Shocking news! This weekend, The New York Times reported that people are pulling over and parking sometimes to use smart phones, and sometimes that makes other people angry. Oh my willakers! This is nonsense. More »

Amid the inevitable rush of last-minute iPad rumors we’re trying desperately to avoid, one report in particular caught our eye. It suggests that Apple may include an emerging tactile technology in its third-generation iPad display that is as fascinating as it is unexpected. Speaking with Pocket-lint last week during the annual Mobile World Congress trade show, touchscreen interface solutions developer Senseg seemingly hinted that Apple may be including the company’s innovative technology in the iPad 3, or iPad HD, as it may be named. Senseg’s technology allows touchscreen device makers to alter the feel of a screen to coincide with graphics being displayed at any given time. So rocks might feel rough, silk might feel smooth and the user might actually feel an object he or she is moving around the device’s UI. Read on for more.

“Senseg turns touch screens into Feel Screens,” the company said on its website. “With Senseg touch screens come alive with textures, contours and edges that users can feel. Using Senseg technology, makers of tablet computers, smart phones, and any touch interface device can deliver revolutionary user experiences with high fidelity tactile sensations. Your customers will Feel the Difference with Senseg.”

When asked if its technology might be included in Apple’s new iPad, a Senseg spokesperson replied that the firm “won’t be making any statements until after Apple’s announcement.â€� While Pocket-lint takes that along with a number of other hints to mean we might see Senseg’s exciting technology appear in the third-generation Apple tablet that will be unveiled on Wednesday, there is still no firm evidence to support the speculation.

Apple will unveil its next-generation iPad at a press conference on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. Eastern, 11:00 a.m. Pacific.

Google Goggles could soon become a set of physical goggles if murmurings from within the company are true. Could this be the death knell for smart phones? More »

Sony on Thursday announced the transaction to acquire Ericsson’s 50% stake in Sony Ericsson has been completed. Sony and Ericsson announced the deal last October, which was worth €1.05 billion in cash and made Sony Ericsson a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony. The company will be renamed to Sony Mobile Communications and will “further integrate the mobile phone business as a vital element of its electronics business, with the aim of accelerating convergence between Sony’s lineup of network enabled consumer electronics products, including smart phones, tablets, TVs and PCs.” Read on for Sony’s press release.

Sony Completes Full Acquisition of Sony Ericsson

Sony to Rename the Company Sony Mobile Communications and Accelerate Business Integration

February 16, 2012, Tokyo, Japan – Sony Corporation (“Sony”) today announced that the transaction to acquire Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson’s (“Ericsson”) 50% stake in Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB (“Sony Ericsson”) has been completed as of February 15, 2012 (Central European time). This marks the completion of the transaction jointly announced by Sony and Ericsson on October 27, 2011, and makes Sony Ericsson a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony.

Sony will rename Sony Ericsson “Sony Mobile Communications”, and further integrate the mobile phone business as a vital element of its electronics business, with the aim of accelerating convergence between Sony’s lineup of network enabled consumer electronics products, including smart phones, tablets, TVs and PCs.

Samsung blew past Apple and Nokia in the third quarter to become the No. 1 smartphone vendor in the world, but another emerging smartphone vendor stole the top spot in the U.S. according to a new report. Market research firm Canalys on Monday released country-level smartphone shipment estimates and according to its figures, HTC shipped 5.7 million own-brand smartphones and another 700,000 T-Mobile-branded handsets last quarter to take the top spot with 6.4 million total devices shipped. Samsung shipped 4.9 million smartphones in the U.S. last quarter according to Canalys, and Apple shipped 4.6 million iPhones. “However you count it, HTC has become a deserved leader in the US smart phone market,” said Canalys analyst Chris Jones in a statement. “This is an awesome achievement for HTC, which has built a premium brand in a highly competitive market in just a few short years. It now has a strong range of 4G Android products, with devices ranged by each of the major carriers, and offers some of the most compelling and differentiated products found on the platform today.” The full press release from Canalys follows below.

HTC takes the lead in the US smart phone market

- A steller performance from Samsung sees it become the world’s number one vendor

Palo Alto, Shanghai, Singapore and Reading (UK) – Monday, 31 October 2011

Canalys today released its Q3 2011 country-level smart phone shipment estimates to clients, revealing that HTC has taken the top spot in the US market. At the same time, a particularly strong performance from Samsung saw it become the world’s number one smart phone vendor. Overall, the worldwide market grew substantially: 49% year-on-year to 120.4 million units.

With phenomenal year-on-year and sequential growth of 252% and 60% respectively, Samsung shipped 27.3 million smart phones under its own brand to capture a 23% share, becoming the number one vendor in APAC, Western Europe and Latin America, ahead of Nokia, Apple and RIM respectively. With well-regarded products, such as the Galaxy S II, and significant marketing campaigns, the vendor registered the second highest quarterly shipment total in the market’s history, behind only Nokia’s Q4 2010 performance. In addition, Samsung shipped an estimated 500,000 units worldwide under the Google and T-Mobile brands.

