continued...
Markets in Eastern Europe were battered in the third quarter, though emerging markets in Africa continued to show healthy growth.
Finland-based Nokia Corp. kept its top spot, selling 118 million handsets to grab a global market share of 38.2%, but the mobile-phone giant felt the slowdown in replacement sales in mature markets and was also hit by weaker emerging-market sales.
South Korean handset maker Samsung Electronics Co. maintained its No. 2 spot, selling 52.9 million phones for a third-quarter market share of 17.1%.
[Poised for Slowdown chart]
Sony Ericsson, the joint venture between Japan's Sony Corp. and Sweden's Telefon AB L.M. Ericsson, sold 24.8 million phones for a market share of 8.1%. The company continued to suffer from the weakness in the high-end markets and the slowdown in Europe, while U.S.- based Motorola Inc. sold 24.6 million devices, estimated Gartner, causing its market share to drop sharply to 8% in the third quarter from 13% in the year-earlier period.
LG Electronics Inc. had a 7.8% market share in the quarter, strengthening its position fromup from 7% a year earlier. Ms. Milanesi said the company is in a good position for the fourth quarter as its prices are more suited to the economic climate.
Business is greatly affected by the present global economic recession.
P.S. Almost all countries are experiencing the downturn.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Global Cellphone Sales Forecast to Slip
Decline Expected in 2009 as Asian-Pacific Growth Stalls Amid Downturn
By ADAM EWING
Global mobile-phone sales are set to drop next year as the economic slowdown hits consumer demand world-wide, research firm Gartner Inc. said Tuesday.
"We expect sales in 2009 to show a low-single-digit growth contraction" from 2008 levels, said Gartner analyst Carolina Milanesi. Market conditions are expected to remain challenging through at least the first half of next year, she said.
Growth in the Asian-Pacific region, which includes powerhouses China and India, is expected to grind to a halt in the fourth quarter of this year as the global economic decline hits consumer spending, the research firm said.
In the third quarter of 2008, about 309 million mobile phones were sold world-wide, Gartner said -- a 6% increase from a year earlier, but a sharp slowdown from the 16% year-to-year growth seen in the third quarter of 2007. Replacement sales were hit especially hard, while first-time users remained active, Gartner said.
Sales in Japan fell 28% to 9.4 million handsets as consumers showed little interest in upgrading their phones.
The North American market grew 4.5% from last year to 47 million handsets, with smart phones a key sales driver.
Western European sales slumped 7.8% to 43.5 million phones from the 47.2 million sold last year. A longer replacement cycle hurt the market and will continue to do so in the fourth quarter.continued...
By ADAM EWING
Global mobile-phone sales are set to drop next year as the economic slowdown hits consumer demand world-wide, research firm Gartner Inc. said Tuesday.
"We expect sales in 2009 to show a low-single-digit growth contraction" from 2008 levels, said Gartner analyst Carolina Milanesi. Market conditions are expected to remain challenging through at least the first half of next year, she said.
Growth in the Asian-Pacific region, which includes powerhouses China and India, is expected to grind to a halt in the fourth quarter of this year as the global economic decline hits consumer spending, the research firm said.
In the third quarter of 2008, about 309 million mobile phones were sold world-wide, Gartner said -- a 6% increase from a year earlier, but a sharp slowdown from the 16% year-to-year growth seen in the third quarter of 2007. Replacement sales were hit especially hard, while first-time users remained active, Gartner said.
Sales in Japan fell 28% to 9.4 million handsets as consumers showed little interest in upgrading their phones.
The North American market grew 4.5% from last year to 47 million handsets, with smart phones a key sales driver.
Western European sales slumped 7.8% to 43.5 million phones from the 47.2 million sold last year. A longer replacement cycle hurt the market and will continue to do so in the fourth quarter.continued...
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
LG offers cheap touch-screen phone
LG Electronics Philippines is jumping into the interactive screen-ready phone segment by launching what it believes is the cheapest touch-screen phone in the country, the LG KP500 Cookie.
The company is tapping the growing demand for touch-screen phones in the Philippines, especially after the launch of the Apple iPhone 3G, as well as competing products from brands like Sony Ericsson, Nokia, HTC and Samsung.
But instead of of going head-on with other brands, LG is aiming for the lower bracket segment of basic phone users who want to move from keypad typing to touch screen typing.
The LG KP500, which has its own web browser, does not have 3G capabilities. Instead, it can access the Internet through EDGE network, which offers speeds closer to third-generation networks.
Nevertheless, the KP500 costs only P11,900, or about half the price of most touch-screen handsets.
LG Electronics Philippines Senior Manager for Mobile Communications Jon Santico said the goal of LG is to cater to a segment of the market that wants touch sensitive phones, minus the bells and whistles found in most phones in the same category.
Price is also a factor as many consumers do not want to spend more on a device that will not be fully utilized.
"There is a market for cheap touch screen phones but not for 3G. However, we may introduce touch screen phones that have 3G capabilities soon," the executive added.
