A new report from ABI Research claims that the touch screen industry in the mobile device market will be worth $5 billion in 2009. ABI says that shipments of touch screen devices in 2007 increased by 91% over 2006. The report figures in touch screens used in mobile phones, MIDs, UMPCs and navigation devices.

ABI says that Samsung and Motorola command the bulk of the touch screen mobile phone market with 33% and 30% of the market respectively. This is based on strong presence in Asian markets where 80% of the world's touch screen phones are produced. Sony Ericsson has 24% of the touch screen market. Despite the popularity of the iPhone and it being one of the most famous touch screen devices, Apple is nothing but a niche player according to ABI.

"Nearly all mobile handset manufacturers are getting into touch screens to a greater or lesser extent," says research director Kevin Burden. "The acceptance of touch screens to date has varied by geographic region, which has been a significant factor in determining the success of individual handset vendors."

Via ABI Research