In the United States, the world’s largest smart phone market, HTC shone in Q3 2011, edging out Apple and Samsung to become the leading vendor. HTC shipped 5.7 million smart phones in the US under its own brand, giving it almost a quarter of the market, as well as an estimated 70,000 units under the T-Mobile brand. ‘However you count it, HTC has become a deserved leader in the US smart phone market,’ said Palo Alto-based Canalys Vice President and Principal Analyst, Chris Jones. ‘This is an awesome achievement for HTC, which has built a premium brand in a highly competitive market in just a few short years. It now has a strong range of 4G Android products, with devices ranged by each of the major carriers, and offers some of the most compelling and differentiated products found on the platform today.’

Samsung pushed Apple into third place in the US market, with shipments of its own-brand devices reaching 4.9 million units. Apple’s US smart phone shipments totaled 4.6 million in the quarter and it was affected around the world by consumers waiting for the launch of the next-generation iPhone.

‘Apple did not stir the usual excitement levels in the industry with the announcement of the iPhone 4S, but that was never likely to dampen volumes, due to pent up demand from the later than expected launch and the addition of Sprint as a third carrier,’ said Jones. ‘Early iPhone 4S sales have shown this is the case, and we expect to see a strong Q4 for Apple.’

‘Next week marks the two-year anniversary of Verizon Wireless’s DROID launch, the tremendously successful family of Android-based smart phones in the United States,’ said Jones. ‘Customers who bought early will see their loyalty tested in the coming weeks as their contracts come to an end.’

After a slow start in 2010, AT&T has over-delivered on the number of Android devices it promised to launch in 2011, including the Impulse 4G, supplied by Huawei but AT&T-branded, sold at an aggressive $30 with a contract to target first-time smart phone buyers. Android holds nearly 70% of the platform share in the United States, compared with 57% worldwide.

RIM had another tough quarter in its largest market, where its volumes declined 58% from a year ago and its US market share slipped from 24% in Q3 2010 to just 9% in Q3 2011. It continues to face unfavorable press there and its volumes have dropped significantly despite a refreshed product line that includes its flagship BlackBerry Bold 9900.

‘RIM’s market share has fallen below 10% for the first time, and the current outlook for it in the US is certainly bleak,’ said UK-based Canalys Senior Analyst, Tim Shepherd. ‘While Apple can for now get away with not having a 4G smart phone, no other vendor in the US can. RIM must deliver a competitive high-end 4G smart phone in early 2012.’

‘The picture for RIM in other parts of the world is clearly more positive. It grew 59% in EMEA and 56% in APAC over a year ago, largely driven by the continued popularity of BBM, its BlackBerry Messenger service. The Middle East and Africa and Southeast Asia were particular bright spots, and while October’s outage, focused on EMEA particularly, has hurt RIM’s reputation for reliability we do not expect it to have a substantial impact and expect a decent Q4 performance there.’

‘But undoubtedly RIM needs to deliver new, fresh, exciting products to the market and increase its pace of innovation and execution if it is going to have any chance of reasserting its position in North America. It badly needs to deliver on its potential with its new BBX platform,’ said Shepherd.

Canalys’ research also revealed huge growth in the smart phone market in mainland China, where shipments in Q3 2011 increased by an impressive 160% on a year ago to 23.2 million units. While maintaining very high growth potential, just over 200,000 fewer smart phones shipped in China than in the United States, leaving it a hair’s breadth away from being the world’s largest smart phone market.

‘The Chinese smart phone market is seeing explosive growth, not least from domestic vendors Huawei and ZTE,’ said Shanghai-based Canalys Research Director for China, Nicole Peng. ‘Both vendors are delivering good-quality, attractive smart phones on the Android platform for both the domestic and foreign markets, and their aggressive pricing strategies are enabling them to ship large volumes. They will continue to be an increasingly disruptive force in the global market in the coming quarters.’

Nokia retained its lead in the Chinese smart phone market, though echoing a picture seen around the world, it lost significant ground. Its share declined from 75% in Q3 2010 to 28% in Q3 2011.

‘Nokia has several tough quarters still ahead of it, even in its traditionally strong markets in APAC, such as China,’ said Peng. ‘The recent announcement of its first two Windows Phone devices, however, gives cause for some optimism, and shows that Nokia can still produce innovative and well-designed products. While China is not on Nokia’s initial list of launch countries for its Lumia products, Canalys understands that the market is a key priority for the vendor and expects to see Nokia Windows Phone devices there in the first half of 2012.’

Apple and Samsung also grew significantly in China this quarter, each enjoying growth of 710% and 805% year-on-year respectively.

