Sensors define the ability of the device to interact and make sense of information gathered from the outside world. Thanks to the various sensors and sensor combinations embedded in modern mobile phones and tablets, these devices can now automatically react to some specific conditions under which the device operates. Sensors can authenticate the user identity; enable the device to track its location, its orientation, how fast it is moving; how healthy the user is; and under what condition he or she is using the device. All data tracked from various sensors can be processed in a sensor hub to determine the context under which the device is used. Not only is this information valuable for improving the user experience and for optimizing the performance of the device but it could be of paramount importance in tracking the device usage patterns, which could enable the device to learn and predict the user behavior in the future.
This analysis evaluates key opportunities and challenges facing the various sensor technologies and combinations in the mobile market and across various segments from low-end to high-end devices. Sensors are segmented by technology and by function. A specific attention is dedicated to MEMS and combo sensors.