Tag: smartphones

Smartphones Outselling Feature Phones For The First Time Ever

Smartphones are now outselling cheaper feature phones for the first time in history, according to new findings from research firm IDC.

Tracking shipments over the first three months of 2013, 51.6% of the 418.6 million mobile phones shipped were smartphones. The number of phones shipped for the traditionally slow quarter (Q4 2012, the holiday season, saw shipments hit 483.2 million) rose year-on-year too, with 2012’s Q1 shipments peaking at 402.4 million.

“Phone users want computers in their pockets. The days where phones are used primarily to make phone calls and send text messages are quickly fading away,” said Kevin Restivo, senior research analyst with IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker.

“As a result, the balance of smartphone power has shifted to phone makers that are most dependent on smartphones.”

Samsung Electronics continues to dominate. It shipped 70.7 million smartphones during the first quarter, 60.7 percent more than a year earlier, according to IDC.

Apple remains the second-largest smartphone vendor, shipping 37.4 million iPhones. That’s an annual growth rate of just 6.6 percent, though, the slowest of the top five vendors. The last time iPhone sales posted a single-digit year-on-year growth rate was in the third quarter of 2009.

LG, on the other hand, managed to more that double its shipments, to 10.3 million units. That was enough to outship both Huawei Technologies and ZTE, which last year were ahead of the South Korean vendor. LG’s growth was driven in large part by its 3G smartphone portfolio, including the L series and the Nexus 4. LTE-enabled devices, including the Optimus G series, also contributed to LG’s success, according to IDC.

[IDC, Memeburn]

April 26, 2013
75% Of Smartphones Shipped in Q3 Run On Android

Smartphones running Google’s Android software have leapt to 75% share of worldwide smartphone shipments, according to market tracker IDC.

Google’s OS was present on 136 million devices shipped in Q3, up from 71 million a year ago, a boost of 91.5% year-over-year. Apart from RIM and Apple, most smartphone manufactures have produced a wide variety of handsets that run on Android.

Coming in a distant second was Apple’s iOS with 14.9% of the smartphone market. That is also impressive as Apple has only three phones in production, the iPhone 4, 4S and 5.

Top-end Androids like Samsung’s Galaxy S III (which is expected to sell 30 million this year) are holding their own against Apple’s iPhone.

Coming in 3rd place is RIM – who hasn’t come out with a new smartphone in over a year – and they captured 4.3% of the market, significantly dropping of 34.7% over last year. Hopefully RIM’s tune will change when they launch their new BB10 devices in early 2013.

Nokia’s Symbian squeaked in with 2.3% market share, meanwhile Microsoft’s Windows Mobile/Windows Phone rose 140% over the year to take hold of 2% of the market, but have failed to grab the buyers attention. This might shift with all their new WP8 handset coming out in a couple weeks.

November 2, 2012
iPhone 5 Passes Samsung Galaxy S III in Web Traffic

The new iPhone 5 has topped the Samsung Galaxy S III’s Web traffic in just 18 days, according to stats from mobile ad firm Chitika.

Chitika based its findings on millions of mobile ad impressions from the iPhone 5 and Galaxy S III across its U.S. and Canadian network between Oct. 3-9. By Oct. 9, about 56 percent of impressions were from Apple’s new smartphone, while 44 percent were from the Galaxy S III.

[quote]Following the release of Apple’s iPhone 5 on September 21st, Chitika Insights was interested in comparing the Web usage rates of the newest phones from both manufacturers. To quantify our latest study, we conducted a user agent analysis on millions of mobile ad impressions, spanning a 7-day time frame from October 3rd through October 9th, 2012. Looking solely at impressions coming from the iPhone 5 and Galaxy S III, we were able to observe the difference in Web traffic volume between the two devices, depicted in the figure above.[/quote]

Earlier this month, mobile-app analytics firm revealed that Galaxy S3 sales are growing. When the iPhone 5 was announced last month, Galaxy S3 sales grew by 15 percent. At the end of September, sales growth was at 9 percent.

