Japan’s population is about 128 million people so to say that one in 25 will buy a MID in 2012, just over 3 years away, seems a little surprising. Even more surprising is the prediction that, together with 18 million smartphone sales, the MID/Smartphone segment will form about 40% of the total handset market meaning MIDs would be 10% of the total handset market. However, the definition of a MID that has been used seems slightly off-mark and puts the average screen size at 3.5 inches. I could understand an average of 4" but 3.5"? Too small for 800×480? Cue Touch HD owners…
The concept of MID is defined in this report according to five conditions, which are Mobility, Always-On, Embedded 3G+, Display Size, and Full Browsing. This report emphasizes that in order to offer mobility while being differentiated from Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), MIDs have to be embedded with 3G+ cellular chip. When mobile WiMAX is vitalized, MID products that cover voice services based on VoIP and offer mobile broadband might hit the market.
Source: Research and Markets
Via TMCNet (Nov 20th)