PUNE, INDIA: Persistent Systems, a leader in software product development services, today announced the creation of a dedicated Center of Excellence (CoE) for application development on the Apple iPhone platform.
The CoE supports Persistent’s vision to be the preferred engineering partner enabling customers to build customized mobile applications on the iPhone platform.
Through the CoE, which includes a fully equipped lab facility, Persistent will build ready-to-use, re-useable building blocks that save 20-40 percent of development efforts and solution accelerators to reduce time-to-market.
The company’s engineers have already created automation tools and frameworks that accelerate development, porting, interoperability testing and certification of mobile applications. Currently, over 350+ engineers work exclusively on a variety of mobile platforms to develop over 50 product releases per year for carrier-grade and enterprise class applications.
The iPhone 3G, launched in July 2008, has sold over 5.2 million units per quarter with users downloading more than 1.5 billion applications from the App Store in its first year.
The versatility offered by iPhone 3G has leading organizations evaluating various alternatives for the development of enterprise mobility and workforce automation solutions. Persistent’s mobility practice team has already successfully developed a number of browser-based and native applications.
Most recently, Persistent developed the image puzzle game Jumble. A native iPhone application, Persistent’s Jumble has been designed from the ground up to leverage iPhone’s unique interface. The game is supported on iPhone (version 2.2 onwards) operating system and has received 4+ rating from iPhone users.
"The Apple iPhone has revolutionized the smart phone market," said Hari Haran, president, Persistent Systems Inc. "Persistent is committed to staying ahead of the curve and our team has in-depth understanding of the iPhone application software development ecosystem. We are excited about the new CoE with exclusive focus on iPhone application development. Organizations can leverage our expertise for performance enhancement and consistent user experience with exceptional quality."
With more than a decade of experience in mobile application development, Persistent also has the expertise to certify and upload iPhone applications to the APPLE AppStore.
The company has expertise in all major mobile platforms, including iPhone, BREW, J2ME, Windows Mobile, Symbian, Palm, Embedded Linux and BlackBerry, and is a member of the Android Open Handset Alliance. Persistent’s Mobility practice recently released two new applications in the Android Open Mobile platform: ‘Knight Tour,’ a chess game and ‘World of Web,’ (WoW) an application, thus enabling partner companies to expedite development on the rich and evolving mobile platform.
Persistent’s mobility capabilities include:
• Expertise in developing carrier grade/enterprise class applications, including push-email, social networking, enterprise mobility and PIM services
• Expertise in porting device applications
• Expertise in developing applications, as well as protocol stacks
• Expertise in device testing and certification
Showing posts with label iPhone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label iPhone. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Global LBS revenues to reach $2.6 billion in 2009
LONDON, UK: ABI Research expects location based services revenues to grow at 156% from $1.7 billion in 2008 to $2.6 billion in 2009. By 2014 global LBS revenues will have surpassed $14 billion.
“One of the main drivers of the strong growth in LBS is the popularity of an impressive number of off-deck LBS applications available for a one-off fee on smartphone platforms,” says ABI Research practice director Dominique Bonte.
“Apple’s iPhone is leading the way, followed by Blackberry, Nokia, and Android. There seems to be no limit to developers’ creativity in using location for functions such as search, social networking, messaging, micro-blogging and augmented reality. Combined with the astonishing popularity of the new generation of GPS-enabled touch screen smartphones, this will continue to constitute the lifeblood of LBS in the coming years.”
A more open strategy
Many carriers in both the US and Europe are waking up to this reality by gradually adopting a more open LBS strategy with Verizon increasing the number of unlocked GPS phones and Vodafone having acquired navigation software vendor Wayfinder. Both carriers are also making their networks accessible via open API platforms. Other carriers such as Sprint have opted to partner with location aggregators as a way to play a role in the LBS ecosystem.
Which models?
While there is no doubt LBS is heading towards mass market adoption, it remains unclear which pricing and business models will emerge successfully. Currently subscription-based models are making way for one-off pricing or free hardware-subsidized offers, but expectations for advertising revenues in the longer term remain high despite privacy and fragmentation issues.
Bonte concludes, “ABI Research expects many business models will continue to coexist with recurring fees for many enterprise, navigation and safety services, but free models for most other consumer applications.”
“One of the main drivers of the strong growth in LBS is the popularity of an impressive number of off-deck LBS applications available for a one-off fee on smartphone platforms,” says ABI Research practice director Dominique Bonte.
“Apple’s iPhone is leading the way, followed by Blackberry, Nokia, and Android. There seems to be no limit to developers’ creativity in using location for functions such as search, social networking, messaging, micro-blogging and augmented reality. Combined with the astonishing popularity of the new generation of GPS-enabled touch screen smartphones, this will continue to constitute the lifeblood of LBS in the coming years.”
A more open strategy
Many carriers in both the US and Europe are waking up to this reality by gradually adopting a more open LBS strategy with Verizon increasing the number of unlocked GPS phones and Vodafone having acquired navigation software vendor Wayfinder. Both carriers are also making their networks accessible via open API platforms. Other carriers such as Sprint have opted to partner with location aggregators as a way to play a role in the LBS ecosystem.
Which models?
While there is no doubt LBS is heading towards mass market adoption, it remains unclear which pricing and business models will emerge successfully. Currently subscription-based models are making way for one-off pricing or free hardware-subsidized offers, but expectations for advertising revenues in the longer term remain high despite privacy and fragmentation issues.
Bonte concludes, “ABI Research expects many business models will continue to coexist with recurring fees for many enterprise, navigation and safety services, but free models for most other consumer applications.”
Monday, August 24, 2009
Yulong launches Coolpad N900 in China to combat iPhone
SHENZHEN, CHINA: Last week, Yulong, a mainland Chinese supplier of high-end smartphones, launched its 3G mobile phone, the Coolpad N900. Just as Apple is about to reach an agreement on entering the China market through co-operation with China Unicom, the new Coolpad N900 looms over the sales prospects of the iPhone 3G by winning itself the title "iPhone Killer".
Yulong Coolpad is a professional company specializing in research and production of high-end smartphones which offers a variety of high-end business phone products that are considered the best smartphones in the China market. Yulong introduced the first dual-mode dual stand-by technology in the world in 2005.
In recent years, the company has focused on developing the Coolpad brand, which is quickly emerging as a renowned local brand in China, and is seen as one of the major competitors of Samsung in the high-end mobile phone market.
Coolpad is launching its latest 3G mobile phone, the Coolpad N900, with CDMA2000/GSM featuring dual sim dual stand technology, which combines the stylish UI interface of iPhone's 3D Touch and is designed according to the usage habits of Chinese customers. As a flagship 3G product promoted by China Telecom and a bestseller in China, the model is especially favored by the Chinese business elite.
Li Wang, Executive Vice President of Yulong Coolpad, commented that with more high-end business consumers using more than one mobile number, dual mode dual stand-by mobile phones are expected to become more popular. Younger consumers have also shown a preference for fashionable and stylish functions and have high expectations regarding the convenience of their operation experiences.
Designed based on years-long research on the usage habits of high-end consumers done by Yulong Coolpad, the Coolpad N900 not only includes the latest and coolest TOUCH operation featuring a multi-intelligent interaction experience, it also has swift handwriting input capability convenient for Chinese consumers.
The model also includes other outstanding functions such as contact management and portable business office. The dual mode dual stand-by capability, pioneered by Coolpad, has become a standard feature of high-end smartphones. With comprehensive applications specifically geared towards Chinese consumers, N900 is unmatched in the current mobile phone market.
Guo Deying, CEO and President of Yulong, added: "One can interpret the Coolpad N900 as this -- as fashionable as the iPhone, as professional as the Blackberry, while at the same time, one of the most suitable mobile phones for Chinese users, all making N900 the 'iPhone Killer'."
According to a report by Ovum, a telecommunication consulting agency, although Apple's iPhone has not officially entered the China market, over one million iPhone handsets have already flowed into China through non-official channels.
Besides its cool interface, Chinese consumers have not truly experienced the value-added services offered by iPhone; also, the different usage habits of Chinese and Western users have impeded the using experience of Chinese users.
Entering the 3G era, applications of mobile phone content will become a field of major competition, but the iPhone Appstore's binding profit mode is facing great pressure from the Google Android camp. In China, where Chinese consumers are accustomed to getting free information and applications from the internet, iPhone's method of charging would definitely face great challenges.
According to research done by Analysys on usage habits in the Chinese market, more than 70% of consumers prefer downloading products and applications for free. Yulong Coolpad offers a free software supermarket for the Coolpad N900, which clearly caters to the internet usage habits of Chinese consumers. Compared with the iPhone, which charges fees, the Coolpad N900 Coolmart, which offers products free of charge, has a better chance in the Chinese market.
Amidst tense negotiations on the iPhone entering the China market, several key points are yet to be confirmed with China Unicom. According to Apple, to address the different consumption habits of Chinese consumers, products offered online are likely to undergo modifications upon entering the China market.
Positioned as a major competitor of the iPhone, the Coolpad N900 is expected to take away a fair share of the smartphone market, especially with the iPhone facing a tough entry into the Japanese market, which foreshadows the challenges of foreign brands entering into highly localized markets, such as China.
Yulong Coolpad is a professional company specializing in research and production of high-end smartphones which offers a variety of high-end business phone products that are considered the best smartphones in the China market. Yulong introduced the first dual-mode dual stand-by technology in the world in 2005.
In recent years, the company has focused on developing the Coolpad brand, which is quickly emerging as a renowned local brand in China, and is seen as one of the major competitors of Samsung in the high-end mobile phone market.
Coolpad is launching its latest 3G mobile phone, the Coolpad N900, with CDMA2000/GSM featuring dual sim dual stand technology, which combines the stylish UI interface of iPhone's 3D Touch and is designed according to the usage habits of Chinese customers. As a flagship 3G product promoted by China Telecom and a bestseller in China, the model is especially favored by the Chinese business elite.
Li Wang, Executive Vice President of Yulong Coolpad, commented that with more high-end business consumers using more than one mobile number, dual mode dual stand-by mobile phones are expected to become more popular. Younger consumers have also shown a preference for fashionable and stylish functions and have high expectations regarding the convenience of their operation experiences.
Designed based on years-long research on the usage habits of high-end consumers done by Yulong Coolpad, the Coolpad N900 not only includes the latest and coolest TOUCH operation featuring a multi-intelligent interaction experience, it also has swift handwriting input capability convenient for Chinese consumers.
The model also includes other outstanding functions such as contact management and portable business office. The dual mode dual stand-by capability, pioneered by Coolpad, has become a standard feature of high-end smartphones. With comprehensive applications specifically geared towards Chinese consumers, N900 is unmatched in the current mobile phone market.
Guo Deying, CEO and President of Yulong, added: "One can interpret the Coolpad N900 as this -- as fashionable as the iPhone, as professional as the Blackberry, while at the same time, one of the most suitable mobile phones for Chinese users, all making N900 the 'iPhone Killer'."
According to a report by Ovum, a telecommunication consulting agency, although Apple's iPhone has not officially entered the China market, over one million iPhone handsets have already flowed into China through non-official channels.
Besides its cool interface, Chinese consumers have not truly experienced the value-added services offered by iPhone; also, the different usage habits of Chinese and Western users have impeded the using experience of Chinese users.
Entering the 3G era, applications of mobile phone content will become a field of major competition, but the iPhone Appstore's binding profit mode is facing great pressure from the Google Android camp. In China, where Chinese consumers are accustomed to getting free information and applications from the internet, iPhone's method of charging would definitely face great challenges.
According to research done by Analysys on usage habits in the Chinese market, more than 70% of consumers prefer downloading products and applications for free. Yulong Coolpad offers a free software supermarket for the Coolpad N900, which clearly caters to the internet usage habits of Chinese consumers. Compared with the iPhone, which charges fees, the Coolpad N900 Coolmart, which offers products free of charge, has a better chance in the Chinese market.
Amidst tense negotiations on the iPhone entering the China market, several key points are yet to be confirmed with China Unicom. According to Apple, to address the different consumption habits of Chinese consumers, products offered online are likely to undergo modifications upon entering the China market.
Positioned as a major competitor of the iPhone, the Coolpad N900 is expected to take away a fair share of the smartphone market, especially with the iPhone facing a tough entry into the Japanese market, which foreshadows the challenges of foreign brands entering into highly localized markets, such as China.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Smartphone downloads from all app stores to reach 6.67 billion in 2014
MOUNTAIN VIEW, USA: Smartphone penetration in the US mobile markets is increasing rapidly. For some time, mobile operators have been offering a branded 'catalog' of mobile content and services that could be purchased from the handset itself.
However, all that is changing for smartphones, in which newer types of targeted app stores are being introduced to enable the device owner to purchase content from outside the operator environment. The availability of a large number of inexpensive or free mobile applications that leverage the next-generation technical capabilities of the target device will help drive adoption.
