reshaping the competitive landscape for audio brands worldwide. 

New Futuresource Consulting research reveals that AI adoption across K-12 and higher education is moving from experimentation to structured implementation

Futuresource Consulting has published its latest AI in Education report, revealing that educational institutions are moving beyond isolated trials and embracing AI through formal policies, professional development and institution-wide strategies.  

Futuresource research reveals AI, hybrid working and workplace modernisation are reshaping enterprise AV investment

New research from Futuresource Consulting reveals that enterprise workplace strategies continue to evolve rapidly, with organisations continuing to invest in meeting room technology, integrated AV solutions and AI-enabled collaboration tools.

Learning, resilience and sustainability converge in next phase of education technology

Sustainability in educational technology has moved beyond a narrow focus on energy-efficient hardware. New research from Futuresource Consulting shows sustainability now sits at the intersection of procurement strategy, digital equity, lifecycle management, regulatory compliance, and institutional resilience. 

US teachers point to a blend of factors behind improved learning outcomes

US teachers have highlighted a combination of factors as key to supporting learning outcomes, according to Futuresource Consulting’s latest study. 

Worldwide DRAM channel market faces severe supply constraints as shipments fall to historic lows in Q1 2026

Futuresource Consulting's latest Worldwide DRAM Channel Tracker, covering 41 countries globally, reveals a channel market under intense supply pressure, with constrained availability and rapidly rising prices reshaping demand patterns, product mix and competitive dynamics across regions.

Global music industry reaches $47.1bn as streaming services change tack

The global recorded music market grew by 8.6% in 2025, reaching $47.1 billion in consumer spend, according to Futuresource Consulting’s latest research. Streaming continues to dominate, accounting for 86% of total consumer spend, while physical media delivered stronger-than-expected growth, driven by sustained demand for vinyl. 

China’s storage market enters adjustment phase as AI demand sustains structural shift in Q1 2026

China’s storage market moved into an adjustment phase in Q1 2026, following the AI-driven supply–demand imbalance that emerged in late 2025. While the sharp divergence seen in Q4—marked by falling volumes and surging prices—began to ease, the underlying influence of AI and data centre expansion continued to shape market dynamics. 

Wireless innovation and gaming ecosystem expansion set to drive global gaming audio market to 52.8 M units by 2030

Futuresource Consulting's latest Global Gaming Audio Report highlights continued growth opportunities as wireless technologies, content creation and gaming lifestyle trends reshape the market.

Global box office growth continues as premium experiences and content drive market evolution

The global theatrical market delivered solid growth in 2025, with box office revenues increasing 7% to reach $34.6 billion. Futuresource Consulting forecasts a further 3% increase in 2026, as a strong studio release slate and continued investment in premium cinema experiences support the market's ongoing evolution.

AI, AV/IT convergence and experience-led innovation define InfoComm 2026, says Futuresource

With optimism running high and AI embedded across the show floor, InfoComm 2026 marked a clear inflection point for the professional AV industry. Futuresource Consulting’s latest post-show report cuts through the noise, distilling the key trends, product launches and strategic shifts shaping the market’s next phase. 

Futuresource Consulting identifies premium growth opportunities in the presentation switcher market

This latest research highlights rising demand for high-performance visual processing solutions as LED deployments and complex AV environments accelerate

TV pricing resets as promotions intensify and premium dynamics shift

Futuresource analysis reveals growing pricing pressure, shifting premium dynamics and the rapid mainstreaming of large-screen TVs 

A new Futuresource Consulting TV pricing report highlights a clear shift in global TV market dynamics, as sustained promotional activity and changing product mix reshape pricing across all segments. 

Audio market enters a new phase as volume growth masks structural pressure, says Futuresource

As the global consumer audio market stabilises, new insights from Futuresource Consulting’s Audio Brand Leader Board point to a category undergoing deep foundational change. Despite signs of outward resilience, contrasting dynamics across price tiers, categories and brands are reshaping the competitive landscape.