MP3 player market to reach 286 Million units by 2010

The rapidly growing worldwide market for Flash-based and Hard Disk Drive (HDD)-based players will jump from 140 million units in 2005 to 286 million by 2010, reports In-Stat.

Drivers for this market include falling price points, the availability of legitimate subscription and pay-per-download online music sites, increasing Flash memory capacities, and enhanced functionality, the high-tech market research firm says.

"Apple continues to dominate the market for MP3 players, particularly in the US," says Stephanie Guza, In-Stat analyst. "Apple competitors continue to face significant challenges, such as a constrained Flash memory supply, device and software integration, and the ‘cool factor' associated with Apple's iPod line of products."

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:
-- In-Stat consumer survey data shows 49% of MP3 player owners own an Apple iPod.
-- Sales of low-end, Flash-based players were especially strong in 2005, particularly in Asian markets where some players are priced as low as $25.
-- HDD-based models will continue to evolve into multimedia entertainment devices capable of audio, video, and imaging playback.

Recent In-Stat research, Portable Digital Audio Players: Market Growth Exceeds Expectations (#IN0603155ID), covers the worldwide market for digital audio players. It includes results of a consumer survey about MP3 player ownership, profiles of leading portable audio player manufacturers and suppliers, as well as forecasts for portable audio player shipments and revenue through 2010.

This research is part of In-Stat's Portable & Emerging Consumer Products service, which examines emerging portable media players, and digital radios, and provides coverage for dynamic markets such as handheld gaming devices and digital audio players. Supply and demand-side insights are combined to examine these rapidly evolving worldwide markets. The service explores competitors, market shares, shipments, platforms, semiconductors, consumer ownership, buying behavior, and consumer demand.

To purchase this research, or for more information, please contact Erin McKeighan at 480-609-4551; emckeighan@reedbusiness.com. The price is $2,995 U.S. Dollars.