However, in the end, service differentiation and generating suitable return on investment from the app store business could be challenging.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan: An Insight into the US Smartphone Application Storefront Market, finds that smartphone downloads from all app stores will reach 6.67 billion in 2014. The market segments covered in this research include prepaid and postpaid mobile, SMS and MMS, mobile Internet, iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile, Palm, and Symbian.
"Next-generation devices are being introduced at a rapid pace, and stakeholders are offering app stores to facilitate downloads of compelling applications from multiple categories, serving a wide range of communication, entertainment, information, and personalization requirements of the mobile user," says Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Vikrant Gandhi.
"For example, Apple, Google, Nokia, Palm and Microsoft have either already introduced app stores or are in various stages of app store rollouts and are working to ensure that the entire service experience is compelling for the end user or device owner."
A vast majority of applications are available 'free of cost' to the end user, significantly driving adoption in the US smartphone app store market. These applications leverage advanced device capabilities such as touch screen, accelerometers, full Web browsing, and location-based services, among others, to deliver a truly compelling proposition.
The most significant challenge is to ensure service differentiation and optimal management of the scale of the app store business. App store providers should always be open to support new business models to drive the introduction of innovative services and content types. Having a clear value proposition is also important for mobile operators.
"Unless the app store providers establish exclusivity agreements with application developers -- something that is not feasible for a large majority of applications -- it will be difficult to provide enough differentiation through the app stores," notes Gandhi.
"The best example of how this could be done is Apple's app store, in which the entire experience of service purchase and consumption -- including device characteristics, form factor and the operating environment -- was a radical shift at the time of its introduction."
This does not mean that services could not be differentiated at all. The moot point then is the extent to which providers are willing to invest in their infrastructure to offer new service to their customers, which then ties back into something that is still being examined -- identifying the main purpose of launching the app stores and if app stores alone are strong enough reasons to purchase a particular type of device.
A single participant cannot provide all the services in the mobile content industry. App store providers need to work with multiple application providers and offer them sufficient incentives for their app store initiatives.
Services of independent, third-party app store providers such as Handango, Handmark, and PocketGear can also be used to run an app store business profitably with adequate service differentiation.
"For instance, outsourcing or white-labeling of the app store business might become a good idea in the long run since a device vendor or an operating system provider may not want to commit large resources to manage the smartphone app store business," concludes Gandhi.
However, all that is changing for smartphones, in which newer types of targeted app stores are being introduced to enable the device owner to purchase content from outside the operator environment. The availability of a large number of inexpensive or free mobile applications that leverage the next-generation technical capabilities of the target device will help drive adoption.
However, in the end, service differentiation and generating suitable return on investment from the app store business could be challenging.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan: An Insight into the US Smartphone Application Storefront Market, finds that smartphone downloads from all app stores will reach 6.67 billion in 2014. The market segments covered in this research include prepaid and postpaid mobile, SMS and MMS, mobile Internet, iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile, Palm, and Symbian.
"Next-generation devices are being introduced at a rapid pace, and stakeholders are offering app stores to facilitate downloads of compelling applications from multiple categories, serving a wide range of communication, entertainment, information, and personalization requirements of the mobile user," says Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Vikrant Gandhi.
"For example, Apple, Google, Nokia, Palm and Microsoft have either already introduced app stores or are in various stages of app store rollouts and are working to ensure that the entire service experience is compelling for the end user or device owner."
A vast majority of applications are available 'free of cost' to the end user, significantly driving adoption in the US smartphone app store market. These applications leverage advanced device capabilities such as touch screen, accelerometers, full Web browsing, and location-based services, among others, to deliver a truly compelling proposition.
The most significant challenge is to ensure service differentiation and optimal management of the scale of the app store business. App store providers should always be open to support new business models to drive the introduction of innovative services and content types. Having a clear value proposition is also important for mobile operators.
"Unless the app store providers establish exclusivity agreements with application developers -- something that is not feasible for a large majority of applications -- it will be difficult to provide enough differentiation through the app stores," notes Gandhi.
"The best example of how this could be done is Apple's app store, in which the entire experience of service purchase and consumption -- including device characteristics, form factor and the operating environment -- was a radical shift at the time of its introduction."
This does not mean that services could not be differentiated at all. The moot point then is the extent to which providers are willing to invest in their infrastructure to offer new service to their customers, which then ties back into something that is still being examined -- identifying the main purpose of launching the app stores and if app stores alone are strong enough reasons to purchase a particular type of device.
A single participant cannot provide all the services in the mobile content industry. App store providers need to work with multiple application providers and offer them sufficient incentives for their app store initiatives.
Services of independent, third-party app store providers such as Handango, Handmark, and PocketGear can also be used to run an app store business profitably with adequate service differentiation.
"For instance, outsourcing or white-labeling of the app store business might become a good idea in the long run since a device vendor or an operating system provider may not want to commit large resources to manage the smartphone app store business," concludes Gandhi.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Synapse takes iPhone world by storm with 'iWet T-shirt' app
NOIDA, INDIA: Have you ever fantasized over throwing water on busty beauties to sneak a view of their body basics inside the clothing? Well the commonest of male fantasies is ready to be materialized via the men’s commonest possession -- an iPhone!
For the seekers of unadulterated, harmless fun, Synapse Communications has developed the iWet T-Shirt –- an iPhone application that has already grabbed eyeballs for its fun-filled concept and simple interface.
The application calls its users to have fun by jetting liquid on buxom beauties (a never advisable activity in real life, though). One can select from a bevy of beautiful girls to wet, and after completion of the deed, can zoom in to view the particular body part.
The application also lets its users to ‘undo’ a wetting session or select ‘smooth nozzle spray’ feature for additional fun during the game.
While the game database is constantly populated with addition new girls, a simple menu with easy gaming instructions makes the application even more exciting.
iWet features as one of recent and most talked after games added by Apple in its repository. Apple has released the game under a PG-13 rating and is ready to be downloaded.
Synapse Communications is a leading iPhone application developer and software solution provider from India has stamped its credentials of an expert application developer with a list of exciting iPhone applications already making prominent presence in iPhone App Store.
Google Voice, no doubt, is a useful application. Rejection of the same would upset many iPhone, and all Google, fans. But the way the scathing remarks have been directed to Apple, I doubt on the (seemingly) ‘purist’s’ credentials. They sound more like Apple’s diehard anti, than ones anyway near to being seekers of an adult /sex theme-free list of iPhone applications.
If Apple has approved iWet, it also did it with a word of caution by rating the same with PG-13. It now entirely remains in the discretion of user to download the application.
Perhaps, days of unnecessary fistfights and derisions against adult theme-oriented applications/websites are over. In the web world, where access to everything interesting is just a click away, we need to be more ingenious in setting our priorities and open towards abiding holistic regulations.
For the seekers of unadulterated, harmless fun, Synapse Communications has developed the iWet T-Shirt –- an iPhone application that has already grabbed eyeballs for its fun-filled concept and simple interface.The application calls its users to have fun by jetting liquid on buxom beauties (a never advisable activity in real life, though). One can select from a bevy of beautiful girls to wet, and after completion of the deed, can zoom in to view the particular body part.
The application also lets its users to ‘undo’ a wetting session or select ‘smooth nozzle spray’ feature for additional fun during the game.
While the game database is constantly populated with addition new girls, a simple menu with easy gaming instructions makes the application even more exciting.
iWet features as one of recent and most talked after games added by Apple in its repository. Apple has released the game under a PG-13 rating and is ready to be downloaded.
Synapse Communications is a leading iPhone application developer and software solution provider from India has stamped its credentials of an expert application developer with a list of exciting iPhone applications already making prominent presence in iPhone App Store.
Google Voice, no doubt, is a useful application. Rejection of the same would upset many iPhone, and all Google, fans. But the way the scathing remarks have been directed to Apple, I doubt on the (seemingly) ‘purist’s’ credentials. They sound more like Apple’s diehard anti, than ones anyway near to being seekers of an adult /sex theme-free list of iPhone applications.
If Apple has approved iWet, it also did it with a word of caution by rating the same with PG-13. It now entirely remains in the discretion of user to download the application.
Perhaps, days of unnecessary fistfights and derisions against adult theme-oriented applications/websites are over. In the web world, where access to everything interesting is just a click away, we need to be more ingenious in setting our priorities and open towards abiding holistic regulations.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Cloud computing will radically transform mobile applications
NEW YORK, USA: Apple’s iPhone sparked an explosion in consumer awareness of mobile applications. New applications are proliferating and “app stores” are springing up. But most of today’s applications need handsets with robust computing power, limiting their potential market.
However a new architecture based on software running in the cloud will drastically change the way mobile applications are developed, acquired, and used. According to a new study from ABI Research, this will be a profoundly disruptive development that could eclipse the current mobile application model by 2014, delivering revenue of nearly $20 billion annually by the end of that year.
“Mobile application developers today face the challenge of multiple mobile operating systems,” says senior analyst Mark Beccue. “Either they must write for just one OS, or create many versions of the same application. More sophisticated apps require significant processing power and memory in the handset.
"Using Web development, applications can run on servers instead of locally, so handset requirements can be greatly reduced and developers can create just one version of an application. This trend is in its infancy today, but ABI Research believes that eventually it will become the prevailing model for mobile applications.”
This approach is not without challenges, chief among which is intermittent network availability. A cloud-based application stops working if you lose your connection. However new programming languages such as HTML 5 will enable data caching on the handset, allowing work to continue until cellular signal is restored.
“Cloud computing will bring unprecedented sophistication to mobile applications,” Beccue notes. “To mention just a few examples, business users will benefit from collaboration and data sharing apps. Personal users will gain from remote access apps allowing them to monitor home security systems, PCs or DVRs, and from social networking mashups that let them share photos and video or incorporate their phone address books and calendars.”
However a new architecture based on software running in the cloud will drastically change the way mobile applications are developed, acquired, and used. According to a new study from ABI Research, this will be a profoundly disruptive development that could eclipse the current mobile application model by 2014, delivering revenue of nearly $20 billion annually by the end of that year.
“Mobile application developers today face the challenge of multiple mobile operating systems,” says senior analyst Mark Beccue. “Either they must write for just one OS, or create many versions of the same application. More sophisticated apps require significant processing power and memory in the handset.
"Using Web development, applications can run on servers instead of locally, so handset requirements can be greatly reduced and developers can create just one version of an application. This trend is in its infancy today, but ABI Research believes that eventually it will become the prevailing model for mobile applications.”
This approach is not without challenges, chief among which is intermittent network availability. A cloud-based application stops working if you lose your connection. However new programming languages such as HTML 5 will enable data caching on the handset, allowing work to continue until cellular signal is restored.
“Cloud computing will bring unprecedented sophistication to mobile applications,” Beccue notes. “To mention just a few examples, business users will benefit from collaboration and data sharing apps. Personal users will gain from remote access apps allowing them to monitor home security systems, PCs or DVRs, and from social networking mashups that let them share photos and video or incorporate their phone address books and calendars.”
Monday, July 6, 2009
iPorn Web app still available for iPhone
BEVERLY HILLS, USA: The makers of iPorn want to set the record straight: "The iPorn web application that delivers free x-rated videos to iPhone users over the age of 18 is still available even as Apple bans adult content from its iTunes App Store."
The media reports that have dubbed "The Hottest Girls" application removed from the Apple iTunes App Store, "iPorn," is not in any way associated with the authentic iPorn mobile web application that was unveiled with much fanfare outside the Apple World Wide Developers Conference in San Francisco on June 8.
The "real" mobile iPorn site is meeting with rave reviews and has attracted over 45,000 registered users already. One site proclaimed that iPorn "is the best reason to upgrade to an iPhone 3GS."
iPorn is the first adult mobile web app developed using Apple specifications to take advantage of iPhone's unique multi-touch and accelerometer motion sensing display innovations and benefits from the faster processor available for the new iPhone 3GS.
iPorn also provides its adult users with social networking capabilities similar to those found in YouTube, MySpace and Facebook. Versions for the Blackberry, Palm Pre and Android phones are currently in development and will be released later this year.
"It was widely reported that Apple stated that the developers of 'The Hottest Girls' iPhone application added x-rated content directly from their server after the application had been approved and distributed through the iTunes App Store," stated a representative of iPorn.
"In contrast, the makers of the iPorn web application never sought to deceive Apple. Instead iPorn was developed as a web application that can be obtained by users over the age of 18 through their iPhone web browser for free without having to purchase it through Apple's iTunes App store and bypasses Apple's ability to censor content from the iPhone."
iPorn members can stream high-resolution videos, post and share sexy videos and photos with friends, create member profile pages, meet and interact with other members, send private messages to each other and make lots of new friends who share a passion for sex. Its users can personally interact with hundreds of amateur and professional adult performers via live video webcams, chat and mobile texting.
