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  • Samsung Galaxy S III Mini Officially Announced

    Samsung announced the Galaxy S III Mini in an event in Germany, in an effort to satisfy the customers that complained about the size of Galaxy S III. Galaxy S III has a 4-inch Super AMOLED display, runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, supports NFC, but lacks 4G LTE. It also has a 1GHz dual-core processor, a 1GB RAM and a 5MP rear camera.

    According to JK Shin, President and Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics:

    “The GALAXY S III introduced a new concept of smartphone that has proven hugely popular around the world.
    We’re now delighted to bring its revolutionary design, intuitive usability and intelligence to the GALAXY S III mini in a more compact form,”     and he adds “We continue to make every effort to provide extraordinary mobile experiences to meet a wide variety of user needs.”

    Samsung also mentions in a press release that Galaxy S III mini is "stylish and compact" and it is "packed with intelligent technology designed to make interacting with the phone incredibly natural and intuitive"

    "The GALAXY S III mini also understands your gestures to make using your phone easier and more natural: With Smart Stay, the phone’s camera tracks your eyes and keeps the screen lit as long as you are looking at it. When reading a text message from a friend, Direct Call enables you to automatically dial a call simply by lifting the phone to your ear; and Smart Alert conveniently alerts you to missed calls or messages as soon as you pick up your phone."

    Its price is expected around 550$, without contracts, and its release date is set on October 29th.

    Will it manage to become as popular as its older brother Galaxy S III though?

  • iPhone 5 demand creates problems in supply

    Two weeks after the release of the iPhone 5 in various countries, there are still complaints about the big waiting list that some are facing, in order to get the hyped iPhone 5. As it seems, the demand was more than what the production expected, which created several problems, especially with the online orders. The shipping estimate might reach three to four weeks for the new orders, while some Apple stores are not able to meet the demands of the customers.

    Although this might worry the Apple fans that haven't purchased iPhone 5 yet, but we can reassure them that the problem will be resolved soon. Apple knows very well that they need to have a great supply of iPhones for the holiday season, which makes them produce even more handsets now, in order to be prepared. iPhone 5 is expected to be the most profitable iPhone of all time and Apple wouldn't allow limited availability for a longer period.

    Moreover, there were stories around the web that Foxconn factory in China went on strike, with complaints about the working conditions in the production of the iPhone 5. It was reported that the workers were on strike, due to the excessive demands on the quality control of the iPhone 5 and the endless working hours, even on national holidays. Foxconn sent a statement to Reuters, mentioning that there was not a strike in any factory and that "there has been no workplace stoppage in that facility or any other Foxconn facility and production has continued on schedule." As for the allegations about working on a national holiday, Foxconn added that the workers that chose to do so, were paid three times their wage. And just like that, another false alarm for Apple that could possibly affect the sales of the iPhone 5 goes off.

    As for the limited supply, as we said, the issue is expected to be resolved soon, if Apple really wants to boast about the most profitable iPhone of all time.

  • Microsoft announces Windows Phone 8 event

    The following month will be very important for Microsoft, since they are about to launch the highly anticipated Windows 8. Along with Windows 8, we are also expecting the Windows Phone 8 handsets, which are also expected to increase Microsoft's share in the mobile market.

    Microsoft is having an event on October 29 in San Francisco, inviting the journalists to "meet Windows Phone 8". As it seems, Microsoft is about to announce the release of the brand new Windows 8 handsets and reveal all the details that are related to them. From what we already know about Windows Phone 8, it will be compatible with all the Windows 8 devices, being an extension of Windows 8. What's more, Windows Phone 8 will have a customizable start screen, but it will also feature the NFC technology.

    As for the phones, there will be handsets from HTC, Samsung, Huawei and Nokia, with the latter being the big advocate of Windows Phones lately. There is also a rumor that Microsoft will create a Surface device with Windows Phone 8, but there isn't a confirmation yet, which means that we have to be patient for it.

    What we know for sure, is that Microsoft has high expectations on the big release of Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8, hoping to boost their income during the highly profitable holiday period. Although we have already reported the disappointment of the Windows Phone 7 owners, Microsoft is aware of the big competition in the mobile industry and they can only have a share with ambitious projects. And Windows Phone 8 is definitely one of them.

    More details about Windows Phone 8 at the end of the month then.

  • Focus your Mobile Payments business plan on the most lucrative areas

    In conjunction with Mobile Payments Latin America (Dec 5-6, Miami), M for Mobile have released the latest most comprehensive White paper on Mobile Payments in Latin America. The White paper offers you expert insight into the most lucrative areas on mobile payments in Latin America in order to make sure your business plan is on trend and ahead of the game.