As its main feature, the touch-screen of the Cookie, which LG calls the Active Flash UI (user interface) uses the mobile phone version Adobe Flash Lite, a scaled-down application used in most Flash-based websites.
The phone is cheaper than any other touch screen phones.
P.S. KP500 costs only P11,900.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Mobile phones get down and dirty
continued...
Motorola MC75
RRP: $3228
While the two other handsets in this review have been designed for withstanding everyday conditions, the MC75 is ready to tackle the extremes.
Built from the ground up with harsh environments in mind, this high-end handset is capable of copping a serious beating and still managing to perform as a phone should.
Touted as an "enterprise digital assistant", the MC75 is a fully fledged smartphone in a rock-solid body.
It's aimed squarely at workers who spend their time on construction sites or other locations where personal comfort can be minimal.
Essentially a mobile phone and handheld computer combined, the MC75 can run standard office programs as well as others customised for particular company functions.
For example, a user could access a company database over a mobile network or run applications unique to their company.
The unit's inbuilt GPS capabilities can be used to add location data to any application, which can be of benefit when being used by mobile workforces needing to keep track of activities.
A range of wireless connections are available, including 3G mobile and Wi-Fi (802.11a, b and g), giving added flexibility. There's also a 2-megapixel camera.
The unit feels very solid to hold and, while industrial in design and unlikely to appeal to office workers, should be a welcome choice for those who spend time working in harsh conditions.
Motorola maintains the handset can cope with being dropped on to concrete and continue to work in both extreme heat and cold.
If you need a handheld computer that is also a phone and will be using it in some unpleasant places, the MC75 is the handset for you.End.
This phone is appropriate for those engaged in construction.
P.S. This is a must for engineers, architects and anybody involved in construction.
Motorola MC75
RRP: $3228
While the two other handsets in this review have been designed for withstanding everyday conditions, the MC75 is ready to tackle the extremes.
Built from the ground up with harsh environments in mind, this high-end handset is capable of copping a serious beating and still managing to perform as a phone should.
Touted as an "enterprise digital assistant", the MC75 is a fully fledged smartphone in a rock-solid body.
It's aimed squarely at workers who spend their time on construction sites or other locations where personal comfort can be minimal.
Essentially a mobile phone and handheld computer combined, the MC75 can run standard office programs as well as others customised for particular company functions.
For example, a user could access a company database over a mobile network or run applications unique to their company.
The unit's inbuilt GPS capabilities can be used to add location data to any application, which can be of benefit when being used by mobile workforces needing to keep track of activities.
A range of wireless connections are available, including 3G mobile and Wi-Fi (802.11a, b and g), giving added flexibility. There's also a 2-megapixel camera.
The unit feels very solid to hold and, while industrial in design and unlikely to appeal to office workers, should be a welcome choice for those who spend time working in harsh conditions.
Motorola maintains the handset can cope with being dropped on to concrete and continue to work in both extreme heat and cold.
If you need a handheld computer that is also a phone and will be using it in some unpleasant places, the MC75 is the handset for you.End.
This phone is appropriate for those engaged in construction.
P.S. This is a must for engineers, architects and anybody involved in construction.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Mobile phones get down and dirty
continued...
Sony Ericsson C702
RRP: $599
Like its Samsung rival, the C702 also sports a rubberised exterior that, as well as warding off unwanted splashes, also serves to make it easier to grip.
The keypad feels solid and long lasting under the touch. It does appear a little squashed in layout, but that is to accommodate the 2.4 inch colour screen that takes up much of the front of the handset.
According to Sony Ericsson, the C702 has been designed to cope with splashes of water and a good beating of dust. It may not survive a desert sandstorm but it should easily cope with a day at the beach or being used on dirty construction sites.
The handset incorporates a 3.2 megapixel camera hidden behind a solid sliding cover, as well as a dual flash. The camera produces impressive images and is aided by the addition ofauto focus and face recognition capabilities.
The C702 also has an in-built GPS receiver that keeps track of your position on the included maps. This feature also allows photos to be tagged with their location.
The phone's menu structure is similar to that of other models from the Sony Ericsson range, allowing quick access to all the included functions.
It can also be easily synchronised with a PC to update contact lists and other data.
Sony Ericsson is obviously aiming for a wide audience that wants a tough phone but is unwilling to give up the creature comforts. To this end, the C702 delivers. continued...
Sony Ericson is known to produce good photos.Is it true?
P.S. Somebody please enlighten me..thanks...
Sony Ericsson C702
RRP: $599
Like its Samsung rival, the C702 also sports a rubberised exterior that, as well as warding off unwanted splashes, also serves to make it easier to grip.
The keypad feels solid and long lasting under the touch. It does appear a little squashed in layout, but that is to accommodate the 2.4 inch colour screen that takes up much of the front of the handset.
According to Sony Ericsson, the C702 has been designed to cope with splashes of water and a good beating of dust. It may not survive a desert sandstorm but it should easily cope with a day at the beach or being used on dirty construction sites.
