Smaller than a notebook computer with a larger screen than a Smartphone – this is how the authors of research into Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) define them.
Consumers may still be relatively unaware of this emerging class of device, but that’s unlikely to be the case for long.
Global sales of MIDs expected to leap from 305,000 units shipped in 2008 to a projected 40 million in 2012, generating USD12 billion in revenue.
At least that’s the conclusion of a survey by semiconductor analysts Forward Concepts, which examined the market potential for MIDs and provided forecasts for both the devices and the integrated circuits that enable them.
It says that MIDs will have an unprecedented level of multimedia capabilities and typically will come in a tablet-like form factor.
“In our opinion, MIDs are not designed to replace mobile phones (or Smartphones) but to be used as companion devices,” the report states.
“They will rival notebook computers in features and capabilities yet come in a significantly smaller, lighter, fit-into-your-coat-pocket form factor, thus spurring the birth of a whole new class of mobile multimedia devices that fall in between a Smartphone and notebook/tablet computer.”
Titled Strategies & Insight into the Emerging Class of Mobile Internet/Multimedia Devices, the study says MIDs represent a new class of mobile communications and lifestyle devices.
Their hardware, software and form factor will require design from the ground up in order to meet market requirements for features, price, performance, and power requirements.
“The user interface will be key to success and will likely need to be capable of responding not only to touch-based inputs but also keep pace with other evolving input methods such as ones based on motion, gesture, placement, and so on,” the report continues.
“Although Apple’s 3G iPhone ploughs new ground in internet access, user interaction and utility, we don’t consider it to be a MID, since we believe a true MID also requires a larger (4- to 6-inch) screen with higher resolution (VGA), TV out and optional Mobile TV capabilities.”
Integrated circuits for MIDs are forecast to grow from USD 29 million in 2008 to USD 2.6 billion in 2012, with Texas Instruments and Qualcomm described by the survey as being the two best-positioned non-X86 semiconductor vendors for supplying stand-alone applications processors for all classes of MIDs.
It says Intel has a much better shot at UMPCs, being predominantly an enterprise play, where x86 compatibility is important, and with battery life expectations in line with notebooks.
Tag: research
-
The future is bright for new breed of handheld multi-media devices pitched between the iPhone and notebook computer
-
Blu-ray awareness and potential rising in the US but barriers remain
High cost and a belief that standard-definition DVD is “good enough” are the main barriers to US consumers purchasing Blu-ray players.
These are the conclusions of a study by the NPD Group, which found that manufacturers still face challenges despite rising awareness of Blu-ray.
The market research company found that 45 per cent of HDTV owners in the US now claim to be familiar with Blu-ray Disc (BD), up from 35 percent in June 2007.
And, while only 6 per cent of all consumers surveyed said they plan to purchase a BD device in the next six months, NPD found purchase intent to be higher among the growing population of HDTV owners, boding well for the future of the format.
The report reveals that 9 per cent of HDTV owners plan to buy a BD-capable player in the next six months.
Russ Crupnick, entertainment industry analyst for NPD, said: “With HDTVs now in approximately 40 million US households, that percentage translates to a pool of almost 4 million potential BD player buyers.”
While manufacturers still face the challenge of convincing some consumers to ditch standard-definition DVD players and content, those who do appear pleased with the move.
Consumers who purchased a BD set-top player cited “leading-edge technology” and a “superior viewing experience” as primary reasons for making the purchase.
And they indicated a clear preference for BD content. In fact current BD set-top player owners expect that 80 per cent of their upcoming purchases will be in BD rather than standard DVD.
By comparison, 43 per cent of PS3 owners use the BD capability in their consoles at least once a month; however, they do not view BD movies as often as set-top device owners do.
“The door is open for studios to feed the consumer’s appetite for Blu-ray content, and we expect sales to increase, as prices for hardware and software moderate in the coming months,” said Crupnick.
“Even so it will take a concerted effort by manufacturers and retailers to ratchet awareness even further and convince all of those potential buyers of the superiority of Blu-ray Disc versus standard DVD.” -
Plastics breakthrough could help cut cost of Blu-ray players
Scientists have moved a step closer to producing electrically-powered plastic laser diodes that could be used in Blu-ray players.
Currently the laser diodes in such consumer optical storage devices are made out of inorganic semiconductors like gallium arsenide, gallium nitride and other semiconductor alloys related to them.
Now, researchers at Imperial College in London have demonstrated a class of plastic semiconductor materials that may allow the low-cost manufacture of electrically-powered plastic laser diodes.
As well as reducing the cost of devices such as Blu-ray players the development could allow plastic laser diodes to operate across a much more substantial wavelength range.
