Smart TVs saw a similar jump, as ownership in Romania rose from 51.0% in H1 2019 to 56.3% in H1 2020—surpassing the level in Poland, for example. By comparison, smartwatches posted only modest takeup, owned by 14.9% of the online population in 2020. Penetration was appreciably higher among males (18.5%), respondents 35 to 44 (19.6%), and those in affluent households (20.9%).

Ownership rose to 51.0% in H1 2019—very similar to the 52.4% recorded in Poland. However, smart TV penetration in Romania was not just higher in more affluent homes (as in Poland), but also greater among internet users over 45 and in urban households.

In Poland, a “Home Quarantine” smartphone app enables those in mandatory 14-day quarantines to send geotagged selfies to the authorities in lieu of unannounced visits from police. The app uses geolocation and facial recognition to verify identities and locales.

Retail ecommerce sales in Western Europe will rise 11.6% to $381.58 billion in 2018. Amazon is planning to capitalize on rebounding markets by building 1,300 warehouses across the continent.