The handset incorporates a 3.2 megapixel camera hidden behind a solid sliding cover, as well as a dual flash. The camera produces impressive images and is aided by the addition ofauto focus and face recognition capabilities.
The C702 also has an in-built GPS receiver that keeps track of your position on the included maps. This feature also allows photos to be tagged with their location.
The phone's menu structure is similar to that of other models from the Sony Ericsson range, allowing quick access to all the included functions.
It can also be easily synchronised with a PC to update contact lists and other data.
Sony Ericsson is obviously aiming for a wide audience that wants a tough phone but is unwilling to give up the creature comforts. To this end, the C702 delivers. continued...
Sony Ericson is known to produce good photos.Is it true?
P.S. Somebody please enlighten me..thanks...
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Mobile phones get down and dirty
by Ian Grayson
MOBILE phones have become such a fundamental tool in daily life that it's virtually impossible to conduct business without them.
As well as voice communications, they're digital diaries, contact books, email readers, media players and even cameras.
But active workers don't always treat portable electronic devices well.
Bumps, drops and harsh environments mean they're often subjected to stresses and strains for which they weren't designed.
With this in mind, mobile phone manufacturers have focused on creating selected handsets that can withstand such things.
By choosing hardy components and designing cases that can cope with anything from water to sudden shocks, they've devised models that should be able to maintain reliable service when the going gets tough.
Samsung M110
RRP: $199
Anyone who has watched with horror as their mobile phone slips from their grasp into a puddle or sink full of water will understand the need for the M110.
With a body coated in rubber and heavy-duty plastic, this handset can cope with an occasional aquatic dunking and still function normally.
While you can't take it swimming, the M110 has been designed to withstand water, dust and some tough knocks.
Its case feels hardy to touch and the rubber coating means it's also less likely to fall out of your hand in the first place.
The phone's keyboard layout is uncluttered and easy to use, with the numeric keys slightly raised, making them easily pressed by even large fingers.
The M110 operates on both the GSM 900 and 1800 frequencies, which means solid coverage, but it doesn't offer the fast 3G speeds that have become common in newer handsets. At this point it's only available on the Vodafone network.
The phone sports a camera, albeit a low-resolution one, and a flash that can double as a torch when trying to find your car keys late at night.
Once you dig beyond its solid exterior, however, this handset doesn't have a whole lot else to offer when compared with some of the more sophisticated models on the market.
It lacks the audio and video playing abilities, though it does have an inbuilt FM radio. While its camera takes acceptable photos, they can't match those produced by alternatives that pack more megapixels.
Overall, if you're looking for a basic, solid phone that can stand the bumps and grinds of daily life and you can live without all the bells and whistles, the M110 is worth a closer inspection.
continued...
This is cool..
MOBILE phones have become such a fundamental tool in daily life that it's virtually impossible to conduct business without them.
As well as voice communications, they're digital diaries, contact books, email readers, media players and even cameras.
But active workers don't always treat portable electronic devices well.
Bumps, drops and harsh environments mean they're often subjected to stresses and strains for which they weren't designed.
With this in mind, mobile phone manufacturers have focused on creating selected handsets that can withstand such things.
By choosing hardy components and designing cases that can cope with anything from water to sudden shocks, they've devised models that should be able to maintain reliable service when the going gets tough.
Samsung M110
RRP: $199
Anyone who has watched with horror as their mobile phone slips from their grasp into a puddle or sink full of water will understand the need for the M110.
With a body coated in rubber and heavy-duty plastic, this handset can cope with an occasional aquatic dunking and still function normally.
While you can't take it swimming, the M110 has been designed to withstand water, dust and some tough knocks.
Its case feels hardy to touch and the rubber coating means it's also less likely to fall out of your hand in the first place.
The phone's keyboard layout is uncluttered and easy to use, with the numeric keys slightly raised, making them easily pressed by even large fingers.
The M110 operates on both the GSM 900 and 1800 frequencies, which means solid coverage, but it doesn't offer the fast 3G speeds that have become common in newer handsets. At this point it's only available on the Vodafone network.
The phone sports a camera, albeit a low-resolution one, and a flash that can double as a torch when trying to find your car keys late at night.
Once you dig beyond its solid exterior, however, this handset doesn't have a whole lot else to offer when compared with some of the more sophisticated models on the market.
It lacks the audio and video playing abilities, though it does have an inbuilt FM radio. While its camera takes acceptable photos, they can't match those produced by alternatives that pack more megapixels.
Overall, if you're looking for a basic, solid phone that can stand the bumps and grinds of daily life and you can live without all the bells and whistles, the M110 is worth a closer inspection.
continued...
This is cool..
Friday, January 16, 2009
Luxury Notes | Mobile couture
continued...
Like the old Samsung Armani phone, the new Night Effect has already set tech blogs ablaze—many have questioned the need for the huge Armani logo on the back. The candy bar-shaped phone features an eye-catching strip of light around its edge inspired by the neon lights of Tokyo. The handset comes preloaded with special Emporio Armani compositions and a fabric Armani package case. No price has been announced so far, but judging by the old model, you can expect it to touch €300 (around Rs19,000) and up.
