BOSTON, USA: The latest quarterly financial results from Verizon show continued growth in the company’s Pay TV and Broadband businesses, and the outlook for the remainder of 2012 is promising, according to the latest forecast from Strategy Analytics, “Service Provider Quarterly Recap and Guidance: Verizon (VZ) CYQ1’12.”
Not only did subscriber numbers increase, but Average Revenue per User (ARPU) has grown as well, following the trend of customers shifting from DSL to FiOS Fiber service, as well as upgrading to faster Broadband speeds.
Strategy Analytics expects FiOS Broadband subscribers to top 5.6 million by the end of 2012. The company also owns 5 percent market share in the total digital Pay TV market in the US. Growth in this business will result in nearly 5 million subscribers by the end of the year.
“Verizon has done an exceptional job of increasing its penetration in homes passed reaching 32.3 percent in the first quarter. Over the coming months, the company is going to shift from an expansion strategy to work even harder on converting customers in its existing footprint to FiOS Broadband and TV services,” said Jason Blackwell, director, Service Provider Strategies (SPS) at Strategy Analytics.
According to Richard Fontes, analyst in the Service Provider Strategies group: “FiOS Broadband broke the 5 million subscriber plateau one quarter ahead of our initial forecast. More than half of FiOS customers are taking Broadband packages with speeds higher than the basic package, as well as bundling into triple play packages. This will lead to increasing blended ARPU for Verizon.”
Monday, April 30, 2012
Talari Networks has new Worldwide VP of Sales
SAN JOSE, USA: Talari Networks Inc., a leading innovator of WAN reliability and performance quality, announced Walter Carrington as its new Worldwide VP of Sales.
Carrington joins Talari from Juniper Networks and brings more than two decades of networking industry sales experience spanning the US and Canada. Carrington will be responsible for growing Talari’s customer base, forging new strategic partnerships and expanding the national sales force. Carrington will report directly to Talari's President and CEO Emerick Woods.
“We are pleased to welcome Walter to our senior executive team at a time where the industry is poised for dramatic growth," stated Talari Networks’ CEO Emerick Woods. “Walter is a perfect fit for Talari with his deep networking background, coupled with his strong customer and partner relationships. I am confident he will be able to rapidly accelerate our sales efforts and deliver on the value of our unique innovative technology."
Carrington brings more than two decades in networking industry sales experience to Talari. Most recently, he was the regional sales director at Juniper Networks, where he helped the company reach 55 percent annual growth rate and secure more than $40 million in product and service revenues in the first fiscal year of his tenure. Previously, Carrington served as VP of Sales at Force10 Networks where he was responsible for delivering more than 50 percent of the company’s revenues.
Walter has also served in various executive sales and account management positions at Ericsson Corp., Unisys Corp., Bay Networks and industry giant Cisco Systems. He has been successful in building strong teams that take a solutions-driven sales approach, combining representatives from sales and engineering to develop and execute successful enterprise networking solutions for customers that address both business and technical challenges.
Carrington joins Talari from Juniper Networks and brings more than two decades of networking industry sales experience spanning the US and Canada. Carrington will be responsible for growing Talari’s customer base, forging new strategic partnerships and expanding the national sales force. Carrington will report directly to Talari's President and CEO Emerick Woods.
“We are pleased to welcome Walter to our senior executive team at a time where the industry is poised for dramatic growth," stated Talari Networks’ CEO Emerick Woods. “Walter is a perfect fit for Talari with his deep networking background, coupled with his strong customer and partner relationships. I am confident he will be able to rapidly accelerate our sales efforts and deliver on the value of our unique innovative technology."
Carrington brings more than two decades in networking industry sales experience to Talari. Most recently, he was the regional sales director at Juniper Networks, where he helped the company reach 55 percent annual growth rate and secure more than $40 million in product and service revenues in the first fiscal year of his tenure. Previously, Carrington served as VP of Sales at Force10 Networks where he was responsible for delivering more than 50 percent of the company’s revenues.
Walter has also served in various executive sales and account management positions at Ericsson Corp., Unisys Corp., Bay Networks and industry giant Cisco Systems. He has been successful in building strong teams that take a solutions-driven sales approach, combining representatives from sales and engineering to develop and execute successful enterprise networking solutions for customers that address both business and technical challenges.
LoopUp partners with SmarTone in Hong Kong
LONDON, UK: LoopUp, the business collaboration and remote meetings company, today announced its partnership with SmarTone, a leader in wireless communications in Hong Kong. This is the first-ever partnership with an operator in Hong Kong. Under the agreement, SmarTone will distribute the LoopUp product in Hong Kong as ‘SmarTone Conferencing’.
“SmarTone is a great partner for us and we’re delighted to be working together,” said Steve Flavell, co-CEO of LoopUp. “High quality partnerships with telecommunications operators are a key arm to our strategy in the Asia-Pacific region to help us extend the market reach of LoopUp.”
LoopUp provides business professionals with a better remote meeting experience—without the classic annoyances generally associated with conferencing, such as not knowing who’s on the call or who’s speaking, distracting background noise or struggling to share a presentation with guests. With LoopUp’s Web and smartphone apps, business professionals are able to:
* Schedule meetings from Outlook, smartphones or the Web.
* Join by having the meeting call out instantly to a phone of their choice.
* Be alerted via smartphone and desktop notifications when their first guest joins and be brought into a live readout of who’s in the meeting.
* Access simple controls to add missing guests, mute distracting background noise and record the call.
* Share their screen, as and when needed, without needing to go elsewhere.
LoopUp opened its Hong Kong office and Point of Presence in September 2011.
“SmarTone is a great partner for us and we’re delighted to be working together,” said Steve Flavell, co-CEO of LoopUp. “High quality partnerships with telecommunications operators are a key arm to our strategy in the Asia-Pacific region to help us extend the market reach of LoopUp.”
LoopUp provides business professionals with a better remote meeting experience—without the classic annoyances generally associated with conferencing, such as not knowing who’s on the call or who’s speaking, distracting background noise or struggling to share a presentation with guests. With LoopUp’s Web and smartphone apps, business professionals are able to:
* Schedule meetings from Outlook, smartphones or the Web.
* Join by having the meeting call out instantly to a phone of their choice.
* Be alerted via smartphone and desktop notifications when their first guest joins and be brought into a live readout of who’s in the meeting.
* Access simple controls to add missing guests, mute distracting background noise and record the call.
* Share their screen, as and when needed, without needing to go elsewhere.
LoopUp opened its Hong Kong office and Point of Presence in September 2011.
Mindspeed powers world’s first LTE + Wi-Fi femtocell for SK Telesys
NEWPORT BEACH, USA: Mindspeed Technologies Inc., the industry leader in technology for small cell base stations, announced that the company’s Transcede wireless baseband processors are in the first long-term evolution (LTE) femtocell from SK Telesys.
The Wi-Fi integrated LTE femtocells will be first deployed in densely populated regions in South Korea, focusing primarily on the commercial centers of major cities. The rollout will then be expanded to areas with high data demand – i.e. indoor areas like shopping centers, offices, houses and schools – based on an analysis of LTE service usage patterns.
“We selected Mindspeed’s LTE solution as the most robust and most complete LTE small cell solution on the market,” said Dr. Il-Hyun Sohn, director, at SK Telesys, “Small cells are critical to the deployment of true mobile broadband. We evaluated many LTE small cell solutions, but selected Mindspeed due to the proven ‘carrier-class’ quality of their technology.”
“Korea has one of the most sophisticated wireless markets in the world and its early use of metro cells and public femtocells paves the way for operators around the world,” said Dr. Naser Adas, VP and GM, wireless and customer premises equipment (CPE), at Mindspeed. “We are delighted that our Transcede SoCs have been chosen by SK Telesys for the company’s next-generation femtocells and other small cell products. Mindspeed’s technology is being deployed in Korea for HSPA+ urban femtocells and SK Telesys knew they could rely on our field-proven LTE technology.”
Mindspeed's Transcede family of processors are complete NodeB and eNodeB SoC solutions that support concurrent 3G and LTE processing in a single device, including time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA), W-CDMA/HSPA+ and both frequency division duplexing LTE (FDD-LTE) and time division duplexing LTE (TDD-LTE).
Mindspeed has the most complete portfolio of SoCs in the industry, supported by a complete, carrier-class software reference design to accelerate time-to-market schedules. The reference design includes RF module integration, a real-time Linux board support package, and standard-compliant physical-layer (PHY) implementation for LTE, W-CDMA and TD-SCDMA, with associated utilities and test scripts.
The Wi-Fi integrated LTE femtocells will be first deployed in densely populated regions in South Korea, focusing primarily on the commercial centers of major cities. The rollout will then be expanded to areas with high data demand – i.e. indoor areas like shopping centers, offices, houses and schools – based on an analysis of LTE service usage patterns.
“We selected Mindspeed’s LTE solution as the most robust and most complete LTE small cell solution on the market,” said Dr. Il-Hyun Sohn, director, at SK Telesys, “Small cells are critical to the deployment of true mobile broadband. We evaluated many LTE small cell solutions, but selected Mindspeed due to the proven ‘carrier-class’ quality of their technology.”
“Korea has one of the most sophisticated wireless markets in the world and its early use of metro cells and public femtocells paves the way for operators around the world,” said Dr. Naser Adas, VP and GM, wireless and customer premises equipment (CPE), at Mindspeed. “We are delighted that our Transcede SoCs have been chosen by SK Telesys for the company’s next-generation femtocells and other small cell products. Mindspeed’s technology is being deployed in Korea for HSPA+ urban femtocells and SK Telesys knew they could rely on our field-proven LTE technology.”
Mindspeed's Transcede family of processors are complete NodeB and eNodeB SoC solutions that support concurrent 3G and LTE processing in a single device, including time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA), W-CDMA/HSPA+ and both frequency division duplexing LTE (FDD-LTE) and time division duplexing LTE (TDD-LTE).
Mindspeed has the most complete portfolio of SoCs in the industry, supported by a complete, carrier-class software reference design to accelerate time-to-market schedules. The reference design includes RF module integration, a real-time Linux board support package, and standard-compliant physical-layer (PHY) implementation for LTE, W-CDMA and TD-SCDMA, with associated utilities and test scripts.
CTIA-The Wireless Association statement after the FCC's April open meeting
WASHINGTON, USA: After the FCC's April Open Meeting, CTIA-The Wireless Association's President and CEO Steve Largent released the following statement on the Innovation in the Television Bands Report and Order:
"The adoption of the Innovation in the Television Bands Report and Order by the FCC marks another important step to freeing up valuable spectrum so the US wireless industry may meet Americans' demand for mobile broadband services. By allowing broadcasters to share channels, the FCC is making TV spectrum license holders more efficient users of this finite resource. In turn, consumers will benefit as wireless providers will have an opportunity to purchase the repacked spectrum for billions at auction."
In response to today's (last Friday) action by the FCC on Universal Service Fund, CTIA-The Wireless Association's assistant VP of Regulatory Affairs, Scott Bergmann, said: "Today, the FCC began the process of reforming the way it collects money for the Universal Service Fund. Program costs are projected to be approximately $9 billion this year alone, so it's important the burden of paying for it is distributed fairly. Right now, roughly 44 percent of the contribution burden falls on wireless providers and their customers. CTIA remains committed to working with the Commission to craft a revised USF contribution system that is fair, simple and efficient."
CTIA-The Wireless Association is an international organization representing the wireless communications industry. Membership in the association includes wireless carriers and their suppliers, as well as providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products. CTIA advocates on behalf of its members at all levels of government. The association also coordinates the industry's voluntary best practices and initiatives, and sponsors the industry's leading wireless tradeshows. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, D.C.
"The adoption of the Innovation in the Television Bands Report and Order by the FCC marks another important step to freeing up valuable spectrum so the US wireless industry may meet Americans' demand for mobile broadband services. By allowing broadcasters to share channels, the FCC is making TV spectrum license holders more efficient users of this finite resource. In turn, consumers will benefit as wireless providers will have an opportunity to purchase the repacked spectrum for billions at auction."
In response to today's (last Friday) action by the FCC on Universal Service Fund, CTIA-The Wireless Association's assistant VP of Regulatory Affairs, Scott Bergmann, said: "Today, the FCC began the process of reforming the way it collects money for the Universal Service Fund. Program costs are projected to be approximately $9 billion this year alone, so it's important the burden of paying for it is distributed fairly. Right now, roughly 44 percent of the contribution burden falls on wireless providers and their customers. CTIA remains committed to working with the Commission to craft a revised USF contribution system that is fair, simple and efficient."
CTIA-The Wireless Association is an international organization representing the wireless communications industry. Membership in the association includes wireless carriers and their suppliers, as well as providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products. CTIA advocates on behalf of its members at all levels of government. The association also coordinates the industry's voluntary best practices and initiatives, and sponsors the industry's leading wireless tradeshows. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, D.C.
Friday, April 27, 2012
TRAI recommendations threaten mobile broadband investment and deployment in India
LONDON, UK: The GSMA stated that the TRAI's recommendations on the "Auction of Spectrum" will set India back in its goal to deliver "Broadband on Demand" to the citizens of India. The proposals disregard international best practice in spectrum policy and jeopardize the investment of billions of US dollars in new mobile infrastructure in a sector that either directly, or indirectly, employs almost 10 million people and serves more than 911 million consumers.
The European 3G experience more than a decade ago made clear that auctions designed to maximise revenue, hinders the development of the mobile sector and the socio-economic benefits that mobile delivers to the public. Reducing the ability of mobile operators to invest in network upgrades and expansion would undermine the ability of India to leverage its telecom infrastructure to empower citizens and businesses, especially those in rural communities, to participate equitably in the Internet economy.
For example, the TRAI's proposed reserve prices for upcoming spectrum auctions are so prohibitively high that they will inevitably curtail mobile operator investment in mobile broadband infrastructure and increase prices to consumers.
Given the strong correlation between mobile penetration and socio-economic development – with a 10 percent increase in Mobile Broadband penetration delivering as much as $80 billion (Rs. 3,506 billion) of extra revenue for India's transport, healthcare and education sectors by 2015 – the TRAI's recommendations will not serve the interests of the broader Indian economy.
"Efforts to squeeze money out of mobile operators for some perceived short-term gain will only reduce investment in networks, inhibit growth of mobile services and drive up consumer prices – limiting the value the public will derive from the spectrum resource in the long term," said Franco Bernabe, chairman of the GSMA and chairman and CEO of Telecom Italia Group.
TRAI's recommendations would not only drive up the cost of the mobile spectrum, but would also create artificial scarcity of this critical resource. In advance of license renewal, TRAI has proposed to force current 900 MHz licensees out of the band into the 1800 MHz band. As a result, TRAI would limit the available spectrum in the upcoming 1800 MHz 2G auction and leave the remainder under-utilised for a significant period, creating unnecessary scarcity at a time when India has an opportunity to shape the future of the mobile industry. This effectively means that billions of US dollars of investment would be wasted.
Earlier this month, the GSMA announced that India was positioned to surpass the US as the second largest mobile broadband market in the world within the next four years.
In recognition of the threat to this potential, Anne Bouverot, director general, GSMA, commented: "The GSMA's member operators in India have invested heavily and worked hard to deliver innovative services to consumers and positively impact the broader Indian economy. They are naturally very concerned about the TRAI recommendations, which have the potential to stifle investment in India's mobile sector.
"The GSMA and its members are seeking an open dialogue with the Government of India on the licensing of the critical spectrum with the aim of finding a solution that will drive investment and growth in mobile communications and more broadly in the Indian economy."
The European 3G experience more than a decade ago made clear that auctions designed to maximise revenue, hinders the development of the mobile sector and the socio-economic benefits that mobile delivers to the public. Reducing the ability of mobile operators to invest in network upgrades and expansion would undermine the ability of India to leverage its telecom infrastructure to empower citizens and businesses, especially those in rural communities, to participate equitably in the Internet economy.
For example, the TRAI's proposed reserve prices for upcoming spectrum auctions are so prohibitively high that they will inevitably curtail mobile operator investment in mobile broadband infrastructure and increase prices to consumers.
Given the strong correlation between mobile penetration and socio-economic development – with a 10 percent increase in Mobile Broadband penetration delivering as much as $80 billion (Rs. 3,506 billion) of extra revenue for India's transport, healthcare and education sectors by 2015 – the TRAI's recommendations will not serve the interests of the broader Indian economy.
"Efforts to squeeze money out of mobile operators for some perceived short-term gain will only reduce investment in networks, inhibit growth of mobile services and drive up consumer prices – limiting the value the public will derive from the spectrum resource in the long term," said Franco Bernabe, chairman of the GSMA and chairman and CEO of Telecom Italia Group.
TRAI's recommendations would not only drive up the cost of the mobile spectrum, but would also create artificial scarcity of this critical resource. In advance of license renewal, TRAI has proposed to force current 900 MHz licensees out of the band into the 1800 MHz band. As a result, TRAI would limit the available spectrum in the upcoming 1800 MHz 2G auction and leave the remainder under-utilised for a significant period, creating unnecessary scarcity at a time when India has an opportunity to shape the future of the mobile industry. This effectively means that billions of US dollars of investment would be wasted.
Earlier this month, the GSMA announced that India was positioned to surpass the US as the second largest mobile broadband market in the world within the next four years.
In recognition of the threat to this potential, Anne Bouverot, director general, GSMA, commented: "The GSMA's member operators in India have invested heavily and worked hard to deliver innovative services to consumers and positively impact the broader Indian economy. They are naturally very concerned about the TRAI recommendations, which have the potential to stifle investment in India's mobile sector.
"The GSMA and its members are seeking an open dialogue with the Government of India on the licensing of the critical spectrum with the aim of finding a solution that will drive investment and growth in mobile communications and more broadly in the Indian economy."
AIRCOM dominates network planning and optimisation software market
LEATHERHEAD, UK: AIRCOM International announced that according to an Analysys Mason study, it has retained its place as the leading independent global player in the growing network planning and optimisation software market. The viewpoint study reveals that AIRCOM currently accounts for 18 percent of the overall mobile planning and optimisation software market, valued by Analysys Mason at $275 million.
The total market for mobile and fixed network planning and optimisation solutions is valued by Analysys Mason at $488 million. AIRCOM is named by Analysys Mason as the overall market leader for both technologies with a 12 percent share in a rapidly growing market. The study was finalised prior to AIRCOM acquiring Symena, the leading global network optimisation company using automatic cell planning (ACP) and SON. This acquisition further extends AIRCOM’s existing market share in this space.
