Estimates for connected devices are reaching the billions and with so many of these devices running on multiple networks, the industry needs a more integrated solution to combine activation and synch technology with smarter connectivity. Mobile operators and OEMs are faced with scalability problems including long development timelines, device and back office integration challenges and diverse user interface complexities.
Today, we announced the addition of SmartMobility™ to our ConvergenceNow®Plus+ platform. The SmartMobility product, which will be available in the second half of 2011, revolutionizes device activation, connectivity and management for connected devices across networks. Additionally, we announced the acquisition of privately held Sapience Knowledge Systems, which will help to accelerate Synchronoss’ time to market with its new mobility management solution.
SmartMobility creates a new paradigm in device activation, connectivity and management of connected devices across networks. With SmartMobility, operators and OEMs can reduce the time to market for connected devices while attaining intelligent network management and creating new revenue streams from existing subscribers.
So relax, it’s Synchronoss connecting your world!
Consumers now have more choices than ever before when it comes to selecting a smartphone or connected device. As we all know, 2010 was the year of connected devices but now we learn that for the first time in the U.S., the number of smartphones shipped last year exceeded the traditional computer segments (that consists of desktops, notebooks and netbooks)—according data released today by Chetan Sharma. The report continues to note that the smartphone segment, along with connected devices, will not only exceed the computer segment in units shipped, but also in revenue generated.
This is hugely exciting for us at Synchronoss—the leader in activation and cloud services for connected devices. Chances are our platform has activated the device in your pocket right now and as the market for connected devices continues to explode, consumers will not only be toting around a smartphone but multiple devices such as a tablet too. As Chetan mentions in his report, operators must consider bundling multiple devices by single data plans and data buckets and those that take advantage of this opportunity will likely yield great results.
With opportunity can also come challenges as these operators consider introducing new data plan structures to accommodate the device hungry consumer.
As connected devices increasingly require mobile connectivity, manufacturers and service providers can offer bundled solutions that start with a simple and seamless activation. By integrating subscriber activation and service provisioning into the front-end purchase process, consumers can begin using connected devices quickly and easily.
IDC recently reported that in Q4 2010 smartphones surpassed PCs during the quarter. This news means that by 2011 not 2012 as previously speculated, smartphones will outsell PCs.
This is exciting news for the connected devices industry as many are pointing to devices such as the iPad and other tablets as a factor to depressing PC sales. Checkout the chart below:
Synchronoss is excited about all the new types of connected devices with advanced operating systems that are entering the marketplace! This next generation of mobility will necessitate the need for best-in-class order management, activation and content transfer and synchronization to enable the most powerful and complete customer experience.
During CES earlier this month, manufacturers were raining tablet announcements, with over 100 models counted. At this February’s Mobile World Congress (MWC), you can certainly expect the flood to continue. As the leaders of connected device activation, our President and Head of Strategy &Corporate Development Mike Mulica, will be speaking on the “Embedded Consumer Electronics: The Role of Mobile Connectivity” panel where tablets will certainly be at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
This is an exciting time for connected devices. A recent January 18th IDC E-Reader and Media Tablet report confirmed 2010 was dominated by the Apple iPad. They expect overall sales to accelerate significantly during this quarter, increasing their yearly forecast to 44.6M in 2011, and 71M in 2012, with high U.S. market demand representing nearly 40% of the total.
The CES ‘Best in Show’ award winner Motorola Xoom on Verizon Wireless is rumored to launch on February 17th, coinciding with MWC for $699.99 – which is $100 MORE expensive than an Apple iPad with equivalent storage. However, the Xoom does offer front/rear cameras and expandability with a memory card slot. Personally, I like the size of my 7” Samsung Galaxy Tab that offers portability to carry everywhere and narrow enough for two thumb typing. As mentioned, there will be a multitude of tablet designs that all need to find a home. As an exclusive Verizon Wireless device, we wonder when will it reach other regions?
According to Slashgear, a HP Topaz webOS based tablet is expected to be officially unveiled during a launch at a February 9th event along with their new smartphone lineup. It features a Qualcomm’s dual-core 1.2GHz MSM8660 CPU with Adreno 220 graphics. Uniquely, their docks include the extremely useful wireless inductive charging system and Bluetooth speakers.
Engadget caught the rumored Nokia MeeGo OS tablet in the wild. Will this Intel joint initiative mean that Nokia is perched for a turnaround in their high end device lineup? Last October, Intel discussed plans for MeeGo based smartphones and tablets availability in 1H 2011. This February’s Mobile World Congress should be their major launch opportunity.
To learn how Synchronoss can help your company bring services to tablets and other Connected Devices, schedule a Mobile World Congress demo or meeting here.
So it is official, after months of rumors and speculation, Verizon Wireless has officially announced that it will be offering Apple’s iPhone 4 to customers on February 10th(February 3rd for existing customers).
This announcement comes on the heels of last week’s CES show where smart phones and connected devices took center stage. 2011 has been one exciting year so far for the connected devices industry!
By offering up the iPhone on Verizon Wireless, Apple is broadening its reach to the largest network of wireless subscribers in the U.S. with 93.2 million customers. That is a lot of potential new customers!
However it is interesting to note that with all the buzz over smart and super phones, only 28% of the U.S. subscribers have a smart phone. I believe that the Verizon iPhone will further drive smart phone adoption and with the ability to quickly and seamlessly upgrade to that iPhone 4, without losing existing content or contacts through Synchronoss’ ConvergenceNow® Plus+, some of those 72% of feature phone users will no longer be able to resist. You can view instructions on how to transfer and backup contacts and content to your new iPhone here: http://support.vzw.com/faqs/iphone/iphone_faq.html
As the adoption of smartphones continues to grow, Apple has faced some serious competition from Android. Nielsen recently reported that Android was the most popular operating system among recent smartphone buyers in the US. The Verizon iPhone should provide a healthy boost for adoption of Apple’s iconic device.
