Smartphones are the most popular device with an increasing number of Brits and the products are driving growth in the entire consumer electronics (CE) industry.
This is according to chief technology strategist for mobile research firm In Stat Jim McGregor, who explained these devices make up the single largest and fastest growing sector in the overall market.
New research from his organisation predicts mobile platforms - which includes media tablets such as the Apple iPad 2 and notebook computers, as well as smartphones - will experience a compound annual growth rate of 25.7 per cent through to 2015.
It was noted CE used to be driven by a variety of devices that offered specific functions such as music playback, video or voice communications, but is slowly giving way to a range of homogenous products that offer several uses.
Internet connectivity is a common trait, with communications and entertainment provided by this function alone.
This trend was described as extending beyond mobile, as digital televisions and set top boxes are also performing well.
Indeed, mobile network carrier Three recently announced it is taking steps into the connected devices market, initiating a partnership with cloud service provider Macheen.
A wider range of compatible products are expected to deliver increased functionality options as a result of this move.
Furthermore, wireless 3G access will be installed in handsets at the point of manufacture, empowering product-makers to bring these services under their own control.
"The technology driver of all these smart devices is the mobile technology," Mr McGregor remarked.
He continued: "The innovation of the mobile market is being driven by four key factors: richer content, network access for communications and content, increased bandwidth to enable this access, and new technologies."
"These four factors form a self-sustaining circle of innovation that feeds from and enables each factor," the expert summarised.
Posted by Paul Thornbury