We’ll all be videoconferencing like crazy in 2012, predicts Barclay’s analyst Ben Reitzes.
By the end of 2012, Apple’s installed base of FaceTime devices will exceed 200 million, Reitzes predicts.
That’s based on more than 85 million FaceTime-enabled devices by the end of 2011:
- 50 million FaceTime iPhones
- 15 million FaceTime iPods
- 12 million FaceTime Macs
- 10 million FaceTime iPads
In 2012, Apple’s video conferencing platform will only gather momentum, driven by what he’s calling the “FaceTime networking effect.”
“While Android and competitive devices either have or are working toward incorporating a similar feature, we believe this particular feature benefits from Apple’s vertically integrated model,” Reitzes said. “Experiences across disparate hardware platforms tend to vary–with Apple’s one of the most reliable in our trials. Also, this feature allows Apple to mine the millions of iTunes users who have Apple ID’s–and provide an attractive feature across devices that can be put into use immediately. We believe the ‘FaceTime networking effect’ could enhance a halo effect on Macs and iPads as the feature becomes available.”
AllThingsD: 200 Million FaceTime-Enabled Devices in 2012?
