RESEARCH BRIEFS BY PRACTICE

Mobile Services (68)
Mobile Networks (44)
Mobile Devices (52)
Wireless Connectivity (54)
RFID (13)
Digital Home (60)
Telematics & Navigation (22)
Semiconductors (1)

Research Briefs

Research Briefs provide focused and timely analysis on key industry topics. These short reports, typically 5-7 pages in length, blend both qualitative and quantitative market analysis from ABI Research’s industry experts in their examination of key business issues, competitive dynamics, emerging technologies, regulatory matters, and market demand factors.

[top]Mobile Services

Mobile World Congress Key Findings

LTE, WiMAX, Mobile Linux, Femtocells, Location, MIDs, and other Key Topics

Home from the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2008, a quartet of analysts from ABI Research reflect on their observations during a week of information blitz from major players in the market. A common thread among our analysts’ observations was that behind the glitzy exhibits and lurking below the hype were some interesting undercurrents. One of the real, if subtle themes of the show lies in past promises that are finally becoming reality. Mobile Linux headed that list, with femtocells not far behind. Location, which was found only in isolated products previously, has now become an integral part of the wireless ecosystem, adding an important element to wireless service offerings and data applications. Now, everyone has an LTE strategy. The divergence of mobile devices is sending ripples through the whole value chain. Mobile operators and other service providers are examining the transition to 4G and figuring out the accompanying expansion into new device types. Underlying this trend is an undercurrent of activity in the form of the platforms that are becoming available to support MIDs and mobile CE devices. In this Research Brief, we examine these themes as well as other trends from MWC 2008.

The Gobi Effect

How Gobi Affects Mobile Broadband for Laptops

Embedded modems, called miniCards, provide laptops with the RF link to GSM and CDMA networks. They are more convenient, more durable and have better performance than PC cards and USB modems. But embedded modules have not been a prominent feature, nor highly requested by customers. Greater availability of 3G networks and modest decreases in cellular broadband pricing are now greatly improving the value of these devices. However, the main issue affecting embedded module sales is the inherent supply chain friction resulting from the modem certification process. Supply chain friction results because operators want to test every device used on their network. As the number of laptop models with embedded modules increases, more testing is required.

Qualcomm – fully aware of these limitations and in a position to address the issues – answered with Gobi, a multiprotocol, multi-band chipset that allows connectivity to both CDMA and GSM networks. Gobi is certainly an antidote to the ills affecting the embedded module and cellular-enabled laptop market. However, Qualcomm and Gobi cannot change all the factors affecting uptake of these devices in the market. The following Research Brief explains the current opportunities and challenges for adoption of internal laptop modems, and details Qualcomm’s solution and its effectiveness for correcting market roadblocks. The brief will also outline other competing solutions and the effect of Gobi on existing cellular modem vendors.

US Enterprise Mobile Device and Services Usage Analysis by Occupation

Demographics, Device Features Adoption and Services ARPUs

What are the device features adopted by each occupation segment?
What are the implications for services usage of device features adoption by different occupation segments?
Based on mobile services adoption, usage and pricing analysis, what is the ARPU expenditure across different mobile services for each operator?
What factors are driving LBS adoption in each occupation segment?
How great is the adoption of Wi-Fi for voice calling or Internet access in each occupation segment?
What are different occupation segments spending on mobile broadband?
What are the different occupation segments spending on mobile e-mail?
What are the different occupation segments spending on mobile SMS and MMS services?
What are the different occupation segments spending on Push-To-Talk services?
What are the different occupation segments spending on mobile web access?
What are important demographic elements that explain usage and total ARPU spending by type of mobile services used by business customers of different occupations?

US Enterprise Mobile Device and Services Usage Analysis by Size of Business

Demographics, Device Features Adoption, and Services ARPUs

In a recent survey of mobile business customers conducted by ABI Research, the data were segmented by four business sizes based on number of employees: SOHO (1 to 4 employees), small (5 to 99 employees), medium (100 to 999 employees) and large (1000+). The survey data are presented in Powerpoint format and provide the following detail which is analyzed in this Research Brief:

Demographic profile of business segment respondents including age, occupation and industry distribution, and income;
Respondents’ work locations and mobility profiles;
Mobile phone services adoption and frequency of use;
Mobile phone brand distribution, device features adoption, and mobile phone feature interests;
Productivity and entertainment application adoption;
Mobile device management services adoption and interests;
Voice calling preferences using fixed and mobile telecommunications services;
Mobile voice, messaging, and Internet access usage distribution for business and personal reasons.

US Business Mobility Survey Results

Addendum Tables for US Enterprise Mobile Device and Services Usage Analysis by Size of Business

United States Mobile Business Customer Profiles

Size of Business Profiles: SOHO, Small, Medium, Large Businesses

In this survey of mobile business customers, data is segmented by four business sizes based on employee numbers: SOHO, small, medium and large businesses. SOHO businesses have 1 to 4 employees; small businesses have 5 to 99 employees; medium sized businesses have 100 to 999 employees; and large businesses have greater than 1000 employees. The survey data are presented in Powerpoint format and provide the following detail:

Demographic profile of business segment respondents;
Mobile phone use including fixed/mobile voice call preferences, use of multiple phones, monthly mobile services spending, and corporate payment of the mobile phone;
Mobile phone provider preferences and satisfaction;
Handset brand preferences;
Mobile phone capabilities and features adoption, and mobile phone feature interests;
Mobile phone services adoption and frequency of use;
Mobile voice, messaging, and internet access usage distribution for business and personal reasons;
Mobile application adoption;
Use of the mobile phone and laptop for corporate data access.
Laptop mobile broadband access methods;
Mobile device management services adoption and interests.

International Business Wireless Survey Results

Customer Demographics, Mobile Services, Devices, and Mobile Broadband

This Research Brief presents results of a February, 2008 online survey of 1400 mobile business customers from seven countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. Respondents were asked about their use of mobile voice, messaging and Internet access services including their choices of mobile service provider, device brand and total mobile services bill.

The responses also reveal patterns regarding the percentage of mobile services usage for business and personal reasons, laptop cellular broadband access, corporate data access through the mobile phone, device feature interests and corporate payment of mobile phone bill. The preference and usage data is supported by demographic profiles that include age, occupation, industry vertical, company size and respondent mobility profile across work locations, home and in transit. All survey results are presented in Powerpoint format.

US Mobile Operator Business Customer Profiles

Demographics, Device Feature Adoption, Mobile Services ARPUs

This Research Brief provides a condensed view of the survey demographics and the adopted device features driving ARPUs of the mobile business customers of four US operators: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. Demographic analysis shows characteristics of each operators’ customers on more than 20 different parameters including occupations and industry vertical distribution, mobility profile, office building size, operator satisfaction ratings, and smartphone penetration. Device feature analysis focuses on illustrating how the combination of features affect mobile services ARPU for voice, messaging, internet, and applications. The report concludes with ARPUs for voice, push-to-talk, messaging, mobile broadband and entertainment, Internet access and applications, and the factors driving the individual services ARPUs for each carrier.

Push To Talk Services

One-Hit Wonder for North America Only?

Push to Talk (PTT), also called Push to Talk over Cellular (POC), has the potential to increase value to customers as well as ARPU. Yet as of December, 2008, PTT has not lived up to its potential.

This Research Brief recommends that to grow the market, PTT solutions providers should 1) focus on business users, 2) enable cross-carrier interoperability, and 3) eliminate PTT-specific handsets and migrate to downloadable and clientless applications. Disruptive plays such as downloadable and clientless applications as a substitute for PTT-specific handsets could spur growth in both business and consumer markets. MNOs could see third parties establish themselves as the primary marketers and sellers of PTT services.

Mobile Data Roaming

3G Drives Growth Opportunity for MNOs

Voice roaming has been an important money maker for mobile network operators since the earliest times of cellular communications. MNOs had high hopes for data roaming, but 2.5G data roaming has been a disappointment. Not so for 3G data roaming. Thanks to the sharply increasing popularity of smartphones, particularly the business-friendly BlackBerry, and much speedier 3G networks, mobile data roaming is growing rapidly.

In this Brief ABI Research examines the drivers and barriers to growth of mobile data roaming and provides recommendations for companies that work in this space. Forecasts are included for mobile data roaming subscribers by region, average retail price per MB per region and mobile data roaming revenue by region (serving markets).

US Business Customers' Mobile Phone Feature Adoption and Interests by Size of Business

2009 Survey Results

This Research Brief presents mobile phone feature survey results for mobile business customers in the United States segmented by size of business. The survey was conducted in August 2009, and its results are presented for 16 different feature sets including:

- Voice productivity features (voice-activated dialing, speakerphone, Bluetooth headset)
- Multimedia features - taking pictures, watching videos, watching TV, listening to music
- Purchasing games and ringtones
- QWERTY and touchscreen keyboards
- Wi-Fi for Internet access and voice calling
- Detachable memory stick
- Large screen size
- Location-based services
- Using phone as modem for laptop Internet access
- Push-to-Talk walkie talkie capabilities

Supplementing this data are mobile phone usage and spending data, mobile phone brand and purchase cost, corporate and personal liable phone and mobile service spending, and smartphone adoption data. Also included are survey respondent demographic data.

Enterprise Mobile Data Services and Corporate Information Access by Size of Business

2009 US Survey Results

This Research Brief presents mobile data services survey results for mobile business customers in the United States, segmented by size of business. Also included are results for methods of corporate data access for handsets and laptops. The survey was conducted in August 2009. Adoption and frequency of use data are shown for:

- Text messaging
- Picture messaging
- Video messaging
- Internet access
- Mobile e-mail
- Instant messaging
- Internet video access
- Video calling
- Video sharing

Supplementing this data are mobile phone usage and spending data, as well as survey respondent demographic data.

Application Downloads by US Mobile Business Customers, by Size of Business

2009 US Survey Results

This Research Brief presents application download survey results for mobile business customers in the United States, segmented by size of business. The survey was conducted in August 2009, and its results show adoption of applications for 13 application types that can improve employee productivity. Also shown are the delivery channels for each application, which included category choices of:

- Came with phone
- Added by company IT personnel
- Purchased and downloaded yourself
- Free and downloaded yourself
- Don't know/remember

Supplementing this data are mobile phone usage and spending data, as well as survey respondent demographic data.

Enterprise Use of Twitter and Other Social Media on the Mobile Phone, by Size of Business

2009 US Survey Results

This Research Brief presents social media survey results for mobile business customers in the United States, segmented by size of business. The survey was conducted in August 2009; results are presented for adoption, interest and frequency of use of social media for both personal usage and business usage. Social media categories are:

- Facebook, MySpace
- Twitter
- Video websites (eg. YouTube)

Supplementing this data are mobile phone usage and spending data, as well as survey respondent demographic data.

Enterprise User Mobile Broadband Netbook and Laptop Analysis, by Size of Business

2009 US Survey Results

This Research Brief presents mobile broadband survey results for mobile business customers in the United States, segmented by US mobile operator. The survey was conducted in August 2009. Results are shown for:

- Adoption of laptops and netbooks
- Interest levels in replacing laptop with netbook
- Personal and business usage
- Laptop broadband access method: Wi-Fi, USB cellular modem, PC cellular card, embedded cellular modem
- Mobile broadband service provider
- Modem replacement results
- Mobile broadband spending

Supplementing this data are mobile phone usage and spending data, as well as survey respondent demographic data.

Mobile Security and Device Management Services, by Size of Business

2009 US Survey Results

This Research Brief presents mobile security and mobile device management survey results for mobile business customers in the United States, segmented by size of busines. The survey was conducted in August 2009. Results are shown for:

- Level of concern for mobile phone malware security threats
- Interest levels in mobile operator services to protect against mobile phone malware threats
- Mobile phone and laptop banking adoption
- Mobile device management services adoption and interest results

Supplementing this data are mobile phone usage and spending data, as well as survey respondent demographic data.

Mobile Security and Device Management Services, by US Operator

2009 Mobile Business Customer Survey Results

This Research Brief presents mobile security and mobile device management survey results for mobile business customers in the United States, segmented by mobile operator. The survey was conducted in August 2009. Results are shown for:

- Level of concern for mobile phone malware security threats
- Interest levels in mobile operator services to protect against mobile phone malware threats
- Mobile phone and laptop banking adoption
- Mobile device management services adoption and interest results

Supplementing this data are mobile phone usage and spending data, as well as survey respondent demographic data.

Mobile Phone Feature Adoption and Interests by Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint Mobile Business Customers

2009 US Survey Results

This Research Brief presents mobile phone feature survey results for mobile business customers in the United States, segmented by US mobile operator. The survey was conducted in August 2009. Results are presented for 16 different feature sets including:

- Voice productivity features (voice-activated dialing, speakerphone, Bluetooth headset)
- Multimedia features - taking pictures, watching videos, watching TV, listening to music
- Purchasing games and ringtones
- QWERTY and touchscreen keyboards
- Wi-Fi for Internet access and voice calling
- Detachable memory stick
- Large screen size
- Location-based services
- Using phone as modem for laptop Internet access
- Push-to-Talk walkie talkie capabilities

Supplementing this data are mobile phone usage and spending data, mobile phone brand and purchase cost, corporate and personal liable phone and mobile service spending, and smartphone adoption data. Also included are survey respondent demographic data.

Mobile Data Services and Corporate Information Access Adoption

US Operator Mobile Business Customer 2009 Survey Results

Presented in this research brief are mobile data services survey results of United States mobile business customers segmented by US mobile operator. Also included are results for methods of corporate data access for handsets and laptops. Conducted in August 2009, adoption and frequency of use data are shown for:

- Text messaging
- Picture messaging
- Video messaging
- Internet access
- Mobile e-mail
- Instant messaging
- Internet video access
- Video calling
- Video sharing

Supplementing this data are mobile phone usage and spending data, as well as survey respondent demographic data.

Application Downloads by US Mobile Business Customers

2009 US Operator Survey Results – Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint

Presented in this Research Brief are application download survey results of United States mobile business customers segmented by US mobile operator. Conducted in August 2009, the survey shows adoption of applications for 13 application types that can improve employee productivity. Also shown are the delivery channels for each application which included category choices of:

- Came with phone
- Added by company IT personnel
- Purchased and downloaded yourself
- Free and downloaded yourself
- Don't know/remember

Supplementing this data are mobile phone usage and spending data, as well as survey respondent demographic data.

Enterprise Use of Twitter and Social Media on Mobile Devices, by Operator

2009 US Survey Results

This Research Brief presents social media survey results for United States mobile business customers, segmented by US mobile operator. The survey was conducted in August 2009; its results show adoption, interest and the frequency of use of social media for both personal and business purposes. Social media categories are:

- Facebook, MySpace
- Twitter
- Video websites (eg. YouTube)

Supplementing this data are mobile phone usage and spend data, as well as survey respondent demographic data.

Business Customer Netbook and Laptop Analysis

2009 US Survey Results – Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint

This research brief presents mobile broadband survey results for United States mobile business customers, segmented by US mobile operator. The survey was conducted in August 2009; the results show:

- Adoption of laptop and netbooks
- Interest levels in replacing laptop with netbook
- Personal and business usage
- Laptop broadband access method: Wi-Fi, USB cellular modem, cellular PC Card, embedded cellular modem
- Mobile broadband service provider
- Modem replacement results
- Mobile broadband spending

Supplementing this data are mobile phone usage and spending data, as well as survey respondent demographic data.

Contactless Payments in Europe

Will EMV (EuroPay, MasterCard, Visa) Help Accelerate Contactless Uptake?

Europe has until now remained a barren market for open contactless payment systems. But with the first contactless open payment system in Europe set to roll out in the UK next year, European companies in the transaction value chain will have to address the alignment of their services with emerging contactless capabilities.

EMVCo – the company charged with maintaining and developing the single, global EMV implementation standard – is at least a year away from publishing an EMV Contactless specification, and certified products will not be ready until 2008 at the earliest. However, the leading card associations including VISA, MasterCard and JCB have developed their own EMV with contactless specifications, and card and terminal manufacturers have recently unveiled a range of matching equipment. This Research Brief assesses the position of contactless EMV in the context of the European payment environment, reports on early trials, and forecasts contactless banking equipment shipments and revenue by region to 2011.

Contactless Payments in South Korea

Strategic Issues, Key Players, and Market Forecasts

In this market update, ABI Research examines recent activity in South Korean contactless payment markets, particularly focusing on strategic issues, major players, and forecasting. Starting in 2006, Visa Wave and MasterCard PayPass began competing in the South Korean market. Starting in February, 2007, South Korean card companies can directly issue credit cards over the air. ABI Research believes that this signals the start of a period of growth for the South Korean contactless market.

This Research Brief is designed to provide readers with a high-level understanding of how the South Korean contactless market is evolving. It offers a level of detail and segmentation across environment and applications that makes it useful for focused or advanced contactless payment research, planning, and development efforts.

The report includes market forecasts for shipments and revenue by transponders, readers, and environment from 2006 to 2012. Other highlights include analyses of the current market landscape, transponder and reader adoption, merchants’ and issuers’ activities, mobile operators’ strategic approach for USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module) for payment devices, contactless credit cards on the mobile phone, market drivers. It also profiles leading South Korean market players and their competitiveness.

The Transition from FeliCa to Near Field Communication (NFC) in Japan

FeliCa 2.0 Chip, the Market Landscape, and the NFC Opportunity

FeliCa-based capabilities in transit, coupon and ticketing, credit, and prepaid accounts may be seen as precursors that demonstrate NFC’s potential demand in Japan and around the world. The recent introduction of Sony's FeliCa 2.0 chip and services has pushed the FeliCa-based offering closer to NFC functionality.

This Brief is designed to provide readers with a high level understanding of how FeliCa and applications in Japan are evolving. The research also examines recent FeliCa developments around FeliCa 2.0 chipset, and applications with new features. Other highlights include ABI Research’s analyses of the current market landscape, advanced applications such as ‘Touch Message’ by KDDI, Sony’s efforts in consumer electronics by using ‘FeliCa Port’, the concept and requirements for future-oriented contactless payment systems in Japan, and the outlook for FeliCa and NFC evolution.

Contactless Transportation Ticketing Systems in China

Strategic Issues, Key Players, and Market Forecasts

In 2007, there will be 58 million transponders for transportation payment issued in the Chinese market. Due to the strong support of the government and the requirements of the e-ticketing systems, contactless transponders and readers have been widely deployed in China. This report assesses the development status of contactless transportation ticketing systems in local regions, discusses the market drivers and opportunities, profiles local transponder and reader providers, and presents contactless transportation payment forecasts for shipments, revenue, and total values.

Mobile and Contactless Payments: End-User Survey Analysis

US Consumer Attitudes, Preferences, and Interest Levels Related to NFC-Enabled Mobile Commerce

This survey of U.S. mobile users reveals key NFC market drivers and users’ concerns regarding the potential of contactless mobile payments using NFC in mobile handsets. Through a series of structured questions and open-ended comments, respondents indicate readiness for NFC payments as well as their main concerns about its potential misuse and vulnerability. NFC protagonists and companies targeting mobile subscribers with NFC payment applications and services will benefit from the findings as they construct and develop their own NFC product rollout strategies. The survey was a structured online questionnaire, completed by 1005 respondents in the United States. Respondents were required to be current mobile phone users and to have Internet access in their homes. Only people aged 14 to 59 participated in the study. Respondents were grouped in five age and five income categories. On some topics, age and income demographics make a clear difference in the perception and desirability of mobile contactless payments. What emerges is a picture of NFC-enabled handset readiness that very much depends on consumers’ satisfaction that the technology meets key criteria and concerns before it will be widely used. As NFC continues to be largely restricted to trails, this report underscores some of the key issues that must be considered as NFC payment applications come to market, as well as providing direction and analysis of how best to meet consumers requirements.

Contactless Payments in Japan

Strategic Issues, Key Players, and Market Forecasts

In this market update, ABI Research examines recent activity in Japanese contactless payment markets, particularly focusing on strategic issues, major players, and forecasting.

Compared with other regions, Japan has seen the fastest deployment of contactless transponders and readers. One key reason is its commitment built around FeliCa development and affluent merchants. The Japanese contactless market has been evolving quickly, with competitive market conditions and new market entrants.

This Research Brief is designed to provide readers with a high level understanding of how the Japanese contactless market is evolving. It offers a level of detail and segmentation across environment and applications that makes it useful for focused or advanced contactless payment research, planning, and development efforts.

The report includes market forecasts for shipments and revenue by transponders, readers, and environment from 2006 to 2012. Other highlights include analyses of the current market landscape, The ‘Four Giant’ contactless schemes – iD, Suica, QUICPay, and Edy – and the Common Reader Program which debuted in January, 2007. It profiles of new entrants, especially Pasmo and Nanaco, and evaluates market players’ strategic approaches to developing the Japanese micro-payment market. Finally, it highlights the lessons to be learned from market drivers, discusses Sony’s and bitWallet’s strategies, and more.

Developing a Smartphone Strategy for Mobile Money Services

Key Considerations and Platform Choices

Smartphones are the darlings of the mobile industry and smartphone subscribers are proving to be the most likely users of mobile money services, particularly mobile banking. But does a smartphone strategy make sense for your mobile money service offering? To determine the answer, mobile money service providers need to understand what percentage of mobile subscribers in their market are comprised of smartphone users, which smartphone platforms are being used, and the market share of each smartphone platform. Distributing smartphone applications may be a challenge, as well as finding a mobile money vendor with the appropriate skills to give you the apps you need.

This Brief provides data on smartphone subscribers and penetration by region, as well as snapshots of smartphone platform market share by region in 2009 and 2014. It presents conclusions and offers recommendations for smartphone strategies by region.

Mobile Banking: Consumers Ponder Convenience, Security Issues

2009 US Consumer Mobility Survey Results

In March 2009, ABI Research conducted an online study among 1,000+ adult U.S. consumers concerning their habits and plans for use of a mobile phone, including interest level in specific device features and capabilities.

This Research Brief provides the survey results for the portion of questions related to mobile banking. Respondents were asked their interest level in conducting mobile banking activities and the reasons for their interest or lack of interest in mobile banking functions. The results reveal indications of what banks and their mobile banking solutions providers must do to drive consumer acceptance.

