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ZTE to Bring High-End Smartphones to U.S. |
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Chinese
manufacturer ZTE plans to launch a top-of-the-line U.S. smartphone in
2012, looking to join a highly-competitive market as it begins to shift
its business strategy.
" By 2015, we expect the U.S. to be the largest market for handsets for ZTE," said Lizin Cheng, president of ZTE's North American region, to the Wall Street Journal. " Next year we're going to launch LTE and high-tier phones in the U.S." The devices will likely run on Google's Android software, and though they will have similar features to handsets like the iPhone, the company will keep prices a bit lower. ZTE's handsets are expected to feature aggressive pricing in order to break into the U.S. market, which has become increasingly competitive. HTC, Samsung, Motorola and LG are in a fierce competition to be the number-one maker of Android-based phones in the U.S. Samsung and HTC have surged in 2011, LG is upping its efforts, and Motorola will soon be owned by Google, giving it several patent advantages as it develops new devices. ZTE will have to prove it is a legitimate contender among its fellow Android phone makers before it comes close to taking on Apple's iPhone. The iPhone 4S is the number-one selling device at every major U.S. carrier that offers the handset, and Samsung as emerged as a close second in the North American market. ZTE's move to the United States market, along with the health of other major manufacturers, is another indicator of the growing popularity of smartphones. Rapid innovation continues to transform the mobile devices, largely due to consumer interest and competitors attempts to outdo each other. The addition of another stateside competitor may be a good thing for consumers, but ZTE will have to prove itself amidst some of the biggest companies in tech if it hopes to have staying power in the U.S. market. |
IDC Estimates 92% Smartphone Shipment Increase in Q4
Smartphone
shipment to Indonesia in the fourth quarter of 2011 is expected to rise
92 percent to 2.1 million units, year-on-year (YOY). The increase is
boosted by the many vendors marketing new products in Indonesia.
(IFT/DINUL MUBAROK)
JAKARTA (IFT) - Smartphone shipment to Indonesia in the fourth
quarter of 2011 is expected to rise 92 percent to 2.1 million units,
year-on-year (YOY). The increase is boosted by the many vendors
marketing new products in Indonesia, according International Data
Corporation (IDC) Indonesia.
Fajar Hidayat, Market Analyst at IDC Indonesia, named several
vendors actively marketing new smartphones in the last quarter of this
year as Samsung, Research In Motion (RIM), Nokia, HTC, Nexian, and CSL
Group. The number of smartphone shipment is estimated to reach 6.68
million units by the end of the year.
" This year, the number of smartphones increased 84 percent from last year," Fajar told IFT, Monday.
In the third quarter of 2011, IDC estimates the total smartphone
shipments at 4.58 million units. The number of shipments from July to
September 2011 is estimated at 1.97 million units.
According to Fajar, the rise in smartphone shipment has not reduced
the feature phone market. As of today, feature phones’ growth is slower
than a smartphone, albeit still being a double-digit growth. Feature
phone market is still large in Indonesia given the more affordable
price compared to smartphone.
" The potential is also seen by local vendors who are focusing on
feature phones by bundling with operators to increase sales," he said.
IDC Indonesia estimates that this year’s smartphone market share
will rise to about 17 percent of the total Indonesian cellular phone
market amounting to 38 million units. In 2010, the market share was
just 4 million units, 12 percent of the total mobile phone market. In
2014, the market is estimated to reach 16.3 million units, 30 percent
of the total mobile phone market.
IDC saw smartphone penetration in Indonesia as lower than other
Southeast Asian countries due to expensive price—not affordable by
medium lower market consumers, Indonesia’s majority segment of cell
phone users.
The growth of Android-based smartphones is predicted to suppress the prices, increasing the market share for smartphones.
New Smartphones
Several vendors are marketing their newest smartphone products in
Indonesia in the fourth quarter. RIM is marketing the BlackBerry Bold
9790 (Bellagio) in mid-November. Indonesia is the first country where
RIM is marketing the said product, as the company’s strategy to
maintain market share in Indonesia with 6 million users as of today.
