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 (http://www.in-stat.com). 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.
Recent In-Stat research, Big Trends Influencing the Global Handset Market: 2007-2012 (#IN0703653WH), covers the worldwide market for mobile handsets. It describes the background of the four influences impacting the handset ecosystem over the next five years. It also discusses each of the areas affected by these influences, including semiconductors and components, connectivity options, and applications. Results of a US consumer survey about current handset usage, as well as consumers’ feedback on problems and desired enhancements to their handsets are analyzed.

For more information on this research or to purchase it online, please visit: http://www.instat.com/catalog/wcatalogue.asp?id=66 or contact a sales representative: Eastern North America: Tina Sheltra, 480.609.4531; tina.sheltra@reedbusiness.com Western North America: Erin McKeighan, 480.609.4551; emckeighan@reedbusiness.com Outside of North America: http://www.instat.com/sales.asp

The price is $3,995 (US).

This research is part of In-Stat’s Worldwide Mobile Devices service, which provides comprehensive analysis of the worldwide market for cellular phones. In addition to reporting on current and historical worldwide handset sales, this service defines major industry trends and forecasts trends and sales volumes. This is accomplished by analyzing the component trends, major phone categories, infrastructure developments that affect devices, and extensive end-user primary research.