Re: 32-Bit World
When you look at these numbers you have to consider where the processors are being used. If been involved in this inductry for over 35 years so I've seen a lot of changes - the first processor I designed with was the Intel 8008.
People have been predicting the demise of the 8-bit processor for years. But the reality is that there are a lot of embedded applications that require very small, very low-cost controllers. There are very few 4-bit processor available any longer, and the 8-bitters have taken over the markets once served by them. Look at any electronic device and there's a good chance that there's an '8-banger' in there somewhere, even if only as an I/O controller. The 8-bit processors are likely to maintain the largest market share soley because they can be made smaller and cheaper than 16, 32 or 64 bit devices.
When you look at the number of 32 and 64 bit processor sold, you have to consider that the majority of these are employed in devices like PC's and game consoles. Devices that require significant horsepower. While there are embedded applications that require them, they are not the majority.
This is where 16-bit processors fill the gap. While some companies (like Intel) have abandoned that market, others (like Microchip) have embraced it. I do about 15 designs per year, and I find that for the majority of my applications (mostly remote monitoring and control) 16-bit processors offer faster speeds and larger memories for little or no additional cost over an 8-bitter. I only use 8-bit processors when cost or size is the driving factor, and there's not the need for large amounts of memory or a very fast processor.