"Yole forecasts that the CIS industry will reach $10B this year, with Sony remaining the undisputed world leader --mainly at image sensor level, but gaining strong momentum at camera module level too. And what will Sony’s $4B be used for? Probably to increase capacity, enhance R&D efforts, and further widen the gap between its competitors. It may also be used in applications that will generate a firm lead in automotive, and to develop sensing technologies for consumer and automotive applications. With this bold financing move, Sony is leveraging its leading technology position and demonstrating the confidence it has in its products, its technology, and its future.
Sony is increasing in strength, and there’s little the competition can do to counter its growth."
You have to admire Sony's long term commitment to image sensor technology. Sony dominated the CCD business and already dominates the CMOS image sensor business. While I have increasing high hopes for photon-counting image sensors (e.g. QIS) as a 3rd gen sensor, I don't think this will be a barrier to Sony since QIS will rely on technologies Sony is already strong in. I fear that in the future, Sony's dominance may stifle innovation in the image sensor field as Sony will become increasing complacent with slow "kaizen" rather than fast advancement, and it will become increasingly harder for startups to enter the market (and it is already really hard!)
ReplyDeleteYole wrote : And what will Sony’s $4B be used for? Probably to increase capacity, enhance R&D efforts, and further widen the gap between its competitors.
ReplyDeleteThis is an unbelievable smart prediction from Yole !
Still surprised that people are willing to pay money for these kind of statements.
I have found these analysts don't have the deep knowledge required to make such predictions. They will just follow the headwinds and predict something, without going deeper into the new market requirements, companies' product line, etc.
ReplyDeleteBack to Eric's comment: In any market segment, over dominance by one or two companies reduces innovation. But I believe Sony's competitors will continue to provide enough innovation and competition to keep Sony on it's collective toes for the foreseeable future.
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