In-Stat Reports Wi-Fi in Consumer Electronics Devices Embraced by Some, Shunned by Others.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- With Wi-Fi appearing in mobile PCs, home routers, and phones, there has been much hype around Wi-Fi crossing over into the Consumer Electronics (CE) space, reports In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com). But the CE space is just warming up to Wi-Fi, with some device segments, such as gaming consoles and handheld games, welcoming Wi-Fi with open arms, the high-tech market research firm says. In other device segments, such as digital video camcorders and standalone Personal Video Recorders (PVRs), the door has been kept shut on Wi-Fi.

eIuThe beauty of Wi-FieIUs adoption into high-volume CE categories is that even single-digit attach rates can translate into millions of Wi-Fi shipments,eIN says Gemma Tedesco. eIuFor example, even with sub 10% attach rates expected for set top boxes and digital TVs in 2010, Wi-Fi-enabled shipments in these device segments are still expected to number in the millions.eIN

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

* Digital Rights Management, combined with a lack of consumer understanding around multimedia home networking, may continue to hinder Wi-Fi's uptake into CE devices designed to access and/or distribute online content.

* Although Wi-Fi offers networking capabilities not provided by wireless Personal Area Network (PAN) technologies, there are some device segments eI| such as digital video camcorders, digital still cameras and printers eI| where Wi-Fi faces technology competitors such as the emerging Wireless USB.

* Handheld game shipments with embedded Wi-Fi are expected to reach 28 million units in 2006. Gaming consoles with embedded Wi-Fi are expected to ramp up to approximately 5 million by the end of 2006, driven by the fourth quarter release of SonyeIUs PlayStation 3 and NintendoeIUs Wii.

* 802.11n is expected to drive Wi-Fi uptake into core digital living room devices such as digital TVs and set top boxes.

* Major vendor moves in the CE space include AppleeIUs planned launch of a Wi-Fi media adapter in 2007, and MicrosofteIUs release of its Wi-Fi-enabled Zune portable digital music player in late 2006. Innovative Wi-Fi-enabled CE devices are available from a variety of vendors eI| MusicGremlin, Slim Devices, Sonos, Sony, Nintendo, Sharp, Philips, Free, Sirius, Buffalo, D-Link, Linksys and many others. But, to really push Wi-Fi into specific CE segments, vendors will have to devote significant marketing resources, and, most importantly, provide a skillful implementation of Wi-Fi that really demonstrates the technologyeIUs value-add.

The research, eIuConsumer Electronics Devices Warming Up To Wi-FieIN (#IN0603244WS), examines Wi-Fi attach rates across CE device segments. Detailed analysis, forecasts and Wi-Fi technology adoption breakdowns are given for specific Stationary and Portable CE device subsegments. Forecasts for home aggregators, including wireless routers and gateways, as well as external clients and embedded Wi-Fi in laptops, are provided. Also included is a look at the growing market for Wi-Fi-enabled phones.

For more information on this research or to purchase it online, please visit: http://www.in-stat.com/catalog/Wcatalogue.asp?id=167, or contact a sales representative:

Eastern North America: Tina Sheltra, 480.609.4531; [e-mail]

Western North America: Erin McKeighan, 480.609.4551; [e-mail]

Outside of North America: http://www.instat.com/sales.asp

The price is $2,995 (US).

About In-Stat

Technology vendors, service providers, technology professionals and market specialists, worldwide, rely on In-StateIUs experienced staff and in-depth research to support critical business, product and technology decisions. In-StateIUs insights are derived from both a deep technology understanding and comprehensive research, which examines each segment of the value chain for each market. Regular and ongoing end-user demand and primary research surveys underpin much of the analysis, enabling In-Stat to provide incisive market knowledge and guidance on future market opportunities.

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