Investment in mobile security will increase 44% annually through 2015 according to a recent research report from Canalys. Reportedly, just 4% of smartphones shipped last year were sold with security software pre-installed. Canalys suggests that, by 2015, more than 20% of all smartphones and tablets will run some form of security software and mobile security will be a $3 billion market. The research firm attributes the growth to an increase in pressure from enterprise customers, and it expects the usage of client security products such as antivirus software, VPN encryption and firewalls will grow an average of 54.6% annually to 2015. “Enterprises must adopt a holistic view of mobile security, as there is no single solution that provides complete protection,” research analyst Nushin Hernandez said. “A more robust approach, even compared to that used to protect typical notebooks and desktops, is needed.” Read on for the full press release from Canalys.

Mobile security investment to climb 44% each year through 2015

Canalys today announced its updated worldwide mobile security forecast, estimating an average investment growth of 44.2% per year, reaching $759.8 million by the end of 2011 and turning into a $3 billion market opportunity in 2015.[1]

According to Canalys figures, only 4% of smart phones and pads shipped in 2010 had some form of mobile security downloaded and installed, highlighting a low end-user awareness level and the relative infancy of the market. Mobile security uptake is anticipated to rise rapidly over the next four years, as enterprises conform more strictly to data protection and compliance practices, and consumers begin to understand the impending security threat to their personal data. Canalys forecasts that by 2015 over 20% of smart phones and pads will have mobile security software installed.

Over the next two years, Canalys expects device management to drive adoption of mobile security-related products, with businesses deploying solutions to track, monitor and authorize corporate data access, as consumers bring their devices into the workplace. These solutions will increasingly be tied to enterprise app stores, so that only approved apps can be downloaded and only devices with approved apps installed can access corporate resources.

After that period, the threat landscape is predicted to become extremely volatile, as more hackers target mobile devices as a means to financial gain. Enterprises and consumers alike will increasingly implement mobile security solutions to remove problems that have already infected their devices. This will turn mobile client security into the main driver, with device management a required layer in a more complete solution. Canalys expects mobile client security, which includes anti-virus, firewall, messaging security, web threat security, VPN functionality and encryption, to grow on average by 54.6% each year to 2015.

Until now, North America has led mobile security adoption, primarily due to enterprises adhering to data compliance regulations. Investment in the more mature Western European markets is poised to accelerate though, as enterprise mobility and consumerization trends pick up speed. Developing countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East will experience a sharp rise in mobile security investment from 2013 to 2015, as Android continues to gain headway as the preferred operating system in more price-sensitive markets. Canalys expects a strong parallel to emerge between Android operating system growth and the volume of mobile malware threats, as the potential for more people to download compromised applications rises.

‘We’re encouraging enterprises to build a framework for mobile security that encompasses people, policies, processes and technologies,’ said Canalys Research Analyst Nushin Hernandez. ‘This vision will also create the most opportunity for channel partners, if they can step in and act as the main point of strategic consulting across multivendor product offerings.’

Today, enterprises around the world are struggling to manage a growing mobile workforce, using multiple devices and operating systems and increased data consumption. Mobility multiplies the number of attack vectors open to cyber-criminals and renders corporate data more vulnerable through physical loss of devices. Users, meanwhile, have a tendency to treat smart phones and pads as low risk, without understanding the security implications of using these devices to access corporate data and networks.

‘Enterprises must adopt a holistic view of mobile security, as there is no single solution that provides complete protection,’ said Hernandez. ‘A more robust approach, even compared to that used to protect typical notebooks and desktops, is needed.’

Operators must also ensure that their customers’ data is protected along with their own information, assets, intellectual property and brand. Mobile operators globally are experiencing increasing mobile malware attacks and are spending more time and money on recovery. Canalys anticipates attack sophistication levels to rise with time. Providing service providers with a high-level of security from a network perspective, regardless of device or operating system type, will be a key differentiator from a security vendor perspective.

Canalys expects channel-led deals to work best with vendors that offer value-add services, such as management and installation support. “Vendors will have to equip channel partners with the necessary technical training and tools, especially specialization programs, to enable them to advise on the best mobility security practices, policies and solutions,” said Hernandez. “Channel partners in turn are advised to build up their portfolios and explore the possibility of acquiring or joining forces with resellers that sell device management solutions.”

Remotes are stupid. Stupid stupid and/or stupid expensive. So why bother dealing with stupidity when you already have the perfect device to control your system: an iPhone. See, smartphones are not stupid. With the Griffin Beacon, you can control everything with your phone. More »

According to IHS-owned market research firm iSuppli, revenues from major mobile app stores will grow 77.7% to $3.8 billion this year. iSuppli estimates that major app markets like those offered by Apple, Google, Nokia and RIM sold $2.1 billion worth of apps in 2010 and just $830.6 million in 2009. “With consumers continuing to show robust, unflagging interest in downloading games and other applications to devices like smart phones and tablets, collective revenues from the four stores will climb sharply this year,â€� said IHS mobile media analyst Jack Kent in a statement. According to the report, consumers’ hunger for mobile apps won’t be slowing down any time soon. The firm suggests that app store sales will continue to grow linearly — as most analysts these days seem to believe all growth is linear — with revenues ballooning to $5.6 billion in 2012 and $8.3 billion in 2014. Hit the break for the full press release.