“Retaining our number one position underlines our commitment to network planning and optimisation technology and consultancy best practice,” said Steve Bowker, CTO, AIRCOM. “It is a position we intend to consolidate through sustained investment in mobile network optimisation technology innovation. Our recent Symena acquisition is evidence of this, as we look to grow our advanced optimisation capabilities to capitalise on growing market opportunities.”
“The network planning and optimisation software market continues to experience dramatic growth,” said Mark Mortensen, principal analyst and report author, Analysys Mason. “Companies such as AIRCOM are consistently identifying innovative ways to plan and implement optimal network capacity and connectivity to sustain a positive user experience for mobile services. This requirement is set to increase for operators further as data demand increases with customer expectations.”
The total market for mobile and fixed network planning and optimisation solutions is valued by Analysys Mason at $488 million. AIRCOM is named by Analysys Mason as the overall market leader for both technologies with a 12 percent share in a rapidly growing market. The study was finalised prior to AIRCOM acquiring Symena, the leading global network optimisation company using automatic cell planning (ACP) and SON. This acquisition further extends AIRCOM’s existing market share in this space.
“Retaining our number one position underlines our commitment to network planning and optimisation technology and consultancy best practice,” said Steve Bowker, CTO, AIRCOM. “It is a position we intend to consolidate through sustained investment in mobile network optimisation technology innovation. Our recent Symena acquisition is evidence of this, as we look to grow our advanced optimisation capabilities to capitalise on growing market opportunities.”
“The network planning and optimisation software market continues to experience dramatic growth,” said Mark Mortensen, principal analyst and report author, Analysys Mason. “Companies such as AIRCOM are consistently identifying innovative ways to plan and implement optimal network capacity and connectivity to sustain a positive user experience for mobile services. This requirement is set to increase for operators further as data demand increases with customer expectations.”
Optus launches LTE services in Australia
Nicole McCormick, Ovum Principal Analyst, Telco Strategy
AUSTRALIA: Yesterday, Optus became the second cellco to “launch” LTE services in Australia. But Optus is not charging for its FD-LTE service and is giving dongles away for free.
“The launch to more than 1,000 business and residential customers in four regional areas is more softly, softly than I would have expected,” said Ovum senior analyst, Nicole McCormick.
“Still it is better to go to market with a clear indication on pricing than not, hence Optus’ soft launch approach. We urge caution in operators charging too high a premium for LTE services. Operators will need to be careful not to alienate high-end customers that have paid a premium by reducing LTE tariffs too quickly or drastically, as they migrate 3G users.”
AUSTRALIA: Yesterday, Optus became the second cellco to “launch” LTE services in Australia. But Optus is not charging for its FD-LTE service and is giving dongles away for free.
“The launch to more than 1,000 business and residential customers in four regional areas is more softly, softly than I would have expected,” said Ovum senior analyst, Nicole McCormick.
“Still it is better to go to market with a clear indication on pricing than not, hence Optus’ soft launch approach. We urge caution in operators charging too high a premium for LTE services. Operators will need to be careful not to alienate high-end customers that have paid a premium by reducing LTE tariffs too quickly or drastically, as they migrate 3G users.”
Samsung overtakes Nokia for cellphone lead
EL SEGUNDO, USA: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd in the first quarter overtook Nokia Corp. to become the world’s largest cellphone brand for the first time. However, Samsung remained in second place in the smartphone segment of the cellphone market, behind Apple Inc.
The South Korean electronics giant shipped 92 million cellphones worldwide in the first quarter, compared to 83 million for longtime market leader Nokia.While Samsung’s shipments declined by 13 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, Nokia’s dropped by 27 percent. This allowed Samsung to rise one position to take first place.
In the smartphone segment of the cellphone market, Apple shipped 35 million units in the first quarter. This compares to 32 million for Samsung. Apple remained in the same position in smartphones that it captured in the fourth quarter of 2011—at No. 1—while Samsung held on to second place.
Apple’s smartphone shipments declined 5 percent, compared to 11 percent for Samsung. Sequential declines in the shipments of smartphones as well as cellphones reflect normal seasonal patterns in which sales decrease following the peak holiday period in the fourth quarter.
Please note that the shipment information presented in this news flash and the tables present results from cellphone and smartphone brands that have already reported their results for the first calendar quarter of 2012. Brands that haven’t reported yet are not included.
“With cellphones now accounting for more than 40 percent of Samsung’s overall revenue, it’s clear that the company’s continued investments in smartphone hardware and software R&D are paying off,” said Wayne Lam, senior analyst, wireless communications at IHS.
“The company is not only cashing in on the market’s shift to smartphones, but is also succeeding in other cellphone product categories, allowing it to capture the overall market lead. What makes Samsung’s performance even more impressive is that the company’s latest Galaxy S III handset has yet to be launched, with shipments set to start in May. This indicates Samsung is likely to make further progress in market share in 2012.”
With Samsung taking the leadership position, it will mark the first time since 1998 that Nokia has not been the No. 1 brand in the global cellphone market.
“Samsung’s surpassing of Nokia for cellphone market leadership represents not only a changing of the guard among handset brands but also a fundamental shift in the structure of the wireless market,” said Ian Fogg, senior principal analyst, mobile for IHS.
“Cellphone market growth is now being generated exclusively by the smartphone segment, and not by the feature phones, entry-level cellphones and ultra-low-cost handsets (ULCH) that had fueled the industry’s expansion over the previous decade.Samsung has successfully ridden the wave of smartphone adoption to attain market leadership. Meanwhile, Nokia is in the midst of transitioning its smartphone strategy, resulting in declining shipments for the company.”
Smartphones are the only segment of the global cellphone business expected to expand in 2012. Global smartphone shipments are set to rise by 35 percent this year, while those for feature phones, entry-level phones and ULCHs will all decline.
As a result, the smartphone segment will be single-handedly responsible for the overall cellphone business expansion of 7.4 percent in 2012. Next year, smartphone shipments will rise to account for more than half of all cellphones for the first time, at 52 percent, up from 43.5 percent in 2012.
Smartphones represented 34 percent of Samsung's handset shipments in the first quarter. In contrast, smartphones accounted for just 14 percent of Nokia’s shipments.
“Samsung is reaping the rewards of strong execution in product design, distribution and marketing,” Fogg noted. “The company has been bold and innovative with handset form factors, featuring differentiated handsets such as the Galaxy Note with its sizable 5-inch display, and a wide range of handsets in every other conceivable screen size.”
Furthermore, Samsung has offered handsets on multiple smartphone operating system platforms, including Google’s Android, Microsoft’s Windows Phone and Samsung’s own bada. By betting on all horses, Samsung is ensuring that it is backing a winner.
Meanwhile, Nokia has placed all its smartphone eggs into one basket: Windows Phone. To make Nokia’s Windows phone strategy pay off, Nokia must convince the leading carriers to visibly back Windows Phone as well as convince consumers of a valuable and differentiated experience.
The Samsung-Apple battle represents the front line in the war between Android and iOS. There are other large established Android original equipment manufacturers (OEM), like HTC Corp., LG Electronics, Sony Corp. and Motorola Mobility Inc., but all of them continue to struggle in the fiercely competitive smartphone market.
For its part, Apple had sold approximately 19 million iPhones in the first quarter of 2011. One year later, the company dramatically increased its shipment volumes by 88 percent to 35 million. And with the share of iPhone shipments shifting away from the United States toward a more international audience, Nokia could be hurt in its core regional markets in Europe and Asia.
Another smartphone player, Research in Motion Ltd, is staking its future performance on the new-generation BlackBerry 10 operating system, due to be shown at BlackBerry World next week, and set to launch later in 2012. RIM’s smartphone shipments declined to 11 million in the first quarter, down 21 percent from 14 million in the fourth quarter.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
The South Korean electronics giant shipped 92 million cellphones worldwide in the first quarter, compared to 83 million for longtime market leader Nokia.While Samsung’s shipments declined by 13 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, Nokia’s dropped by 27 percent. This allowed Samsung to rise one position to take first place.
In the smartphone segment of the cellphone market, Apple shipped 35 million units in the first quarter. This compares to 32 million for Samsung. Apple remained in the same position in smartphones that it captured in the fourth quarter of 2011—at No. 1—while Samsung held on to second place.
Apple’s smartphone shipments declined 5 percent, compared to 11 percent for Samsung. Sequential declines in the shipments of smartphones as well as cellphones reflect normal seasonal patterns in which sales decrease following the peak holiday period in the fourth quarter.
Please note that the shipment information presented in this news flash and the tables present results from cellphone and smartphone brands that have already reported their results for the first calendar quarter of 2012. Brands that haven’t reported yet are not included.
“With cellphones now accounting for more than 40 percent of Samsung’s overall revenue, it’s clear that the company’s continued investments in smartphone hardware and software R&D are paying off,” said Wayne Lam, senior analyst, wireless communications at IHS.
“The company is not only cashing in on the market’s shift to smartphones, but is also succeeding in other cellphone product categories, allowing it to capture the overall market lead. What makes Samsung’s performance even more impressive is that the company’s latest Galaxy S III handset has yet to be launched, with shipments set to start in May. This indicates Samsung is likely to make further progress in market share in 2012.”
With Samsung taking the leadership position, it will mark the first time since 1998 that Nokia has not been the No. 1 brand in the global cellphone market.
“Samsung’s surpassing of Nokia for cellphone market leadership represents not only a changing of the guard among handset brands but also a fundamental shift in the structure of the wireless market,” said Ian Fogg, senior principal analyst, mobile for IHS.
“Cellphone market growth is now being generated exclusively by the smartphone segment, and not by the feature phones, entry-level cellphones and ultra-low-cost handsets (ULCH) that had fueled the industry’s expansion over the previous decade.Samsung has successfully ridden the wave of smartphone adoption to attain market leadership. Meanwhile, Nokia is in the midst of transitioning its smartphone strategy, resulting in declining shipments for the company.”
Smartphones are the only segment of the global cellphone business expected to expand in 2012. Global smartphone shipments are set to rise by 35 percent this year, while those for feature phones, entry-level phones and ULCHs will all decline.
As a result, the smartphone segment will be single-handedly responsible for the overall cellphone business expansion of 7.4 percent in 2012. Next year, smartphone shipments will rise to account for more than half of all cellphones for the first time, at 52 percent, up from 43.5 percent in 2012.
Smartphones represented 34 percent of Samsung's handset shipments in the first quarter. In contrast, smartphones accounted for just 14 percent of Nokia’s shipments.
“Samsung is reaping the rewards of strong execution in product design, distribution and marketing,” Fogg noted. “The company has been bold and innovative with handset form factors, featuring differentiated handsets such as the Galaxy Note with its sizable 5-inch display, and a wide range of handsets in every other conceivable screen size.”
Furthermore, Samsung has offered handsets on multiple smartphone operating system platforms, including Google’s Android, Microsoft’s Windows Phone and Samsung’s own bada. By betting on all horses, Samsung is ensuring that it is backing a winner.
Meanwhile, Nokia has placed all its smartphone eggs into one basket: Windows Phone. To make Nokia’s Windows phone strategy pay off, Nokia must convince the leading carriers to visibly back Windows Phone as well as convince consumers of a valuable and differentiated experience.
The Samsung-Apple battle represents the front line in the war between Android and iOS. There are other large established Android original equipment manufacturers (OEM), like HTC Corp., LG Electronics, Sony Corp. and Motorola Mobility Inc., but all of them continue to struggle in the fiercely competitive smartphone market.
For its part, Apple had sold approximately 19 million iPhones in the first quarter of 2011. One year later, the company dramatically increased its shipment volumes by 88 percent to 35 million. And with the share of iPhone shipments shifting away from the United States toward a more international audience, Nokia could be hurt in its core regional markets in Europe and Asia.
Another smartphone player, Research in Motion Ltd, is staking its future performance on the new-generation BlackBerry 10 operating system, due to be shown at BlackBerry World next week, and set to launch later in 2012. RIM’s smartphone shipments declined to 11 million in the first quarter, down 21 percent from 14 million in the fourth quarter.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Kindle Fire captures over half of Android tablet market
RESTON, USA: comScore Inc. announced the next generation of its Device Essentials service, offering new insight into global digital device usage.
Based on comScore's global Unified Digital Measurement (UDM) data, which utilizes census-level information from tagged web page content, Device Essentials includes reporting of brand and operating system for digital device and Internet traffic patterns (i.e. page views) from computers, smartphones, tablets, music, players, e-readers and gaming devices.
"comScore is excited to introduce our next generation Device Essentials product, which provides new insight into digital device usage and detailed reporting of traffic patterns within local markets," said Serge Matta, comScore president of mobile & operator solutions. "These new insights are invaluable to all stakeholders in the mobile ecosystem as they seek to provide valuable services and optimize the mobile media experience for their customers."
comScore Device Essentials includes previously available reporting capabilities across all of comScore's global reporting geographies, plus detailed reporting for local US markets including states and DMAs as well as the addition of unique device measurement. Current reporting capabilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
* Share of smartphone and feature phone usage by OS.
* Carrier share of smartphone traffic.
* OS share of carrier traffic.
* Traffic to site content categories by carrier, OS and device type.
* Wifi vs. Non-Wifi traffic.
Amazon Kindle Fire doubles share of Android tablet market in two months
The Kindle Fire, introduced to the market in November 2011, has seen rapid adoption among buyers of tablets. Within the Android tablet market, Kindle Fire has almost doubled its share in the past two months from 29.4 percent share in December 2011 to 54.4 percent share in February 2012, already establishing itself as the leading Android tablet by a wide margin.
Samsung's Galaxy Tab family followed with a market share of 15.4 percent in February, followed by the Motorola Xoom with 7.0 percent share. The Asus Transformer and Toshiba AT100 rounded out the top five with 6.3 percent and 5.7 percent market share, respectively.
Based on comScore's global Unified Digital Measurement (UDM) data, which utilizes census-level information from tagged web page content, Device Essentials includes reporting of brand and operating system for digital device and Internet traffic patterns (i.e. page views) from computers, smartphones, tablets, music, players, e-readers and gaming devices.
"comScore is excited to introduce our next generation Device Essentials product, which provides new insight into digital device usage and detailed reporting of traffic patterns within local markets," said Serge Matta, comScore president of mobile & operator solutions. "These new insights are invaluable to all stakeholders in the mobile ecosystem as they seek to provide valuable services and optimize the mobile media experience for their customers."
comScore Device Essentials includes previously available reporting capabilities across all of comScore's global reporting geographies, plus detailed reporting for local US markets including states and DMAs as well as the addition of unique device measurement. Current reporting capabilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
* Share of smartphone and feature phone usage by OS.
* Carrier share of smartphone traffic.
* OS share of carrier traffic.
* Traffic to site content categories by carrier, OS and device type.
* Wifi vs. Non-Wifi traffic.
Amazon Kindle Fire doubles share of Android tablet market in two months
The Kindle Fire, introduced to the market in November 2011, has seen rapid adoption among buyers of tablets. Within the Android tablet market, Kindle Fire has almost doubled its share in the past two months from 29.4 percent share in December 2011 to 54.4 percent share in February 2012, already establishing itself as the leading Android tablet by a wide margin.
Samsung's Galaxy Tab family followed with a market share of 15.4 percent in February, followed by the Motorola Xoom with 7.0 percent share. The Asus Transformer and Toshiba AT100 rounded out the top five with 6.3 percent and 5.7 percent market share, respectively.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Cotecna and Orange to provide secure M2M tracking and transit monitoring solutions
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND & PARIS, FRANCE: Cotecna, one of the world’s leading international testing, inspection and certification companies, and Orange Business Services, a leading global integrator of communications services, have entered into a partnership to combine the synergies of the two Groups to offer best-in-class, secure machine-to-machine (M2M) track and trace solutions, particularly for customs transit monitoring.
Cotecna is the foremost supplier of transit monitoring services with its Cotrack solution, helping governments to fight fraud and secure the transport of sensitive merchandise such as petroleum products. Cotecna first installed Cotrack in Senegal in 2009. Cotecna has more than 38 years of extensive experience in customs and border control solutions and in the implementation and operation, in challenging environments, of complex solutions involving very specialized and advanced technologies.
With 200-plus experts dedicated to M2M, Orange Business Services brings together expertise in consulting, design, innovation, integration, project management and service management along with leading-edge knowledge of the M2M ecosystem. M2M solutions from Orange allow machines, devices and objects to communicate in real time without human intervention and can be integrated with communication tools, such as the Internet, networks, and telephone systems, necessary for an optimal track and trace solution.
Orange offers a long-lasting, adapted SIM that can cope with extreme conditions and can be used anywhere in the world. M2M solutions from Orange are complemented by a seamless global network that provides IP access in 220 countries and territories and supports more than 2.5 million active M2M connections.
Through this Cotecna-Orange Business Services partnership, Cotecna will be able to propose specific Orange M2M solutions in many market segments. Already, the added value of this partnership has been clearly proven in the development of an exclusive turn-key transit monitoring solution, which has been successfully operating in the West African country of Togo since December 2011.
Pierre-Olivier Pellegrin, senior VP, Security & Inspection Technology, Cotecna, said: “As a company that prides itself on its flexibility and ability to provide specific tailor-made solutions for our clients, the capability of Orange to supply such a comprehensive package of technologies across a global landscape is of utmost importance to Cotecna’s expansion.”
“We are very excited to partner with Cotecna, an industry pioneer that is driving M2M innovation,” said Helmut Reisinger, senior VP, Orange Business Services Europe. “Orange has created M2M solutions in a wide spectrum of industry sectors. Our M2M and industry expertise provides a solid foundation for Cotecna’s plans to implement M2M solutions tailored to the secure transit monitoring industry. Business M2M is a perfect example of how Orange is helping customers like Cotecna use innovative technology to evolve their business models, even into fast growing emerging markets.”
Cotecna is the foremost supplier of transit monitoring services with its Cotrack solution, helping governments to fight fraud and secure the transport of sensitive merchandise such as petroleum products. Cotecna first installed Cotrack in Senegal in 2009. Cotecna has more than 38 years of extensive experience in customs and border control solutions and in the implementation and operation, in challenging environments, of complex solutions involving very specialized and advanced technologies.
With 200-plus experts dedicated to M2M, Orange Business Services brings together expertise in consulting, design, innovation, integration, project management and service management along with leading-edge knowledge of the M2M ecosystem. M2M solutions from Orange allow machines, devices and objects to communicate in real time without human intervention and can be integrated with communication tools, such as the Internet, networks, and telephone systems, necessary for an optimal track and trace solution.
