Similar to the development of the microprocessor enabling the emergence of the personal computer and the multitude of applications that now run on that platform, as well as the development of the graphics processor enabling compelling, life-like graphics for numerous video gaming and professional applications, we believe the introduction of an intelligent, integrated motion processing platform can enable realization of the full potential of motion sensors and make motion-based applications ubiquitous in consumer electronics.
Since consumers first embraced motion sensing capabilities in electronics, primarily driven to date by the popularity of the Nintendo Wii and Wii MotionPlus accessory and the Apple iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, their desire and expectations for more advanced motion-based user interface capabilities in devices has increased rapidly. In addition, an increasing number of application developers are introducing products that take advantage of motion sensing capabilities. For example, operating system platforms, such as the Android operating system from Google, are incorporating interfaces for motion-based applications.
There are a number of consumer electronics devices in the market today, such as console video game controllers, portable video gaming devices, digital television and set-top box remote controls, handset and tablet devices, digital still and video cameras, remote-controlled toys and portable navigation systems, that incorporate basic motion sensing capabilities. We believe the following consumer electronics end-markets present examples of significant opportunities for motion processing:
Video Gaming: Motion processing technology in console and portable video gaming devices provides an immersive, life-like video gaming experience by accurately tracking body and hand movements, and is significantly more intuitive than traditional button and joystick based interfaces. The success of the Nintendo Wii MotionPlus accessory and market potential of the recently announced Nintendo 3DS is representative of the large opportunities for motion processing technology in the video gaming market. According to IDC, a market research company, the console and portable video gaming device market is expected to be 89 million units in 2013, with each video gaming console typically having multiple controllers that could potentially integrate motion processors. [Learn More]
Handsets and tablet devices: While current handset and tablet devices, such as smartphones and tablet computers, use basic motion sensing capabilities to provide tilt-sensing, screen rotation and basic video gaming functionality, handset and tablet devices enabled with motion processing technology could deliver enhanced user experiences in the areas of web, media and menu navigation. In addition, motion processing technology could provide a range of other capabilities, such as more responsive motion-based video gaming, enhanced still and video image stabilization, improved pedestrian navigation, secure authentication through gestures, as well as gesture and character shortcuts that accelerate common tasks on the device. The recently announced Apple iPhone 4, which includes advanced motion sensing capabilities with the addition of a discrete gyroscope, is expected to further accelerate the adoption of motion sensing technology in the handheld market. According to IDC, a market research company, in 2013 the worldwide smartphone market is expected to reach approximately 420 million units shipped, the worldwide media tablet market is expected to reach approximately 37 million units shipped and the worldwide tablet PC market is expected to reach approximately 2 million units shipped for a total of approximately 459 million devices. Additionally, iSuppli expects shipments of gyroscopes for smartphones and other mobile phones to grow from approximately 14 million units in 2010 to over 148 million units by 2013. [Learn More]
Digital television and set-top box remote controls: Digital televisions (DTVs), set-top boxes and blu-ray devices are becoming increasingly more interactive through the addition of interactive menus and applications, internet browsing, video-on-demand services and viewing of personal media content. This has created the need for a user interface device with the functionality of a computer mouse and the ability to operate without a desk, for example while sitting on a living room couch. With a motion-based approach to menu and web navigation, users can interface with an on-screen menu or use hand motions in a manner similar to motion-based video game controllers. Further, a motion controlled remote would allow additional functionality, including gesture shortcuts and games, to be embedded into the system. According to iSuppli the digital television, DVD and set-top box market is expected to grow to 536 million units in 2013. Additionally, iSuppli expects shipments of gyroscopes for digital television and set-top box remote controls to grow from approximately 2 million units in 2010 to 20 million units in 2013. [Learn More]
Digital still and video cameras: Currently, many digital still and video cameras are equipped with basic motion sensors that perform image stabilization to reduce blur caused by hand jitter. In addition to enhanced image stabilization, the inclusion of motion processing technology enables digital still and video camera manufacturers to differentiate their products with an enhanced motion-based user interface. According to iSuppli the digital still and video camera market is expected to grow to 145 million units in 2013. Additionally, iSuppli expects shipments of gyroscopes for digital still cameras to grow from approximately 47 million units in 2010 to 89 million units in 2013. [Learn More]
Other emerging opportunities: There are many other possible applications for motion processing in products used by consumers daily. For example, manufacturers of remote-controlled toys, personal navigation systems, healthcare monitoring equipment, sports and fitness equipment, and industrial tools have or may in the future adopt motion processing technologies. The use of motion processing solutions in these devices can significantly improve their performance, intelligence, safety and functionality. For example, golf clubs and running shoes with embedded motion processors could be used for monitoring performance and training.