Revenue for Major Mobile App Stores to Rise 77.7 Percent in 2011

May 3, 2011

JACK KENT

Combined revenues from the four major mobile application stores run by Apple Inc., Google Inc., Nokia Corp. and Research In Motion Ltd. will leap 77.7 percent in 2011 to $3.8 billion, with the Apple App Store projected to eat up a gargantuan three-quarters share of the total market, according to new IHS Screen Digest research.

“With consumers continuing to show robust, unflagging interest in downloading games and other applications to devices like smart phones and tablets, collective revenues from the four stores will climb sharply this year,� said Jack Kent, analyst, mobile media, for IHS.

Combined revenue for the four stores in 2011 will rise from $2.1 billion in 2010 and from $830.6 million in 2009. Application store revenues were first tracked in 2008 in a market worth just $206.01 million, with the Apple App Store the only viable presence at that time.

Total download revenue from games and other applications are projected to continue rising in the next few years, jumping to $5.6 billion in 2012, $6.9 billion in 2013 and $8.3 billion in 2014. The four app stores are the major players at present in the field, but other sites, such as Microsoft’s Windows Marketplace, conceivably could gain enough size and presence in the future to shake up the market.

Apple App Store to Account for Three-Quarters of Market
To no one’s surprise, the Apple App Store continues to head off all competition. Projected figures for the Apple App Store this year call for revenue of $2.91 billion, up 63.4 percent from $1.78 billion in 2010. Given that Apple devices such as the iPhone, iPod and iPad are the market leaders in their field, the company’s App Store is expected to take in 76 percent of revenue this year and retain 60 percent market share by 2014, despite efforts by the other stores to match Apple’s ability to monetize its users, IHS believes.

Apple also will lead the way with revenue gained from in-app purchases—or additional purchases made within a paid application, such as bonus game levels—which will serve as a key growth driver for revenue up to 2014.

Google Android Market on the Rise
Making a serious bid for consumer dollars, however, is Google’s Android Market, which will see the fastest growth in 2011. Android Market revenue will soar 295.4 percent this year to $425.36 million, on its way to become the second-largest application store.

The ascension of Google Market to runner-up position means a fall in ranking for last year’s second-place finisher, Research In Motion (RIM). This year, the BlackBerry App World will finish third with expected revenue of $279.11 million. Despite 69.2 percent growth in 2011 that will rival Apple’s App Store revenue expansion, BlackBerry App World will have the fewest downloads, numbering about 772.2 million, compared to a staggering 10.3 billion downloads for the Apple App Store and 5.8 billion downloads for Android Market.

In last place this year will be the Nokia Ovi Store, with $201.48 million in anticipated revenue and 1.1 billion downloads from Nokia’s Symbian smart phone users. Both the RIM and Nokia app stores will continue over the next few years to be relegated to the two lower positions as Apple and Google remain the dominant players, IHS Screen Digest figures show.

The total number of downloaded applications in 2011 is expected to reach 18.1 billion by year-end, compared to 9.5 billion last year, 3.1 billion in 2009 and 419.2 million in 2008. By 2014, downloaded applications will top some 33 billion.

The New York State Attorney General’s office on Tuesday announced that it plans to conduct a thorough review of AT&T’s proposed T-Mobile USA acquisition. The $39 billion deal would reposition AT&T as the nation’s top wireless carrier, though the merger is already being met with substantial opposition. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman may soon be the latest on the list of those opposed to the deal, for fear that the union may drive up wireless service costs for New York residents. “Cell phones are no longer a luxury for a few among us, but a basic necessity. The last thing New Yorkers need during these difficult economic times is to see cell phone prices rise,” said Schneiderman in a statement. “Affordable wireless service and technology, including smart phones and next generation handheld devices, are the bridge to the digital broadband future. We want to ensure all New Yorkers benefit from these important innovations that improve lives.” Hit the jump for the full press release.

A.G. SCHNEIDERMAN TO UNDERTAKE THOROUGH REVIEW OF AT&T, T-MOBILE MERGER

Attorney General to Analyze the Largest Wireless Merger in History for Potential Anti-Competitive Impacts on Consumers and Businesses

Schneiderman: My Office Will Ensure New York Consumers are Protected; Merger Must Not Reduce Access to Low-Cost Options and Newest Broadband-Based Technologies

NEW YORK – Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced that his office will undertake a thorough review of AT&T’s acquisition of T-Mobile. The proposed merger would create the nation’s largest wireless company with a total of 130 million subscribers nationwide, opening the door to a near duopoly shared by the merged firm and Verizon.  The Attorney General will analyze the merger for potential anti-competitive impacts on consumers and businesses across New York State.

