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

German court says Apple did not violate Samsung’s patents (Germany, USA, South Korea)

On 01.30.12, In Mobile, By Editor

Samsung Electronics has announced that a German court has ruled in favour of Apple Inc, claiming that the USA firm had not violated Samsung’s technology patents. As per sources, Samsung had filed a lawsuit against Apple last year claiming that the iPhone maker had infringed on its technology patents.

According to reports, Samsung has responded to the ruling saying that they are disappointed that the court did not share their views regarding the infringement by Apple of this specific patent in Germany. Further, they will wait for the written grounds of the judgment, and after thorough review make a decision about a possible appeal to the Higher Regional Court Karlsruhe.

The company also said that the ruling relates to only one of several patents asserted by Samsung in the Mannheim court. A ruling on an additional Samsung patent relating to telecommunications standards is due to be handed down by the Mannheim court in the next several weeks.

Reports reveal that the German court had ruled in favour of Apple last week, in another infringement case filed by Samsung against Apple.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Apple • German court • Germany • iPhone • Patent • Samsung • South Korea • USA

Samsung records 17 percent rise in Q4 profits (South Korea)

On 01.30.12, In Mobile, By Editor

South Korean manufacturer Samsung Electronics has reported fourth quarter profits amounting to US$ 3.6 billion, representing a 17 percent increase from US$ 3.04 billion, a year earlier. The rise in demand for Galaxy smartphones helped Samsung surpass Apple as the leading handset manufacturer for 2011.

According to reports, the success of the Galaxy SII has been instrumental in Samsung selling almost 300 million handsets in the past year. Other devices such as the Galaxy Note and tablet computers launched by the company are expected to further strengthen its position in the smartphone market.

Further, apart from the high-end phones such as the SII and the Note, Samsung also offers a variety of affordable smartphones with an impressive design, thereby increasing its reach across the market. As per sources, industry analysts estimate that Samsung may succeed Apple in 2012, as mobile operators recognize Samsung as a strong competitor to Apple devices.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Apple • Galaxy Note • Galaxy SII • Q4 profits • Samsung • smartphones • South Korea • tablet computers

Samsung wins legal case against Apple in Netherlands (Europe)

On 01.27.12, In Mobile, By Editor

South Korean handset maker Samsun has emerged victorious once again after a Dutch court rejected rival Apple Inc’s plea from banning the distribution of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the Netherlands. According to reports, the court has ruled in favour of Samsung, citing that the Galaxy Tab had some similarities to the design registered in 2004 but not to Apple’s iPad released in 2010.

As per sources, Apple had filed a legal suit against Samsung claiming patent infringement on its design, hardware and user interface among others. However, the ruling enables the Korean firm to sell its tablet computer in the Netherlands and throughout the European Union.

Reports reveal that the US giant had said that it was no coincidence that Samsung’s latest products look a lot like the iPhone and iPad, from the shape of the hardware to the user interface and even the packaging. Further, this kind of blatant copying is wrong and they need to protect Apple’s intellectual property when companies steal their ideas.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Apple • Galaxy Tab 10.1 • iPad • iPhone • Netherlands • patent- infringement • Samsung

Apple to launch two new iPad devices in 2012 (USA)

On 01.02.12, In Mobile, By Editor

U.S. device manufacturer Apple Inc. may launch two new iPad devices in the coming year. According to reports, the new iPad models are expected to be priced higher than the iPad 2, and will cover the medium and high range segments.

As per industry sources, a major highlight of the new iPad models is going to be an extended battery life, which is rumoured to be more than double of the iPad 2. Further, rumours suggest that Apple has approached Korean giant Samsung to supply the iPad maker with new quad-core A6 processors to be embedded in the new iPads along with a 5 megapixel camera for the medium range iPad. Sources claim that Sony Ericsson will be supplying Apple with an 8 megapixel camera for its second iPad model which is expected to be targeted at the high end segment.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Apple • iPad • Samsung • Sony Ericsson

Apple wins patent battle against HTC (USA, Taiwan)

On 12.23.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Apple Inc has emerged victorious in its patent lawsuit against handset manufacturer HTC, as the International Trade Commission has reportedly ruled that HTC has infringed on one patent held by the iPhone maker. As per reports, any of HTC’s phones using the technology which has been infringed will be banned from sales in the USA from 19 April, 2012.

