Market analysis firm ABI Research has publishd a new study, “Mobile Internet Devices and UMPCs,” which takes a look at the market potential of ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs) which primarily target business and enterprise users, and so-called “mobile Internet devices” which primarily target consumers. Their forecast? The market is set to explode over the next five years, with ABI forecasting nearly 95 million of these “ultra-mobile devices”—UMDs— will have shipped by 2012.
“UMDs are a very exciting, potentially very lucrative area,” says ABI Research VP Stan Schatt. “What makes this market so intriguing is that products will assume so many different forms. That product differentiation will be an integral part of the ultra mobile device marketing plan.”
The research uses a rather narrow definition of UMPCs, basically requiring that they run some version of Microsoft Windows and provide business applications. Mobile Internet Devices, MIDs, are a much broader category, with ABI noting they’re more likely to run Linux and focus on offering consumer-oriented features. The Apple iPhone and Nokia’s N800 would be “precursors” of what ABI believes will emerge as a market category of mobile Internet devices. Both sets of devices wil focus on offering always-on connectivity from any location, leveraging a variety of technologies from WiMAX and Wi-Fi to HSDPA and other cellular technologies.
ABI is forecasting the ultra-mobile device category will encompass “hundreds of vendors” crafting technologies and services designed to appeal to particular niches. Among consumer audiences ABI believes will find ultra-mobile devices the most interesting are “Frugal Generalists”, “Lifestyle Boomers”, “Soccer Moms”, “Gen Y Social Networkers”, and “Multimedia Enthusiasts.” ABI also forecasts new applications will emerge in the category, including things like remote medical monitoring, which could (say) automatically call for aid if a diabetic’s blood sugar level declines too far or a heart monitor indicates an irregular rhythm.
