Mobile TV 'moving ahead faster' than 3D, says ATI
Chipset manufacturer sees demand for video outstripping 3D on handsets
Market demand for 3D graphics on mobile handsets is being outpaced by the demand for chipsets designed to handle mobile TV and video, according to comments made this week by chip manufacturer ATI, which creates products for both purposes.
Speaking to the EE Times ahead of the launch of new products in both the 3D and TV spaces, ATI's handheld group director of marketing Azzedine Boubguira said that "we have been pushing for 3D for handsets, but it will take a while longer."
"Meanwhile, mobile TV seems to be moving ahead faster in cell phones," he continued - adding to much recent discussion within the industry which suggests that it's video, rather than 3D gaming functionality, that will drive new handset sales in the coming year.
The demand for mobile TV devices is spilling beyond phone handsets and onto other portable devices, according to ATI; although as yet, the mobile TV revolution can largely be described as a "craze" rather than a solid business proposition, with few successful services actually in place as yet.
Although 3D has failed to deliver to the extent that hype surrounding the technology around a year ago suggested, 3D games have nonetheless proved popular on some high-end handsets and now represent a small but important market segment for mobile gaming.