
5G and AI to drive new device form factors
A new report from market research firm Frost & Sullivan finds that the adoption of new form factors for devices will surge rapidly with advancements in connectivity technology. In addition, says the firm, the advent of 5G and expanding artificial intelligence (AI) use cases will further inflate the global demand, which will lead to improved innovation across wearables, flexible devices, and implants.
The study classifies new form factors in the following five categories:
- Wearables
- Haptics
- Biometrics
- Implants
- Brain-controlled Interfaces
Form factors will be the make-or-break element for the development and mass adoption of devices across different regions, says the firm.
“As the demand for new pliable form factors increases, companies cannot rely on traditionally shaped devices to capture market share,” says Akshay Menon, Senior Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. “This encourages big electronic companies to work with newer materials to manufacture durable and flexible electronics.”
“With consumers’ growing preference for small-sized electronic devices, miniaturization will lead to developmental objectives for manufacturers, says Menon. “Further, new form factor development will lead to increased human-machine interaction, making data security a strategic priority for organizations.”
To tap into the growth prospects of new form factors, the report finds that market participants should:
- Partner with application companies and social platforms to ensure their offerings are compatible with the device hardware, establishing an immersive customer experience.
- Invest in research to develop durable materials, as current stretchable materials are thermoplastic, meaning heat softens them and makes them unable to withstand thermal exposure.
- Associate with organizations in the technology-enabled space as new form of technology is dependent on internet connectivity and AI.
For more, see “Growth Opportunities Driven by New Form Factors.”