As with previous versions, the Vertu Ferrari limited edition phones for 2009 will feature leather and stitching seen in the latest Ferrari cars, a titanium body and sapphire crystal screen. But for auto buffs, the highlight will be the tones based on recordings of the engines in the Ferrari F430 and 612 Scaglietti models. Phones start from €7,100 and are currently available at Vertu dealers across India.
Topping the list for the most outrageous design, however, is the My Dior phone from French design house Christian Dior. The super-thin “basic” version for $5,000 (around Rs2.5 lakh) has a hand-brushed stainless steel case, sapphire crystal and electro-luminiscent keypad. A deluxe version with added bling (approximately 640 Swarovski pieces) clocks in at $26,000.
It costs a lot.
P.S. If you have the money, accessorize!!!
Like the old Samsung Armani phone, the new Night Effect has already set tech blogs ablaze—many have questioned the need for the huge Armani logo on the back. The candy bar-shaped phone features an eye-catching strip of light around its edge inspired by the neon lights of Tokyo. The handset comes preloaded with special Emporio Armani compositions and a fabric Armani package case. No price has been announced so far, but judging by the old model, you can expect it to touch €300 (around Rs19,000) and up.
As with previous versions, the Vertu Ferrari limited edition phones for 2009 will feature leather and stitching seen in the latest Ferrari cars, a titanium body and sapphire crystal screen. But for auto buffs, the highlight will be the tones based on recordings of the engines in the Ferrari F430 and 612 Scaglietti models. Phones start from €7,100 and are currently available at Vertu dealers across India.
Topping the list for the most outrageous design, however, is the My Dior phone from French design house Christian Dior. The super-thin “basic” version for $5,000 (around Rs2.5 lakh) has a hand-brushed stainless steel case, sapphire crystal and electro-luminiscent keypad. A deluxe version with added bling (approximately 640 Swarovski pieces) clocks in at $26,000.
It costs a lot.
P.S. If you have the money, accessorize!!!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Luxury Notes | Mobile couture
The latest lot of designer cellphones are pretty, but not always practical
by Sidin Vadukut
Top fashion houses and design firms have been quick to spot the opportunity in the ubiquitous cellphone. With hot new handsets—read the iPhone and Google G1 Android phone—selling in their millions it is hardly surprising that designer labels have been eager to claim a slice of the billion-dollar pie.
Last Christmas saw high-profile names such as Armani, Prada, Anna Sui and Jasper Morrison wrapped around hardware by Nokia, Samsung, LG and Sony Ericsson. This year, big name designer mobile launches include the sequel to the smash hit LG Prada, the LG Prada II with a Qwerty keyboard, the Samsung Armani Night Effect, the latest Vertu Ferrari phone, and My Dior from Christian Dior.
The LG Prada II is probably the best mash-up of design and practicality. The original sold in the thousands and it excelled in both form and function. The Prada II doesn’t do anything drastically different except add a full Qwerty keyboard for those Twitter messages and email updates. The phone will retail for around Rs40,000. ..continued...
Phone accessories are everywhere.
P.S. It's nice to have different phone accessories everyday. : )
by Sidin Vadukut
Top fashion houses and design firms have been quick to spot the opportunity in the ubiquitous cellphone. With hot new handsets—read the iPhone and Google G1 Android phone—selling in their millions it is hardly surprising that designer labels have been eager to claim a slice of the billion-dollar pie.
Last Christmas saw high-profile names such as Armani, Prada, Anna Sui and Jasper Morrison wrapped around hardware by Nokia, Samsung, LG and Sony Ericsson. This year, big name designer mobile launches include the sequel to the smash hit LG Prada, the LG Prada II with a Qwerty keyboard, the Samsung Armani Night Effect, the latest Vertu Ferrari phone, and My Dior from Christian Dior.
The LG Prada II is probably the best mash-up of design and practicality. The original sold in the thousands and it excelled in both form and function. The Prada II doesn’t do anything drastically different except add a full Qwerty keyboard for those Twitter messages and email updates. The phone will retail for around Rs40,000. ..continued...
Phone accessories are everywhere.
P.S. It's nice to have different phone accessories everyday. : )
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
New BlackBerry Storm challenges the iPhone
Continued...The introduction of the touch-screen Storm, business-savvy Bold 9000 and consumer-geared Pearl Flip 8220 may not have come a moment too soon for RIM, which has dominated the market for high-end cell phones that double as e-mail devices. Apple reported selling 6.9 million iPhone 3Gs during its last quarter, while RIM sold 6.1 million BlackBerrys in roughly the same period.
But while RIM's latest offerings are packed with features like stereo Bluetooth, standard headphone jacks, video recording, multiple e-mail options, the multifront attack may not be enough to unseat the mighty iPhone.
One neat feature is the Storm's ability to take videos in two resolutions; the lower one is meant for sending clips in messages. You can also take still photos with the Storm's 3.2 megapixel camera. It also includes GPS. But its lack of Wi-Fi capabilities means you can't get online in the absence of Verizon's data network.
