Dual-mode handsets boom
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Converged voice and data mobile devices are selling like hot cakes, says IDC.
The swing to dual voice and data mobile devices in Western Europe is gaining momentum, according to market watcher IDC. In its latest assessment of the mobile device market, IDC analysts note that while sales of devices capable of voice and data functions – so-called converged devices – are booming, traditional handset sales are down.
According to IDC, sales of converged devices grew by 43% in the first three months of 2006, compared to the same period in 2005. Even this is regarded as “disappointing” by the IDC analysts, as previously growth rates have been even higher.
However, many of the leading manufacturers are due to release new models later in the year, depressing early-year sales. Growth levels are predicted to rise even more sharply by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, in the handheld market, sales of non-telephony capable PDAs slumped in the first quarter of 2006. Shipments of just 549,000 units represent a 21% decline year on year. Geoff Blaber, senior research analyst at IDC, says that the intense competition in this declining market is likely to force out several technology suppliers.
