eNew Technological Innovations to Spur Demand for Ultra-Mobile Devices
Ultra-mobile devices are for the tech-savvy customers that crave for innovations. For instance, Lenovo’s newly launched Chromebook is the world’s lightest and thinnest UMD and thus, has piqued everyone’s attention. Moreover, during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic when everyone is turning toward digital mediums for work, Microsoft has also launched a new line-up of UMDs called Surface.
Ultra-mobile devices (UMDs) are lightweight computing devices with display ranges between 7 to 14 inches. The UMDs include tablets, thin and lightweight personal computers (PCs), and convertibles. UMDs offer better battery life, better productivity, full-scale functionality, and portability, unlike conventional PCs. Moreover, UMDs perform every function of PCs and are handy; can be carried anywhere anytime. Ultra-mobile devices are of three types-
- Premium ultra-mobile devices
- Basic ultra-mobile devices
- Utility ultra-mobile devices
Amongst the three of the types, premium UMDs–such as Microsoft’s Surface Pro and Lenovo Yoga 3–ought to generate the largest revenue because of greater functionality and improved processors. While utility UMDs have witnessed the fastest growth because of its affordable price.
According to Allied Market Research, the global ultra-mobile device market is expected to register a CAGR of 10.4% during the forecast period and is predicted to reach $60.70 billion by 2022. Over the last few years, the role of innovative technology has reshaped the UMD market.
Lenovo Chromebook- a surprisingly solid tablet
Lenovo has launched a Chromebook Duet which is likely to be the world’s thinnest and lightest Chromebook. The Chromebook Duet is convertible with a detachable keyboard that allows multi-purpose functions. More importantly, Chromebook Duet is affordable and considered to have no business competition as it provides better battery life, security, and speed at such an affordable price. The Chromebook is proven to be the personal entertainment center as it enables touch-first entertainment. Moreover, it offers a tablet mode as you detach the keyboard. The best thing about the tablet is you can just detach the keyboard and use it as per your will.
Due to ongoing pandemic, people have been working from home and adopted home-schooling, which increased the need for laptops. Although it is quite difficult to match with specifications of Lenovo’s Chromebook Duet, several market players have decided to launch their dedicated UMD to fight Chromebook Duet at the market.
New line-up launched by Microsoft
The remote-working people have turned toward PCs more than ever during the Covid-19 pandemic and seizing this opportunity, Microsoft launched its novel UMD, Surface.
According to Outlook India, over four trillion minutes are spent on a Windows 10 in a month. The company’s agenda is to provide Surface for every person, every work style, and at every location. The Surface lineup has a singular ambition to help people achieve more by building the most high-yielding products for customers. Along with Surface, the company expects a rise in demand for Windows PCs.
One of the main reasons why people prefer Microsoft is its firmware protection and device security facilities, which protect the devices from hacking and cyber-attacks. Microsoft offers built-in security called Cloud Power Intelligent Security to keep the devices safer and threat-free. The growing use of the UMD a major reason for the company to gain momentum.
Major driving factors for the UMD market
UMDs have replaced the use of older laptops and desktops. Features such as longer better battery life, high portability, and better productivity are major reasons why people are adopting UMDs. The advancements in technology and increased standard of living have increased the demand for UMDs. These devices provide a unique experience to the users and thus, are preferred over PCs.
Initially, UMDs were owned by only the premium class or the upper-middle-class people. However now, several companies have launched dedicated UMDs at affordable prices along with EMI options. Due to rapid expansion in the telecommunication industry in the Asia-Pacific region, the growth of UMDs is expected to skyrocket in the region. To keep up with the competition, major UMD companies have invested a huge pile of money to offer the latest versions and advanced features with every update.
The premium UMD category, which includes Apple’s MacBook Air and Microsoft’s Surface Pro, is one of the fastest-growing categories. The demand for traditional desktop and notebook PCs has been declining slowly and might completely be replaced with UMDs. UMD offers all the functionalities at low cost, boosting its adoption. With the increasing number of Internet users, cloud connectivity users, and the need for more portable and compact devices, the demand for the UMDs is bound to rise in the near-time future as well.