US Mobile Phone Purchase Trends

Summary of 2007 and 2008 Survey Results

In November, 2007 and December, 2008, ABI Research conducted an online study among adult US consumers concerning their use of a personal mobile phone for a variety of mobile content application and services, including making purchases with a mobile phone.

This Research Brief provides the comparative survey results for the portion of questions related to mobile purchase interest and preferences. Questions were asked about the preferred payment method for mobile phone purchases and major concerns using the mobile phone to make purchases. This Research Brief includes survey methodology, responses laid out in charts with additional summaries and analysis, and respondent classification/demographics.

Mobile Banking Platforms – Which Technology Is Best?

SMS, Mobile Internet, or Downloadable Application

What technology platform should mobile money service providers use? There are successful offerings using text messaging, mobile Internet and downloadable applications as the mobile technology platform. Consumer adoption of these technologies is a key factor for mobile deployment. In this Brief, ABI Research shares mobile subscriber adoption forecasts for text messaging and mobile Internet, and makes recommendations about how to decide which platform(s) are best for banks.

Mobile Money Security

Challenges and Solutions

The security of the mobile channel is perhaps the greatest impediment to the exponential growth of mobile money services worldwide. Consumer perception is that mobile is not safe for personal financial services.

All three mobile delivery options -- SMS, mobile Internet, and downloadable applications -- pose security risks. For mobile money services to fulfil their potential, mobile money service providers must find the proper balance of security and convenience for consumers. What are mobile money vendors and mobile money service providers doing to ensure security? This Brief details specific actions being taken today by leading mobile money service providers and vendors, and makes recommendations for specific actions that need to be taken to ensure security.

Mobile Banking: US Banks Report Card

Leaders and Laggards in Mobile Banking

It’s been just over two years since Wells Fargo and Bank of America triggered the mobile banking movement in the US, enough time to review the nation’s mobile banking offerings and grade how consumer-friendly they are. ABI Research built a set of grading criteria to rate mobile banking offerings in four categories: reach, breadth of services offered, security, and discoverability. 29 US banks, including the 17 largest retail banks and several smaller regional and community banks were graded using these criteria, resulting in a report card which shows the leaders and laggards of mobile banking in the US.

Mobile Person-to-Person Payments

US, Western Europe, and Asia Pacific Survey Results

In a recent ABI Research consumer survey, more than 1,400 consumers from the US, Western Europe and the Asia-Pacific region were asked about their interest in mobile-enabled person-to-person payments. This brief presents the results for this specific question and provides analysis and conclusions about the results, region by region.

CES 2007 Mobile Content Wrap-up

Digital Convergence Drives Delivery of Multimedia Mobile Content

The continued evolution of digital convergence and the potential growth of premium multimedia content delivered to mobile devices — coupled with the promise of next-generation wireless networks — played a big role at CES 2007 in Las Vegas, by generating a host of mobile content-related announcements. This year’s show also made it clear that the search for the right technology solution, aggregator and wireless network partner, along with revenue-generating models, and rights to exclusive content (while creating quality user experiences) is still in its very early stages. This Research Brief provides in-depth and emerging trends analysis of the various show announcements which indicate a growing variety of players jockeying for key content-related partnerships and market positioning in the emerging mobile content supply chain. However, ABI Research believes that highly scalable middleware — along with the proliferation of higher bandwidth wireless networks — will also have to be in place to effectively manage and secure the anticipated burgeoning surplus of multimedia mobile content.

South Korean DMB Market Update

Market Status, Outlook, Global Activities, and Demographics

While South Korean DMB broadcasters are struggling to survive in a competitive market landscape and have seen disappointing ROI results so far, device adoption has been strong and appealing applications have been continuously expanded. They have ambitiously introduced shopping programs that use DMB phones. In addition, the ‘Bi-directional Data Service’ and ‘real time traffic and navigation information’ via TPEG could significantly increase the value of DMB content, leading to wider adoption of DMB services.

In this Research Brief, ABI Research examines the current status of South Korean DMB markets and their future outlook, particularly focusing on ROI issues; DMB broadcasters’ applications intended to generate additional revenues and subscribers; competition with HSDPA; market structures; the DMB camp’s global activities; analysis of DMB demographics, and more. Highlights include device, subscriber, and content adoption data; government regulations and initiatives for broadcasters; and key success factors in the DMB value chain.

Mobile TV in the United States

The Impact of ATSC M/H

The Advanced Television Standards Committee (ATSC) hopes to return its television broadcast standard to global relevance by adding support for mobile broadcast distribution. ATSC M/H, slated for approval coincident with the DTV transition in the United States in February 2009, will allow broadcasters to deliver TV to handsets and automobiles while remaining compatible with the traditional ATSC televisions system. Although this initiative has arrived slightly late to the game, there is still a large untapped market of mobile users who represent a significant advertising upside for those who can deliver. This Research Brief examines the existing mobile TV business in the US and the potential impact of ATSC M/H.

Mobile Content Survey Results

In November, 2007, ABI Research conducted an online survey of 1005 mobile phone users in the United States, aged between 14 and 59. The survey was designed to measure respondents’ preferences, activities, and patterns of non-business mobile phone use, with particular reference to multimedia content such as music, ringtones, games, pictures, SMS, email, and video, as well as Web browsing, blogging, social networking, Bluetooth, mobile commerce, and the use of location aware services. Phone brand and service provider questions were included, as were queries to determine demographic profiles.

The survey also explored respondents’ attitudes to mobile marketing, advertising, and privacy issues. The results are presented in chart form, and summarized in text.

Mobile Social Networking User Snapshot

Analysis of Online and Mobile Social Networking Consumer Adoption

In a survey conducted by ABI Research in Q208, 500 users of online social networks were asked a variety of questions relating to their perceptions of mobile social networking – that is, accessing social networks via a phone or smartphone. The survey results provide an insightful snapshot of current attitudes and perceptions relating to the mobile social networking landscape, as well as a few counterintuitive results. Participants in the survey were asked how they had accessed social networks: via a PC, a mobile phone, or both. The majority of respondents had only ever visited social networks via a computer. However, 45% of respondents had visited a social network from both a computer and a mobile phone. Just 1% had visited a social network via a mobile phone only, which is hardly surprising given that the survey was of a panel of online social network users. This Research Brief presents the results of this survey and analyzes social networking consumers’ usage of online and mobile access to social communities.

@TEOTD, Who is the Mobile Marketer’s BFF?

Mobile Marketing Findings from 2007-2008 Mobile Content Surveys

US Smartphone Feature and Usage Trends

Summary of 2007 and 2008 Survey Results

In November, 2007 and December, 2008, ABI Research conducted an online study among adult US consumers concerning their use of a personal mobile phone for a variety of mobile content application and services, including usage trends of smartphone features.

This Research Brief provides the comparative survey results for the portion of questions related to smartphone features and usage. Questions were asked about those who use a smartphone for personal communications and which features are present on the respondents’ smartphones. The queries also examine frequency of use for nine smartphone feature categories: Bluetooth hands-free calling, SMS messaging, email and mobile web, mobile TV, video, navigation/GPS, embedded cameras, music and gaming. This Research Brief includes survey methodology, responses laid out in charts with additional summaries and analysis, and respondent classification/demographics.

WiMAX Security Issues

Revenue Opportunities Created by WiMAX Security Gaps

Fixed WiMAX offers enhanced security compared with early Wi-Fi products that were based on Wire Equivalent Protection (WEP). It does have some security flaws, though. Its vulnerabilities offer ample opportunities for vendors to fill these gaps with value-added features. Mobile WiMAX offers far stronger security than Fixed WiMAX, but there are still some significant security gaps. These security holes are found in each of the three parts of WiMAX’s architectural design: User Terminals, Access Service Networks, and Connectivity Service Networks. Vendors’ security enhancements are likely to take many different forms ranging from enhanced antenna designs to protection from interference, malware, and denial of service attacks. Back-end services will also need to be beefed up to handle the special loads imposed by roaming WiMAX users.

Mobile Search Services

Outlook for Mobile Search Deployments in North America

Mobile search is a relatively new way for mobile subscribers to access information about their mobile environment. It allows them to discover operator-supported mobile content, third party content and services, and other information. Mobile search is currently dominated by text messaging-based search, but browser-based search is becoming more common. The major Internet search companies such as Google, Yahoo! and Microsoft are actively supporting mobile search, as are many smaller, specialized companies. Specialized search based on user interface, local search, and other specific needs will become more common.

Moblogging

Use Cases, Business Models, and the Global Outlook for Subscriber Growth

Moblogging is the posting of blog entries from a mobile phone. Currently most moblogs are image-based. Camera phone image quality may be a major factor in limiting moblogging and contributing to high abandonment rates among new mobloggers. Moblogging can contribute additional data revenue through heavy MMS use by mobloggers. Operators and handset vendors should work with popular moblogging web sites to encourage mobile subscribers to moblog.

Mobile Social Communities

Understanding a New Way of Social Networking

Mobile social communities are sites where mobile subscribers can communicate with groups of like-minded individuals. These sites are growing in importance as more users of PC-based social communities discover similar communities that they can reach via their mobile phones. Recognizing that there is a growing demand from consumers to access communities, many major online social networking sites are moving to mobile as well.

Streaming Mobile Music

Why Radio on the Phone Will Sell

Much of the attention given to mobile music is devoted to ringtones, ringbacks, and over-the-air full track music downloads. Another form of mobile music, streamed music, is steadily gaining attention in many markets around the world. Streaming music services let mobile subscribers choose the type of music they want to listen to, and give operators a steady monthly revenue stream. These services can also let subscribers purchase songs they hear, providing an additional source of revenue for service providers that offer this type of music subscription.

Multiplayer Mobile Gaming

Subscriber Forecasts, Game Genres, and Operator Business Models

Mobile gaming has become an extremely popular way for people to entertain themselves, with major game developers now focusing extensive resources on the mobile space. One area that is beginning to grow in importance is multiplayer mobile gaming, particularly in parts of the Asian Pacific region. Several barriers still limit the growth of multiplayer mobile gaming, particularly high latency and limited access to high bandwidth mobile data networks. These barriers are falling and over the next few years will not be major factors limiting the growth of this style of game play. In the near term mobile game developers should focus on casual turn-based games over action games, and should pay attention to developments in the Asian Pacific market, where multiplayer mobile gaming will see greatest growth.

Wireless Subscriber Profiles and Preferences

Global Consumer Survey Results

In late January, 2008, ABI Research conducted an online survey of 1402 adult mobile phone users. Respondents from seven different countries were included in the research: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The survey was designed to capture details of respondents’ mobile phone usage, including monthly expenditures and frequency of device replacement, as well as features used and desired. Respondents were also probed regarding their mobile service providers; among the issues explored were satisfaction with providers, length of contracts, selection criteria, and potential reasons for switching providers. Questions were also included to determine demographic profiles. The survey also queried respondents’ reactions to femtocell units, including purchase likelihood and barriers to purchase. Finally, respondents’ telecommunications service bundling behavior and expenditures, including fixed line phone, broadband, Wi-Fi, and TV services, were examined. The results are broken out by country, presented in chart form, and summarized in text.

Blogging and Social Networking Trends for US Mobile Phone Consumers

Summary of 2007 and 2008 Mobile Content Survey Results

In November, 2007 and December, 2008, ABI Research conducted online surveys among US consumers concerning their use of a personal mobile phone for a variety of mobile content applications and services, including user-generated content for web logs (blogging) and participation in social networking on the mobile phone.

This Research Brief provides the comparative survey results for the portion of questions related to usage trends of mobile blogging and social networking. Questions were asked about participation in both computer-based and mobile blogging, frequency and type of blogging activities, motivation for participation in social networking, frequently accessed social networking sites, and participation in social networking on computers and mobile phones. This Research Brief includes survey methodology, responses laid out in charts with additional summaries and analysis, and respondent classification/demographics.

Camera and Navigation Trends for US Mobile Phone Consumers

Summary of 2007 and 2008 Mobile Content Survey Results

US Mobile Email and Mobile Web Access Trends

Summary of 2007 and 2008 Survey Results

In November, 2007 and December, 2008, ABI Research conducted an online study among adult US consumers concerning their use of a personal mobile phone for a variety of mobile content application and services, including mobile email and mobile web access. This Research Brief provides the comparative survey results for the portion of questions related to mobile email and mobile web access. Questions were asked about the type of email service primarily used on the mobile phone, the type of content or information accessed via mobile web, use of mobile search and mobile yellow pages, and interest in receiving promotions on the mobile phone. This Research Brief includes survey methodology, responses laid out in charts with additional summaries and analysis, and respondent classification/demographics.

Mobile Music: Ringing, Ripping, and Streaming

Key Findings from the 2007 and 2008 Mobile Content Surveys

In November, 2007 and December, 2008, ABI Research conducted online surveys among US consumers concerning their use of a personal mobile phone for a variety of mobile content applications and services, including mobile music and ringtones.

This Research Brief provides the comparative survey results for the portion of questions related to mobile music. Questions were asked about the methods of mobile music and ringtone acquisition and the factor of age on music acquisition trends.

Trends for US Mobile TV and Video Viewing

Summary of 2007 and 2008 Mobile Content Survey Results

In November, 2007 and December, 2008, ABI Research conducted online surveys among US consumers concerning their use of a personal mobile phone for a variety of mobile content applications and services, including viewing TV and video on the mobile phone.

This Research Brief provides the comparative survey results for the portion of questions related to viewing habits of mobile TV and video. Questions were asked about viewing capability, TV and video content sources, experience with mobile commercials and reactions to receiving mobile video advertisements and promotions. It includes survey methodology, responses laid out in charts with additional summaries and analysis, and respondent classification/demographics.

Green Purchasing Trends for Mobile Phones and Services

2009 US Consumer Mobility Survey Results

In March 2009, ABI Research conducted an online study among 1,000+ adult US consumers concerning their habits and plans for use of a mobile phone, including the impact of “green” initiatives on their purchase of mobile phones and services.

This Research Brief provides the survey results for the portion of questions related to green purchase initiatives from mobile providers. Questions were asked about the likelihood of service purchase from an operator who employs green initiatives and the likelihood of purchasing a mobile phone from a company that is pursuing green initiatives. Research methodology and detailed respondent demographics are also included.

The Top Reasons Why US Mobile Consumers Contact Their Service Providers

2009 US Consumer Mobility Survey Results

In March 2009, ABI Research conducted an online study among 1,000+ adult US consumers concerning their habits and plans for use of a mobile phone, including trends in communications with their mobile service providers.

This Research Brief provides the survey results for the portion of questions related to communication trends with mobile operators. Questions were asked about contact with the mobile operator the previous six months, the nature of the contact, and the communications method(s) used. Research methodology and detailed respondent demographics are also included.

Mobile Phone Feature Adoption, Use, and Interests

2009 US Consumer Mobility Survey Results

In March 2009, ABI Research conducted an online study among 1,000+ adult US consumers concerning their habits and plans for use of a mobile phone, including interest level in specific device features and capabilities.

This Research Brief provides the survey results for the portion of questions related to interest in using different mobile phone activities/capabilities. Questions were asked about eight different mobile phone capabilities, nine form factor and connection-related features, six mobile phone service capabilities, and usage habits that apply to those phone features and mobile applications. Research methodology and detailed respondent demographics are also included.

Mobile Provider Churn

2009 US Consumer Mobility Survey Results

In March 2009, ABI Research conducted an online study among 1,000+ adult US consumers concerning their habits and plans for use of a mobile phone, including considerations and factors involved in changing mobile service providers.

This Research Brief provides the survey results for the portion of questions related to mobile service provider churn. Questions were asked about potential reasons for switching providers, with specific emphasis on issues related to service, network, device, applications/content, and sales/service. Research methodology and detailed respondent demographics are also included.

Purchase Channel Preferences: Mobile Devices, Services, Applications, Content

2009 US Consumer Mobility Survey Results

In March 2009, ABI Research conducted an online study among 1,000+ adult US consumers concerning their habits and plans for use of a mobile phone, including trends in preferred purchasing channels for mobile devices and services.

This Research Brief provides the survey results for the portion of questions related to preferred purchasing channels for mobile devices and services. Questions were asked about preferred purchasing channels for mobile devices, mobile voice service, mobile text messaging, mobile web access, mobile email, mobile content, and mobile applications. Other questions concerned information sources used when considering purchase of a handset; and mobile device and service changes planned due to the current economic crisis. Research methodology and detailed respondent demographics are also included.

Data Traffic Trends for Mobile Broadband Modems and WWAN/Wi-Fi Routers

Portable and Mobile Computers Are Saturating Mobile Networks

Modern portable and mobile computers - those with an extensible operating system, QWERTY keyboard, and multimedia display - when attached to an aftermarket cellular or mobile broadband modem generate data network traffic usage patterns most similar to wired broadband networks. A 2009 ABI Research study detailed global and regional trends in mobile data traffic for handsets, embedded computing, modems and routers, and consumer electronics devices.

Using the latest device shipment and mobile subscriber data, ABI Research found that modems and routers transferred more than 740 Petabytes (PB) of information during 2008. In 2014, more than ten times the mobile data traffic will be transferred annually on computing devices connected to external modems and mobile travel routers than in 2008.

This Research Brief further explores the growth of mobile data traffic by modems and routers from 2008 to 2014.

Mobile Data Traffic Trends for Embedded Computing Devices

Explosive Growth for Laptops, Netbooks, and MIDs

Modern portable and mobile computers (those with an extensible operating system, QWERTY keyboard, and multimedia display), when equipped with a cellular or mobile broadband modem, generate data network traffic usage patterns most similar to wired broadband networks. A 2009 ABI Research study detailed global and regional trends in mobile data traffic for handsets, embedded computing, modems and routers, and consumer electronics devices.

Using the latest device shipment and mobile subscriber data, ABI Research found that embedded computing devices transferred more than 67 Petabytes (PB) of information during 2008. In 2014, more of the world’s mobile data traffic will be transferred monthly on embedded computing systems than during all of 2008. This research brief further explores the growth of mobile data traffic generated by embedded computing devices from 2008 to 2014.

Mobile Data Traffic Trends for Connected CE Devices

Traffic of Fledgling Category Predicted to Increase Over 100 Times in Five Years

Consumer Electronics (CE) is a broad term referring to electronic equipment that is used in everyday aspects of the consumer’s life. Lifestyle demands range from communications to entertainment to productivity. Six device segments are analyzed in this mobile data traffic Research Brief, based on existing ecosystems along with unique challenges that some will face bringing complete hardware, software, and service solutions to market. Mobile consumer electronics faces an uphill climb initially as the category develops awareness and establishes value for its priority audiences.

A 2009 ABI Research study detailed global and regional trends in mobile data traffic for handsets, embedded computing, modems and routers, and consumer electronics devices. ABI Research found that mobile CE devices transferred 5.1 terabytes (TB) of information during 2009. In 2014, mobile data transfer is expected to increase more than one hundred times to nearly 530 TB. This Research Brief further explores the growth of mobile data traffic by mobile CE devices from 2008 to 2014.

US Carrier Mobile Data Traffic Analysis

Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile

While AT&T is getting the most press for its network problems, its mobile data network traffic is not the highest. This study provides a step-by-step analysis of the factors driving mobile data network traffic for Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and the combination of all other US carriers. Factors quantified as contributing to mobile operator data traffic levels include total data devices by operator, total data-activated devices by operator, and total data consumption by device type by operator.

Devices analyzed include:

Handsets: smartphones, enhanced phones, low-end phones, ultra-low end phones;
External Modems: PC Cards, USB modems, 3G/Wi-Fi routers;
Computing Devices: laptops, netbooks, MIDs, smartbooks
Consumer Electronics: mobile gaming console, mobile media player, mobile digital still camera, mobile digital camcorder, connected navigation devices, other (mostly mobile e-readers)

The Research Brief also quantifies the mobile network data traffic levels for the business and consumer segments by operator, including each segment's activated data device distribution. Also included in this analysis are a detailed explanation of the factors causing AT&T's network issues, the significant trends driving mobile data network traffic, and operator recommendations.

Mobile Data Traffic Trends for Handsets and Smartphones

Smartphones to Transfer More Traffic than All Enhanced Phones in 2010

Mobile phone handsets are significantly more versatile than the category name suggests. Enhanced phones enable calendars, address books, still photos and even basic driving directions. The smartphone segment - having adopted larger displays and mobile applications processors capable of consuming rich media content - continues to grow in importance relative to the other handset segments. At the same time, low-cost and ultra low-cost handsets are emerging to enable mobile voice services at all income levels.

A 2009 ABI Research study detailed global and regional trends in mobile data traffic for handsets, embedded computing, modems and routers, and consumer electronics devices. ABI Research found that handsets and smartphones transferred more than 335 Petabytes (PB) of information during 2008. In 2014, that figure is expected to rise more than five times to nearly 1,940 PB. This Research Brief further explores the growth of mobile data traffic by handsets and smartphones from 2008 to 2014.

Premium Mobile Services

2010 US Consumer Mobility Survey

This Research Brief contains key trends, insights and recommendations from a US Consumer Mobility survey focused on consumer opinions and attitudes about premium services such as navigation, music and other multimedia services. The Brief includes specific statistics broken down by mobile device type: feature phones, smartphones, netbooks and laptops. Data are also segmented by demographic profile.

Wireless Sports and Fitness Solutions

Competition, Partnerships and Marketing Will Shape Market Adoption

This Research Brief examines the development of competition, partnerships, and marketing alliances that will result from the shift to connectivity between wireless-enabled sports and fitness devices and mobile handsets. The market for wireless-enabled sports and fitness monitors is set for a significant boost as a number of key factors will charge the market over the next five years. As a result this market will see significant growth from fewer than 10 million devices in 2009 to more than 220 million in 2015.

The State of Medical Device Security

Potential Security Vulnerabilities Multiplying

While ample attention has been paid to the growing number of PCs found in healthcare, little attention has been focused on the growing number of mobile medical devices that transmit wirelessly and the security problems such devices pose. This Research Brief examines the types of devices generally found in healthcare as well as the major types of security vulnerabilities. It looks at possible short-term fixes to these security vulnerabilities as well as long-term solutions.

