Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Cell Phones

Ultra-Mobile Devices Gain Popularity

Nearly 95 Million ‘Ultra-Mobile Devices’ to Ship by 2012, Says ABI Research

A whole new class of “always-on” Internet-connected products, collectively termed “Ultra-Mobile Devices” (UMDs), will become popular over the next five years, according to a new report from ABI Research. By appealing to a wide range of buyers they will reach shipments of nearly 95 million units by 2012, and should prove extremely profitable for their makers.

“Mobile Internet Devices and UMPCs” is the first study covering both types of devices. It categorizes in unprecedented detail the buyers who will be adopting them, and what applications they will be running.

“UMDs are a very exciting, potentially very lucrative area,” says ABI Research vice president Stan Schatt. “What makes this market so intriguing is that products will assume so many different forms. That product differentiation will be an integral part of the ultra mobile device marketing plan.”

UMDs are of two types, Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPCs), which run Windows and business applications and are aimed at business users, and Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs), which target consumers and are more likely to run a Linux operating system. The latter, with their lower prices and wider appeal, will make up by far the majority of the devices shipped. Apple’s iPhone and Nokia’s N800 may be seen as precursors of the MID. Both UMPCs and MIDs will feature multiple wireless connectivity technologies – Wi-Fi, WiMAX, and cellular – to maintain “any time, anywhere” Internet connectivity.

This diversity is also reflected in the range of applications that will be offered: Web browsing, music, navigation, voice, and data communications including email and IM, photo/video, and vertical commercial applications will all be popular. Some new applications, such as medical monitoring, are now in development as well.

The research identified several user-types who will find varying combinations of these applications appealing. These include “Frugal Generalists”, “Lifestyle Boomers”, “Soccer Moms”, “Gen Y Social Networkers”, and “Multimedia Enthusiasts.”

The ultra mobile device ecosystem will ultimately contain hundreds of vendors – chipmakers, display and device manufacturers, application developers and service providers – and the new report offers strategic recommendations for all of them.

Mobile Internet Devices and UMPCs evaluates UMDs’ market potential, their technology challenges, and the strategies of the major vendors entering this market, and includes forecasts through 2012. It forms part of two ABI Research Services, Mobile Devices and Wi-Fi.

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in New York, ABI Research maintains global operations supporting annual research programs, intelligence services and market reports in broadband and multimedia, RFID & contactless, M2M, wireless connectivity, mobile wireless, transportation, and emerging technologies. For information visit http://www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Latest Products

OneOdio Focus A6 Wireless ANC Headphones Woman Profile

New Products

With hybrid active noise cancellation, LDAC, 75-hour battery life, and Bluetooth 6.0, the OneOdio Focus A6 Wireless Headphones might be hard to beat for...

Status Audio Pro X Wireless Earbuds Lifestyle Status Audio Pro X Wireless Earbuds Lifestyle

Earbuds & In-Ear Headphones

Balanced Armature and Dynamic drivers, hybrid active noise reduction, AI-powered Voiceloom speech enhancement, and more take the Status Audio Pro X wireless earbuds up...

Campfire Audio Relay Dongle DAC Campfire Audio Relay Dongle DAC

Dongle DACs

Campfire Audio launches the Relay portable DAC/amp with AKM SEQ 4493 chip, balanced outputs, and high-res support at $229. Strong tech, but tough competition...

GoldenEar T44 Hybrid Floorstanding Loudspeaker Lifestyle Black GoldenEar T44 Hybrid Floorstanding Loudspeaker Lifestyle Black

Floorstanding Speakers

GoldenEar’s T44 hybrid floorstanding loudspeaker offers powerful sound and deep bass without the need for a subwoofer.

Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2 and 4.2 Bookshelf Speakers Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2 and 4.2 Bookshelf Speakers

Bookshelf Speakers

Full range sound from bookshelf speakers? Check out the new Radiant Acoustics CLARITY 6.2 and 4.2 loudspeakers featuring PURIFI USHINDI woofers and custom AMT...

FiiO SP5 Desktop Speaker FiiO SP5 Desktop Speaker

New Products

FiiO expands its desktop audio lineup with the new SP5 active speakers, featuring upgraded amplification, premium drivers, and wide-format connectivity for under $750.

Gift Ideas?

Amazon Prime Day is July 8-11, 2025

Daily Deals

Amazon Prime Day is a four-day shopping event from July 8-11, 2025 offering the biggest discounts of the year on consumer electronics.

You May Also Like

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers