By Editor on March 16, 2012 · Leave a Comment
Smartphone shipments to emerging markets will drive growth in the worldwide smartphone market in the years ahead. According to a report by the IDC, China will become the leading country-level market for smartphone shipments in 2012, moving ahead of the current leader, the United States. Looking ahead to 2016, two additional emerging markets, India and Brazil, will enter the top 5 country markets for smartphone shipments.
Analysts say that due to their sheer size, strong demand, and healthy replacement rates, emerging markets are quickly becoming the engines of the worldwide smartphone market. Users in emerging markets seek more than simple voice telephony, and smartphones offer the ideal platform for mobile entertainment, social networking, and business usage as seen in developed markets.
Meanwhile, mature markets, such as Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, will experience continued growth in smartphone adoption, but volumes will not keep up with those destined for emerging markets.
At the same time, smartphone growth within emerging markets presents its challenges. Further, the total cost of ownership remains a hurdle for potential smartphone buyers. Smartphones still represent a significant investment for consumers in many countries.
This fact was acknowledged by a number of industry executives at the recent Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, who stressed the need for low-cost devices – as low as sub-US$50 – to spur widespread adoption. Another notable barrier to adoption is the cost of a monthly data plan. To realize the full potential of emerging markets, smartphone vendors need to develop low-cost smartphones that provide a full, robust experience while mobile operators will need to creatively subsidize device cost and data plans.
Filed under Asia, Brazil, China, India, Latin America, Mobile, Smartphones ·
Tagged with ASIA, Barcelona, Brazil, China, Emerging Markets, India, largest smartphone market, low-cost devices, low-cost smartphones, mobile data plans, Mobile World Congress, monthly data plan, United States, worldwide smartphone market
By Editor on March 5, 2012 · Leave a Comment
Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, unveiled the world’s smallest data card – the E369 at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2012. Measuring a mere 8mm thin, the E369 data card is part of Huawei’s thinnest product portfolio, which includes the world’s thinnest PC/CE module MU733 and MU739, the world’s thinnest mobile hotspot E5331 and the world’s thinnest smartphone Ascend P1 S. The E369, created for UMTS 5 module global roaming, boasts a super slim chic design and is available in eight different colors.
Wu Shi Min, President, Huawei Device Mobile Broadband Product Line, has said that as the leading provider of mobile broadband products, Huawei Device is taking the lead in designing and developing products that excels not only technologically but also aesthecially, bringing consumers a premium user experience. Thin, light and compact products not only look good but have a lower battery consumption, extending battery life expectancy.
The MU733 and MU739, the world’s slimmest PC/CE modules, are less than 2mm slim. The MU739 in particular measures only 600mm2, making it the world’s smallest PA+ module. Not only are the MU733 and MU739 smaller and thinner than existing modules in the market, they consume less power and dissipate less heat. They can be widely employed in PC/CE electronic equipment, such as laptops, smart phones, tablet PCs, e-books, navigating devices and PDAs.
Huawei Device will launch E5331, the world’s slimmest mobile hotspot in May.
By Editor on March 5, 2012 · Leave a Comment
Following the trend of naming each version after a desert, Google may be planning to name the Android 5.0 version as ‘Jelly Bean’. According to reports, this piece of information was revealed by Benson Lin, Corporate Vice President, ASUS, who said that Asus is very close to Google, so once they have Android 5.0, there will be a high possibility that they will be the first wave to offer the Jelly Bean update.
Further, reports reveal that the booth occupied by Google at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, was accompanied by a bowl of jelly beans, adding weight to these rumors. Industry analysts expect Google to officially announce the same by next year.
Further, according to a report by the verge, Google may have moved on to Android 6.0, for which it has been short listing desert names from the alphabet K, with ‘Key Lime Pie’ being favoured.
However, industry sources reveal that this can also be a cause for concern as many devices have not yet been updated to the Ice Cream sandwich (Android 4.0). With Android versions being released so frequently, and many devices still operating on the old versions, industry analysts are concerned that newly purchased phones running on old Android software may be obsolete soon.
By Editor on March 5, 2012 · Leave a Comment
The Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona, Spain has proven to be extremely successful. According to a report by the GSMA, the event played host to over 67,000 visitors, setting a new record for the number of attendees. The event was covered in four days and integrated the different players in the telecom industry on one platform.
According to reports, John Hoffman, CEO, GSMA Ltd., said that the 2012 Mobile World Congress was a phenomenal success, by any measure. The record numbers that attended this year’s event underscore how central mobile is to the lives of people around the world. He added that this is also illustrated by the breadth of companies that participated at Mobile World Congress, with representation from not only the traditional mobile industry players, but companies from vertical sectors such as automotive, health and finance, among others. It’s exciting to see the powerful role mobile has in driving innovation in new markets.
Further, reports reveal that the MWC helped inject over US$ 395 million to the Spanish economy, an increase of US$ 33 million from the past year. Hoffman added that the Mobile World Congress is an important contributor to the Barcelona economy, and as a key pillar of the Mobile World Capital Barcelona, it is a positive factor in driving new opportunities for companies and individuals in the city and region.
By Editor on March 5, 2012 · Leave a Comment
South Korean handset maker, Samsung, showcased its latest wonder, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 at the Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona. According to reports, the tablet is powered by the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and has a 1.4GHz dual-core Samsung Exynos processor, a 3 megapixel rear-facing camera, with a 2 megapixel camera in the front. Further, S-Pen stylus is larger and more sensitive to the touch screen, enhancing user experience on the tablet.
A prime attraction of the tab is the S Note feature which provides users with templates for cards, diaries, meeting minutes and much more, along with the ability to customize them according to personal preference. The tab also includes the Adobe Photoshop software allowing users to perform photo editing services on their tab, instead of their laptop or PC.
According to JK Shin, president of IT and mobile communications division, at Samsung Electronics, Galaxy Note 10.1 takes productivity on a Note to a whole new level. With a larger, fully usable screen and superior performance, it combines the intuitiveness of handwriting with all the versatility of digital content to let users be more productive across all of life’s demanding tasks—whether working, learning or simply creating their own stories. He added that with Galaxy Note 10.1, they are demonstrating Samsung’s commitment to extend the mobile category and are working with key partners like Adobe to provide extraordinary experiences for users that enable them to be more productive, express themselves creatively and add a touch of fulfillment to their lives.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is convenient to carry around with a thickness of only 8.9 millimeters.
Filed under 4G/LTE, Mobile ·
Tagged with Adobe Photoshop, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, Barcelona, Galaxy Note 10.1 tab, JK Shin, Mobile World Congress, MWC 2012, S Note, S-Pen stylus, Samsung, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, South Korea, Spain
By Editor on February 23, 2011 · Leave a Comment
A recent research has revealed that there will be an installed base of 140 million Android portable devices, including smartphones and tablets, by the end of 2011. Research has found that the recent unveiling of Google’s Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) operating system for tablets, along with enhancements to the Android Market website, will do much to enhance growth prospects for this segment.
According to researchers, this provides an exciting opportunity for pay-TV operators, which have traditionally been tethered to the living room, to expand the reach of their brands to multiple portable platforms with apps development.
In total, Apple OS and Android OS were present in nearly 125 million connected devices shipped in 2010 and this is only expected to increase in 2011. Such reach into consumers’ hands means more operators will be developing apps that enable subscribers to purchase and consume content on new portable platforms and explore new convergence applications, such as controlling your on-demand service on the TV set via the smartphone.
Handset vendors are expected to make a number of smartphone announcements at Mobile World Congress, as well as demonstrate new tablet devices. These devices are critical to the multi-screen strategies that mobile network operators and content providers are hoping will encourage widespread uptake by consumers.
Filed under Mobile ·
Tagged with Android, Android 3.0 Honeycomb, Android Market, Android OS, Android portable devices, Apple OS, Google, Mobile, Mobile World Congress, Operating System, pay-TV operators, smartphones, tablets
By Editor on February 22, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Nokia Siemens Networks, Chief Executive, Rajeev Suri stated that he is very confident about the company’s prospects and reiterated its plans to finalize the acquisition of Motorola Inc.’s network equipment assets in the first quarter of 2011.
According to him, overall, they have a lot of confidence and conviction about furthering their progress in 2011. The company feels extremely strong about their portfolio, which is stronger than it has ever been before. Through this, NSN is as strong as it has ever been.
NSN is a joint venture between Finland’s Nokia Corp. and Germany’s Siemens AG.
As per Suri, a week before the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, their owners stated that on their behalf there will be slight growth in industry revenue, which means they see just a little bit of growth, and that given the trend in mobile broadband and services, they believe that the company will outgrow the market and that non-IFRS operating margin will be above break-even.
NSN’s current guidance excludes the Motorola acquisition. Suri added that they will update their outlook when the Motorola acquisition is complete.
Suri also stated that NSN hopes to finalize its planned acquisition of most of Motorola’s network equipment assets in the first quarter of this year.
If the deal closes, NSN will get an important inroad into the lucrative U.S. market.
Suri also commented on interest from private equity firms in buying a stake in NSN from its parent companies. He stated that their shareholders have been talking to a few private equity players and time will tell them how talks progress and which player that will be.
Filed under Mobile ·
Tagged with Barcelona, Chief Executive, Finland, Germany, Mobile, Mobile World Congress, Motorola Inc, Nokia Corp, Nokia Siemens Networks, non-IFRS, Operating Margin, Rajeev Suri, Siemens AG, U.S
By Editor on February 21, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Vodafone has revealed that its Webbox product which is a keyboard, bringing the ability to browse the Internet on users’ TVs connects through a wired RCA connection and needs Opera Mini 5.1 to provide a web link.
As the device comes from a phone carrier, it also supports mail messaging and built-in SMS, as well as an FM radio, a music player and a photo gallery too.
The keyboard connects to the GSM/EDGE network of Vodafone, although the carrier claims it should be fast enough, thanks to the 90% compression Opera provides for most websites. There are bookmarks preloaded for news, weather, games, social networks, a dictionary and some applications.
The Webbox is meant to ship to emerging markets first and will arrive in South Africa before other regions throughout this year. The device comes bundled with a 2GB SD card. Data is bought on prepaid SIM cards and a small credit is included. The price is equivalent to $102. The device has been shown at the Mobile World Congress.
Filed under Mobile ·
Tagged with a music player, built-in SMS, dictionary, EDGE, FM Radio, games, GSM, mail messaging, Mobile, Mobile World Congress, news, Opera, Opera Mini 5.1, photo gallery, RCA connection, SIM Cards, social networks, South Africa, TVs, Vodafone, weather, Webbox product
By Editor on February 21, 2011 · Leave a Comment
As Platinum Sponsor of the Ministerial Program at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, STC participated with government ministers and global CEOs in a roundtable discussion on the impact of the telecom industry on the economy and the role of policy makers in encouraging further investment in this field.
Group CEO Engineer Saud Al Daweesh and Ghassan Hasbani, CEO International Operations, represented STC in the discussion.
“We believe that telecommunications services are key contributors to economic development and policy should focus on providing clarity and stability in regulatory frameworks to encourage higher levels of investments in the sector,” said Al Daweesh, commenting on the key points raised in the meeting.
In addition, STC addressed an audience of global industry leaders and policy makers at the Leadership Summit held during the Mobile World Congress.
The speech focused on the role of regulators and policy makers in ensuring that the industry continues to attract investments through fair regulation and usage of infrastructure, allowing access to a wide subscriber base with appropriate classes of service that suit their usage patterns at affordable cost.
STC presented a paper demonstrating the direct impact of innovation in telecommunications on global economic cycles and outlining the key challenges for the sector today.
On the third day of the Mobile World Congress, Ghassan Hasbani, Chief Executive Officer of STC International Operations, presented the company’s view on global Mergers and Acquisitions developments in which he indicated a revival of investment in the sector, although not at the same levels seen in 2006. He also expected further consolidation in the industry, with increased competition, substitution of main revenue sources and pressure on cost management.
During the panel discussion, Hasbani shared the experience of STC in operating across multiple markets.
STC also participated in a World Economic Forum Telecommunications Global Agenda meeting held in Barcelona in parallel with the GSMA Congress. It was attended by a large number of industry leaders and discussed issues related to mobile banking and mobile health services among other topics such as personal data exchange policies.
STC is a telecom industry partner with the World Economic Forum and has a seat on the Global Agenda Council among leading organizations from the industry.
