ARM architecture for application processors (APs) remains the mainstay for mobile applications, with the top five suppliers of ARM architecture-based APs - Qualcomm, Apple, Samsung, MediaTek and Spreadtrum - currently accounting for around 90% of the market. Digitimes Research looks at each supplier's strengths and weaknesses through a comprehensive analysis of technology, architecture, product positioning and shipments, providing the industry with an overview of the latest trends and developments in the AP industry.
During the 12th FYP period, only semiconductor companies established from 2011 are eligible for tax incentives. Moreover, only profitable firms working in areas consistent with government goals will be offered subsidies, with a quota of 40 firms also imposed. These requirements and assessments may encourage IC design startups, while also focusing R&D resources on product and technology sectors the government views as promising. The ultimate impact will probably be to weed out poorly performing firms and expedite the consolidation of the industry.
Global touch screen shipments are expected to reach 1.75 billion in 2013, up 17.2% on year. Among the shipments, approximately 1.28 billion or 73% are estimated to be for handsets, which will be a 14.2% on-year increase. Shipments for touch screens used in tablets meanwhile are expected to reach 233 million units, up 38.2% on year, while touch screens for PCs are expected to reach 26.33 million in 2013, up 251.3% on year, according to Digitimes Research.
Three main factors will influence the smartphone industry in 2013: relationships between platform leaders and hardware manufacturers, market demand and carrier support, and the decisions of a number of major players with regard to key transitions or major trends. This Digitimes Research Special Report analyzes how Windows Phone and its supporting telecom carriers are trying to break the dominance of Android and iOs and how individual vendors, such as former giants Nokia and RIM, will tackle the smartphone race.
