Business News Holding

Category: smartphone

  • Mobile Handset Industry Considers Recession to be Over

    According to recent iSuppli report, the mobile handset industry is proclaiming the end of the recession for the segment following an outstanding final quarter of 2009 and a projected substantial growth for smart phones in 2010.

    The report shows that the mobile handset industry closed 2009 with shipments of 1.15 billion handset units.

    While that number is down from the overall 2008 figure of 1.2 billion handsets, shipments in the fourth quarter of 2009 represented the culmination of an increasing growth pattern throughout all of last year. Compared to third-quarter shipments of 290 million, about 335 million mobile handsets shipped in the fourth quarter, up 15.5 percent.

    “Given the recovery of the market in the final quarter of 2009, and with Europe, Latin America and the Middle East/Africa regions doing exceptionally well during the period, the recession can be said to be officially over for the industry. The continued growth this year of total handsets—up a projected 11.3 percent to 1.3 billion units—further bolsters such a view,” iSuppli maintains.

    Among the various handset categories, smartphones are projected to expand 35.5 percent in 2010. According to the report, smartphone growth will be driven by a number of promising developments, including the introduction of entry-level smart-phones, enthusiasm from vendors across the mobile phone and PC industries, the prevalence of 3G network deployments and the promotion of data-centric services in mature markets.

    With handset shipments in the fourth quarter of 2009 amounting to approximately 257.6 million units, the Top 5 players accounted for a whopping 77 percent share of the total handset market.

    The report says that Nokia remained the leader of the handset market, shipping 126.9 million handsets during the period, giving it a 37.9 percent share of market. Runner-up Samsung, which has introduced its own smart-phone operating system, held the No. 2 spot with 20.6 percent share.

    The remainder of the Top 5 are rounded out by LG Electronics, in third place with 10.1 percent share; Sony Ericsson in fourth, with 4.4 percent share; and Chinese giant ZTE, whose impressive 77 percent growth from the earlier quarter vaulted it into fifth place, with a 4.0 percent share.

    A second Chinese handset manufacturer, Huawei, landed in seventh place after also finishing an outstanding quarter with 82.4 percent growth.

    “Together, the two Chinese companies indicate the strong momentum occurring in the emerging market as well as an increasing presence in Europe on their part with key operators,” said Tina Teng, iSuppli senior analyst.

  • Rubberduck’s Mobile TV Solution Now Supports HTTP Streaming

    Rubberduck, a provider of streaming mobile TV services, is upscaling initiatives in HTTP streaming.

    The HTTP streaming infrastructure is already completely integrated with the company’s technical platform, meaning that existing customers may now be served with the same levels of mobile TV carrier grade services.

    The company has now completed the first phase of an ongoing program to provide a new streaming infrastructure built around HTTP streaming, enabling a more robust and flexible live TV and video-on-demand service.

    HTTP, a web standard that has been around for some time, is now being widely adopted for video delivery to mobile devices. The use of this protocol for streaming has been adopted by Apple for their devices, including the iPhone and iPad Operating System.

    The protocol has also been pledged by the likes of Microsoft and Adobe, and with this move Rubberduck is ensuring that its customers can continue to deliver high quality web video to a new generation of mobile devices. In addition, new features such as ‘Step Back in time’, allowing users to rewind while watching videos, are now possible using HTTP.

    “We have been leading this mobile space with RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol), and now we are able to extend our award winning capabilities to HTTP-based services”, said Erling Paulsen, CEO of Rubberduck.

    Rubberduck has supported iPhone streaming to date using a proprietary video player in its TV app but this will become unnecessary with the new streaming infrastructure as streams can now be accessed directly via the iPhone’s browser.

    The company claims that the launch of their white labelled iPhone app created specifically for telecom operators last year generated huge increases in our platform traffic. They ensure that they are now prepared for the increase that will surely continue as they roll out more HTTP streaming services.

    Related articles
    MWC 2010: Interview with Miguel Silva, CCO of Rubberduck
    The Channer: Bringing TV to Your Mobile Phone

  • certgate Launches Complete Security Solution for Smartphones

    Mobile security firm certgate is launching its complete security solution for smartphones at the Infosecurity 2010 fair in London. Based on the certgate Smartphone Protector, the new solution secures three dimensions: mobile device access, data in motion and voice communication.

    The company says it is the first security solution ever for mobile phones that provides complete protection for mobile communication on the basis of hardware-secured certificates.

    “Reliably defending all potential points of attack on a smartphone, it shields against spyware and malware, protects user data from loss and manipulation, stops unauthorised access to data communication, and even secures voice communication from any form of interception,” according to the release.