Integration and Interoperability for Wireless Healthcare Devices

Regulations, Protocols, and Connectivity Standards Initiatives

Wireless sensors and wireless sensor networks have the potential to bring great flexibility to the healthcare market but they will not be widely adopted unless issues surrounding integration and interoperability are carefully considered and resolved. Standardization is still an ongoing process. The significant demand for standardization has led to a number of initiatives from regulatory and industry-led groups.

This Research Brief examines the existing regulations and protocols that can be leveraged to help standardize connectivity in the wireless sensor healthcare market, as well as highlighting areas in which additional standards are required and are being developed.

[top]Mobile Networks

2G Femtocells

Market Drivers, Key Challenges, and Forecasts for GSM Femtocells

Although much attention has been focused upon 3G femtocells, a number of factors appear ready to drive the uptake of GSM based femtocells. These products may provide a cost-effective challenge to existing Vo-Wi-Fi solutions and should benefit from reduced interference due to new spectrum license awards and free spectrum that is currently not being utilized in the GSM band. This Research Brief provides an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the GSM femtocell offering, and includes a forecast of GSM femtocell shipments by major global region.

Mobile World Congress Key Findings

LTE, WiMAX, Mobile Linux, Femtocells, Location, MIDs, and other Key Topics

Femtocell Semiconductors

The $50 Bill of Materials Challenge

The femtocell semiconductor market is characterized by high innovation, low volumes and significant posturing. Contracts are beginning to be awarded and trials continue to taper off. The number of leading box vendors is beginning to contract, and there is a greater notion of standardization in terms of interfaces and architectures. Although a lot of the front-running in this market has been done by the younger, nimbler start-ups which are willing to take on considerable risk, these solidifying factors are beginning to draw the larger vendors closer to the fold and it is likely that some of them will enter very soon. This Research Brief provides a clear outline of the major semiconductor providers and their femtocell-specific products. It also includes a forecast for total value of the market for femtocell semiconductors.

Femtocell Network Management and Integration

A Key Differentiation Point for Vendors

Traditional views of the femtocell market hold that the key differentiators between solution providers are focused on box-centric notions such as price, channel support, and integrated features, among others. However, the market is evolving significantly, and the ability to provide a complete end-to-end solution is now becoming the most important differentiator between solution vendors. Network management and integration are key aspects of a full turnkey approach and make up some of the most significant areas where solution vendors can also distinguish themselves. This Research Brief outlines the critical considerations for a network management solution and provides a forecast for network management and control revenues.

Wireless Subscriber Profiles and Preferences:

Global Consumer Survey Results

Femtocell Network Operation and IT Challenges

Point of Sale, Provisioning, CRM, Technical Support

The femtocell market has seen some delays in the timeline for go-to-market products. Many predicted that the majority of these would be caused by radio interference and product cost pressures. The truth is much more mundane but equally challenging. The real bottleneck carriers are facing in the integration of femtocells into their current network structures is more akin to IT systems integration: in particular, how are the femtocell systems going to seamlessly interface with provisioning, CRM and billing systems? This research brief investigates these issues and provides insight into potential solutions, pitfalls and likely impacts upon the market.

Super Femtocells

The Need for a Higher Capacity Femtocell

With majority of the attention being focused on residential femtocells, it is not surprising that the non-residential market has been calling for a femtocell solution that specifically suits its needs. The very features that define a femtocell, such as self-provisioning and self-configuration, are now in demand for higher capacity femtocells that can be used in the enterprise. With the residential femtocell falling short in terms of capacity, coverage area, and in terms of enterprise feature sets, the super femtocell has emerged. The rise of the super femtocell has raised questions about the very definition of a femtocell and how it differs from a picocell.

This Research Brief examines the definitions of a super femtocell, how it differs from a home-grade femtocell, and whether it is indeed similar to the next generation picocell. Apart from the terminology, the Brief covers the need for such a device, its application areas and how it compares to the grid-based femtocell approach which is being suggested by some femtocell vendors.

Picocells

A Market Primer

This Research Brief provides an overview of picocells and how they relate to femtocells. There is considerable confusion around the nomenclature pertaining to picocells and femtocells, and this Brief explains the reasons for this bewilderment. It also explains the “pain points” in the picocell market and explores how the roadmap for future picocell development will attempt to address these issues. The research provides a “drill down” view of the enterprise market that is being hotly contested by both picocells and femtocells, a contest which ultimately bears on picocell market forecasts, including shipments and revenue.

Netbooks, MIDS, Consumer Electronics, and Femtocells

A Match Made in Heaven?

The major differentiation that femtocells bring to carriers – in comparison to Wi-Fi in connecting ultra mobile devices (UMDs) and WWAN connected consumer electronics (CE) – is in the service domain. The core differentiating factor is the gateway product associated with femtocell deployments. This product is intelligent enough to provide for data offload of generic Internet traffic. It also has the ability to differentiate between generic traffic types, and to manage security. This effectively means that the carrier who controls this gateway has the ability to understand what subscribers are doing at a specific time and on what device, and where they are doing it. This offers the carrier the opportunity to personalize targeted services to a high degree.

The Current State of Mobile Malware

Trouble on the Horizon

For a number of years security experts have warned that hackers would begin attacking cellular phones the same way they have attacked PCs. Today there are a number of signs that these predictions are finally coming true. This Research Brief examines some of the most recent types of attacks and looks at the relative levels of vulnerability to malware in major cellular phone platforms. It also looks into the opportunities for hackers provided by the presence of multiple radio technologies on the same handset.

The Wireless Intrusion Detection and Protection Market

The Current State of the Market and Forecast

The wireless intrusion detection and protection market is poised for dramatic growth. This Research Brief examines the major drivers behind this growth as well as the ways in which the industry is evolving.

It discusses how debates over the number of alerts generated have given way to a different type of features battle. It also profiles the major players in this market including AirMagnet, AirTight Networks, Aruba Networks, Cisco, and Motorola (AirDefense). The Brief provides a forecast for revenue growth for the period 2008-2014.

Femtocells and Distributed Antenna Systems

Complementary or Competitive?

Femtocells and picocells are beginning to be seen as an additional tool in the operator’s kit when it comes to providing indoor cellular coverage. With DAS systems making up the majority of the deployments for commercial in-building coverage, the question remains whether femtocells and picocells have a role to play. The most obvious application for a femtocell or picocell is as a standalone unit providing coverage out of the box, or being deployed in a grid to cover a larger area within a building. However there are cases where femtocells and picocells could be deployed as feeds into a DAS system.

This Research Brief examines the various deployment options for femtocells and picocells in conjunction or in competition with DAS, and provides market forecasts for these cases. The focus of this research is to explore the advantages and issues around using femtocells in a non-distributed architecture in a non-residential or commercial setting.

US Consumer Interest in Femtocells

2009 US Survey Results

This Research Brief is based on a survey of 1,000 mobile phone users in the United States that asked whether they would be interested in a femtocell device which would improve voice and data coverage in their home and connect to their broadband service. The results show how many consumers would be interested and what their level of interest would be.

In addition the survey also probed the reasons why consumers might not be interested in such a device. The survey provides analysis of the results and details of the demographics used.

The Femtocell Market in China

Outlook for China Unicom, China Mobile and China Telecom

The Chinese femtocell market has attracted a lot of attention from femtocell vendors, mostly due to its vast potential for growth, partly kick-started by China Unicom’s announcment in late 2009 of a pre-commercial deployment. Even a niche market for femtocells in China is expected to bring multi-million femtocell shipments. However, unlike in the US or Europe where voice coverage or data capacity crunch are the main drivers for femtocell deployment, China has not yet seen either factor play a role. The 3G networks are young and are still getting rolled out, while consumers are just beginning to experience mobile data and value-added services.

ABI Research forecasts that WCDMA will play a crucial role in the development of the Chinese femtocell market. As China Unicom reviews its femtocell strategy, ABI Research believes that 2012 will be the inflection point for femtocells, as the second wave of rollouts begins. ABI Research forecasts that by 2015, China will see seven million shipments, the result of a 130% compound annual growth rate for the period 2010-2015.

US Carrier Mobile Data Traffic Analysis

Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile

The US White Space Spectrum Opportunity

802.22, CogNeA, and Wi-Fi Join the Gold Rush

This Research Brief describes the FCC ruling that opened up white space spectrum. It outlines the FCC requirements and describes the possible impact of IEEE 802.22, CogNeA, and Wi-Fi. It also examines the effect this FCC decision could have on WiMAX vendors. The brief outlines the probable timeline for the development and release of new white space spectrum products and services, as well as how the market is likely to look in 2010 and 2011. Finally, the brief describes the probable white space spectrum direction of several vendors including Cisco, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, Google and Phillips.

Push To Talk Services

One-Hit Wonder for North America Only?

Mobile RAN Optimization

Bandwidth Growth in Radio Access Networks

Mobile operators are facing increasing demand for bandwidth in their radio access networks as users take up high-speed data services on 3G networks. RAN optimization can allow the RAN to cope with this demand without a substantial increase in backhaul and transport costs.

Smart Antenna Systems

Optimizing Spectral Efficiency in the Radio Channel

Mobile operators are facing a demand for increasing bandwidth in their radio networks from the growth of high-speed data services, including video, on broadband wireless (3G, WLAN and WiMAX) networks. Smart antenna systems (SAS) will help operators to improve spectral efficiency, leading to a more robust business case. In-building coverage will also be much improved.

Evolved EDGE

Broadband Data Speeds for GSM Networks

Mobile operators have invested billions in GSM networks, many of which are already capable of supporting EDGE data speeds up to 200kbps. With a software upgrade and a new device for the user, these data rates can be boosted to speeds approaching 1 Mbps while rivaling the spectral efficiency of HSDPA, using Evolved EDGE, a new 3GPP standard. With close to 3 billion GSM users in the world, it seems a logical step to make this investment in order to increase ARPU and avoid a service discontinuity with HSDPA.

The AWS Spectrum Auction

What’s Next for the US Wireless Competitive Landscape

The Advanced Wireless Services auction in the United States is reaching its conclusion. The spectrum in question is intended for value-added multimedia voice and data wireless services. What has been the outcome of the exercise? This research brief compares the current auction to European auctions and previous auctions in the US, identifies the winners and losers, and highlights the consequences for the North American wireless market.

CDMA and GSM at 450MHz: Deployments and Opportunities

Is GSM Losing Its Crown to CDMA?

CDMA, operating at 450MHz in spectrum vacated by analog systems, has now begun to flex its muscles. This is a market abandoned by GSM. Is GSM about to lose out on a lucrative growth opportunity? Is CDMA450 going to bridge the digital divide in developing countries? And is there a plot by China to use its huge financial resources to make investments the West is unable or unwilling to make?

Next Generation Networks

Migration to IP Networks and Architecture

Next Generation Networks (NGN) are being developed to take advantage of the opportunities promised by IP-based networks. Progress on fixed and mobile networks is slowly gathering pace so that operators can

Reduce operating expenses by having a single IP network for all services
Increase the network capacity to support bandwidth-hungry services such as IPTV
Create a platform for fixed–mobile convergence
Introduce Service Delivery Platform (SDP) and IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture to enable a more rapid and responsive introduction of new services

This Research Brief outlines progress on NGN standards and deployments in a number of markets.

The Digital Dividend

UHF Spectrum for All?

UHF spectrum is highly valued, because of its reach and capacity. Broadcasters and wireless service providers use it, and would like more. When analog terrestrial TV is switched off, it will clear around 100 MHz of UHF spectrum for primary applications. However, if harmonized mobile services, including mobile TV, as well as the introduction of terrestrial HDTV, are deployed, this could be reduced. Interleaved spectrum, also known as white space, could add a further 200 MHz for secondary applications, and a new era of sharing spectrum using smart radio technology could emerge.

Mobile Infrastructure Vendor Consolidation

Market Implications of Merger and Acquisition Activity

The IT industry, in the shape of IBM, HP and Microsoft, with combined revenues of $224 billion in 2006 (as well as Cisco on $29 billion), is working hard to expand its role in telecoms with multimedia-related products for network control and content delivery. ABI Research concludes that the telecom network industry is reacting to this by realigning and refocusing to ensure its long-term survival. It is also positioning itself for new opportunities in China and India, as well as protecting against competition from these countries.

WiMAX in Europe

Spectrum, Trials, Services, and Prospects

Spectrum at 3.5 GHz has been allocated across Europe for fixed wireless services using WiMAX. In the next few months we will see new spectrum being licensed for mobile WiMAX services at 2.6 GHz. If the European Commission gets its way, this may become a pan-European trend. Mobile WiMAX will then be able to compete against 3G as well as cable and DSL. But for the moment, the future remains uncertain.

Ultra-Mobile Broadband (UMB) Might Be Dead on Arrival

But Qualcomm Wins with OFDMA and MIMO Anyway

There is much hype in the wireless industry about WiMAX and Long Term Evolution (LTE), but not much discussion about the third OFDM/OFDMA technology, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB). Many dismiss UMB as being dead since it has so little traction with the operators. This research brief provides a detailed analysis of the state of CDMA, Qualcomm’s current wireless technology, and the potential opportunities for UMB. CDMA would provide the bulk of subscriber and operator base for UMB similar to the role played by GSM/UMTS for LTE. CDMA’s subscriber base is growing in its two strongest markets, Asia Pacific and North America. By 2012, the number of CDMA2000 subscribers is expected to reach over 2.4 billion in the Asia Pacific region and 350 million in North America. The research analyzes why Qualcomm and 3GPP were not able to leverage this base of subscribers and operators to gain traction for UMB, and discusses Qualcomm’s strategy to diversity its product portfolio and guarantee its future opportunities outside of UMB.

Migrating Mobile Networks to IP

The 3GSM Approach

Mobile networks currently use a mixture of CS (circuit switching, using TDM) and PS (packet switching, using IP) for voice and data traffic respectively. This is changing. VoIP services will be supported in HSPA networks and will be improved by the more advanced HSPA+ and LTE. Over the next few years 3GSM networks will start the migration to all-IP, beginning in Japan in 2010 and moving into other markets shortly after. Many operators are already using separate softswitches and media gateways in preparation for the transition. WiMAX will be under increasing pressure to deliver if it is to maintain its lead. Verizon’s recent decision to use LTE casts a shadow over UMB’s future.

Pseudowires for Core/MPLS, Access, and Mobile Backhaul

Supporting Legacy Transport Migration to IP

This research brief analyzes the development of the pseudowire market and the use of the technology in core, access, and mobile backhaul applications. The report addresses engineering standards issues about pseudowires, identifies key players in the market, and forecasts the market value for pseudowires in each of the three application categories noted above.

Mobile Broadband Needs FMC and 4G

FMC for Mobile Devices Will Help, But the RAN Still Needs 4G

Data utilization is quickly increasing on smartphones and laptops. In addition, newer mobile devices such as Mobile Internet Devices and mobile consumer electronics devices are starting to appear, which will further drive up data traffic on mobile wireless networks. This Research Brief examines mobile device growth and the two solutions that are required – fixed-mobile convergence and the use of 4G networks – and assesses the importance of each. It also discusses the revenue opportunity that will come from convergence gateways, ASN gateways for mobile WiMAX, and SAE gateways for LTE.

Overview of Third Party Infrastructure Software Purchase by OEMs

Understanding the Market Opportunity

This Research Brief provides an analysis of the market for third party software purchase in the wireless infrastructure market. The report features providers and purchasers of third party software, and factors which impact third party software purchase. A market forecast is also presented along with requirements from large OEMs.

Multi-operator RAN Sharing

Active Sharing versus Passive Sharing, Deployment Challenges and Market Activity

Network sharing or RAN sharing allows for two or more mobile operators to share their wireless infrastructure, which is aimed at reducing their individual CAPEX and OPEX costs. Network sharing is a logical way of pooling resources for common benefit. Network sharing can occur at various levels and there could be various combinations including the base station site, radio equipment, power, cooling equipment, antenna feeder cables, antennas, tower masts, and more.

The report analyzes the cost benefits of RAN sharing, and the technological, regulatory and practical challenges of sharing base stations. It profiles the vendors that provide RAN share solutions, and lists the operators that have RAN share agreements in place.

Mobile WiMAX Equipment Vendors

A Qualitative Analysis of Early Market Positioning

Mobile WiMAX (802.16e-2005) equipment will soon form the majority of WiMAX equipment shipments, since it can enable fixed, portable, and mobile services. 802.16-2004 equipment will still be used for more robust point-to-multipoint networks in the enterprise space, but 802.16e-2005 will be necessary to enable fixed access for consumers as well as services requiring mobility. This research brief examines some of the well-positioned WiMAX equipment vendors with an eye to their current and upcoming products, existing customers, differentiation, and other strengths. ABI Research considers the South Korean vendors, companies with very high profile customer wins, and other companies to watch out for. Additionally, the Taiwanese ODMs in this market are discussed, and their intentions are analyzed.

WiMAX Security Issues

Revenue Opportunities Created By WiMAX Security Gaps

Mobile WiMAX in the United States

Sprint, Clearwire, NextWave Wireless, and Wireless ISPs: the Service Provider Landscape

Sprint has been driving the global market for mobile WiMAX as the first large mobile operator to support the technology. Clearwire has also seen its share of the spotlight. But Sprint and Clearwire are by no means the only service providers involved with mobile WiMAX in the United States. There is a lot of solid activity from NextWave Wireless and from a range of wireless ISPs which will also be providing mobile WiMAX services, making the US market a vibrant one. This Research Brief provides detailed analysis of these service providers’ past and present efforts, and future directions.

Deploying UMTS in the 900 MHz Band

Providing Coverage Enhancements for 3G Services

National and regional regulators and standards bodies have started modifying mobile phone service legislation to allow the roll-out of WCDMA access in the 900 MHz band. Why is this critical? WCDMA deployments have achieved reasonable coverage in most markets but the economics need to be addressed. Competition and lower than expected returns on investment are decelerating the rate of additional coverage. This Research Brief investigates: • Benefits and challenges of UMTS 900 MHz refarming • Engineering and site deployment • Load balancing between 900 MHz and 2100 MHz • Making the most of spectrum allocations • Challenges of cell-site equipment sharing • Global UMTS/GSM-900 refarming initiatives

The Ever-Changing Face of 3G

The Wireless Base Station Market Update provides information, in Adobe PDF format, about the most recent quarter’s developments in this field. It details major events that have occurred in the industry in the previous three months. It summarizes, in qualitative form, the changes that may have been made to our market forecasts, and explains the reasoning behind the altered estimates. Any new forecasts forming part of the associated Research Service are also explained. The Update also details recent news from leading companies in the sector, and when appropriate, explains new technological developments in the space.

Base Station TAM and ASP Likely to Continue Their Decline

Base station ASP is continuing to fall. This and other factors such as network build-out, air-interface mix changes, service provider focus on financial fundamentals, industry consolidation, new and aggressive infrastructure vendors and ARPU issues are all driving wireless infrastructure TAM downward. This review examines both direct and ancillary drivers via recent happenings in the base station marketplace which are affecting this important business segment.

The Ongoing Quest for More Capable, Compact and Cost Effective Base Stations

The base station market for the mobile wireless infrastructure has certainly not been the flashiest business during the last several years. Wireless terminals, multimedia and the roll out of 3G have captured most of the industry’s and the public’s mindshare.

Nevertheless, a virtual revolution has occurred in the base station industry. The maturation of 3G and the increasing pressures on service providers have forced wireless infrastructure equipment vendors to adapt as well.

Operators are now exercising much more discretion over how they spend their money. Huge Greenfield installations are a thing of the past except in a few select situations. Shareholders are demanding more return, and cost is driving everything in the food chain.

If this were not constraining enough, new technologies are now passing into commercial use and the transition to these new standards needs to be made in an easily upgradeable fashion that minimizes time to operation, size and expense. The classic picture of forklifts and cranes moving equipment into large climate-controlled buildings has become an anachronism.

Mobile Data Roaming

3G Drives Growth Opportunity for MNOs

Clean Telecoms: An MWC 2009 Round Up

Networks, Devices, and Accessories

Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2009 was a very active show for new “green agenda”-led announcements. The highest profile items were related to handsets and accessories yet the most significant, in terms of real-world positive impact were infrastructure-related. The show saw the announcement of whole raft of handset products as well as the GSMA’s Universal Charging Solution.

Overshadowed by the handset news, the more significant items came from the infrastructure community in the form of the expansion of the Nokia Siemens Networks Flexi family and Alcatel-Lucent’s Alternative Energy Program.

High-Efficiency RF Power Amplifiers for Mobile Wireless Base Stations

Will Envelope Tracking Raise the Bar Over Doherty Amplifiers?

New distributed base stations and the increasing use of remote radio heads will demand that RF power amplifiers become smaller and more efficient. This will especially be true as 4G evolves and complex modulation schemes using OFDM (such as LTE and WiMAX) become the order of the day.

This Research Brief examines the types of linear RF power amplifiers in current use and compares their various linearity/efficiency configurations. It explores the implications of advanced RF power amplifier designs for modern mobile wireless base stations over the next five years.

The National Broadband Plan

What’s Really Needed to Make It Work?

The National Broadband Plan is designed to bring the US up to a world leadership position in broadband capability and affordable access to almost anyone who desires it. This will be an ambitious undertaking. Just how will all the players involved get together to make things happen? It will be a daunting task.

ABI Forums "4G: LTE & WiMAX" Conference Presentations

In mid-April 2010 ABI Research (under the auspices of its events division, ABI Forums), held a 2-day conference in Hong Kong, on the topic "4G Networks: LTE & WiMAX." In addition to four senior analysts from ABI Research, the event attracted 26 high-profile speakers from companies such as Intel, Ericsson, Alvarion, Huawei, Nokia, NEC, and Motorola, industry bodies such as the GSMA, and academia.

This Research Brief bundles, in PDF form, all the slides from all the presentations given at the conference. They cover a wide range of 4G-related topics, embracing three major themes: business and deployment strategies, semiconductors, and network evolution.

