Number of 3D Mobile Devices Will Surpass 148 Million in 2015

The implementation of 3D on mobile devices is still in its infancy and requires a much more advanced technical solution for both viewing 3D and capturing 3D. However, the tremendous size of the mobile market is driving the industry to overcome some of the current limitations. 3D displays are still evolving, while image sensors are benefiting from a TAM that is likely to triple by 2015, and the processing solutions are already on a roadmap that will support the increasing demands of 3D. New research from In-Stat, 3D on Mobile Technology: Processors, Image Sensors, and Displays Drive the 3D Experience, forecasts that the total number of 3D mobile devices will surpass 148 million units in 2015.

“Despite the advances in the technology, adoption of 3D in mobile devices is still likely to be relatively slow due to limitations in content, the potential of eye strain and headaches from viewing 3D content by some, and the additional cost for 3D content and devices,” says Jim McGregor, Chief Technology Strategist. “Although 3D has been around for decades, the current technology is new and advanced. And, as with any new technology, adoption will increase as the ecosystem matures, costs come down, and the ability to capture 3D is combined with innovative mobile applications, which is likely to be in the 2013 to 2015 timeframe.”

Recent research findings include:

• Nearly 30% of all handheld game consoles will be 3D by 2015.
• 3D mobile devices will increase demand for image sensors by 130%.
• In 2012, notebook PCs will be the first 3D enabled mobile device to reach 1 million units.
• By 2014, 18% of all tablets will be 3D.

Recent In-Stat research, 3D on Mobile Technology: Processors, Image Sensors, and Displays Drive the 3D Experience (#IN1105069SI) analyzes the challenges and opportunities for 3D technology in mobile devices and what it means for the underlying technologies, image sensors, mobile processors, and displays, as well as the potential impact on costs and other technologies in the mobile market.
Included in the report:

• Adoption rates of 3D technology by mobile platform, 2010-2015
• Demand for image sensors by mobile device with 3D upside, 2010-2015
• Key companies focused on autostereoscopy mobile technology
• Sample 3D mobile product review; Nintendo 3DS Handheld Game Console, Fuji FinePix REAL 3D, GoPro 3D HERO, Sony Bloggie 3D, ViewSonic 3DV5, LG Optimus/G-Slate Tablet, Origin EON15-3D Notebook PC, Toshiba Satellite A665-3DV Notebook PC, Fujitsu LIFEBOOK AH572 3D Notebook PC, HP Envy 17 3D Notebook PC, ASUS G51 Jx 3DE Notebook PC, Lenovo IdeaPad Y560d, Dell XPS 17 3D and Alienware M17x 3D, LG Optimus 3D, HTC EVO 3D Handset, and Sharp’s Glapagos 003SH and 005SH Handset

For a free sample of the report and more information contact Elaine Potter, epotter@in-stat.com; (480) 483-4441