Skip to main content

Mobile Multimedia Devices Gain Momentum

In their new research report, Strategy Analytics states that they expect Apple's iPhone launch to be a sorely needed boost to the traditional handset market development efforts for cellular-enabled media devices, but the lack of W-CDMA support could prevent it from reaching their volume projections.

David Kerr, Vice President of the Global Wireless Practice at Strategy Analytics states, "While the hype around the iPhone is reaching dangerous levels, one benefit we are already seeing is a greater emphasis from handset OEMs on improving usability and making interaction with the handset easy and intuitive for media and productivity applications. Just as the Motorola RAZR energized design innovation, Apple's strong global brand and reputation for innovation in this area will be a catalyst for change. Traditional handset OEMs must improve or face being cast aside by operators who are looking for both strong usability and brands to drive their data service initiatives."

"It is possible that the lack of 3G cellular connectivity on the phone could be a bigger issue than Apple is ready to admit," adds Chris Ambrosio, Director at Strategy Analytics. "This puts significant pressure on the iPhone to be a strong performer out-of-the gate. European operators, who are increasingly willing to offer devices that emphasize off-portal content, if it helps drive their overall branded services value, will be watching early iPhone performance closely to determine how much impact the non-WCDMA iPhone has on Cingular Wireless churn and growth metrics. This will be a key determinant of whether it is worth adding to their increasingly 3G-focused portfolios."

I'm very encouraged by the form and design of the new wave devices coming to market, and the launch of the Nokia N800 Internet Tablet is one of the more interesting developments. This, and other devices like it, will make the mobile digital media experience attractive to mainstream consumers. Clearly, UI simplicity will be a key driver to widespread adoption, as these devices gain market momentum.

Beyond the early adopter segment of the market, there's a very strong demand for design innovation that aids consumers to easily take their digital media experimentation in new directions. The coming weeks and months that following the prototype demos at CES should be telling. Also, the upcoming CTIA show will be yet another opportunity to see if the iPhone design is really unique, or merely part of a more broader trend.

Popular posts from this blog

Global Digital Business and IT Consulting Outlook

Across the globe, CEOs and their leadership teams continue to seek information and guidance about planned Digital Transformation initiatives and the most effective enterprise organization change management practices. Worldwide IT and Business Services revenue will grow from $1.13 trillion in 2022 to $1.2 trillion in 2023 -- that's a 5.7 percent year-over-year growth, according to the latest market study by International Data Corporation (IDC). The mid-term to long-term outlook for the market has also increased -- the five-year CAGR is forecast at 5.2 percent, compared to the previous 4.9 percent. Digital Sevices & Consulting Market Development IDC has raised the growth projection despite a weak economic outlook, because of vendor performances across 2022, growth indicators from adjacent markets, increased government funding, and inflation impacts. The actual 2022 market growth was 6.7 percent (in constant currency), which was 87 basis points higher than forecast last year, alth

Why Instant Issuance Payment Cards Evolved

The global financial services sector continues to grow as more progressive organizations seek to gain a meaningful competitive advantage from their digital transformation initiatives. Across the globe, many regions are seeing a significant rise in 'instant issuance' activity from a physical and digital perspective, from both traditional and emerging innovative banking institutions. Digital Payments Market Development Customers increasingly demand instant access to banking services, with physical instant issuance enabling them to leave their branch equipped with a ready-to-go payment card. According to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research, the market for instantly issued physical payment cards will increase from 243.2 million shipments in 2022 to a forecast of 471.1 million in 2027. "Critically, instant issuance of payment cards is no longer limited to the physical," said Sam Gazeley, industry analyst at ABI Research . Indeed, the growing digitization of p

Digital Talent Demand Exceeds Supply in Asia-Pac

Even the savviest CEO's desire for a digital transformation advantage has to face the global market reality -- there simply isn't enough skilled and experienced talent available to meet demand. According to the latest market study by IDC, around 60-80 percent of Asia-Pacific (AP) organizations find it "difficult" or "extremely difficult" to fill many IT roles -- including cybersecurity, software development, and data insight professionals. Major consequences of the skills shortage are increased workload on remaining digital business and IT employees, increased security risks, and loss of "hard-to-replace" critical transformation knowledge. Digital Business Talent Market Development Although big tech companies' layoffs are making headlines, they are not representative of the overall global marketplace. Ongoing difficulty to fill key practitioner vacancies is still among the top issues faced by leaders across industries. "Skills are difficul