Orange offers a long-lasting, adapted SIM that can cope with extreme conditions and can be used anywhere in the world. M2M solutions from Orange are complemented by a seamless global network that provides IP access in 220 countries and territories and supports more than 2.5 million active M2M connections.
Through this Cotecna-Orange Business Services partnership, Cotecna will be able to propose specific Orange M2M solutions in many market segments. Already, the added value of this partnership has been clearly proven in the development of an exclusive turn-key transit monitoring solution, which has been successfully operating in the West African country of Togo since December 2011.
Pierre-Olivier Pellegrin, senior VP, Security & Inspection Technology, Cotecna, said: “As a company that prides itself on its flexibility and ability to provide specific tailor-made solutions for our clients, the capability of Orange to supply such a comprehensive package of technologies across a global landscape is of utmost importance to Cotecna’s expansion.”
“We are very excited to partner with Cotecna, an industry pioneer that is driving M2M innovation,” said Helmut Reisinger, senior VP, Orange Business Services Europe. “Orange has created M2M solutions in a wide spectrum of industry sectors. Our M2M and industry expertise provides a solid foundation for Cotecna’s plans to implement M2M solutions tailored to the secure transit monitoring industry. Business M2M is a perfect example of how Orange is helping customers like Cotecna use innovative technology to evolve their business models, even into fast growing emerging markets.”
Micromax launches “AISHA” with A50 Superfone Ninja
BANGALORE, INDIA: Micromax Informatics Ltd, the 12th largest handset manufacturer in the world (according to Global Handset Vendor Market share report from Strategy Analytics), announced the launch of A50 Ninja, which comes with an Artificial Intelligence Speech Handset Assistant, “AISHA”.
Priced at Rs. 4,999/- the Micromax A50 Ninja makes an effort to provide an affordable smartphone solution for the masses who have longed for a phone which is not just smart but an intelligent device. In succession to A85, A75, A73 and A78, Micromax intensifies its Superfone portfolio by introducing A50 and thus offering handsets ranging from Rs. 4,999 to Rs. 12,500.
The A50 runs on Android version 2.3.6 (Gingerbread) with a processor speed of 650 MHz. The phone features a 7.9 cms multi touch capacitive screen to provide ease to the users. It’s another dual SIM Android powered offering from Micromax. However, with A50 Micromax offers a new innovation to the user in form of AISHA. Through the voice recognition tool, Users can initiate a Google search, view stock market details, Know phone status, movie reviews, make calls, read news of desired locations, know horoscopes, make language translations and also view recipes through AISHA. This is not just enough, AISHA helps you to inquire your missed calls, send message, inquire date and time, weather conditions, pose knowledge questions and a number of jobs to count on.
AISHA is an application that translates words into action. By simply speaking to the phone, the users can connect with the people, businesses and activities that are important to you. With AISHA if the users need to check the weather conditions they just need to say ‘What is the weather in Delhi’ and AISHA will respond saying “The weather will be sunny".
For the smooth functioning of AISHA to provide an intelligent and immediate response, Micromax has back-end tie up with leading Indian portals such as Timesjob.com, Simplymarry.com, etc.
Through AISHA, the users can update their status on Facebook and Twitter. A50 comes on the Gingerbread platform and the users can discover a hub of apps that awaits them at the Google Play Store ranging from entertainment to music apps. Micromax A50 sports a 2.0 MP camera.
Superfone A50 Ninja is available at an attractive price of Rs. 4,999. This model will be available across all leading retail outlets in India.
Priced at Rs. 4,999/- the Micromax A50 Ninja makes an effort to provide an affordable smartphone solution for the masses who have longed for a phone which is not just smart but an intelligent device. In succession to A85, A75, A73 and A78, Micromax intensifies its Superfone portfolio by introducing A50 and thus offering handsets ranging from Rs. 4,999 to Rs. 12,500.
The A50 runs on Android version 2.3.6 (Gingerbread) with a processor speed of 650 MHz. The phone features a 7.9 cms multi touch capacitive screen to provide ease to the users. It’s another dual SIM Android powered offering from Micromax. However, with A50 Micromax offers a new innovation to the user in form of AISHA. Through the voice recognition tool, Users can initiate a Google search, view stock market details, Know phone status, movie reviews, make calls, read news of desired locations, know horoscopes, make language translations and also view recipes through AISHA. This is not just enough, AISHA helps you to inquire your missed calls, send message, inquire date and time, weather conditions, pose knowledge questions and a number of jobs to count on.
AISHA is an application that translates words into action. By simply speaking to the phone, the users can connect with the people, businesses and activities that are important to you. With AISHA if the users need to check the weather conditions they just need to say ‘What is the weather in Delhi’ and AISHA will respond saying “The weather will be sunny".
For the smooth functioning of AISHA to provide an intelligent and immediate response, Micromax has back-end tie up with leading Indian portals such as Timesjob.com, Simplymarry.com, etc.
Through AISHA, the users can update their status on Facebook and Twitter. A50 comes on the Gingerbread platform and the users can discover a hub of apps that awaits them at the Google Play Store ranging from entertainment to music apps. Micromax A50 sports a 2.0 MP camera.
Superfone A50 Ninja is available at an attractive price of Rs. 4,999. This model will be available across all leading retail outlets in India.
O2 Wallet - facing the threat from OTT players
UK: Mobile operator, O2 has announced the launch of O2 Wallet – a service it says will deliver the benefits of mobile money to more UK consumers than any other product or service currently available.
Eden Zoller, principal analyst at Ovum and author of upcoming report; Mapping Mobile Payments, April 2012, has the following comment:
“The O2 mobile wallet service is one of the most comprehensive of its kind to be launched by a European mobile operator. It features money transfers, price comparisons, offers and promotions, the ability to link existing Visa and MasterCard credit/debit cards to the O2 Wallet account along with prepaid options. However, a notable omission is the lack of support for NFC, making the service essentially a mobile web and online proposition, although O2 is looking to introduce NFC in the future.
“O2 Mobile Wallet is a flagship, feature packed service that has clearly been designed to face the increasing threat of mobile payment services from OTT players such as Google Wallet and PayPal, and of course other operators. It is promising consumers an awful lot and all eyes will be on the service, which will need to deliver air-tight security and a seamless user experience across the multiple applications contained in the wallet.
“There could also be challenges going forward in terms of positioning O2 Wallet alongside the collaborative mobile payments service that O2 is planning with Vodafone and Everything Everywhere in the UK, although this venture is currently being investigated by the EC on potential anti-trust grounds.”
Eden Zoller, principal analyst at Ovum and author of upcoming report; Mapping Mobile Payments, April 2012, has the following comment:
“The O2 mobile wallet service is one of the most comprehensive of its kind to be launched by a European mobile operator. It features money transfers, price comparisons, offers and promotions, the ability to link existing Visa and MasterCard credit/debit cards to the O2 Wallet account along with prepaid options. However, a notable omission is the lack of support for NFC, making the service essentially a mobile web and online proposition, although O2 is looking to introduce NFC in the future.
“O2 Mobile Wallet is a flagship, feature packed service that has clearly been designed to face the increasing threat of mobile payment services from OTT players such as Google Wallet and PayPal, and of course other operators. It is promising consumers an awful lot and all eyes will be on the service, which will need to deliver air-tight security and a seamless user experience across the multiple applications contained in the wallet.
“There could also be challenges going forward in terms of positioning O2 Wallet alongside the collaborative mobile payments service that O2 is planning with Vodafone and Everything Everywhere in the UK, although this venture is currently being investigated by the EC on potential anti-trust grounds.”
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Sequans joins Verizon’s LTE innovation program
PARIS, FRANCE: 4G chipmaker Sequans Communications has become a participant in Verizon’s LTE Innovation Center, created to empower LTE innovators and foster the development of new technologies for Verizon’s world-leading 4G LTE network.
“We are very pleased to collaborate with Verizon Wireless and to participate in Verizon’s LTE Innovation Program,” said Georges Karam, Sequans’ CEO. “The program is a catalyst for innovation and development and we are proud to be part of this group of leaders who have come together to help bring the world’s best wireless technologies and products to market.”
Sequans is a leader in the development of LTE semiconductor solutions and has recently released its second generation of LTE chip technology. These new solutions are built in 40 nm CMOS and are compact, efficient, and powerful, delivering category 4 throughput of up to 150 Mbps in a very small 10 x 10 mm package that includes SDRAM.
Sequans offers two LTE platforms: Andromeda, optimized for the design of handsets and tablets, and Mont Blanc, optimized for the design of hostless USB modems, CPE and mobile routers.
“We are very pleased to collaborate with Verizon Wireless and to participate in Verizon’s LTE Innovation Program,” said Georges Karam, Sequans’ CEO. “The program is a catalyst for innovation and development and we are proud to be part of this group of leaders who have come together to help bring the world’s best wireless technologies and products to market.”
Sequans is a leader in the development of LTE semiconductor solutions and has recently released its second generation of LTE chip technology. These new solutions are built in 40 nm CMOS and are compact, efficient, and powerful, delivering category 4 throughput of up to 150 Mbps in a very small 10 x 10 mm package that includes SDRAM.
Sequans offers two LTE platforms: Andromeda, optimized for the design of handsets and tablets, and Mont Blanc, optimized for the design of hostless USB modems, CPE and mobile routers.
Polaris Wireless announces compliance with DoT mandate for wireless location accuracy
BANGALORE, INDIA: Polaris Wireless, the global leader in high-accuracy, software-based wireless location solutions, has successfully completed field trials with a major Indian wireless network operator to prove compliance with India’s Department Of Telecommunications (DoT) May 2011 mandate for location-based systems.
The trials were conducted over a period of two weeks in the North East telecom circle of India, at Agartala, to demonstrate the effectiveness of Polaris Wireless Location Signatures (Polaris WLS) in urban, suburban and rural environments and remote areas. WLS is based on the 3GPP standardized RF Pattern Matching (RFPM) approach. A previous trial with another major wireless network operator in Bangalore exceeded the DoT requirements in urban and indoor environments.
The DoT mandate specifies accuracy levels of 30 to 95 percent within two years of adoption for a range of 50 to 300 meters in urban areas. Polaris Wireless achieved accuracy levels of 67 to 100 percent in its field trials in urban areas. For suburban and rural areas, the mandate specifies accuracy levels of 50 to 80 percent within three years for a range of 100 to 500 meters.
Polaris Wireless achieved accuracy levels of 88 to 99 percent. For remote areas, the mandate specifies accuracy levels of 50 to 70 percent within three years for a range of 300 to 500 meters. Polaris Wireless achieved accuracy levels of 87 to 99 percent. Polaris Wireless is the first location solutions provider to exceed the DoT mandate in all categories, proving the attainability of the mandate thresholds.
Jagdish Mitra, CEO, CanvasM, said: “In our view, these trials are one of the most important milestones since we announced our partnership with Polaris Wireless, a pioneer in delivering high accuracy location solutions worldwide. These trial results endorse the fact that we have an ability to deliver and customize solutions, in a manner that will bring similar or even better quality services, suitable to Indian Market as mandated by the government. We further believe that CanvasM, with its deep understanding of the Indian Market, and Polaris Wireless, with its proven technology, are an unbeatable combination to provide world class and cost competitive solutions.”
The trials were conducted over a period of two weeks in the North East telecom circle of India, at Agartala, to demonstrate the effectiveness of Polaris Wireless Location Signatures (Polaris WLS) in urban, suburban and rural environments and remote areas. WLS is based on the 3GPP standardized RF Pattern Matching (RFPM) approach. A previous trial with another major wireless network operator in Bangalore exceeded the DoT requirements in urban and indoor environments.
The DoT mandate specifies accuracy levels of 30 to 95 percent within two years of adoption for a range of 50 to 300 meters in urban areas. Polaris Wireless achieved accuracy levels of 67 to 100 percent in its field trials in urban areas. For suburban and rural areas, the mandate specifies accuracy levels of 50 to 80 percent within three years for a range of 100 to 500 meters.
Polaris Wireless achieved accuracy levels of 88 to 99 percent. For remote areas, the mandate specifies accuracy levels of 50 to 70 percent within three years for a range of 300 to 500 meters. Polaris Wireless achieved accuracy levels of 87 to 99 percent. Polaris Wireless is the first location solutions provider to exceed the DoT mandate in all categories, proving the attainability of the mandate thresholds.
Jagdish Mitra, CEO, CanvasM, said: “In our view, these trials are one of the most important milestones since we announced our partnership with Polaris Wireless, a pioneer in delivering high accuracy location solutions worldwide. These trial results endorse the fact that we have an ability to deliver and customize solutions, in a manner that will bring similar or even better quality services, suitable to Indian Market as mandated by the government. We further believe that CanvasM, with its deep understanding of the Indian Market, and Polaris Wireless, with its proven technology, are an unbeatable combination to provide world class and cost competitive solutions.”
Driven by LTE, China’s wireless infrastructure investment will peak in 2014
EL SEGUNDO, USA: Increasing expenditures on equipment intended to support the rollout of 4G long term evolution (LTE) wireless services are expected to cause China’s total spending on mobile infrastructure gear to peak at $11.2 billion in 2014, according to the IHS iSuppli China Electronics Research Service.
“Time-division (TD) LTE is undergoing pre-commercial trials in China, which will continue through the second half of 2012,” said Hailin Zhao, analyst for China electronics research at IHS. “However, actual LTE services will start to launch in 2013, boosting infrastructure gear expenditures. The year 2014 will mark the peak of the current infrastructure gear spending cycle until the next generation of wireless investment begins.”
This year, China’s mobile infrastructure spending will decrease by 7 percent to $9.9 billion, down from $10.7 billion in 2011. In 2013, spending will inch up 1 percent to $10.0 billion before rising by an impressive 12 percent in 2014.
Explosion of subscribers
By the end of 2011, China’s mobile users amounted to 975.7 million, up 15.9 percent from 2010. Out of this total, 2G subscribers increased 6.7 percent to 848.2 million. Meanwhile 3G subscribers grew explosively by 171.0 percent to 127.5 million.
At the end of 2011, China Unicom had deployed 240,000 wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) base stations with more than 720,000 carrier sectors (CS). Meanwhile, China Telecom deployed about 400,000 base stations with over 1.4 million CS. Further, the number of TD-SCDMA (time-dvision synchronous code division multiple access) base stations in operation reached 200,000 with 1.5 million CS.
In terms of the GSM network, there were 680,000 base stations with more than 7.5 million transceivers (TRXs) operated by China Mobile, compared to 380,000 base stations with over 2.0 million TRXs that were deployed by China Unicom. Moreover, China’s broadband network volume reached 230 million ports, up 25.7 percent from the end of 2010.
China Mobile nearly finished with TD-LTE trials
China Mobile started the second phase of its TD-LTE trial in October 2011, with the trial anticipated to be finished before the end of June this year. Over 10,000 evolved UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications systems) terrestrial radio access network node Bs (eNodeBs) were planned to be built. Three cities—Beijing, Tianjin and Qingdao—will take part in the second round of the trial.
The second phase of the trial will focus mainly on testing TD/SCDMA and TD-LTE dual-mode equipment and devices. This will allow China Mobile to practice large-scale commercial deployments and to enhance its interconnection and interworking capability, such as roaming and handover, among different vendors’ TD-LTE equipment and devices.
IHS estimates that the total investment will reach as much as $500 million for the second round. Most of the eNodeBs deployed in the next trial can reuse the current TD-SCDMA network resources, including civil works and fiber optical, to greatly reduce total capital expenditures.
China Mobile also plans to launch its TD-LTE pre-commercial in Shenzhen and Hangzhou during the second half of 2012, with the total number of TD-LTE eNodeBs amounting to 20,000 units. If TDLTE licenses can be issued at the end of 2012 or at the beginning of 2013, the operator will complete its coverage in the densely populated areas at various municipalities, provincial capitals and cities specially designated in the state plan by the end of 2013, and then go on to seamlessly cover the urban areas at or above the county-level cities by the end of 2014.
IHS estimates that the number of TD-LTE eNodeBs will amount to 150,000 units by the end of 2015, with the next round of wireless infrastructure investment in China to peak in 2014.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
“Time-division (TD) LTE is undergoing pre-commercial trials in China, which will continue through the second half of 2012,” said Hailin Zhao, analyst for China electronics research at IHS. “However, actual LTE services will start to launch in 2013, boosting infrastructure gear expenditures. The year 2014 will mark the peak of the current infrastructure gear spending cycle until the next generation of wireless investment begins.”
This year, China’s mobile infrastructure spending will decrease by 7 percent to $9.9 billion, down from $10.7 billion in 2011. In 2013, spending will inch up 1 percent to $10.0 billion before rising by an impressive 12 percent in 2014.
Explosion of subscribers
By the end of 2011, China’s mobile users amounted to 975.7 million, up 15.9 percent from 2010. Out of this total, 2G subscribers increased 6.7 percent to 848.2 million. Meanwhile 3G subscribers grew explosively by 171.0 percent to 127.5 million.
At the end of 2011, China Unicom had deployed 240,000 wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) base stations with more than 720,000 carrier sectors (CS). Meanwhile, China Telecom deployed about 400,000 base stations with over 1.4 million CS. Further, the number of TD-SCDMA (time-dvision synchronous code division multiple access) base stations in operation reached 200,000 with 1.5 million CS.
In terms of the GSM network, there were 680,000 base stations with more than 7.5 million transceivers (TRXs) operated by China Mobile, compared to 380,000 base stations with over 2.0 million TRXs that were deployed by China Unicom. Moreover, China’s broadband network volume reached 230 million ports, up 25.7 percent from the end of 2010.
China Mobile nearly finished with TD-LTE trials
China Mobile started the second phase of its TD-LTE trial in October 2011, with the trial anticipated to be finished before the end of June this year. Over 10,000 evolved UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications systems) terrestrial radio access network node Bs (eNodeBs) were planned to be built. Three cities—Beijing, Tianjin and Qingdao—will take part in the second round of the trial.
The second phase of the trial will focus mainly on testing TD/SCDMA and TD-LTE dual-mode equipment and devices. This will allow China Mobile to practice large-scale commercial deployments and to enhance its interconnection and interworking capability, such as roaming and handover, among different vendors’ TD-LTE equipment and devices.
IHS estimates that the total investment will reach as much as $500 million for the second round. Most of the eNodeBs deployed in the next trial can reuse the current TD-SCDMA network resources, including civil works and fiber optical, to greatly reduce total capital expenditures.
