Mobile Market Generates GPU Landscape Change

It is not a secret that the fierce competition among mobile equipment is generating the charm of GPU. With mobile devices posing higher requirements for high-definition video and 3D gaming experience, high-performance GPU is playing increasingly important role in image processing and easing CPU’s workload.

GPU is first introduced by nVIDIA, the leader of GPU in PC era. But as mobile market rises, players and landscape of GPU market is showing new change-SoC; and the market potential attracts growing participants such as Qualcomm, Samsung, MTK, Broadcom, Intel, Marvell and other handset chip manufacturers.

According to embedded graphics market research report released by JPR (Jon Peddie Research), Imagination Technologies accounts for 50% of market shares in mobile GPU market; followed by Qualcomm with shares at 33%. Apple is the major authorized customer of Imagination, contributing to large revenue. Other customers include Samsung, Intel and MTK. The number three is ARM.

Application segments change
Currently, set-top boxes and IP set-boxes are the main supporters of GPU. However, the coming of mobile and digital era, new market driving forces is gaining traction.

Dennis Laudick, development director of multimedia processor at ARM said “We live in a visual age. Consumers hope a visual interface for all electronic equipment. In the coming years, GPU will find application in automotive, medical, industrial, printing equipment and even household appliances.”

And Qualcomm holds optimistic attitude to Internet of Things and video surveillance as well as the smart products.

Other emerging markets are also drawing attention, including wearable electronics and smart kitchen appliances. Aiming at the market, Imagination Technologies has filed strategy: open mobile field; expand its layout in network, storage and house application; play attention to Internet of Things.