Comments on: What we’ll see in 2013 in mobile

By: Ricky Bonnell

Ricky Bonnell — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 12:45:24 +0000

I agree completely, except with point 2. I want this to happen but I think they will hold this back for a few years.

By: Ricky Bonnell

Ricky Bonnell — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 12:44:02 +0000

I think everyone assumes that companies will vomit everything they have when a new year begins. Not the case though, companies need future proofing, they will squirt out new tech only when needed and gives them a slight advantage over competitors. This is most evident with Apple. I am sure if Samsung needed to, a 1080p Flexible AMOLED display could have been ready for 2012… but it want. In 2013 I predict a major improvement in cameras, specifically with low light shots…. not necessarily resolution but I do believe the mostly standard 8 Mp will be replaced by a 13 MP standard. I think slow motion shooting will become popular (It was on the Samsung Omnia 2 years ago strangely enough) . I don’t think we will see the rumoured 8 core processors until maybe the end of the year if at all….. vendors should continue to focus on power consumption first, this was a major improvement in 2012 for Android devices. The standard flagship size is definately going to be pushing 5″ but I tihnk companies like HTC and Nokia are going to start pushing out high end smaller phones <4.5" (this is somehow considered small these days haha). Samsung will undoubtedly lead the way with the anticipated GS4 and Note 3. Apple will continue to appear to be lagging behind but still dominate the market when it comes to sales per device. However, I predict the iPhone 5S will not do as well this time around, with the benefits of Android becoming more apparent and Samsung creating a very good reputation of itself I could see Samsungs new flagship actually outselling the new piece of candy from Cupertino…oh, and we probably wont see flexible screens until 2014.

By: Les Walters

Les Walters — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:39:48 +0000

I predict a disruptor will launch single number multi SIM (SNMS) service to allow you the same number on your phone, tablet, or other connected device.

By: AliOmar

AliOmar — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:19:30 +0000

2013 year of UltraThin UltraLight H.Res Device2Device Direct WiFi HD Video & Audio in ULTRABOOK,
TV &
SMARTPHONE

as happened for Notebook/Netbook/Tablet, Soon Productive mobility of Ultrabooks will be cheaper ~$250 & touch ~$350 could put-off Notebooks & Tablets

By: David Chambers

David Chambers — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:34:37 +0000

Some good points here, and certainly ones to watch.

I’d certainly agree with Kevin’s view that small cells have a major part to play next year. Both Sprint and AT&T are said to have around 1 million residential small cells in operation today, but these are for coverage. Most operators worldwide are looking at small cells for capacity, and we can learn from the thousands deployed in Korea and Japan. Linked to that is what silicon will power these – Stacey’s not mentioned that battle in progress today. Another important aspect is the last mile wireless backhaul for metrocells which has many technical options today (arguably too many) and will need some rationalisation and investment.

Kevin’s point about MVNO’s perhaps hides a wider change across the industry, where the growing need for network sharing and co-operation is driving many traditional operators to become more like MVNOs themselves – focussing more attention on the brand, service etc. than just the network.

Last but not least may be whether T-Mobile US succeeds with its ambition to change the landscape around handset subsidies. You reported that US operators will spend $10 billion on iPhone 5 subsidies this year alone, far more than they are spending on network expansion. If they succeed, it could make a substantial difference to industry finances.

By: Tom Krazit

Tom Krazit — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 23:35:30 +0000

Ha! That’s a fair point Troy, thanks for flagging it and should be clearer now.

By: Jay Nichols

Jay Nichols — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 22:39:58 +0000

Any predictions on the IPR wars GigaOM?

By: Tal

Tal — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 21:34:42 +0000

2013 is going to be the year of the Phablet!
Samsung will keep leading the pack. Even today they made the rest go for a 5″ size. But its just the start.
1. Samsung to go immediately for a ~6″ Note 3. Exactly the size I predicted in JKontherun 2.5 years ago ;)
2. Samsung to introduce the first device with FOLDING screen. Opening the door for a whole different way to have a phone (4″) and a tablet (7-8″) via one device
3. Android mainly (!) and iOS (much later) to change the way VoIP applications like Skype can interact and provide phone call capabilities to users. This is a lacking area today, especially in iOS. E.g. answering a call via BT, getting notifications similarly to a phone call, etc.

That is my prediction.

By: Nicholas Paredes

Nicholas Paredes — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 18:53:12 +0000

I think that you are missing one!

Everybody will recognize the importance of good mapping data! And, they will recognize the players that provide solid map products.

This will be important to contextual intelligence…

By: Troy Morris

Troy Morris — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 18:33:57 +0000

Just trying to be helpful, but the punctuation here makes it sound as though Nvidia purchased Intel, resulting a flurried Google search :)

“Now others are finally following its lead with Nvidia, which purchased radio maker Icera and Intel, which purchased Infineon’s wireless business both set to release integrated chips next year. “