China Mobile also plans to launch its TD-LTE pre-commercial in Shenzhen and Hangzhou during the second half of 2012, with the total number of TD-LTE eNodeBs amounting to 20,000 units. If TDLTE licenses can be issued at the end of 2012 or at the beginning of 2013, the operator will complete its coverage in the densely populated areas at various municipalities, provincial capitals and cities specially designated in the state plan by the end of 2013, and then go on to seamlessly cover the urban areas at or above the county-level cities by the end of 2014.
IHS estimates that the number of TD-LTE eNodeBs will amount to 150,000 units by the end of 2015, with the next round of wireless infrastructure investment in China to peak in 2014.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
In Japan, smartphones surpass feature phones among newly acquired devices for first time ever
TOKYO, JAPAN: comScore Inc. released data from the comScore MobiLens service, reporting key trends in the Japan mobile phone industry during the three month average period ending February 2012.
The study surveyed more than 4,000 Japanese mobile subscribers and found Sharp to be the top mobile handset manufacturer overall with 23.5 percent market share. Google's Android platform accounted for the majority of the smartphone market at 61.4 percent, followed by Apple with 34.2 percent of the market.
"Smartphones surpassed feature phones as the most acquired device type in February 2012, signaling an important shift in Japan's mobile market," said Daizo Nishitani, VP of comScore Japan KK. "The rise in smartphone adoption opens the door to tremendous opportunity for publishers and advertisers to expand their reach and increase engagement with key consumer segments through this channel. Japanese mobile phone users were already highly engaged with their devices, but with the added functionality and higher levels of mobile media consumption we should expect to see significant changes in behavior among the Japanese mobile population in 2012."
Sharp accounts for 1 in 4 mobile devices in Japan
For the three-month average period ending in February, 101.7 million people age 13 and older used mobile devices in Japan (feature phone and smartphone devices). Device manufacturer Sharp ranked as the top OEM with 23.5 percent of Japanese mobile subscribers, followed by Panasonic with 13.8 percent share. Fujitsu captured the #3 ranking in February with 11.8 percent of mobile subscribers, followed by NEC at 9.7 percent and Sony at 7.5 percent to round out the top five.
Apple, which ranked as the 8th largest OEM in Japan with 6.5 percent market share, experienced the strongest gain among device manufacturers increasing 1.6 percentage points since November 2011.
More than 19.3 million people in Japan owned smartphones during the three months ending in February, up 28 percent versus November. Android's share of the smartphone market reached 61.4 percent, while Apple ranked second with 34.2 percent of the smartphone market (up 1.3 percentage points versus November 2011), followed by Microsoft, which accounted for 3.9 percent in February 2012.
Mobile content usage
Analysis of selected activities consumers performed on their mobile phones found that 57.6 million users accessed email on their phone, representing more than half of all mobile phone users. Japanese mobile owners were more likely to use an application (55.4 percent) than a mobile browser (52.4 percent), while 45.4 percent sent a text message to another phone during the month. Nearly 1 in 5 mobile users accessed social networking or blog sites on their phone, while slightly less (18.8 percent) watched TV or video.
The study surveyed more than 4,000 Japanese mobile subscribers and found Sharp to be the top mobile handset manufacturer overall with 23.5 percent market share. Google's Android platform accounted for the majority of the smartphone market at 61.4 percent, followed by Apple with 34.2 percent of the market.
"Smartphones surpassed feature phones as the most acquired device type in February 2012, signaling an important shift in Japan's mobile market," said Daizo Nishitani, VP of comScore Japan KK. "The rise in smartphone adoption opens the door to tremendous opportunity for publishers and advertisers to expand their reach and increase engagement with key consumer segments through this channel. Japanese mobile phone users were already highly engaged with their devices, but with the added functionality and higher levels of mobile media consumption we should expect to see significant changes in behavior among the Japanese mobile population in 2012."
Sharp accounts for 1 in 4 mobile devices in Japan
For the three-month average period ending in February, 101.7 million people age 13 and older used mobile devices in Japan (feature phone and smartphone devices). Device manufacturer Sharp ranked as the top OEM with 23.5 percent of Japanese mobile subscribers, followed by Panasonic with 13.8 percent share. Fujitsu captured the #3 ranking in February with 11.8 percent of mobile subscribers, followed by NEC at 9.7 percent and Sony at 7.5 percent to round out the top five.
Apple, which ranked as the 8th largest OEM in Japan with 6.5 percent market share, experienced the strongest gain among device manufacturers increasing 1.6 percentage points since November 2011.
More than 19.3 million people in Japan owned smartphones during the three months ending in February, up 28 percent versus November. Android's share of the smartphone market reached 61.4 percent, while Apple ranked second with 34.2 percent of the smartphone market (up 1.3 percentage points versus November 2011), followed by Microsoft, which accounted for 3.9 percent in February 2012.
Mobile content usage
Analysis of selected activities consumers performed on their mobile phones found that 57.6 million users accessed email on their phone, representing more than half of all mobile phone users. Japanese mobile owners were more likely to use an application (55.4 percent) than a mobile browser (52.4 percent), while 45.4 percent sent a text message to another phone during the month. Nearly 1 in 5 mobile users accessed social networking or blog sites on their phone, while slightly less (18.8 percent) watched TV or video.
Is Apple running out of juice?
LONDON, ENGLAND: Apple's explosive rally from near $350.00/share last November to well over $600.00/share earlier this month has left many traders talking about whether the stock is now in a bubble.
Colin Cieszynski, senior market analyst at CMC Markets Canada, said: "Fundamental and technical indicators have been sending conflicting signals about whether Apple is in a bubble From November 25th through April 9th, Apple shares gained 74.9 percent. Over the same time frame, the Dow Industrials went up 15.1 percent. The company also has blasted through the high end of a channel and the chart has gone parabolic or nearly vertical. Technically this suggests that Apple is probably in a bubble and vulnerable. In contrast,fundamental indicators suggest that the stock could still have room to run for a while.”
These indicators include:
* Apple's weighting in the NASDAQ 100 has jumped from 15 percent to 19 percent in recent months, but remains below the 20 percent level it was at in late 2010. Alarm bells could be triggered were this to rise into the 25-30 percent range in the coming months.
* Apple's current Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio has climbed up toward 18 but still remains low relative to most of the last decade.
* Companies with a higher growth rate can support a higher P/E ratio. With 1 being considered average for the PEG ratio and 2-3 sending out warning signals, Apple’s current 0.3 ratio suggests considerable upside remains possible.
With the explosive rally in the stock has also come a parabolic increase in expectations for the company’s products and financial results. Recent idle chatter around the markets of a $1,000 share price or a trillion dollar market cap ($1,072 per share) suggests that hopes have become extremely high for the company’s continued success. Over the last few weeks, however, technical signs have become more ominous, suggesting the stock may be running out of steam. The real question of whether this is a speed bump or if the bubble may be about to burst could be answered on April 24th, when Apple is due to release its next earnings report.
Cieszynski continued: “While a positive result could send the shares substantially higher over time, a miss could accelerate the correction that already appears to be underway. A return to Apple’s longer-term trend could take the shares back toward the $400-500 range pretty easily. Based on current trading, whether Apple next move either above $620 or below $580 could give a strong indication of whether the bulls or bears prevail for the moment.”
Colin Cieszynski, senior market analyst at CMC Markets Canada, said: "Fundamental and technical indicators have been sending conflicting signals about whether Apple is in a bubble From November 25th through April 9th, Apple shares gained 74.9 percent. Over the same time frame, the Dow Industrials went up 15.1 percent. The company also has blasted through the high end of a channel and the chart has gone parabolic or nearly vertical. Technically this suggests that Apple is probably in a bubble and vulnerable. In contrast,fundamental indicators suggest that the stock could still have room to run for a while.”
These indicators include:
* Apple's weighting in the NASDAQ 100 has jumped from 15 percent to 19 percent in recent months, but remains below the 20 percent level it was at in late 2010. Alarm bells could be triggered were this to rise into the 25-30 percent range in the coming months.
* Apple's current Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio has climbed up toward 18 but still remains low relative to most of the last decade.
* Companies with a higher growth rate can support a higher P/E ratio. With 1 being considered average for the PEG ratio and 2-3 sending out warning signals, Apple’s current 0.3 ratio suggests considerable upside remains possible.
With the explosive rally in the stock has also come a parabolic increase in expectations for the company’s products and financial results. Recent idle chatter around the markets of a $1,000 share price or a trillion dollar market cap ($1,072 per share) suggests that hopes have become extremely high for the company’s continued success. Over the last few weeks, however, technical signs have become more ominous, suggesting the stock may be running out of steam. The real question of whether this is a speed bump or if the bubble may be about to burst could be answered on April 24th, when Apple is due to release its next earnings report.
Cieszynski continued: “While a positive result could send the shares substantially higher over time, a miss could accelerate the correction that already appears to be underway. A return to Apple’s longer-term trend could take the shares back toward the $400-500 range pretty easily. Based on current trading, whether Apple next move either above $620 or below $580 could give a strong indication of whether the bulls or bears prevail for the moment.”
Vodafone buys Cable & Wireless worldwide
David Molony, Ovum Principal Analyst
UK: Vodafone's agreed merger with Cable & Wireless Worldwide (CWW) potentially introduces a major world telco into the global telecoms marketplace with the combination of fixed and mobile services in a global network. Any significant sale of operations, as has been mentioned in some news sources, would in our view need to be carefully considered in case it put that global strategy at risk.
In particular this is a major step up in global services for Vodafone, which will now have significant new enterprise customers worldwide, as well as the substantial international network systems and relationships that CWW has built up over many years.
For CWW, this goes a long way to securing the company's position as number 2 business services provider in the UK, with potential funding for its ageing data centre network, while giving its global network a new mission statement - to take unified communications to global MNCs and large enterprises worldwide and to expand services in emerging markets in particular.
UK: Vodafone's agreed merger with Cable & Wireless Worldwide (CWW) potentially introduces a major world telco into the global telecoms marketplace with the combination of fixed and mobile services in a global network. Any significant sale of operations, as has been mentioned in some news sources, would in our view need to be carefully considered in case it put that global strategy at risk.
In particular this is a major step up in global services for Vodafone, which will now have significant new enterprise customers worldwide, as well as the substantial international network systems and relationships that CWW has built up over many years.
For CWW, this goes a long way to securing the company's position as number 2 business services provider in the UK, with potential funding for its ageing data centre network, while giving its global network a new mission statement - to take unified communications to global MNCs and large enterprises worldwide and to expand services in emerging markets in particular.
Qualcomm 28nm chip Found in HTC One S top dual-core performer but not as power efficient as expected
NEW YORK, USA: The HTC One S is a recently launched HSPA phone running Android 4.0.3. The handset sets a new mark for elegance, performance, and efficiency. The HTC One S performance comes from Qualcomm’s first 28nm processor - the MSM8260A, which sports an Adreno 225 GPU core.
The combination of the 28nm shrink and the higher-performing Qualcomm core provides the best user experience found in any Android phone. Scoring 25% higher than its older 45nm siblings (MSM8260 or APQ8060, which are 33% larger die) in CPU performance benchmarks shows Qualcomm has delivered on its promise for higher performance CPU (both cores were running at 1.5GHz). The graphics core performance remained on par with prior generation designs.
Jim Mielke, VP of engineering, says: “The performance, ergonomics, and efficiency of the HTC One S design set a new benchmark for all around user experience. Don’t expect much on battery life improvement though. The current drain for most tests was in line with the prior generation’s design, and the video encode was actually poorer, although the actual cores were found to draw 33% less power. The cores are not the limiting factor in the handset design.”
Major HTC One S notables include:
* Highest performing dual-core handset/tablet on the market.
* First new Qualcomm S4 production platform consisting of MSM8260A, PM8921, WCN3660 connectivity, and WCD9310.
* Very small footprint for the complete modem, application processor, and connectivity solution.
* On par battery performance compared to prior generation, except for video encode, which was poorer.
* TriQuint and Avago sharing the PA design wins.
* Knowles continues its strong position in the MEMS microphone market.
The combination of the 28nm shrink and the higher-performing Qualcomm core provides the best user experience found in any Android phone. Scoring 25% higher than its older 45nm siblings (MSM8260 or APQ8060, which are 33% larger die) in CPU performance benchmarks shows Qualcomm has delivered on its promise for higher performance CPU (both cores were running at 1.5GHz). The graphics core performance remained on par with prior generation designs.
Jim Mielke, VP of engineering, says: “The performance, ergonomics, and efficiency of the HTC One S design set a new benchmark for all around user experience. Don’t expect much on battery life improvement though. The current drain for most tests was in line with the prior generation’s design, and the video encode was actually poorer, although the actual cores were found to draw 33% less power. The cores are not the limiting factor in the handset design.”
Major HTC One S notables include:
* Highest performing dual-core handset/tablet on the market.
* First new Qualcomm S4 production platform consisting of MSM8260A, PM8921, WCN3660 connectivity, and WCD9310.
* Very small footprint for the complete modem, application processor, and connectivity solution.
* On par battery performance compared to prior generation, except for video encode, which was poorer.
* TriQuint and Avago sharing the PA design wins.
* Knowles continues its strong position in the MEMS microphone market.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Lattice accelerating growth with new installations
PENNSAUKEN, USA: Lattice Inc., a provider of advanced information and communications technology solutions to the corrections industry and key government agencies, announced that its Telecom Services division, Lattice Secure Communications, has installed corrections technology systems for call management and secure communications for an additional 336 beds at three facilities in Iowa and Oklahoma.
New installations of Lattice's proprietary Nexus system are now operating in Iowa at Johnson County and in Oklahoma at the Blaine County and Pontotoc County correctional facilities.
Lattice CEO, Paul Burgess said: "Continuing our focus on small to medium-sized correctional facilities, these new installations reflect our effectiveness in growing our market penetration and increasing our recurring revenue.
"While we are recording excellent gains in revenue producing installations, the growth potential looking forward remains significant. We expect to continue our progress in the US corrections industry based on our state of the art technology, premier service and demonstrated demand from the industry."
New installations of Lattice's proprietary Nexus system are now operating in Iowa at Johnson County and in Oklahoma at the Blaine County and Pontotoc County correctional facilities.
Lattice CEO, Paul Burgess said: "Continuing our focus on small to medium-sized correctional facilities, these new installations reflect our effectiveness in growing our market penetration and increasing our recurring revenue.
"While we are recording excellent gains in revenue producing installations, the growth potential looking forward remains significant. We expect to continue our progress in the US corrections industry based on our state of the art technology, premier service and demonstrated demand from the industry."
KIT digital fuels growth in Asia-Pacific
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC & MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: KIT digital Inc., a leading video technology and services company, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Hyro Ltd, a digital solutions company that provides enterprise grade technology, systems integration, software and managed services solutions, headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. The company previously signaled this acquisition in investor and analyst conference calls.
Revenue acquired in the acquisition of Hyro based on the 2011 year will be approximately $20 million. The company will have at least $2 million in cash on the balance sheet at closing and the transaction is expected to be immediately accretive on an earnings and cash flow basis. KIT digital will elect to pay consideration in KIT digital common stock of approximately 2.1 million shares, totaling approximately $14.5 million based on the April 20, 2012 closing price.
KIT digital expects to leverage Hyro resources in support of current and future deployments across Asia-Pacific, whereby skilled resources are required to fulfill both existing contracts and future growth, based on the sales pipelines of both companies. Currently, Hyro employs 115 staff in Australia and Thailand supporting tier one operators throughout the region, such as Foxtel and Telstra.
"This acquisition was agreed to and referenced in communications prior to the management transition that took place in March," said CEO Barak Bar-Cohen. "Our objectives over the last few weeks have been to ensure that the acquisition is immediately accretive on a cash-flow basis and that we are positioned to leverage Hyro's software development and deployment capability on major projects in the region. I'm very confident we have achieved these objectives."
The agreement was signed on April 21, 2012 with the closing of the transaction subject to Hyro shareholder approval at the Hyro Annual General Meeting in first week of June 2012.
Revenue acquired in the acquisition of Hyro based on the 2011 year will be approximately $20 million. The company will have at least $2 million in cash on the balance sheet at closing and the transaction is expected to be immediately accretive on an earnings and cash flow basis. KIT digital will elect to pay consideration in KIT digital common stock of approximately 2.1 million shares, totaling approximately $14.5 million based on the April 20, 2012 closing price.
KIT digital expects to leverage Hyro resources in support of current and future deployments across Asia-Pacific, whereby skilled resources are required to fulfill both existing contracts and future growth, based on the sales pipelines of both companies. Currently, Hyro employs 115 staff in Australia and Thailand supporting tier one operators throughout the region, such as Foxtel and Telstra.
"This acquisition was agreed to and referenced in communications prior to the management transition that took place in March," said CEO Barak Bar-Cohen. "Our objectives over the last few weeks have been to ensure that the acquisition is immediately accretive on a cash-flow basis and that we are positioned to leverage Hyro's software development and deployment capability on major projects in the region. I'm very confident we have achieved these objectives."
The agreement was signed on April 21, 2012 with the closing of the transaction subject to Hyro shareholder approval at the Hyro Annual General Meeting in first week of June 2012.
Qualcomm Atheros launches Killer wireless-N 1202 Wi-Fi module and Killer E2200 Ethernet controller
SAN JOSE, USA: Qualcomm Atheros Inc. launched the Killer wireless-N 1202 high-performance Wi-Fi module with Bluetooth connectivity and the Killer E2200 high-performance gigabit Ethernet controller.
The two products are designed to provide improved performance and advanced control by automatically classifying and prioritizing gaming, video and audio network data to provide a superior, uninterrupted online entertainment experience.
"The Killer Wireless-N 1202 and the E2200 stay true to our promise of providing the best in online application performance, intelligence and control for consumers of both desktop and laptop computers," said Mike Cubbage, director of business development, networking business unit, Qualcomm Atheros. "These products create a superior entertainment and real-time communications experience for the end user by ensuring that critical online applications get the bandwidth and priority they need, when they need it."
The Killer Wireless-N 1202 high-performance, 2x2 MIMO Wi-Fi module introduces Bluetooth for the first time, providing users with the ability to play online games or stream media while simultaneously having Bluetooth connectivity, an essential feature for online gamers who use Bluetooth-enabled peripherals. The Killer E2200 high-performance Ethernet controller is an adaptive gigabit Ethernet controller that offers better online gaming and online media performance than standard Ethernet solutions.
The Killer Wireless-N 1202 and the Killer E2200 offer superior performance for all online applications through Killer's exclusive Advanced Stream Detect technology, which identifies and prioritizes all network traffic. This ensures important applications that require high-speed connectivity, such as online games and video chat, get priority over less important traffic, such as incoming email or system updates.
