ABI Research forecasts that ultra mobile devices (UMD) — which they say include Ultra Mobile PCs, netbooks, MIDs and some other mobile consumer electronics devices — will achieve a 385 million unit size in 2014.
The research company’s senior analyst Jeff Orr says that as uptake continues, developing markets will become the larger opportunity leveraging ARM-based, Linux-powered devices. The premium netbook category will also be established with larger screens and greater choices in connectivity solutions.
Orr also added that pocketable MIDs remain a far more interesting product segment to watch, as the market is still emerging. We have pure tablet-shaped devices, as well as models with sliding keyboards. “However, there is a danger that the MID market will disappear before it gets the chance to mature, as smartphones increase in popularity and mimic most if not all tasks performed by MIDs,” he added.
In addition, ABI says that the lines are blurring between MIDs and smartphones with the addition of voice capabilities. Nokia’s N900 was not surprisingly pointed as a prime example… More information about ABI’s findings is available from their website.