In-Stat's (News - Alert) market intelligence combines technical, market and end-user research and database models to analyze the mobile Internet and digital entertainment ecosystems. The current report discusses the opportunities for 3D in mobile devices, the developments in mobile 3D technology, the total market available and the worldwide shipment forecasts. It also mentions the key market drivers and the challenges that 3D technology faces.

In a move that could be a forerunner to enabling 3D on mobile devices, major movie studios are being kept busy by transferring 3D content to homes from cinemas. This turnaround of events has been triggered by TV manufacturers shipping increasing numbers of 3D-ready TVs.

According to In-Stat, the number of 3D-enabled mobile devices shipped in 2014 is expected to surpass 60 million units. Other research finding revealed that autostereoscopic 3D is necessary for 3D mobile device consumer acceptance, and predicted that by 2012, 3D-enabled smartphones would represent 45 percent of all 3D-enabled mobile devices shipments. The handheld game console market segment was expected to do very well, with tablets, smartphones, and handheld game consoles incorporating 3D more quickly than other portable devices. 

Stephanie Ethier, senior analyst, said, "Due to advancements in autostereoscopic 3D technology, a type of 3D technology that does not require glasses to view 3D images, 3D technology is finding its way into mobile devices." 

Commenting on the fast infiltration of 3D into smartphones, she said, "The more predictable viewing distance of mobile devices enables a compelling and convenient 3D experience. Additionally, many of the chipsets found in today's smartphones have the processing power to handle 3D content; therefore the smartphones promise the largest opportunity for mobile 3D technology suppliers over the next five years."

The companies that were profiled included Movidius, Myriad, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Sharp (News - Alert) Corporation and Texas Instruments.