On November 24, PT High Tech Computer Indonesia, representative of
Taiwan’s smartphone vendor HTC Corp., is marketing their latest
smartphone the HTC Sensation SE. Company is bundling the sales with PT
XL Axiata Tbk (EXCL).
Nokia Oyj, Finnish handset vendor, launched two types of Symbian
Belle based smartphones the Nokia 600 and Nokia 700, in October. Irwan
Dermawan, Product Market Manager of Nokia Indonesia, said the company
is targeting the two products to become a tough competitor in
Indonesia’s smartphone market. (*)
Smaller, Thinner and Maybe Bendable Phones Coming Soon |
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A
new chip-making material may compete against silicon, according to
researchers, leading to smaller, thinner and possibly flexible mobile
devices.
Molybdenite may go head-to-head against silicon for use in the next generation of smaller, more efficient mobile devices. The material is promising, especially for making the thinner chips device-makers are demanding as they search for ways to pack more mobile features into a smaller package. Lack of a compact LTE chip was reportedly one reason Apple did not release an iPhone 5 this year, preferring to wait until chip technology caught up with its desire for a sleek design. Recent technology has cut the thickness of memory chips by 20 percent, but molybdenite is expected to take future mobile devices far beyond today's standards of thinness. Advances in chip technology are about more than device size, however. Mobile processors are called upon to do more functions, such as handling heavy app use, streaming media and enabling augmented reality, and the chip technology that drives them must advance as well. Chip maker Qualcomm has introduced mobile processors allowing devices to smoothly stream movies and television shows, and also is working on chips that would enable gesture control. An innovative new chip material like molybdenite, allowing for high-powered processors that take up less space, may soon take mobile processors to the next level, allowing for more data-intensive activities. Molybdenite also has mechanical properties that may allow it to be made into flexible sheets of chips, which may be used in mobile devices or computers that roll up, fold or stick to the skin, possibly bringing futuristic phones like the bendable Nokia Kinetic prototype closer to reality. Chips have been made mainly of silicon since the dawn of the computer age, and researchers are now looking to new materials to further advances in processor speed, size and efficiency. In this light, molybdenite may hold the key to the next generation of mobile processors. |
Video Calling to Skyrocket, Fueled by Mobile Push |
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Video
calling is expected to grow rapidly by 2015, fueled by the popularity
of mobile devices and changing the ways people conduct businesses and
personal communications.
Video calling was slow to catch on, but has grown particularly popular with frequent travelers and members of the military as a way to stay in touch with family and friends. The prevalence of mobile devices means the software is more widely available on portable phones and tablets, resulting in wider circulation of the technology. The implications for business users are also significant. Business travel is a major expense for corporations, and mainstream adaptation of video conferencing may reduce the need for in-person meetings, which could mean big savings for a company's bottom line. Video chat integration with social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter is already in the works, and was a factor NPD considered when making its projections. Facebook announced plans to partner with video calling giant Skype earlier this year, which may add billions of users to the service. However, some factors may slow growth. Many smartphones still don't have front-facing cameras, meaning users can't face one another when video-chatting on mobile phones. In addition, connections are often unreliable, especially on mobile devices, and many users are still concerned about the security of video communications. Researchers reportedly uncovered a security flaw in Skype that may expose user locations, which Skype is currently investigating. However, the benefits may outweigh the drawbacks. The popularity of texting soared in recent years, but video calling may persuade people to talk more in real-time. Face-to-face interaction, even via video, may alleviate concerns about the effects of " Facebook Depression," which occurs when users replace real-world interaction with social networking, subsequently experiencing classic symptoms of depression. Advancing technology continues to change the way the world communicates, and video calling may just be the next chapter. |
Microsoft Uses Mango to Tempt IPhone, Android Owners |
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Microsoft
is letting Android and iPhone users try Windows Phone 7.5 Mango with an
HTML 5 demo that runs in mobile browsers, an innovative move to spark
interest in the company's latest OS.