Members can send adult videos from the website to their iPhone or iPod Touch-equipped friends.
PHOTOS of the iPorn Girls appearing outside at the Apple WWDC at the Moscone Center are authorized for media publication and broadcasting and can be found at http://idahoglbl.com/small (web resolution) and http://idahoglbl.com/img (high resolution).
The media reports that have dubbed "The Hottest Girls" application removed from the Apple iTunes App Store, "iPorn," is not in any way associated with the authentic iPorn mobile web application that was unveiled with much fanfare outside the Apple World Wide Developers Conference in San Francisco on June 8.
The "real" mobile iPorn site is meeting with rave reviews and has attracted over 45,000 registered users already. One site proclaimed that iPorn "is the best reason to upgrade to an iPhone 3GS."
iPorn is the first adult mobile web app developed using Apple specifications to take advantage of iPhone's unique multi-touch and accelerometer motion sensing display innovations and benefits from the faster processor available for the new iPhone 3GS. iPorn also provides its adult users with social networking capabilities similar to those found in YouTube, MySpace and Facebook. Versions for the Blackberry, Palm Pre and Android phones are currently in development and will be released later this year.
"It was widely reported that Apple stated that the developers of 'The Hottest Girls' iPhone application added x-rated content directly from their server after the application had been approved and distributed through the iTunes App Store," stated a representative of iPorn.
"In contrast, the makers of the iPorn web application never sought to deceive Apple. Instead iPorn was developed as a web application that can be obtained by users over the age of 18 through their iPhone web browser for free without having to purchase it through Apple's iTunes App store and bypasses Apple's ability to censor content from the iPhone."
iPorn members can stream high-resolution videos, post and share sexy videos and photos with friends, create member profile pages, meet and interact with other members, send private messages to each other and make lots of new friends who share a passion for sex. Its users can personally interact with hundreds of amateur and professional adult performers via live video webcams, chat and mobile texting.
Members can send adult videos from the website to their iPhone or iPod Touch-equipped friends.
PHOTOS of the iPorn Girls appearing outside at the Apple WWDC at the Moscone Center are authorized for media publication and broadcasting and can be found at http://idahoglbl.com/small (web resolution) and http://idahoglbl.com/img (high resolution).
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Latest version of iPhone marks Apple's continued focus on smartphone market
Comment from, Adam Leach, Devices principal analyst, Ovum.
UK: The latest version of the iPhone marks Apple's continued focus on the smartphone market. Ovum expects 171.9 million smartphones globally to be shipped this year, a growth of 23 percent on 2008 and will represent 15 percent of the total worldwide mobile phone market in 2009.
The latest offering from Apple is further evidence of the move towards managed device platforms (MDP), distinguishing those devices that are actively managed by OEMs, MNOs, web companies and retailers from those that aren’t.
Consumers will increasingly make buying decisions based not on a device’s potential to support advanced capabilities but –- crucially –- on the vendor managing their data and services on the device.
The ability to deliver a tightly integrated end-to-end service proposition including content and applications directly to consumers was pioneered by Apple, however, the adoption of the MDP model by Nokia, Google, Microsoft, Sony and other major vendors will drive the adoption of smartphones.
UK: The latest version of the iPhone marks Apple's continued focus on the smartphone market. Ovum expects 171.9 million smartphones globally to be shipped this year, a growth of 23 percent on 2008 and will represent 15 percent of the total worldwide mobile phone market in 2009.
The latest offering from Apple is further evidence of the move towards managed device platforms (MDP), distinguishing those devices that are actively managed by OEMs, MNOs, web companies and retailers from those that aren’t.
Consumers will increasingly make buying decisions based not on a device’s potential to support advanced capabilities but –- crucially –- on the vendor managing their data and services on the device.
The ability to deliver a tightly integrated end-to-end service proposition including content and applications directly to consumers was pioneered by Apple, however, the adoption of the MDP model by Nokia, Google, Microsoft, Sony and other major vendors will drive the adoption of smartphones.
Introducing iPhone 3G S; iPhone 3G now for $99!
SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Apple has introduced the new iPhone 3G S, the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet, packed with incredible new features including improved speed and performance--up to twice as fast as iPhone 3G--with longer battery life, a high-quality 3 megapixel autofocus camera, easy to use video recording and hands free voice control.
Source: Apple
iPhone 3G S includes the new iPhone OS 3.0, the world's most advanced mobile operating system with over 100 new features such as Cut, Copy and Paste, MMS*, Spotlight Search, landscape keyboard and more. iPhone 3G S customers get access to more than 50,000 applications from Apple's revolutionary App Store, the largest application store in the world where customers have already downloaded over one billion apps.
iPhone 3G S offers twice the capacity for the same price with a 16GB model for just $199 and a new 32GB model for just $299.
Also, beginning today (June 8), iPhone 3G is available at the breakthrough price of just $99 for the 8GB model -- a huge milestone for the high end smartphone market.
"iPhone 3G S is the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet and we think people will love the incredible new features including autofocus camera, video recording and the freedom of voice control," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of WorldWide Product Marketing. "And with a breakthrough price of $99, we are thrilled to get iPhone 3G into the hands of even more users who want them."
iPhone 3G S offers incredible speed and performance, on average up to twice as fast as iPhone 3G, so you can render web pages quicker and launch applications faster. iPhone 3G S takes advantage of the OpenGL ES 2.0 standard for stunning high-quality 3D graphics, making mobile gaming and other graphic intense applications better than ever.
iPhone 3G S is not only faster, but with longer battery life you can watch more videos, listen to more music, browse the Internet or keep using your favorite apps even longer. The new iPhone 3G S also supports 7.2 Mbps HSDPA for faster networking speeds.***
iPhone 3G S features a new 3 megapixel autofocus camera that takes amazing pictures and video, making it easier than ever to capture, edit and share those moments instantly with family and friends. The new autofocus camera adjusts focus, exposure, color and contrast for the best possible image and includes an automatic macro focus for extra close up shots.
With the new "tap to focus" feature, you simply touch the display to select an object or area of interest and the camera automatically re-adjusts focus and exposure. You can record incredible high-quality video clips and edit them right on your iPhone 3G S by simply trimming the start and stop points. With iPhone 3G S you can send photos and video by email or MMS and post them to MobileMe(TM) or YouTube with just one tap.
The voice control feature in iPhone 3G S offers hands free operation for both iPhone and iPod functions. Simply speak the appropriate commands into the built-in microphone or headset microphone to dial by name or number. With voice control you can play your favorite music by artist, album or playlist and activate the Genius feature by saying "play more songs like this." You can also tell iPhone to pause the music, play the next track, turn on shuffle or ask, "What's playing right now?"
iPhone 3G S features a new built-in digital compass for instant navigation. The Compass app shows you which way you are headed and rotates as you change direction. You can orient yourself to true north or magnetic north, and iPhone's built-in GPS automatically displays the coordinates of your current location. The new built-in digital compass is also integrated within Maps, so it automatically orients any map to the direction you are facing.
iPhone 3G S provides new accessibility features including VoiceOver, a screen reader that speaks what appears on the iPhone 3G S display, enabling visually impaired users to make calls, read email, browse web pages, play music and run applications.
The new universal Zoom function magnifies the entire screen, and the White on Black feature reverses the colors on screen to provide higher contrast for people with low vision. iPhone 3G S also supports Mono Audio which combines left and right audio channels so that they can be heard in both earbuds for those with hearing loss in one ear.
iPhone 3G S includes the new iPhone OS 3.0 software with more than 100 new features including: Cut, Copy and Paste; MMS; Spotlight Search to search across iPhone or within Mail, Contacts, Calendar and iPod; landscape keyboard for Mail, Messages, Notes and Safari(R); expanded parental controls for TV shows, movies and apps from the App Store; and the ability to capture and send audio recordings on the go with the new Voice Memo app.
iPhone 3.0 software also includes a new Find My iPhone feature that works together with MobileMe so you can locate your lost iPhone on a map, send a message that will appear on the screen or play a sound to help you find it even if your phone is set to silent. If you cannot find your iPhone, you can erase all data and content on your iPhone with the new Remote Wipe feature.
New iTunes features available with iPhone 3.0 software include wirelessly downloading movies, TV and audio programs as well as iTunes U so students can download learning materials on the go.
iPhone 3G S gives users access to the revolutionary App Store, the largest application store in the world with more than 50,000 applications. The App Store allows developers to reach tens of millions of iPhone and iPod touch users around the world. To date, customers have downloaded more than one billion apps from the App Store.
And with more than 1,000 new APIs available with the iPhone SDK, developers can create even more innovative applications using In-App Purchases, a new Maps API and Push Notifications.
iPhone 3G S also features built-in Nike + iPod support making it an incredible workout companion. Users simply place the optional Nike + iPod sensor ($19) in their Nike + shoe to seamlessly connect with iPhone 3G S to track miles run or sync with the latest generation gym equipment.
Pricing and availability
iPhone 3G S will be available in the US on June 19 for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) for the 16GB model and just $299 (US) for the new 32GB model in both Apple and AT&T's retail and online stores, Best Buy and Wal-Mart stores.
iPhone 3G S requires a new two year contract with AT&T for qualifying customers. iPhone OS 3.0 software will be available on June 17 as a free software update via iTunes 8.2 or later for all iPhone customers. iPod touch customers will be able to purchase a software update for $9.95 (US).
Beginning June 8, iPhone 3G will be available for just $99 (US) for the 8GB model. New MobileMe features for iPhone require iPhone OS 3.0. MobileMe is available for an annual subscription price of $99 (US).
iPhone 3G S will also be available in more than 80 countries in the coming weeks.
Source: AppleiPhone 3G S includes the new iPhone OS 3.0, the world's most advanced mobile operating system with over 100 new features such as Cut, Copy and Paste, MMS*, Spotlight Search, landscape keyboard and more. iPhone 3G S customers get access to more than 50,000 applications from Apple's revolutionary App Store, the largest application store in the world where customers have already downloaded over one billion apps.
iPhone 3G S offers twice the capacity for the same price with a 16GB model for just $199 and a new 32GB model for just $299.
Also, beginning today (June 8), iPhone 3G is available at the breakthrough price of just $99 for the 8GB model -- a huge milestone for the high end smartphone market.
"iPhone 3G S is the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet and we think people will love the incredible new features including autofocus camera, video recording and the freedom of voice control," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of WorldWide Product Marketing. "And with a breakthrough price of $99, we are thrilled to get iPhone 3G into the hands of even more users who want them."
iPhone 3G S offers incredible speed and performance, on average up to twice as fast as iPhone 3G, so you can render web pages quicker and launch applications faster. iPhone 3G S takes advantage of the OpenGL ES 2.0 standard for stunning high-quality 3D graphics, making mobile gaming and other graphic intense applications better than ever.
iPhone 3G S is not only faster, but with longer battery life you can watch more videos, listen to more music, browse the Internet or keep using your favorite apps even longer. The new iPhone 3G S also supports 7.2 Mbps HSDPA for faster networking speeds.***
iPhone 3G S features a new 3 megapixel autofocus camera that takes amazing pictures and video, making it easier than ever to capture, edit and share those moments instantly with family and friends. The new autofocus camera adjusts focus, exposure, color and contrast for the best possible image and includes an automatic macro focus for extra close up shots.
With the new "tap to focus" feature, you simply touch the display to select an object or area of interest and the camera automatically re-adjusts focus and exposure. You can record incredible high-quality video clips and edit them right on your iPhone 3G S by simply trimming the start and stop points. With iPhone 3G S you can send photos and video by email or MMS and post them to MobileMe(TM) or YouTube with just one tap.
The voice control feature in iPhone 3G S offers hands free operation for both iPhone and iPod functions. Simply speak the appropriate commands into the built-in microphone or headset microphone to dial by name or number. With voice control you can play your favorite music by artist, album or playlist and activate the Genius feature by saying "play more songs like this." You can also tell iPhone to pause the music, play the next track, turn on shuffle or ask, "What's playing right now?"
iPhone 3G S features a new built-in digital compass for instant navigation. The Compass app shows you which way you are headed and rotates as you change direction. You can orient yourself to true north or magnetic north, and iPhone's built-in GPS automatically displays the coordinates of your current location. The new built-in digital compass is also integrated within Maps, so it automatically orients any map to the direction you are facing.
iPhone 3G S provides new accessibility features including VoiceOver, a screen reader that speaks what appears on the iPhone 3G S display, enabling visually impaired users to make calls, read email, browse web pages, play music and run applications.