All Killer technology ships with the exclusive Killer Network Manager, giving users the power to set priorities for all network applications, increase or reduce the bandwidth each application uses, or block an application entirely – all in a unique graphical interface.
The Killer Wireless-N 1202 high-performance Wi-Fi module will be available in May. The Killer E2200 high-performance Ethernet controller is available now.
The two products are designed to provide improved performance and advanced control by automatically classifying and prioritizing gaming, video and audio network data to provide a superior, uninterrupted online entertainment experience.
"The Killer Wireless-N 1202 and the E2200 stay true to our promise of providing the best in online application performance, intelligence and control for consumers of both desktop and laptop computers," said Mike Cubbage, director of business development, networking business unit, Qualcomm Atheros. "These products create a superior entertainment and real-time communications experience for the end user by ensuring that critical online applications get the bandwidth and priority they need, when they need it."
The Killer Wireless-N 1202 high-performance, 2x2 MIMO Wi-Fi module introduces Bluetooth for the first time, providing users with the ability to play online games or stream media while simultaneously having Bluetooth connectivity, an essential feature for online gamers who use Bluetooth-enabled peripherals. The Killer E2200 high-performance Ethernet controller is an adaptive gigabit Ethernet controller that offers better online gaming and online media performance than standard Ethernet solutions.
The Killer Wireless-N 1202 and the Killer E2200 offer superior performance for all online applications through Killer's exclusive Advanced Stream Detect technology, which identifies and prioritizes all network traffic. This ensures important applications that require high-speed connectivity, such as online games and video chat, get priority over less important traffic, such as incoming email or system updates.
All Killer technology ships with the exclusive Killer Network Manager, giving users the power to set priorities for all network applications, increase or reduce the bandwidth each application uses, or block an application entirely – all in a unique graphical interface.
The Killer Wireless-N 1202 high-performance Wi-Fi module will be available in May. The Killer E2200 high-performance Ethernet controller is available now.
aptX drives amazing wireless audio experience in HTC One series of smart phones
CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND & SUNNYVALE, USA: CSR plc announced that HTC Corp. has licensed the CSR aptX audio codec to deliver CD-quality wireless Bluetooth audio in the first three models of the new HTC One series of high-performance smart phones, the HTC One X, One V and One S. All three devices in the HTC One series feature aptX technology designed to ensure CD-quality Bluetooth stereo audio, resulting in a more authentic sound experience when users listen to their favourite music.
With the inclusion of aptX in the HTC One series, users can enjoy this amazing sound experience wirelessly over Bluetooth and with no loss of audio quality.
“HTC’s decision to include aptX technology in the HTC One series demonstrates a very real commitment to audio quality. These devices will pack a real punch in terms of audio quality and will provide one of the best mobile audio experiences on the market,” said Anthony Murray, SVP Home Business Group of CSR.
“The ecosystem of aptX devices is continuing to grow rapidly as both manufactures and consumers realise that aptX can deliver a truly wireless experience without compromising on audio quality. The phenomenal popularity of headphones goes to show that consumers are becoming ever-more demanding when it comes to audio quality, and we believe that aptX is the only technology that can really deliver hi-fi audio over Bluetooth.”
Users can now enjoy CD-quality Bluetooth Stereo audio in-car, as HTC has also announced the wireless HTC Car StereoClip, based on the CSR8670TM next-generation audio system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution and aptX technology. Plugged into any car’s standard 3.5mm auxiliary input, the HTC Car StereoClip lets users wirelessly stream CD-quality music through car stereo speakers over a Bluetooth connection.
With the inclusion of aptX in the HTC One series, users can enjoy this amazing sound experience wirelessly over Bluetooth and with no loss of audio quality.
“HTC’s decision to include aptX technology in the HTC One series demonstrates a very real commitment to audio quality. These devices will pack a real punch in terms of audio quality and will provide one of the best mobile audio experiences on the market,” said Anthony Murray, SVP Home Business Group of CSR.
“The ecosystem of aptX devices is continuing to grow rapidly as both manufactures and consumers realise that aptX can deliver a truly wireless experience without compromising on audio quality. The phenomenal popularity of headphones goes to show that consumers are becoming ever-more demanding when it comes to audio quality, and we believe that aptX is the only technology that can really deliver hi-fi audio over Bluetooth.”
Users can now enjoy CD-quality Bluetooth Stereo audio in-car, as HTC has also announced the wireless HTC Car StereoClip, based on the CSR8670TM next-generation audio system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution and aptX technology. Plugged into any car’s standard 3.5mm auxiliary input, the HTC Car StereoClip lets users wirelessly stream CD-quality music through car stereo speakers over a Bluetooth connection.
Perseus Telecom and Reliance Globalcom launch world's fastest trans-atlantic trading network
NEW YORK, USA: Perseus Telecom, a global provider of connectivity, along with Reliance Globalcom announced the launch of the world's fastest available trans-Atlantic network connection, QuanTA, between major global financial exchanges.
The launch of QuanTA represents a landmark development in the latency race to zero and creates new opportunities for trading firms on both sides of the Atlantic.
The partnership between Perseus Telecom and Reliance Globalcom has resulted in the creation of an innovative high-speed, ultra low-latency network connection across the Atlantic by leveraging an existing system on the FLAG Atlantic-1 (FA-1) North cable, a trans-Atlantic six-fiber pair system between Long Island, New York and Lands End, United Kingdom.
Designed with the latest advancements in optical technology, better dispersion compensation methodology, faster processing equipment and shorter cable paths, this ultra low-latency link represents a capital assured, cost-efficient solution for the sub-60ms RTD latency financial market participants require across the Atlantic.
"Fast-paced trading environments demand even faster connectivity, particularly across the Atlantic where, traditionally, the patchwork grid of cable systems across the ocean had not allowed for a truly low-latency network," comments Dr. Jock Percy, CEO of Perseus Telecom. "Our ability to create this network in partnership with Reliance Globalcom at relatively low cost and minimal time to market is a testament to our expertise in developing network solutions for the financial industry. We're incredibly excited at the launch of QuanTA which we believe marks a game-changing development for the global trading community. As high-frequency trading strategies proliferate, ultra low-latency network connectivity becomes even more of a competitive differentiator."
Rory Cole, president and COO - Carrier Business, Reliance Globalcom, said: "Being one of the world's leading carriers with connectivity across the globe, we are happy to announce that Reliance Globalcom now offers the fastest ultra low-latency route on FA-1. With this service, we are now connecting the U.S. and U.K. on the fastest link, addressing the business needs of our customers, especially in the financial sector, to help them gain a significant market advantage."
The launch of QuanTA provides trading firms with a more secure, low-latency and efficient network connection across the Atlantic. Now, firms tapping into liquidity at exchanges in the US and Europe can do so with guaranteed minimal latency on a highly reliable connection, minimizing potential risk in network outages or latency.
The launch of QuanTA represents a landmark development in the latency race to zero and creates new opportunities for trading firms on both sides of the Atlantic.
The partnership between Perseus Telecom and Reliance Globalcom has resulted in the creation of an innovative high-speed, ultra low-latency network connection across the Atlantic by leveraging an existing system on the FLAG Atlantic-1 (FA-1) North cable, a trans-Atlantic six-fiber pair system between Long Island, New York and Lands End, United Kingdom.
Designed with the latest advancements in optical technology, better dispersion compensation methodology, faster processing equipment and shorter cable paths, this ultra low-latency link represents a capital assured, cost-efficient solution for the sub-60ms RTD latency financial market participants require across the Atlantic.
"Fast-paced trading environments demand even faster connectivity, particularly across the Atlantic where, traditionally, the patchwork grid of cable systems across the ocean had not allowed for a truly low-latency network," comments Dr. Jock Percy, CEO of Perseus Telecom. "Our ability to create this network in partnership with Reliance Globalcom at relatively low cost and minimal time to market is a testament to our expertise in developing network solutions for the financial industry. We're incredibly excited at the launch of QuanTA which we believe marks a game-changing development for the global trading community. As high-frequency trading strategies proliferate, ultra low-latency network connectivity becomes even more of a competitive differentiator."
Rory Cole, president and COO - Carrier Business, Reliance Globalcom, said: "Being one of the world's leading carriers with connectivity across the globe, we are happy to announce that Reliance Globalcom now offers the fastest ultra low-latency route on FA-1. With this service, we are now connecting the U.S. and U.K. on the fastest link, addressing the business needs of our customers, especially in the financial sector, to help them gain a significant market advantage."
The launch of QuanTA provides trading firms with a more secure, low-latency and efficient network connection across the Atlantic. Now, firms tapping into liquidity at exchanges in the US and Europe can do so with guaranteed minimal latency on a highly reliable connection, minimizing potential risk in network outages or latency.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Numera acquires BlueLibris and expands offerings into telecare
SEATTLE, USA: Numera announced the acquisition of BlueLibris, LLC, a leader in personal health monitoring and safety technologies. The acquisition adds a novel, mobile telecare platform to Numera’s existing telehealth products, social engagement solutions, and professional services portfolio.
The combined telehealth + telecare offering enhances Numera’s business partners’ offerings with the goal of improving outcomes in Transitions in Care, Independent Aging, and Chronic Condition Management programs.
The small, wearable BlueLibris device allows two-way, hands-free voice communication through a cellular network, GPS location tracking, and unique, automated fall-detection algorithms for Personal Emergency Response Services (PERS).
The BlueLibris devices will also be equipped with Numera’s telehealth gateway technology, allowing the end user to upload biometric measurements from a variety of health devices through the mobile personal health gateway and receive personalized reminders to take medications, upload measurements, and receive coaching specific to that individual’s health condition.
“The market for telecare and telehealth is expected to grow from $1.1 billion today to over $3 billion by 2017,” said Tim Smokoff, CEO of Numera. “Often, a person will need telehealth-related services for general wellness or chronic condition management, and later have a need for the personal safety and immediate response offered by a telecare platform. This acquisition makes it possible for Numera’s customers to have both, as they need them, on the same scalable platform.”
“As we continue development of the BlueLibris products, we will extend the capabilities of the device with additional, innovative sensing capabilities to enrich activity monitoring and feedback for behavior change and lasting engagement for those living with chronic health conditions,” said Bill Reid, VP of Product Development at Numera. “By combining the capabilities of BlueLibris with our existing family of PC, smartphone and home hub gateways, and the Numera Social engagement platform, families, friends, and caregivers are equipped to participate in and deliver sustained engagement, which is critical for lasting behavior change.”
The combined telehealth + telecare offering enhances Numera’s business partners’ offerings with the goal of improving outcomes in Transitions in Care, Independent Aging, and Chronic Condition Management programs.
The small, wearable BlueLibris device allows two-way, hands-free voice communication through a cellular network, GPS location tracking, and unique, automated fall-detection algorithms for Personal Emergency Response Services (PERS).
The BlueLibris devices will also be equipped with Numera’s telehealth gateway technology, allowing the end user to upload biometric measurements from a variety of health devices through the mobile personal health gateway and receive personalized reminders to take medications, upload measurements, and receive coaching specific to that individual’s health condition.
“The market for telecare and telehealth is expected to grow from $1.1 billion today to over $3 billion by 2017,” said Tim Smokoff, CEO of Numera. “Often, a person will need telehealth-related services for general wellness or chronic condition management, and later have a need for the personal safety and immediate response offered by a telecare platform. This acquisition makes it possible for Numera’s customers to have both, as they need them, on the same scalable platform.”
“As we continue development of the BlueLibris products, we will extend the capabilities of the device with additional, innovative sensing capabilities to enrich activity monitoring and feedback for behavior change and lasting engagement for those living with chronic health conditions,” said Bill Reid, VP of Product Development at Numera. “By combining the capabilities of BlueLibris with our existing family of PC, smartphone and home hub gateways, and the Numera Social engagement platform, families, friends, and caregivers are equipped to participate in and deliver sustained engagement, which is critical for lasting behavior change.”
Cinterion leads M2M module market on volume but Sierra Wireless is tops for revenue
SCOTTSDALE, USA: ABI Research’s market share rankings of M2M cellular embedded module vendors for 2011 evaluates vendors’ market share performance for both total unit shipment volume of M2M cellular modules, as well as for total M2M revenue, including modules, terminals, software, and services.
The main companies active in the cellular M2M module market include: Cinterion, Huawei, iWOW, Neoway, Novatel Wireless, Quectel, Sagemcom, Sierra Wireless, SIMcom Wireless Solutions, Telit Communications, u-blox, and ZTE.
The rankings of the top three vendors by module unit shipment volume in 2011 are, in order, Cinterion, Telit, and Sierra Wireless. For rankings by M2M revenue, Sierra Wireless is first, Cinterion second, and Telit third.
Cinterion has been the unit shipment volume market share leader since ABI Research started tracking cellular M2M module sales in 2003. With the acquisition of Cinterion by Gemalto in 2010, the company is hoping to leverage Gemalto’s resources and complementary offerings (i.e. SIMs) to build a more comprehensive and differentiated offer in the market.
Sierra Wireless was one of the first vendors to push beyond modules to the supply of a software platform – its AirVantage hybrid connected device platform/application enablement platform (CDP/AEP). Moving away from a pure module strategy has benefited Sierra Wireless financially in the face of increasing price pressure, as is the company’s strong focus on higher-value automotive module products.
Telit Communications has been the fastest growing of the major vendors for several years now, rising from roughly 6 percent market share in 2007 to more than 20 percent market share (on a unit shipment volume calculation) in 2011. The company has, so far, brought a laser-like focus to the core business of providing customers with modules that abstract away as much supply-chain logistical complexity as possible, at aggressive price points.
Sam Lucero, practice director, M2M connectivity, states: “The biggest change from 2010 to 2011 was the rise of Telit from third place to second place in the unit shipment volume analysis. Likewise, Telit Communications displaced SIMcom Wireless Solutions at third place in the M2M revenue rankings.”
The main companies active in the cellular M2M module market include: Cinterion, Huawei, iWOW, Neoway, Novatel Wireless, Quectel, Sagemcom, Sierra Wireless, SIMcom Wireless Solutions, Telit Communications, u-blox, and ZTE.
The rankings of the top three vendors by module unit shipment volume in 2011 are, in order, Cinterion, Telit, and Sierra Wireless. For rankings by M2M revenue, Sierra Wireless is first, Cinterion second, and Telit third.
Cinterion has been the unit shipment volume market share leader since ABI Research started tracking cellular M2M module sales in 2003. With the acquisition of Cinterion by Gemalto in 2010, the company is hoping to leverage Gemalto’s resources and complementary offerings (i.e. SIMs) to build a more comprehensive and differentiated offer in the market.
Sierra Wireless was one of the first vendors to push beyond modules to the supply of a software platform – its AirVantage hybrid connected device platform/application enablement platform (CDP/AEP). Moving away from a pure module strategy has benefited Sierra Wireless financially in the face of increasing price pressure, as is the company’s strong focus on higher-value automotive module products.
Telit Communications has been the fastest growing of the major vendors for several years now, rising from roughly 6 percent market share in 2007 to more than 20 percent market share (on a unit shipment volume calculation) in 2011. The company has, so far, brought a laser-like focus to the core business of providing customers with modules that abstract away as much supply-chain logistical complexity as possible, at aggressive price points.
Sam Lucero, practice director, M2M connectivity, states: “The biggest change from 2010 to 2011 was the rise of Telit from third place to second place in the unit shipment volume analysis. Likewise, Telit Communications displaced SIMcom Wireless Solutions at third place in the M2M revenue rankings.”
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Thales enables AESA radar on Dassault Rafale; Harris dominates communications sector
BOSTON, USA: Despite the uncertainties that continue to dog the defense industry in all sectors, including radar, communications, electronic warfare and other systems, March showed robust activity. The Strategy Analytics Advanced Defense Systems (ADS) service report, “Defense Electronics Industry Review: March 2012,” includes significant defense industry news, discussing business events, product announcements, milestones and contract activity.
“Despite the countdown to sequestration in the US, and budgetary constraints in the global environ, defense industry activity remains robust from platforms down to components,” noted Asif Anwar, director of the ADS service. “The Saab Gripen project appears to be on track with commitments from the Swedish Armed Forces; and Boeing is delivering aircraft to the US Navy under two separate contracts.”
“Component technology development included DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) funded efforts, resulting in TowerJazz and UCSD demonstrating a SiGe (silicon germanium) -based wafer-scale phased array,” observed Eric Higham, ADS Service director, North America. “GaN (gallium nitride) also continues to cement its position as a key enabling technology, as seen at TriQuint, which released product at GOMACTech 2012.”
Other highlights in March included:
* The AESA (active electronically scanned array) radar from THALES being fielded on the Dassault Rafale fast-jet platform.
* AESA technology was also evident as the US Army awarded contracts for the AN/TPQ-53 Firefinder Radar to Lockheed Martin.
* Raytheon received a number of radar contracts, including improvements for the Counter Rocket Artillery and Mortar Sense & Warn (C-RAM S&W) systems, for which Raytheon will produce a Ku-band radar.
* Northrop Grumman continues to demonstrate market leadership in the optoelectronics space with contracts and milestones around the company’s Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) and LITENING pod technologies.
* Communications contracts continued to be dominated by Harris.
“Despite the countdown to sequestration in the US, and budgetary constraints in the global environ, defense industry activity remains robust from platforms down to components,” noted Asif Anwar, director of the ADS service. “The Saab Gripen project appears to be on track with commitments from the Swedish Armed Forces; and Boeing is delivering aircraft to the US Navy under two separate contracts.”
“Component technology development included DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) funded efforts, resulting in TowerJazz and UCSD demonstrating a SiGe (silicon germanium) -based wafer-scale phased array,” observed Eric Higham, ADS Service director, North America. “GaN (gallium nitride) also continues to cement its position as a key enabling technology, as seen at TriQuint, which released product at GOMACTech 2012.”
Other highlights in March included:
* The AESA (active electronically scanned array) radar from THALES being fielded on the Dassault Rafale fast-jet platform.
* AESA technology was also evident as the US Army awarded contracts for the AN/TPQ-53 Firefinder Radar to Lockheed Martin.
* Raytheon received a number of radar contracts, including improvements for the Counter Rocket Artillery and Mortar Sense & Warn (C-RAM S&W) systems, for which Raytheon will produce a Ku-band radar.
* Northrop Grumman continues to demonstrate market leadership in the optoelectronics space with contracts and milestones around the company’s Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) and LITENING pod technologies.
* Communications contracts continued to be dominated by Harris.
