According to the forecast made by Digitimes Research, global shipments of smartphones are expected to reach 195 million units in 2008, i.e. 16% of total global mobile phone shipments. In 2007 the company expects 149 million smartphones shipped, a 13% share. Analysts believe that Symbian and Microsoft target China and Japan to gain more market share. According to Symbian, 9 of 15 Symbian-smartphones were launched for the markets of China and Japan. Total sales of such devices in Japan made up 30 million units, a 72% smartphone share in Japan. In China the share is 60%.

Microsoft expects to strengthen its position in China. The company has already set cooperation with Amoi Electronics, TechFaith Wireless and Lenovo to produce Windows Mobile-handsets, soon it will team up with Huawei Technologies and ZTE, says the source. Currently there are 12 Windows Mobile models in Japan against only one phone in 2005.