T-Mobile, a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, is a low-cost provider of choice for millions of New Yorkers and currently has 34 million customers nationwide, making it the fourth-largest wireless company in the country. The proposed merger could start a process of consolidation that would lead to two firms – AT&T and Verizon – controlling nearly 80% of wireless subscribers nationwide and dominating the U.S. wireless business.

“Cell phones are no longer a luxury for a few among us, but a basic necessity. The last thing New Yorkers need during these difficult economic times is to see cell phone prices rise,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Affordable wireless service and technology, including smart phones and next generation handheld devices, are the bridge to the digital broadband future. We want to ensure all New Yorkers benefit from these important innovations that improve lives.”

Attorney General Schneiderman stressed that some market conditions may differ across the state and highlighted the potential impact of the merger in areas like Rochester, Albany, Buffalo and Syracuse, where there are already fewer wireless options. He is also concerned about the impact on consumers throughout the state, where T-Mobile is a low-cost option. In announcing his review, Schneiderman noted that the impact of the merger is likely to be felt statewide, and that the review will therefore examine all aspects of the likely impact of the merger on consumers and businesses in all affected areas throughout New York.

Attorney General Schneiderman stressed that he will closely scrutinize AT&T’s argument that the merger has the potential to produce some benefits, such as expanding the coverage of AT&T’s next generation broadband wireless network to rural areas in upstate New York that are underserved and have poor wired broadband connectivity. Supporters argue that the merger might improve broadband service for T-Mobile customers by fulfilling some of their spectrum needs through access to AT&T’s advanced network. The Attorney General’s review will weigh the benefits to New Yorkers against the anti-competitive risks posed to them.

Best Buy announced on Monday that it will begin accepting pre-orders for Sprint’s Nexus S 4G immediately. Best Buy will sell the device in its Best Buy Mobile stores and online. While pricing hasn’t yet been announced, one store confirmed to BGR that customers can pre-order Nexus S 4G with a $50 deposit, which will be applied to the final purchase price. The Nexus S 4G is nearly identical to the original Nexus S on T-Mobile, but it’s a bit thicker and heavier due to the new radios for CDMA and 4G WiMAX. Hit the jump for the full release.

Best Buy Launches Presale of Nexus S 4G from Google, available on the Sprint Network

Presale begins today at Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores nationwide

MINNEAPOLIS, March 21, 2011 – Best Buy today announced the presale of Nexus S 4G from Google, available on the Sprint Network, which will be available in Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile standalone stores nationwide, as well as online at Best Buy.com/Mobile, later this spring. As a national retail exclusive, Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores will be the only physical retail locations, other than Sprint stores, where consumers can demo, compare and purchase this handset.

“The exclusive launch of Nexus S from Google was a landmark for us and it continues to be one of our best-selling devices,� said Scott Anderson,head of merchandising for Best Buy Mobile. “Bringing Nexus S 4G to our stores is one more way we’re making it as easy as possible for people to find the phone that’s right for them.�

Nexus S 4G is the world’s first 4G smart phone to feature a 4� Contour Display and Android™ 2.3, Gingerbread. It also delivers a pure Google experience: unfiltered access to Google mobile services and the latest and greatest Android releases and updates.

Best Buy Mobile has rapidly become a leading destination for mobile technology purchases with the most smart phones under one roof, and an array of services aimed at improving customers’ experience, including Walk Out Working, Happy 24 and Buy Back. Offerings also include a full array of accessories for customers to protect and personalize their devices.

About Best Buy Mobile

Best Buy Mobile was founded in 2006 with a goal of changing the way consumers shop for and purchase mobile phones in America. Today, Best Buy Mobile is in every Best Buy store and also has 178 Best Buy Mobile specialty stores around the country. Best Mobile features one of the largest selections of carriers, handsets and accessories available anywhere. Employees undergo at least 80 hours of intensive training, as well as continuing education on mobile phone technology and trends to help customers get the most of their mobile phones. For more information about Best Buy Mobile, visit www.bestbuy.com/mobileor www.bestbuymobile.com.

About Best Buy Co., Inc.

With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, China, Mexico and Turkey, Best Buy is a multinational retailer of technology and entertainment products and services with a commitment to growth and innovation. The Best Buy family of brands and partnerships collectively generates more than $49 billion in annual revenue and includes brands such as Best Buy; Best Buy Mobile; Audiovisions; The Carphone Warehouse; Future Shop; Geek Squad, Jiangsu Five Star; Magnolia Audio Video; Napster; Pacific Sales; and The Phone House. Approximately 180,000 employees apply their talents to help bring the benefits of these brands to life for customers through retail locations, multiple call centers and Web sites, in-home solutions, product delivery and activities in our communities. Community partnership is central to the way Best Buy does business. In fiscal 2010, Best Buy donated a combined $25.2 million to improve the vitality of the communities where their employees and customers live and work. For more information about Best Buy, visit www.bestbuy.com.

