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27th August 2004 - As better devices and lower
prices combine with other factors to fuel growth
and meet demand, smartphone shipments are set
to rise dramatically over the next five years,
reports In-Stat/MDR (http://www.instat.com). According
to the high-tech market research firm, smartphone
shipments will experience a 44% Compound Annual
Growth Rate (CAGR) over the next five years.
However, the big breakout period for these products
is still about 12 to 18 months away. Yet, this
doesn't mean that this year is not an important
one. As this segment builds there are many things
worth knowing in order to take advantage of these
business opportunities.
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Some of the reasons why smartphones are taking off include
smaller form factors, falling prices on select devices,
better integration of voice, e-mail and Personal Information
Manager functionality, a growing variety of devices, and
increasing demand from business users looking for integrated
voice and data devices.
However, this segment does face some hurdles, such
as price, size, lack of 3G networks, battery life, and
security concerns. But, most of these hurdles can, and
will, be solved, and the smartphone's best days are
just around the corner.
A recent report from In-Stat/MDR also finds that:
- In a recent survey of users, only 9% had a smartphone.
- In the same survey, Sprint PCS respondents showed
the greatest willingness to pay more for a smartphone
as their next wireless phone.
- Symbian-based smartphones will dominate over the
next 5 years. Microsoft's platform will be second
by 2006.
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