With digitalization on the rise, it’s pretty clear how new technologies will improve the way we manufacture the “things” in the developing Internet of Things (IoT). But how connected devices will be used and what consumers actually want from the products they buy is another matter.

Consumers are generally excited about new things and tend to want them right away. They also want technology-enabled devices – and cars fall into this category – to be affordable and easy-to-use. But it is unclear which features exactly they are willing to pay for.

The German Association for the Digital Economy (BVDW), in a recent study, found that half of all Germans see digitalization as positive, especially in the area of access to knowledge and educational opportunities.

But while 39% and 38%, respectively, welcome the time savings and enhanced communications capabilities provided by digitalization, a similar percentage are worried about privacy and 23% don’t like the notion that they are becoming dependent on devices.

The study, which interviewed 1,002 Germans, underlines the ambivalent attitudes people have toward new technologies.

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