According to reports, industry analysts believe that the ruling is not expected to have a major impact on the company’s sales as the ruling gives them enough time to come up with another feature to compensate for the infringed feature.

As per sources, HTC has said that the feature in question is a common user-interface function which enables smartphone users to access information such as contact numbers and e-mail addresses from apps and other sources, and use them by simply tapping on the text.

The victory will be well received by Apple, after losing out to Korean giant Samsung, on a similar patent infringement case in Australia last month.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Android • Apple • Australia • Google • HTC • Patent • Samsung • smartphone • USA

Airtel signs exclusive partnership with Samsung (Africa, South Korea)

On 12.09.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Indian telecom giant Bharti Airtel has reportedly entered into a two year agreement with South Korean mobile phone maker Samsung, giving Airtel exclusive rights for distributing select Samsung products across 17 African countries. According to reports, Bharti Airtel has said that this agreement gives the operator exclusive distribution rights for select Samsung products for the initial six months after they are launched.

As per company reports, the partnership will leverage both Airtel’s and Samsung’s strong brand equity, well-developed distribution infrastructure and footprint across the continent. Further, sources claim that the companies will work together to provide market-specific products based on trends and consumer preferences, ensuring Airtel customers have access to products that are tailor made to their individual needs. The agreement is expected to cover a wide range of products including smartphones, mass market handsets, dongles, routers and tablets.

Manoj Kohli, CEO (International) and Joint Managing Director, Bharti Airtel has said that this partnership demonstrates that they remain committed to meet Africa’s needs and will work closely with Samsung to provide customers across every segment with cutting edge products. He added that the companies will also work together to develop services to enhance mCommerce, mHealth and other areas that have significant social benefits for the communities in Africa.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Bharti Airtel • India • Manoj Kohli • mCommerce • mHealth • Samsung

HTC reports 20 percent decline in sales (Taiwan)

On 12.09.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Taiwanese handset manufacturer HTC Corp. has reported a 20 percent decline in its consolidated sales in November this year as compared to the previous year, causing its share price to drop significantly. According to reports, the stock price fell to US$ 14.1 (TW$ 428) the lowest price this year.

Increasing competition from global players like Apple and Samsung has led to decreasing profit margins for the company. Further, industry analysts reportedly claim with these manufacturers gaining a larger customer base with each product launch, the market share of HTC may decline in the next few quarters.

As per sources, HTC Corp.’s consolidated revenue declined to US$ 1.02 billion in November this year.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Apple • HTC • Samsung • Taiwan

Samsung wins appeal against Apple in Australia (South Korea, USA)

On 11.30.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Samsung Electronics emerged victorious against rival Apple Inc., as the federal court reversed its decision to ban the sale of Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs in Australia. According to reports, the court had granted Apple an injunction against Samsung in October, preventing any sale of the Galaxy 10.1 tab in Australia, over a patent infringement dispute.

Apple had alleged that Samsung’s Tab had infringed on its patents regarding touch screen technology and design imitation. Following this, Samsung had counter-sued the iPhone maker claiming patent infringement on wireless transmission in multiple devices.

As per sources, analysts believe that the decision has come at a right time, enabling Samsung to take advantage of the festive season; however, it is still not certain as to how soon Samsung can resume sales. Further, it has been reported that Apple will have to approach the High Court should it choose to extend the injunction.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Apple • Australia • Galaxy Tab • iPad • iPhone • patent- infringement • Samsung

HTC cuts revenue forecast for fourth-quarter (Taiwan)

On 11.25.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Taiwan based smartphone maker HTC Corp., has reportedly cut its fourth-quarter revenue forecast due to increasing competition from Apple Inc. and Samsung, along with the global economic crisis. According to reports, HTC’s shares dropped 6.9 percent to reach its lowest value in over a year to US$ 17.21 (NT$ 526) in Taipei.

The company sales have been witnessing a decline with stiff competition from Samsung smartphones. As per sources, industry analysts claim that the decline in sales in the US market have played a significant part in HTC’s forecast announcement, as the company had managed to become the largest smartphone vendor for US in the third quarter.

HTC had initially predicted the fourth-quarter results to grow 30 percent to $4.4 billion, but later announced that the revenue for the quarter ending December 2011 would be flat as compared to the previous year. Further, the company is also reviewing the acquisition of S3 graphics, after the firm lost the patent infringement case against Apple.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Apple • HTC • profit estimates • revenue forecast • S3 Graphics • Samsung • Taiwan