October 13, 2012
Karbonn Announces New Android Devices

Indian handset maker Karbonn has announced the launch of two new tablets, and three dual-sim smartphones in its portfolio. Part of Karbonn Smart series, these tablets will join company’s Jelly Bean tablet Smart Tab 1 and have been priced at Rs. 5,990 and Rs. 7,990 respectively, while the smartphones are Karbonn Smart A11, A7+ and A1+.

Karbonn Smart Tab 3 (Blade), is loaded with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) running on a 1.2GHz processor, and features a 7.1-inch capacitive touchscreen. Powered by a 2,600mAh battery, the tablet features 3D gravity sensor, Wi-Fi and 3G support through USB dongle. The Karbonn Smart Tab 3 comes with 1.3MP front camera and various pre-installed applications like Karbonn Smart Browser and Karbonn Smart games.

Karbonn Smart Tab 9 (Marvel), is loaded with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and features a 9-inch capacitive touchscreen. The new tablet is powered by a 1.2GHz processor and runs on a 4,000mAh marathon battery. It features 3D gravity sensor, Wi-Fi and 3G support via USB dongle, comes with a 1.3MP front camera and pre-embedded apps like Karbonn Smart Browser and Karbonn Smart games.

The A 11 is a dual-sim Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) smartphone that boasts of a 4-inch display, 1GHz processor, 1,500mAh battery, and support for up to 32GB microSD card. The new smartphone, costing Rs 9,990, also features a 5MP rear snapper with LED flash, along with a 1.3MP front camera.

Karbonn A7+ and A1+ are the two other dual-sim smartphones launched by the company in India, priced at Rs 8,990 and 4,990, respectively. Both phones have 1GHz processors, 3.5-inch touchscreens, video calling front cameras, 3G support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and microSD card support up to 32GB. The Karbonn A7+ has a 5MP primary camera wih dual LED flash and a 1,420mAh, while the Karbonn A1+ comes with a 3MP camera without flash and 1,500mAh battery.

October 12, 2012
LG felicitates the winners of ‘LG Smartphone Idea Camp’

LG Electronics’ innovative consumer-connect campaign, the LG Smartphone iDEA Camp, has culminated successfully, lifting the veil off the name of the winners who got to walk away with a hefty cash prize-worth Rs. 1,000,000 along with LG Smart phones as an additional prize of Rs. 500,000. The LG Smart Phone iDEA camp, which commenced on August 1, 2012, witnessed an extremely encouraging and enthusiastic response from the youth who unleashed their creativity and passion through this campaign. The international campaign, which kick-started from India, invited consumers from varied fields to submit their unique app, feature, concept, service, design or UI (User Interface) ideas that they desire in their Smart phones on www.lg.com/in/smartphoneideacamp. The contest received registrations from 3700 contestants and ended on 15th September, 2012. The eminent jury members of the Smartphone Idea camp narrowed down the vast number of entries received to Top 40 ideas.

The camp finale, which was held between 4th to 6th October, 2012, at the Le Meridian hotel, New Delhi, was conceived as an industry first where the Top 40 selected participants participated in an unique Innovation workshop called – LG Inno Jump. Inno Jump is LG’s creative problem solving process, designed to develop innovative ideas and solutions for products and technology. The Grand Finale of the “LG Smartphone iDEA Camp”saw the top 8 selected group innovators present their innovative ideas before a high powered jury comprising of Mr. Brian Kwon, Sr. VP Product Planning LGE Korea, Mr. Yong Joo Lee, President LGSI R&D. The winning team comprising of 5 members, walked away with the prize money of Rs. 350, 000. Further winners got Optimus 4X HD Smartphone and internship at LG R&D center at Bangalore, along with a promise from LG to use their ideas in the future LG Smartphone line-up.