    Due to the rapid uptake and developments within mobile payments sector, the biggest and most forward-thinking companies are capitalizing on the industry's critical growth phase.  Through a bespoke survey conducted on just under 100 senior level Latin American industry experts, the exclusive 14 page White paper covers the main areas including Regulation, by assessing legal clarity and the rules for your organization.  It discusses security and how to create trust and confidence for the consumer, as well as value-proposition and the commercial value of establishing common goals when marketing your product.  Interoperability is also analysed and the technical advances to overcome this, as well as mass adoption and the operational strategy when building successful relationships throughout the ecosystem.

    You will also gain insight into which mobile payment technologies you should adopt (SMS, Direct Carrier Billing, Cloud-Based, EMV chip, NFC, Bluetooth) and insight in to the competing technologies you are up against, time frames for mass adoption and Case Studies on mobile payment initiatives to knowledge from and use in your organization’s strategy.

    Click here to view the 14 page exclusive white paper on Mobile Payments Latin America.

  • NFC Payments USA hones in on the most controversial topics for NFC-lovers – yet

    With less than four weeks to go to the event NFC Payments USA (Oct 29-30, Boston) M for Mobile are pulling NFC out from under the carpet and are looking at its strengths, pitfalls, longevity and where it will exist in the future. Press around why it was not included in Apple’s iPhone 5 has shaken peoples trust in NFC and this event is here to expose and resolve all.

    With top speakers from Barclaycard, Bank of America, PayPal, T-Mobile, AT&T, Best Buy, Verizon Wireless, Samsung, MasterCard, VISA, Capital One, CIBC, Citi – and more, the event has gained huge hype and is set to offer a stark comparison of NFC versus all other types of mobile payments.  Alongside case studies from retailers, banks and MNOs, topics include the most lucrative and efficient business models to employ, methods to reach mass adoption, international lessons in NFC and the future of NFC.

    Naomi Hands, Global Head of Marketing at M for Mobile says, “If someone is there that you want to meet, I guarantee you will be able to reach out and exchange business cards with them.  With such a high calibre of attendees it really is an exceptional opportunity to get ahead with NFC.”

    Terri Prince, Director of Mobile Product Solutions at Clairmail suggests what to expect this year, “The sessions were great and informative.  I enjoyed the excellent variety of speakers with their various viewpoints (i.e. merchants, financial institutions, device manufacturers, TSMs etc)”, while Qualcomm added, “There were many excellent speakers, industry experts and multiple opportunities for high quality networking.”

    To find out more about the event or to register and secure your place among the industry’s top thought leaders, click here for more information.

  • HTC One X+ Released with 1.7GHz Processor and Beats Audio

    HTC has announced today the newest and advanced smartphone of the company’s portfolio. HTC One X+ is an updated version of the One X model, featuring a 1.7GHz Tegra 3 processor, a storage capacity of 64 GB and the interface Sense+.

    “We are taking the HTC One™ X to a new level with the introduction of the new HTC One™ X+,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “Our customers will have super-fast browsing, an even better camera and more immersive entertainment with Beats Audio.”

    Designed to be very fast, HTC One X+ allows fluid navigation, exciting gaming experience and superior graphics rendering, but also high speed download, for an easy operation regardless of location.

    In addition to the increased computing power, HTC One X+ offers improved performance due to the 2100 mAh battery which provides up to 50% (6 hours) more autonomy for voice use, for navigation and for multimedia content playback.

    By combining the features of the 8-megapixel camera of its predecessor with a series of smart features included into the new interface Sense 4 +, HTC One X+ stands out for its complete experience. The newly launched Self Portrait, associated to the front camera, helps the user capture high quality images by detecting human figure from different angles and subtle retouching skin and eyes.

    Available exclusively on HTC phones, the technology Beats Audio offers authentic sound in studio quality, delivering an audio experience that surrounds the with the optimized profile, clearer voice and more detailed high notes for the entire multimedia experience.

    HTC One X+ will be available in Europe and Asia starting from October. This month is also scheduled the upgrade to Android Jelly Bean with HTC Sense 4+ for HTC One S and HTC One X.

  • Microsoft to Release Windows-Based Smartphone

    Microsoft prepares a Windows smartphone under its own brand. Designed for the premium segment, the prototype is already operational, currently being under testing, according to sources inside the company, quoted by wpcentral.com, which reinforce the rumors previously circulated in the Chinese media.

    The Microsoft phone is different from other models that run the Windows operating system on the market, being a single product, said a source inside the company, who did not provide information on the smartphone’s features, prices or expected date of release.

    The cited person added that the phone already exists as a prototype and is being tested.

    China Times wrote on Monday, without sourcing the information, that Microsoft is working on a Windows phone.

    Microsoft introduced this spring the Surface tablet, proving that it has the resources to create their own completely new hardware product. The company avoided leaking information to the press shortly before disclosing the tablet. Surface will be available after the release of Windows 8, scheduled for October 26.
    Windows Phone 8 was adopted by Nokia, the main hardware partner of Microsoft, but also by Samsung and HTC, which presented their own competing models. Windows Phone 8 phones will be available somewhere in November, after the release of the operating system.

