Wireless Federation

Apple and Samsung lead smartphone shipments in 2011

On 02.08.12, In Mobile, By Editor

The demand for smartphones around the world continues to witness a rise as users across segments have been increasingly replacing traditional handsets with smartphones by Samsung and Apple. According to a report by IDC, the worldwide smartphone market went up by 55 per cent in Q4 2011, largely driven by the demand for the Apple iPhone 4S.

As per the report, around 492 million smartphones were shipped in 2011, a 61 per cent rise from 305 million units in 2010. Apart from the introduction of high and medium-end devices by telecom giants Samsung and Apple, affordable handsets by these firms have gone a long way in increasing their presence in the market.

South Korea’s Samsung emerged as the leading smartphone maker for 2011, with the launch of its successful range of the Galaxy series, primarily the Galaxy SII and Galaxy Nexus. The Apple iPhone 4S helped the US manufacturer maintain its market position as well as set a new shipment volume record for a quarter.

Smartphone vendor Nokia attempted to gain back some its market share with the launch of its Windows Phones, the Lumia 710 and Lumia 800, while BlackBerry maker, Research in Motion (RIM), is still working towards recovering from the losses caused due its network outage and hopes to release its updated handset by the end of the year. Taiwanese handset maker, HTC also saw a decline in the volumes shipped in the fourth quarter as compared to the previous quarter.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Apple • Apple iPhone 4S • Blackberry • Galaxy Nexus • Galaxy SII • HTC • Nokia Lumia • Research In Motion (RIM) • Samsung • smartphone

SingTel launches global cloud-based service (Singapore)

On 02.03.12, In Mobile, By Editor

Mobile operator SingTel has launched a global cloud-based service that enables companies to secure, control and manage corporate data and mobile devices of their employees, regardless of their location. The SingTel Mobility Device Manager (MDM) service, enables companies to manage devices of different mobile OS and ensure information security for mobile devices used by their workforce. This includes company-issued devices, as well as those belonging to employees.

According to company reports, Bill Chang, Executive Vice President (Business Group), SingTel has said that they are seeing a surge in the number of companies that allow their employees to bring their own mobile devices for work. In fact, the use of smartphones for business activities worldwide is projected to grow by 116 per cent by 2014. This opens up new security issues, particularly for companies with regional operations. With SingTel MDM, companies can secure data through security policy settings and governance, control on devices, manage apps deployment and control cost through usage policy management. These can all be done via the simple-to-use web-based portal.

Further, in the event of the loss or theft of an employee’s mobile device, an administrator can remotely lock the device or selectively erase corporate data to prevent market sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. Administrators can determine the location of the missing devices and remotely deploy and track apps downloads within the enterprise. They are also able to configure and provision the devices over-the-air.

The report alsoreveals that SingTel MDM is compatible with all mobile OS platforms including iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone, Symbian and Windows Mobile. In addition, it is independent of the location and mobile network, thus facilitating the seamless control of mobile devices globally.

Chang added that as SingTel MDM is offered on a monthly subscription basis, companies do not need to make upfront investments in equipment and can avoid the ongoing costs of managing and maintaining complex systems and hardware. This allows them to improve their productivity, increase business agility and reduce their operating costs significantly.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Android • Blackberry • Data • global cloud-based service • IOS • Singapore • SingTel • SingTel Mobility Device Manager (MDM) • Symbian • windows phone

RIM writes off tablet inventory of US$ 485 million (Canada)

On 12.09.11, In Mobile, By Editor

BlackBerry maker, Research In Motion (RIM), is reportedly writing off the pre-tax charge of US$ 485 million for the declining value of its Playbook tablets. According to company reports, the tablet that was previously priced at US$ 500 is now selling for US$ 200.

The Canadian company reportedly said that it shipped 150,000 Playbooks in the third quarter with the actual number of sales being slightly higher due to previous shipments. The company also added that it shipped 500,000 tablets in the first quarter followed by 200,000 in the second.

Further, according to reports, RIM has also said that it sold 14.1 million BlackBerrys in the third quarter, beating analysts’ expectations. The company also said that it expects earnings at the low to mid point of the previously forecasted $1.20 to $1.40 per share.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Blackberry • Playbook • Research In Motion (RIM) • Tablet

RIM plans new business solution supporting multiple devices (Canada)

On 11.30.11, In Mobile, By Editor

BlackBerry maker, Research In Motion (RIM) has reportedly come out with a new software solution for its business customers which will enable them to manage different devices running on Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android along with BlackBerry devices.

According to reports, Alan Panezic, vice president (platform product management), RIM, has said that the BlackBerry Mobile Fusion, as the device-management software is known, will be available in the first quarter and can run alongside or replace the BlackBerry Enterprise Server networks, RIM now operates for companies and government agencies. He added that this is a really, really important strategic move and that RIM is conducting trials with financial- services, manufacturing and pharmaceutical companies.

However, as per sources, industry analysts believe that while this is a very good solution for the corporate houses, where the BlackBerry is rapidly being replaced by iPhones and Android powered smartphones, to manage their services from a single web console; the solution may still not address RIM’s primary concern of declining sale volumes.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Apple iPhone • Blackberry • Google Android • Mobile Fusion • RIM

Orange and BNP Paribas launch m-banking services (France)

On 11.25.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Leading telecommunications operator Orange France has reportedly launched the first mobile banking service in the country in collaboration with BNP Paribus. According to reports, the service enables users to manage their accounts as well as make payments through a number of applications using their mobile phones. As per sources the smartphones offer with the service include the Acer Liquid Express, BlackBerry Curve 9360 and Samsung Galaxy Cityzi phones, among others.