[quote]Mr. Brian Kwon, Sr. VP Product Planning, LGE Korea, said it is amazing to see the response, we saw some great ideas. While a large chunk of the entries were app- centric, concepts related to the screen size, security of phones and the data within were immensely popular too. The Smartphone Idea Camp further proved that innovation is not some entity that is specific to a body of professionals; everyone can be innovative. LG’s Smartphone Idea Camp is in line with the concept that, since consumers are the demand generators and best deciders of what they need, the camp provided them a platform to express the same. The Camp was LG’s honest attempt to reach out to the consumers, gain their insights and get inspired from their imagination and think creatively and paint a new landscape.[/quote]

[quote]“India is at par with the global consumers when it comes to technological awareness, thanks to the growing consumerization of technology. In a country like India, where the youth constitutes a huge chunk of the population, one can only imagine the huge potential lying under the seams. The LG Smartphone Idea Camp was as successful as we had expected it to be, if not more. The sheer brilliance of the ideas received and insights gathered is incredible. The objective of this competition is to recognize the emerging talent in the design & technology category at the national level. The concept behind Smart phone idea camp is to promote ‘out of the box thinking’ and believe that sky is the limit when it comes to innovation. “, says Mr. Soon Kwon, MD, LG Electronics India.[/quote]

Two years back, in 2010, LG created a bond with the youth by conducting a unique campaign called the Design Innovation. LG Cube invited design students from esteemed institutes to let their imaginations fly by designing devices that can be branded as ‘unique’ in every sense of the word. The objective of this competition was to recognize the emerging talent in the design category at the national level. This year, LG once again invited the youth to come and participate in another innovative campaign called the LG Smartphone iDEA Camp. The online campaign saw an overwhelming response from the consumers, constituting mostly of the college students and young adults. Large traffic of the entries came from participants who were active tech enthusiasts and mostly were engineering, M. Tech, B. Tech, MBA, marketing and design students from metros as well as small cities.

India is one of the biggest mobile markets in the world, with a total mobile subscriber base of 930 million. Smartphone sales have drastically surged worldwide in the past year. According to a survey conducted by Nielsen Informate Mobile Insights, there are 27 million smartphone users in urban India, which constitute a total of 9% of all mobile users in urban India. Industry analysts forecast the smartphone market in India to grow at a CAGR of 116.4 percent over the period of 2012-2015. Smartphones are increasingly gaining greater ground in the market, with a large segment of the same being aimed at the youth. The youth are the most technologically informed of the population, what with their obsession with everything new. Smartphones have now become an essential piece of kit for the youth which enables them to keep in touch with their friends in all sorts of ways. Apps too are wildly popular amongst the youth, who find innovative ways to develop and use apps for even the most banal things. Being connected to everyone and involved in everything via apps has become emotionally important and an integral part of our daily lives.

October 10, 2012
Nokia extends Life information app to new Asha smartphones

Nokia today unveiled Nokia Life+, the latest evolution of its widely-used Nokia Life service. Nokia Life+ is a free (*) Web application, which will provide millions of people with Nokia phones valuable information on education, health and “infotainment” topics. Nokia Life+ will be supported by the Nokia Asha 308 and Nokia Asha 309 smartphones alongside a wide range of Nokia mobile phones.

More than 76 million people have experienced the original Nokia Life service, the world’s most popular life improvement information services suite that works across a range of basic and feature phones without the need for a data connection. The new Nokia Life+ web application builds on this success by providing an even richer web-based service through the new and improved Nokia Xpress Browser, which compresses Internet data up to 90%, resulting in more efficient web browsing and a smarter Internet experience.

“People in developing economies need better access to information on the Internet that has relevance and value to their daily lives beyond entertainment. Nokia Life+ will serve as a bridge as people graduate from a primarily text-based mobile experience towards richer, web-based usage,” explained Jawahar Kanjilal, Vice President & Global Head of Nokia Life. “Nokia Life and Nokia Life+ are now available on a huge variety of Nokia phones, including the Asha smartphone range, to plug the information gap for people with or without data plans.”

