Business News Holding

Tag: hardware-and-technology

  • BlackBerry 10 to be introduced on January 30

    After all the speculation regarding the release of the Blackberry 10, RIM finally made an official announcement, informing us that they will introduce BlackBerry 10 on January 30.

    Although we do not know any details regarding the phones that will be presented, we do know that the two new smartphones will be faster, with a great range of choice among applications and will have touchscreens. Blackberries might have been popular about their QWERTY keyboards, but RIM seems to understand that touchscreen is preferred lately in the mobile industry and that's why their first smartphones will follow the latest trends. However, if you are a fan of the classic Blackberry smartphone, you won't be disappointed. You will just have to wait  little bit more for the next line of Blackberries.

    According to RIM, they will present both the new phones and their updated operating system, in multiple countries simultaneously on January 30, hoping that the delays have made them even more competitive.

    According to Thorsten Heins, the president and CEO of Research in Motion:

    “Our team has been working tirelessly to bring our customers innovative features combined with a best in class browser, a rich application ecosystem, and cutting-edge multimedia capabilities. All of this will be integrated into a user experience – the BlackBerry Flow – that is unlike any smartphone on the market today,”

    What's more, RIM is already trying their new products with many carriers around the world and they already have obtained a  U.S. government certification, which means that they will be ready to launch their brand new smartphones in USA.

    As it seems, RIM has finally managed to create a calendar with everything that we are expecting from Blackberry 10 the following months. We might not know whether the anticipation will be satisfied, but RIM surely needs it in order to survive in the mobile industry.

  • Sony Xperia J goes on sale

    Sony launched another smartphone from the Xperia line, the Xperia J, which was presented in IFA2012 and went on sale in UK just a few days ago.

    Sony Xperia J is presented as the "affordable" smartphone and seems to be a decent choice, if you are not looking for an expensive smartphone. At first sight it looks like Xperia T, which you might have already seen in the "Skyfall' movie, while its dimensions are of 124.3 x 61.2 x 9.2 mm. Apart from slim, it is also quite light, since it weighs 142 grams.

    It has a 4-inch and 854×480 display, it features an 1GHz processor and it has a 512MB RAM. Moreover, it has a 5MP rear camera, an 1,750mAh battery and a built-in storage of 4GB, which is enhanced with the microSD slot. It runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and is currently available by Three in UK in less than $240 for the device.

    Sony Xperia J is considered a bargain that has the features of a great smartphone. Except from its basic specifications, it also offers great sound quality, but what might be even more important is that it is socially orientated. We all live in the era of social media and we know that a smartphone that has an one-touch-function for content sharing and a special light that notifies you in everything that is new from your Facebook and Twitter accounts should not be ignored.

    Sylvia Chind, head of devices at Three, mentions that

    “The Sony Xperia J is ideal for style conscious social media fans and its 5 megapixel camera is perfect for Instagramming and sharing pictures on the go”

    To sum up, Sony Xperia J seems to be a good choice if you are looking for a low-priced smartphone, like the larger displays, enjoy great sound and love social media.

  • Apple and HTC agree on patents for the next 10 years

    No more patent cases between Apple and HTC in the near future, since the two companies have reached on a 10-year license "global settlement" for the current, but also their future patent cases. This settlement is related to any possible case between the two companies that has to do with intellectual property.

    The announcement came with a joint press release, proving that the patent wars between Apple and HTC are now over. Although the agreement is confidential and we do not know any details of it, we do know that it came as a surprise, since there were no reports on the two companies discussing a settlement. Delaware court might have suggested they consider reaching an agreement back in May, but they did not seem reluctant back then for such a move. On the contrary, HTC was claiming that they are not planning any settlement with Apple.
    As it seems, things have changed in the last months and we are now discussing their settlement.
    Peter Chou, chief executive of HTC stated:

    "HTC is pleased to have resolved its dispute with Apple, so HTC can focus on innovation instead of litigation."

    What's more, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, said:

    "We are glad to have reached a settlement with HTC. We will continue to stay laser focused on product innovation."

    There were many battles between them and it must be a relief for Apple to get a patent opponent out of their way. 2012 has been the year of the patent wars and although the battle between Apple and HTC was not the biggest one, it is still important that they have reached on an agreement. Who knows, maybe we will see Apple reaching an agreement with Samsung in the future. Or maybe not!

  • Samsung Galaxy Note II reaches 3 million sales

    Samsung Galaxy Note II has already been a successful smartphone, since it has already sold 3 million units in just a month from its release. In fact, Samsung announced that it took Galaxy Note II just 37 days to reach the 3 million milestone, which is obviously a success for the brand. However, Apple's fans might say that iPhone 5 sold 5 million units in just 2 days, which raises the competition level even more between the two companies.

    Samsung Galaxy Note II has been one of the first smartphones that came with a 5.6-inch screen and became popular as one of the best "phablets" (phone and tablet) in the market. Although some were cautious about its sales due to its relatively large screen, which might have been uncomfortable in holding it, the numbers show that people like having a smartphone with a big screen. Even iPhone 5 slightly expanded its screen, which proves that the new trend is turning into phablet, instead of a simple smartphone.

    Samsung must feel really proud about their recent sales, since they topped the smartphone market in the third quarter between July and September, reaching the 56.3 sales. Now that we are approaching the Christmas holiday Samsung knows very well the importance of performing well in the last quarter of the year and all the bets are placed on Galaxy Note II, along with Galaxy S III. However, with iPhone 5 on the market, who will make the ultimate win of the year, topping the fourth quarter's sales? We just have to wait and see.

  • Xiaomi 2 Launched in China

    Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi is launching its new smartphone Xiaomi 2 today. The Chinese say that the gadget will compete with Samsung Galaxy S3, the new iPhone 5 and HTC One X+, the price being expected to be the main argument for this statement.

    In a first phase only 50,000 phones are on sale and then another 250,000 units in the second half of November.

    Officially announced in August, the phone comes with a quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor and 2 GB RAM. The screen is a 4.3-inch IPS LCD at 720p resolution and a density of 342ppi.

    The smartphone has two cameras, an 8-megapixel one that uses the same lens as the iPhone 4S and Galaxy S III, and a second one of 2 megapixels for video conferencing. Xiaomi 2 provides the user with a storage capacity of 16GB or 32GB, expandable, of course, using an SD card.

    In terms of connectivity, the phone features 42Mbps HSPA+ radio and supports WCDMA 850/1900/2100 MHz.

    Xiaomi 2 comes with two versions of batteries: 2000mAh and 3000mAh.

    Xiaomi Phone 2 runs Google’s Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system, along with the MIUI Rom package of applications developed by the Chinese manufacturer.

    The phone is available in the Chinese market at a price of 1,999 Yuan ($320) for the 16 GB version and 2,299 Yuan ($370) for the one with 32GB storage capacity.

    Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi did not announce when or if it will begin selling the new smartphone worldwide.

  • 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.