Disqus
Latest Juniper Research’s report goes in line with ABI’s prediction for low-cost handsets – their shipments will keep growing. As a matter of fact, Juniper argues that these kind of devices will account for over half of all mobile phones by 2014. Moreover, the research company argues that this is due to market polarization that will see the demise of mid-range devices.
In total, Juniper says that low-cost handset and smartphones will together account for almost 79% of all new mobile phones by 2014, or just over 1 billion units in all. This is a good new for well-positioned companies at the low and high end of the market, such as Nokia, Samsung, Apple and RIM. On the other hand, companies like Sony Ericsson and Motorola, which are usually known for their mid-range products, will either suffer or transform their offering.
Other findings from the Low cost handsets research include:
- In 2008, the Indian Sub Continent region accounted for the majority (23%) of low-cost handset sales. By 2014, the region will account for 22% of sales.
- Take-up in emerging markets will be boosted by the availability of low-cost, highly targeted localised information services, such as Nokia’s Life Tools offering
More information about Juniper’s report titled “Low Cost Handsets: Markets, Opportunities & Forecasts 2009-2014″ is available from their website.
About The Author
Dusan Belic
Dusan has been using smartphones since their introduction and is now following the latest trends in the industry. The "convergence" is what he's most excited about, and writing about it is the next logical thing to do. He thinks that using a smartphone is what everyone who cares about their time should do. In addition to his interests in mobile phones, Dusan also loves to experiment with the latest web and mobile 2.0 services. The idea of accessing and managing your information from any device no matter where you are simply amazes him. Whether it's an online to-do list, note taking service or a video sharing social network, he's there to try it out. He admits though, he's still searching for the ultimate web-based organizational tool, which "sings" perfectly with the mobile PIM application. Dusan used to run SymbianWatch.com which later became part of IntoMobile. He lives in Serbia, South-East Europe, from where he edits the site on a daily basis.