Nokia Life+ is now available in 18 countries (**) as a free Web application, accessible as a download from Nokia Store or from the Xpress Browser.

Life+ is now available in English with two services – ‘Life Skills’ and ‘Live Healthy’ – with more services to be added over the coming months. Life Skills is aimed at younger consumers, providing content on how to develop interpersonal skills, build self-confidence, acquire financial literacy or prepare for a job. Live Healthy offers consumers and their families a range of tips and trivia touching upon nutrition, hygiene, staying fit and prevention of common illnesses. Later this year, local versions of Nokia Life+ will be available in India, China and Indonesia, providing consumers with a truly localized mobile Internet experience.

Nokia Life+ is supported by an ecosystem of reputable global and local content partners who carefully tailor information specifically for the services. These Nokia Life+ partners include Reader’s Digest, Foundation for Social Change, FKUGM, Detik.com, Cita Cinta, GADIS, Gamatechno, Sygma, Ayahbunda, Madison Research, EnableM, Sina and iMedia.

[Reuters]

September 25, 2012
Motorola files biggest complaint against Apple for iOS devices

Motorola’s biggest ever complaint against Apple involves 7 technologies that are now owned by Motorola, such as syncing messages between devices and bookmarking media playback on one device to resume on another. Although Apple has been using these technologies since 2005 in podcasts and Movies from iTunes, Motorola’s complaint only targets the newer iPad, iPhone 4s and other devices in the bottom line of Apple’s retail chain.

The complaint may take 6 months to over a year to resolve. By then Apple’s new lineup of technologies should be out. But, the question on everyone’s mind remains whether Apple, with their billions of dollars of corp warfare funds, will let this go easy.

August 21, 2012
Google+ Update lets you open iOS links in Chrome, Allows Androids to join Hangouts on Air.

Google has let out a sly update to their Google+ apps on Android and iOS. The biggest addition is now allowing, Android phones to join Hangouts on Air, a feature we might use as soon as Today.

For iOS the app, it now allows you to open links in Chrome instead of Safari, making the dreams of a default chrome browser more real than ever.

What’s in this Android version:

– Teens can now create and join Hangouts from mobile
– Join Hangouts on Air from mobile
– Floating timestamp in photos view
– Shortcuts for post creation
– Ability to report abuse in Events

What’s in this iOS version :

? Web links in posts now open in Chrome (if installed)
? Teens can now join and create Hangouts
? Instant Upload bug fixes to improve performance

[App Store] [Google Play]

August 17, 2012
RIM looks to sell NewBay, other assets

BlackBerry maker Research In Motion is looking to sell cloud services provider NewBay and some of the other minor assets it recently acquired, as part of a strategic review process, according to a source familiar with the matter.

RIM acquired NewBay, a provider of photo, video, and social-networking tools for smartphones and computers, in October 2011 for reportedly around $100 million, as it sought to roll out a new strategy to stem its steady decline.

RIM declined to comment on the sale report.

RIM, based in Waterloo, Ontario, is a pioneer in the smartphone industry, but has struggled over the last couple of years, as its aging line-up of BlackBerry smartphones have not been able to compete against more-advanced devices like Apple Inc’s iPhone and a slew of other devices based on Google Inc’s Android software.

The acquisition of NewBay in Dublin, Ireland, was a huge part of the former RIM leadership’s plan to alter its course and boost service revenue by having carriers use its services for messaging, content delivery and analytics on all smartphones.

When RIM bought it in late 2011, NewBay had over 80 million subscribers. NewBay stores media on its own servers and delivers it to any Internet-connected device, including mobile phones, personal computers and tablets.

But in the face of mounting pressure RIM’s Co-Chief Executives Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie resigned early this year. RIM’s new CEO Thorsten Heins has begun a strategic review process within the company and is focused on delivering a new line-up of devices that run on RIM’s new BB10 operating system, in the first-quarter of 2013.

Since taking the reins early in 2012, Heins has retained RBC Capital Markets and JPMorgan to explore options for RIM.