The new universal Zoom function magnifies the entire screen, and the White on Black feature reverses the colors on screen to provide higher contrast for people with low vision. iPhone 3G S also supports Mono Audio which combines left and right audio channels so that they can be heard in both earbuds for those with hearing loss in one ear.
iPhone 3G S includes the new iPhone OS 3.0 software with more than 100 new features including: Cut, Copy and Paste; MMS; Spotlight Search to search across iPhone or within Mail, Contacts, Calendar and iPod; landscape keyboard for Mail, Messages, Notes and Safari(R); expanded parental controls for TV shows, movies and apps from the App Store; and the ability to capture and send audio recordings on the go with the new Voice Memo app.
iPhone 3.0 software also includes a new Find My iPhone feature that works together with MobileMe so you can locate your lost iPhone on a map, send a message that will appear on the screen or play a sound to help you find it even if your phone is set to silent. If you cannot find your iPhone, you can erase all data and content on your iPhone with the new Remote Wipe feature.
New iTunes features available with iPhone 3.0 software include wirelessly downloading movies, TV and audio programs as well as iTunes U so students can download learning materials on the go.
iPhone 3G S gives users access to the revolutionary App Store, the largest application store in the world with more than 50,000 applications. The App Store allows developers to reach tens of millions of iPhone and iPod touch users around the world. To date, customers have downloaded more than one billion apps from the App Store.
And with more than 1,000 new APIs available with the iPhone SDK, developers can create even more innovative applications using In-App Purchases, a new Maps API and Push Notifications.
iPhone 3G S also features built-in Nike + iPod support making it an incredible workout companion. Users simply place the optional Nike + iPod sensor ($19) in their Nike + shoe to seamlessly connect with iPhone 3G S to track miles run or sync with the latest generation gym equipment.
Pricing and availability
iPhone 3G S will be available in the US on June 19 for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) for the 16GB model and just $299 (US) for the new 32GB model in both Apple and AT&T's retail and online stores, Best Buy and Wal-Mart stores.
iPhone 3G S requires a new two year contract with AT&T for qualifying customers. iPhone OS 3.0 software will be available on June 17 as a free software update via iTunes 8.2 or later for all iPhone customers. iPod touch customers will be able to purchase a software update for $9.95 (US).
Beginning June 8, iPhone 3G will be available for just $99 (US) for the 8GB model. New MobileMe features for iPhone require iPhone OS 3.0. MobileMe is available for an annual subscription price of $99 (US).
iPhone 3G S will also be available in more than 80 countries in the coming weeks.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Yap releases iPhone SDK at Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2009
SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Yap, developer of the world’s first fully automated speech-to-text hosted platform for communications service providers, today announced the availability of its Software Development Kit (SDK) for the speech-enablement of iPhone applications.
The Yap SDK for the iPhone gives developers a simple interface to rapidly voice-enable existing mobile applications such as email, instant/text messaging, search, social networking, voicemail-to-text and others.
“Consumers have clearly expressed the need for mobile device interfaces that are easier to use, especially in situations where typing is difficult or dangerous, and the most obvious solution is voice,” said Igor Jablokov, CEO of Yap.
“A voice interface makes interacting with the tools we use daily for productivity and communication, like text, email and search, more effortless than typing, which can be complicated, slow and unsafe. With the Yap SDK for iPhone, developers can quickly take advantage of our machine-based speech-to-text technologies to build first class, voice-driven applications.”
“Today’s speech technology, enhanced by Yap innovations, allows the voice user interface to mimic the text search interface—just say what you want and get the results,” explained Bill Meisel, President of TMA Associates and Publisher & Editor of Speech Strategy News. “For the small form-factor of mobile phones, the speech model is an intuitive alternative to inconvenient, and often unsafe, typing.”
The Yap SDK for iPhone is available through the Company’s recently announced partner program, an initiative focused on establishing a diverse community of organizations dedicated to the proliferation of speech input for mobile applications.
Yap has closely collaborated with industry pioneers such as 4DK, AOL, ArdaCOM, GotVoice, MyCaption, SHAPE Services and YouMail to build voice technology into a variety of consumer applications.
For example, SHAPE Services recently announced that they are using Yap’s technology to speech-enable future versions of their award-winning IM+ instant messaging application, which is currently the best selling all-in-one mobile instant messenger available in the App Store.
Yap employs a multi-disciplinary team with years of experience in audio semiconductors and speech recognition, working previously on innovative products such as Apple’s iPod, IBM’s ViaVoice for Mac and Nuance’s Dragon Naturally Speaking.
The Yap SDK for the iPhone gives developers a simple interface to rapidly voice-enable existing mobile applications such as email, instant/text messaging, search, social networking, voicemail-to-text and others.
“Consumers have clearly expressed the need for mobile device interfaces that are easier to use, especially in situations where typing is difficult or dangerous, and the most obvious solution is voice,” said Igor Jablokov, CEO of Yap.
“A voice interface makes interacting with the tools we use daily for productivity and communication, like text, email and search, more effortless than typing, which can be complicated, slow and unsafe. With the Yap SDK for iPhone, developers can quickly take advantage of our machine-based speech-to-text technologies to build first class, voice-driven applications.”
“Today’s speech technology, enhanced by Yap innovations, allows the voice user interface to mimic the text search interface—just say what you want and get the results,” explained Bill Meisel, President of TMA Associates and Publisher & Editor of Speech Strategy News. “For the small form-factor of mobile phones, the speech model is an intuitive alternative to inconvenient, and often unsafe, typing.”
The Yap SDK for iPhone is available through the Company’s recently announced partner program, an initiative focused on establishing a diverse community of organizations dedicated to the proliferation of speech input for mobile applications.
Yap has closely collaborated with industry pioneers such as 4DK, AOL, ArdaCOM, GotVoice, MyCaption, SHAPE Services and YouMail to build voice technology into a variety of consumer applications.
For example, SHAPE Services recently announced that they are using Yap’s technology to speech-enable future versions of their award-winning IM+ instant messaging application, which is currently the best selling all-in-one mobile instant messenger available in the App Store.
Yap employs a multi-disciplinary team with years of experience in audio semiconductors and speech recognition, working previously on innovative products such as Apple’s iPod, IBM’s ViaVoice for Mac and Nuance’s Dragon Naturally Speaking.
ZAGG enters mobile application market
SALT LAKE CITY, USA: ZAGG Inc., a leading producer of mobile electronics accessories including the popular invisibleSHIELD and award-winning ZAGGaudio brands, announces their foray into the fast-growing market for mobile applications.
ZAGG’s initial developments include AppSpace.com, an online destination for mobile apps, as well their first app developed and published directly by ZAGG for the iPhone app platform.
ZAGG executives announced the development and scheduled July 2009 launch of AppSpace.com during their recent investor conference call. AppSpace.com will provide mobile app users with an industry-first app search engine with a social media component to ease the process of sorting through the exploding number of mobile titles. It will also give developers a platform to promote their apps.
“Entering the mobile application world is a strategic expansion for ZAGG, and I believe it will be a significant part of our business in the future,” said Robert G. Pedersen II, ZAGG’s President and CEO. “AppSpace.com is an entirely new approach to app discovery, and it promises to become an indispensable tool for both mobile app users and app developers.”
ZAGG also introduced a new mobile application for Apple’s iPhone platform; a fast-paced strategy game called “Trains.” It is the first app developed and published directly by ZAGG.
“‘Trains’ has an appeal that is similar to some of the most popular iPhone games currently on Apple’s App Store. If you enjoy ‘Flight Control’ from Firemint, we think you will love ‘Trains,’” said Cameron Gibbs, ZAGG’s Director of Apps. “This is the first of the many great things to come from ZAGG’s apps.”
“Trains” combines the fun of operating a model train with the addictive challenge of a strategy game. Players control the tracks as a variety of colored trains speed through the yard. Intersections can be switched ahead of the trains to direct the cargo through the proper warehouses, and then safely off the screen.
Proper switching drops off the cargo in the warehouses and rewards the player with points. However, if any of the trains collide, the player’s time as engineer is done and he has to start over.
ZAGG’s initial developments include AppSpace.com, an online destination for mobile apps, as well their first app developed and published directly by ZAGG for the iPhone app platform.
ZAGG executives announced the development and scheduled July 2009 launch of AppSpace.com during their recent investor conference call. AppSpace.com will provide mobile app users with an industry-first app search engine with a social media component to ease the process of sorting through the exploding number of mobile titles. It will also give developers a platform to promote their apps.
“Entering the mobile application world is a strategic expansion for ZAGG, and I believe it will be a significant part of our business in the future,” said Robert G. Pedersen II, ZAGG’s President and CEO. “AppSpace.com is an entirely new approach to app discovery, and it promises to become an indispensable tool for both mobile app users and app developers.”
ZAGG also introduced a new mobile application for Apple’s iPhone platform; a fast-paced strategy game called “Trains.” It is the first app developed and published directly by ZAGG.
“‘Trains’ has an appeal that is similar to some of the most popular iPhone games currently on Apple’s App Store. If you enjoy ‘Flight Control’ from Firemint, we think you will love ‘Trains,’” said Cameron Gibbs, ZAGG’s Director of Apps. “This is the first of the many great things to come from ZAGG’s apps.”
“Trains” combines the fun of operating a model train with the addictive challenge of a strategy game. Players control the tracks as a variety of colored trains speed through the yard. Intersections can be switched ahead of the trains to direct the cargo through the proper warehouses, and then safely off the screen.
Proper switching drops off the cargo in the warehouses and rewards the player with points. However, if any of the trains collide, the player’s time as engineer is done and he has to start over.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Palm Pre stands to shake up smartphone status quo
EL SEGUNDO, USA: Palm’s new Pre smartphone holds strong potential for robust sales growth, and may have a major influence on other platforms as well as the technology supply chain, according to iSuppli Corp.
Palm Pre shipments could amount to 1.1 million units in 2009. However, if Palm quickly introduces a new Pre that supports the 3G GSM standard, sales could rise to 1.3 million during the year. Furthermore, if Palm opens up the licensing of its webOS operating system used in the Pre, the software could have a wider influence beyond the company’s own products.
“Palm’s webOS appears to be superior to the Mac OS X used in the iPhone in the crucial area of multitasking capabilities,” said Tina Teng, senior analyst, wireless communications, for iSuppli. “This key point of differentiation, combined with the product’s multi-touch display, could be enough for Palm to carve out a significant share of the smartphone market.”
Another key allure of webOS is its use of widgets for accessing data and applications like the iPhone, rather than the folders used in Microsoft’s Windows OS. The consensus among most users appears to be that widgets provide a more intuitive interface than folders.
Because of this, there may be strong demand for webOS from other smartphone makers.
“If Palm decides to license webOS to other companies, it could follow in the footsteps of Google’s Android operating system, which is expected to expand its share of global smartphone operating systems to grow by nearly a factor of 12 from 2008 to 2010 according to iSuppli’s Design Forecast Tool (DFT) for Mobile Handsets,” Teng added.
This could lay the foundation for webOS to challenge Apple’s Mac OS X for leadership in the highly intuitive smart-phone operating system market.
Minding the store
Palm could further boost the prospects of webOS if the company opens an application store that sells programs that work with the operating system, similar to Apple’s App Store.
“An application store would make Palm a more complete solution provider to its end customers, allowing it to provide not only a hardware platform and operating system but also the programs essential to take advantage of the capabilities of a smart phone,” Teng said.
Teng noted that industry rumors have circulated since the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January that Palm will offer an online applications catalog. With the arrival of software allowing developers to produce programs that can be compiled to work on multiple mobile operating systems, Palm’s store likely will grow rapidly to sport a large number of applications.
Battle of applications processors
The potential long-term success of the Pre promises to benefit Palm’s applications-processor semiconductor supplier, Texas Instruments Inc. (TI).
While TI remained the leading supplier of standalone media/application/graphic processing chips for mobile handsets in 2008, No.-2 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd. is closing in on the lead, according to iSuppli’s Wireless Competitive Landscaping Tool (CLT). Samsung’s share of global market revenue rose to 16.4 percent in 2008, up from 10 percent in 2007. In contrast, TI’s share declined to 16.8 percent in 2008, down from 23 percent in 2007.
“Owing to rising shipments of the iPhone, which uses Samsung’s media processing silicon, the company is closing the gap,” said Francis Sideco, senior analyst, wireless communications, for iSuppli. “Pre’s success could help TI regain some of that share as Pre sales will help boost TI’s revenue for its OMAP line. It also will validate TI’s OMAP approach by demonstrating the need for powerful standalone applications processors in high-end smartphone devices.”
The table presents iSuppli’s market share estimates of global standalone mobile phone media processors.
Source: iSuppli, June 2009
Display shortage?
The Pre likely makes use of a Low-Temperature Polysilicon (LTPS) LCD display, which offers superior picture quality compared to regular TFT-LCD panels used in most mobile phones.
This could put constraints on availability of LTPS LCD supplies, which is a popular display choice in the growing smart phone marker segment.