“This Council serves to provide an industry view to global leaders and it is very important that our region is well represented through STC’s membership,” said Ghassan Hasbani, who represents the organization on the Council.
Executives from STC held several meetings with telecom ministers, technology vendors and telecom operators at which various operational and strategic matters were discussed including policy, regulation and technology evolution.
Filed under Mobile ·
Tagged with Barcelona, CEO, CEO International Operations, Ghassan Hasbani, Group CEO Engineer Saud Al Daweesh, GSMA Congress, Ministerial Program, Mobile, Mobile World Congress, STC, USA, World Economic Forum, World Economic Forum Telecommunications Global Agenda
By Editor on February 14, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Ericsson and Novatium announce the global launch of PC as a Service. By making use of a cloud based operating system, PC as a Service removes the complexities of virus protection, software updates, application installation and maintenance. These features are moved away from the user to the cloud. The service, including client hardware, is remotely managed end-to- end by experts.
The concept gives a superior and convenient computing experience at a really great value reaching out with an optimal solution for the next billion users, especially in emerging markets.
PC as a Service is an operator offering and includes a managed monetized PC desktop and brings the strengths and advantages from mobile prepaid to the personal computer by allowing flexible recharging and diverse subscription models.
By offloading the overhead of running the operating system to the cloud, a PC as a Service device is able to perform tasks like media consumption and Internet browsing in a far quicker and responsive manner. Thanks to this radical innovation, the PC consumes less energy which means better battery life, reduced temperature of the device as well as minimizing the load on a telecom network without compromising the user experience.
The service holds tremendous promise for telecom operators globally looking at ways to monetize their mobile broadband infrastructure, while ensuring subscriber value. Several leading telecom service providers in India have already deployed the concept under their brand names.
“PC as a Service is a first-of-its-kind concept and a natural evolution of telecom and computing. Today, when every transaction is moving to the Internet, we are confident that cloud based computing will transform the way we use computers, tablets and smartphones today,” says Daniel Freeman, Head of Multimedia Innovation, Ericsson. “Additionally, PC as a Service offers telecom operators new ways to expand their broadband business. We see it driving mobile broadband penetration in emerging as well as developed markets as it motivates investments in rural as well as urban infrastructure.”
“With hyper competition and the continued rollout of Mobile Broadband networks, telecom service providers are looking for new services which offer a way to not only acquire but retain valuable customers. PC as a Service is one such revolutionary disruption,” says Mr. Alok Singh, CEO, Novatium solutions. “We believe PC as a Service is the future of telecom and computing convergence and telecom operators globally can now leverage the same with a trusted partner like Ericsson,” he added.
Gone is the time people have had to wait for a PC to start. A typical device is up and running 5 seconds after you turn it on. You never risk losing your data as it is mirrored in the cloud.
Ericsson and Novatium will be demonstrating their PC as a Service offering at the Ericsson Hall (Hall 6) at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona.
Notes to editors:
Video of the demo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GewXOwAczWo
Our multimedia content is available at the broadcast room:
www.ericsson.com/broadcast_room
Ericsson is the world’s leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 2 billion subscribers and has the leading position in managed services. The company’s portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.
Ericsson is advancing its vision of being the “prime driver in an all- communicating world” through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 90,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 203.3 billion (USD 28.2 billion) in 2010. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.
www.ericsson.com
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www.youtube.com/ericssonpress
About Novatium Solutions Pvt Ltd
Novatium is the leader and pioneer in PC as a Service in India with its superior, convenient and great value offerings. Novatium’s innovation is in the area of research and development of user environment, technologies, infrastructure and support for providing easy to use everyday computing for all. This involves providing computing services based on ‘Pay as you Use’ model. The underlying principle is that users subscribe only to the required applications and resources for a desired period. Novatium provides home and small company computing service across India. Its simplicity of computing provides unique value, coupled with ease of navigation, data security and freedom from the hassles of application and software maintenance and upgrades.
Filed under Mobile ·
Tagged with 2G, 3G, 4G, Alok Singh, Barcelona, CEO, cloud based operating system, Daniel Freeman, Ericsson, Head of Multimedia Innovation, India, Mobile, Mobile World Congress, Novatium, Novatium solutions, PC, Sweden