Its share price has fallen more than 60 percent over the course of the last year, as RIM has continued to hemorrhage market share to the likes of nimbler competitors like Apple and Samsung Electronics Co.

RIM’s shares closed more than 6 percent higher at $8.29 on Friday on the Nasdaq, after Bloomberg reported that tech giant International Business Machines Corp had at one point considered buying RIM’s enterprise division.

Source : Reuters

August 11, 2012
Blu beats Micromax to it, Launches Worlds first 4.3 inch Super Amoled Android Phone with Dual Sim (PR)

Just when we thought an Indian company would make it to the first list, it just got beat. Blu yesterday announced, the worlds first Super AMOLED 4.3 inch display touting Android phone with dual sim capabilities on Android 4.0.3 ICS. Sounds familiar, its the exact same phone that everyone will come to know as the Micromax A90 Superfone.

Blu cals it the Vivo 4.3, apart from the Super AMOLED Plus screen, a 1GHz, dual-core Cortex A9 CPU, dual-SIM capabilities which sounds exactly the same as the above brother, the Price is also set at US $ 250, just like Micromax’s Rs. 12499/- reported by iGyaan earlier today.

[toggle_box title=”BLU Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]

BLU Products announces the VIVO 4.3 – World’s First Dual SIM smartphone device to feature Super AMOLED Plus Technology and Dual Core CPU

New device meant to capitalize on the explosive growth and demand of Dual SIM smartphone devices in emerging markets as well as increased demand for unlocked smartphone devices in US MVNO Channels

MIAMI, Aug. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — BLU Products, one of the fastest growing mobile phone manufacturers in the world, announced the new Vivo 4.3, becoming the first manufacturer to produce a Dual SIM device to include either a Super AMOLED Plus LCD, or Dual Core Processor – realizing increased performance, user experience and capabilities for consumers in emerging markets, as well as non-contract unlocked devices in the United States.

“We are extremely excited as we continue to pioneer the growing demand of Dual SIM handsets in emerging markets by offering the most outstanding Dual SIM smartphone available anywhere in the world today.” said Samuel-Ohev-Zion, CEO of BLU Products. “Additionally, this is the first in a series of exciting new Android devices we will be announcing, as we are actively and aggressively moving towards providing high performance, affordable smartphones to the ever growing unlocked no-contract segment in the United States.”

The Vivo 4.3 features no physical hardware buttons on the front to ensure a seamless elegant design, and is run by a MediaTek MT6577 dual core 1GHz Cortex™-A9 CPU with 3G/HSPA connectivity, running the latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Operating System. Additionally, the Vivo is designed to deliver high-end multimedia capability, with an 8MP camera, plus HD video recording and playback. The highlights of the phone include the rich viewing experience of the brilliant Super AMOLED Plus 4.3″ Display, along with true dual SIM capability allowing both SIMs to be active and receive calls simultaneously.

The unlocked VIVO 4.3 will begin shipping to major US Retailers in September 2012 with an MSRP of $249.99 and will soon follow through Latin America, and parts of Asia.

About BLU Products
BLU Products, founded in 2009, designs affordable, attractive and innovative mobile devices to suit a wide variety of consumer needs. Over four million BLU mobile devices have been sold in over 40 countries. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, BLU is one of the fastest-growing mobile phone manufacturers in the world. For more information, visit: www.bluproducts.com.

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[BLU Products]

August 5, 2012
G’Five launches five new Android smartphones starting Rs.6,999

G’Five has launched five new dual-SIM Android smartphones under its ‘G-Cloud’ range. These devices are G’Five A79, A86, i88+, G95 and G3D. Another interesting addition is that all these devices come with company’s self-developed G-Cloud technology and will offer users 5.5 GB of free cloud space.

The A86 shows off a 4-inch WVGA display with a 480 × 800p resolution. Adding considerable weight to the specs sheet is the inclusion of an 8MP rear snapper and a 0.3MP front facing sensor. Running on 3G and supporting wireless connectivity too, the device is fueled by a 1GHz processor. The G’Five I88+ also comes across as feature-packed with ICS, an 8MP snapper, a 4.3-inch display, 512 MB RAM and more.