The BlackBerry Bold 9000, with its full QWERTY keyboard, crystal-clear 2.75-inch screen and bevy of wireless options, is well-suited for business and extracurricular pursuits. It's $300 after rebate, with a two-year contract.
The device runs on AT&T's 3G network and can use Wi-Fi, which made it easy to check e-mail and stream videos. Calls came in nice and clear, and the phone is rated for 4.5 hours of talking time.
Like the Storm, the Bold has GPS capabilities and can give driving directions.
The BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 has a Razr-like design that looks somewhat quaint. The Flip ($150 after rebate, with a new two-year contract), available from T-Mobile, is easy to use and might appeal if you're making the switch from a traditional handset.
Like other Pearl devices, the Flip's condensed QWERTY keyboard puts two letters on most keys -- a setup that makes it easier to slip the phone into your back pocket but can take some getting used to during messaging.
The Flip's 2.5-inch main screen is clear and bright. Its 1.75-inch outer screen can give you information like message previews. Given the main screen's small size, it may take you a little more time to navigate the Web, but it can be useful for looking up news and will let you stream video from some sites.
The Flip doesn't include GPS, but you can enter your location in the included BlackBerry Maps application to find nearby businesses or obtain driving directions.
Gaining smartphone share
RIM is expected to gain some footing in the smartphone market because it offers phones with touch screens, flip screens and keyboards that appeal to a wide range of consumers. A Forrester survey found that 18 percent of 12- to 18-year-olds who frequently used the Internet on their phones wanted a BlackBerry; only 15 percent said they wanted an iPhone.
Still, few smartphones please consumers and critics like the iPhone, which is praised for its speedy Web browser and user-friendly applications. RIM will have an especially tough time competing in the fourth quarter because Apple gets so much holiday foot traffic in its stores, said Ross Rubin, director of industry analysis with the NPD Group.
But analysts say that this quarter is only the beginning of the game between Apple, RIM and the other competitors.
"They're looking at each other's devices and trying to figure out how they can keep their edge, and also how they can copy what the other one does better," said Roger Entner, senior vice president, communications sector at Nielsen IAG.End.
Source
But while RIM's latest offerings are packed with features like stereo Bluetooth, standard headphone jacks, video recording, multiple e-mail options, the multifront attack may not be enough to unseat the mighty iPhone.
One neat feature is the Storm's ability to take videos in two resolutions; the lower one is meant for sending clips in messages. You can also take still photos with the Storm's 3.2 megapixel camera. It also includes GPS. But its lack of Wi-Fi capabilities means you can't get online in the absence of Verizon's data network.
The BlackBerry Bold 9000, with its full QWERTY keyboard, crystal-clear 2.75-inch screen and bevy of wireless options, is well-suited for business and extracurricular pursuits. It's $300 after rebate, with a two-year contract.
The device runs on AT&T's 3G network and can use Wi-Fi, which made it easy to check e-mail and stream videos. Calls came in nice and clear, and the phone is rated for 4.5 hours of talking time.
Like the Storm, the Bold has GPS capabilities and can give driving directions.
The BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 has a Razr-like design that looks somewhat quaint. The Flip ($150 after rebate, with a new two-year contract), available from T-Mobile, is easy to use and might appeal if you're making the switch from a traditional handset.
Like other Pearl devices, the Flip's condensed QWERTY keyboard puts two letters on most keys -- a setup that makes it easier to slip the phone into your back pocket but can take some getting used to during messaging.
The Flip's 2.5-inch main screen is clear and bright. Its 1.75-inch outer screen can give you information like message previews. Given the main screen's small size, it may take you a little more time to navigate the Web, but it can be useful for looking up news and will let you stream video from some sites.
The Flip doesn't include GPS, but you can enter your location in the included BlackBerry Maps application to find nearby businesses or obtain driving directions.
Gaining smartphone share
RIM is expected to gain some footing in the smartphone market because it offers phones with touch screens, flip screens and keyboards that appeal to a wide range of consumers. A Forrester survey found that 18 percent of 12- to 18-year-olds who frequently used the Internet on their phones wanted a BlackBerry; only 15 percent said they wanted an iPhone.
Still, few smartphones please consumers and critics like the iPhone, which is praised for its speedy Web browser and user-friendly applications. RIM will have an especially tough time competing in the fourth quarter because Apple gets so much holiday foot traffic in its stores, said Ross Rubin, director of industry analysis with the NPD Group.
But analysts say that this quarter is only the beginning of the game between Apple, RIM and the other competitors.
"They're looking at each other's devices and trying to figure out how they can keep their edge, and also how they can copy what the other one does better," said Roger Entner, senior vice president, communications sector at Nielsen IAG.End.
Source
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
New BlackBerry Storm challenges the iPhone
...Continued...