Nokia woes should spur carrier rethink
Tony Cripps, Ovum Principal Analyst, Devices and Platforms
AUSTRALIA: Reuters' report highlighting a possible lack of faith among European mobile operators in Nokia's new Windows Phone smartphones characterizes the products as not good enough to compete with established market leaders from Apple and Samsung in particular. Such beliefs are clearly widespread - Ovum too has heard similar criticisms from carriers directed towards devices and platform that exist in the smartphone badlands beyond Apple and Android-powered products. And the beleaguered Finnish handset maker's latest financial results appear to bear this out.
But they are also missing the point. There's little objectively wrong with many of the products competing with Apple, Samsung and Google/Android that greater customer awareness and a big budget marketing drive could not cure. And that's something European carriers need to do a great deal more to assist the underdogs with if they aren't to be the engineers of their own self-fulfilling prophecy of handing all power over their subscribers to the duopoly of Apple and Google.
AUSTRALIA: Reuters' report highlighting a possible lack of faith among European mobile operators in Nokia's new Windows Phone smartphones characterizes the products as not good enough to compete with established market leaders from Apple and Samsung in particular. Such beliefs are clearly widespread - Ovum too has heard similar criticisms from carriers directed towards devices and platform that exist in the smartphone badlands beyond Apple and Android-powered products. And the beleaguered Finnish handset maker's latest financial results appear to bear this out.
But they are also missing the point. There's little objectively wrong with many of the products competing with Apple, Samsung and Google/Android that greater customer awareness and a big budget marketing drive could not cure. And that's something European carriers need to do a great deal more to assist the underdogs with if they aren't to be the engineers of their own self-fulfilling prophecy of handing all power over their subscribers to the duopoly of Apple and Google.
Developing regions drive global broadband growth in 2012
EL SEGUNDO, USA: The developing regions of the world will be the biggest source for new broadband activity in 2012 as the total number of global broadband subscribers approaches the 700 million mark, according to an IHS iSuppli Broadband & Digitally Connected Home Market Tracker report from information and analytics provider IHS.
Broadband subscribers in the emerging regions of Asia, Latin America and the Middle East/Africa (MEA) are projected to rise by 17.4 percent in 2012, growing to 375 million, up from 320 million in 2011.
In comparison, subscribers in the developed markets of North America and Europe will expand by only 6.8 percent, increasing to 298 million, up from 279 million in 2011. “Broadband growth will be quickest in the world’s currently underpenetrated or underserved markets, typically found in less economically advanced territories,” said Lee Ratliff, principal analyst for broadband & digital home research at IHS.
“Meanwhile, the regions first to enjoy the fruits of broadband—usually the group of economically prosperous countries—will show more modest increases because of market saturation.”
Middle East and Africa get on broadband bandwagon
Broadband telecommunication services will increase most rapidly this year in the MEA region, where subscribers are projected to grow by as much as 38 percent. Asia and Latin America will also be strong areas with double-digit growth in 2012, compared to the single-digit expansion rates forecast for the broadband markets of Europe and especially North America. Overall, the number of global broadband subscribers will climb to 672.9 million in 2012, up a solid 13 percent from 598.3 million in 2011.
Although the MEA region will experience the fastest growth of all regions, the total number of broadband subscribers there remains the smallest at 18.7 million, up from 13.6 million in 2011. Egypt and South Africa will have the most prominent broadband activity in the MEA market, with 2.8 million and 1.2 million subscribers, respectively.
Asia and Latin America on the rise
The area with the next-highest broadband activity this year will be Asia, with overall growth projected at 17 percent. However, the continent is bifurcated into areas of high growth for developing countries like China, India and Indonesia; and into markets with lower expansion rates for the highly industrialized economies of Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. Broadband subscribers in Asia for 2012 will amount to an estimated 301.8 million, up from 258.5 million last year.
Latin America, which combines the Central and South America regions, will boast a 15 percent expansion this year as broadband subscribers hit 54.6 million, up from 47.4 million. Mexico is the star performer in this market with a projected total of 10.9 million broadband subscribers in 2012, followed by Brazil with 4.9 million.
Slow growth for Europe and North America
The two markets with slower growth anticipated this year include Europe and North America, with modest increases of 8 percent and 6 percent, respectively. Europe has the slightly higher growth between the two because of a dynamically expanding Eastern Europe, pushing total broadband subscribers in all of Europe to 194.3 million, up from 180.8 million. The top three territories in Europe are Russia with 28.8 million, Germany with 28.3 million and the United Kingdom with 26.4 million.
The North America market will see broadband subscribers pass the 100 million mark this year, including the United States with 93.1 million and Canada with 10.3 million.
In the United States, broadband subscriber activity was particularly notable during the third quarter last year, with growth climbing a remarkable 46 percent, reversing the 56 percent decline that had occurred in the second quarter. The large swing in growth between the two quarters is not out of line with normal seasonal trends for the broadband industry, even though the seasonal difference seems to be getting more extreme in recent years.
Overall, telcos and cable operators are battling fiercely to win new subscribers, competing on a relatively even playing field as both camps have access to almost every single US household. Telcos fared well during the initial uptake of their fiber services a few years ago, but that growth has moderated. Cable operators first regained the lead in the last half of 2009 and have held on to majority share every quarter since then, accounting for as much as 55 percent of net adds in the American broadband market during the third quarter last year.
ADSL maintains lead
Among the various broadband and even faster wideband technologies being deployed around the world, the broadband technology known as asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) continues to make up nearly half of all net additions with 48 percent share during the third quarter. ADSL growth is driven by demand in developing regions, particularly China and Latin America.
Compared to ADSL, various fiber technologies had market share ranging from 3 to 21 percent. Cable modems were responsible for 9 percent, while the wideband technology called very-high-bit-tate figital subscriber line (VDSL) accounted for 6 percent.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Broadband subscribers in the emerging regions of Asia, Latin America and the Middle East/Africa (MEA) are projected to rise by 17.4 percent in 2012, growing to 375 million, up from 320 million in 2011.
In comparison, subscribers in the developed markets of North America and Europe will expand by only 6.8 percent, increasing to 298 million, up from 279 million in 2011. “Broadband growth will be quickest in the world’s currently underpenetrated or underserved markets, typically found in less economically advanced territories,” said Lee Ratliff, principal analyst for broadband & digital home research at IHS.
“Meanwhile, the regions first to enjoy the fruits of broadband—usually the group of economically prosperous countries—will show more modest increases because of market saturation.”
Middle East and Africa get on broadband bandwagon
Broadband telecommunication services will increase most rapidly this year in the MEA region, where subscribers are projected to grow by as much as 38 percent. Asia and Latin America will also be strong areas with double-digit growth in 2012, compared to the single-digit expansion rates forecast for the broadband markets of Europe and especially North America. Overall, the number of global broadband subscribers will climb to 672.9 million in 2012, up a solid 13 percent from 598.3 million in 2011.
Although the MEA region will experience the fastest growth of all regions, the total number of broadband subscribers there remains the smallest at 18.7 million, up from 13.6 million in 2011. Egypt and South Africa will have the most prominent broadband activity in the MEA market, with 2.8 million and 1.2 million subscribers, respectively.
Asia and Latin America on the rise
The area with the next-highest broadband activity this year will be Asia, with overall growth projected at 17 percent. However, the continent is bifurcated into areas of high growth for developing countries like China, India and Indonesia; and into markets with lower expansion rates for the highly industrialized economies of Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. Broadband subscribers in Asia for 2012 will amount to an estimated 301.8 million, up from 258.5 million last year.
Latin America, which combines the Central and South America regions, will boast a 15 percent expansion this year as broadband subscribers hit 54.6 million, up from 47.4 million. Mexico is the star performer in this market with a projected total of 10.9 million broadband subscribers in 2012, followed by Brazil with 4.9 million.
Slow growth for Europe and North America
The two markets with slower growth anticipated this year include Europe and North America, with modest increases of 8 percent and 6 percent, respectively. Europe has the slightly higher growth between the two because of a dynamically expanding Eastern Europe, pushing total broadband subscribers in all of Europe to 194.3 million, up from 180.8 million. The top three territories in Europe are Russia with 28.8 million, Germany with 28.3 million and the United Kingdom with 26.4 million.
The North America market will see broadband subscribers pass the 100 million mark this year, including the United States with 93.1 million and Canada with 10.3 million.
In the United States, broadband subscriber activity was particularly notable during the third quarter last year, with growth climbing a remarkable 46 percent, reversing the 56 percent decline that had occurred in the second quarter. The large swing in growth between the two quarters is not out of line with normal seasonal trends for the broadband industry, even though the seasonal difference seems to be getting more extreme in recent years.
Overall, telcos and cable operators are battling fiercely to win new subscribers, competing on a relatively even playing field as both camps have access to almost every single US household. Telcos fared well during the initial uptake of their fiber services a few years ago, but that growth has moderated. Cable operators first regained the lead in the last half of 2009 and have held on to majority share every quarter since then, accounting for as much as 55 percent of net adds in the American broadband market during the third quarter last year.
ADSL maintains lead
Among the various broadband and even faster wideband technologies being deployed around the world, the broadband technology known as asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) continues to make up nearly half of all net additions with 48 percent share during the third quarter. ADSL growth is driven by demand in developing regions, particularly China and Latin America.
Compared to ADSL, various fiber technologies had market share ranging from 3 to 21 percent. Cable modems were responsible for 9 percent, while the wideband technology called very-high-bit-tate figital subscriber line (VDSL) accounted for 6 percent.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
XOLO X900, first smartphone with Intel Inside launches in India market
BANGALORE, INDIA: Intel Corp. and Lava International Ltd, one of India’s fastest-growing mobile handset companies, today announced the general availability of the XOLO X900, the first smartphone with Intel inside. The device will be available to customers for purchase beginning 23rd April at a best-buy street price of approximately Rs. 22,000.
Lava also announced its long-term partnership with Croma, a national chain of mega stores of consumer electronics and durables, for promotion and sale of the XOLO X900.
The partnership between Intel and Lava was announced at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February. The XOLO X900 is based on Intel’s smartphone reference design featuring the Intel Atom processor Z2460 with Intel Hyper Threading technology and supporting HSPA+ 3G connectivity.
The high-performance 1.6 GHz Atom processor with Hyper Threading Technology brings speed and multi-tasking performance to consumers’ fingertips. The leading-edge 400 MHz graphics clock and the full 1080p HD video encoding and playback make this phone a perfect entertainment device, providing users with an immersive gaming and video experience. It also features an 8-megapixel camera delivering advanced imaging capabilities including burst mode that allows 10 pictures to be captured in under a second.
The XOLO X900 is housed in a sleek design with a 4.03-inch high-resolution LCD touch screen for crisp text and vibrant images. At launch, the X900 will run on Android Gingerbread, with a planned over-the-air software upgrade to Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich platform shortly thereafter. Intel’s technology enables a high-performance user experience, all while maintaining great battery life – up to five hours of 3G browsing, 45 hours of audio and 8 hours of talk time.
“Through XOLO X900, we are happy to bring to the Indian market a device that addresses the needs of those for whom speed and performance matters. After our success in feature phones with over 10 million happy customers in under three years, XOLO will be a differentiated player in the fast-growing smartphone segment. The initial reviews of XOLO X900 have been very positive and independent benchmarks clearly point to the fact that when it comes to speed and performance, XOLO X900 is the gold standard,” said Vishal Sehgal, co-founder and director, Lava International.
“The first smartphone with Intel inside is now available to Indian consumers,” said Mike Bell, Intel corporate VP and GM of the Mobile and Communications Group. “The boundaries of personal computing are expanding. As we enter the India market with our first smartphone from Lava, the device not only showcases the rich capabilities and user benefits of Intel computing, but also highlights the exciting possibilities of what’s still to come.”
Ajit Joshi, MD and CEO, Infiniti Retail, said: “We at Croma are extremely pleased to collaborate with Intel and Lava to get this exciting new product into the market. We always endeavor to get the latest and best products first to our consumers and this is a step in that direction. We are very optimistic about the prospects of this exciting new product.”
Starting 23rd April, the XOLO X900 will be available for purchase to customers from Croma and Xolo.in, followed by availability in other retail chains, general trade and online stores from early May.
Lava also announced its long-term partnership with Croma, a national chain of mega stores of consumer electronics and durables, for promotion and sale of the XOLO X900.
The partnership between Intel and Lava was announced at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February. The XOLO X900 is based on Intel’s smartphone reference design featuring the Intel Atom processor Z2460 with Intel Hyper Threading technology and supporting HSPA+ 3G connectivity.
The high-performance 1.6 GHz Atom processor with Hyper Threading Technology brings speed and multi-tasking performance to consumers’ fingertips. The leading-edge 400 MHz graphics clock and the full 1080p HD video encoding and playback make this phone a perfect entertainment device, providing users with an immersive gaming and video experience. It also features an 8-megapixel camera delivering advanced imaging capabilities including burst mode that allows 10 pictures to be captured in under a second.
The XOLO X900 is housed in a sleek design with a 4.03-inch high-resolution LCD touch screen for crisp text and vibrant images. At launch, the X900 will run on Android Gingerbread, with a planned over-the-air software upgrade to Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich platform shortly thereafter. Intel’s technology enables a high-performance user experience, all while maintaining great battery life – up to five hours of 3G browsing, 45 hours of audio and 8 hours of talk time.
“Through XOLO X900, we are happy to bring to the Indian market a device that addresses the needs of those for whom speed and performance matters. After our success in feature phones with over 10 million happy customers in under three years, XOLO will be a differentiated player in the fast-growing smartphone segment. The initial reviews of XOLO X900 have been very positive and independent benchmarks clearly point to the fact that when it comes to speed and performance, XOLO X900 is the gold standard,” said Vishal Sehgal, co-founder and director, Lava International.
“The first smartphone with Intel inside is now available to Indian consumers,” said Mike Bell, Intel corporate VP and GM of the Mobile and Communications Group. “The boundaries of personal computing are expanding. As we enter the India market with our first smartphone from Lava, the device not only showcases the rich capabilities and user benefits of Intel computing, but also highlights the exciting possibilities of what’s still to come.”
Ajit Joshi, MD and CEO, Infiniti Retail, said: “We at Croma are extremely pleased to collaborate with Intel and Lava to get this exciting new product into the market. We always endeavor to get the latest and best products first to our consumers and this is a step in that direction. We are very optimistic about the prospects of this exciting new product.”
Starting 23rd April, the XOLO X900 will be available for purchase to customers from Croma and Xolo.in, followed by availability in other retail chains, general trade and online stores from early May.
Agilent announces India’s biggest digital and wireless symposium - ADWTS 2012
BANGALORE, INDIA: Agilent Technologies announced its global annual technical event- Agilent Digital & Wireless Test Symposium (ADWTS) 2012. The annual event is targeted at the fast growing digital & wireless test market in India, which has been in the news for its growth towards the fourth generation cellular wireless standard (4G).
Arun Dogra, country manager and VP-Sales, Marketing & Support, EMG-Agilent, said: “ADWTS is an ideal platform for customers to witness first-hand latest revolutionary technologies, view real world product demonstrations and presentations and have interactive dialogues with Agilent Application Experts and Industry stalwarts.
“Being a leader in Test & Measurement space, we have to keep on identifying new solutions to address the design challenges. This year ADWTS 2012 will feature experts and speakers from research and industry and will provide an excellent opportunity to learn about Digital and Wireless technologies, how they are applied and how to choose from among the many available solution options. The event focuses on creating business advantage and to provide an opportunity to learn from and network with experts and peers."
The company decided to bring back Digital & Wireless Test Symposium into India based on customer-feedback, which has been overwhelming for the high technical content presented in this symposium. This aims at bringing together Engineering Managers, Scientists, HODs/directors, Faculty Members from Semicon / VLSI / Embedded Industry Aerospace / Defense (PSUS, Private Organizations, DRDO Labs, Defense Services – Army, Navy, Air-force), Telecom (R&D, Manufacturers, Service Providers), Academia (Engineering Institutes). The event is being supported by IEEE, a not for profit organization, and Frost & Sullivan.
Arun Dogra, country manager and VP-Sales, Marketing & Support, EMG-Agilent, said: “ADWTS is an ideal platform for customers to witness first-hand latest revolutionary technologies, view real world product demonstrations and presentations and have interactive dialogues with Agilent Application Experts and Industry stalwarts.
“Being a leader in Test & Measurement space, we have to keep on identifying new solutions to address the design challenges. This year ADWTS 2012 will feature experts and speakers from research and industry and will provide an excellent opportunity to learn about Digital and Wireless technologies, how they are applied and how to choose from among the many available solution options. The event focuses on creating business advantage and to provide an opportunity to learn from and network with experts and peers."
The company decided to bring back Digital & Wireless Test Symposium into India based on customer-feedback, which has been overwhelming for the high technical content presented in this symposium. This aims at bringing together Engineering Managers, Scientists, HODs/directors, Faculty Members from Semicon / VLSI / Embedded Industry Aerospace / Defense (PSUS, Private Organizations, DRDO Labs, Defense Services – Army, Navy, Air-force), Telecom (R&D, Manufacturers, Service Providers), Academia (Engineering Institutes). The event is being supported by IEEE, a not for profit organization, and Frost & Sullivan.
Rise of BYOD driving mobile device management market, but mobile OSs are real constraint to solution capability
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: Businesses moving away from BlackBerry, and the rise of the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) phenomenon is making mobile device management (MDM) one of the hottest markets for enterprise IT, according to Ovum. The challenge for CIOs is how to manage and secure data, while exploiting the innovation and productivity benefits that embracing the major smartphone platforms can deliver.
In its latest Solutions Guide, the technology analysts reveals that no longer is MDM purely the domain of specialist enterprise mobility vendors. Vendors from a variety of backgrounds across the IT and telecoms space are looking to grab clients in this market as it becomes a gateway to a larger enterprise managed mobility industry. The guide also highlights strong support for remote device security capabilities across a range of mobile operating systems. However, limitations of the major OS platforms are preventing vendors and enterprises from implementing consistent remote management and data security strategies.
“Protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of corporate information, is a key concern of the IT department,” explains Richard Absalom, analyst at Ovum. “We’re seeing vendors rush to exploit the fact that most organizations do not have the required resources or expertise to simultaneously manage corporate data on multiple platforms. However, the limitations and lack of available APIs on these platforms are often the key factors stopping third-party vendors from providing exactly the same data security features across every OS.”
Data collected by Ovum from the MDM vendors signals that in the workplace, Apple’s iOS is the preferred platform, with 40 percent of the devices managed on MDM platforms by enterprises. Elsewhere, Android (16 percent) is still behind BlackBerry (24 percent).
