The ubiquity of wireless connectivity and the variety of technologies available are enabling the development of an ever broader range of connected devices, from mobile handsets to mobile Internet devices, ultramobile PCs, laptops and a whole range of consumer-electronics devices offering fast wireless-data-transfer speeds.

The introduction of Apple’s iPhone has changed the dynamics of the mobile handset market. More attention is being paid to providing an intuitive and friendlier user interface coupled with a large touch screen.

Openness of mobile operating systems is becoming a key feature in the handset market. Nokia’s creation of the Symbian Foundation will put significant pressure on other OS-platform providers, such as Microsoft and Apple, to make their platforms open-source, in order to spur innovation and attract application development.

The engines that power desktop browsers are taking over the mobile phone market, displacing old-guard WAP proponents. Open source is viewed as an ideal medium to develop high-quality mobile browsers.

With the global handset market oversupplied and a number of brands fighting for customers, more consolidation is likely among smaller vendors. Volume and profit are the key drivers of the global handset market, and joining forces appears to be the only way for vendors to keep their footprint in the industry.

David McQueen, Principal Analyst, david.mcqueen@informa.com

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