This is a nice touch
Its biggest innovation is a clever feature RIM hopes will give the Storm an advantage over the iPhone. When you strike a key or icon on the Storm's screen, you feel a physical sensation, as if you were pressing a real key or button. That's because you are pressing a real button. The entire glass display is one large button, mounted on a mechanical substructure that allows it to move upon pressure.
The idea behind this feature is to make typing on glass feel much more like typing on a real keyboard, and thus to make the virtual keyboard, and the touch interface, more acceptable to people used to physical keyboards and buttons. This push-down screen also replaces the side-mounted scroll wheel or track ball on other BlackBerrys for activating menu choices and icons.
For years, Waterloo, Ontario-based RIM has been the de facto provider of e-mail devices for corporations. But the company has its sights on the consumer market.
It launched its first mainstream TV advertising campaign this year and is partnering with Verizon to expand a marketing blitz that has touted the Storm on TV and in newspapers.
"It's only in the last year that they've made a real concerted effort to branch into consumers," said Barry Richards, a senior analyst at Paradigm Capital who owns shares in RIM.
RIM is trying to gain market share as tech-savvy consumers embrace smartphones, which account for 12.6 percent of U.S. handsets but 19 percent of recently acquired phones, according to Nielsen Mobile.
"The smartphone market has plenty of room to grow, and we are well-positioned to benefit from our continued focus on innovation, customer value and partnerships," said Mark Guibert, RIM's vice president of corporate marketing.
Like other handset makers, RIM faces competition from Apple's iPhone, whose sales have surprised analysts since its launch in June 2007. According to the NPD Group, the Apple gadget was the top-selling phone in the third quarter, followed by Motorola's Razr and the Blackberry Curve.
That's not good news for carriers such as Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel, which collectively lost 2 million subscribers in one quarter to AT&T, the exclusive provider of the iPhone, Paradigm's Richards said.
Carriers are especially interested in signing up smartphone customers because they need data plans, which are more lucrative for carriers, said Jim Ricotta, chief executive of Azuki Systems, a mobile media services company.
The Storm isn't the iPhone's first competitor. T-Mobile's G1, Samsung's Instinct and LG's Dare all have touch-screen capabilities.
But RIM said it goes a step further, with what it is calling the "world's first 'clickable' touch screen." And it captures video, which the iPhone doesn't. It does include one popular iPhone feature: an accelerometer, which means the screen shifts depending on which way you hold it.
The Storm is "not an iPhone killer, but it is intended as a retention tool to keep people that have a BlackBerry but might be eyeing the iPhone," said Charles Golvin, analyst at Forrester Research.Continued...
This is a nice touch
Its biggest innovation is a clever feature RIM hopes will give the Storm an advantage over the iPhone. When you strike a key or icon on the Storm's screen, you feel a physical sensation, as if you were pressing a real key or button. That's because you are pressing a real button. The entire glass display is one large button, mounted on a mechanical substructure that allows it to move upon pressure.
The idea behind this feature is to make typing on glass feel much more like typing on a real keyboard, and thus to make the virtual keyboard, and the touch interface, more acceptable to people used to physical keyboards and buttons. This push-down screen also replaces the side-mounted scroll wheel or track ball on other BlackBerrys for activating menu choices and icons.
For years, Waterloo, Ontario-based RIM has been the de facto provider of e-mail devices for corporations. But the company has its sights on the consumer market.
It launched its first mainstream TV advertising campaign this year and is partnering with Verizon to expand a marketing blitz that has touted the Storm on TV and in newspapers.
"It's only in the last year that they've made a real concerted effort to branch into consumers," said Barry Richards, a senior analyst at Paradigm Capital who owns shares in RIM.
RIM is trying to gain market share as tech-savvy consumers embrace smartphones, which account for 12.6 percent of U.S. handsets but 19 percent of recently acquired phones, according to Nielsen Mobile.
"The smartphone market has plenty of room to grow, and we are well-positioned to benefit from our continued focus on innovation, customer value and partnerships," said Mark Guibert, RIM's vice president of corporate marketing.
Like other handset makers, RIM faces competition from Apple's iPhone, whose sales have surprised analysts since its launch in June 2007. According to the NPD Group, the Apple gadget was the top-selling phone in the third quarter, followed by Motorola's Razr and the Blackberry Curve.
That's not good news for carriers such as Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel, which collectively lost 2 million subscribers in one quarter to AT&T, the exclusive provider of the iPhone, Paradigm's Richards said.
Carriers are especially interested in signing up smartphone customers because they need data plans, which are more lucrative for carriers, said Jim Ricotta, chief executive of Azuki Systems, a mobile media services company.
The Storm isn't the iPhone's first competitor. T-Mobile's G1, Samsung's Instinct and LG's Dare all have touch-screen capabilities.
But RIM said it goes a step further, with what it is calling the "world's first 'clickable' touch screen." And it captures video, which the iPhone doesn't. It does include one popular iPhone feature: an accelerometer, which means the screen shifts depending on which way you hold it.
The Storm is "not an iPhone killer, but it is intended as a retention tool to keep people that have a BlackBerry but might be eyeing the iPhone," said Charles Golvin, analyst at Forrester Research.Continued...