[top]Mobile Devices

Low Cost CDMA Handsets

Chips not Royalties Driving Cost Differential with GSM

The current plethora of legal proceedings, and threats from carriers such as Reliance and Vivo to switch to GSM, are a natural manifestation of market forces pressuring Qualcomm to redress the price differential between low-cost GSM terminals and CDMA terminals. Currently the assumption is that this price differential is primarily due to the royalties demanded by Qualcomm. However a comparative analysis of the bill of materials between GSM handsets and CDMA handset shows that this may not be the case. This Research Brief clearly outlines the major factors contributing to CDMA terminals’ higher cost. It also profiles the market for low-cost CDMA terminals.

Prosumer Mobile Handsets

Bridging the Work/Life Divide

A prosumer is “a cellular subscriber who may have a portion of the cellular service paid by their employer, but purchases a device with their own money with a view to supporting better access to corporate data and email as well as lifestyle needs.” The prosumer market will need to develop in two stages as it moves from niche segment to mainstream status. Its initial focus must be on meeting basic requirements for corporate email access that incorporates high levels of security, interfaces with IT equipment and is handset-agnostic. The second stage, most fundamentally important to the long term development of this market, is the layering of high quality consumer and entertainment services into devices—capabilities such as 500-track MP3 players, mobile broadcast TV, contactless payments and Wi-Fi connectivity.

This research brief profiles the size of the market, clearly defines the drivers and barriers to growth and provides some strategic recommendations as to how the handset ecosystem can move to ensure a successful transition through the stages outlined above.

NFC for Mobile Payments

Why Carriers Should Support Near Field Communication, and How to Break the Deadlock

The use of NFC in cellular handsets for contactless payment schemes shows great potential from a customer and transaction provider perspective, but is fraught with huge potential drawbacks from a cellular carrier’s perspective. A major issue for carriers is that they are struggling to see where they can generate revenues sufficient to counteract the additional cost of incorporating NFC into handsets. A second major issue is that of control. Carriers like to control the whole cellular service ecosystem. Contactless payment revenues fall outside that value chain, and the secure element and application management of the transaction system needs to be controlled and implemented at security levels that are currently not familiar to cellular carriers, and are not supportable in current SIM designs. This situation brings carriers into direct conflict with banking organizations, both in terms of control over markets, and in terms of the relationship between the two types of company regarding revenue shares.

Removable Memory in Handsets

SD, MMC and Memory Stick

Cellular handset features and the services they support have evolved rapidly over the last two years to the extent that memory capacity is fast becoming a major consideration in handset design. Removable memory provides a cost-effective way to allow customized approaches to handset memory without requiring carriers to spend heavily on subsidizing phones with greater capacity. This Research Brief explores the market for cellular handsets with removable memory slots by SD, MMC and memory stick formats, and provides analysis of the major competing approaches to memory in mobile phones.

Mobile Handsets Market in India

Vendors Target Rural India with More Ultra Low Cost Handsets

This Research Brief examines the market for mobile handsets in India. It highlights the rapid growth of the past three years, and presents five-year forecasts for the key handset-related benchmarks. It also provides information on the current challenges faced by handset vendors, their market-share, and their present as well as planned handset manufacturing activities in India. The other topics covered include a handset feature analysis, handset royalties and subsidization, and the second-hand and gray market for handsets in India.

Nokia: A Strategic Review

Success Factors and Major Limitations for Nokia's Mobile Devices Business

Nokia remains the dominant force in the cellular handset market, with a market share that has grown over the last 12 months despite a significant level of competition. This Research Brief outlines the key success factors that have helped Nokia to this position of strength. It also includes in-depth analysis of the current limitations the company faces in its quest to realize its vision and mission. An analysis of the global and regional market shares is also included.

Mobile Device Security Managed Services

The Mobile Malware Threat, Device Security Management, and Emerging Business Models for Mobile Operators

Over the past two years, the appearance of malware for mobile devices has established a market for packaged security software. Now a new market, managed mobile device security services, is emerging as a significant revenue opportunity for mobile operators as well as for security software companies supporting these services. These managed services have already been established in Europe and in Southeast Asia and now Sprint has started one in the United States. Mobile operators will need to meet a variety of very specific needs listed in this report as well as establishing price points consistent with those already offered by early players in this market. This Research Brief spells out the conditions required for a consumer-specific mobile device security managed service to emerge. It also provides a worldwide forecast of mobile device managed security services revenue for the period 2006-2011.

3GSM Mobile Devices Review

Implications for the Handset Industry

This Research Brief analyzes the Mobile Handset related announcements at the 2007 3GSM Conference and evaluates the likely impact of these announcements and developments for the industry in the near future. It assesses the handset-related initiatives by mobile operators, semiconductor vendors, handset manufacturers and OS vendors, and provides the likely outcome of these initiatives. Other topics covered include key highlights of the 3GSM Conference.

Low Cost 3G Handsets

Evaluating the “3G for All” Business Case

This Research Brief evaluates the market for low cost 3G handsets with respect to the recent announcement of GSM Association’s “3G for All” Campaign. It highlights the key industry developments and analyzes the drivers for, and likely barriers to, the growth of the low cost 3G handset market. It also discusses the critical considerations for handset vendors, mobile operators and semiconductor vendors likely to address the market. Finally, a forecast for low cost 3G handsets, both for WCDMA and CDMA2000 (1xEV-DO) is also provided.

Motorola Mobile Devices Strategic Review

Performance, Strengths and Limitations of Motorola’s Mobile Devices Business

This Research Brief provides a strategic review of Motorola’s Mobile Devices Business. It highlights Motorola’s strategies for the handset market and assesses the company’s performance in recent years and quarters. It also provides comparison of Motorola’s performance to those of Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Samsung and LG. Key performance indicators including handset shipments, ASPs, and market-share, are broken down by region. Other topics include Motorola’s success factors and limitations, and the penetration of key features in handsets announced by Motorola in 2006.

Sony Ericsson Strategic Review

Successfully Identifying Lucrative Handset Segments to Maintain Higher Margins and Stable ASPs

This Research Brief provides a strategic review of Sony Ericsson’s performance in the handset market. It highlights Sony Ericsson’s strategies and assesses the company’s performance in recent years and quarters. It also provides comparison of Sony Ericsson’s performance to those of Nokia, Motorola, Samsung and LG.

Key performance indicators including handset shipments, ASPs, market-share and breakdown of these indicators by different regions are included. Other topics include Sony Ericsson’s success factors and limitations, and penetration of key features in handsets announced by Sony Ericsson in 2005/2006.

Mobile Phone User Interfaces

Market Trends, Critical Considerations, and Advanced UI Platforms

This Research Brief analyzes the current market trends in mobile device user interface design. It highlights the key considerations in handset UI design, assesses the elements of advanced UIs, and discusses the position of handset manufacturers in the OS market. It also explores in detail the growing trends in developing touch-based UIs in handsets. The study also focuses on the companies licensing advanced UI engine for handsets, and highlights the key features of their solutions. Based on current market developments, it further describes the likely features and benefits of handset UIs in the future.

Research in Motion Strategic Review

Strategy, Performance, Strengths and Limitations of RIM in the Smartphone Market

This Research Brief provides a strategic review of RIM’s performance in the smartphone market. It highlights RIM’s strategies and assesses the company’s performance in recent years and quarters. It also compares RIM’s performance to that of other key smartphone vendors including Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and Palm. The study also provides key performance indicators including handset shipments, ASPs, and market-share data. Further, it discusses the key success factors and limitations of RIM in the smartphone market.

Mobile Broadband Needs FMC and 4G

FMC for Mobile Devices Will Help, But the RAN Still Needs 4G

Features Expected in Mobile Phones by Price Point

A Multi-Country Consumer Wireless Survey

Prices of today’s mobile phones range from free to hundreds of dollars, and the types of features mobile subscribers expect to find in a phone usually have a direct relation to its price. This Research Brief is based on a multinational survey of 1,404 mobile phone users (601 in Western Europe; 201 in the United States; 602 in Asia Pacific), and asks respondents how much they plan to spend on their next mobile phone and what hardware attributes and software features they can reasonably expect to find in a phone at that price point.

The Gobi Effect

How Gobi Affects Mobile Broadband for Laptops

Embedded modems, called miniCards, provide laptops with the RF link to GSM and CDMA networks. They are more convenient, more durable and have better performance than PC cards and USB modems. But embedded modules have not been a prominent feature, nor highly requested by customers. Greater availability of 3G networks and modest decreases in cellular broadband pricing are now greatly improving the value of these devices. However, the main issue affecting embedded module sales is the inherent supply chain friction resulting from the modem certification process. Supply chain friction results because operators want to test every device used on their network. As the number of laptop models with embedded modules increases, more testing is required. Qualcomm – fully aware of these limitations and in a position to address the issues – answered with Gobi, a multiprotocol, multi-band chipset that allows connectivity to both CDMA and GSM networks. Gobi is certainly an antidote to the ills affecting the embedded module and cellular-enabled laptop market. However, Qualcomm and Gobi cannot change all the factors affecting uptake of these devices in the market. The following Research Brief explains the current opportunities and challenges for adoption of internal laptop modems, and details Qualcomm’s solution and its effectiveness for correcting market roadblocks. The brief will also outline other competing solutions and the effect of Gobi on existing cellular modem vendors.

Mobile World Congress Key Findings

LTE, WiMAX, Mobile Linux, Femtocells, Location, MIDs, and other Key Topics

Satellite-Enabled Mobile Devices

Opportunities and Trends for North America

The North American mobile satellite services (MSS) market has been on a steady rebound since the bankruptcy of many of the region’s satellite network operators early in the decade. It is a rebound enabled with upgraded satellite networks and expanded multimedia services. Incumbent MSS network operators have launched more powerful, beam-forming satellites to provide greater coverage; they have leveraged their coverage by establishing roaming agreements with mobile cellular network operators, and enhanced their product offerings with dual-mode satellite-cellular handsets. Additionally, greenfield MSTS (mobile satellite-terrestrial services) network operators will be launching innovative, next-generation MSS networks and services over the next year. Together the incumbents and new entrants will deliver a promising market opportunity, one that may very well lead to the long-term consolidation of the MSTS and 4G cellular markets in North America.

The objective of this Research Brief is to provide background and insights on the next-generation of the MSS market, the market opportunities for its ecosystem participants, and forecasts for dual-mode satellite-cellular handset shipments. It addresses commercial mobile services that will be available in the North American region and supported with subscriber handsets.

Wireless Subscriber Profiles and Preferences:

Global Consumer Survey Results

Open Source Operating Systems in Mobile Internet Devices

Moblin, Maemo, LiMo and PC-Based Linux Solutions

The Mobile Internet Device (MID) operating system segment will include fewer OS solutions than the mobile handset segment. Windows CE and Windows Mobile will have some place in this market, but Linux in its various forms will take the lion’s share of this sector. Prevalent among these solutions from the start will be Moblin, through its patronage from Intel and its tight integration with the Atom platform. Maemo will also have a notable footprint thanks to Nokia’s drive to include it in its tablet PC products. There will also be a significant market for homegrown solutions based on open source components, as well as LiMo Foundation-based products.

Mobile Handset Green Initiatives

Manufacturing and Materials Issues, Corporate Responsibility, Regulatory Pressures, and Voluntary Industry Efforts

Mobile handset manufacturers are working to reduce the environmental footprint their products leave during the manufacturing process and throughout their lifecycle. Regulatory pressures and corporate responsibility mandates are forcing the issue on one level, and on another, voluntary initiatives by some vendors are leading to more “eco” friendly handset models and programs. The impact will be seen in the volume of handsets that come back through recycling programs, and in the amount of e-waste the industry leaves behind.

Dual SIM Handsets

Market Applications for Dual SIM Connectivity in GSM Handsets

Dual SIM handsets offer consumers the ability to maintain two concurrent connections and phone numbers from a single device. While most carriers are still very wary of this type of handset, the segment has shown promising growth. This Research Brief details the market size by region, and analyzes the market drivers and barriers for this device segment. The Brief also lists key considerations for vendors operating in this market.

Emerging Displays in Mobile Handsets

New Technologies Search for a Role in Niche Segments

New display technologies that offer improvements in performance where LCD technology falls short are beginning to find acceptance in niche segments of the mobile handset market. Power consumption, outdoor readability and durability are some the key parameters that new display types are addressing, and the technologies are coming from a variety of companies using a variety of approaches. LCD’s cost advantage, however, secures its future as the market’s dominant display technology, but annual handset volumes mean emerging technologies only need to find a niche to be successful, and secondary displays in handsets could be one of the key opportunities to show the most early promise.

This Research Brief outlines LCDs’ attractions and deficiencies, and discusses the strengths, weaknesses, and most likely market opportunities for a number of emerging display technologies, as well as the strategies of the firms that make them.

Pico Projectors in Mobile Handsets

Cellphones and Big Screens – the Dream Combination

Pico projectors are small form factor projectors that use various microdisplay technologies at the core in their engines. They form an exciting new product category that will eventually be a hot new embedded feature in mobile phones. The market has already seen its first mobile phone with an embedded pico module with more models on OEM roadmaps. With a number of competing microdisplay technologies such as LCOS, DLP as well as emerging MEMS-based display technologies, there are a variety of approaches to building pico modules. There are also a number of potential applications ranging from accessory projectors to a wide variety of embedded applications that include consumer electronics, industrial and medical equipment, and of course, mobile phones.

This Research Brief examines the potential market for pico projectors as an embedded feature in mobile phones. Their initial application will be in stand-alone accessory projectors but the embedded market holds the high-volume potential.

Handset Market Segmentation

The Rise of the Slimphone

This market update delves into four major aspects of handset market segmentation and provides deep qualitative and quantitative analysis of current market trends and the likely impact of these developments on players throughout the value chain.

The update starts with a comprehensive analysis of the slimphone and asks whether the slimphones of today are merely an expression of transient fashion trends, or are here to stay. It continues with analysis of TD-SCDMA handset readiness, the case for operator branded handsets, and new music phone implementations, their relative merits and chances of success.

These analyses form part of an ongoing study program from ABI Research that tracks handset market fragmentation and adds valuable insight on likely segmentations and the impacts those segmentations have on handset vendors, silicon vendors and cellular operators alike.

Handset Market Booms in 1Q06

Low Cost Devices Having an Impact

This market update delves deeply into three major aspects of handset market segmentation and provides considerable qualitative and quantitative analysis of current market trends and their likely impact on all players throughout the value chain.

The first part of the update considers a new market segment based around usage orientation rather than functionality alone. It presents market forecasts for devices such as business phones, music phones, “lifestyle devices” and voice-centric handsets. The report also includes a detailed look at mobile email devices and how they fit into the wider concept of business enablement. The final focus is on ultra-low cost handsets. This is an incredibly important sector of the market to understand, as it is the major driver behind future subscriber and handset market growth.

These analyses form part of an ongoing study program from ABI Research that tracks handset market fragmentation and adds valuable insight on likely segmentations and on the impacts that segmentation has upon handset vendors, silicon vendors and cellular operators alike.

Alternative Handset Charging Technologies

Fuel Cells, Charging Pads, and Solar

As handsets become more powerful and reach into less developed regions with poor access to power, many companies are developing technologies to reduce the pain caused by battery limitations, proprietary chargers for multiple devices, and insufficient power access. Key solutions under development are fuel cells which offer longer ‘battery life’ and instant recharging capabilities, charging pads which universally and simultaneously charge multiple devices, and solar power for handsets in regions with poor access to electricity.

This Research Brief introduces and describes these technologies and identifies the major companies currently developing these technologies. It discusses key market and technological hurdles, and provides insight into the charger segments that these technologies directly address.

Wi-Fi Handsets - Moving to 802.11n

2.4GHz or 5GHz

Historically the choices and options for Wi-Fi in handsets have been centered on which protocol to use. 802.11n brings additional options to the table for handset vendors to consider when adding this functionality to a handset. While the initial implementations of 802.11n will be driven by simplicity and compatibility, future iterations will have to consider the evolving use cases of Wi-Fi in handsets, as well as product specialization that can take advantage of 802.11n's capabilities.

This study identifies key use cases and future applications for Wi-Fi that will drive unique implementations of 802.11n into mobile handsets. Future implementations of 802.11n in smartphones are forecast by frequency, by antenna count and by protocol mix.

Features Used and Desired in Mobile Phones

US Mobile Devices Survey

“Simple” is not a word that many would use to describe a mobile phone. Today’s mobile phones are feature-rich devices packed with a wide variety of advanced hardware and software attributes; but what features and applications do mobile subscribers actually use? This Research Brief is based on a survey of 1,015 mobile phone users in the United States, which asked how often specific features are used on their phones, as well as what they want their next phone to look like and what advanced features they want it to include.

The Impact of Uncertain Economic Conditions on the Future of the Mobile Handset Market

Scenarios of Optimism and Negativity

The current decline in the mobile handset market is unfamiliar territory – mobile phone sales have always been one of the most resilient sectors of the consumer electronics industry. But when 3Q 2008 closed, it became very apparent that the factors slowing the global economy were catching up to the mobile phone market.

The continuing uncertainty in the worldwide economy prompted ABI Research to examine the future performance of the worldwide and regional mobile handset markets by constructing scenarios that include a best case, a worst case, and a most likely outcome for 2009 through 2014.

Features Used and Desired in Mobile Phones, Segmented by Mobile Operator

US Mobile Devices Survey

Mobile operators wield a significant amount of influence over the feature sets that are incorporated into their portfolios' handsets. Competing operators also market services and emphasize features differently, which leads to differences in how frequently features are used or even recognized.

This Research Brief is based on a survey of 1,015 mobile phone users in the United States, which asked how often specific features are used on their phones, as well as what they want their next phone to look like and what advanced features they want it to include.

Satisfaction with Mobile Phone

US Mobile Devices Survey

How satisfied users are with their mobile phone can depend on a number of factors such as the type of phone being used, the length of time they have had the phone, and experience with individual features.

This Research Brief is based on a survey of 1,015 mobile phone users in the United States which asked how satisfied they are with specific attributes of their device, and organized the data by a number of views including age group and brand of phone.

Use of Mobile Phone Features

US Mobile Devices Survey

Many of the attributes of today’s feature-rich handsets simply go unused. But when usage is examined across various age groups, even the most advanced features have some level of measurable usage.

This Research Brief is based on a survey of 1,015 mobile phone users in the United States that asked how often specific features are used on their phones.

The Current State of Mobile Malware

Trouble on the Horizon

The Wireless Intrusion Detection and Protection Market

The Current State of the Market and Forecast

"Green" Handsets

Selected Results from the October 2009 US Emerging Technology Survey

This study offers the complete set of results from ABI Research's October 2009 survey regarding US consumer attitudes about and awareness of green handsets and green handset initiatives. Results from the survey offer insight into US consumers' familiarity with green handsets and the importance of green issues in purchasing decisions, as well as consumer attitudes and preferences for handset recycling.

Mobile Device Accessories: Consumer Purchasing Trends and Channel Analysis

2009 International Consumer Survey Results

Alongside the mobile handset market, the mobile handset accessory market offers a large addressable base of users. The market for mobile handset accessories also offers the potential for high margins, but remains very fragmented because accessories are grouped into many product categories. To efficiently address all segments of the accessory market, it is important to understand the attach rate of each accessory category, as well as knowing when and where the accessories were purchased.

This Research Brief discusses the results of a survey focused on the handset accessory acquisition channels of consumers in Asia-Pacific, Western Europe and the United States. This survey concentrates on 14 key accessory segments with a particular focus on chargers, car chargers and memory cards. Eight acquisition channels are used to identify the accessories consumers are buying, where they are buying, and when.

Mobile Data Traffic Trends for Handsets and Smartphones

Smartphones to Transfer More Traffic than All Enhanced Phones in 2010

Cellular Modem Software and Services

The Mobile Computing Out-of-Box Experience

The cellular modem market has rapidly evolved into an aggressively competitive landscape of vendors that are gaining leading market share with low pricing strategies. Consequently, many legacy modem vendors are adopting comprehensive software strategies to differentiate their product portfolios and to regain their lost market share.

This Research Brief provides an update on the mobile computer cellular modem market and its competitive landscape, with a focus on differentiated cellular modem vendor software strategies. The standard operating and enhanced service-enabling software will be increasingly integrated into USB modems and embedded miniCards; it will provide an enriched out-of-box experience for consumers and mobile professionals, and drive significant market growth to $22.3 billion in revenue by 2014.

3G+ Multiprotocol Modems

Carrier Strategies for UMTS and CDMA Technologies

GSM and CDMA mobile network operators face a crossroads ahead as mobile broadband networks emerge. Current CDMA2000 operators in North America and Asia will be transitioning to so-called 4G air interface protocols - LTE or mobile WiMAX - in the coming years. GSM operators deploying HSPA technology have a similar decision as to when they will upgrade to LTE or another 4G protocol. These decisions present the opportunity for modem products to combine GSM and CDMA air interface protocols that address mobile data services on new and legacy networks.

The timing of LTE introductions by operators and availability of LTE services reaching critical mass remains a significant question. The first commercial services are expected in isolated pockets of the world during 2010. Is there interest in LTE-only modems or will the end-user audiences demand roaming and backwards compatibility to GSM or CDMA access?

Depending on mobile services uptake, competition, margins and ultimately the economics, network operators will adopt different strategies depending on their business motivations: new market introduction, a defensive position, or expansion of existing network technology.

This Research Brief examines the timing of widespread availability for LTE, defines three primary market strategies operators will pursue with multiprotocol modems, and compares forecasts for multiprotocol USB modems containing HSPA and/or LTE.

The Mobile Phone as a Modem

Network, IT, and User Experience Considerations

As 3G network coverage expands, mobile phones become more available and penetrate the customer base, and awareness of mobile broadband access grows, a growing part of the mobile subscriber base will consider doing more activities with existing assets, including using the mobile phone as a modem. This Research Brief explores the implications of this trend for both customers and operators.

Interest in and Usage of Cellular Modems

Results from US Emerging Technology Survey, July 2009

In July, 2009, ABI Research conducted an online study among 1,000 adult US consumers concerning their interest in and expectations of a number of consumer technology products, including cellular modems.

