ABI: New class of converged devices ahead

A new class of devices is ahead as everyday consumer electronics and mobile broadband converge, according to ABI Research.
“The market for cellular-enabled consumer electronics devices will gather momentum in 2008 and 2009 with Qualcomm Inc.’s Snapdragon platform. As mobile WiMAX networks increase their coverage, more WiMAX-only devices will be sold. Between WiMAX network deployments and devices using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon platform or Freescale’s MXC platform, the 2008-to-2009 time period will be critical for the development of this market,” said Phil Solis, ABI principal analyst.
Consumer electronics devices already include Wi-Fi connectivity, and more Wi-Fi enabled portable devices will become a bridge to mobile consumer electronics devices, the research firm said. Service providers will sell these devices to consumers as they become more prevalent.