Tablets Dominate But Demand for
Other 3G/4G Devices Also Set To Grow
Boston, MA – June 20, 2013 – Global sales of wireless (3G
or 4G) consumer electronics (CE) devices will increase by 54 percent in 2013 to
reach 73 million units, according to the latest research from Strategy
Analytics’ Connected
Home Devices (CHD) service. The report, “Embedded
Wireless and LTE CE Devices Global Market Forecast”, finds that tablets
dominate this emerging sector with a 75 percent share in 2013. Annual demand
for wireless CE devices, including tablets, ultramobile PCs, digital cameras,
e-book readers and games consoles, is predicted to break through the 150
million unit mark by 2017.
Several factors explain the growth
in 3G/4G-enabled consumer electronics:
·
Mobile operators such as AT&T have introduced more attractive data plans
·
Pricing for 3G/4G-enabled devices have become
more attractive
·
Consumers in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific
region, where WiFi is less widely available, have a greater need for 3G/4G
connectivity
“Consumers are ready to buy and use cellular-enabled
consumer electronics devices when the value proposition is right,” says Jia Wu,
Director, Connected
Home Devices. “3G and 4G services can enhance the functionality of many
devices by offering always-available connectivity and cellular providers can
reap the benefits with the right pricing and bundling strategies.”
The report also quantifies the transition to 4G and LTE-enabled
consumer electronics. Nearly a third of wireless CE devices featured embedded
4G/LTE in 2012, and this will rise to
nearly three quarters by 2017.
“As the leading mobile phone manufacturer, Samsung in
particular is making a determined effort to push cellular connectivity into the
tablet market,” notes Peter King, Director, Tablets
and Touchscreen Strategies (TTS). “We expect to see significant growth in
3G/4G-enabled tablets during 2013 and beyond.”