This Research Brief provides the results of the survey for the portion of questions related to cellular modems. Questions were asked about interest, reasons for not being interested, if cellular modems replaced the home broadband connection or provided an alternative, whether the cellular modem was an add-on for an existing computer or purchased with a new PC, and the cost of monthly mobile data service. The results are laid out in charts with additional summaries and analysis comparing the responses of those interested in cellular modems and those who currently have the devices and service.

Data Traffic Trends for Mobile Broadband Modems and WWAN/Wi-Fi Routers

Portable and Mobile Computers Are Saturating Mobile Networks

Mobile Data Traffic Trends for Embedded Computing Devices

Explosive Growth for Laptops, Netbooks, and MIDs

Mobile Data Traffic Trends for Connected CE Devices

Traffic of Fledgling Category Predicted to Increase Over 100 Times in Five Years

Short-Range Wireless Technologies in Mobile Internet Devices

Wireless Connectivity Options in the New Market for Mobile Computing

This Research Brief explores the Mobile Internet Device (MID) market and evaluates its potential, its technology challenges and strategies, the types of potential users and the key applications that will drive them to adopt this new platform. It also examines the market trends affecting the uptake of short-range wireless technologies in the MID market environment, including the market uptake of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth over 802.11, and UWB solutions.

US Consumer Interest in Netbooks

Summary of Survey Results

In November, 2008, ABI Research conducted an online study among adult US consumers concerning their interest in and expectations of a number of consumer technology products, including netbooks and mobile Internet devices (MIDs).

This Research Brief provides the results of the survey for the portion of questions related to netbooks. Questions were asked about interest, reasons for not being interested, whether netbooks are viewed as primary or secondary to a PC, applications, preference for pre-installed applications, optimal size, operating system preference, and price. The responses are laid out in charts with additional summaries and analysis.

US Consumer Interest in Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs)

Summary of Survey Results

In November, 2008, ABI Research conducted an online study among adult US consumers concerning their interest in and expectations of a number of consumer technology products, including netbooks and mobile Internet devices (MIDs).

This Research Brief provides the results of the survey for the portion of questions related to MIDs. Questions were asked about interest, reasons for not being interested, if they would be used instead of a cell phone, applications, preference for pre-installed applications, optimal size, operating system preference, and price. The responses are laid out in charts with additional summaries and analysis.

Netbooks, MIDS, Consumer Electronics, and Femtocells

A Match Made in Heaven?

Interest in and Usage of Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs)

Results from US Emerging Technology Survey, July 2009

In July, 2009, ABI Research conducted an online study among 1,000 adult US consumers concerning their interest in and expectations of a number of consumer technology products, including mobile Internet devices (MIDs) and Netbooks.

This Research Brief provides the results of the survey for the portion of questions related to MIDs. Questions were asked about interest, reasons for not being interested, if MIDs are replacing or in addition to other computing platforms, what applications and operating systems are used, and the cost of a device. The results are laid out in charts with additional summaries and analysis comparing the responses of those interested in MIDs and those who currently have the devices.

Interest in and Usage of Netbooks

Results from US Emerging Technology Survey, July 2009

In July, 2009, ABI Research conducted an online study among 1,000 adult US consumers concerning their interest in and expectations of a number of consumer technology products, including Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) and Netbooks.

This Research Brief provides the results of the survey for the portion of questions related to Netbooks. Questions were asked about interest, reasons for not being interested, expected applications to be used on a Netbook, whether the Netbook is the primary or secondary computing device, which features are included in Netbooks, which operating system is included on the Netbook, and the anticipated or actual cost of purchasing a Netbook. The results are laid out in charts with additional summaries and analysis comparing the responses of those interested in Netbooks and those who currently have the devices.

Mobile Device Accessories: US Consumer Purchasing Trends and Channel Analysis

Results from US Mobile Device Accessory Survey, July 2009

Alongside the mobile handset market, the mobile handset accessory market offers a large addressable base of users. The market for mobile handset accessories also offers the potential for high margins, but remains very fragmented because accessories are grouped into many product categories. To efficiently address all segments of the accessory market, it is important to understand the attach rate of each accessory category, as well as knowing when and where the accessories were purchased.

This Research Brief discusses the results of a survey focused on the handset accessory acquisition channels of US consumers. This survey concentrates on 16 key accessory segments and eight acquisition channels to identify the accessories US consumers are buying, where they are buying, and when.

[top]Wireless Connectivity

Extending the Reach of Cellular M2M

Short Range Wireless Technologies' Role in Cellular M2M Deployments

The term “Machine-to-Machine (M2M)” refers to a broad array of wired and wireless technologies and applications typically used to interconnect machines and other non-computing devices. Wireless Sensor Networking (WSN) comprises one key sub-set of M2M, utilizing such short-range wireless (SRW) technologies as ZigBee and Wi-Fi to enable M2M connectivity over a limited, localized area. Cellular M2M is another important M2M segment, albeit utilizing technologies such as GSM and CDMA to provide M2M connectivity over wide area distances. Increasingly, ABI Research is seeing a confluence of these two M2M technology segments. Specifically, SRW WSN technologies are being used to extend cellular M2M connectivity “deeper” into a localized area, in a more efficient and cost-effective manner than would otherwise be possible if every locally-connected node contained its own cellular M2M modem. In this scenario, one local node contains a cellular M2M modem and acts as a gateway to other local nodes via SRW technologies.

Not all cellular M2M applications benefit from the addition of local SRW connectivity. ABI Research believes that telematics, automation and control, metering, and security are the applications most likely to benefit from bundling with SRW technologies to extend the wide area connection to other, local nodes. On the other hand, telemedicine, information displays and wireless local loop, vending, and ATM-POS are applications that do not require the wide area cellular M2M connection to be extended to adjacent local nodes. Consequently, we expect very little traction for SRW technologies in conjunction with these cellular M2M applications.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)

Metering Applications Enabled by Cellular M2M and ZigBee

This Research Brief provides an overview of the market opportunity for advanced metering technology in utility electric, gas, and water distribution infrastructure. It specifically focuses on the role that cellular M2M and ZigBee can have in AMI deployments. While the Brief focuses on the North American market, European and Asia-Pacific markets are also discussed. Three key vendor profiles are provided.

Wireless Sensor Networking System Software

Enabling the WSN Market

The Wireless Sensor Networking (WSN) market is growing rapidly in a number of commercial and industrial application segments. However, the RF engineering embedded programming requirements of developing a WSN application are still daunting for many OEMs. WSN system software vendors provide a software framework including middleware, embedded node software, application development and operational management platform, to ease the burden on OEMs developing WSNs. This research brief examines this market segment, including market conditions, drivers, and challenges, and profiles five key vendors: Arch Rock, Atalum, Crossbow Technology, MeshNetics, and Tendril.

Bridging the Wireless Sensor Networking Divide

Vendors Provide a Gateway between Sensors and Enterprise IT

This Brief analyzes three turnkey wireless sensor networking system vendors: Dust Networks, Millennial Net, and Sensicast Systems. These vendors are compared on the basis of application focus, go-to-market strategy, and networking technology. In addition, an overall discussion of the WSN market is provided, with an emphasis on the differences between the (currently) proprietary protocols of the turnkey WSN vendors, and ZigBee.

Fixed Wireless Terminals

A Key 3G Market for M2M

This Research Brief examines the market for Fixed Wireless Terminals, also sometimes referred to as Wireless WAN Routers, segmenting this often ill-defined market, discussing the vendor landscape, and providing a five-year forecast segmented by application, air interface standard, and region. FWT devices used for traditional Wireless Local Loop (WLL) applications have traditionally comprised the largest share of this market, with the majority being used in the Asia-Pacific region. However, new market applications, such as Mobile and Temporary and Remote-Office-Branch-Office, are gaining traction in addition to WLL and Industrial applications. The growth of 3G network availability is a key factor behind the rise of these newer uses for FWT devices.

Mobile World Congress Key Findings

LTE, WiMAX, Mobile Linux, Femtocells, Location, MIDs, and other Key Topics

Video to the Car

US Market Approaches to Delivery of Infotainment Content

Video in the automobile is a subset of mobile video, with unique challenges. This Research Brief covers the similarities (delivery methods, content ecosystem) and the differences (automotive requirements, driver safety, RSE system popularity and users). Several technologies are in place that could deliver video to the car: cellular, digital terrestrial, satellite, Wi-Fi. Content is also available. The market ecosystem and consumer demand are unclear, however. As a result, automotive OEMs will be very slow to adopt mobile video.

PAN Technologies in Medical/ Exercise and Wellbeing Applications

Bluetooth, ULP Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and Other Technologies

This research brief examines the opportunities for personal area technologies in the wellbeing, health and sports and exercise markets. The brief includes analysis of the applications, drivers and barriers that are likely to affect the uptake of technologies such as Bluetooth, ULP Bluetooth, 2.4GHz proprietary solutions, and 5KHz proprietary solutions.

Home Energy Management

2009 US Consumer Survey Results

Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) encompass the use of in-home technology (often aided by software located at a utility or service provider’s head-end operations center) to enable consumers to better monitor and manage in-home energy consumption. When this functionality is offered by a utility to its customers, the systems are typically known as "home area networks" (HANs) and usually form part of the utility’s smart meter deployment. The HEMS market is at a very early stage of development and there are many pressing questions about consumer preferences and activities with respect to in-home energy management. Such questions include, among others: how do consumers prefer to receive HEMS functionality? How do consumers prefer to interact with HEMS? What benefits are consumers seeking from in-home energy management? How are current HEMS configured in actual deployments and how do consumers believe this should evolve in the future? How much money (as a %) are consumers saving on their monthly utility bills as a result of HEMS deployments?

This presentation offers the consumer survey results and accompanying analysis of ABI Research’s 2009 US Consumer Survey, with respect to consumer attitudes and activities in the area of HEMS. An online survey methodology was used, with the survey conducted September 8-10, 2009 and completed by 1,001 consumers in the United States. The sample source comprised members of a leading global online market research panel that offers market researchers access to the world's most highly profiled, responsive and rigorously maintained online panel of 4.3 million active members covering 33 international panels. Survey participants were adults of at least 18 years of age and were either the sole decision maker or shared decision making for energy services for their home.

Home Security

2009 US Consumer Survey Results

Home security is an established market undergoing an interesting evolution as it increasingly intersects with home automation and home monitoring system technologies and services. As this evolution progresses, there are many pressing questions about consumer preferences and activities with respect to home security technologies and services. Such questions include, among others: what percentage of consumers subscribe to traditional professionally monitored home security solutions as opposed to self-monitored systems? How do consumers regard security alarm services - as a "must-have" or a "nice-to-have"? What is the importance to consumers of being able to remotely monitor their homes via the Internet, or their mobile phones? How do consumers regard the advent of electronic door locks as an emerging security market segment? How receptive are consumers to more advanced security technology functionality?

This presentation offers the consumer survey results and accompanying analysis of ABI Research’s 2009 US Consumer Survey, with respect to consumer attitudes and activities in the area of home security. An online survey methodology was used, with the survey conducted September 8-10, 2009 and completed by 1,001 consumers in the United States. The sample source comprised members of a leading global online market research panel that offers market researchers access to the world's most highly profiled, responsive and rigorously maintained online panel of 4.3 million active members covering 33 international panels. Survey participants were adults of at least 18 years of age and were either the sole decision maker or shared decision making for home security for their home.

Home Automation

2009 US Consumer Survey Results

Home automation is an established, albeit niche, market that is reaching an inflection point as new types of systems, such as those incorporating standards-based "no-new-wires" technologies and managed services offered by broadband service providers, join the established custom-designed and installed luxury home automation market. As this evolution progresses, there are many pressing questions about consumer preferences and activities with respect to home automation technologies and services.

Such questions include, among others: what percentage of consumers currently have a home automation system deployed? Of those who don’t have a home automation system deployed, what percentage plan to do so within the next year? Next three years? How do consumers prefer to acquire home automation technology? How much are consumers willing to pay for home automation technology? How are consumers most interested in interfacing with their home automation systems? How interested are consumers in "no-new-wires" technologies? What home automation sub-applications are consumers most interested in using?

This presentation offers the consumer survey results and accompanying analysis of ABI Research’s 2009 US Consumer Survey, with respect to consumer attitudes and activities in the area of home automation. An online survey methodology was used, with the survey conducted September 8-10, 2009 and completed by 1,001 consumers in the United States. The sample source comprised members of a leading global online market research panel that offers market researchers access to the world's most highly profiled, responsive and rigorously maintained online panel of 4.3 million active members covering 33 international panels. Survey participants were adults of at least 18 years of age and were either the sole decision-maker or shared decision-making for home automation for their home.

ZigBee for Lighting Markets

Reducing Energy Consumption and Enhancing Lifestyle

Rising energy costs have made ZigBee an economical option to deploy on a retrofit basis, which will significantly increase its adoption rate. The true value of ZigBee lighting control systems becomes apparent only when they are integrated with wider building automation systems as well as with external sensor networks such as meter reading systems that are owned by other parties. This need to integrate with multiple sensor networks across different equipment systems and environments is a major driver for the adoption of ZigBee over other proprietary technologies. Unlike the commercial sector, where energy costs and financial considerations will drive the uptake of ZigBee in lighting, the residential sector will initially be driven by “lifestyle enhancement” scenarios that assist entertainment systems and relate to mood. These systems will initially be implemented in high value homes, integrated into wide home automation systems.

Wibree: Wireless PAN Sensors

Analysis of Core Applications and Conditions for Market Acceptance

Wibree, developed by Nokia, is the first step towards bringing standardization to the largely proprietary wireless personal area network sensor market. The technology will neither compete with Zigbee nor replace Bluetooth, but will extend the reach of Bluetooth into low power and low cost applications. This Research Brief charts the progress of Wibree into sports, medical, entertainment and office markets. It clearly outlines the TAM for the technology along with the major barriers it faces.

NFC for Mobile Payments

Why Carriers Should Support NFC and How to Break the Deadlock

Wireless PAN Technologies in PC and Mobile HID (Human Interface Devices)

27MHz, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth & Wibree Mice, Keyboards and Remote Controls

HID such as mice, keyboards and remote controls play an important role in providing a good user experience for both personal computers and mobile devices. Wireless HID provide an intuitive way to add value and convenience to the user experience. This Research Brief profiles market trends affecting the uptake of wireless HID in both mobile and computing environments. It addresses issues including the market mix of 27MHz and 2.4GHz products, the impact of standardized products such as Bluetooth and Wibree, and rich navigation scenarios stemming from Media Center and Vista uptake.

Wireless Connectivity IC Integration

Strategic Recommendations for Silicon Vendors

As connectivity ICs become more common in devices and start to develop as de-facto features, OEMs are increasingly applying pressure to their silicon vendor partners in order to bring about savings in price, power and space. This Research Brief provides a detailed insight into how silicon vendors can leverage their positions to provide integrated IC products that capitalize on the trend to further IC integration. It presents qualitative analysis of the motivation to create integrated products, and evaluations of various integrated IC combinations. This qualitative analysis is complemented by a forecast for 10 different combination IC types.

RFID Meets Wi-Fi and UWB in the RTLS Space

Technology Convergence and Coexistence Take Center Stage

During the past two decades, we have seen the introduction and widespread adoption of short-range wireless communications, including wireless LANs (Wi-Fi), ultra wideband (UWB), and RFID. An entirely new communications infrastructure using unlicensed spectrum has begun to take root, and more and more devices and applications are taking advantage of this progress. The focus of this Research Brief is on the various technologies, relevant applications, and development of these wireless identification and location systems, more commonly known as real-time locations systems (RTLS). It is designed to provide readers with an understanding of core RTLS technologies, their tradeoffs, and select vendor approaches to products and systems. It demonstrates that a preoccupation with the technologies alone is misplaced: a more useful concept is real-time intelligence visualization (RTIV), in which the technology becomes the means to an end, not the end itself.

PAN Technologies in Medical / Exercise and Wellbeing Applications

Bluetooth, ULP Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and Other Technologies

Short-Range Wireless in the Home Networking Environment

Analysis of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UWB, 60 GHz, and ZigBee Applications

This Research Brief examines the opportunities in the home networking market environment for the short-range wireless technologies Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UWB, 60 GHz, and ZigBee. To meet the varying demands of the evolving home network environment, short-range wireless connectivity technologies have evolved, or will evolve, to meet a number of specific use-case applications demanded by a wide variety of consumer electronics devices. In the end, the different technologies will not compete within the home, but will be used in coordination, overlapping and coexisting for full wireless network coverage.

Bluetooth Over 802.11

High Speed Bluetooth for PAN Connectivity

This Research Brief examines the opportunities for integrating short range wireless technologies Bluetooth and 802.11. It includes analysis of the market motivation and conditions that are required to justify technology integration, as well as a specific look at the cellular handset market criteria. At the core of the Research Brief is the evolution of high speed Bluetooth, from the initial software upgrade approach to the future hardware integration. Additionally, the impact of high speed Bluetooth on the Ultra Wideband, or UWB, market is discussed and analyzed.

PAN Technology in Gaming

Bluetooth, ULP Bluetooth, and Other Wireless Technologies in Game Consoles, Controllers, and Handheld Devices

This research brief examines the opportunities for personal area technologies in the gaming console, aftermarket gaming controller, and handheld gaming device markets. The brief includes analysis of the applications, market drivers, and market barriers that are likely to affect the uptake of technologies such as Bluetooth, ULP Bluetooth, and proprietary solutions.

Short-Range Wireless Technologies in Mobile Internet Devices

Wireless Connectivity Options in the New Market for Mobile Computing

Bluetooth, UWB, NFC, ZigBee and Wi-Fi

Defining the Wireless Connectivity Ecosystem

The majority of market research reports and services tend to view technology markets in isolation. Short range wireless connectivity technologies can no longer be treated in this way, because the uptake and proliferation of one has a radical impact upon the others. This Market Update provides a holistic view of the connectivity ecosystem and the complex dynamics affecting the markets.

This highly original service includes comprehensive market data for Bluetooth, UWB, NFC, Wi-Fi and Zigbee. The update profiles hot news, end-equipment market saturation and dollar values, and provides a comprehensive picture of the equipment sectors and market verticals where multiple connectivity standards are likely to proliferate. It takes an in-depth look at connectivity IC integration and embedding, and provides significant qualitative analysis on market drivers, the choices vendors need to make, and opportunities for silicon vendors.

Unit shipment volumes are analyzed in terms of the type of equipment being shipped, the inherent connectivity enablement and the user group purchasing the equipment. The section also details major usage scenarios driving growth today and those that are forecast to do so in the future. The user segments covered are Business/Prosumer, High Income/High Need Consumers, Enhanced Need Consumers, Teens and Basic Need Consumers.

Competing 60 GHz Solutions

Short Range Wireless Gigabit Connectivity

The unlicensed 60GHz spectrum band is creating a home for increased short-range wireless technology development because its high frequency and larger channel sizes allows for much higher data rates. A small number of standards are presently available or under development. This Research Brief covers the 60 GHz space and standards such as WirelessHD, WiGig, 802.11ad, and 802.15.3c. It analyzes strategies for these standards and their possible coexistence, and presents a forecast of 60 GHz semiconductor shipments.

Voice Over Wi-Fi’s Dirty Little Secret:

Security and Reliability Require Proprietary Additions

With the adoption of a tough security standard for wireless LANs (IEEE 802.11i) and the recent adoption of a standard for quality of service (QoS), it is easy to assume that Voice over Wi-Fi is now ready for prime time. It’s not. There are still gaps in standards-based security and reliability specifications that are large enough to drive a truck through. The dirty little secret is that currently the only way for customers to build a secure and reliable VoWi-Fi network is to use proprietary extensions and, in some cases, add-on products from third party vendors. For early adopters, the trade-off of being locked into a proprietary solution with a single vendor is worthwhile. VoWi-Fi equipment manufacturers need to address several issues to help this market take off:

Wi-Fi Hotspot Voice Service

Challenges and Opportunities for Voice over Wi-Fi Handsets

Wi-Fi hotspot operators and mobile operators are beginning to offer voice service; demand will soon increase due to the proliferation of Wi-Fi and dual mode phones. There are major challenges as well as major revenue opportunities for the group of vendors that constitute the Wi-Fi food chain: handset manufacturers, hotspot operators, mobile operators, and Wi-Fi equipment manufacturers.

What Will It Take to Kick-Start Draft 802.11n Sales?

Unique Problems in Consumer and Commercial Markets

It’s no secret that sales of draft IEEE 802.11n products have been below both manufacturers’ and retailers’ expectations. There are many reasons for this. This Research Brief examines the dilemma the two groups have created by some very careless market messaging. It also explores the price differential between 802.11g and 802.11n in terms of what it will take for customers to understand the value proposition of 802.11n products. The research also considers the challenges draft 802.11n products face in the commercial marketplace, in both SMB and large enterprise market segments. Finally, it discusses some of the concerns resellers have with the selling of draft “n” products, as well as the most likely time frames for large enterprises to adopt 802.11n products.

Wi-Fi in the Retail Vertical

What’s the TAM and Where Are the Remaining Sweet Spots?

There are a number of key applications driving Wi-Fi equipment into the retail vertical in the United States. These applications tend to center around greater efficiency, increased sales, or increased security. Traditional back office applications such as inventory management are now joined by such exciting approaches as dressing room assistants, line busting, mobile POS, and security surveillance. The PCI DSS security specification requirements are also driving adoption of Wi-Fi equipment. There are 578,000 retail establishments in the United States that still do not have Wi-Fi networks. While a majority of these establishments have fewer than 100 employees, there are several sweet spots that WLAN equipment vendors should target.

This Research Brief describes the major forces driving Wi-Fi networks in the retail vertical. It sizes this market and provides a demographic break-down of its major sweet spots for vendors as well as those market segments that will require targeted applications.