Monday, January 12, 2009
New BlackBerry Storm challenges the iPhone
The BlackBerry, a phone and e-mail device that just a few years ago could be found mostly clipped to the belts of high-powered professionals, isn't just for workaholics anymore.
To its fiercest devotees, one of the best things about the BlackBerry is its carefully designed physical keyboard, which the skilled addict can play like a violin. These folks scorn Apple's popular iPhone, whose keyboard is virtual and must be operated by tapping on the screen.
Now Verizon Wireless and Research in Motion, BlackBerry's maker, have done the unthinkable: On Nov. 21, they introduced a BlackBerry model without a physical keyboard, one where typing and navigating require tapping on glass, just as on the iPhone. This new model is the Storm, which sells for $250 with a two-year contract, though a $50 mail-in rebate can bring the price close to the $199 that Apple charges for the base iPhone.
Despite having a keyboard, the Storm is a real BlackBerry, with push e-mail, corporate features and the familiar menus. In many respects, it is a touch-based, large-screen version of the recently released BlackBerry Bold, which is the most polished version of a traditional BlackBerry. It is also the latest member of the new class of hand-held computers, the super-smartphone category kicked off by the iPhone last year and joined by the Google G1 earlier this year.
The Storm sports a large, high-resolution touch screen that fills most of its surface and automatically switches from portrait to landscape mode when the phone is turned. There's also a forthcoming souped-up download store for third-party software, meant to be similar to the ones on the iPhone and the Google phone. The Storm can even be used in European and other countries where most Verizon phones don't work. Continued...
To its fiercest devotees, one of the best things about the BlackBerry is its carefully designed physical keyboard, which the skilled addict can play like a violin. These folks scorn Apple's popular iPhone, whose keyboard is virtual and must be operated by tapping on the screen.
Now Verizon Wireless and Research in Motion, BlackBerry's maker, have done the unthinkable: On Nov. 21, they introduced a BlackBerry model without a physical keyboard, one where typing and navigating require tapping on glass, just as on the iPhone. This new model is the Storm, which sells for $250 with a two-year contract, though a $50 mail-in rebate can bring the price close to the $199 that Apple charges for the base iPhone.
Despite having a keyboard, the Storm is a real BlackBerry, with push e-mail, corporate features and the familiar menus. In many respects, it is a touch-based, large-screen version of the recently released BlackBerry Bold, which is the most polished version of a traditional BlackBerry. It is also the latest member of the new class of hand-held computers, the super-smartphone category kicked off by the iPhone last year and joined by the Google G1 earlier this year.
The Storm sports a large, high-resolution touch screen that fills most of its surface and automatically switches from portrait to landscape mode when the phone is turned. There's also a forthcoming souped-up download store for third-party software, meant to be similar to the ones on the iPhone and the Google phone. The Storm can even be used in European and other countries where most Verizon phones don't work. Continued...
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Comparison Between Samsung i8510 and Samsung Omnia
...Continued
Built-in media Players
You can use the Samsung i8510 INNOV8 phone as your perfect entertainment console. With its preloaded audio player, you will be able to play all your favourite tracks of MP3, eAAC+, WMA, AMR and RealAudio formats with ease. You will definitely be thrilled, while listening to the sound quality, as the audio player provides you a crystal-clear sound output. The phone also enables you to enjoy all your favourite video clips with ultimate pleasure by providing a high-quality video player that supports DivX, H.263, H.264, WMV and MP4 video formats.
Like INNOV8, the Samsung Omnia also offers you multiple formats supported audio and video players, which will enhance your enthusiasm of enjoying music while on your move by delivering out-of-the-box quality sound output.
So, from the above comparison between Samsung i8510 and Samsung Omnia, it is now quite clear that both the models are literally elegant in-terms of quality, functionality and looks. If you possess the desire to own such a latest high-tech mobile handset that will make you class apart then nothing but any of these should be your perfect choice. Buy Sasung Omnia and Samsung i8510 phone at best phone deals. End.
Source
Built-in media Players
You can use the Samsung i8510 INNOV8 phone as your perfect entertainment console. With its preloaded audio player, you will be able to play all your favourite tracks of MP3, eAAC+, WMA, AMR and RealAudio formats with ease. You will definitely be thrilled, while listening to the sound quality, as the audio player provides you a crystal-clear sound output. The phone also enables you to enjoy all your favourite video clips with ultimate pleasure by providing a high-quality video player that supports DivX, H.263, H.264, WMV and MP4 video formats.
Like INNOV8, the Samsung Omnia also offers you multiple formats supported audio and video players, which will enhance your enthusiasm of enjoying music while on your move by delivering out-of-the-box quality sound output.
So, from the above comparison between Samsung i8510 and Samsung Omnia, it is now quite clear that both the models are literally elegant in-terms of quality, functionality and looks. If you possess the desire to own such a latest high-tech mobile handset that will make you class apart then nothing but any of these should be your perfect choice. Buy Sasung Omnia and Samsung i8510 phone at best phone deals. End.