    The technology of hardware-based device protection and data encryption is at the core of a “top-security” project named ‘SiMKo2’, developed by certgate’s integrator partner T-Systems International, to provide secure mobile communication to the German Federal Government, public administration and selected enterprises. This solution – nicknamed ‘Merkelphone’ – will now be enhanced by certgate with a ciphony module running on VoIP.

    certgate claims their solution resists all spyware and malware attacks on mobile phones as well as ‘man-in-the-middle’ attacks. In the event of loss or theft, the certgate Smartphone Protector eliminates the danger of data being circulated or misused: the phone is absolutely inaccessible and its memory remains undecryptable, even under laboratory conditions.

    As it runs on off-the-shelf smartphones, the certgate solution is said to be cost-effective. “Enterprises can benefit from the growth potential and cost-savings of mobile business models without having to buy ‘crypto phones’ that come with a heavy price tag,” as the company claims.

    certgate’s voice encryption application, which is integrated in the smartphone’s normal GUI and directory of contacts, makes use of and is interoperable with SIP and RTP protocols. It works well in PKI environments and runs on a broad variety of Windows Mobile-based smartphones, with further platforms on the way according to certgate.

  • RIM Introduces BlackBerry Bold 9650 and Pearl 3G

    RIM today announced two new BlackBerry phones: Bold 9650 – “a global smartphone for CDMA customers” and Pearl 3G – the smallest BlackBerry smartphone yet.

    Bold 9650 supports 3G (EVDO) networks in North America and (HSPA/UMTS) abroad and has a full-QWERTY keyboard, optical trackpad and built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g). It also includes 512 MB Flash memory and an expandable memory card slot that supports up to 32 GB microSDHC cards, with a 2 GB card included.

    It comes with 2.44" 480 x 360 display, 3.2 MP camera (with flash, variable zoom, image stabilization, autofocus and video recording), built-in GPS with support for geotagging, a 3.5 mm stereo headset jack and support for the Bluetooth Stereo Audio Profile (A2DP/AVCRP), support for BlackBerry App World, full HTML web browser, streaming audio and video via RTSP, and 1400 mAhr battery (approx. 5 hours of CDMA talk time).

    Pearl 3G is as powerful as it is compact. Measuring less than two inches wide (50 mm) and weighing only 3.3 ounces (93g), it still manages to pack in support for high-speed 3G (UMTS/HSDPA) networks, Wi-Fi (b/g/n) and GPS along with a 624 Mhz processor with 256 MB Flash memory.

    It also features 360×400 display, a 3.2 MP camera with flash, built-in GPS, an optical trackpad, dedicated volume and media keys, support for tri-band UMTS/HSDPA and quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM networks, voice activated dialing, Bluetooth2.1 (with Bluetooth Message Access Profile standard support), microSD/SDHD memory card slot (support for up to 32 GB), and 1150 mAhr battery ( approx. 5.5 hours of talk time on 3G networks).

    Pearl 3G will be available in two models and several colors. The 9100 model features a 20-key condensed QWERTY keyboard and the 9105 model features a 14-key traditional phone keyboard. Both include SureType software that can complete words as the user types.

    Both Bold 9650 and Pearl 3G are expected to be available from “various carriers” in the U.S. beginning in May.

  • Berg Insight: 894 Million Mobile Banking Users by 2015

    According to a new research report by Berg Insight, the worldwide number of users of mobile banking and related services is forecasted to grow from 55 million users in 2009 (at a CAGR of 59.2 percent) to reach 894 million users in 2015.

    Th research group notes that over the past year many of the leading players in both the telecom industry and the financial sector have intensified their efforts to bring financial services to the world’s unbanked population. According to the report, Asia-Pacific is expected to become the most important regional market, accounting for more than half of the total user base.

    Mobile banking is also anticipated to play a key role in bringing financial services to people in the Middle East and Africa. In Europe and North America, the technology will mainly serve as an extension of existing online banks as mobile handsets become more widely used for internet access. By 2015, Berg Insight forecasts that mobile banking will attract 115 million users in Europe and 86 million users in North America.

    “Mobile handsets are in an excellent position to become the primary digital channel for providers of banking and related financial services on emerging markets,” said Marcus Persson, Telecom Analyst at Berg Insight.

    “People who sign up for their first mobile subscription today will likely open their first bank account in the coming years and thus join the modern financial system. Mobile operators can play a vital role in this development and will have the opportunity to take an active part in the creation of some of tomorrow’s most important financial institutions based in Asia and Africa,” he added.

    In addition to traditional retail banking, the report also identifies international money transfer as an important revenue source for mobile industry players. Analysts forecast that 3–15 percent of the international money transfers currently handled by various formal or informal agent networks will be carried out using a mobile handset by 2015, generating US$ 1.2–6.2 billion in service revenues.

  • AT&T Reports Strong First-Quarter Earnings

    A day after Apple announced its record march quarter revenue, AT&T reported strong first-quarter earnings results highlighted by rapid growth in mobile broadband, further expansion of AT&T U-verse services and solid gains in IP-based and business services.