Microsoft released Windows Phone last year, and this fall's Mango iteration marks the software maker's first major update, with improvements like multitasking capabilities, an updated version of Internet Explorer and deeper integration with Facebook. By beefing up the platform, Microsoft aims to better compete with new versions of Android's Ice Cream Sandwich and Apple's iPhone 4S platforms. The competition between the two leaders is fierce, and holiday deals are heightening the contest. In response, the Redmond, Wash.-based software maker is pulling out all the stops to establish a foothold in the smartphone market, aiming to achieve Gartner Group's prediction the company will surge ahead of Apple in 2015 and take second place in the smartphone market. Microsoft's partnership with Nokia's hardware capabilities and worldwide reach are another venture that the company is betting on to propel it back to the top. Gartner's report is only a prediction and the smartphone market moves quickly, so the partnership's phones, expected to debut in the U.S. early next year have much riding on them. The interactive tour isn't fully functional, but it may give a good sense of Mango's look and feel and explore its user interface's fresh take on touch screen real estate. For example, the tour encourages testers to tap and slide through Mango's main home-screen functions, like setting up a unified inbox, switching conversation from Facebook chat to text messaging and exploring its calendar, photos, and Outlook options. The demo may spark consumer interest in the Windows Phone Mango and get people talking. Some curious users may find they like Mango, which would lay the groundwork and possibly translate into increased anticipation for future offerings. |
China-based vendors launch inexpensive high-end smartphones to compete in home market
Daniel Shen, Taipei Adam Hwang, DIGITIMES [Wednesday 30 November 2011]
China-based handset vendors have been shifting from entry-level smartphones to models with high-level specifications but priced at a middle level for competition in the domestic market and have scored some points, according to Taiwan-based handset and component makers.
High-level specifications at mid-level prices is a strategy to compete with international vendors including Apple, HTC and Samsung Electronics. For example, Meizu has launched the M9, Xiaomi has launched the M1 featuring 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 4-inch touch screen for sale at only CNY1,999 (US$315), Coolpad just launched the 9900 equipped with 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 5-inch touch screen.
In addition, Huawei Device and ZTE, after gaining some global and China market shares for their entry-level smartphones priced at US$150-200, have launched models for sale at US$300-400 in the China and overseas markets.
Nokia Plans Windows Phone for U.S. in Early 2012 |
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Nokia
is planning to release a Windows Phone in the U.S. in early 2012, as
the company's new devices look to make its long-awaited debut
stateside.
Nokia is also planning a " huge marketing blitz" in the U.S. to coincide with the device, in order to jumpstart the company's brand in the country. The manufacturer once had a large presence in the U.S. with its candy bar-design feature phones, but the company has struggled since the emergence of the smartphone. Nokia said it planned to target first-time smartphone buyers in the U.S. by positioning itself an " additive" to carriers' business, rather than trying to take away sales from the iPhone and Android devices. However, if the rumored specs behind Nokia's flagship handset are true, the device may line up against the iPhone and other high-end smartphones. The Lumia 800's strong performance in the U.K. may give Nokia hope that its partnership with Microsoft to create the Windows Phone will allow it to compete in the U.S. The devices are reportedly flying off store shelves in the U.K. and the company is having trouble meeting the demand for the device. A version of the Lumia 710, Nokia's low-end device, will likely still make its way to the U.S., but the company now appears to be ready to hedge its bets with a high-end handset as well. Nokia's low-end handset could help the company gain market share quickly, as first-time smartphone buyers look for a device that offers strong features and is still easy to use. Meanwhile, a high-end flagship device may attract Android and iPhone customers ready to move on to something new. If Nokia can marry the Windows Phone software with viable and appealing hardware, the company could once again emerge as a major player in the U.S., making Microsoft's platform a viable option in the smartphone market in the process. | |||||||||
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Apple Breaks Black Friday Record |
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Apple's iPad sales surged 68 percent on Black Friday, breaking sales records and hinting at the tablet's continuing market dominance.
