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Next-Generation Mobile Device Technology Penetration

Mobile device technology is evolving rapidly. Enhancements such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, near field communication (NFC), and gesture recognition are predicted to be the big winners. These mobile technologies are projected to make the greatest penetration gains over the coming years, according to the latest market study by ABI Research.

"Hands-free operation or gesture recognition is soon going to become a key differentiator in high-end flagship smartphones, media tablets, and smart glasses," says Joshua Flood, senior analyst at ABI Research.

Samsung's latest Galaxy S4 has already incorporated the technology within its handset and has received significant recognition for its new innovative user experience.

Furthermore, with a host of new smart wearable products soon to be released, it is easy to imagine the usefulness of the interface with this product.

In 2013, almost 12 percent of smartphones shipped will have vision-based gesture recognition capabilities.


Accelerometers and gyroscopes play a crucial role with today’s mobile devices, enabling devices to be more intuitive and take action without a user pressing a button. Simple actions like switching from portrait to landscape when a smartphone is tilted are made possible by including these components.

Additionally, the fast growing mobile gaming market is highly dependent upon smartphones including gyroscopes, which enhance gaming experience. Nearly half of the smartphones shipped this year will include these MEMS sensor types.

NFC has been one of the most talked about mobile technologies that has yet to be deployed successfully in all markets.

The technology has primarily been focused around mobile payments. However, mobile OEMs have begun to see other potential capabilities for the technology such as photo-sharing and location information tag points that could open a huge market for advertising and marketing campaigns.

Within three years, it is anticipated one in two smartphones shipped will include NFC and have gesture recognition capabilities. Furthermore, accelerometers and gyroscopes will become the norm with most smartphones.

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