Source
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Comparison Between Samsung i8510 and Samsung Omnia
...continued
Camera Functionality
The Samsung i8510 handset offers you a 8 mega pixels camera, which is absolutely a genuine piece of mobile camera and an extraordinary addition in the extensive series of Samsung mobile phones. it possesses full potentiality to replace a high-end compact digital camera. The camera functionality of the handset is enhanced with autofocus, image stabiliser and built-in flash features, which help you to capture truly exceptional quality photos and videos. With the help of the camera you can capture still images at a resolution of 3264x2448 pixels and it allows you to record video at VGA format at 30 frames per second. You will definitely appreciate the additional advanced features and functionalities the camera is possessing, including Camera geo-tagging, auto-panorama shot and face, smile and blink detection. There is also a secondary videocall camera that helps you to make hassles-free video
calling.
The Samsung Omnia handset provides you a 5 mega pixels camera which, like the i8510 model, comes with autofocus, image stabiliser, video and flash features that also help you to capture supreme quality photos and videos. You will also get a secondary videocall camera in the model which will be highly beneficial for making videocalling with ease. Continued...
If you are particular with pictures, you might have a biased to Samsung i8510.
P.S. Samsung i8510 comes with an 8 mega pixels camera.
Camera Functionality
The Samsung i8510 handset offers you a 8 mega pixels camera, which is absolutely a genuine piece of mobile camera and an extraordinary addition in the extensive series of Samsung mobile phones. it possesses full potentiality to replace a high-end compact digital camera. The camera functionality of the handset is enhanced with autofocus, image stabiliser and built-in flash features, which help you to capture truly exceptional quality photos and videos. With the help of the camera you can capture still images at a resolution of 3264x2448 pixels and it allows you to record video at VGA format at 30 frames per second. You will definitely appreciate the additional advanced features and functionalities the camera is possessing, including Camera geo-tagging, auto-panorama shot and face, smile and blink detection. There is also a secondary videocall camera that helps you to make hassles-free video
calling.
The Samsung Omnia handset provides you a 5 mega pixels camera which, like the i8510 model, comes with autofocus, image stabiliser, video and flash features that also help you to capture supreme quality photos and videos. You will also get a secondary videocall camera in the model which will be highly beneficial for making videocalling with ease. Continued...
If you are particular with pictures, you might have a biased to Samsung i8510.
P.S. Samsung i8510 comes with an 8 mega pixels camera.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Comparison Between Samsung i8510 and Samsung Omnia
by Andrew Mathew
In this current age mobile phones are not just treated as gadgets of wireless communication. With the advancement of technological development, the mobile phone manufacturers are coming with innovative designed, elegant looking, technologically advanced and plethora of world-class features oriented mobile handsets. When it comes to contemporary mobile phone models that perfectly march with these criteria then of course the names of Samsung i8510 and Samsung Omnia come on the paradigm position. Samsung has added a unique statement of style and advanced functionalities into both these models. Let's make an acute comparison between Samsung i8510 and Samsung Omnia to make a clear idea of which one is better than the other.
Looks and Appearance
The Samsung i8510 is a solid mobile handset that will rock in your hand. With a smart look and high portability this elegant handset comes with a 2.8-inch high-resolution and colours oriented TFT display. The Accelerometer sensor of the display unit makes auto-rotation when you rotate the display. Accessing all its user-friendly features through the sophisticate keypad would be an amazing experience for you.
On the other hand, the Samsung Omnia model is as handsome as the i8510. The widget possess a ultra-bright 3.2-inch TFT touchscreen display, which is also equipped with Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate. The additional feature the display unit has the handwriting recognition feature which would be highly beneficial for you in this advanced age.
Continued...
P.S.The comparison might help those who are planning to buy a new mobile phone.
In this current age mobile phones are not just treated as gadgets of wireless communication. With the advancement of technological development, the mobile phone manufacturers are coming with innovative designed, elegant looking, technologically advanced and plethora of world-class features oriented mobile handsets. When it comes to contemporary mobile phone models that perfectly march with these criteria then of course the names of Samsung i8510 and Samsung Omnia come on the paradigm position. Samsung has added a unique statement of style and advanced functionalities into both these models. Let's make an acute comparison between Samsung i8510 and Samsung Omnia to make a clear idea of which one is better than the other.
Looks and Appearance
The Samsung i8510 is a solid mobile handset that will rock in your hand. With a smart look and high portability this elegant handset comes with a 2.8-inch high-resolution and colours oriented TFT display. The Accelerometer sensor of the display unit makes auto-rotation when you rotate the display. Accessing all its user-friendly features through the sophisticate keypad would be an amazing experience for you.
On the other hand, the Samsung Omnia model is as handsome as the i8510. The widget possess a ultra-bright 3.2-inch TFT touchscreen display, which is also equipped with Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate. The additional feature the display unit has the handwriting recognition feature which would be highly beneficial for you in this advanced age.
Continued...
P.S.The comparison might help those who are planning to buy a new mobile phone.
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