The G95 arrives with a noticeably large display spanning 5.3 inches. It brings forth a bite of ICS and is affixed with an 8MP snapper. The G3D tows along a 1GHz chipset, an HDMI output and 512MB RAM. Its front panel is graced with a 4.3-inch 3D qHD screen proffering images in a resolution of 540 × 960p. An 8MP camera stays in place for photography, while the complete show is run by ICS.

The G’Five A79, A86, I88+, G95 and G3D Price details read at Rs. 6,999, Rs. 7,999, Rs. 8,899, Rs. 9,499 and Rs. 11,799, respectively.

July 18, 2012
iOS 6 Beta 3 Seeded to Developers

Three weeks ago iOS 6 Beta 2 arrived, now apple is pushing out Beta 3 of the worldly OS to the developers and those with Developer accounts. This version of iOS6 inches closer with a lot of bug fixes and multiple tweaks that will now finally hit the end user.

SInce Apple has already closed down access for in-eligible downloads, its best to wait for the final build to arrive.

July 17, 2012
AT&T’s exec Mike Woodward is HTC’s new North America President (Pr)

AT&T’s former phone portfolio VP Mike Woodward is now HTC’s president of its North American division, reporting directly to worldwide sales head Jason Mackenzie. This step seems to be taken in an attempt to save HTC from being ejected and rejected by North American carriers, whose sale totals over 50% of HTC net income.

[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]

HTC Announces Mike Woodward as President of North America

Former AT&T Executive to Lead HTC in U.S. and Canada

BELLEVUE, Wash., July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today announced that Mike Woodward has joined as the new president of North America, effective immediately. The role, which is responsible for HTC’s sales, marketing and operations for the United States and Canada, reports to Jason Mackenzie, the president of global sales and marketing at HTC.

“With solid business acumen and expertise in product planning, marketing, sales and business development, Mike brings strong leadership and vision to our North America business,” said Mackenzie. “I welcome Mike to HTC, one of the leading smartphone brands in the U.S. and Canada.”

Woodward said, “I have been fortunate to witness first-hand HTC’s leadership in mobile innovation, design and consumer experiences, and am proud to be joining a team known for putting consumers at the center of everything they do. During my career in the rapidly evolving mobile industry, I’ve participated in some of the most significant phone launches across the globe, and I’m glad to combine that experience with the talents and culture of HTC.”

Before joining HTC, Woodward held a succession of positions with AT&T, formerly Cingular and AT&T Wireless, concluding with vice president, consumer wireless device and accessory portfolio. Woodward has also held positions at PacketVideo and Motorola and as an intelligence officer for the U.S. Navy. Woodward has a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Arizona, an MBA from Chapman University’s George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics, and completed an executive strategic marketing management program at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. Woodward is based in HTC’s North American headquarters in Bellevue, Wash.

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July 3, 2012
Apple Brings iTunes to Hong Kong, Singapore and 10 others in Asia, India left Out!

Apple has finally started to branch out into what is a major chunk of their earning region. Hong Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam are among the dozen new countries where Apple has just launched their iTunes store for music and movies. Other countries include Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand. If you are asking then the answer is no, India was not included.

The company has left out India from the mix, possibly in comparison to the number of account holders. Hopefully, they can roll out the store in the coming months.

[Apple]

June 27, 2012
Apple Starts seeding iOS 6 Beta 2 to Devs

While everyone waits the arrival of the next big OS for your iDevice, Apple is working hard to get it ready. The company has pushed out Beta 2 to the developers for testing, there are no special additions the primarily focus is on the bug fixes leading the software closer to a final release. There are still other betas expected before the final release comes out, So, hold on to your horses.

Those who have active developer accounts can download the latest betas from their accounts now.

[9to5 Mac]

June 26, 2012