We recently reported that MirrorLink handset sales are set to grow at a healthy clip in 2013. According to the latest research from our Wireless Device Strategies (WDS) and Mobile For Automotive (MFA) programs, the MirrorLink ecosystem will face a variety of opportunities and challenges in the coming years, as the various parties involved work together toward a common goal. MirrorLink's multiple features will provide multiple benefits, such as increased safety. However, the companies involved will also be challenged by early issues like cross-industry momentum and lack of participation from key players like Apple. Clients can view the full ecosystem analysis report here (MFA) and here (WDS).

Source: Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC)

Ultraphones are handsets powered by a smartphone OS running atop an Intel processor. We define ultraphones as the mobile equivalent of portable ultrabooks. The first ultraphone was shipped in 2012, and we expect a number of new model introductions over the coming years, led by vendors like Motorola and ZTE. We forecast global ultraphone sales volumes to grow ten-fold between 2013 and 2017. This published report, available to subscribers of our Wireless Device Strategies (WDS) service, contains global ultraphone sales forecasts for 6 major regions from 2011 to 2017.

There has been widespread speculation for most of this year that Amazon would enter the mobile phone market with a "Kindle Phone" or "K-Phone". Several rivals, such as Apple and Google, are already in that space. However, at a recent Kindle press event for tablets and ereaders in the United States, no mention whatsoever was made of a Kindle phone. Why has Amazon delayed entering the handset market? How likely is such a move in 2013? Is Amazon a credible brand in mobile? This published research note, available to subscribers of our Wireless Device Strategies (WDS) service, analyzes those questions and more.

According to our Wireless Device Strategies (WDS) service, MirrorLink handset sales are set to grow at a healthy clip in 2013. What is MirrorLink? Well, MirrorLink connects your cellphone to your car. MirrorLink technology allows drivers and passengers to "mirror" their handset content, such as maps, on a motor vehicle's head-unit. MirrorLink and its predecessors have been available from Nokia in mobile phones since 2010. Nokia has been joined by rival Samsung and others in 2012. Others interested include Sony, Google Android, BMW, Toyota, and many more. We expect MirrorLink phone sales to experience solid growth worldwide over the coming five years. Clients can view the full report, with forecasts by region and phone-type, here.

Source: Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC)

According to our Wireless Device Strategies (WDS) service, global LTE handset volumes surged more than tenfold in the second quarter of 2012. LTE is the world's fastest  growing major mobile phone technology. Consumers snapped up new 4G models from Samsung, LG, Motorola and others in South Korea, United States, Japan and elsewhere. The Apple iPhone 5 can now be added to that 4G list, analysis of which is contained here.

As predicted six months ago by our Wireless Device Strategies (WDS) service, the new Apple iPhone 5 smartphone launched today with LTE technology. LTE offers faster data for consumers and more bandwidth for carriers. We forecast global LTE phone shipments to grow 8000% between 2011 and 2017. In terms of volume and value growth, LTE phones are the only game in town for the next five years. Which vendors, operators and countries will drive the market forward? Which brands will have a credible response to the LTE iPhone?

According to new research from our Wireless Device Strategies (WDS) service, wholesale (trade) prices of mobile phones will rise +5% in China during 2013. Among the "big four" emerging markets -- Brazil, Russia, India, China (BRIC) -- China is the largest country by revenue by far. For comparison, China is six times bigger than Russia. Vendors like Apple and Samsung already have a strong presence there. More analysis and forecasts of revenues, prices, and price-bands for China through 2017 can be viewed by clients here.

According to new research from our Wireless Device Strategies (WDS) service, wholesale (trade) revenues of mobile phones will increase over 60% in India between 2012 and 2017. India is a high-growth, high-value country that no serious player in the mobile or auto industry can afford to ignore. India will soon be the world's third most valuable market for handset sales by revenue. More analysis and forecasts of revenues, prices, and price-bands for India through 2017 can be viewed by clients here.

According to new research from our Wireless Device Strategies (WDS) service, wholesale (trade) prices of mobile phones will rise +10% in Brazil during 2013. Among the "big four" emerging markets -- Brazil, Russia, India, China (BRIC) -- Brazil will experience the fastest growth in average selling prices next year. Brazil's pricing will grow two times quicker than China's. What is driving the uplift? Three main reasons: 3G, subsidies, and GDP. The tide of 3G phones being shipped is rising at a healthy clip. Subsidies for postpaid users remain present at some major carriers. And Brazil's citizens are getting wealthier (despite a recent slowdown), meaning they can afford pricier models. More analysis and forecasts of revenues, prices, and price-bands for Brazil through 2017 can be viewed by clients here.

IFA, one of the world’s largest trade shows for consumer electronics, which takes place in Berlin, Germany, every September, had a growing mobile focus this year. Samsung made a surprise Windows Phone 8 announcement there, while Huawei previewed its new Emotion UI for Android handsets. There were several ultraphones on show from Intel, with Lenovo and others, but they have generated limited industry excitement so far. This published report, available to subscribers of our Wireless Device Strategies (WDS) service, analyzes the main device and software trends that happened at this important show.