The global mobile-phone market is predicted to hit the one-billion mark for annual sales by the end of 2006. That's ten digits, as in 1,000,000,000. Move over, McDonald's.
The prediction, which comes from market research firm IDC, is based on recorded sales figures from all phone manufacturers during the year so far. Every one of the top five manufacturers recorded new sales records in the third quarter, with Nokia beating out Motorola for top spot, and Samsung, Sony Ericsson, and LG following in that order. Much of the growth in sales is coming from first-time buyers in new markets, such as China.
In the West, it's the snazzy new features and designs that drive people to buy replacements for their aging phones. This year, IDC found, the feature that many are looking to add to their mobile-phone arsenals is music. Make way for the music phone.
Music phones are full-fledged cell phones that incorporate an MP3 player, letting you carry one device for all your entertainment and communications needs. Be prepared for a media blitz of ads for music phones this holiday season. Every carrier has a least one music phone on the market already, and IDC's report indicates that consumers are ready to embrace these devices in a big way.
On one level, music phones might seem to be a surefire hit, but even with high consumer interest, it's still a question as to whether the concept will fly in the long term. Music phones, with form following function, are bigger and heavier than standard phones or MP3 players. And battery life, that old mobile bugaboo, is another issue that can make or break a wireless product.
Cell phones get maybe 20 hours of standby time, and three to four hours of talk time. Use your phone as an MP3 player..
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