Wi-Fi in the Healthcare Vertical Market

Prescription for WLAN Equipment Profits

There are a number of key applications driving Wi-Fi equipment into the healthcare vertical in the United States. These applications tend to center around greater efficiency, cost savings, or improved customer relations. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) has created a demand for Wi-Fi equipment that meets its security requirements. The unique mobility demands of the hospital environment have made it an early adopter of voice over Wi-Fi. ABI Research believes there are 276,000 healthcare establishments within the United States that still do not have Wi-Fi networks. While a majority of these establishments have fewer than 100 employees, there are several sweet spots that WLAN equipment vendors should target.

Aruba Networks: A Strategic Assessment

Opportunities & Obstacles Galore in a Complex Market

Aruba Networks is in the process of going public. This Research Brief provides an assessment of the company’s major strengths as well as the challenges it faces if it wants to become the clear alternative to Cisco in the wireless LAN equipment market. It evaluates Aruba Networks’ progress in attacking specific verticals such as retail and healthcare, as well as its success in plugging security gaps where standards do not yet exist. Finally,the research examines some major obstacles the company faces, including some key channel and technology issues.

Going Beyond Public Wi-Fi in the Hospitality Industry

Voice Could Be the Key

Wi-Fi in public areas is now common in the hospitality industry. The real key to success for Wi-Fi vendors is how well they can penetrate other areas such as guest rooms, and also how well they can become part of the back office networks. Convergence has been a major driver, as has gaming and a desire for increased customer satisfaction. While hotels have led the hospitality charge, restaurants have been slower to follow, due in part to a lack of consensus as to which business model works best.

Wi-Fi Tackles the Financial Vertical

Overcoming Security Issues Is Still Hard but Becoming Easier

The financial vertical has long been a Wi-Fi laggard due to pressing security concerns. The passage of IEEE 802.11i and its widespread adoption has eased some of these concerns, and the result is a growing market. The branch office is the source of most of this growth, fueled by customer demand and the need for guest access. Brokerage houses have been early adopters. With only around a third of financial establishments penetrated by Wi-Fi, this market segment has tremendous potential for Wi-Fi equipment vendors.

Forecasting Wi-Fi’s Future Growth

The Market Begins to Tilt Horizontally

This Research Brief examines the key verticals that now drive the majority of enterprise Wi-Fi revenue, and describes the key applications that are starting to drive more horizontal Wi-Fi adoption. It forecasts Wi-Fi growth by type including chips, enterprise, consumer, and hotspot markets. Equally important, the Brief forecasts global Wi-Fi revenue growth for the digital home. There are a couple of key pitfalls that must be avoided for Wi-Fi to reach its full potential, and this Brief discusses what must be done to achieve maximum growth. Finally, it factors in the potential growth of the new IEEE 802.11n draft products.

The K-12 Wi-Fi Market Opportunity

Market Sizing and Competitive Assessment

The top 100 school districts represent 20% of the total US K-12 Wi-Fi market and represent a good place for vendors to focus their energies. This research brief sizes this very lucrative market and also forecasts how rapidly the ratio of students to PCs will decline as well as the percentage of K-12 students who are Wi-Fi-enabled. It also describes the major drivers behind growth in the sale of Wi-Fi equipment to K-12 schools, as well as the obstacles to even more rapid growth. Several vendors are focusing significant resources on this market, so this report provides a SWOT analysis of several leading players, Cisco, Aruba, and Trapeze.

Wi-Fi Vertical Market Segmentation in the United States

Where Are the Best Opportunities for 802.11n?

ABI Research’s model for assessing Wi-Fi in the US market makes it possible to examine vertical segmentation. Even though certain verticals such as healthcare and education show substantial penetration, the statistics also reveal enormous opportunity. The SMB market is actually far more complex than it might appear at first glance. Single-employee establishments obviously are not good candidates for Wi-Fi. Still, the sheer number of professional offices that have not yet seen Wi-Fi penetration presents an opportunity as well as a channel challenge. The ABI Research market model reveals that higher education and healthcare represent the best opportunities for early adoption of 802.11n products, and provides insight into which key sub-segments of these markets are likely to be the earliest adopters.

Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA)

Vendor Ecosystem, Operator Deployment Activity, and Subscriber Forecasts

Despite the impending market for consumer SIP-based VCC solutions and cellular femtocells, the market for fixed-mobile convergence services based on UMA is moving forward quickly. This Research Brief considers the major vendors in the UMA ecosystem and tracks the way UMA is working its way into new products, including cellular femtocells. Several major mobile operators’ UMA rollouts are discussed, and the report includes charts of UMA-based cellular/Wi-Fi subscribers and handsets.

Quantifying Wi-Fi Equipment Total Cost of Ownership

Separating Fact From Fiction

This Research Brief describes the increased use of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) studies for Wi-Fi LAN equipment and explains the major drivers pushing vendors to contract for these studies, including the role TCO studies play in closing sales. The brief explains the key components of such studies. It examines some of the major tricks vendors use to tilt the TCO playing field and insure that they win in such studies.

There’s IEEE 802.11n Gold in Higher Education

802.11 Size, Scope, and Future Opportunities in Universities

This Research Brief examines the reasons why universities have become the leading source of early adopters of 802.11n products. There are several drivers for 802.11n growth. The brief sizes the potential market for 802.11n within the higher education vertical and provides estimates of global penetration of 802.11n products within this vertical. It also covers the reasons why some colleges have chosen not to deploy 802.11n as yet.

What Do Cisco SMB Wi-Fi Customers Really Want?

Comparing and Contrasting Linksys and Cisco Customers

This research brief is based on primary research conducted with Small and Medium Business customers who have Wi-Fi deployments. It describes the similarities as well as the significant differences between SMB Wi-Fi customers who operate Cisco branded and Linksys branded Wi-Fi equipment. The brief focuses on these two customers groups’ channel preferences, their technology choices, their rate of technology change and 802.11n migration plans, their attitudes towards security, and their interest in a managed Wi-Fi security service.

The US White Space Spectrum Opportunity

802.22, CogNeA, and Wi-Fi Join the Gold Rush

The Evolving Switch/Controller and MIMO Markets

The Wi-Fi Market Update provides information, in Adobe PDF format, about the most recent quarter's developments in this field. It details major events that have occurred in the industry in the previous three months. It summarizes, in qualitative form, the changes that may have been made to our market forecasts, and explains the reasoning behind the altered estimates. Any new forecasts forming part of the associated Research Service are also explained. The Update also details recent news from leading companies in the sector, and when appropriate, explains new technological developments in the space.

The 1Q 2005 Market Update examines some of the newer enhancements, the evolution of the Wi-Fi switch/controller market, and the market environment for MIMO ICs and equipment.

802.11n Standards Efforts Make Progress

The Wi-Fi Market Update provides information, in Adobe PDF format, about the most recent quarter’s developments in this field. It details major events that have occurred in the industry in the previous three months. It summarizes, in qualitative form, the changes that may have been made to our market forecasts, and explains the reasoning behind the altered estimates. Any new forecasts forming part of the associated Research Service are also explained. The Update also details recent news from leading companies in the sector, and when appropriate, explains new technological developments in the space.

The 3Q 2005 Market Update examines the progress made in the 802.11n standards-setting effort; the approval of the 5 GHz spectrum for use in the EU; the addition of SLAPP to the CAPWAP Wi-Fi switch management protocol; and progress made in standardizing and promoting mesh networking.

EWC Impacting 802.11n Developments

This market update analyzes the Enhanced Wireless Consortium’s impact on Wi-Fi semiconductors and the IEEE standardization process. It also examines the ratification of 802.16e for QoS and how it affects the Wi-Fi market. It concludes with an assessment of the market for Wi-Fi embedded in consumer electronics.

IEEE Finally Gets an 802.11n Draft Standard

A draft version 1.0 of the proposed Wi-Fi 802.11n standard was formally adopted for consideration on 19 January 2006 at the IEEE’s bimonthly meeting. The draft must still pass multiple votes before becoming a ratified standard. But the adoption of the draft effectively assures that an IEEE 802.11n standard will be ratified, most likely in the first quarter of 2007. This Market Update analyzes the process the draft standard has undergone to date and identifies likely future developments in this process and their impact on key players in the market (such as members of the Enhanced Wireless Consortium, and Airgo). In addition, it discusses market opportunities for MIMO and 802.11n, which is expected to provide over 100 Mbps of throughput and roughly four times the range of 802.11b/g. The Update contains quantitative market forecasts through 2010.

Ease of Use: the Consumer Wi-Fi Security Challenge

This market update examines the efforts of Wi-Fi semiconductor and equipment vendors to make it easier for consumers to enable the security features that exist on their equipment. From a technology standpoint, current equipment is quite secure; however, the complexity of enabling these security features means that many home Wi-Fi networks are still left open to unauthorized access. This update also examines the resurgence in activity in Wi-Fi-enabled consumer electronics equipment markets.

Initial “Draft 11n” Wi-Fi Products Off to a Shaky Start

This Market Update examines the recent introduction of equipment by both Meru and Xirrus to make the LAN distribution network wireless. It also analyzes the recent introduction of “Draft N” equipment based on EWC-compliant Wi-Fi semiconductors. Despite the interoperability rationale espoused at the founding of the EWC consortium, the initial equipment coming to market based on EWC technology has not fared well in independent tests and reviews. Finally, the update examines how MIMO technology is being introduced to the market.

Ease of Use

The Consumer Wi-Fi Security Challenge

Voice Over Wi-Fi's Dirtly Little Secret

Security and Reliability Require Proprietary Additions

Wi-Fi Handsets - Moving to 802.11n

2.4GHz or 5GHz

Satellite-Enabled Mobile Devices

Opportunities and Trends for North America

WiMAX Security Issues

Revenue Opportunities Created by WiMAX Security Gaps

Ultra-Mobile Broadband (UMB) Might Be Dead on Arrival

But Qualcomm Wins with OFDMA and MIMO Anyway

WiMAX in Latin America: Regulatory Issues Profiled

Focus on Brazil and Mexico

Brazil, a key market and at the forefront of technology in Latin America, lacks any mobile WiMAX deployments, and its end users can only access WiMAX as a fixed Internet service. This Research Brief investigates the reasons for this lack, and the role of regulatory bodies in Latin American countries. Examples from both Brazilian and Mexican markets are cited, as well as details of the point of view held by a conglomerate of Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS) service providers called Neotec, and discussion of how it is trying to find a solution and migrate towards WiMAX.

ABI Forums "4G: LTE & WiMAX" Conference Presentations

[top]RFID

RFID in India

End-User Adoption: More a Marathon than a Sprint

ABI Research believes the potential for RFID in India is very significant; but challenges remain. Among the core market challenges are pricing, limited awareness, standards, and the lack of “compliance as a driver.” Admittedly, these challenges are similar to those found in any maturing technology market and are familiar to RFID on a global scale.

The level of activity today indicates that end users are testing, evaluating, and deploying RFID to varying degrees across a broad set of applications, including supply chain management, library management, animal identification, asset management (using both active and passive), access control, and others. While we do not expect RFID adoption to happen at a breakneck pace over the short term, the mid-to-long-term opportunity cannot be ignored. We believe the Indian marketplace is a ripening opportunity. However, the Indian market requires nurturing (via strong market and solution development) during these formative years in order to blossom fully.

RFID in South Korea

Strategic Overview, Market Players, and Forecasts

This Research Brief examines recent RFID market activity in South Korea, particularly focusing on strategic issues and market dynamics. As of November 2006, 97 RFID projects have been deployed in logistics, retail, publishing and libraries, supply chain management, and government and defense sectors. With deployment experience in government RFID projects and newly developed items such as metal mount-on-metal and liquid tags, South Korean vendors are seeking business relationships in China and with leading multi-national RFID players such as Texas Instruments. Along with strategic movement towards HF reader-enabled mobile phones for consumer-oriented applications, they have been strengthening the passive UHF segment with an eye to finding opportunities in global market in the near future.

The study presents a detailed market matrix of over 30 vendors by frequency and product portfolio. It contains market forecasts of shipments and revenue by frequency, vertical markets, and applications from 2006 to 2012.

Other highlights include ABI Research’s analyses of customized tag markets in South Korea, the “MobiOn” strategic approach to mobile RFID, Samsung’s and LG group’s efforts for a Ubiquitous Sensor Network, and the participation of global players, including Alien, Avery Dennison, Impinj, and Thingmagic in the South Korean market.

RFID in Japan

Strategic Overview, Market Players, and Forecasts

This Research Brief examines recent RFID market activity in Japan, particularly focusing on strategic issues and market dynamics.

To date, manufacturing applications dominate RFID’s adoption in Japan, not at the corporate level, but in particular segments and processes. With diverse manufacturing solutions, Japanese RFID applications have also been widely adopted in smartcard and FeliCa-based solution such as access, transportation, and contactless payment. By introducing UHF spectrum in the Japanese market in early 2006, vendors have accelerated the development the segment. But given the narrower 6MHz bandwidth and interference issues, ABI Research believes that near-term passive UHF technical barriers will be high, resulting in an increased focus on standards and technology performance optimization.

The research presents a market matrix and market forecasts of shipments and revenue by frequency, vertical markets, and applications from 2006 to 2012. Other highlights include analyses of the Hibiki project for 5-cent tag realization, Japan’s strategy for new standards through cooperation with other Asian countries, reader-enabled RFID applications from KDDI and Hitachi, and diverse application and adoption case studies.

The Pending Ratification of ISO 18185

What It Means for the Electronic Container Seal (‘E-Seal’) Market

For all practical purposes, the ISO 18185 e-seal standard is virtually complete, within weeks of being available as a useful tool for solution developers and end users. ISO 18185 is an application standard for electronic container seals developed by Technical Committee ISO/TC 104, Freight containers, Subcommittee SC 4, Identification and communication. The looming ratification of ISO 181815 represents a major step forward for the industry toward the realization of the value of event-driven RFID data and full capitalization on that value. This will be an important market driver.

This Research Brief defines and outlines the ISO 18185 standard and discusses its impact on the e-seal market. ABI Research also highlights key drivers for e-seal adoption in the Brief, including the availability of lower-cost tags, the need to address vulnerable supply chains, and the importance of mandates.

Contactless Government Identification Documents

From e-passports to eID

Contactless-enabled documents such as e-Passports and eID cards are seeing significant adoption around the world, driven by the US mandate to Visa Waiver countries as well as by the increased security and functionality of documents carrying biometric data that can be checked. About 50 countries are now delivering or testing e-Passports, but the real market potential lies in the ability of contactless to bring multi-applications to national ID schemes. However, despite global standards for data storage, data exchange and RF interface for HF contactless systems, some rival technologies are still being considered for applications better suited to contactless technology.

This study examines the current status of the e-Passport and eID markets as well as examining the projects where rival technologies such as UHF RFID or 2D barcodes are being considered.

RFID Meets Wi-Fi and UWB in the RTLS Space

Technology Convergence and Coexistence Take Center Stage

RFID Item-Level Tagging in Fashion and Apparel

Tackling the Business Issues that Stifle Adoption

Item-level tagging in the apparel market is an application already consuming 100 million tags a year in a single limited but industry-leading deployment. Marks & Spencer in the UK has successfully demonstrated a model for RFID use in the apparel space, but there have also been a number of well publicized trials in the United States, Japan and elsewhere. However, adoption within the industry remains extremely limited. Even some companies that have led with their own RFID pilots and have witnessed positive results have failed to move into adoption and rollout. The technology provides a platform for multiple applications but its prime benefit in the retail market is in providing a quick, automated, cost efficient and accurate way to track inventory through the supply chain and in the retail environment. These benefits are not the sole preserve of large stores or chains, because the issues that create poor inventory control are common across the retail market. Slow adoption has been blamed on the technology – either the cost, the lack of a common standard or both – but early trials and deployments have shown not only that a strong return on investment is possible, but also that closed loop applications require no standardized technology. This study explores the potential for both closed and open loop deployments of item level tagging in the fashion and apparel market. It also examines some of the issues that have held back adoption so far, and how they should be tackled. In addition, a number of leading trials and deployments from around the world are assessed.

Returnable Transport Items (RTI) Market Opportunity Assessment

Closed Loop Foundations for Open Supply Chain RFID

The potential for RFID RTI tagging is significant. There are around 1 billion RTI’s in use around the world in supply chains where they represent a simple but key element for supply chain operations on a daily basis.

Shrinkage alone is a major driver of RFID RTI tagging, and asset management will be the foundation application for RTI tagging over the next few years. However, it is not the only application that deployed systems will be expected to deliver. Further out, as customers and supply chain partners are won over to the added value of supply chain visibilty possible with RFID, the same RTI tracking systems will provide a key platform for tracking shipments transported on tagged RTI's.

Trials have taken place around the world and there are signs that over the next 12 months several large scale deployments will be underway. Retailers, postal operators, manufacturers and RTI pooling companies are increasingly confident that a UHF Gen 2-based system can deliver a stable platform.

ABI Research believes that the next 12 months will see a strong rise in RTI tagging with a number of projects under consideration that could result in many millions of RTIs being RFID tagged in 2008. While UHF tagging will predominate whether tags are retrofitted or embedded within new RTIs remains an issue to be solved on a case-by-case basis.

This research brief examines the drivers of and potential for RFID adoption in RTI tracking. It includes case study examples and discusses key considerations for potential project planning

RFID and Contactless Payments in Japanese Consumer Markets

Implementation Cases and Industry Implications for Kiosks, Vending Machines, and RFID Consumer Trials

This research brief discusses contactless and RFID applications in the Japanese consumer environment, and explores the implications of each.

FeliCa is widely deployed in the transportation and payment fields in Japan. Japanese manufacturers and other users of FeliCa are now seeking new ways to offer this solution where it will have the most impact on consumers. In the RFID space, recent ‘future store’ projects sponsored by the Japanese government have delivered positive results. They promise to speed transactions and enhance the purchasing process with additional information, as well as helping merchants manage inventory and distribution effectively.

Further, contactless and RFID systems allow enterprises to augment CRM strategies by improving inventory accuracy and potentially by storing customers’ historical data through FeliCa/POS connections with databases. This study explores the high level implications and lessons to be learned from these real Japanese case-studies.

RFID Asset Tracking and Management Hotter Than Ever

Passive UHF Generating Heat and Drawing User Attention

In contrast to the more widely publicized, retail supply-chain pallet, case, and item-level tracking initiatives, asset tracking and management is a veteran RFID application that is experiencing a resurgence. RFID tags and assets are not strangers, but today more than ever, RFID-based asset tracking and management solutions are helping companies in multiple industry sectors solve strategic business problems and lower operating costs. Historically the domain of active RFID technologies, the landscape of asset tracking and management is changing. Passive UHF alternatives now add to the scenery, offering viable, reliable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions.

This Research Brief examines the increasing appetite of end-users for RFID-based asset tracking and management solutions, with an emphasis on passive UHF. The Brief offers two application use examples and insights as to end-user support for passive UHF asset management solutions, including RFID end-user survey results.

Focus on RFID Software

Investigating New Solutions and Approaches

In this Market Update, ABI Research provides a look at recent market activity, particularly in the realm of RFID software. As RFID pilot programs move into new phases of deployment, vendor and user attention is shifting toward software and infrastructure. With recent technology performance improvement, end users’ requirements for more mature software platforms to manage business processes and integrate into enterprise applications are sharply increasing. As a result, vendors are responding with new offerings and approaches. On-demand solutions and services are being developed and released by a host of players specializing in RFID traceability, ERP, SCE, WMS, data analytic, and plug-and-play infrastructure solutions. This Update focuses on new software packages and solutions from vendors such as AC Nielsen, Microsoft, Navis, SAP, Supplyscape, T3Ci, and TR3, including analysis of their potential impact on the RFID market. ABI Research also discusses the emergence and importance of RFID partner ecosystems and their ability to deliver end-to-end, complete RFID solutions within the supply chain and beyond.

Other highlights of this Update include ABI Research’s analyses of the Intermec-Alien patent infringement lawsuit and the European Union’s creation of, and roughly $14 million investment in, the BRIDGE project which includes a mix of 31 vendors and users within Europe.

The Power of Holistic Partner Fusion in Today’s RFID Market

Defining RFID Partnerships 3.0 and Select Case Studies in Partner Ecosystem Excellence

In today’s value chain, can RFID and complementary technology partners achieve a level of fusion beyond simple linkage? The long-awaited answer to this question is beginning to take shape as an increasing number of users across industries move toward wider RFID deployment. In today’s market, partner collaborative approaches are keenly focused on providing customers with an attractive means to embrace and deploy true value-add end-to-end solutions. The individual solution components and core competencies among the vendors and integrators within these partner groupings significantly complement one another, as do their overall strategies. They represent what ABI Research describes as the next stage in RFID partner ecosystem development: holistic partner fusion, or "RFID Partnerships 3.0."

While there are multiple examples of holistic partner fusion that exist, the three specific partner groupings discussed in this Research Brief include:
• Wavetrend Technologies, System Planning Corporation (SPC), and KeyTone Technologies
• Microsoft, Motorola, and Xterprise
• Impinj and ChronoTrack Systems

Introducing the DASH7 Alliance

Bringing Balance and Vision to Active RFID Markets

A unique alliance is forming in the active RFID market. Centered on the ISO 18000-7 standard, the DASH7 Alliance is a cross-industry initiative to expand the use of active technology in government and commercial markets. The coalition’s focus is to promote greater interoperability and reliability, but also to enable greater innovation around a common standard. While many active RFID vendors and solutions providers have been successful, ABI Research believes the active RFID segment requires greater collaboration among stakeholders – including competitors – to enable, grow, and sustain both government and commercial markets over the long term.

This Research Brief introduces the Alliance and its announced participants, analyzes the Alliance’s key strategic goals, and provides ABI Research’s opinion on why the Alliance matters in today’s active RFID market.

[top]Digital Home

Microsoft's Zune

A Shot over iPod's Bow

The portable media player market is heating up with the announcement of a new Microsoft device, the Zune. While Zune aims squarely at the 30GB iPod market, its creators are pitching new features, connectivity with Xbox, and its own “walled garden,” the Zune Marketplace. The Zune program falls under the same leadership as the Xbox program. What does this mean for Apple, for Rhapsody, or for the PlaysForSure program? Will the Zune program include a gaming platform? How will Apple respond? Are iPod users willing to give Microsoft a try? This research brief explores these topics and more in the portable media player market.

