Roughly a year ago, less than 40 percent of mobile subscribers in the U.S. had smartphones. Today, one in two mobile subscribers has a smartphone and that figure is moving steadily upwards.

According to Nielsen’s global survey of multi-screen media usage, watching video content on computers has become just as common as watching video content on television among online consumers.

A recent Nielsen survey of U.S. smartphone owners who report using their mobile phones while shopping in a store, indicates that consumers use their phones differently depending on the type of store.

Whether to look up the latest product reviews or to connect with other moms through social networks, American moms are particularly active online.

Nielsen Informate notes that in India, women spend the same amount of time on their smartphones as compared to men. However, there are sharp contrasts in how they use their phones.

U.S. television ad spend was up 4.5 percent in 2011, according to the third and final part of Nielsen’s Advertising & Audiences Report.

In March 2012, a majority (50.4%) of U.S. mobile subscribers owned smartphones, up from 47.8 percent in December 2011.

Consumers are shifting to new technologies and devices that make it easier for them to watch the video they want, whenever and wherever they want.

The vast majority of US smartphone owners have used their mobile devices for shopping-related activities, but when it comes to purchasing, tablets are on top.

Part two of Nielsen’s State of the Media: Advertising & Audiences Report presents an in-depth look at usage by demographic.