    For the Q1 2010, AT&T’s consolidated revenues totaled $30.6 billion, up $78 million, or 0.3 percent, versus the year-earlier quarter.

    Operating expenses were $24.6 billion versus $24.8 billion; operating income was $6.0 billion, up from $5.7 billion in the first quarter of 2009.

    The company’s operating income margin was 19.6 percent, up from 18.8 percent in the year-earlier quarter.

    First-quarter 2010 net income attributable to AT&T totaled $2.5 billion ($0.42 per diluted share), reflecting a previously disclosed noncash charge of $995 million, related to recently enacted changes in the tax treatment for the Medicare Part D subsidy. Excluding this charge, first-quarter earnings would have been $3.5 billion ($0.59 per diluted share). These results compare with net income of $3.1 billion, or $0.53 per diluted share, in the year-earlier first quarter.

    Record First-Quarter Subscriber Gain
    AT&T posted a net gain in total wireless subscribers of 1.9 million, the highest first-quarter total in the company’s history, to reach 87.0 million in service. According to the company, first-quarter net add growth reflects continued rapid adoption of smartphones and a host of connected devices such as eReaders, global positioning systems and alarm monitoring systems.

    Connected devices in service increased by 1.1 million in the quarter to reach 5.8 million, and retail postpaid net adds totaled 512,000 to reach 65.1 million.

    14.9 Percent Growth in Strategic Business Services Revenues
    Revenues from new-generation capabilities that lead AT&T’s most advanced business solutions — including Ethernet, VPNs, hosting, IP conferencing and application services — grew 14.9 percent versus the year-earlier quarter, continuing AT&T’s strong trends in this category.

    "We’re off to a great start to the year, and our fundamental outlook for the business continues to be quite positive,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and chief executive officer.

    Related articles
    Apple Announces Record March Quarter Revenue

  • Bluetooth 4.0 Ready to Roll

    The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) unveiled more information about its forthcoming Bluetooth Core Specification Version 4.0, with the hallmark feature of low energy technology. Bluetooth v4.0 is expected to be brought to market by the end of Q2.

    According to SIG, Bluetooth v4.0 is like three specifications in one – Classic Bluetooth technology, Bluetooth low energy technology, and Bluetooth high speed technology– all which can be combined or used separately in different devices according to their functionality.

    For example, sensors like those in pedometers and glucose monitors will run only low energy technology, thus saving power, cost and space within the device. Watches will take advantage of both low energy technology while collecting data from fitness sensors on the body as well as Classic Bluetooth technology when sending that information to a PC, or separately displaying caller ID information when wirelessly connected to a mobile phone.

    Mobile phones and PCs, which support the widest range of uses, will utilize the full package with Classic, low energy and high speed technology running side by side.

    As with previous versions of the specification, the range of the Bluetooth v4.0 radio may be optimized according to application. The majority of Bluetooth devices on the market today include the basic 30 foot, or 10 meter, range of the Classic Bluetooth radio, but there is no limit imposed by the Specification.

    SIG says that with Bluetooth v4.0, manufacturers may choose to optimize range to 200 feet and beyond, particularly for in-home sensor applications where longer range is a necessity.

    “Bluetooth v4.0 throws open the doors to a host of new markets for Bluetooth manufacturers and products such as watches, remote controls, and a variety of medical and in-home sensors. Many of these products run on button-cell batteries that must last for years versus hours and will also benefit from the longer range enabled by this new version of the Bluetooth specification,“ said Michael Foley, executive director of the Bluetooth SIG.

    Bluetooth v4.0 was recently named one of the “10 Mobile Technologies to Watch in 2010 and 2011” by Gartner, Inc. Technologies chosen for the list were selected on their potential to evolve and impact short-term mobile strategies and policies.

    Specifically, Bluetooth v4.0 is cited to have significant impact on the fitness, healthcare and environmental control industries.

  • Symbio: Providing Software Services Globally

    Symbio designs and develops feature-rich products for companies. We met Konsta Hansoon at the Mobile World Congress and he told us about the company and their future plans.

    They are currently present in Asia, Europe and North America.

  • Motion Portrait: Converting Photos Into 3D Animated Models

    Casually at the Avenue of the Mobile World Congress we met Daichi from Motion Portrait. They are a Japanese company that has created a most fun application, you can take the photo of any person and animate the image, have it talk and even dress it up with the simple touch of your finger.

    Watch our video interview with them to see a demo of this fun app.

  • ooVoo: Taking Video Chatting Further

    ooVoo is a video communication service focused on delivering first class video communications through the internet, delivered anywhere and at anytime with up to 6 people simultaneously.

    In 2010 they will release call on mobile phones.

    We met with Marty Walker who told us about the company and how their system works.