The iPad faces stiff competition this season from lower-priced Android tablets such as Amazon's Kindle Fire and Barnes and Noble's Nook, both of which are priced well below the Apple device. However, price doesn't appear to be the only factor driving holiday shopping decisions. Researchers predicted the majority of tablet buyers would choose a product other than the iPad if it was priced $100 less than Apple's device, but the weekend's numbers tell a different story. Apple discounted the iPad $40 in its Black Friday promotion, but sold nearly 70 percent more units than it did last year. Consumers are also gravitating toward more expensive iPads, with Deutsche Bank analysts reporting the 32GB model, which has twice the capacity of the entry-level one and retails for $600, as one of the weekend's strongest sellers. These numbers reveal consumer choices, especially regarding holiday gifts, may be driven by more than getting a good value than price alone. Apple traditionally has a lot of cachet with consumers and the iPad was the first tablet to achieve success in the market. These facts, coupled with Android's reported malware-prone apps and privacy concerns surrounding Kindle Fire's Silk Web browser, may lead loyal consumers to choose the iPad over Android tablets, even though it may cost more. Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed last month he is not concerned by rising tablet competition, noting other tablets with varied features and price points have tried to compete against the iPad, but " none have gained any traction thus far." Some may view Cook's dismissive comments as overconfident, but others point to the iPad's impressive Black Friday showing as proof that Apple is making the right decision by standing by its products and pricing structure. Apple overall may have had its best sales day ever last Friday, according to an internal leak from the company's retail department. It forecasted Black Friday sales four times higher than normal, but estimates it blew well past that benchmark by 7 p.m., before stores had even closed for the night. Along with the iPad, the iPhone 4S and the MacBook Air were Black Friday hits, with the 4S selling out at most Apple Stores and AT& T and Verizon outlets by the end of the day. With Cyber Monday deals still out and the holiday season just beginning, Apple is expected to keep iPad sales numbers high in the hopes of hanging onto its tablet dominance. | |||||||||
Nokia Lumia Sells Out in U.K. |
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Nokia's Lumia 800
Windows phone is flying off the shelves in the U.K., surprising
analysts and signaling good news for the phone's North American launch
in 2012.
The company is betting the Windows brand will lure customers comfortable with the Microsoft interface, and offered an Xbox promotion along with the new phone to draw customers in. " Lumia 800 sales in the U.K. are off to an excellent start," said the company. " Based on earliest data, the sales start of the Lumia 800 is the best ever first week of Nokia smartphone sales in the U.K. in recent history." Last week, analysts from financial research groups Bernstein Research and Pacific Crest scaled back sales predictions for the Lumia Windows phones, citing high prices and lack of innovative new features. The forecasts led to a drop in stock prices for Nokia. However, the higher-than-expected sales in the U.K. are good news for Nokia, and while the company says " it is not our policy to disclose individual product sales figures outside our quarterly financial results," it also called last week's downgraded predictions " premature." The positive reaction to Windows phones may also bode well for the company's planned North American launch early next year. A recent study from the NPD group found that nearly half of smartphone users are considering a switch to Windows, which may mean higher than expected sales for the U.S. and Canadian launches as well. A shining reception in the U.K. may lend Nokia the confidence, credibility, and momentum it needs to propel itself back to the top of the smartphone market. If the U.K. launch is any indication, Windows may give Apple, Android, and RIM's BlackBerry some real competition and a struggling phone giant some solid ground to stand on. | |||||||||
Spice Mobile to start manufacturing unit will invest Rs 100 cr
NEW DELHI: Handset maker Spice Mobile today said it will start a manufacturing unit for mobile devices in the country by next year with an initial investment of Rs 100 crore.
" We already have a facility in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh where we manufacture other devices. We will extend the existing facility and start manufacturing mobile handsets from March 2010. Initially, the company has earmarked an investment of Rs 100 crore for the purpose," Spice Mobiles National Marketing Head Payal Gaba told news agency.
The B K Modi Group-owned company, is looking at manufacturing two million units a month once the facility starts operation in March.
The company which claims to be the third largest handset maker in India after Nokia and Samsung, is currently, manufacturing the devices in China.