Video Game End-User Perceptions

Entering the Next Generation

The video game market is entering a new generation. New consoles are being launched by Sony and Nintendo, while Microsoft is continuing to evolve its Xbox 360 to compete. Our survey of 1725 Internet users in the US looked at current preferences and usage characteristics of video game players. This study examines the responses of video game players from the most casual to hard core console player.

The research identifies the game platforms that gamers are currently playing, and their preferences in game genre. It also examines today’s gamer profile, breaking down demographic characteristics such as income and age, and explores gamers’ preferences for the coming generation of game consoles, breaking these down by current platform

Consumer Electronics Survey

Owner Profiles for Major Consumer Electronics Devices

The explosion in digital technologies is creating new markets across a number of device categories. This survey of Internet users in the United States details the ownership of different devices categories broken down by a number of different demographic characteristics such as age, income and profession.

The study examines ownership of HDTVs, DVD players and recorders, video game consoles and portable game players, MP3 players, DVRs, digital cameras and digital camcorders. The survey information for the report was derived by an online survey of 1725 consumers in the United States, which was conducted in October, 2006.

High Definition DVD Player Market Update

Will Universal Players Be Universally Accepted?

This Research Brief provides a review of the underlying technology factors driving the high definition DVD market. It includes a look at the key differences between the HD DVD and Blu-ray formats, a survey of the progress made by each camp, and an assessment of the potential impact of the universal player.

It considers not just standalone CE DVD players, but also the game systems and PC drive products. In addition, the research evaluates the CE player market with an eye to system design, optics, controller silicon, and software.

The Brief includes a market forecast for high definition DVD player shipments. Based on analysis of the format and platform requirements, it shows that universal players will grow to exceed 80% of the high-definition market by 2011.

PC TV Tuner Market Outlook

Evolving Consumer Expectations and Technology Enhancements Push the Market Forward

Technology enhancements are finally converging to simplify television reception on PC platforms. Digital video distribution systems such as DVB-T and ATSC are online. PCI Express and USB2.0 combine to eliminate system interface issues. Duo-core processors make simple work of high definition MPEG-2 decoding. Microsoft Windows Vista includes Media Center support in popular SKUs. Further, broadband video and mobile video are driving awareness of the rapid expansion and availability of digital video.

Are consumers ready to bring new video content to their PC’s? Do current usage models show any leading indicators? This Research Brief covers the technology changes enabling the PC TV tuner market, and examines consumers’ readiness to adopt PC TV tuners. It includes a market forecast for PC TV tuner card shipments though 2011.

Television Trends in the United States

Advertising, OCAP, DCR+, DCAS, CableCARD, UGC, Analog Shut Down, OMVC

Two recent events served as basis for industry experts to discuss key trends in the US television business: Fall VON in Boston where the discussion centered around user-generated content and broadband distribution, and the Future of Television Conference in Manhattan that focused on professional content creation, distribution, and related business models. This research brief examines some of the key issues raised in these discussions. Topics such as the role of advertising, the protracted negotiations of cable and consumer electronics companies and the role of broadcasters are covered.

Traditional television operates in a highly regulated environment. The actions taken by companies – managed network operators and broadcasters – that bring content into the home are to a great degree driven by complex legal and contractual arrangements. Companies building products to serve consumers in these markets are at a great disadvantage if they don’t understand the underpinnings of this business. This research brief will help to illuminate some of those issues.

Consumer Digital Video Survey

VOD, DVD, Broadband, and Mobile Video Adoption and Usage

In April 2007, ABI Research conducted an online study of consumer electronics ownership in North America. More than 1000 respondents indicated their ownership and usage habits of consumer electronics equipment in general and digital media in particular. This research brief summarizes consumer ownership by age group, and further, investigates the usage habits surrounding online, cable, and mobile video services.

Digital Televisions in the Asia-Pacific Region

Is it Time for Flat-Panels to Rule the Market?

Large retail consumer electronics outlets often have an entire area devoted to digital television sets. Digital televisions and content are rapidly growing in popularity and are gradually unseating analog products and services. Regulators, operators, vendors, and users alike are all bracing themselves for the wave of digitalization. Consumers who are becoming more affluent now hanker after aesthetics in their TV sets as well as better quality television viewing experiences. Many seem to be perfectly contented once they hop aboard HD. But how many of them can really discern the difference between the various types of HD TVs available? This study provides an anatomy of the various screen choices available in the market, the key players in the industry, and their digital TV businesses. Consumer expectations, together with mini case studies of five main markets (Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, and India) also form part of this discussion.

Wireless Video Distribution in the Home

Are We Close to Eliminating the Cable?

UWB brought the promise of higher data rates to consumer video applications. Wireless USB is running full steam ahead with PC connectivity, but what’s happening on the video front? This research brief examines the state of the technologies and deployments in the wireless video domain for the home. It covers UWB, Wi-Fi, and Wireless HDMI as well as documenting efforts in the 60GHz domain and discussing new market entrants.

Chinese Consumer Electronics Distribution Channels

Navigating China’s Complex Distribution Systems

China’s enormous population and rapid economic growth has mesmerized many consumer-goods manufacturers. However, while market opportunities abound, the road ahead for foreign retailers is a bumpy one because of remnants from China’s socialist background. Its deeply embedded culture, economic conditions, fragmented markets, poor sales channel access, rigid government, and inadequate market conditions are making China a tough – but not impossible – nut to crack. The rules of the game have changed, and China’s economy is now more market-oriented. While the government may be aggressive in its attempts to achieve economic growth, companies are also doing their part, transforming processes and exploring new areas to improve the effectiveness of sales and distribution channels. However, for foreign companies to establish a larger footprint in China, it takes more than merely these efforts. This study navigates the complex Chinese distribution systems and provides an anatomy of the market environment and its evolution. It also unravels the shortcomings of the traditional distribution system, influencing factors, and new processes.

Blu-ray: Consumer Survey Results

Consumer Perceptions, Demand Assessment, Satisfaction Issues, and Usage Profiles

This research brief is derived from a consumer survey completed in April 2008. Since the format war ended, Blu-ray disc player sales have declined to a certain extent. Player vendors claim the unexpected announcement from Warner left them unprepared. ABI Research remains unconvinced: these survey results reveal that the decline is more about price, not only for the BD players, but for HDTVs. The survey’s questions further explore consumers’ disc buying habits and the impact of BD in the PS3. This research brief indicates how many consumers plan to purchase a BD player in the next 12 and 24 months, as well as how many have no plans to buy one. It also examines the reasons why consumers are holding back from making this purchase. The BD market doesn’t have the same driving force behind it that the DVD market did, and the report analyzes the reasons why.

The Outlook for tru2way

Half-Empty or Half-Full?

tru2way, formerly OCAP, has reached a new milestone in the cable industry. Time Warner has deployed tru2way STB clients and Panasonic has announced its intention to release tru2way-ready TVs in concert with Comcast, in 4Q2008. This research brief examines the motivation behind tru2way and discusses the basic hardware and software requirements as well as potential issues and pitfalls. It looks at the actions of industry leaders and offers a forecast for the growth of tru2way clients in the industry.

Consumer Video Preferences and Profiles

Examining Alternative Forms of Video Consumption by Age

Growth in consumer markets is more limited by consumers’ ability to absorb new usage models and new applications than by technology. Market growth is simply limited by time. This Research Brief presents the results of an online consumer survey conducted by ABI Research in March, 2008, querying approximately 1000 video consumers as to their viewing preferences and activities. The Brief then interprets the responses in terms of the respondents’ ages to draw some conclusions about generational changes in video consumption.

Terrestrial and Multi-Channel TV Viewers

Consumer Survey Results

The TV watching public in the United States has never had so many choices in “how” to watch TV. When the analog signal shutdown occurs next year, even more opportunities will become available. But few consumers depend on terrestrial TV signals and many have forgotten they even exist. TV without a wire? Most US viewers subscribe and pay monthly for their TV programming. While DVD rentals, broadband downloads, and VOD continue to gain in popularity, which consumers are using these alternate services? Is high definition driving any change in the service mix? This Research Brief examines answers from an April 2008 consumer survey regarding these questions.

Mobile TV in the United States

The Impact of ATSC M/H

Worldwide Mobile Video and TV Market Trends

3G Deployments and Terrestrial Broadcasts Drive Growth

This Research Brief provides an overview of the mobile TV and video markets. Data was drawn from the ABI Research Market Data deliverables “Mobile Subscribers Market Data” and “Mobile Operator Performance Benchmarks” to support the analysis of these respective mobile markets. As 3G deployments are put in place and expand, penetration of mobile video will show parallel growth, providing additional revenue streams. In addition, headway is being made in mobile broadcasting, although the business models and in some cases the standards for mobile TV still show considerable variation between providers and from region to region. In this Brief ABI Research highlights some of these deployments and explores their impact on mobile video and TV markets, with a focus on revenue.

Wireless HDTV Market and Technology Update

WHDI Meets WirelessHD in the 2009 Battleground

This Research Brief is a market and technology update following the release of ABI Research’s “Wireless Video Cable Replacement Market and Technologies” study (Web ID RR-WIHD). This market is just emerging, and while some still doubt the demand for and integrity of wireless HDTV connections in the home, the fire is still burning hot with semiconductor and CE vendors. Amimon has emerged with an approach that clearly works and has successfully formed a consortium around the technology to create the WHDI standard. The WirelessHD consortium expects to have products to market in 2009 and with most of the major CE vendors lined up with one or both of these approaches, 2009 should bring a host of new product announcements.

This Research Brief examines the progress of vendors in 2008, provides a refreshed and closer look at the technologies involved, and presents a slightly revised forecast for 2009 and beyond.

HDTV and High Definition DVD Market Update

This Market Update focuses on HDTVs, flat panel TVs and next generation optical disc formats. Detailed qualitative analysis examines high definition broadcasting equipment, vendor mergers and acquisitions. The study explores leading micro display technologies--LCD, Plasma, DLP and LCoS--and their growth in the HDTV market sector. The current stalemate between the HD DVD and Blu-ray DVD formats is evaluated, with updates from vendors and studios in both camps.

CE OEMs Launch Disruptive Retail Strategy: Their Own Storefronts

Leading CE OEMs are ready to compete with their own distributors and retailers by operating their own stores. This could prove to be a disruptive strategy for bricks-and-mortar and online retailers, but not all CE OEMs will succeed in this “do it yourself” strategy. This market update explains why. It also includes detailed forecasts for all the leading CE device categories: HDTV, HD DVD players, PVRs, game consoles, portable audio players, portable video players, multi-room AV receivers, iPod Hi-Fi stations, iPod bookshelf systems and more.

CES 2007: Consumer Electronics Highlights

HDTV Enhancements and Wireless Video Solutions

The CES International exhibition was as big as ever in 2007. It showcased a great deal of new technology from HDTV manufacturers in LCD and rear projection sets, and some behind-the-scenes action for new technologies in development. Wireless and networked video systems continue to inch forward and UWB products are likely to gain a foothold in the marketplace in 2007.

This exhibition review examines high definition TV and DVD player announcements, UWB for video and Wireless USB, A/V receivers, and wireless for stereo headsets. It also introduces some lesser-known industry activities unfamiliar to many readers.

Next Generation Connected Home Devices (Fourth Screen)

Survey Results Examine Consumer Preferences in Connected Digital Photo Frames, Internet Appliances, and Media Phones

As online content and services expand throughout the digital home, a relatively nascent "fourth screen" market is starting to take shape. Connected digital photo frames, perhaps the most established of these fourth screen product categories, are poised for growth as home network penetration expands and -- following some initial concerns with overall quality -- consumers warm to these devices. Media phone and desktop Internet appliances, even more nascent than digital photo frames, already face difficulties establishing solid value propositions and differentiated feature sets in consumers’ minds. In many cases consumers lack the necessary knowledge to make informed assessments of these products. In some cases substitute products exist, such as smart phones or other fully-featured mobile devices (not to mention computing devices).

This study analyzes this relatively nascent market and discusses the issues facing companies trying to establish a viable fourth screen within the digital home. Primary data from an ABI Research online consumer survey of 1502 adults in the United States also helps shed light on current US consumers' perspectives and views of these fourth screen devices.

Video Game Console Market Update

Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii

The current generation of game consoles posted the largest quarterly shipment total in Q4 2009, although in aggregate 2009 declined over 2008 - 45.1 million compared to 46.3 million respectively. Despite current shortages from Sony and Nintendo (PS3 and Wii) ABI Research expects 2010 to have some growth prospects considering potential price drops and console refreshes (possible Xbox 360 "slim"). In addition the Blu-ray capabilities of the PS3, along with support for 3D, should also bode well for the prospects for Sony’s console as more consumers seek to upgrade from DVD and start to embrace/consider/plan for 3D in the home.

Over-the-top content, VOD, and support for broadcast/pay-TV content are other potential growth opportunities for game consoles. With the number of connected devices in the home expanding, including the TV, these features will start to play a more significant role in the console and how this market evolves over time.

Home Automation

2009 US Consumer Survey Results

Portable Gaming Market Update

Nintendo 3DS on the Horizon; What about Sony?

While the portable game industry is still led by Nintendo and Sony, mobile phones and other portable devices are quickly adding to the competitive landscape, potentially developing into substitutive products. Despite this incursion into the portable game player market the younger demographic groups are expected to help bolster demand in the coming years: children, who are less likely to own a mobile phone, will continue to represent a strong and viable target audience. This is perhaps one of the reasons Sony’s PSP has lost market presence to Nintendo’s DS line.

While 2010 is currently shaping up to be a down year for the portable gaming market in general, Sony in particular has been plagued by declining sales of its PSP brand players. The PSP Go, for instance, met with a rather tepid reception and without an announced successor to the current PSP 3000 there are likely to be further declines on the near horizon for Sony, especially if the Nintendo 3DS ships in late 2010. If the market is to regain a positive momentum it will come on the heels of innovative products such as the 3DS. While 3D technology in portable game players is still untested, it is a potentially strong differentiator from both the current generation of handhelds, and from mobile devices.

Broadband Video ASPs

White Label Platform Providers for Internet TV

As the use of broadband video explodes, a new breed of service provider is emerging to enable media and other vertical companies to publish video to the Internet. These providers, which generally offer their software platforms in a service framework, offer white-label services to companies that want to develop branded video portals. These providers compete with larger software platform providers, as well as with Internet portals and network operators offering similar services or software platforms.

This study looks at these providers, and explores how they fit into the broader market for technologies that enable broadband video streaming over the Internet. It forecasts revenue derived from both ad-supported and pay models for the companies offering such services.

Broadband Video and Web Television End-User Perceptions

2006 has seen an explosion in the adoption of broadband video. The growth has been fueled both by new and faster technology in the hands of consumers and by a growing belief among content owners that they need to make more of their content available online through digital distribution.

This study examines consumers’ adoption of video delivered over the Internet. Based on a survey of 1725 Internet users in the US, it details how consumers say they are watching online video, identifies which genres they are watching and how frequently, and canvasses their opinions about the delivery of movies over the Internet.

The Multi-Platform Distribution Conundrum

How to Bring Together Content Management and Monetization in Multi-Platform World

Today’s consumers live in a world of exploding options for delivery and consumption of video content. They no longer consume most of their video content from linear broadcast delivery on a single TV, but watch it on a mix of end-user platforms that leverage time and place-shifted technologies, all wrapped in a number of potential ad and pay-based models. A recent ABI Research survey of online US households shows how today’s consumers are adopting many of these technologies, from physical media such as DVDs to service provider VOD to online and mobile TV. This Research Brief looks at how the digital media value chain is increasingly fractured in a world of multi-platform distribution, and how some enabling software and services vendors are trying to provide a broader toolset for customers to handle the publication and distribution of content as it finds new paths to the consumer.

CES 2007 Digital Media Wrap-up

Creating, Securing and Delivering Multimedia Digital Content Anytime, Anywhere, and on Any Device

While this year’s CES 2007 show in Las Vegas demonstrated that having the right partners, business models, and rights to exclusive content can create a quality (targeted) customer experience, it was also clear that many challenges remain. This Research Brief provides in-depth and emerging trends analysis of the various show announcements which indicate that a growing variety of key contenders are entering the dynamic digital media supply chain. As these players continue to create new digital content and related services, and forge partnerships with a wide assortment of content originators, aggregators, device manufacturers and carriers, they will also have to grapple with increasingly complex business and content rights issues. ABI Research believes that highly efficient platforms or middleware, as well as networks, will have to be put in place to manage and secure the emerging surplus of high bandwidth multimedia content and related services. This infrastructure will be critical to ensuring these emerging markets’ profitability.

Pay-TV on the PC

Cable, Satellite, and Other Premium Video Services Come to Windows Vista

The release of Windows Vista will be the beginning of a new era for PC delivery of pay TV content over video network systems. Cable and satellite TV providers are looking to the PC platform as the second screen for many consumers, and want to be able to provide a counterpunch to the increasing threat they see from Internet video delivered to consumers. This report examines the efforts made by CableLabs and Microsoft to realize CableCard-compliant HD video to the PC, as well as investigating developments in the satellite space for delivery of pay TV services to the PC.

South Korean DMB Market Update

Market Status, Outlook, Global Activities, and Demographics

Over-the-Top Internet Video to the TV

Analysis of Consumer Platform and Services Options

The market for premium Internet content is exploding, as nearly all major studios and content aggregators are working to make some of their most prized content available to consumers. ABI Research believes that bridging the divide between the Internet and the TV is one of the major challenges confronting this market, and in this report we evaluate the viability of the consumer platform/service solutions available today. A number of different offerings exist, including video game consoles, hybrid set-top boxes managed by video service providers, and Internet set-top boxes (such as Apple TV), and PVRs from vendors that are not service providers.

Mobile Content Survey Results

DRM for Broadband Video

Enabling Content Security in the Web 2.0 World

DRM has long been considered as a disabler rather than an enabler in the consumer world. However due to the monetary value associated with video content, content owners and providers adopt security mechanisms to ensure content remains protected from creation to delivery. Among today’s delivery mechanisms, one that has gained traction in the market is web distribution. Broadband penetration has enabled consumers to access content online with ease and flexibility. However, this also exposes content to unauthorized use and piracy. Hence, technology vendors such as Adobe, Microsoft, and Widevine offer DRM solutions for securing online video in order to prevent digital assets from illegal and unauthorized use.

This Research Brief examines current trends in the broadband video market, discusses business models, profiles key DRM technology providers, and includes DRM market forecasts.

Consumers and Video Content

Snapshot of Consumer Habits for Digital Video Content Across PC, TV, and Internet

Consumers’ video watching habits are changing rapidly. The ability to time- and place-shift video content is creating empowered consumers who are increasingly looking to break out of the traditional paradigms of video entertainment. However, many habits and channels for entertainment are decades in the making and this means that the old and new worlds of video entertainment will continue to have a place in the vast majority of consumers’ homes for at least the next ten years. This research brief explores the ways in which consumers acquire and view their video content, evaluating usage of pay TV, DVD, carrier video on demand, Internet video, PVRs and other technologies. It also reveals how consumers store their digital video content and examines how PC based video content libraries will grow over time.

Enterprise Rights Management

The Importance of Security in the Era of Information Technology

The ERM (Enterprise Rights Management) market used to be a small segment within the overall DRM (Digital Rights Management) market. Today the ERM market, which grew slowly over the last few years, is fast gaining momentum, with the technology being adopted by several verticals including government, healthcare, financial, and manufacturing. The market initially comprised several small players such as Authentica and SealedMedia, but over the past few years, giants such as Microsoft, EMC, and Oracle have joined, in some cases by acquiring existing ERM firms. In this Research Brief, ABI Research discusses the need to deploy ERM and explains the associated benefits for enterprises. It forecasts market growth for the period spanning 2007 to 2013, and includes vendor profiles and analysis of their offerings.

Digital Media Workflow

From Content Creation to Distribution

Digital content goes through several phases before it is finally delivered to the end user. There are different products available in the market that aid in digital content workflow. Some, such as digital asset management solutions, would be useful to both enterprise and media companies, while a few, such as nonlinear editing tools, would see wider use in the entertainment world. In terms of product offering, the market consists of two categories: vendors providing tools that aid in digital content distribution to both enterprise and entertainment segments; and vendors that focus on niche markets and provide a single product. The current trend in the digital media market is to offer end-to-end platforms that include tools supporting content creation, delivery, and eventually consumption. Giants such as Microsoft tend to partner with players in ancillary markets to provide an end-to-end offering, while other companies tend to grow their product lines and business by acquiring vendors with complimentary offerings. The focus of this research brief is on applications that support the digital content lifecycle in the media and entertainment markets.

The White Label Social Networking Market

New Opportunities for Social Networking in the Enterprise

The emergence of Web 2.0 technology has resulted in rich Internet-based applications becoming available to users. As well as providing a better user experience, such applications have made collaboration on the Web – notably social networking – much easier. Networking through online communities in the consumer world has become a huge success and now enterprises are beginning to embrace this form of technology. In order to enable such communication within a business environment, white label social networking vendors offer platforms that can be re-branded to meet the requirements of the enterprises. Some of the benefits to enterprises include better and more effective networking, improved information exchange, low investment and faster time to market, and assistance in marketing.

Broadband Video Usage Habits of US Consumers

An Analysis of US Online Households Viewing Habits for Internet Video

The market for online video is rapidly changing, with consumers of all age groups increasing the frequency and duration of their online video consumption. The change from last year is dramatic, with ABI Research survey results showing a doubling of those consumers who say they watch video streamed through a browser, from 32% to 63%. This increased adoption of online video can be attributed to a large-scale shift in the industry towards embracing the online channel as a legitimate and growing avenue for video entertainment. TV networks, content aggregators, portals, as well as device and software players, have all made significant progress in making content available, focusing on ad-supported content as well as, in some cases, pay-based channels. This research brief examines the results of a survey taken in 2Q, 2008 of 985 online households, in which ABI Research asked consumers about their preferences in technology usage and entertainment consumption.