Android, Google, and Nexus S are trademarks of Google, Inc.

Led by tremendous continued demand for Apple’s iPad, tablet sales helped drive impressive 19% fourth-quarter growth in the global PC market according to research firm Canalys. Strong Mac and iPad sales resulted in 241% growth year-over-year for the Cupertino-based company, which passed Dell this quarter to become the third-largest PC vender in the world. Shipments jumped from 3.4 million to 11.5 million units, and Apple now owns 10.8% of the global PC market. Ahead of Apple is Acer, which saw 8.8% growth year-over-year in the fourth quarter. The company shipped 13.6 million PCs amounting to 12.8% of the global market. Atop the list with 17.7% of the market is HP, which shipped 18.7 million computers in the fourth quarter. Year-over-year growth slowed to 2.9%, however, while companies like Dell and Lenovo showed double-digit growth. HP plans to enter the tablet market in the first half of this year, and it is expected to announce its first tablet devices at a press event next month.

As to whether or not tablets like the Apple iPad should be included in PC sales figures, Canalys Senior Analyst Daryl Chiam addresses the question quite well: “Any argument that a pad is not a PC is simply out of sync,” Chiam said in a statement. “With screen sizes of seven inches or above, ample processing power, and a growing number of applications, pads offer a computing experience comparable to netbooks. They compete for the same customers and will happily coexist. As with smart phones, some users will require a physical keyboard, while others will do without.” Hit the break for Canalys’ full release.

Canalys reports global PC market growth of 19% in Q4 2010
- Apple climbs to third place worldwide

Palo Alto, Singapore and Reading (UK) – Wednesday, 26 January 2011

Canalys today announced strong PC industry growth of 19% in Q4 2010, with Apple climbing to third place in the market, thanks to impressive iPad and Mac sales, as well as fast growth in Asia Pacific. The analyst company attributes the majority of Q4 market growth to the rising demand for pads, a new product category.

‘Pads gave consumers increased product choice over the holiday season,’ said Canalys Analyst Tim Coulling. ‘While they do not appeal to first-time buyers or low-income households, they are proving extremely popular as additional computing devices.’

Canalys urges vendors to accept new market realities, by recognizing pads as an integral new component of the overall PC landscape. Unlike other analyst companies, Canalys incorporates pad shipments, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab and Apple’s iPad, in its total PC market report.

‘Pads gave the market momentum in 2010, just as netbooks did the year before,’ said Canalys Senior Analyst Daryl Chiam. ‘We are encouraging vendors to plan for the future and not to remain stuck in the past.’

‘Any argument that a pad is not a PC is simply out of sync,’ said Chiam. ‘With screen sizes of seven inches or above, ample processing power, and a growing number of applications, pads offer a computing experience comparable to netbooks. They compete for the same customers and will happily coexist. As with smart phones, some users will require a physical keyboard, while others will do without.’

‘Each new product category typically causes a significant shift in market shares,’ said Chiam. ‘Apple is benefiting from pads, just as Acer, Samsung and Asus previously did with netbooks. The PC industry has always evolved this way, starting when Toshiba and Compaq rode high on the original notebook wave.’

At a regional level, Asia, especially China and India, continued to outperform most of the other global markets, to the benefit of Lenovo and Dell. In the United States, sales recovered somewhat, while Europe, the Middle East and Africa remained an ongoing concern due to substantial consumer inventory build-up. Moving forward, inventory issues will be exacerbated by rising VAT levels across five countries – Poland, Latvia, Slovakia, Switzerland and the UK – as well as the urgency created by the upcoming Intel refresh. As a result, Canalys predicts significant retail discounting in this region during the first quarter.

Other bright spots for the PC industry included accelerating corporate refresh programmes, as Windows 7 became an accepted operating system. This trend favoured vendors with a solid presence in B2B, notably HP, Dell and Lenovo. Canalys also noted strong demand for servers and storage, driven by substantial investment in data centre infrastructure.

‘Recessionary budgets are over for most companies, and IT expenditure is again being used as a catalyst for growth,’ said Coulling. ‘The performance of the corporate market, however, contrasts starkly with the decline in public sector expenditure in most Western countries. The big service-led companies, which profited greatly from huge government-led contracts, are in for a tough 2011.’

While brands like LG, Samsung, and Kenmore all showed off their own special brand of Jetsonian appliances at CES this year, Sub-Zero was close by touting a stable of 30 automation-ready products and a partnership with Control4 that could make them a contender for home automation domination. Sub-Zero's ZigBee-based system uses preexisting serial ports (initially installed for diagnostic purposes) to connect users to appliances via touchscreens, smart phones, and other enabled devices. The system lacks full control of potentially dangerous appliances like the oven, instead acting as an alert system when, say, your turkey is done roasting, but it does grant complete access to things like your refrigerator or freezer. Other systems might sport increased functionality, like LG's Thinq, which allows users to set oven temperatures remotely, and Samsung's fridge, which lets you tweet from a built-in touchscreen, but Sub-Zero is hoping a second-quarter release will put them at the head of the pack. We'll see if a head start makes a difference in the glacial appliance market, when Samsung rolls out its smart refrigerator this May and Kenmore's system comes to fruition in 2012.

