Immersion, Others Could Get A Boost When Haptics Market Rises To $13 Billion

Lux Research Associate Anthony Vicari believes that the haptics will soar over 16-fold to $13.8 billion in 2025. He wrote about the industry's massive growth in a new report titled, "Getting Back in Touch with Electronics: Finding Opportunity in Emerging Haptics." When it comes to haptics, Immersion IMMR is usually the first company that comes to mind. The company's technology can be found in products from virtually every manufacturer in the world, including Samsung SSNLF, Sony SNE, Microsoft MSFT and Nokia NOK. Many firms, including Google's GOOG Motorola and HTC, have been sued for infringing on Immersion's patents. Following in the footsteps of Sony and Microsoft (who were also sued by Immersion), Google settled out of court and agreed to a licensing deal for future devices. Related: Google Play Downloads Top Apple's App Store By 10% With so many companies using Immersion's technology (legally or otherwise), it isn't a stretch to assume that the company could benefit from a haptics growth spurt. Vicari agrees, but he said that's not the only company that will enjoy the industry's growth. "Immersion will very likely be one of the companies that does benefit," Vicari told Benzinga. "But there's also going to be those developing the haptics hardware, which includes everything from startups all the way up to giants like Texas Instruments TXN." Vicari said that haptics also have the potential to provide a "differentiator" for device OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). "If you have your device OEMs, whether it's Apple AAPL and Samsung in mobile electronics or Ford F and GM GM designing new interfaces for future automobiles, haptics could benefit from them as well in gaining consumer interest," said Vicari. Immersion declined to comment on the report. Louis Bedigian is the Senior Tech Analyst and Features Writer of Benzinga. You can reach him at 248-636-1322 or louis(at)benzingapro(dot)com. Follow him @LouisBedigianBZ