Reports reveal that Francois Villeroy de Galhau, head of retail banking, BNP Paribas had said at the time of the agreement that through this partnership they would create a new way of managing bank transactions. Further, Orange’s expertise will enable them to offer all their customers mobile banking making BNP Paribas the first mobile bank in France.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Blackberry • BNP Paribas • France • France Telecom • Mobile Banking • Orange

Telefonica and RIM to offer wallet services on NFC enabled BlackBerry phones (Spain, Canada)

On 11.24.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Telefonica Digital is reportedly launching a pilot programme for its Telefonica wallet services for BlackBerry smartphones, in collaboration with Canada based Research In Motion (RIM). According to reports, Telefonica plans to roll out the Telefonica wallet for about 350 employees at its Spain headquarters. Sources believe that this service will enable users to make payments in a convenient manner by simply tapping their BlackBerry smartphone against a reader.

As per sources, Julio Linares, COO, Telefónica, S.A has said that they have chosen the BlackBerry solution for this pilot because of the security that the platform brings. Further, Matthew Key, Chairman & CEO Telefonica Digital, has said that they are getting closer to the point where customers will be able to take the contents of their wallets and put them on their mobiles. He added that such trials are an important step towards ensuring a great customer experience and that they look forward to seeing the launch of commercial wallet services in several markets next year.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Blackberry • Canada • NFC • RIM • Spain • Telefonica Digital • wallet services

AT&T launches free mobile VoIP app (USA)

On 11.14.11, In Mobile, By Editor

American multinational telecommunications corporation, AT&T has reportedly introduced a free mobile VoIP (Voice Over internet Protocol) app titled ‘AT&T Call International’ that allows users to make long distance international calls at low rates. Sources suggest that the app not only enables users to make international calls from the U.S. at low rates, but also use the discount by making calls over Wi-Fi when abroad.

According to reports, the operator has said that the app provides simple, step-by-step instructions to establish an AT&T Call International account, on completion of which, customers would be able to make international calls through the app which would be billed directly to the customer’s credit card.

As per sources, AT&T’s app is currently available only for the iPhone, BlackBerry and Android smartphones.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Android • AT&T • Blackberry • iPhone • VoIP app

RIM sees huge opportunity for mobile application development in India

On 11.14.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Canada based BlackBerry handset maker, Research In Motion (RIM), has reportedly said that there is tremendous potential for mobile applications development in India. According to reports, Annie Matthew, Head of Alliance and Developer Relations, RIM India has said that they see huge opportunity in mobile application development. Further, the BlackBerry App World currently has 26,000-odd registered developers from India, against 5,000 two years ago, with the applications numbering over 40,000.

As per sources, Matthew also said that they have commenced a pilot project in Tamil Nadu for applications created by youths for youths and are keen to take this project across the country. She added that the company has a 70:30 revenue share where the app developer receives the majority chunk.

Regarding the new Near Field Communications (NFC) technology, she said that they are looking at launching the NFC application in India by November-end, which will benefit the domestic healthcare industry immensely. Through NFC, pharma companies will be able to get data from consumers instantly.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Blackberry • Canada • India • Mobile Application • NFC • Research In Motion (RIM)

RIM to lose Google’s Gmail app for BlackBerry (Canada)

On 11.10.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Things seem to be getting from bad to worse for Canada based BlackBerry maker, Research In Motion (RIM), with Google reportedly announcing that it will no longer support the Gmail app for blackberry smartphones. According to reports, Google’s web-based e-mail app will not be supported after 22^nd November; however, users who have already downloaded the app may continue to use it.

RIM has already been losing a significant amount of its market share with users preferring the Apple iPhone and the Samsung smartphones. As per sources, industry analysts claim that this move by Google is more of a signal to RIM as BlackBerry users would still be able to access their Gmail accounts on their phone’s Web browser, or by synchronizing their Google account with their BlackBerry service, but the app just makes it more convenient.

According to reports, RIM’s share of the global smartphone market fell from 15 percent for the third quarter in 2011 to 10 percent this year. Further, the handset maker witnessed a massive decline in the U.S. market alone wherein its market share fell from 24 percent to just 9 percent.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Apple • Blackberry • Canada • Gmail • Google • RIM • Samsung

RIM’s share price falls below its book value (Canada)

On 11.03.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Canadian based BlackBerry handset manufacturer, Research In Motion (RIM) has witnessed a slump in its stock price which fell below its book value, for the first time in the past nine years. According to reports, RIM’s share price fell by 3.3 percent to $18.66 as compared to its book value of $18.92 per share last quarter. The book value refers to the net asset value of a company, calculated by total assets less the intangible assets and liabilities. It is the total value of the company’s assets that shareholders would theoretically receive if a company were liquidated.

RIM has been struggling to maintain its market share in the smartphone market against rivals Apple and Samsung. As per reports, the stock fell 67 percent this year, bringing down RIM’s market value to $10.1 billion. According to industry reports, Nokia’s share price had also fallen below its book value in August, but is currently trading at 1.4 times that price, and hopes to regain its stronghold in the smartphone market with its new Windows phones.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Blackberry • book value • RIM