“If the Pre is successful and large volumes are shipped in the coming years, LTPS displays could go into shortage because the supply is limited to a few suppliers that operate smaller generation fabs capable of producing them,” said Vinita Jakhanwal, principal analyst, small/medium displays, for iSuppli.
In the palm of your hand
An iSuppli preliminary cost analysis of the Palm Pre released in late April revealed a total projected Bill-of-Materials (BOM) and manufacturing cost of approximately $170 for the product.
The estimated BOM consists of a hardware cost of $138, including the battery, nearly $10 for manufacturing and basic test costs, and a software and licensing cost of $23.
iSuppli produced this estimate of the Pre’s hardware and manufacturing costs based on second-quarter component pricing and assembly pricing from the company’s Mobile Handset Cost Model. An iSuppli cross-functional team also participated in developing the virtual teardown, including experts in memory, displays, baseband, component pricing, mobile handsets and wireless connectivity.
A full, physical teardown of the Palm Pre will be released by iSuppli early next week.
Palm Pre shipments could amount to 1.1 million units in 2009. However, if Palm quickly introduces a new Pre that supports the 3G GSM standard, sales could rise to 1.3 million during the year. Furthermore, if Palm opens up the licensing of its webOS operating system used in the Pre, the software could have a wider influence beyond the company’s own products.“Palm’s webOS appears to be superior to the Mac OS X used in the iPhone in the crucial area of multitasking capabilities,” said Tina Teng, senior analyst, wireless communications, for iSuppli. “This key point of differentiation, combined with the product’s multi-touch display, could be enough for Palm to carve out a significant share of the smartphone market.”
Another key allure of webOS is its use of widgets for accessing data and applications like the iPhone, rather than the folders used in Microsoft’s Windows OS. The consensus among most users appears to be that widgets provide a more intuitive interface than folders.
Because of this, there may be strong demand for webOS from other smartphone makers.
“If Palm decides to license webOS to other companies, it could follow in the footsteps of Google’s Android operating system, which is expected to expand its share of global smartphone operating systems to grow by nearly a factor of 12 from 2008 to 2010 according to iSuppli’s Design Forecast Tool (DFT) for Mobile Handsets,” Teng added.
This could lay the foundation for webOS to challenge Apple’s Mac OS X for leadership in the highly intuitive smart-phone operating system market.
Minding the store
Palm could further boost the prospects of webOS if the company opens an application store that sells programs that work with the operating system, similar to Apple’s App Store.
“An application store would make Palm a more complete solution provider to its end customers, allowing it to provide not only a hardware platform and operating system but also the programs essential to take advantage of the capabilities of a smart phone,” Teng said.
Teng noted that industry rumors have circulated since the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January that Palm will offer an online applications catalog. With the arrival of software allowing developers to produce programs that can be compiled to work on multiple mobile operating systems, Palm’s store likely will grow rapidly to sport a large number of applications.
Battle of applications processors
The potential long-term success of the Pre promises to benefit Palm’s applications-processor semiconductor supplier, Texas Instruments Inc. (TI).
While TI remained the leading supplier of standalone media/application/graphic processing chips for mobile handsets in 2008, No.-2 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd. is closing in on the lead, according to iSuppli’s Wireless Competitive Landscaping Tool (CLT). Samsung’s share of global market revenue rose to 16.4 percent in 2008, up from 10 percent in 2007. In contrast, TI’s share declined to 16.8 percent in 2008, down from 23 percent in 2007.
“Owing to rising shipments of the iPhone, which uses Samsung’s media processing silicon, the company is closing the gap,” said Francis Sideco, senior analyst, wireless communications, for iSuppli. “Pre’s success could help TI regain some of that share as Pre sales will help boost TI’s revenue for its OMAP line. It also will validate TI’s OMAP approach by demonstrating the need for powerful standalone applications processors in high-end smartphone devices.”
The table presents iSuppli’s market share estimates of global standalone mobile phone media processors.
Source: iSuppli, June 2009 Display shortage?
The Pre likely makes use of a Low-Temperature Polysilicon (LTPS) LCD display, which offers superior picture quality compared to regular TFT-LCD panels used in most mobile phones.
This could put constraints on availability of LTPS LCD supplies, which is a popular display choice in the growing smart phone marker segment.
“If the Pre is successful and large volumes are shipped in the coming years, LTPS displays could go into shortage because the supply is limited to a few suppliers that operate smaller generation fabs capable of producing them,” said Vinita Jakhanwal, principal analyst, small/medium displays, for iSuppli.
In the palm of your hand
An iSuppli preliminary cost analysis of the Palm Pre released in late April revealed a total projected Bill-of-Materials (BOM) and manufacturing cost of approximately $170 for the product.
The estimated BOM consists of a hardware cost of $138, including the battery, nearly $10 for manufacturing and basic test costs, and a software and licensing cost of $23.
iSuppli produced this estimate of the Pre’s hardware and manufacturing costs based on second-quarter component pricing and assembly pricing from the company’s Mobile Handset Cost Model. An iSuppli cross-functional team also participated in developing the virtual teardown, including experts in memory, displays, baseband, component pricing, mobile handsets and wireless connectivity.
A full, physical teardown of the Palm Pre will be released by iSuppli early next week.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Opera retakes leadership from iPhone in mobile browser market
DUBLIN, IRELAND: Opera is the world's number one mobile browser, overtaking iPhone in May according to data from StatCounter Global Stats. In May Opera took 24.6 percent of the worldwide market compared to 22.3 percent for iPhone. Nokia retains third place with 17.9 percent. However, if one includes iPod Touch then Apple browsers still lead with iPod Touch alone taking 14.9 percent of the market in May.
StatCounter, which provides free website traffic analysis, is one of the largest web analytics companies in the world recording in excess of ten billion pageloads per month. In March it launched StatCounter Global Stats, a free online service which captures market share of search engines, browsers and operating systems including mobile.
"Opera began the year in number one slot but iPhone overtook it in February. May saw Opera regain the number one position," commented Aodhan Cullen, CEO and founder of StatCounter. "It will be fascinating to watch how this battle plays out over the year."
He drew attention to the performance of BlackBerry which is in fourth place with 6.9% of the global market. "An interesting finding is that BlackBerry has steadily increased market share from 4.9 percent in January to 6.9 percent in May. Despite the global recession it looks as if executives are holding on to their BlackBerries," commented Cullen.
The StatCounter research data is based on four billion pageloads per month. Other regional and country breakdowns can be viewed at: http://gs.statcounter.com
Opera 10 beta released
Meanwhile, in Oslo, Norway, Opera released the first beta of Opera 10, the newest version of the company's industry-defining Web browser. Opera 10 beta sports a surprising array of new features, a fresh look and feel, and enhanced speed and performance. Discover a better way to enjoy the Web by trying Opera 10 beta. It is completely free for Windows, Mac and Linux users from http://www.opera.com/next/
"Your Web browser is the most important piece of software you will ever use," says Jon von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera Software. "We think Opera 10 will redefine how you can enjoy the Web. We have more surprises on the way, but when you try the features, enjoy the acclerated performance and get a glimpse at our shiny new wrapping, I think Opera 10 beta will excite both long-time users and those new to Opera."
Resources
Download the new beta: http://www.opera.com/next/
Screenshots and videos: http://www.opera.com/press/resources/
Develop with Opera Presto 2.2: http://dev.opera.com/articles/view/standards-support-in-opera-10-beta/
Opera Dragonfly blog: http://my.opera.com/dragonfly/
Opera Desktop Team blog: http://my.opera.com/desktopteam/
StatCounter, which provides free website traffic analysis, is one of the largest web analytics companies in the world recording in excess of ten billion pageloads per month. In March it launched StatCounter Global Stats, a free online service which captures market share of search engines, browsers and operating systems including mobile.
"Opera began the year in number one slot but iPhone overtook it in February. May saw Opera regain the number one position," commented Aodhan Cullen, CEO and founder of StatCounter. "It will be fascinating to watch how this battle plays out over the year."
He drew attention to the performance of BlackBerry which is in fourth place with 6.9% of the global market. "An interesting finding is that BlackBerry has steadily increased market share from 4.9 percent in January to 6.9 percent in May. Despite the global recession it looks as if executives are holding on to their BlackBerries," commented Cullen.
The StatCounter research data is based on four billion pageloads per month. Other regional and country breakdowns can be viewed at: http://gs.statcounter.com
Opera 10 beta released
Meanwhile, in Oslo, Norway, Opera released the first beta of Opera 10, the newest version of the company's industry-defining Web browser. Opera 10 beta sports a surprising array of new features, a fresh look and feel, and enhanced speed and performance. Discover a better way to enjoy the Web by trying Opera 10 beta. It is completely free for Windows, Mac and Linux users from http://www.opera.com/next/
"Your Web browser is the most important piece of software you will ever use," says Jon von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera Software. "We think Opera 10 will redefine how you can enjoy the Web. We have more surprises on the way, but when you try the features, enjoy the acclerated performance and get a glimpse at our shiny new wrapping, I think Opera 10 beta will excite both long-time users and those new to Opera."
Resources
Download the new beta: http://www.opera.com/next/
Screenshots and videos: http://www.opera.com/press/resources/
Develop with Opera Presto 2.2: http://dev.opera.com/articles/view/standards-support-in-opera-10-beta/
Opera Dragonfly blog: http://my.opera.com/dragonfly/
Opera Desktop Team blog: http://my.opera.com/desktopteam/
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Smartphones: Silver lining of declining handset market
Ovum comment from Adam Leach, Devices principal analyst.
Smartphone shipments will reach 406.7 million by 2014
UK: During 2008, in a first for the mobile industry, consumer demand for third-party applications started driving both handset sales and revenues for developers and OEMs.
Apple's success with the App Store has prompted other players to focus on devices that can enable third-party developers to easily bring applications and services to mobile phones. Subsequently the global economic downturn has stimulated a renewed focus on smartphones.
The collapse of the market for mid-tier handsets in 2009 is polarising the handset market, with vendors and mobile operators focusing on two types of handset: those targeting the low-end and high-end segments. The end result is a quickening of the replacement of 2G in favour of the high-end 3G handsets, and greater volumes of smartphones.
Ovum expects that these factors will see smartphone shipments grow by 18.7 percent between 2008 and 2009 despite the overall decline during the same period in the total mobile phone market. This growth will continue at a CAGR of 19.5 percent through to 2014, at which point smartphones will account for 29 percent of the total global handset market.
Symbian remains market leader, Google Android rising star
In 2008 Symbian OS represented 58 percent of the smartphone market. Its position as market leader has been achieved by Nokia's championing of the platform and its widespread use within the player's device portfolio. Following Nokia's acquisition of Symbian and creation of the Symbian Foundation, Nokia will continue to be an active supporter and drive the platform deeper into its portfolio.
Ovum expects Symbian OS market share will drop to 43 percent by 2014 due to rapid adoption of new platforms such as Android, although it will maintain its market leadership. From a standing start in 2008, adoption of Android will be rapid and we expect Android shipments to reach 72 million units by 2014, representing 18 percent of the market and overtaking shipments of Windows Mobile.
Android shipments will be driven by adoption by all tier-one OEMs (except Nokia) and an active developer community.
Smartphones are dead! Long live managed device platforms
While smartphones are set to proliferate over the next three to five years, the category itself will become less relevant as attention shifts towards distinguishing those devices that are actively managed by OEMs, MNOs, web companies and retailers from those that aren't.
Consumers will increasingly make buying decisions based not on a device's potential to support advanced capabilities but 'crucially' on the vendor managing their data and services on the device.
The ability to deliver a tightly integrated end-to-end service proposition including content and applications directly to consumers was pioneered by Apple and Google. Ovum describes this approach as a managed device platform (MDP), as examined in our report: "Of iPhones and Androids: redefining the smartphone and other devices."
The adoption of the MDP model by Nokia, Google, Microsoft, Sony and other major vendors will drive the adoption of those smartphone software platforms that are backed by these companies.
'Unmanaged' smartphones will still have a place in the market. However, they will appeal mainly to users who do not wish to be tied to a particular vendor's offering or are content with a more basic service package. Smartphone platforms that do not have the backing of major vendors will not ship in significant volume in five years' time.
Defining the smartphone market
Ovum defines a smartphone based on its software platform. Therefore, Ovum considers the following to be smartphone platforms: Symbian OS, Windows Mobile, Android, OS X, BlackBerry OS, Palm OS, Web OS and LiMo.
Smartphone shipments will reach 406.7 million by 2014
UK: During 2008, in a first for the mobile industry, consumer demand for third-party applications started driving both handset sales and revenues for developers and OEMs.
Apple's success with the App Store has prompted other players to focus on devices that can enable third-party developers to easily bring applications and services to mobile phones. Subsequently the global economic downturn has stimulated a renewed focus on smartphones.
