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ARTICLE

Upcoming Mobile Broadband Devices Address Productivity and Style

By Jeff Orr, Senior Analyst - Consumer Electronics
Contact the author at jeff@maravedis-bwa.com

The adage that “content is king” is true for the emerging mobile broadband industry. Content delivery occurs over an increasing number of consumer electronics devices that attempt to address form, fit, and function requirements of modern on-the-go consumers and those experiencing Internet content for the first time. The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is an excellent venue to preview consumer electronics devices that are likely to hit the market this year. Device trends for mobile broadband include:

• High-speed web browsing with an experience similar to home broadband service, such as DSL. This trend includes the proliferation of mobile Internet devices including the emerging category of ultra-mobile PCs.
• Vehicle information systems including personal navigation devices and utilization of location-aware networks to provide local services and marketing content.

 

Let’s examine a few of the new devices expected in 2008 for mobile Internet access and enabling new forms of service anytime, anywhere.

Apple is rumored to be introducing a 3G version of its popular iPhone, which first launched in 2007 running the EDGE protocol over GSM. A few operators launched iPhone service in 2007 including AT&T (US), Telefonica’s O2 (UK), Orange (France) and T-Mobile (Germany). Countries without GSM service today, such as Japan, will be prime targets for market expansion this year. The large screen, touch-sensitive devices are attracting a fan base for their classy styling. Alternatives to the iPhone include the HTC Touch family available today on HSDPA networks and do not carry the exclusivity enjoyed by the aforementioned iPhone carriers.

Airspan Networks will launch its MiMAX USB device. A combination of a WiMAX network finder and a quad-band Mobile WiMAX USB modem, the device outpaces the basic, single-band CPE that other equipment vendors have discussed introducing in the same timeframe. The one USB dongle supports the 2.3-2.4 GHz, 2.496-2.69 GHz, 3.3-3.8 GHz, and 4.9-5.8 GHz frequency bands supported by WiMAX Forum and beyond.

Ultra mobile personal computers (UMPC) are an emerging category of small form-factor computing platforms with a full operating system, often Windows or Linux. ASUS jumped into the UMPC category with their model R50A UMPC this week, which includes a 5.6” screen, dual webcams, integrated GPS, a digital TV tuner, and Mobile WiMAX connectivity. We expect to see the R50A appearing on the Sprint Xohm network in 2008. UMPC vendor OQO also announced plans to support Mobile WiMAX on their model 02 handheld during CES.

At the close of 2007, Raon Digital announced its EVERUN S60H WiBro for Korea. The EVERUN UMPC (ultra-mobile personal computer) followed the original VEGA series with the addition of an accelerometer, built-in keyboard, optical mouse, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and an HSDPA option. The S60H WiBro model utilizes a Mobile WiMAX module at 2.3 GHz for WWAN connectivity.

Another 2008 device that will first appear in South Korea is Posbro’s G100 gaming platform. The G100 will operate initially in the 2.3 GHz WiBro and 2.5 GHz bands, according to the company. The G100 has an embedded four-inch, touch-screen TFT-LCD and a sliding-style game pad. The product supports various networks, such as Mobile WiMAX, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, allowing the user to select the most appropriate network to make a connection. Posbro struck an agreement with Korean website Freechal to create multi-player online games, including Go-Stop, Poker, and High-Low, which bridges the WiBro (Mobile WiMAX) service in Korea and PC users. In addition to games, Freechal plans to also offer video content, user-generated content, and electronic learning materials.

dmedia, Alpine Electronics, and Networks in Motion each demonstrated personal navigation devices (PND) with mobile broadband support. The PND category combines navigation, phone, and location-aware networking into a pocket-size package. G-force sensors, multiple screens, and turn-by-turn navigation interfaces create an immersive experience for consumers. Mobile broadband technologies provide real-time updates for maps, local retailers, and spontaneous marketing content. The PND solutions are the predecessor to in-vehicle information and entertainment systems that will become optional and standard equipment in future automobile line-ups.

These devices are a departure from the standard mobile phone and that is their primary appeal. Initial price points will make them appeal to techies, early adopters, and trend-setters. Consumer access should also be more flexible. As consumer electronics take on mobile broadband capabilities, users can source them through retail and e-commerce, in addition to direct sale from the operator. 2008 should be a good year for mobile broadband devices as new applications emerge to address computing and Internet access on the move.

For more information you can contact the author: jeff@maravedis-bwa.com