As the Indian mobile market expands, most of the handset makers are seeing a business case in manufacturing the handsets locally.
Nokia, which is a leader in Indian market has its handset manufacturing factory at Chennai.
Besides, manufacturing, Spice Mobiles which is credited for making dual SIM mobile phones popular, is planning to sell mobile handsets in developing markets of Africa and Asia in a bid to replicate its growth story in India.
BK Modi plans JV for 3G roll out
KOLKATA: NRI industrialist BK Modi will float a joint venture between Spice Global, his Singapore-based holding company, and Spice Retail to roll out pan-India 3G services. " The company will participate in the 3G spectrum auction scheduled for January 2010, and plans to deliver 3G services across India," said Mr Modi, who sold his stake in Spice Communications to the Aditya Birla Group's Idea Cellular for Rs 2,700 crore last year. " We are yet to finalise the company's name, but we are toying with the name Spice 3," he said.
The auctions of third generation (3G) spectrum, vital for high-end mobile phone services such as ultra-fast internet, which are scheduled to begin on January 14 may be postponed by a few weeks. The plans to create Spice 3 comes close on the heels of Mr Modi's decision to list Spice Global on Singapore stock exchange next year to raise $1 billion to bankroll the group's future projects.
Mr Modi said Thomas Zilliacus (Ex-Nokia APAC chief) and global fund manager Vijay Chopra (Ex-UBS) would mentor Spice's 3G mobile broadband venture in India. Both Mr Zilliacus and Mr Chopra sit on the board of Singapore-based MediaRing (a VoIP services provider), in which Spice recently acquired management control. MediaRing has been rechristened Spice Eye to Eye.
" Thomas and Vijay have decades of expertise in steering and financing greenfield telecom ventures worldwide. Since they were closely involved in numerous 3G rollouts in Singapore, they will hand-hold the Spice management team that will execute the 3G project in India," said Mr Modi.
Not too long ago, Mr Modi also roped in Sudip Bandhyopadhyay from Anil Ambani's Reliance Money as group president (financial services) at the Spice Group. He has over two decades of industry experience, having worked with ITC, ICI and HLL before his stint at Reliance-ADAG. Incidentally, Mr Modi's Spice Group is among the entities that have been shortlisted for MTNL's 3G franchise.
Check E-Mail With Bionic Contact Lenses |
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A
new kind of contact lenses that projects text and e-mail images in
front of wearers' eyes is being developed, giving wearers yet another
way to stay connected.
Washington University in Seattle is working on the new contacts, and have tested them on rabbits. However, there are several issues to work out, such as finding a good power source, the BBC reported. Currently, the device can only work if it is within inches of a wireless battery, and its microcircuits are not strong enough. The technology works by using a custom-made sapphire LED and antenna, which is embedded into a plastic contact lens. The new contact lens isn't the first time scientists have worked on a device that integrates closely with people's eyes. Lenovo is working to develop an eye-tracking prototype that allows people to control computers with their eyes, which one day could be used to sidestep touch pads, and extend to a range of applications beyond computing. However, the contact lens would be a device that would connect directly to the eye itself, lending itself to numerous futuristic uses. The developers say one day the lenses will be more than just a gimmick, and allow people to always have a mobile connection right in front of their eyes all the time. If hundreds more pixels are put into the lenses, they could provide complex holographic images, such as journey directions that could be projected onto a windshield, for example. The lenses could also be used for medical reasons, providing up-to-date information about blood sugar levels by linking to sensors in the wearer's body. The team is also working on adapting the lenses to shorten focus distance to make it easier to read images generated right on the eye, rather than having to be seen from a distance away. While the tests were successful, but it will likely be some time before people will be able to play " Call to Duty" just by shifting their eyes. The lenses can only be work for a few minutes at a time because they're made from a hard plastic that doesn't allow the eye to breathe, and no medical tests have been conducted on humans to ensure their safety. However, if they are one day approved, they could add a whole new dimension to how people use technology to work, play and connect with others through a device their bodies control. |