The technology trend in 2014: phablets instead of tablets

In February 2014, LG presents a new trend: the LG Optimus G PRO phablet. The market for smartphones, tablets, consoles and the like is largely saturated, both globally and in Switzerland. New trends include smaller-format tablets, wearables, smart watches and glasses with navigation and augmented reality functions. This and more is shown in the study by Deloitte Franco Monti, Head of TMT at Deloitte in Switzerland, explains: "With a global market volume of USD 750 million, televisions, PCs, tablets, game consoles and smartphones still represent the largest part of the TMT market. Sales have stabilized at a high level. In Switzerland, a progressive cannibalization of PCs by tablets is evident - the million mark is within reach."More phablets sold than tabletsPhablets, a combination of tablet PC and smartphone with a large display, will achieve a higher sales volume than tablet PCs for the first time in 2014. Around 300 million phablets - twice as many as in 2013 or ten times as many as in 2012 - are expected to be sold in 2014. According to Franco Monti, one can speak of "a rapid triumphal march." "In the Swiss market, the giant smartphones have already been launched by Samsung and are well established," Monti continues.Wearable technologies on the riseWearables - smart glasses, fitness bracelets, watches and other devices that can be worn like a functional fashion accessory - are making strong inroads. More than ten million units of these are expected to be sold worldwide in 2014, generating sales of around three million US dollars. More than four million smart glasses (for around 500 US dollars each) as well as around four million fitness wristbands and two million fitness watches are expected to be sold.TV offering of sporting events becomes even more diverseThe value of broadcasting rights to premium sporting events is also expected to grow strongly in 2014, according to the latest study results - by 14%, corresponding to a market volume of USD 24 billion. Behind this growth are new agreements with major European and American soccer leagues.About the TMT ReportOnce a year, Deloitte analyzes the technology, media and telecommunications market segments worldwide and evaluates their most significant trends. The study "Technology, Media & Telecommunications Predictions 2014" is based, among other things, on expert interviews with executives from international TMT companies and analysts, as well as on the expertise of more than 7,000 partners and TMT experts from Deloitte member firms.The complete study is available from Deloitte.com.