More than Half of Mobile Devices Able to Connect to External Displays in 2018

Developments in display interface technologies are making it possible such that your personal mobile device may become the hub for all your computing experiences at home, in the office, and on-the-go over the next 5 years. New research from market intelligence firm ABI Research finds that hundreds of millions of PCs, displays, and projectors offer this capability today and 2.1 billion smartphones and tablets are forecasted to ship with this functionality through 2018.

For decades, PCs have included a VGA port to extend displays outside the box, such as monitors and projectors. Now, market demand is increasing for this functionality from the smartphone and tablet. Applications range from mirroring the mobile display for presentations and mobile gaming, to second screen uses for more immersive content experiences, and remote control/navigation applications for VCR-style content control.

A combination of wired and wireless technologies are available today: VESA Mobility DisplayPort, MHL, and Wi-Fi Miracast. The capabilities of the display and availability of adapters between the mobile device and display will remain the gating factor for years to come. “Wired technologies currently have the upper-hand since it’s only a matter of using a compatible cable,” says senior practice director Jeff Orr. “In the next couple years, the battleground will shift toward the use of 60 GHz wireless protocols, including WirelessHD and WiGig, capable of pushing 4K video content from the mobile device to the home, office, or vehicle display.” Other technical advancements expected include enterprise-grade security and manageability of the displays within an IT organization.

Hundreds of millions of computers, displays, and projectors are capable of extending displays today, though seemingly unbeknownst to the general public. The technologies are well-integrated, which has led to a lack of market awareness. “Technology ecosystems that are able to rally vendors and device OEMs to promote these new display applications will gain a competitive edge in reaching the first generation of converged mobile computing users,” adds Orr.

These “Extended Displays: Smartphones and Tablets” findings are part of ABI Research’s Next-Generation Mobile Devices and First Screen Devices Research Services, which include Research Analysis, Market Data, and Insights on technologies shaping the future of the mobile device industry.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.