The Evolution of Cellular Tactile Input - June 2007

Abstract

Input technology for mobile handsets has not changed significantly since the mobile phone was first introduced. The basic phone input interface, consisting of 12 numeric/text input keys has remained the industry standard with little significant innovation to date. The past few years have seen an explosion of innovations in the area of cellular tactile input leading to the creation of several new categories of handset input. A combination of factors is driving interest in improved IO technologies. Ease of use for the end user is a key concern for operators as they try to encourage use of data services in an effort to increase average revenue per user (ARPU). Additionally, manufactures are constantly looking for ways to differentiate their product in the market place. Finally, the availability of enhanced messaging services, multimedia content, and mobile TV is driving consumer interest in new handset input technologies.

The report The Evolution of Cellular Tactile Input provides an in-depth examination of the different alternatives that have emerged for cellular tactile input. Guideline forecasts for cellular input technology are provided, split by input technology as well as by handset tier: smartphone, feature rich, and basic feature. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the tactile input solutions present in the market today.

• Use of haptics to enhance touchscreen interfaces
• Development and implementation of alternative input technologies
• Integration of multiple input technologies
• Use of capacitive and resistive sensors
• Projection and external input devices
• Future tactile input technologies

Companies that participate in the mobile handset space, including manufacturers, operators, equipment manufacturers, component suppliers, and software solution providers, as well as investment firms and consultants, will gain valuable and detailed market intelligence from this study.