In its latest report on the smart mobile device market, Canalys reveals that the trend towards converged mobile devices continued to accelerate in the first half of 2005. Based on EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) data, shipments converged mobile devices (defined as smart phones and wireless handhelds) grew 170 percent. In comparison, the mobile phone market (that excludes these devices) grew only 11 percent. Converged mobile devices now make up just over 7 percent of the market (up from 3.2 percent a year ago). Contrary to what you would expect, unconnected devices also recorded a 21 percent growth (although worldwide shipments are down by 10 percent).
Two drivers are pushing these numbers. First, people are upgrading their phones to the latest and greatest technology. Second, there is a growing interest in mobile email solutions, particularly in the business sector.