14 DAY TRIAL // In some nations, the economy is getting back on its feet, and this means that hardware makers and PC suppliers may actually start seeing their sales improve. Most companies already proudly reported an on-year revenue and shipment growth during the first quarter of 2010 and expect their market shares to rise by the end of the year. Now, analysts predict that, with smartphones, handsets, MIDs, tablets, mobile PCs and e-readers on the rise, the amount of Wi-Fi controllers sold by this year's end will also jump.
To be somewhat more specific, ABI research took a close look at the market for such wireless controllers and found that total shipments of Wi-Fi chips would reach no less than roughly 770 million before 2010 is out. This is the equivalent of a 33% on-year increase.
802.11n controllers will dominate the market, with a 60% share, whereas the share of 802.11g parts will drop. Cellular handsets will maintain the highest unit shipments, reaching a penetration rate of 40% of total handsets sold by 2015.
“The 802.11n standard which was ratified last year is a powerful growth engine to drive the Wi-Fi IC market increases,” ABI Research wireless and semiconductor industry analyst Celia Bo said.
“The penetration rate of Wi-Fi ICs in consumer electronic products will to grow continue robustly. Total shipments of consumer electronic products with Wi-Fi functionality are expected to exceed 530 million in 2015, with a 26% CAGR between 2009 and 2015. Shipments of Wi-Fi-enabled digital still cameras, TVs and DVD players will increase more than tenfold in 2015 as compared to 2009. The demand for Wi-Fi-enabled home entertainment products such as networked game consoles and handheld game consoles is increasing as well: between 2009 and 2015, the CAGR will reach 8% and 6% respectively,” she added.