The collapse of the market for mid-tier handsets in 2009 is polarising the handset market, with vendors and mobile operators focusing on two types of handset: those targeting the low-end and high-end segments. The end result is a quickening of the replacement of 2G in favour of the high-end 3G handsets, and greater volumes of smartphones.
Ovum expects that these factors will see smartphone shipments grow by 18.7 percent between 2008 and 2009 despite the overall decline during the same period in the total mobile phone market. This growth will continue at a CAGR of 19.5 percent through to 2014, at which point smartphones will account for 29 percent of the total global handset market.
Symbian remains market leader, Google Android rising star
In 2008 Symbian OS represented 58 percent of the smartphone market. Its position as market leader has been achieved by Nokia's championing of the platform and its widespread use within the player's device portfolio. Following Nokia's acquisition of Symbian and creation of the Symbian Foundation, Nokia will continue to be an active supporter and drive the platform deeper into its portfolio.
Ovum expects Symbian OS market share will drop to 43 percent by 2014 due to rapid adoption of new platforms such as Android, although it will maintain its market leadership. From a standing start in 2008, adoption of Android will be rapid and we expect Android shipments to reach 72 million units by 2014, representing 18 percent of the market and overtaking shipments of Windows Mobile.
Android shipments will be driven by adoption by all tier-one OEMs (except Nokia) and an active developer community.
Smartphones are dead! Long live managed device platforms
While smartphones are set to proliferate over the next three to five years, the category itself will become less relevant as attention shifts towards distinguishing those devices that are actively managed by OEMs, MNOs, web companies and retailers from those that aren't.
Consumers will increasingly make buying decisions based not on a device's potential to support advanced capabilities but 'crucially' on the vendor managing their data and services on the device.
The ability to deliver a tightly integrated end-to-end service proposition including content and applications directly to consumers was pioneered by Apple and Google. Ovum describes this approach as a managed device platform (MDP), as examined in our report: "Of iPhones and Androids: redefining the smartphone and other devices."
The adoption of the MDP model by Nokia, Google, Microsoft, Sony and other major vendors will drive the adoption of those smartphone software platforms that are backed by these companies.
'Unmanaged' smartphones will still have a place in the market. However, they will appeal mainly to users who do not wish to be tied to a particular vendor's offering or are content with a more basic service package. Smartphone platforms that do not have the backing of major vendors will not ship in significant volume in five years' time.
Defining the smartphone market
Ovum defines a smartphone based on its software platform. Therefore, Ovum considers the following to be smartphone platforms: Symbian OS, Windows Mobile, Android, OS X, BlackBerry OS, Palm OS, Web OS and LiMo.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
All-in-one mobile social networking arrives on iPhone
SALO, FINLAND & AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS: The award-winning GyPSii location aware mobile social networking application has found a new home: on Apple’s iPhone application store.
From today, iPhone owners can download GyPSii directly from the popular iPhone App store and immediately start creating and sharing “geotagged” content in real time with friends, family, and the growing global community of GyPSii members. The places and experiences users create then become true Internet-searchable destinations, available for friends and communities to share and comment on, not only in GyPSii, but also across other social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
GyPSii delivers an all-in-one mobile social networking experience. It allows people to instantly capture and share what they are actually doing, building a multimedia virtual diary on their world -– the places they have been and the things that they have done.
From America to China, and across Western Europe, the GyPSii community offers a global snapshot of local events and activities, where users can share what they are doing, where they are, and what they recommend with as few or many people as they desire.
Developed by GeoSentric Oyj (NASDAQ OMX: GEO1V), GyPSii is the only Social Network created solely to cater for today’s mobile lifestyle and a generation of people who want to be socially networked on the move. Whether on holiday, at a family event or on a night out with friends, GyPSii makes it easy for people to share what they are doing, at the touch of a button.
Utilising the iPhone’s built-in location technologies, GyPSii empowers people to share their experiences in real time, tagging their location with related images, comments, status and information.
GyPSii members can create, connect and share their social networking information and status with Facebook friends, Twitter followers and the wider GyPSii community -- all from within the easy-to-use GyPSii Connect technology platform.
Launching GyPSii into the Apple store, Chairman Dan Harple said: “GyPSii and the iPhone is the perfect partnership for user experiences. GyPSii is the only mobile application totally designed to record a users life in real-time, to tell their life story, and help people explore their world using the one device that is with them at all times -– the mobile phone.
“With GyPSii, people can share what they are doing or planning with their community of friends and followers, and comment on it instantly without having to wait until they’re next at their PC. We expect iPhone users to quickly become GyPSii fans and use the application to stay connected to their communities, no matter what network or devices they use.”
The GyPSii application is already available on a wide range of devices from companies including Samsung, Nokia, LG, and Blackberry SmartPhones and users of those devices can download it directly at www.gypsii.com/m
“The launch of our iPhone app, also marks the launch of our next generation of user experience (UX),” explains Shane Lennon, SVP Product Management and Marketing at GyPSii. “iPhone has blazed the trail for how mobile phones are being used today. Our next generation UX has been created after close study of how people want to create content, share it and connect with others while on the move.”
From today, iPhone owners can download GyPSii directly from the popular iPhone App store and immediately start creating and sharing “geotagged” content in real time with friends, family, and the growing global community of GyPSii members. The places and experiences users create then become true Internet-searchable destinations, available for friends and communities to share and comment on, not only in GyPSii, but also across other social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
GyPSii delivers an all-in-one mobile social networking experience. It allows people to instantly capture and share what they are actually doing, building a multimedia virtual diary on their world -– the places they have been and the things that they have done.
From America to China, and across Western Europe, the GyPSii community offers a global snapshot of local events and activities, where users can share what they are doing, where they are, and what they recommend with as few or many people as they desire.
Developed by GeoSentric Oyj (NASDAQ OMX: GEO1V), GyPSii is the only Social Network created solely to cater for today’s mobile lifestyle and a generation of people who want to be socially networked on the move. Whether on holiday, at a family event or on a night out with friends, GyPSii makes it easy for people to share what they are doing, at the touch of a button.
Utilising the iPhone’s built-in location technologies, GyPSii empowers people to share their experiences in real time, tagging their location with related images, comments, status and information.
GyPSii members can create, connect and share their social networking information and status with Facebook friends, Twitter followers and the wider GyPSii community -- all from within the easy-to-use GyPSii Connect technology platform.
Launching GyPSii into the Apple store, Chairman Dan Harple said: “GyPSii and the iPhone is the perfect partnership for user experiences. GyPSii is the only mobile application totally designed to record a users life in real-time, to tell their life story, and help people explore their world using the one device that is with them at all times -– the mobile phone.
“With GyPSii, people can share what they are doing or planning with their community of friends and followers, and comment on it instantly without having to wait until they’re next at their PC. We expect iPhone users to quickly become GyPSii fans and use the application to stay connected to their communities, no matter what network or devices they use.”
The GyPSii application is already available on a wide range of devices from companies including Samsung, Nokia, LG, and Blackberry SmartPhones and users of those devices can download it directly at www.gypsii.com/m
“The launch of our iPhone app, also marks the launch of our next generation of user experience (UX),” explains Shane Lennon, SVP Product Management and Marketing at GyPSii. “iPhone has blazed the trail for how mobile phones are being used today. Our next generation UX has been created after close study of how people want to create content, share it and connect with others while on the move.”
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Citrix Receiver makes accessing virtual desktops, apps as easy as turning on your TV
LAS VEGAS USA: At Citrix Synergy 2009, the conference where virtualization, networking and application delivery meet, Citrix Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CTXS), announced the general availability of Citrix Receiver, a new lightweight software client that makes accessing virtual desktops and applications on any device as easy as turning on your TV.
Much like a satellite or cable TV receiver in a broadcast media service, Citrix Receiver allows IT organizations to deliver desktops and applications as an on-demand service to any device in any location with a rich “high-definition” experience. As long as employees have Citrix Receiver, IT no longer has to worry about whether they are delivering to a PC in the office, a Mac at home, or an iPhone on the road. This approach radically simplifies desktop management for IT and gives end users far more flexibility and independence in how and where they work.
Centralized Control for IT – Full Flexibility for Users
In the world of broadcast media, satellite and cable TV receivers are largely transparent to subscribers, silently receiving broadcast signals from head-end controllers, and responding to user requests for content. Their role is simple, yet profound, allowing subscribers to use the TV of their choice, and view standard, high-definition or pay-per-view content from any room in their home, while also giving the provider full control over service delivery.
Citrix Receiver functions in much the same way for corporate employees. Following an initial download and installation, Receiver sits quietly in the background and “listens” for signals from the corporate “delivery center”. This allows IT to deliver any app or desktop from Citrix Delivery Center head-end controllers like Citrix XenApp and Citrix XenDesktop, to any device with a Receiver installed.
Should employees want to access their work environment from a home PC or Mac laptop, they simply go to a URL given to them by IT and download a Receiver for that device as well. As long as Citrix Receiver is installed on a device, IT has complete control over security, performance, and user experience, allowing them to deliver IT services on-demand with no need to manage, own or care about the physical device or its location.
Citrix Receiver also provides great benefits for application developers and third-party application vendors who can now ensure their Windows applications will run on any end point that has a Receiver installed. This eliminates the need for them to build, test and support specific software clients for each unique user device and operating system. Using Receiver, end users can even access enterprise applications on their smart phone, regardless of whether their application vendors have a software client specifically designed for their device or not.
“Office and mobile professionals, many of whom rely heavily on Oracle products to do their jobs, will welcome the ability to access Oracle applications through Citrix Receiver from anywhere on any device,” said Tom Herrmann, vice president, Global ISV Management and Programs at Oracle. “We have worked with Citrix through our Application Integration Architecture for Partners initiative as they validate XenApp and Citrix Receiver to ensure that Oracle Applications' desktop functionality continues to be delivered regardless of the device they use -- whether PC or smartphone.”
How Citrix Receiver Works
Under the hood, Citrix Receiver is a lightweight universal software client with an extensible browser-like “plug-in” architecture. Receiver comes standard with a variety of optional plug-ins that communicate with head-end infrastructure in the Citrix Delivery Center product family such as XenApp, XenDesktop, Citrix Access Gateway and Branch Repeater.
These plug-ins support functionality such as online and off-line app usage, virtual desktop delivery, secure access control, password management, app acceleration, multimedia acceleration, service-level monitoring and voice communications. This model enables IT to effectively operate as a service provider to their own employees, proactively and transparently monitoring end-user experience from a central location.
Administration is provided by Citrix Merchandising Server, a new server component that manages the initial setup of Receiver for employees, provides centralized management of plug-ins, keeps plug-ins updated on each end point, manages web-based user support services, and offers robust reporting features. Because Merchandising Server is a virtual appliance, it’s easy to provision in any customer environment. Merchandising Server also includes tools for migrating existing Citrix customers from legacy implementations of Citrix software clients and user interfaces such as Citrix Program Neighborhood, PN Agent, and Web Interface.
From an end user standpoint, the one-time setup for Citrix Receiver is fast and familiar –- much like installing a player for Adobe Flash or Apple QuickTime. Users simply point their browser to a website provided to them by their IT department and follow the easy step-by-step instructions. Going from a fresh new PC or laptop to a fully provisioned user with all applications and desktops ready to use, typically requires less than 15 minutes.
Once installed, Receiver is always up-to-date as the latest versions of client software and plug-ins are automatically pushed to all users from the Merchandising Server based upon the policies set-up by IT and preferences chosen by the user.
HD Experience for Every User
Each of the Citrix Receiver plug-ins includes some aspect of Citrix HDX technology, designed to ensure a “high definition experience” for end users based on their unique requirements. This approach gives IT tremendous flexibility to match service levels to specific user needs.
Users who work only from a desktop PC in the office or at home, for example, may only need a standard HDX experience supported by a few basic plug-ins. Power users with more demanding requirements can be given an HDX+ experience by providing them with additional plug-ins that accelerate app performance while on the road, support the use of offline apps, and offer additional enhancements for voice and multi-media.
In all cases, Receiver abstracts the variables of each unique end point environment from the service delivery itself, resulting in significant cost savings for IT and a consistently great experience for employees.
Citrix Receiver is free and is available immediately for any Windows-based device, including PCs, laptops, netbooks and thin clients. Citrix Receiver for Apple’s iPhone is also available immediately as a free download from the Apple App Store. Citrix Receiver for Mac OS X, Windows Mobile and Symbian OS will be offered on a when and if available basis. Citrix Merchandising Server is also available today at no charge. Both Receiver and Merchandising Server require infrastructure products from the Citrix Delivery Center product family to complete their operations.
