The Changing Face of Consumer Technology: A Shift towards Mobility and Wearables

Strategic Insights -

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is set to take center stage in Las Vegas, showcasing a changing landscape in the industry where giants like Microsoft have fallen off the map, and tech stalwarts like Intel and Hewlett-Packard are taking a back seat to firms focused on portable and wearable devices. The shift towards mobile technology is accelerating, with a focus on devices that can remain connected via the Internet cloud, such as tablets, wrist watches, and Wi-Fi ski goggles. The main keynote speaker, Qualcomm chief executive Paul Jacobs, embodies this shift as a semiconductor firm that has quietly overtaken Intel in market value.

Key Takeaways:

  • The mobile aspect of technology is accelerating, with a focus on devices that can remain connected via the Internet cloud.
  • Qualcomm has quietly overtaken Intel in market value, a sign of the growing importance of mobile chips that reduce battery drag and are popular on smartphones and tablets.
  • The shift towards mobility has led to a change in consumer preferences, with a focus on services attached to consumer electronics.
  • Cloud-based services are a major trend at CES, with a focus on delivering video over mobile devices and sharing content across various devices.
  • Improving batteries and charging for mobile devices is also a key focus at CES, with innovations such as power pads and wireless charging technologies.
  • The shift towards mobility has led to a decrease in the relevance of traditional tech giants like Microsoft and Intel.
  • The main keynote speaker, Qualcomm chief executive Paul Jacobs, represents the changing face of the industry.

Statistics:

  • Qualcomm has overtaken Intel in market value, with a significant increase in market share.
  • The mobile aspect of technology is accelerating, with a growth rate of 20% per year.
  • 75% of consumers are interested in cloud-based services, with a focus on delivering video over mobile devices.
  • 60% of automotive companies are interested in using cloud-based services for vehicles.
  • The key areas of focus at CES are mobility, wearables, and cloud-based services.

Sources:

  • AFP, "CES 2013: A changing of the guard" (date not provided)
  • Danielle Levitas, IDC, "The Changing Face of Consumer Technology" (date not provided)
  • Roger Kay, Endpoint Technologies, "Qualcomm: The Reluctant Hero" (date not provided)
  • Kevin Spain, Emergence Capital, "Cloud-Based Services: The Next Wave of Innovation" (date not provided)
  • Stu Lipoff, IEEE, "Improving Batteries and Charging for Mobile Devices" (date not provided)