Fixed Mobile Convergence

Global Industry Analysts, (GIA) a publisher of off-the-shelf market research, has found that handheld computing devices or mobile computing devices have quickly transformed from an emerging niche market to a mainstream force. The need for connectivity on-the-move drives growth in this market.

 “Advanced computing devices, such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and notebooks are changing the paradigm of mobile communication,” the research agency said. Handheld computing devices change not only the way people do business but arguably the consumer electronics and telecommunication industry as a whole.

Mobile computing devices illustrate the convergence of IT and telecom markets because it combines technologies from personal computer (PC), consumer electronics and telecommunication industries.

“Advancement in design, features, and applications, together with the emergence of novel, open source operating systems, is driving the market for smartphones and tablet PCs. Rapid adoption of these devices is expected to propel the global demand for handheld computing devices in the following years,” the report said.

Mobile devices are able to perform all the functions of a personal computer and power advanced applications such as Internet accessibility and GPS navigation systems, reigning in superiority when compared to traditional computer systems.

Handheld devices are currently incorporating new forms of entertainment into their service delivery schemes. There has been significant traction in handheld devices with mobile media capabilities as they allow users to play games, watch movies and listen to songs while on the move, offering excellent picture and sound quality.

The advent of Apple’s iPhone (News - Alert) and app store has created dramatic changes in mobile phone hardware and software market.

The research from Global Industry Analysts entitled, “Handheld Computing Devices: A Global Outlook,” says new and feature-rich smartphones are expected to increasingly replace ordinary PCs.

Moreover, tablet PCs, the latest in mobile computing devices, are experiencing a significant uptake from consumers, which is expected to witness further growth in the years that follow, the report revealed. “As of 2010, around 30 media tablets or tablet PCs were launched or announced worldwide. Rather than a deterrent, the trend is expected to act as an enabler of pushing consumers towards open OS devices.”

Open-source operating platforms such as Android are expected to fuel the adoption of mobile devices. On the other hand, single-source operating systems such as RIM and iOS of Apple (News - Alert) are expected to drop down in market share, despite continued growth in the following years, the report said.

Back in November, market research firm The Nielsen Company said that the Google (News - Alert) Android continues to maintain the leading position in the U.S. smartphone market. As per Nielsen’s recent report, the third quarter 2011 Android (News - Alert) share accounted for 43 percent of the market share as compared to Apple’s   28 percent.  

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