Japanese handset makers markedly contribute to global smartphone shipments

The Asia-Pacific region claimed 46% of smart mobile device shipments worldwide in Q1 2006, according to Canalys. Overall, the global shipments of smart mobile devices increased 55% from 1Q 2005. Japanese handset makers played an important role in the increased shipments of smartphones, making Symbian OS global share in smart mobile devices to reach new high of 69%.

“In addition to the shipment increases made by Nokia and RIM, Japanese vendors such as Mitsubishi and Sharp have achieved very high volumes of their new Symbian-based FOMA smart phones in Q1, catapulting them into the global top five. With increased shipments from Fujitsu, and a new device from Sony Ericsson, Symbian is enjoying not only significant Japanese market success, but also seeing record global market share,” said Canalys senior analyst and research manager Rachel Lashford.