Much like a satellite or cable TV receiver in a broadcast media service, Citrix Receiver allows IT organizations to deliver desktops and applications as an on-demand service to any device in any location with a rich “high-definition” experience. As long as employees have Citrix Receiver, IT no longer has to worry about whether they are delivering to a PC in the office, a Mac at home, or an iPhone on the road. This approach radically simplifies desktop management for IT and gives end users far more flexibility and independence in how and where they work.
Centralized Control for IT – Full Flexibility for Users
In the world of broadcast media, satellite and cable TV receivers are largely transparent to subscribers, silently receiving broadcast signals from head-end controllers, and responding to user requests for content. Their role is simple, yet profound, allowing subscribers to use the TV of their choice, and view standard, high-definition or pay-per-view content from any room in their home, while also giving the provider full control over service delivery.
Citrix Receiver functions in much the same way for corporate employees. Following an initial download and installation, Receiver sits quietly in the background and “listens” for signals from the corporate “delivery center”. This allows IT to deliver any app or desktop from Citrix Delivery Center head-end controllers like Citrix XenApp and Citrix XenDesktop, to any device with a Receiver installed.
Should employees want to access their work environment from a home PC or Mac laptop, they simply go to a URL given to them by IT and download a Receiver for that device as well. As long as Citrix Receiver is installed on a device, IT has complete control over security, performance, and user experience, allowing them to deliver IT services on-demand with no need to manage, own or care about the physical device or its location.
Citrix Receiver also provides great benefits for application developers and third-party application vendors who can now ensure their Windows applications will run on any end point that has a Receiver installed. This eliminates the need for them to build, test and support specific software clients for each unique user device and operating system. Using Receiver, end users can even access enterprise applications on their smart phone, regardless of whether their application vendors have a software client specifically designed for their device or not.
“Office and mobile professionals, many of whom rely heavily on Oracle products to do their jobs, will welcome the ability to access Oracle applications through Citrix Receiver from anywhere on any device,” said Tom Herrmann, vice president, Global ISV Management and Programs at Oracle. “We have worked with Citrix through our Application Integration Architecture for Partners initiative as they validate XenApp and Citrix Receiver to ensure that Oracle Applications' desktop functionality continues to be delivered regardless of the device they use -- whether PC or smartphone.”
How Citrix Receiver Works
Under the hood, Citrix Receiver is a lightweight universal software client with an extensible browser-like “plug-in” architecture. Receiver comes standard with a variety of optional plug-ins that communicate with head-end infrastructure in the Citrix Delivery Center product family such as XenApp, XenDesktop, Citrix Access Gateway and Branch Repeater.
These plug-ins support functionality such as online and off-line app usage, virtual desktop delivery, secure access control, password management, app acceleration, multimedia acceleration, service-level monitoring and voice communications. This model enables IT to effectively operate as a service provider to their own employees, proactively and transparently monitoring end-user experience from a central location.
Administration is provided by Citrix Merchandising Server, a new server component that manages the initial setup of Receiver for employees, provides centralized management of plug-ins, keeps plug-ins updated on each end point, manages web-based user support services, and offers robust reporting features. Because Merchandising Server is a virtual appliance, it’s easy to provision in any customer environment. Merchandising Server also includes tools for migrating existing Citrix customers from legacy implementations of Citrix software clients and user interfaces such as Citrix Program Neighborhood, PN Agent, and Web Interface.
From an end user standpoint, the one-time setup for Citrix Receiver is fast and familiar –- much like installing a player for Adobe Flash or Apple QuickTime. Users simply point their browser to a website provided to them by their IT department and follow the easy step-by-step instructions. Going from a fresh new PC or laptop to a fully provisioned user with all applications and desktops ready to use, typically requires less than 15 minutes.
Once installed, Receiver is always up-to-date as the latest versions of client software and plug-ins are automatically pushed to all users from the Merchandising Server based upon the policies set-up by IT and preferences chosen by the user.
HD Experience for Every User
Each of the Citrix Receiver plug-ins includes some aspect of Citrix HDX technology, designed to ensure a “high definition experience” for end users based on their unique requirements. This approach gives IT tremendous flexibility to match service levels to specific user needs.
Users who work only from a desktop PC in the office or at home, for example, may only need a standard HDX experience supported by a few basic plug-ins. Power users with more demanding requirements can be given an HDX+ experience by providing them with additional plug-ins that accelerate app performance while on the road, support the use of offline apps, and offer additional enhancements for voice and multi-media.
In all cases, Receiver abstracts the variables of each unique end point environment from the service delivery itself, resulting in significant cost savings for IT and a consistently great experience for employees.
Citrix Receiver is free and is available immediately for any Windows-based device, including PCs, laptops, netbooks and thin clients. Citrix Receiver for Apple’s iPhone is also available immediately as a free download from the Apple App Store. Citrix Receiver for Mac OS X, Windows Mobile and Symbian OS will be offered on a when and if available basis. Citrix Merchandising Server is also available today at no charge. Both Receiver and Merchandising Server require infrastructure products from the Citrix Delivery Center product family to complete their operations.
iPhone effect: Will it work its magic on mobile advertising?
UK: It is not just the iPhone platform that is attractive to advertisers. The iPhone and devices that are following in its wake provide the best platform yet for enabling mobile advertising because they are optimised for rich media applications like video and also provide a genuinely good mobile browsing experience. This means the potential for better, more creative mobile advertising campaigns and of course a more engaging user experience.
Another big plus for advertising on the iPhone is the kind of people that own them. Comscore recently released data about iPhone application users that suggests they are a particularly attractive demographic for advertisers, with higher than average incomes and higher than average engagement with online media. More than half (54 percent) of app users are in households with incomes greater than $75,000 per year.
Engagement with online retail scored particularly highly, which suggests they could be open to mobile commerce that by its nature has a strong affinity with mobile advertising.
At the same time, a mobile advertising ecosystem is building up quickly around the iPhone. Specialists like Pinch Media have emerged to provide advertising-related tools and analytics for iPhone developers. Leading mobile advertising network AdMob has launched a business unit specifically for the iPhone. The iPhone is the top device on AdMob's network and has gone from generating 28 million ad requests in July 2008 to 236 million in October 2008.
The pull of the app store and branded applications is promising
However, the more immediate impact of the iPhone on mobile advertising is the application store that comes with it. In March 2009, Apple announced that there were 25,000 applications on the App Store, and in April 2009 it reported that the 1 billion downloads barrier had been broken.
This is impressive, but what is interesting for mobile advertising is that a growing number of these iPhone applications are branded. Companies that have launched branded applications include Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, Porche, Carling, Heineken, Charmin, Kraft, Nike, Gap, Coke, Zippo Lighters, Universal Pictures and Betty Crocker.
The Audi A4 Driving Challenge application registered 370,000 downloads in the first two weeks of the campaign. The Zippo Virtual Lighter application was the number one free application in the Lifestyle category. The popularity of branded iPhone applications suggests that people do not see them as advertising, which is one of the ideal outcomes for any type of advertising.
Branded applications are normally free, which is why Kraft's paid-for, branded application comes as such a surprise. Kraft's $0.99 iFood Assistant application, featuring recipes and tips, is in the top 100 applications by downloads. People are in effect paying Kraft to advertise to them, except they do not see it this way.
Apple is, of course, not the only device manufacturer to launch an application store: Google, Nokia, RIM and Microsoft have all done likewise. It will be interesting to see if the other device platforms and application stores will be as effective as the iPhone/app store combination in acting as an enabler for mobile advertising.
-- Eden Zoller, principal analyst at Ovum
Another big plus for advertising on the iPhone is the kind of people that own them. Comscore recently released data about iPhone application users that suggests they are a particularly attractive demographic for advertisers, with higher than average incomes and higher than average engagement with online media. More than half (54 percent) of app users are in households with incomes greater than $75,000 per year.
Engagement with online retail scored particularly highly, which suggests they could be open to mobile commerce that by its nature has a strong affinity with mobile advertising.
At the same time, a mobile advertising ecosystem is building up quickly around the iPhone. Specialists like Pinch Media have emerged to provide advertising-related tools and analytics for iPhone developers. Leading mobile advertising network AdMob has launched a business unit specifically for the iPhone. The iPhone is the top device on AdMob's network and has gone from generating 28 million ad requests in July 2008 to 236 million in October 2008.
The pull of the app store and branded applications is promising
However, the more immediate impact of the iPhone on mobile advertising is the application store that comes with it. In March 2009, Apple announced that there were 25,000 applications on the App Store, and in April 2009 it reported that the 1 billion downloads barrier had been broken.
This is impressive, but what is interesting for mobile advertising is that a growing number of these iPhone applications are branded. Companies that have launched branded applications include Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, Porche, Carling, Heineken, Charmin, Kraft, Nike, Gap, Coke, Zippo Lighters, Universal Pictures and Betty Crocker.
The Audi A4 Driving Challenge application registered 370,000 downloads in the first two weeks of the campaign. The Zippo Virtual Lighter application was the number one free application in the Lifestyle category. The popularity of branded iPhone applications suggests that people do not see them as advertising, which is one of the ideal outcomes for any type of advertising.
Branded applications are normally free, which is why Kraft's paid-for, branded application comes as such a surprise. Kraft's $0.99 iFood Assistant application, featuring recipes and tips, is in the top 100 applications by downloads. People are in effect paying Kraft to advertise to them, except they do not see it this way.
Apple is, of course, not the only device manufacturer to launch an application store: Google, Nokia, RIM and Microsoft have all done likewise. It will be interesting to see if the other device platforms and application stores will be as effective as the iPhone/app store combination in acting as an enabler for mobile advertising.
-- Eden Zoller, principal analyst at Ovum
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Embedded netbooks could blur broadband service boundaries
NEW YORK, USA: The growing popularity of netbooks and laptops with embedded broadband wireless modems could lead network operators to offer single-price broadband services that include both mobile and fixed connectivity, marking a significant shift in the way broadband services are used and sold, according to the latest report from Light Reading Insider.
The Netbook Effect: Remaking Broadband Price Structures identifies and analyzes key issues that will affect the embedded laptop and netbook market through 2010. It forecasts the adoption of these products and discusses barriers to and drivers of that adoption. This report also examines the competitive environment, such as pricing pressure on modem vendors and how embedded PCs will affect the wired broadband market.
"Until the past year or so, embedded laptops were aimed primarily at enterprises and business users, but with the arrival of embedded netbooks, the addressable market now includes consumers," says Tim Kridel, research analyst for Light Reading Insider.
"While the full impact of embedded PCs on broadband services is not likely to be felt over the next 12 to 18 months, network operators will have to respond with different service options as more of these devices are put into use," he added.
As embedded netbooks grow in popularity and accessibility, consumers will look for more choices from their broadband service providers, Kridel notes. "Operators that figure out how to offer service that cuts across fixed and mobile lines stand the best chance of succeeding with this emerging user group," he says. "The amazing growth of mobile data services driven by devices such as the BlackBerry and the iPhone, coupled with the arrival of higher-speed mobile data services, will likely spur a huge opportunity for operators that can adapt their services to fit user demands."
Key findings of The Netbook Effect: Remaking Broadband Price Structures include:
* About 3 million embedded laptops and netbooks were sold in 2008, with at least 4.5 million possible this year.
* Some laptop and netbook vendors say that up to 40 percent of their 2008 sales were embedded.
* Despite the growth of embedding, USB/PC card adapters are selling briskly and remain in the majority.
* Bundling wired/wireless broadband removes a major barrier to consumer adoption of embedded products.
* Competition and pricing pressure are fierce among makers of embedded modems.Embedded netbooks could blur broadband service boundaries.
The Netbook Effect: Remaking Broadband Price Structures identifies and analyzes key issues that will affect the embedded laptop and netbook market through 2010. It forecasts the adoption of these products and discusses barriers to and drivers of that adoption. This report also examines the competitive environment, such as pricing pressure on modem vendors and how embedded PCs will affect the wired broadband market.
"Until the past year or so, embedded laptops were aimed primarily at enterprises and business users, but with the arrival of embedded netbooks, the addressable market now includes consumers," says Tim Kridel, research analyst for Light Reading Insider.
"While the full impact of embedded PCs on broadband services is not likely to be felt over the next 12 to 18 months, network operators will have to respond with different service options as more of these devices are put into use," he added.
As embedded netbooks grow in popularity and accessibility, consumers will look for more choices from their broadband service providers, Kridel notes. "Operators that figure out how to offer service that cuts across fixed and mobile lines stand the best chance of succeeding with this emerging user group," he says. "The amazing growth of mobile data services driven by devices such as the BlackBerry and the iPhone, coupled with the arrival of higher-speed mobile data services, will likely spur a huge opportunity for operators that can adapt their services to fit user demands."
Key findings of The Netbook Effect: Remaking Broadband Price Structures include:
* About 3 million embedded laptops and netbooks were sold in 2008, with at least 4.5 million possible this year.