Professor Donal Bradley, lead author of the new study and head of Imperial’s Department of Physics said the development was “a real breakthrough”.
“In the past, designing polymers for electronic and optoelectronic devices often involved maximising one key property in a material at a time,” he said.
“When people tried to develop plastic semiconductors for laser diode use, they found that optimising the material’s charge transporting properties had a detrimental effect on its ability to efficiently emit light, and vice versa.”
The study’s co-author, Dr Paul Stavrinou, added: “The modifications made to the PFO structure have allowed us to convincingly overcome this perceived incompatibility and they suggest that plastic laser diodes might now be a realistic possibility.”
One of the main stumbling blocks to using plastic semiconductor laser diodes is that, until now, no plastics had been found that could sustain a large enough current whilst also supporting the efficient light emission needed to produce a laser beam.
Now the Imperial physicists have done just that. The plastics studied, synthesised by the Sumitomo Chemical Company in Japan, are closely related to PFO, an archetype blue-light emitting material.
By making subtle changes in the plastic’s chemical structure the researchers produced a material that transports charges 200 times better than before, without compromising its ability to efficiently emit light – indeed the generation of laser light was actually improved.
The research team argues that the future laser diodes made out of the material they have developed may generate light emissions covering the spectrum all the way from near ultraviolet to near infrared. -
Results shows global LCD TV sales outstripped plasma TV by 8:1 for Q1 of 2008
Over 21 million LCD TVs were sold in the first three months of 2008 compared to 2.8 million plasma sets, according to a data compiled by research firm DisplaySearch.
The total number of TVs sold during the period was 46.1 million, up only 1% compared to sales in 2007.
The slow-down in sales is largely attributed to a weaker US economy.
Overall revenue rose 8%, however, to $24.8 billion USD, thanks to increasing sales of larger, more expensive LCD and plasma displays.
Aging CRT TVs were still the best selling, with 22.1 million sold, with LCD closely behind at 21.1 million.
Plasma and rear projection televisions had sales of 2.8 million and 134,000 sold respectively.
Year-over-year CRT sales were down 21%, LCD up 45%, plasma up 20% and RPTV down 79%.
In terms of brands, Samsung led in revenue for the 9th straight quarter, with an impressive 39% year-over-year growth
Flat panel TV demand is expected to be strong overall in 2008 and manufacturers are to use smaller screen sizes and low-cost models to stimulate demand among price conscious consumers.
This strategy is also expected to be adopted to maintain growth in mature markets, particularly as many consumers look to buy their second or third flat panel TV.
In terms of brand, Samsung was the global brand share leader in revenues for the ninth straight quarter, improving to more than 20% for the first time on robust 39% year-on-year growth.
Samsung also had the top ranking on a unit basis. Sony was ranked second on a revenue basis for the third straight quarter, declining about a point to 13.2% revenue share after a very strong Q4 performance.
LGE remained in third place, leveraging a second place unit share position to offset lower ASPs. -
Young adults aged between 16-27 are driving demand for HDTV, according to Motorola study
Research by Motorola shows that young adults have a huge influence on their parents’ buying decisions for HDTV sets and programming packages.
The “always-on” generation are hungry for more control over when and where they access rich content such as high-definition (HD) programming and cable TV, the study found.
The ability to time-shift with DVRs and have access to HD programming were both highly desirable features.
In fact, data from Motorola’s study demonstrates the growth opportunity for service providers in bringing these services to the so-called Millennial generation (young adults aged 16-27) who don’t already have them.
The survey of 1,000 young adults found they are not only looking for more rich media, they are also greatly influencing the buying decisions for the services and technologies in the home and on the go.
The research found that 62 per cent of Millennials have influence over which HDTV set and programming package to buy.
And 70 per cent feel their expectations and demands are far greater than their parents’ for rich media experiences (such as mobile TV or video) and on-the-go broadband access.
Eduardo Conrado, corporate vice president, global marketing and communications, Motorola Inc., said the study explores how the preferences and habits of today’s Millennials are shaping the future of content consumption.
“With the Millennial generation, connectivity is an absolute must-have, as they’ve grown up with technology and the Internet,” he said.
“Millennials are now looking to make their connectivity more personalized and take experiences from ‘primetime’ to ‘my time.’
“This study provides a clear barometer to share with our customers that shows the changes in demand and growth opportunities as these critical users continue to
Other findings were that: * 46 per cent of Millennials already have HDTV, while 43 percent indicate they would like to have it.
* 73 percent of Millennials with HDTV access “love” current HD programming, while 35 percent of those with HDTV are looking forward to having a broader selection of HD programming offered in the future.