As the momentum of BYOD continues, the sheer number of competing products and solutions are leaving enterprises confused about what they should be looking for, and how the products and solutions compare and differ. Ovum’s solutions guide provides an accelerated approach for any enterprise to select the right MDM vendor, or for a vendor to competitively benchmark its own capabilities or partnership strategy.
“When selecting a vendor, organizations must consider their exact requirements, there is no one solution for all. Ultimately, enterprise IT departments must develop and implement new enterprise mobility policies that accommodate BYOD and consumerisation trends, and use MDM solutions to manage and enforce such policies,” concludes Absalom.
In its latest Solutions Guide, the technology analysts reveals that no longer is MDM purely the domain of specialist enterprise mobility vendors. Vendors from a variety of backgrounds across the IT and telecoms space are looking to grab clients in this market as it becomes a gateway to a larger enterprise managed mobility industry. The guide also highlights strong support for remote device security capabilities across a range of mobile operating systems. However, limitations of the major OS platforms are preventing vendors and enterprises from implementing consistent remote management and data security strategies.
“Protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of corporate information, is a key concern of the IT department,” explains Richard Absalom, analyst at Ovum. “We’re seeing vendors rush to exploit the fact that most organizations do not have the required resources or expertise to simultaneously manage corporate data on multiple platforms. However, the limitations and lack of available APIs on these platforms are often the key factors stopping third-party vendors from providing exactly the same data security features across every OS.”
Data collected by Ovum from the MDM vendors signals that in the workplace, Apple’s iOS is the preferred platform, with 40 percent of the devices managed on MDM platforms by enterprises. Elsewhere, Android (16 percent) is still behind BlackBerry (24 percent).
As the momentum of BYOD continues, the sheer number of competing products and solutions are leaving enterprises confused about what they should be looking for, and how the products and solutions compare and differ. Ovum’s solutions guide provides an accelerated approach for any enterprise to select the right MDM vendor, or for a vendor to competitively benchmark its own capabilities or partnership strategy.
“When selecting a vendor, organizations must consider their exact requirements, there is no one solution for all. Ultimately, enterprise IT departments must develop and implement new enterprise mobility policies that accommodate BYOD and consumerisation trends, and use MDM solutions to manage and enforce such policies,” concludes Absalom.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
63 percent of Asia’s carriers have LTE rolled out, are conducting trials, or have announced plans
SINGAPORE: In 2002, Asia-Pacific mobile operators lagged behind their North American and European counterparts in terms of service development. Fast forward to the present day and the situation is very different. Out of 110 networks, 10 operators (9 percent) have commercial 4G LTE networks up and running. Another 58 (53 percent) either have specific plans to roll out LTE or are conducting trials.
“We estimate total Asia-Pacific mobile capital expenditure to reach $53.3 billion by the end of 2012,” says Jake Saunders, vice president of forecasting. “62 percent is still very much earmarked for radio access network deployment. Other key investment areas include EPC and gateway upgrades to the core network at 9 percent, as well as improving in-building wireless coverage into dense urban centers at 5.7 percent.”
Evidence for this equipment spend can be seen in a number of markets:
* In China, 4G licenses have yet to be issued, but that has not stopped China Mobile from making plans. In 2Q-2012, China Mobile announced that it had completed a six city TD-LTE trial.
The 655 million subscriber operator plans to ramp up its TD-LTE base station count to over 20,000 TD-LTE base stations by December and 200,000 by 2013. China Unicom is focusing on accelerating its 3G network build-out, optimizing 2G network coverage, and expediting indoor coverage. China Telecom is focused on implementing telecom cloud and value-added services projects.
* Heavy RAN investment has been taking place in India. A number of operators are jockeying for position in a very competitive marketplace. On April 10, Bharti Airtel became the first operator to launch 4G LTE services in India, in Kolkata. Bharti Airtel hopes to launch 4G services in Bangalore before June 2012. Equipment spend is not just occurring in 4G. The Indian operator, Idea, has continued to roll out 2,270 2G cell sites and 1,176 3G cell sites in the past year.
* Southeast Asia has seen a strong commitment to 4G, with commercial networks up and running in Malaysia (likely WIMAX over LTE), Singapore, and the Philippines.
“We estimate total Asia-Pacific mobile capital expenditure to reach $53.3 billion by the end of 2012,” says Jake Saunders, vice president of forecasting. “62 percent is still very much earmarked for radio access network deployment. Other key investment areas include EPC and gateway upgrades to the core network at 9 percent, as well as improving in-building wireless coverage into dense urban centers at 5.7 percent.”
Evidence for this equipment spend can be seen in a number of markets:
* In China, 4G licenses have yet to be issued, but that has not stopped China Mobile from making plans. In 2Q-2012, China Mobile announced that it had completed a six city TD-LTE trial.
The 655 million subscriber operator plans to ramp up its TD-LTE base station count to over 20,000 TD-LTE base stations by December and 200,000 by 2013. China Unicom is focusing on accelerating its 3G network build-out, optimizing 2G network coverage, and expediting indoor coverage. China Telecom is focused on implementing telecom cloud and value-added services projects.
* Heavy RAN investment has been taking place in India. A number of operators are jockeying for position in a very competitive marketplace. On April 10, Bharti Airtel became the first operator to launch 4G LTE services in India, in Kolkata. Bharti Airtel hopes to launch 4G services in Bangalore before June 2012. Equipment spend is not just occurring in 4G. The Indian operator, Idea, has continued to roll out 2,270 2G cell sites and 1,176 3G cell sites in the past year.
* Southeast Asia has seen a strong commitment to 4G, with commercial networks up and running in Malaysia (likely WIMAX over LTE), Singapore, and the Philippines.
Sequans and Nationz collaborate on dual-mode TD-SCDMA/LTE devices for China
PARIS, FRANCE & SHENZHEN, CHINA: LTE chipmaker Sequans Communications has established a partnership with Nationz Technologies Inc., China’s leading provider of RF chips and wireless communications solutions and products.
The two companies are working together to develop TD-SCDMA/LTE solutions and products for LTE bands 7, 38, 39 and 40, specifically for the Chinese marketplace. The collaboration will yield unique multi-band, multi-mode devices of several types, including mobile routers, CPE, and USB dongles. Initial products will become available at around mid-year.
“Nationz is known for their design excellence in China and our collaboration with them is yielding valuable devices for Chinese consumers who will benefit greatly from dual-mode TD-SCDMA/LTE solutions,” said Georges Karam, Sequans CEO. “China has been leading the way in TDD technologies, both TD-SCDMA and TD-LTE, and the new dual-mode Nationz/Sequans products represent a combination of best-in-class technologies and advanced feature functionality.”
“We are pleased to work with Sequans, a leader in LTE chips and a company with long experience in China,” said Bin Zhang, VP of Nationz. “Sequans’ chips represent the latest and the most advanced in LTE baseband semiconductor technology. Combined with Nationz’s RF and TD-SCDMA solutions, our products offer great value that will facilitate a seamless transition for Chinese consumers into the next generation of wireless.”
Sequans’ LTE semiconductor solutions support global LTE networks, both TDD and FDD, and are delivered with comprehensive software and reference designs for multiple device types for a truly universal solution. Sequans offers two LTE platforms: Mont Blanc, optimized for the design of host-less USB modems, CPE, and mobile routers or hotspots, and Andromeda, optimized for handsets and tablets. Sequans’ LTE chips are compact and powerful, delivering category 4 throughput of up to 150 Mbps in a very small 10x10 mm package that includes SDRAM.
Nationz offers core RFIC transceivers (TRX) for next generation wireless technologies in the 1.2~2.8 GHz frequency range, covering dual-mode LTE/TD-SCDMA technologies. The RF chip solution integrates ADC/DAC and provides convenient digital I/Os for baseband chip connections. The chip shows very competitive performance, typically 1.8 percent of EVM at TX and 2.5 percent at RX with the MIMO feature enabled. Nationz provides the RF chip and the total solution including both evaluation boards and RF software drivers.
The two companies are working together to develop TD-SCDMA/LTE solutions and products for LTE bands 7, 38, 39 and 40, specifically for the Chinese marketplace. The collaboration will yield unique multi-band, multi-mode devices of several types, including mobile routers, CPE, and USB dongles. Initial products will become available at around mid-year.
“Nationz is known for their design excellence in China and our collaboration with them is yielding valuable devices for Chinese consumers who will benefit greatly from dual-mode TD-SCDMA/LTE solutions,” said Georges Karam, Sequans CEO. “China has been leading the way in TDD technologies, both TD-SCDMA and TD-LTE, and the new dual-mode Nationz/Sequans products represent a combination of best-in-class technologies and advanced feature functionality.”
“We are pleased to work with Sequans, a leader in LTE chips and a company with long experience in China,” said Bin Zhang, VP of Nationz. “Sequans’ chips represent the latest and the most advanced in LTE baseband semiconductor technology. Combined with Nationz’s RF and TD-SCDMA solutions, our products offer great value that will facilitate a seamless transition for Chinese consumers into the next generation of wireless.”
Sequans’ LTE semiconductor solutions support global LTE networks, both TDD and FDD, and are delivered with comprehensive software and reference designs for multiple device types for a truly universal solution. Sequans offers two LTE platforms: Mont Blanc, optimized for the design of host-less USB modems, CPE, and mobile routers or hotspots, and Andromeda, optimized for handsets and tablets. Sequans’ LTE chips are compact and powerful, delivering category 4 throughput of up to 150 Mbps in a very small 10x10 mm package that includes SDRAM.
Nationz offers core RFIC transceivers (TRX) for next generation wireless technologies in the 1.2~2.8 GHz frequency range, covering dual-mode LTE/TD-SCDMA technologies. The RF chip solution integrates ADC/DAC and provides convenient digital I/Os for baseband chip connections. The chip shows very competitive performance, typically 1.8 percent of EVM at TX and 2.5 percent at RX with the MIMO feature enabled. Nationz provides the RF chip and the total solution including both evaluation boards and RF software drivers.
NXP and HID Global enable mobile access for NFC phones
BANGALORE, INDIA: NXP Semiconductors N.V. and HID Global have announced their collaboration to introduce a global, generic Mobile Access solution for NFC-enabled mobile phones. NFC enables the secure and convenient sharing of information from one device to another over short distances based upon existing contactless standards, making it ideal for deploying easy-to use mobile access control applications.
HID Global and NXP helped create the current market for card-based physical access systems and are now jointly moving these solutions to mobile phones as NFC becomes a standard feature.
The contactless cards that employees use to enter corporate buildings and parking garages can now be transferred to an NFC-enabled phone storing digital access credentials. The credentials are stored on NXP’s embedded Secure Element within the handset and are presented by the mobile phone in a manner that is compatible with access control readers and systems. As the use of NFC smart phones for access control becomes increasingly more popular, consumers and enterprises can expect the same high level of security with improved convenience on a mobile device.
The jointly developed solution also leverages NXP and HID Global advanced reader technologies within a physical access control infrastructure. The solution supports existing HID Global readers and those based on the company’s iCLASS SIO-Enabled (iCLASS SE®) platform that fuels the migration of physical access control technology beyond traditional cards and readers by enabling deployment of mobile access with digital credentials. HID’s iCLASS SE readers will be powered by NXP’s new CLRC663 reader ICs and fully support 13.56 MHz smart cards that are ISO14443 compliant, including MIFARE DESFIRE EV1.
To ensure maximum compatibility, the new Mobile Access management solution from NXP and HID Global is backward-compatible with newer HID Global iCLASS readers, and is forward-compatible to HID Global’s Trusted Identity Platform (TIP) ecosystem. The existing HID customers can upgrade certain iCLASS implementations to support the use of NFC-enabled mobile phones without the need to physically replace the installed readers. NXP’s technology supports the management of multiple applications such as payment, e-government, access management and ticketing, all via one microcontroller that assures secure and convenient recognition without compromising security, performance and design productivity.
Dr. Selva Selvaratnam, senior VP and CTO, HID Global, said: “NXP is playing a vital role in the adoption of NFC technology among handset manufacturers and developer communities. By working together, this application can be deployed immediately on a significant number of mobile phones. We are excited to team up and combine our leadership positions in the access management market to offer the industry new leading-edge solutions.”
Henri Ardevol, VP and GM, secure transactions with NXP, said: “We are very pleased to co-operate with HID Global on the development of this new solution. As leading enterprises continue to invest in mobile technology and security infrastructure, our collaboration brings real value and convenience around the world. In addition, combining HID Global’s iCLASS SE readers with our MIFARE DESFire and NFC technology ensures greater interoperability in access management and accelerates adoption of NFC applications within the enterprise space.”
HID Global and NXP helped create the current market for card-based physical access systems and are now jointly moving these solutions to mobile phones as NFC becomes a standard feature.
The contactless cards that employees use to enter corporate buildings and parking garages can now be transferred to an NFC-enabled phone storing digital access credentials. The credentials are stored on NXP’s embedded Secure Element within the handset and are presented by the mobile phone in a manner that is compatible with access control readers and systems. As the use of NFC smart phones for access control becomes increasingly more popular, consumers and enterprises can expect the same high level of security with improved convenience on a mobile device.
The jointly developed solution also leverages NXP and HID Global advanced reader technologies within a physical access control infrastructure. The solution supports existing HID Global readers and those based on the company’s iCLASS SIO-Enabled (iCLASS SE®) platform that fuels the migration of physical access control technology beyond traditional cards and readers by enabling deployment of mobile access with digital credentials. HID’s iCLASS SE readers will be powered by NXP’s new CLRC663 reader ICs and fully support 13.56 MHz smart cards that are ISO14443 compliant, including MIFARE DESFIRE EV1.
To ensure maximum compatibility, the new Mobile Access management solution from NXP and HID Global is backward-compatible with newer HID Global iCLASS readers, and is forward-compatible to HID Global’s Trusted Identity Platform (TIP) ecosystem. The existing HID customers can upgrade certain iCLASS implementations to support the use of NFC-enabled mobile phones without the need to physically replace the installed readers. NXP’s technology supports the management of multiple applications such as payment, e-government, access management and ticketing, all via one microcontroller that assures secure and convenient recognition without compromising security, performance and design productivity.
Dr. Selva Selvaratnam, senior VP and CTO, HID Global, said: “NXP is playing a vital role in the adoption of NFC technology among handset manufacturers and developer communities. By working together, this application can be deployed immediately on a significant number of mobile phones. We are excited to team up and combine our leadership positions in the access management market to offer the industry new leading-edge solutions.”
Henri Ardevol, VP and GM, secure transactions with NXP, said: “We are very pleased to co-operate with HID Global on the development of this new solution. As leading enterprises continue to invest in mobile technology and security infrastructure, our collaboration brings real value and convenience around the world. In addition, combining HID Global’s iCLASS SE readers with our MIFARE DESFire and NFC technology ensures greater interoperability in access management and accelerates adoption of NFC applications within the enterprise space.”
Global number of wireless M2M connections forecasted to reach 359.3 million in 2016
DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of Berg Insight AB's new report "The Global Wireless M2M Market - 4th Edition" to its offering.
According to new a research report from the analyst firm Berg Insight, the global number of mobile network connections used for wireless machine-to-machine (M2M) communication increased by 37 percent in 2011 to reach 108.0 million. Asia-Pacific was the strongest regional market, recording a year-on-year growth rate of 64 percent and reached 34.5 million connections at the year-end.
Europe and North America grew by around 27 percent each to 32.3 million and 29.3 million connections respectively. In the next five years, the global number of wireless M2M connections is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.2 percent to reach 359.3 million in 2016. 2011 was the year when M2M communication really took off in China. The number of wireless M2M subscribers in the country nearly doubled and is now estimated to exceed 20 million, said Tobias Ryberg, senior analyst, Berg Insight.
We believe that China Mobile became the world's largest M2M connectivity provider at the end of 2011 with around 14 million subscribers. If the trend continues, the Chinese market will surpass the US in absolute terms within two to three years. Berg Insight expects that 2012 will be another positive year for the wireless M2M industry. A renewed interest in telematics technology from the global automotive industry has already had a positive effect on demand and promises to generate very significant additional volumes over the next years.
Overall, the enterprise M2M market will benefit from increasingly advanced service enablement platforms that facilitate the integration of enterprise applications and networked remote devices.
According to new a research report from the analyst firm Berg Insight, the global number of mobile network connections used for wireless machine-to-machine (M2M) communication increased by 37 percent in 2011 to reach 108.0 million. Asia-Pacific was the strongest regional market, recording a year-on-year growth rate of 64 percent and reached 34.5 million connections at the year-end.
Europe and North America grew by around 27 percent each to 32.3 million and 29.3 million connections respectively. In the next five years, the global number of wireless M2M connections is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.2 percent to reach 359.3 million in 2016. 2011 was the year when M2M communication really took off in China. The number of wireless M2M subscribers in the country nearly doubled and is now estimated to exceed 20 million, said Tobias Ryberg, senior analyst, Berg Insight.
We believe that China Mobile became the world's largest M2M connectivity provider at the end of 2011 with around 14 million subscribers. If the trend continues, the Chinese market will surpass the US in absolute terms within two to three years. Berg Insight expects that 2012 will be another positive year for the wireless M2M industry. A renewed interest in telematics technology from the global automotive industry has already had a positive effect on demand and promises to generate very significant additional volumes over the next years.
Overall, the enterprise M2M market will benefit from increasingly advanced service enablement platforms that facilitate the integration of enterprise applications and networked remote devices.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Ascom Network Testing expands entity in Brazil
RESTON, USA: Ascom Network Testing announced significant expansion of its presence and local customer support in Brazil via a local, legal entity – Ascom Soluções em Telefonia Móvel Limitada – that will enable in-country fulfillment and delivery of its TEMS™ mobile network testing, optimization, benchmarking and monitoring solutions to customers.
As part of the expansion, the company will enhance its ability to service its large Brazilian installed base via an in-country customer service center with local expertise and native language support. Ascom Soluções em Telefonia Móvel Limitada will begin to handle all sales, fulfillment, and support-related issues for Brazilian customers beginning in May.
“Brazil is a strategic market for us,“ remarked Rikard Lundqvist, GM of Ascom Network Testing. “Today, four out of the five top operators in-country use TEMS products for their daily network testing tasks. Over the years we have sold and supported hundreds of TEMS Investigation units to our Brazilian customers, and now we are delighted to be able to better serve their needs via more efficient delivery and market-savvy local service in their native Portuguese language.“
Ascom Network Testing will celebrate the expansion of the Brazilian entity via a multi-city marketing tour, which will include technical seminars in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo and will include demonstrations of TEMS Investigation 14.0, the company’s flagship network testing solution, the new line of TEMS Pocket handheld network testing tools, and the post processing capabilities of TEMS Discovery Enterprise. Experts will be onhand to discuss case studies on the use of TEMS tools for LTE deployments as well how the solutions can be used to lower operational costs of optimization exercises.
