A study by research firm Juniper Reseahow’s predicts that shipments of touchscreen-only smartphones will surpass 700 million per year in 2016, 72 percent of total shipments compared to half in 2010.
Extensive research into upcoming and recent mobile phone models found a trend going away from keyboard-only interfaces, and with one of the top smartphone manufacturer Research in Motion (RIM) announcing a line of new devices that only has touchscreen interfaces, there is further evidence of this “design strategy.”
Daniel Ashdown, the Juniper Research analyst who authored the report, said that “touchscreen displays not only provide a superior user experience for many activities, but free-up space on the device for a larger display: that extra 2 to 3 inches can make a world of difference in the range of activities that can be performed more comfortably on the smartphone.” For example, gaming apps, which are the most downloaded app type, are more appealing to users if played on a larger screen.
The research also predicted that shipments of 3D-enabled phones will reach 80 million by 2016. Smartphone manufacturers LG and HTC have been the first to launch this type of device. Given the interests of consumers in 3D technology through its introduction in home entertainment and cinemas, the ability to capture 3D videos and photos will drive adoption.
The report also found that worldwide shipments of smartphone will reach one billion per year in 2016, a significantly higher amount compared to 302 million in 2010.
Is the traditional keyboard dead for smartphones?