Control4, Sub-Zero get in on the home automation game originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big box retailer Best Buy has announced a new promotion aimed at potential smartphone purchasers this holiday season. Citing the success of its Free Phone Fridays campaign, BB will be offering “a minimum of four free smart phones (one from each carrier) in all Best Buy stores, in all Best Buy Mobile specialty stores and online” through the holiday shopping season. Currently, Best Buy’s website has fourteen smartphones listed with a $0 price tag, including HTC’s DROID Incredible and Aria, LG’s Optiums S and T, BlackBerry’s Curve 9300, and Sony Ericsson’s Xperia X10.

“We were excited by the amount of consumer interest we received around our ‘Free Phone Fridays’ promotion in October, so we wanted to do it again only bigger,â€� said Best Buy Mobile’s president, Shawn Score. “People want smart phones and we couldn’t think of a better way to end the year for our customers than to offer free devices every day in December.â€�

As with most free phone promotions, a new or upgraded activation with a signed two-year contract is required.

Read [Press Release] Read [Free Phone Site]

It's not every day that a new HTC phone with CDMA and WiMAX support swings through the FCC's labs -- so even though we don't really know what this is, we thought we'd better point it out. Odds are it'll be headed to Sprint considering the unique combination of technology, and the test report lists it as a "Smart Phone" -- Windows Phones from these guys usually say as much, so we're thinking this is probably Android. The elephant in the room would have to be the Knight / EVO Shift 4G we've been hearing about lately... and considering that there are mentions of tests in the "slide off" and "slide right" configurations, we wouldn't doubt this is it. Any crazy theories out there?

HTC phone with CDMA and WiMAX hits the FCC: the EVO Shift 4G, perhaps? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Trade, a company that sells warranties for a host of products, has released a study on smartphone reliability. In analyzing the failure of just over 50,000 smartphones, the company has compiled a list detailing which OEM makes the most reliable device.

In measuring hardware durability, Square Trade reports that, after 12-months of ownership, both BlackBerrys and iPhone 3GS’ were the least accident prone handsets. RIM’s smartphones had a 6.7% accident rate while the iPhone 3GS had a 9.4% accident rate. HTC and Motorola were tied for third amongst specific OEMs with a 12.2% accident rate. The report lists the overall rate of “other” smartphones as 10.2% and — unsurprisingly — the iPhone 4 fared the worst with a 13.8% rate.

Square Trade also tried to measure overall smartphone reliability. As the company explains: “To arrive at overall failure rates, we looked at and combined both types of failures, accidents and normal malfunctions.” The company reports that the iPhone 4 was the most reliable smartphone after 12-months of ownership with a 2.1% failure rate followed by the iPhone 3GS and Motorola sets both boasting a 2.3% rate of failure. HTC placed third with a 3.7% failure rate and BlackBerry ended up fourth with 6.3%; the failure rate of “other smartphones” was listed at 6.7%.

Obviously some figures reported were projections, as devices like the iPhone 4 have been available for less than twelve months… but the study is still pretty interesting. Hit the jump to see some other highlights from Square Trade.

• The iPhone 4 was the most reliable phone, with 2.1% projected to have a non-accident malfunction in the first 12 months The major makers of Android devices, Motorola and HTC, were also very reliable, with just 2.3% and 3.7%.

• BlackBerry and other smart phones were less reliable, with 6.3% and 6.7% failing in the first 12 months of use.

• Accidental damage is responsible for over 75% of smart phone failures. BlackBerry devices had the lowest one-year accident rate at 6.7%, and the iPhone 4 had the highest at 9.4%.

• The iPhone 3GS had the lowest overall failure rates, with just 11.7% failing over the course of a year, and the aggregated pool of other smart phones had the highest failure rate at 16.9%.

It looks like regional carrier U.S. Cellular will throw its proverbial hat in the Samsung-ring and offer its customers the Galaxy Tab Android device. Most of us, by now, are familiar with the device’s spec sheet — Android 2.2, Flash 10.1, and 7-inch display — what we’re really interested in is the price and launch date of the device; all things the press release lacks. Hit the jump to read what you already know about the Tab and we’ll reach out to U.S. Cellular for a comment on the date and price.

