# Device Sharing Consumers begin renting technology rather than investing. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Jan 26, 2016 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/device-sharing ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Device Sharing trend? **Device Sharing:** As consumers and businesses alike look for cost-efficient alternatives to ownership of large-scale technology, various platforms that make short-term rentals possible have begun to emerge. From health systems looking to transform unused equipment into a source of revenue to a consumers testing equipment pre-purchase, these services speak to the evolution of the share economy. This progression speaks to the growing value of collaborative consumption among consumers, even when it comes to something as essential as technology. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 7, 2015 to Aug 31, 2016 - Published: Jan 26, 2016 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Device Sharing trend ### Sharing Economy Consumers and businesses alike are looking to cost-efficient alternatives to ownership, creating platforms that enable short-term rentals. ### Subscription-Based Retail Companies offering users unlimited rentals for a monthly fee are appealing to those seeking to keep up with what's new without the cost of ownership. ### Peer-to-Peer Platforms Platforms connecting individuals with what they need when they need it, opening the door for unique and efficient opportunities for business models. ## What the Device Sharing trend means for industry ### For Technology Rental The technology sector has found a way to offer consumers and businesses an affordable way to obtain and test high-tech equipment through peer-to-peer rental platforms, which could serve as an alternative to traditional rental companies. ### For Creative Workspace Establishments that allow customers to rent workstations, lend equipment, and collaborate with peers in order to create and work together on projects are emerging in the music and tech industries. ### For Logistics and Supply Chain Sharing economy concepts can be applied to unutilized assets like medical equipment, with the use of technology and logistics platforms to increase efficiency and profitability in the healthcare industry. ## Workshop question What role does the peer to peer economy play in your industry? How could you use this shift toward sharing to your advantage? ## Trend signals for Device Sharing Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 67%, activity 60%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 67% - Activity: 60% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Device Sharing trend 7 featured examples from Mar 7, 2015 to Aug 31, 2016. - [Velomobile-Sharing Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bike-share): The Veemo Bike Share Service Would Cost About $0.20 Per Minute (Category: Autos) Implication: The Veemo bike share service makes use of an innovative transportation model that is cheaper and weather-resistant than traditional bike sharing, and may be of interest to urban p… - [All-Subscription Retailers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rent-any-product): This New Store Lets You Rent Any Product in Exchange for a Monthly Fee (Category: Business) Implication: ByeBuy's disruptive rental retail model challenges traditional retail models and offers new opportunities for innovation in the industry. - [Technology Rental Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kitsplit): NYC Startup KitSplit is a Peer-to-Peer Platform for Leasing Tech Equipment (Category: Tech) Implication: KitSplit's peer-to-peer platform for leasing tech equipment disrupts the traditional technology rental industry by offering a more cost-effective and user-friendly solution. - [Music-Centric Creative Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonos-studio-london): The Sonos Studio London is a New Community Space in Shoreditch (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Creating spaces for local musicians and music lovers to collaborate and create. - [Tech-Lending ATMs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ipad-vending-machine): Drexel University Has Introduced an iPad Vending Machine for Rentals (Category: Tech) Implication: Academic institutions are incorporating innovative technology lending solutions to improve learning outcomes. - [Drone Rental Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rent-a-drone): Startup Up Sonder is an On-Demand P2P Service That Lets You Rent a Drone (Category: Business) Implication: The drone rental industry can benefit from disruptive innovation by adopting peer-to-peer rental platforms and on-demand rental services. - [Equipment-Sharing Medical Groups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cohealo): Cohealo is a Sharing Economy Solution for the Healthcare Industry (Category: Tech) Implication: Equipment-sharing and logistics platforms like Cohealo can benefit healthcare systems by reducing costs and increasing efficiency. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)