• April 28, 2008

Shipment of mobile devices worldwide was up 13.7% in the first quarter compared to the year earlier period but results are likely to be softer next quarter because of the credit crisis, according to ABI Research.

For 2008, the research firm expects mobile device shipments to hit 1.28 billion-a 12% annual gain.

In terms of market share, Nokia led the way with nearly 40% while Samsung and LG increased to 16% and 8.4%, respectively. Losing ground were Motorola and Sony Ericsson, falling to 9.5% and 7.7%, respectively.

ABI said that the "Big Five" handset makers still dominate but that manufacturers such as Research in Motion, Apple and HTC are increasing interest in smartphones. The BlackBerry and iPhone will soon be joined by a new class of devices: mobile Internet devices (MIDs, made by companies including Lenovo, Aigo, and Asus.

--Mark Walsh