Production, Handsets, Mobile, Global: Annual shipments of mobile handsets will reach 1.5 billion worldwide in 2011 as handset categories evolve into three broad types: voice-centric, converged-function and specialist handsets.

For the emerging markets, however, there may well be a rise in shipments but voice-centric devices will remain dominant. It will be the developed markets where converged-function and specialist devices take off.

Publisher of the report is Analysys, a global adviser on telecoms, IT and media, while author is in-house analyst Dr Yanli Suo-Saunders: "The handset market is transforming as traditional voice-centric devices diversify with the incorporation of a range of multimedia functions. Future handsets will develop into voice-centric, converged-function and specialist categories, driven by increasingly segmented consumer demand…In emerging markets, voice-centric handsets will still constitute the largest single product category in the market; while in developed economies, converged-function and specialist handsets will take the lead in 2011."

Analysys has released the key findings from its new report:

• annual global handset shipments will reach 1.5 billion in 2011, up from just over 800 million in 2005;

• voice-centric handsets will still form more than 50% of shipments in emerging markets in 2011;

• converged-function handsets will become a mainstream product with more than 30% share in developed markets by 2011;

• a range of specialist handsets will take the lead in overall volume in the majority of developed economies in 2011;

• voice-centric handset manufacturers should focus on cost, design, usability and enhanced functionality for success; and

• converged handsets will have to incorporate a range of compelling functions in order to gain market share - specialist handsets offering best-in-class experience will win in particular consumer segments.

The report analyses the evolution of the global mobile handset market in the next five to ten years, drawing on examples from handset vendors and mobile operators worldwide. Consumer demand for voice-centric, converged-function and specialist handsets is explored, key success factors for each type are evaluated and global market forecasts for the three types of handsets are provided, split by six world regions: Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, North America, developed Asia, developing Asia and rest of the world. The report identifies practical actions that handset vendors can take in order to compete effectively in these three handset categories, and actions mobile operators can take in order to best capitalise on these handset categories in order to attract customers and improve their ARPUs.

The report is available to purchase online at http://research.analysys.com/store, priced at US$3,243

more info: www.analysys.com