As part of the expansion, the company will enhance its ability to service its large Brazilian installed base via an in-country customer service center with local expertise and native language support. Ascom Soluções em Telefonia Móvel Limitada will begin to handle all sales, fulfillment, and support-related issues for Brazilian customers beginning in May.
“Brazil is a strategic market for us,“ remarked Rikard Lundqvist, GM of Ascom Network Testing. “Today, four out of the five top operators in-country use TEMS products for their daily network testing tasks. Over the years we have sold and supported hundreds of TEMS Investigation units to our Brazilian customers, and now we are delighted to be able to better serve their needs via more efficient delivery and market-savvy local service in their native Portuguese language.“
Ascom Network Testing will celebrate the expansion of the Brazilian entity via a multi-city marketing tour, which will include technical seminars in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo and will include demonstrations of TEMS Investigation 14.0, the company’s flagship network testing solution, the new line of TEMS Pocket handheld network testing tools, and the post processing capabilities of TEMS Discovery Enterprise. Experts will be onhand to discuss case studies on the use of TEMS tools for LTE deployments as well how the solutions can be used to lower operational costs of optimization exercises.
Quantenna raises $79 million led by RUSNANO and Sequoia Capital
FREMONT, USA & MOSCOW, RUSSIA: Quantenna Communications Inc., the leader in ultra-reliable Wi-Fi video networking for whole-home entertainment, has closed a $79 million funding round led by new lead investor RUSNANO, with participation by a second new investor Bright Capital. All existing major investors, Sequoia Capital, DAG Ventures, Grazia Equity, Sigma Partners, Southern Cross Venture Partners and Venrock Associates have also participated in the financing. RUSNANO will invest up to $40 million and Sequoia Capital Growth Fund will contribute $20 million.
Quantenna is experiencing insatiable demand for its disruptive Wi-Fi chipsets that offer the industry’s highest performance and coverage while providing wire-like reliability for wireless video content distribution around the home and other demanding applications. According to market research firm Gartner, Wi-Fi-enabled device shipments will grow from less than 1 billion units in 2010 to more than 3 billion in 2015, making Wi-Fi one of the most influential wireless technologies in the years to come.
According to Cisco’s 2011 Visual Networking Index Forecast, video alone is expected to reach about 90 percent of global traffic. Video services have become a primary revenue source for carriers worldwide, and demand continues to grow at an unprecedented pace for video content delivery from emerging over-the-top (OTT) service providers. Quantenna’s 4x4 MIMO chipsets represent the only commercially available solution for ultra-high reliability, carrier-grade video distribution in both managed and OTT architectures.
RUSNANO’s investment will leverage synergies between Quantenna’s portfolio and a number of nanotechnology initiatives that are underway at RUSNANO, whose mission is to develop the Russian nanotechnology industry through a variety of co-investment opportunities. Quantenna designs its products utilizing the latest semiconductor process technology, and is pursuing 40- and 28-nanometer process for its next-generation products.
RUSNANO MD, George Kolpachev, will become a member of Quantenna’s board of directors, and RUSNANO investment manager Vladislav Tropko will become a board observer. Quantenna will open a Russian subsidiary.
Quantenna is experiencing insatiable demand for its disruptive Wi-Fi chipsets that offer the industry’s highest performance and coverage while providing wire-like reliability for wireless video content distribution around the home and other demanding applications. According to market research firm Gartner, Wi-Fi-enabled device shipments will grow from less than 1 billion units in 2010 to more than 3 billion in 2015, making Wi-Fi one of the most influential wireless technologies in the years to come.
According to Cisco’s 2011 Visual Networking Index Forecast, video alone is expected to reach about 90 percent of global traffic. Video services have become a primary revenue source for carriers worldwide, and demand continues to grow at an unprecedented pace for video content delivery from emerging over-the-top (OTT) service providers. Quantenna’s 4x4 MIMO chipsets represent the only commercially available solution for ultra-high reliability, carrier-grade video distribution in both managed and OTT architectures.
RUSNANO’s investment will leverage synergies between Quantenna’s portfolio and a number of nanotechnology initiatives that are underway at RUSNANO, whose mission is to develop the Russian nanotechnology industry through a variety of co-investment opportunities. Quantenna designs its products utilizing the latest semiconductor process technology, and is pursuing 40- and 28-nanometer process for its next-generation products.
RUSNANO MD, George Kolpachev, will become a member of Quantenna’s board of directors, and RUSNANO investment manager Vladislav Tropko will become a board observer. Quantenna will open a Russian subsidiary.
Nokia VP and SiRF founder to deliver keynotes at 2012 IHS European TMT summit
EL SEGUNDO, USA: Kari Kulojärvi, senior vice president at Nokia, and Kanwar Chadha, chief marketing officer, CSR plc & founder of SiRF Technology Inc., are set to be the keynote speakers at the 2012 IHS European Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) Summit.
Formerly known as the iSuppli European Briefing Series, the IHS European TMT Summit now combines IHS iSuppli and IHS Screen Digest products and services with newly-acquired IMS Research and Displaybank portfolios and expertise to provide a comprehensive analysis of the global technology and media landscape. The event will serve as the premiere gathering place for representatives of hundreds of the world’s leading companies.
Day one key note presented by Nokia VP
The first day of the event will start with a presentation on the future of the TMT sector delivered by Kulojärvi, a senior vice president leading the supply chain for Smart Devices unit at Nokia. In this capacity, Kulojärvi is responsible for delivering great high quality products according to customer needs and managing the related operations. He is also responsible for building a supplier and partner ecosystem needed to create innovative smartphones. Kulojärvi is a member of the Smart Devices leadership team. Prior to this role he was heading sourcing for Smart Devices unit.
CSR executive delivers day two keynote
On day two of the event, Chadha will deliver his outlook for the technology industry.
He is responsible for establishing CSR’s vision, corporate marketing strategies and positioning, strategic alliances and incubating new business ideas. He joined CSR through its merger with SiRF Technology, where he was a founder and helped establish SiRF as the leading provider of GPS-enabled location technology to consumer markets.
Chadha is well known for his visionary role in evangelizing the benefits of location technology for mainstream consumers and holds more than 20 patents in GPS-enabled location technology and communications. He has more than 25 years of experience in various marketing and management positions.
Formerly known as the iSuppli European Briefing Series, the IHS European TMT Summit now combines IHS iSuppli and IHS Screen Digest products and services with newly-acquired IMS Research and Displaybank portfolios and expertise to provide a comprehensive analysis of the global technology and media landscape. The event will serve as the premiere gathering place for representatives of hundreds of the world’s leading companies.
Day one key note presented by Nokia VP
The first day of the event will start with a presentation on the future of the TMT sector delivered by Kulojärvi, a senior vice president leading the supply chain for Smart Devices unit at Nokia. In this capacity, Kulojärvi is responsible for delivering great high quality products according to customer needs and managing the related operations. He is also responsible for building a supplier and partner ecosystem needed to create innovative smartphones. Kulojärvi is a member of the Smart Devices leadership team. Prior to this role he was heading sourcing for Smart Devices unit.
CSR executive delivers day two keynote
On day two of the event, Chadha will deliver his outlook for the technology industry.
He is responsible for establishing CSR’s vision, corporate marketing strategies and positioning, strategic alliances and incubating new business ideas. He joined CSR through its merger with SiRF Technology, where he was a founder and helped establish SiRF as the leading provider of GPS-enabled location technology to consumer markets.
Chadha is well known for his visionary role in evangelizing the benefits of location technology for mainstream consumers and holds more than 20 patents in GPS-enabled location technology and communications. He has more than 25 years of experience in various marketing and management positions.
Airtel and Avaya announce global strategic partnership for ‘Customer Service Excellence’
NEW DELHI, INDIA: Bharti Airtel Ltd and Avaya announced the signing of a five-year partnership to enhance Airtel’s customer capabilities across its operations. This groundbreaking partnership – under the umbrella of Avaya Communications Outsourcing Solutions, will provide contact center technology and managed services designed to increase the performance, reduce the costs and accelerate the transformation of Airtel’s communications environment.
Dr. Jai Menon, director of Global Innovation & IT at Bharti Airtel, and Group CIO of Bharti, said: "At Bharti Airtel, the customer is at the core of everything we do. We constantly innovate and partner with the best to offer our customers a world-class service experience at every touch point. Our partnership with Avaya is in line with the rapid evolution into the data world, and will provide superior customer service experience and extends from traditional voice based to video and social media interactions. Additionally, Avaya Communications Outsourcing Solutions will enhance our service capabilities, and help us deliver superior customer experiences across our operations."
Under the terms of the agreement, Avaya will provide a tailored contact center outsourcing environment that includes completely customized application support, billing, reporting and Service Level Agreements with remediation. In addition, Avaya will be transforming Airtel’s environment to the latest contact center technology, which will allow Airtel to provide a consistent, high-quality customer experience across all its markets.
Dr. Jai Menon, director of Global Innovation & IT at Bharti Airtel, and Group CIO of Bharti, said: "At Bharti Airtel, the customer is at the core of everything we do. We constantly innovate and partner with the best to offer our customers a world-class service experience at every touch point. Our partnership with Avaya is in line with the rapid evolution into the data world, and will provide superior customer service experience and extends from traditional voice based to video and social media interactions. Additionally, Avaya Communications Outsourcing Solutions will enhance our service capabilities, and help us deliver superior customer experiences across our operations."
Under the terms of the agreement, Avaya will provide a tailored contact center outsourcing environment that includes completely customized application support, billing, reporting and Service Level Agreements with remediation. In addition, Avaya will be transforming Airtel’s environment to the latest contact center technology, which will allow Airtel to provide a consistent, high-quality customer experience across all its markets.
Samsung launches GALAXY S Advance and GALAXY Pocket
BANGALORE, INDIA: India’s No.1 smartphone device provider, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd, announced the expansion of its GALAXY smartphone range with the launch of the GALAXY S Advance (GT-I9070) and GALAXY Pocket (GT-S5300). These stylish devices are designed to deliver a powerful performance and offer an immersive user experience.
“Samsung’s Galaxy range of smartphones continue to delight consumers with their stylish designs, powerful performances and innovative features. GALAXY S Advance and GALAXY Pocket being launched today serve to strengthen our premium as well as the entry level offering in the Smartphone market. Our rich product portfolio coupled with a strong focus on India relevant applications and premium messenger services like ChatOn truly help our consumers personalize their smartphones,” states Ranjit Yadav, country head, Mobile and IT, Samsung India.
For its Indian smartphone users, Samsung has made available several interesting applications on its Mobile application store. Through the My Reader apps, Indian consumers can access over 300,000 books from Landmark, get 26 Newspapers and 28 Magazines, and access popular comic titles such as Amar Chitra Katha, etc.
My Music app allows Samsung Smartphone users to download and listen to more than 100,000 songs from Hollywood/Bollywood and popular regional titles. Handy is a single point application where users can search, book and pay for flights, trains, buses, movie tickets, create their own stock portfolio /get real time stock price and stay updated on latest in business news, search a restaurant by cuisine and even reserve a table for themselves.
Mobile TV app allows users to watch their favourite TV shows while being on the move while My Movies app gives users access to Movies and Videos trailers of their choice. These and several thousand other applications available on the Samsung Application store allow Indian consumers to experience and interact with their Samsung smartphones in newer ways.
The Samsung smartphone range enables users to stay connected through Samsung’s Social Hub and ChatON services. ChatON connects phone users—across all mobile platforms—into a single community using phone numbers instead of usernames and passwords. The ChatON feature provides instant messaging, group chatting and sharing of content in multiple formats including images, video, voice, contacts, calendar, etc.—to make messaging simpler and more intuitive than ever.
Samsung GALAXY S Advance delivers outstanding performance with premium visual experience
With a WVGA Super AMOLED display and a large 4” curved glass screen, the Samsung GALAXY S Advance offers its users a premium, bright and clear visual display. Powered with a 1GHz dual core processor, the device offers fast booting speed, seamless internet browsing and smooth image processing. It is based on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS and users can access Google Mobile Services and download free apps from the Samsung Apps store.
The device comes loaded with three content rich hubs - Readers’ Hub, Social Hub and Game Hub that redefine the mobile entertainment experience. Users can capture special moments through videos and photos using the device’s 5MP camera and can also tune in to their favorite MP3 songs or listen to their favorite programs on FM radio. Samsung GALAXY S Advance also features Find My Mobile, a unique lost-phone management system that enables users to trace their lost phone via a web browser (samsungdive.com) and allows remote deletion of data.
With HSPA 14.4mbps connection speed and BT3.0, the GALAXY S Advance offers great connectivity options enabling users to make optimum utilization of the device’s capabilities. The Wi-Fi Direct feature connects users to other devices through Wi-Fi access points for easy content sharing.
The Samsung GALAXY S Advance is priced at Rs. 26,900/-
Samsung GALAXY Pocket is easy to carry and fun to use
The Samsung GALAXY Pocket is just 11.9mm slim and 97.0gms light that makes it easy to carry. However, despite its compact size, the GALAXY Pocket packs in quite a punch with a powerful 832MHz processor and HSDPA 3.6Mbps with advance Wi-Fi connectivity, that enables fast data processing, advance multi-tasking and fast downloading of multimedia files.
It is based on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS and users can access Google Mobile Services and download free apps from the Samsung Apps store. The 3GB internal memory (expandable up to 32GB) provides ample space to store music, movies, photos and apps. The TouchWiz interface of the device provides a smart and intuitive touch screen that provides smooth menu navigation through easy-to-access widgets.
The Samsung GALAXY Pocket comes pre-loaded with rich features including Social Hub, ChatON messenger, Facebook and an event scheduler making this device the hub of the user’s social life. The Samsung GALAXY Pocket is priced at Rs. 8,150/-.
With the launch of these two new smartphones, Samsung has a range of 19 Smartphone models priced in the range between Rs. 7,350/- to Rs 38,250/-
Samsung also announced an exciting consumer promotion on its premium Galaxy Note. Any consumer buying a Galaxy Note between today and May 31, 2012 can avail free Sennheiser headphones, download free music and games, download full version of Angry Birds Space free and get a free flip cover. Samsung has sold more than 5 million units of GALAXY Note since its launch in November last year.
“Samsung’s Galaxy range of smartphones continue to delight consumers with their stylish designs, powerful performances and innovative features. GALAXY S Advance and GALAXY Pocket being launched today serve to strengthen our premium as well as the entry level offering in the Smartphone market. Our rich product portfolio coupled with a strong focus on India relevant applications and premium messenger services like ChatOn truly help our consumers personalize their smartphones,” states Ranjit Yadav, country head, Mobile and IT, Samsung India.For its Indian smartphone users, Samsung has made available several interesting applications on its Mobile application store. Through the My Reader apps, Indian consumers can access over 300,000 books from Landmark, get 26 Newspapers and 28 Magazines, and access popular comic titles such as Amar Chitra Katha, etc.
My Music app allows Samsung Smartphone users to download and listen to more than 100,000 songs from Hollywood/Bollywood and popular regional titles. Handy is a single point application where users can search, book and pay for flights, trains, buses, movie tickets, create their own stock portfolio /get real time stock price and stay updated on latest in business news, search a restaurant by cuisine and even reserve a table for themselves.
Mobile TV app allows users to watch their favourite TV shows while being on the move while My Movies app gives users access to Movies and Videos trailers of their choice. These and several thousand other applications available on the Samsung Application store allow Indian consumers to experience and interact with their Samsung smartphones in newer ways.
The Samsung smartphone range enables users to stay connected through Samsung’s Social Hub and ChatON services. ChatON connects phone users—across all mobile platforms—into a single community using phone numbers instead of usernames and passwords. The ChatON feature provides instant messaging, group chatting and sharing of content in multiple formats including images, video, voice, contacts, calendar, etc.—to make messaging simpler and more intuitive than ever.
Samsung GALAXY S Advance delivers outstanding performance with premium visual experience
With a WVGA Super AMOLED display and a large 4” curved glass screen, the Samsung GALAXY S Advance offers its users a premium, bright and clear visual display. Powered with a 1GHz dual core processor, the device offers fast booting speed, seamless internet browsing and smooth image processing. It is based on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS and users can access Google Mobile Services and download free apps from the Samsung Apps store.
The device comes loaded with three content rich hubs - Readers’ Hub, Social Hub and Game Hub that redefine the mobile entertainment experience. Users can capture special moments through videos and photos using the device’s 5MP camera and can also tune in to their favorite MP3 songs or listen to their favorite programs on FM radio. Samsung GALAXY S Advance also features Find My Mobile, a unique lost-phone management system that enables users to trace their lost phone via a web browser (samsungdive.com) and allows remote deletion of data.
With HSPA 14.4mbps connection speed and BT3.0, the GALAXY S Advance offers great connectivity options enabling users to make optimum utilization of the device’s capabilities. The Wi-Fi Direct feature connects users to other devices through Wi-Fi access points for easy content sharing.
The Samsung GALAXY S Advance is priced at Rs. 26,900/-
Samsung GALAXY Pocket is easy to carry and fun to use
The Samsung GALAXY Pocket is just 11.9mm slim and 97.0gms light that makes it easy to carry. However, despite its compact size, the GALAXY Pocket packs in quite a punch with a powerful 832MHz processor and HSDPA 3.6Mbps with advance Wi-Fi connectivity, that enables fast data processing, advance multi-tasking and fast downloading of multimedia files.
It is based on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS and users can access Google Mobile Services and download free apps from the Samsung Apps store. The 3GB internal memory (expandable up to 32GB) provides ample space to store music, movies, photos and apps. The TouchWiz interface of the device provides a smart and intuitive touch screen that provides smooth menu navigation through easy-to-access widgets.
The Samsung GALAXY Pocket comes pre-loaded with rich features including Social Hub, ChatON messenger, Facebook and an event scheduler making this device the hub of the user’s social life. The Samsung GALAXY Pocket is priced at Rs. 8,150/-.
With the launch of these two new smartphones, Samsung has a range of 19 Smartphone models priced in the range between Rs. 7,350/- to Rs 38,250/-
Samsung also announced an exciting consumer promotion on its premium Galaxy Note. Any consumer buying a Galaxy Note between today and May 31, 2012 can avail free Sennheiser headphones, download free music and games, download full version of Angry Birds Space free and get a free flip cover. Samsung has sold more than 5 million units of GALAXY Note since its launch in November last year.
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