Overview of DRM, DAM and Online Digital Media Analysis

ABI Research’s Digital Media Distribution and Management Research Service focuses on many growing trends in the digital media industry, spanning DRM, DAM and online digital multimedia categories. The current market update offers a detailed overview of mobile and IPTV DRM, rich media DAM, and online multimedia services markets.

Future of Video Sharing Sites, User Generated and Copy-Protected Content

YouTube has become the latest sensation in online video sharing, boasting well over 100 million video downloads per day. Some the challenges facing it are discussed in this Update, with respect to other competing services, hosting of copyrighted content and its laid-back attitude towards monetizing its leading position. The Update also focuses on digital cinema, open source DRM, and other late-breaking issues.

IP Video Middleware

Supporting Network Element Management, Back-Office Functions, EPG, and Media Access

The Network and Client Middleware Research Brief provides an overview of the growth in the market for middleware solutions in IP video networks. Additionally, the brief provides market-share analysis and an overview of technology partners and customers for key solution vendors. It also includes a competitive assessment of each middleware category.

DOCSIS 3.0: Cable’s IP Video Play - CMTS, CM, Residential Gateways, STBs, and IP Video Services

As cable operators seek to deploy advanced interactive video services, and face increasing competition from telecom, satellite, and mobile operators on the video front, they are turning to new technology to reduce bandwidth usage while improving performance and capabilities on their existing networks. A key emerging technology to enable advanced video services is DOCSIS 3.0. By delivering interactive IP video to the home over DOCSIS, cable operators free bandwidth on multicast networks and can take advantage of the innovative features offered by IP video.

ABI Research’s report addresses CableLabs’ issuance of DOCSIS 3.0 specifications, an overview of some pre-DOCSIS 3.0-standard CMTS products on the market, and analysis of the impact of DOCSIS 3.0 on CMTS and CPE shipments.

Universal EdgeQAMs

Emerging Solutions for Managing Bandwidth

This Research Brief examines the issues that vendors of universal edge quadrature amplitude modulators (u-edgeQAMs) face, as video operators promote standards for these devices and consider alternatives for increasing bandwidth such as the migration of channels from analog to digital. The development of u-edgeQAM technology will include an increase in density, more efficient QAM sharing, decreased power consumption, and attention to the size and weight of the chassis. The study explores the market strategies surrounding u-edgeQAMs, and the factors that determine the value of the market.

Electronic Program Guides

Emerging Solutions for Managing Video Content

In this Research Brief, ABI Research examines how electronic program guides (EPGs) will change as video operators integrate IP video, third-party video services and mobile video onto their platforms using one seamless interface. The development of EPG technology will include more intuitive interfaces, integration of Web browsers and portals, the imposition of operator controls on access to outside content, and the ability to integrate with mobile video and other platforms. The report explores the market strategies surrounding EPGs, and factors in determining the value of the market.

IPTV in Singapore

The Rapidly Emerging Singaporean IPTV Industry, Technology, Regulatory Environment, Trends and Market Potential

In order to thrive in a competitive environment, traditional voice-oriented telecom operators are being compelled to diversify their businesses. One way to do this is through deployment of IPTV. Six out of ten Singaporeans have broadband connections, and given their tech-savvy nature and reputation as early adopters, this high penetration creates the ideal foundation for IPTV to thrive. This study discusses the way IPTV will revolutionize the media scene and alter the way people watch television in Singapore. It includes an overview of the existing IPTV operators in the nation, compares IPTV with existing cable and satellite TV technologies, and examines the essential ‘ingredients’ that IPTV needs to possess in order to emerge the winner.

Municipal FTTX Networks

City Network Plans and Leveraging the Open-Access Model

Municipal/city FTTH networks were among the earliest drivers for FTTH deployments in North America and are set to dominate Western European FTTH deployments in the near-to-middle term. This Research Brief provides an overview of the growth of FTTH municipal/city networks and the strategies that jurisdictions in regions around the world are adopting in developing networks to support businesses, residents, and housing developments. Additionally, the report provides an overview of how open-access networks will play a role in the development of communications infrastructures in cities and housing developments to create a communications utility service that provides an open platform for all.

Emerging Satellite Standards for New Services

DVB-S2, DVB-RCS, and DVB-SH

This Research Brief provides an overview of emerging DVB standards for new satellite services and summarizes some of the new business opportunities these standards will enable. It covers DVB-S2, DVB-RCS, and DVB-SH. It also provides a quick overview of how some companies are incorporating these standards into satellite-network solutions, chipsets for STBs, and service offerings.

IPTV in Korea

What It Will Take to Become a Leading Industry Player

South Korea is one of the most advanced broadband markets, with availability and subscriber levels for high-speed DSL broadband that lead the world. However, IPTV adoption in South Korea has only started to pick up in recent years. Its stunted growth is a result of industry stakeholders’ conflicting interests. The South Korean government has stepped up its efforts to work with operators to introduce high-bandwidth broadband services and IPTV. Recent subscriber trends indicate that fiber and cable technologies are rapidly gaining traction in the market, and this sturdy growth is expected to propel IPTV take-rates. Despite growing market traction, the competitive atmosphere is also getting tenser as operators try to get a slice of that pie. So, what are the next steps that operators should be taking to retain their market share? This study examines the South Korean broadband and IPTV industry and the role of government, as well as the steps some key operators are taking to retain users and increase revenues. It provides an overview of the evolution of the South Korean broadband market, evaluates market influences (such as policies implemented by the authorities), and discusses the market outlook.

IPTV in Japan

Telco TV's Fast-Growing Position in the Broadband and Pay-TV Industries

IPTV's penetration rate in Japan has been fairly modest to date -- the result of the market's initially closed character, inefficient infrastructure, and restrictive government regulations. Nevertheless, IPTV is an attractive service combining the television and Internet experiences by providing two-way services. A prerequisite for IPTV is a high-speed broadband connection, so several operators are embracing FTTH. With fiber connections, telco operators are no longer bound by government restrictions on their provision of television services over the Internet. IPTV should have a considerable impact on the telecommunication and broadcasting industries in Japan. ABI Research expects IPTV services grow rapidly, and by 2012 there will be at least 4.2 million IPTV subscribers in Japan. The question is: what will IPTV's wider adoption mean for Japan's legacy television services? This study examines the positions of the Japanese broadband and pay-TV industries, and the government's initiatives in bringing the nation's broadband market up to speed. It describes how the Japanese broadband industry has evolved in recent years and discusses potential "pull" features that are critical to the future of IPTV in Japan.

CableCards

The Future of the US CATV Set-Top Box Market

The July 1, 2007 FCC deadline to remove embedded security from US cable set-top boxes will bring about many competitive changes in the US cable set-top box market. This Research Brief provides an overview of the changes that may occur in the near and distant future after the deadline, from the point of view of the various players in the market. In addition, this report provides an overview of the strategies the players may employ to cope with the changes.

US Master Planned Communities and FTTH

Greenfield Fiber Deployment Opportunities

This research brief analyzes how master planned communities (MPCs) are using fiber to the home (FTTH) to add value to newly built homes by providing advanced communications systems. The report explores the US housing market and the growth of MPCs as a portion of new home builds. It also addresses key business issues for using FTTH in MPCs, such as take rates, open networks, and IP video strategies. The research also provides an overview of FTTH vendors targeting the MPC market and the forecast for MPC FTTH homes.

Optical Cross-Connects (OXCs) in Fiber-to-the-Home Management

CAPEX, OPEX, and Market-Value Analysis

In this Research Brief, ABI Research examines the role of optical cross-connects (OXCs) in enabling fiber management at fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) central offices. The report outlines the development of software-based OXC solutions and compares the benefits of these to manual OXCs. Using a cost model, ABI Research provides an overview of the CAPEX and OPEX for manual and software-based OXCs. Additionally, the report estimates the market value of OXCs used in FTTH management.

Fiber to the Home in Japan

Emerging Broadband Technologies, Regulatory Issues, and Key Market Trends

Japan’s broadband industry has seen resounding success in recent years. It owes this achievement to the stunning growth of ADSL in the previous period, and more recently, Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH). In terms of take-rates, FTTH numbers may seem to pale in comparison to ADSL at present, but FTTH is showing signs of proving its worth as a fierce competitor to ADSL. ABI Research expects to see DSL growth hitting its peak very soon, and then take-rates will gradually taper off. Taking its place will be FTTH which is expected to grow rapidly by an average of 14.5% yearly over the next half a decade or so. FTTH will eventually attain a critical mass and replace ADSL in leading the way towards Japan’s bandwidth access future.

This study addresses the nature of the broadband market (including ADSL, cable modem, FTTH and WiMAX), the various types of access method, and how the government’s aggressive strategies have acted as a catalyst to growth. It examines how issues that previously impeded take-rates have been resolved. It summarizes the broadband strategies adopted by the government, and what they mean to the industry. The study also delves into price issues, and into the culture and lifestyles of the Japanese consumer population.

European DTT Services Snapshot

DTT and Its Place Within EU ASO Plans

This research brief provides an overview of the European DTT market, focusing on the drivers for DTT, its place within ASO (analog switch-off) plans, business models and key players within major European countries. In addition it includes current and forecast figures for shipments of TV-centric DTT receivers and households using DTT as a primary means of digital TV reception up until 2012, which is the recommended ASO date within the EU.

Multi-Channel Video Survey Results

This research brief presents the results of an online survey conducted in the United States in December 2007 examining the adoption and usage habits of consumers around TV services. It examines adoption of pay-TV, HD, VOD, Internet video as well as other alternatives. It looks at differences between the different pay-TV offerings such as cable, IPTV and DBS.

Pay-TV, Online Video, and Music Survey

The Resilience of Traditional Media

The Internet has quickly become a common outlet for entertainment, commerce, information, and communication for consumers around the world. While music and video often highlight this shift in consumer behavior these new avenues for content do not necessarily portend an end to traditional media. For the time being, much of the online/digital content is supplemental if not complementary to media outlets such as broadcast television and radio.

In this Research Brief the aforementioned market dynamics are corroborated by the results of a survey conducted by ABI Research, in which the vast majority of the 1,502 US respondents claimed to support more traditional forms of media. In fact the rather low consumption rate of online video might surprise many, considering the penetration rate of online viewers.

Clean Telecoms: An MWC 2009 Round Up

Networks, Devices, and Accessories

Mobile Handset Green Initiatives

Manufacturing and Materials Issues, Corporate Responsibility, Regulatory Pressures, and Voluntary Industry Efforts

Green Purchasing Trends for Mobile Phones and Services

2009 US Consumer Mobility Survey Results

In March 2009, ABI Research conducted an online study among 1,000+ adult US consumers concerning their habits and plans for use of a mobile phone, including the impact of “green” initiatives on their purchase of mobile phones and services. This Research Brief provides the survey results for the portion of questions related to green purchase initiatives from mobile providers. Questions were asked about the likelihood of service purchase from an operator who employs green initiatives and the likelihood of purchasing a mobile phone from a company that is pursuing green initiatives. Research methodology and detailed respondent demographics are also included.

"Green" Handsets

Selected Results from the October 2009 US Emerging Technology Survey

[top]Telematics & Navigation

Commercial Telematics Backgrounder

Japan’s Commercial Telematics Industry

There are over 18 million commercial vehicles in Japan, where over 90% of freight movement is over the road. Historically, the Japanese trucking industry was tightly controlled by the government, however deregulation has opened this fiercely competitive industry to new players. As a result, the need to promote innovation and efficiency through the use of enabling technologies such as GPS and cellular communications, has helped drive the commercial telematics industry in Japan. This research brief examines the numerous verticals in the Japanese market and gives insight into new trends, major players and unique requirements for the major market segments. Case studies and player profiles are provided, as well as market forecasts through 2011.

South Korea’s Commercial Telematics Industry

The South Korean commercial telematics industry is still in its infancy, yet showing signs that it is ready to move towards the next stage of development. Now only three years after the introduction of commercial telematics to South Korea, users’ expectations, as well as the enabling technologies and hardware, have been clearly defined. With nearly five million commercial vehicles in use in the region, the market potential is significant. This research brief examines the numerous verticals in the South Korean market and gives insight into new trends, major players and unique requirements for the major market segments. Player profiles are provided, as well as market forecasts through 2011.

Commercial Telematics Market Update

New market entrants such as Bendix, and Eaton, Tata Motors, and TomTom have joined the ranks of market participants in the commercial telematics industry. This market update examines their efforts and how wireless carriers continue to focus on fleet management solutions. As part of the new added focus on Europe, an overview of the UK commercial telematics market is also provided.

The Handset-Based Movement Gains Momentum

Commercial Telematics ASPs such as ActSoft, GearWorks, TeleNav, and Xora have been steadily bolstering their subscriber bases over the last several quarters. This update focuses on that growing segment and provides market share information for the leading competitors, as well as thoughts on how this market may progress in other regions. A current update on the trailer and international cargo container electronic tracking markets is also provided.

Handset-based Commercial Telematics and Enterprise LBS

Converged Asset Tracking and Workforce Management Solutions

The emergence of high performance touchscreen-based GPS-smartphones and open development platforms provides new momentum for handset-based commercial telematics and enterprise LBS applications for asset, vehicle and work force management. These can allow smaller companies to become more cost-efficient in the challenging environment of an economic downturn, and to compete better with large fleets and enterprises. North America is the leading region, with carriers Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T teaming up with companies such as Sprint, Telenav, Xora, TCS and Wavemarket.

This Research Brief provides an overview of industry segments, applications, and the main players active in the handset-based commercial telematics and enterprise LBS market. It describes the benefits and drawbacks of handset-based converged solutions and includes forecast data per region.

US Navigation Survey Highlights

In-dash, Portable, and Handset-based Navigation Systems Usage and Purchase Pattern

In August 2008, ABI Research surveyed 750 in-car navigation users in the US on a wide range of topics related to navigation usage. The survey was focused on navigation device form factors, use cases, navigation feature usage, price evolution, satisfaction and brand/vendor market shares. This Research Brief presents the main highlights of the survey, providing insight into major questions such as the uptake of handset-based navigation, PND vendor market shares, price evolution, the use of traffic and multimedia features, and future preferences.

Consumer Navigation Survey Findings

Selected Results Segmented by Age

In August 2008, ABI Research surveyed 750 in-car navigation users in the US on a wide range of topics related to navigation usage. The survey was focused on navigation form factors, use cases, navigation feature usage, price evolution, satisfaction and brand / vendor market shares.

This Research Brief presents the findings of the survey, providing insight into differences among age groups related to the uptake of handset-based navigation, navigation form factor preferences, PND vendor market shares, price evolution, the use of traffic and multimedia features, and future preferences.

Location-Based Advertising

Market Drivers and Barriers, Business Models, Vendor Ecosystem, and Forecasts

Location-based advertising is gaining momentum as a new medium for advertisers. It provides more targeted communication and is an additional revenue source for LBS vendors, allowing them to offer free ad-funded navigation and LBS services that can stimulate uptake and/or increase profitability. This Research Brief describes the types of location-based advertising, the latest trends, drivers, barriers, and the ecosystem. Case studies of the most relevant initiatives are included. The Research Brief also provides forecasts for free ad-funded navigation.

Connected Navigation

Real-Time Two-Way Communications for Navigation Systems

Real-Time Two-Way (RTTW) Connected Navigation is a navigation device/service combination that has real-time two-way communications capability. This Research Brief looks at the developing marketplace and ecosystem for RTTW Connected Navigation, discussing some key players and potential future scenarios. The broader category of Connected Navigation can include wired and non-real-time connectivity. RTTW Connected Navigation is a specific subset of connected navigation that includes a cellular radio as the most likely connectivity method, although other systems will be used (satellite, WiMAX). The handset-based version of connected navigation will grow explosively from 2007 to 2012, and other forms (Automotive OEM, PNDs, other form factors) will also grow strongly.

2009 Navigation Survey Highlights

Navigation Preferences and User Behavior in the United States, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom

In April 2009, ABI Research surveyed 766 navigation users in the US and 255 in Germany, 255 in the UK and 255 in France on a wide range of topics related to navigation usage. The survey comprised a wide range of topics related to navigation usage, form factors, features, price evolution, satisfaction, brand/vendor shares, and LBS applications. This Research Brief presents the major highlights of the survey with a focus on comparisons between the different countries.

US Navigation Device Usage Trends

Summary of 2008 and 2009 Survey Results

In August, 2008 and April, 2009, ABI Research conducted online studies among adult US consumers concerning their use of different types of GPS navigation devices in automobiles.

This Research Brief provides the comparative survey results for the portion of questions that were asked of respondents in both years. Topics covered in this Brief include types of devices and specific brands used, length of ownership and price paid, feature usage, satisfaction with devices, and future purchase plans. Questions were also asked about the use of traffic information, map updates, and POI downloads. This Research Brief includes survey methodology, responses laid out in charts with additional summaries and analyst commentary, and respondent classification/demographics.

Insurance Telematics and Driver Behavior Monitoring

PAYD, Eco Driving, and Safety Solutions

Driver behavior monitoring services are quickly gaining momentum in both the consumer and commercial telematics segments. While the uptake of Pay As You Drive insurance telematics has remained limited, new applications such as safe, ecological, and economical driving monitoring are expected to grow quickly due to increasing customer awareness and regulation initiatives.

This Research Brief examines the driver behavior monitoring parameters, technology and form factors, use cases and segments, vendor profiles, and drivers and barriers.

Location-Aware Content

Defining Players and Products for Connected Navigation and Location-Based Services

For LBS to develop and for connected navigation to grow, there needs to be an ecosystem for location-aware content that can be delivered and maintained in real-time. In this Brief, we cover some of the potential players and the deliverable forms of location-aware real-time data that will be necessary for next-generation embedded and Internet information systems.

In-Vehicle Computing and Converged Phone Navigation

Analysis of Non-Traditional Portable Navigation Devices

In this Research Brief, ABI Research examines new form factors and potential features that can aid in differentiation of portable navigation products. It provides a forecast for shipments of non-traditional navigation, and conducts a specific examination of some of the existing navigation-centric products, from GPS-enabled UMPCs to in-car computers to GPS-enabled smartphones designed specifically with navigation in mind. The report includes specific differentiations of these products, and take-aways for navigation vendors and the location industry in general.

Mobile World Congress Key Findings

LTE, WiMAX, Mobile Linux, Femtocells, Location, MIDs, and Other Key Topics

3D and Photorealistic Navigation

Navigation Systems with High-Quality Graphics

This research brief discusses the system and device requirements that enable a navigation device to show lifelike 3D images or photographs. The primary factor slowing adoption is cost pressure due to the requirements for processor power, display resolution, and memory for database storage. Other factors include the complexities of database development, and population coverage. Pushing adoption forward are consumer demand, falling costs for components, and clever solutions to processing and memory constraints. This brief profiles market participants and forecasts growth trends for the adoption of this feature through 2012.

Digital Mapping Trends

Features, Attributes, Developing Regions, New Players, and Business Models

Digital maps remain the cornerstone of LBS, navigation and telematics services. While new features and attributes for new user classes such as pedestrians, cyclists and trucks are continuously being added, map vendors are increasingly faced with eroding licensing fees and the challenge to generate new revenue streams such as advertising.

This brief discusses the latest features and attributes, provides a status of map coverage in developing regions, describes existing and new mapping vendors and discusses emerging alternative businesss models.

Dedicated People-Tracking Solutions

Child, Teenage Driver, Elderly, Parolee, and Lone Workers Tracking

Dedicated person-tracking devices are available for a wide range of applications such as child tracking and teenage driver tracking. However, the strongest growth in dedicated person tracking devices is expected in segments such as the elderly, Alzheimer’s patients, parolees, offenders, and lone workers due to the unique characteristics of these solutions in terms of battery life, reliability, and size compared with converged form factors based on handsets.

This Research Brief describes dedicated person-tracking devices' form factors, segments, pricing, and main vendors. It also provides insight into the growth of this GPS product category including the main market drivers and barriers, as well as shipment forecasts per segment.

Navigation in Developing Regions

Trends and Forecasts for Brazil, Russia, India, and China

With saturating PND and In-dash navigation sales opportunities in developed regions, many vendors are looking to developing regions, in particular the BRIC countries, to expand their business. While the booming economies and soaring car sales in these countries create positive market conditions, barriers such as the lack of digital map coverage, availability of GPS-handsets, government regulation and language issues continue to delay the uptake of navigation. However, volumes are expected to pick up, especially for handset-based navigation solutions, with China as the biggest opportunity.

This Research Brief covers market conditions, drivers, barriers and main market players for navigation devices and services in Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Forecasts per form factor are also included.

Handset-based Navigation for Pedestrians

Trends, Market Players, and Forecasts

While in-car navigation is an established and well-known service, pedestrian navigation is just starting to gain momentum. Advances in handset hardware such as high sensitivity GPS receivers and electronic compasses, navigation software, and pedestrian map details and content have allowed companies such as Nokia, Garmin, Samsung, Wayfinder, and Networks in Motion to launch solutions optimized for walkers. Transit information, GPS-triggered tourist content, 3D maps and imagery, and augmented reality applications are important drivers to boost awareness and uptake of this new navigation category.

This research brief describes the main features, components, and characteristics of pedestrian navigation, the major market players, form factors, future trends and a forecast of pedestrian navigation users by region. It provides insight into drivers, barriers, pricing and business models.

New Navigation Form Factors

MIDs, UMPCs, Netbooks, Portable Gaming Consoles, Rear View Mirror Systems, and PMPs

Much of the debate around navigation form factors to date has centered on in-dash, portable and handset-based navigation. However, a number of new form factors are gradually becoming available offering unique benefits such as bigger screens (netbooks) compared to traditional systems. In other cases consumers can reuse devices they already own such as MIDs or portable gaming consoles for navigation at a small incremental cost.

This Research Brief provides insight into the most important alternative navigation form factors such as UMPCs, laptops, netbooks, MIDs, PMPs, outdoor GPS handhelds, GPS fitness watches, portable gaming consoles, rear view mirror systems and digital cameras. The brief includes forecasts, a SWOT analysis of each form factor, and the main vendors, as well as market drivers and barriers.