The 12-digit keypad is the oldest and most ubiquitous handset input interface. Up until the early 2000s, the keypad enjoyed virtually 100% device penetration. The QWERTY keyboard is a relatively recent input interface, found on devices targeted at corporate and heavy messaging users, and has etched out a modest share of the global market. However, the handset market is evolving rapidly and ARCchart believes that penetration of phones with either a keypad or keyboard has now peaked.
In this report, ARCchart examines both keypad and keyboard interfaces on mobile phones, outlining their mode of operation, implementation on devices, impact on form factor, the main suppliers and the long-term market outlook for these two interfaces.
Topics of coverage include:
- Evolutions in handset interaction
- Handset input interface ecosystem
- Primary and secondary interfaces
- Keypad and keyboard impact on device form factor
- Innovations
- Predictive text
- Keypad anatomy
- Manufacturing processes and complexities
- Suppliers
- Forecast and outlook
Companies mentioned, discussed or reviewed include:
Analog Devices
Apple
AuthenTec
BYD Electronic
DK UIL
Eatoni Ergononmics
Foxconn
Ichia Technologies
KeyPoint Technologies
KeyTouch
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Kyocera
LG
Microsoft
Motorola
NEC
Nokia
Nuance
Pantech
Polymatech
RIM
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Samsung
Shin-Etsu
Silitech
Sony Ericsson
STMicroelectronics
Sunarrow
Symbian
Synaptics
TI
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Answers and opinions are provided with respect to the following essential questions:
- What are the advantages of touchscreens over keypads and keyboards?
- When will keyboard device penetration peak?
- Who are the leading keypad manufacturers?
- How are developers influencing handset input interfaces?
- What is the outlook for the keyboard slider?
- When will keypads transition to a minority interface?
- Which regions will be strong keyboard markets?
- What proportion of smartphones will have a keypad?
- How many touchscreen handsets will ship in 2015?
- Will Apple produce a keyboard iPhone?