Report: 148 Million 3D Mobile Devices by 2015

SCOTTSDALE: The total number of 3D mobile devices is forecast to surpass 148 million units in 2015, predicts new research from In-Stat.

The report, 3D on Mobile Technology: Processors, Image Sensors, and Displays Drive the 3D Experience, says that the tremendous size of the mobile market is driving the industry to over the current limitations of viewing 3D and capturing 3D. In-Stat predicts that nearly 30 percent of all handheld game consoles will be in 3D by 2015. By 2014, 18 percent of all tablets will be 3D. Next year, notebook PCs will be the first 3D-enabled mobile device to reach 1 million units. In-Stat also predicts that 3D mobile devices will increase the demand for image sensors by 130 percent.

“Despite the advances in the technology, adoption of 3D in mobile devices is still likely to be relatively slow due to limitations in content, the potential of eye strain and headaches from viewing 3D content by some, and the additional cost for 3D content and devices,” said Jim McGregor, the chief technology strategist at In-Stat. “Although 3D has been around for decades, the current technology is new and advanced. And, as with any new technology, adoption will increase as the ecosystem matures, costs come down, and the ability to capture 3D is combined with innovative mobile applications, which is likely to be in the 2013 to 2015 timeframe.”