New Influences are Shaping User Expectations for Mobile Handsets

The global handset market could be about to undergo a major change during the next five years, providing handset vendors and component suppliers with opportunities to reshape consumers' understanding of mobile devices, mobile computing, and mobile connectivity, reports In-Stat. Four key factors that the high tech market research firm expects to shape handsets in the coming five years include the Apple iPhone; alternative networks, such as Wi-Fi and WiMAX; mobile video and television; and more corporate-liable subscriptions.

"These influences will have a powerful effect on the design of mobile devices, as well as the semiconductors and applications used in them," says David Chamberlain, In-Stat analyst.

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

• The iPhone introduced a number of technologies that were not yet common in mobile phones including touch screens and acceleration and proximity sensors.
• Both business and consumer users are expected to drive development of dual-mode cellular/Wi-Fi handsets.
• Deployment of mobile broadcast networks (e.g., DVB-H and MediaFLO), as well as other sources of video for mobile devices, will require changes to handset applications, semiconductors, and displays to provide the best viewing experience.
• WiMAX could lead to a new generation of devices that combine cellular and Internet functions.

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Posted to the site on 30th July 2007