New In-Stat research reports that 50% of tablet owners are viewing not only feature-length movies on the devices, but TV shows as well. Tablets and smartphones are also functioning as personal interaction devices for video-centric social networking and applications."Tablets, in particular, have become a primary video device, both inside and outside the home," said Keith Nissen, research director, in a statement. "By 2015, our research projects that 65% of the U.S. population will own a smartphone and/or tablet. As these devices become a center-point for video engagement and consumption, content providers, device manufacturers, and operators need to support a multiscreen usage model that reflects social interaction, screen interaction, personalization and mobility."Additional findings indicate:

• Frequent mobile video users are expected to more than triple over the next five years.



• Nearly 50% of 18- to 24-year-old smartphone/tablet owners frequently social network about TV programs they're viewing.



• 86% of smartphone/tablet users will view video on their mobile devices.



• Nearly 60% of smartphone/tablet owners will also be viewing over-the-top video at home.



• The average Apple household will have four Apple devices, while the average Google Android household will have at least two Android devices.