    Redmond company may choose to sell their hardware products on Microsoft Store, in order to don’t bother hardware partners, which largely depend on the sales by telecom operators at subsidized prices with the signing of a subscription for a period of time, usually two years.

    At the same time, preparing its own smartphone could represent a “plan B” for Microsoft to promote Windows Phone 8, if Nokia’s models will not be successful.

    Another possibility circulated in specialized media would be an alleged state of discontent in Microsoft’s management board regarding Nokia’s marketing strategy, which would focus too much on Lumia brand and too little on Windows. This variant seems to be reinforced by Microsoft’s participation at the recent event held in New York and organized by HTC, which showed its Windows Phone 8 models, a competition for Nokia’s Lumia range.

  • RIM anticipates for the Blackberry 10

    RIM seems to be very excited about the forthcoming release of the Blackberry 10 and it decided to present the phone to developers, by exhibiting some Dev Alpha devices to a series of "Blackberry Jam" events. It is a way to get the first impressions on Blackberry 10, until its final release for consumers during the first months of 2013.

    According to the CEO of RIM, Thorsten Heins:

    “With BB10 we’re at the start of a new era of mobile computing,”

    “BB10 introduces a shift to true mobile computing, and that is why we’ve built a whole new platform, a new architecture, from the ground up."

    Blackberry 10 is expected to have many new features, while surprises are not denied. From what we already know, we are expecting an update on Blackberry Messenger (BBM), which is going to have a better look that will allow an easier conversation. The home screen is also expected to change, with RIM naming it "Blackberry Flow" and allowing the user to browse the pages with the apps. The inbox is also going to change, integrating BBM, text messages and any update from social networks. From now on, it will be known as "Blackberry Hub" and it will be one of your most frequent visits. What's more, the camera will be more functional, while there will also be active frames, which remind us of the live tiles on the Windows Phone.

    All these features indicate that RIM is trying hard to prove that they are still in the game and they seem to be aware of what the consumers want lately. Will Blackberry 10 be their rebound to the smartphone market? We just have to wait a few months to answer that question.

  • iPhone 5 reaches 5 million sales in just 2 days

    iPhone 5 was destined to be a successful release, even before reaching in our hands. Apple knows very well that every new iPhone handset will attract significant popularity, which means that it will eventually boost their annual sales.

    It is a circle that goes on the last few years and is justified one more time with the sales of iPhone 5. Apple's brand new release, the iPhone 5, has already reached 5 million sales in just the first weekend of its release. Although it is not yet sold throughout the whole world, not even in half of it, it managed to surpass the sales of iPhone 4S, which reached 4 million sales in its first two days.

    These first stats remind us of the estimates that analysts made even before the release of iPhone 5 claiming that it will be the best selling iPhone of all time. More specifically, they estimated that Apple will sell 58 million iPhone 5 units until the end of this year, which means that it can bring to Apple a revenue of $36.2 billion! And if they sound like they are exaggerating, just consider their prediction of the 10 million sales during the first month. Considering the 5 million sales of the first weekend, not only is a feasible goal, but it can also reach even higher numbers.

    In addition, there are still many countries that anticipate for the release of the iPhone 5, with all the queuing that comes along with this anticipation. Thus, Apple should feel really confident about the sales of the next quarter and even the one following it. Their fans keep buying their products and even Samsung's disregard of the iPhone 5 didn't seem to work that well. Galaxy S III might be a very successful product, but Samsung still has a long way until reaching the level of loyalty that Apple has with iPhones. Till then, we are just waiting for the next stats that are related to the iPhone 5.

  • iPhone 5 jailbroken from day 1, while breaking a pre-order record

    iPhone 5 kept busy the homepage of every smartphone website the last week and it is not surprising that there were so many things to write about it. Since the announcement of it, every Apple fan anticipated for the big news. Since its sale, every Apple fan pre-ordered it and by the time it was finally on stores, a skillful hacker managed to jailbreak it, in just a single day!

    The fact that iPhone 5 has been pre-ordered in 3 days 96% as the purchases of iPhone 4S for the whole first month, proves how big the anticipation was from every Apple fan. And this is not just an estimated number, but the stats that were released from Comscore. As it seems, Apple's fans have been greatly increased, with the promotion of iPhone 5 being successful. The difference between the sales of iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 is significant, which raises the expectations of its general sales even more.  As for the carriers, the majority of the pre-orders was recorded at AT&T, holding 68% of them, with Verizon following with 24%.

    And just when we were all impressed by the pre-orders of iPhone 5, a hacker managed to jailbreak it, even from the first day! Grant Paul posted a picture on Twitter showing an iPhone 5 that was running Cydia Store, which is for jailbroken phones. Although many were suspicious about the validity of his claim, he eventually posted additional pictures, in order to prove his claim. As it seems, he did manage to jailbreak iPhone 5 from day one, which gave him a lot of buzz the last few days.

    iPhone 5 is here to stay and it seems, we are all part of this mania. At least until the release of the next generation of iPhone.