* Some laptop and netbook vendors say that up to 40 percent of their 2008 sales were embedded.
* Despite the growth of embedding, USB/PC card adapters are selling briskly and remain in the majority.
* Bundling wired/wireless broadband removes a major barrier to consumer adoption of embedded products.
* Competition and pricing pressure are fierce among makers of embedded modems.Embedded netbooks could blur broadband service boundaries.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Palm Pre aims at iPhone: iSuppli
EL SEGUNDO: Palm Inc. is aiming high with its new Pre, a smart phone that rival’s Apple Inc.’s iPhone in terms of slickness—and in terms of hardware features—according to a virtual teardown conducted by iSuppli Corp.
The Palm Pre carries a materials cost of $137.83 and a combined total projected Bill-of-Materials (BOM) of $170.02 which includes hardware, manufacturing and software and IP licensing costs, according to an estimate from iSuppli. Since the Pre is not yet shipping, iSuppli has not conducted an actual physical teardown of the product.
However, iSuppli has produced an estimate of the Pre’s hardware and manufacturing costs based on second-quarter component pricing and assembly pricing from the company’s Mobile Handset Cost Model to develop this cost analysis. An iSuppli cross-functional team also participated in developing the virtual teardown, including experts in memory, displays, baseband, component pricing, mobile handsets and wireless connectivity.
“The similarity in features between the Pre and the iPhone clearly reveals the mark Palm is trying to hit,” said Tina Teng, senior analyst, wireless communications, for iSuppli.
From a user perspective, Palm seems to be right on target, combining a multi-touch display interface with an intuitive operating system that makes operation easier and more convenient to use, according to Teng. The Pre is the only announced smart phone besides the iPhone to support a multi-touch display interface, a feature that allows multiple simultaneous touch inputs.
“The use of a multi-touch screen—a key allure of the iPhone—and Palm’s innovative WebOS operating system, are likely to allow the pre to appeal to a broad range of consumers, going far beyond the company’s core group of business-oriented customers,” Teng said.
Outside of the user interface and software, the Pre’s other features match up well with the iPhone 3G and the other lineup of “iPhone killers” including the BlackBerry Storm. These features include 3G wireless broadband, an accelerometer, an ambient light sensor, a proximity sensor, large capacity memory for storage, Wi-Fi and a 3-megapixel camera.
Pre’s price tag
iSuppli’s total Pre cost estimate of $170.02 consists of a hardware cost of $137.83, including the battery, $9.58 for manufacturing and basic test costs and software & licensing cost of $22.61. iSuppli is projecting that Palm will try to sell the Palm Pre to Sprint Nextel at a price of about $300.
However, as is the case with virtually all mobile phones, the Pre’s price to consumers will be lower, at about $200, due to the wireless operator’s subsidy. Software and licensing includes the cost of intellectual property, royalties and licensing fee. Not included in this analysis are shipping, logistics, marketing and other channel costs.
The figure presents a summary of the results of iSuppli’s cost analysis of the Pre.
BOM breakdown
The combination of the display and touch screen module is expected to be the Pre's most expensive single subsystem, at $39.51, representing 23.2 percent of the device's BOM. iSuppli believes the Pre employs a 3.1-inch TFT-LCD screen that has a pixel format of 320 by 480 pixels and supports the display of 16 million colors. The display subsystem also likely includes a capacitive touch screen overlay that allows multi-touch input through software.
Other significant contributors to the Pre's cost include:
* 8GBytes of NAND flash memory for storage, accounting for $15.96, or 9.4 percent of the Pre’s total BOM.
* A dual-band CDMA EVDO air interface, at a cost of $15.41, OR 9.1 percent of the total BOM.
* The 3-megapixel camera, costing $12.39, or 7.3 percent of the BOM.
Can Pre help Palm get a leg up on the market?
With the arrival of the iPhone and a range of competitive products, Palm in recent years has been suffering a decline in its already-minor share of global smart phone sales. Palm's share of global smart phone shipments declined to 2 percent in 2008, down from 2.9 percent in 2006, according to iSuppli.
Can the Pre reverse Palm's slide and allow the company to become a more significant player in the smart phone market?
“Palm has been known for years for its touch screen enabled PDA devices, its easy to use, simple operating system and its Treo smart phone product line,” Teng observed. “However, just a glance at the Pre at CES has changed the industry’s opinions about Palm, showing it is a company that can be competitive with Apple iPhone or any other leading-edge product in the global smart phone market.”
The Palm Pre carries a materials cost of $137.83 and a combined total projected Bill-of-Materials (BOM) of $170.02 which includes hardware, manufacturing and software and IP licensing costs, according to an estimate from iSuppli. Since the Pre is not yet shipping, iSuppli has not conducted an actual physical teardown of the product.
However, iSuppli has produced an estimate of the Pre’s hardware and manufacturing costs based on second-quarter component pricing and assembly pricing from the company’s Mobile Handset Cost Model to develop this cost analysis. An iSuppli cross-functional team also participated in developing the virtual teardown, including experts in memory, displays, baseband, component pricing, mobile handsets and wireless connectivity.
“The similarity in features between the Pre and the iPhone clearly reveals the mark Palm is trying to hit,” said Tina Teng, senior analyst, wireless communications, for iSuppli.
From a user perspective, Palm seems to be right on target, combining a multi-touch display interface with an intuitive operating system that makes operation easier and more convenient to use, according to Teng. The Pre is the only announced smart phone besides the iPhone to support a multi-touch display interface, a feature that allows multiple simultaneous touch inputs.
“The use of a multi-touch screen—a key allure of the iPhone—and Palm’s innovative WebOS operating system, are likely to allow the pre to appeal to a broad range of consumers, going far beyond the company’s core group of business-oriented customers,” Teng said.
Outside of the user interface and software, the Pre’s other features match up well with the iPhone 3G and the other lineup of “iPhone killers” including the BlackBerry Storm. These features include 3G wireless broadband, an accelerometer, an ambient light sensor, a proximity sensor, large capacity memory for storage, Wi-Fi and a 3-megapixel camera.
Pre’s price tag
iSuppli’s total Pre cost estimate of $170.02 consists of a hardware cost of $137.83, including the battery, $9.58 for manufacturing and basic test costs and software & licensing cost of $22.61. iSuppli is projecting that Palm will try to sell the Palm Pre to Sprint Nextel at a price of about $300.
However, as is the case with virtually all mobile phones, the Pre’s price to consumers will be lower, at about $200, due to the wireless operator’s subsidy. Software and licensing includes the cost of intellectual property, royalties and licensing fee. Not included in this analysis are shipping, logistics, marketing and other channel costs.
The figure presents a summary of the results of iSuppli’s cost analysis of the Pre.BOM breakdown
The combination of the display and touch screen module is expected to be the Pre's most expensive single subsystem, at $39.51, representing 23.2 percent of the device's BOM. iSuppli believes the Pre employs a 3.1-inch TFT-LCD screen that has a pixel format of 320 by 480 pixels and supports the display of 16 million colors. The display subsystem also likely includes a capacitive touch screen overlay that allows multi-touch input through software.
Other significant contributors to the Pre's cost include:
* 8GBytes of NAND flash memory for storage, accounting for $15.96, or 9.4 percent of the Pre’s total BOM.
* A dual-band CDMA EVDO air interface, at a cost of $15.41, OR 9.1 percent of the total BOM.
* The 3-megapixel camera, costing $12.39, or 7.3 percent of the BOM.
Can Pre help Palm get a leg up on the market?
With the arrival of the iPhone and a range of competitive products, Palm in recent years has been suffering a decline in its already-minor share of global smart phone sales. Palm's share of global smart phone shipments declined to 2 percent in 2008, down from 2.9 percent in 2006, according to iSuppli.
Can the Pre reverse Palm's slide and allow the company to become a more significant player in the smart phone market?
“Palm has been known for years for its touch screen enabled PDA devices, its easy to use, simple operating system and its Treo smart phone product line,” Teng observed. “However, just a glance at the Pre at CES has changed the industry’s opinions about Palm, showing it is a company that can be competitive with Apple iPhone or any other leading-edge product in the global smart phone market.”
Monday, April 27, 2009
Mobile handset market stays afloat with 258 million shipped in 1Q-2009: ABI Research
NEW YORK, USA: Despite tough corporate and unemployment news making the headlines, the mobile handset-buying public did not head to the hills during the first quarter of 2009.
Handset vendors had shipped 258 million handsets by the end of the quarter. Although that represents an 11% year-over-year decline, the result significantly exceeded the previous forecast of 253.5 million. “Green shoots are sprouting,” is how ABI Research vice president Jake Saunders describes the latest figures.
Distributors reduced their inventories in 4Q-2008 and 1Q-2009 as they prepared for economic Armageddon but the market did not take another “leg down” in 1Q-2009. ABI Research has introduced a note of mild optimism in its handset forecasts for YE-2009, revising them from -8.4 percent to -8 percent. Saunders notes, “This will not be a V-shaped recovery. 2Q-2008 was a fairly strong quarter for handset sales so handset shipments for 2Q-2009 are going to report a -10 percent decline YoY, but QoQ, they should show improvement.”
“As always there are winners and losers,” comments practice director Kevin Burden. “Samsung and LG demonstrated healthy gains to take their market shares to 17.8 percent and 8.8 percent, respectively. Another star performer was RIM which raised its share to 3 percent due largely to the success of its Blackberry Bold.
It is a little curious that Apple’s market share is just 1.5 percent given the success of its AppStore. As popular as the iPhone3G has been, increased competition in the touch-screen segment and a lack of product differentiation may be dampening demand. ABI Research expects that by 2H-2009 the iPhone3G will have one or more siblings. That will allow Apple to accelerate growth.
Nokia was beaten out by SonyEricsson for the dubious distinction of showing the largest contractions (their shares now stand at 36.2 percent and 5.6 percent). Nokia will breathe a sigh of relief once its latest smartphone, the N97, enters the market. Nokia has had a fair amount of success with the E71 but needs to beef up its touch-screen product lines.
While Sony-Ericsson has the Experia smartphone line-up, the firm’s exposure to the feature phone segment was squeezed more than other handset sectors. While feature phones serve many needs in the market, operators have been especially keen to snap up smartphone stock and were cooler on the ultra-low cost and feature phone orders.
Despite the positive signs, says ABI Research, the industry should be cautious. The IMF has issued another sharp downgrade to its global outlook. Unemployment figures are also likely to continue creeping up. Buyers in the developed world are still concerned about debt and job security. Developing economies are expected to take a hit on the credit side which could have knock-on consequences on credit lines for purchases and stock levels.
Handset vendors had shipped 258 million handsets by the end of the quarter. Although that represents an 11% year-over-year decline, the result significantly exceeded the previous forecast of 253.5 million. “Green shoots are sprouting,” is how ABI Research vice president Jake Saunders describes the latest figures.
Distributors reduced their inventories in 4Q-2008 and 1Q-2009 as they prepared for economic Armageddon but the market did not take another “leg down” in 1Q-2009. ABI Research has introduced a note of mild optimism in its handset forecasts for YE-2009, revising them from -8.4 percent to -8 percent. Saunders notes, “This will not be a V-shaped recovery. 2Q-2008 was a fairly strong quarter for handset sales so handset shipments for 2Q-2009 are going to report a -10 percent decline YoY, but QoQ, they should show improvement.”
“As always there are winners and losers,” comments practice director Kevin Burden. “Samsung and LG demonstrated healthy gains to take their market shares to 17.8 percent and 8.8 percent, respectively. Another star performer was RIM which raised its share to 3 percent due largely to the success of its Blackberry Bold.
It is a little curious that Apple’s market share is just 1.5 percent given the success of its AppStore. As popular as the iPhone3G has been, increased competition in the touch-screen segment and a lack of product differentiation may be dampening demand. ABI Research expects that by 2H-2009 the iPhone3G will have one or more siblings. That will allow Apple to accelerate growth.
Nokia was beaten out by SonyEricsson for the dubious distinction of showing the largest contractions (their shares now stand at 36.2 percent and 5.6 percent). Nokia will breathe a sigh of relief once its latest smartphone, the N97, enters the market. Nokia has had a fair amount of success with the E71 but needs to beef up its touch-screen product lines.
While Sony-Ericsson has the Experia smartphone line-up, the firm’s exposure to the feature phone segment was squeezed more than other handset sectors. While feature phones serve many needs in the market, operators have been especially keen to snap up smartphone stock and were cooler on the ultra-low cost and feature phone orders.
Despite the positive signs, says ABI Research, the industry should be cautious. The IMF has issued another sharp downgrade to its global outlook. Unemployment figures are also likely to continue creeping up. Buyers in the developed world are still concerned about debt and job security. Developing economies are expected to take a hit on the credit side which could have knock-on consequences on credit lines for purchases and stock levels.
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