…with 4.68 million UMPCs shipping in 2012.
Unlike previous reports, ABIresearch have split the ultra mobile device category up into two segments (makes sense to me.) and have what appears to be, from the contents list anyway, a huge ‘upcoming report.’
Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) will strike a responsive chord with consumers, and by 2012, 90 million MIDs will ship. MID customers will include ‘Lifestyle Boomers’, ‘Gen Y Social Networkers’, ‘Young Gamers’, ‘Frugal Generalists’, and ‘Multimedia Enthusiasts.’
Ooh. I hope I don’t fall into the Frugal Generalist category. Sounds terrible! Section 2.3.5 sounds good, “The iPhone as a MID Stalking Horse” and there’s even going to be a section on the gphone. Considering that the fastest way for me to check and read my email is via the Gmail app on my phone, I’m not surprised.
The UMPC’s technology challenges include the need for low power consumption CPUs that still can run Vista applications, lower-priced displays, batteries with longer life, lower-priced flash drives, and more user-friendly input devices. The Mobile Internet Device faces serious competitive challenges from single-purpose devices, evolving smartphones, and some UMPCs. Wireless connectivity will be a key part of MIDs. Mobile WiMAX and WCDMA connectivity will be integral components.
More information and, if you register, a price, can be found on this ABIresearch web page.