Samsung Mobile Announces Samsung Galaxy Tab™ with U.S. Cellular®

Mobile tablet will feature 7-inch touchscreen, Android 2.2™ platform, Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1 and front and rear-facing cameras for video chat support

DALLAS – October 28, 2010 – Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile)1, the No.1 mobile phone provider in the U.S. today announced the Samsung Galaxy Tab™ with U.S. Cellular®. The Samsung Galaxy Tab is designed for people who want a premium mobile entertainment experience on the go, but don’t want to be weighed down by a bulky device. Weighing only 13 ounces and 12 millimeters thin, the Galaxy Tab fits conveniently in a pocket or purse.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab features a brilliant 7-inch enhanced TFT display screen, 1GHz Hummingbird Application processor supporting 3D graphics and smooth Web browsing and 1.3 megapixel front and 3 megapixel rear-facing cameras and is powered by Android 2.2™, including full support for Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1.

Just like Samsung’s Galaxy S™ smart phones, the Galaxy Tab includes Samsung’s Social Hub application, which syncs a users Messaging and Contacts to initiate the sending and receiving of information, whether it is e-mail, instant messaging, social network updates or SMS messages. Additionally, calendar information from portal calendars, such as Google Calendar, and social networking services are displayed together in one calendar with two-way synchronization.

Services like Google Maps™ Navigation (Beta) and Google Goggles are available on Google’s Android platform. With useful location-based services like Google Maps™, consumers can search in Standard English instead of entering an exact address. A search-by-voice function is just as intuitive, meaning searches can also be completed easily on the go.

Key features:

• 7-inch enhanced TFT display with WSVGA resolution – Offers brighter colors and clearer pictures and delivers 1024 x 600 resolution whether watching a movie or reading a book
• Rear-facing, 3MP camera and camcorder – AutoFocus captures DVD quality video
• Front-facing, 1.3-megapixel camera and camcorder – Enables video chat with other people who have video conferencing capabilities (applications available in Android Marketâ„¢).
• Corporate Email – Supports Android 2.2 Exchange ActiveSync e-mail to synchronize corporate e-mail, contacts and calendars from office e-mail accounts
• Wi-Fi® connectivity (802.11 b/g/n) and Wireless Hotspot support
• Built-in 2 GB internal memory with 16 GB pre-installed microSDâ„¢ expandable to 32 GB
• 4,000 mAh Battery – Provides ample power to watch movies, share content and surf the Web
• Ultra thin at 12 millimeters and weighing 13 ounces – For users who don’t want to be weighed down by adding a mobile tablet to their pocket or purse Samsung Social Hub – Built around messaging, contacts and calendar sync, which allows users to send and receive daily activities, whether it is e-mail, social network updates or SMS messages
• Customizable touch screen menu with drag-and-drop widgets

For additional information about the Samsung Galaxy Tab, visit www.samsungmobileusa.com.

Remember that Best Buy flier featuring the white Samsung Fascinate, white Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, Dell Streak, and HTC Surround we showed you yesterday? Well, according to a press release, those four devices will all be exclusive offerings from Best Buy. The white Fascinate and X10 are interesting, but not overly shocking; Best Buy getting exclusivity on the Streak and recently announce Surround, however, is quite interesting. As reported, the X10, Fascinate, and X10 will all be available on October 24 for $99, $149 and $299 respectively with 2-year agreements. The HTC Surround will be available on November 8 and will retail for $199 with a 2-year agreement.

It’s an Exclusive Holiday at Best Buy Mobile® With Launch of Four New Smart Phones

Pre Sale Begins Today on All Four Exclusive Devices: Sony Ericsson Xperiaâ„¢ X10 in White with The Essential Taylor Swift Experience, Dell Streakâ„¢, HTC Surroundâ„¢ Based on Windows Phone 7 and White Samsung Fascinateâ„¢

MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Best Buy Mobile has the most smart phones under one roof and, this holiday, it is adding to that selection with several exclusive smart phones as well. Best Buy Mobile, the mobile specialty retail unit of Best Buy Co. Inc (NYSE:BBY), today proudly announced the exclusive launch and pre sale of four dynamic new smart phones. The lineup includes:
“There are thousands of places to buy mobile phones in America, but there is only one place where customers can buy one of these great smart phones. And that place is Best Buy Mobile�

• Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 in White on AT&T with the Essential Taylor Swift Experience
• Dell Streakâ„¢ on AT&T featuring a 5â€� screen
• HTC Surround on AT&T featuring the new Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system (National Retail Exclusive)
• White Samsung Fascinate on Verizon

All four devices are exclusive to Best Buy Mobile and go on pre sale today at all Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile specialty stores nationwide, as well as online at BestBuy.com/Mobile.

“There are thousands of places to buy mobile phones in America, but there is only one place where customers can buy one of these great smart phones. And that place is Best Buy Mobile,� said Scott Anderson, head of merchandising for Best Buy Mobile. “Each one of these devices offers something new and unique to the market and we are excited and honored to bring them to our customers. Best Buy knows consumers expect the hottest products, but also great prices along with a level of service and support that simply makes life easier – that’s what we’re delivering.�

White Sony Ericsson Xperiaâ„¢ X10 with The Essential Taylor Swift Experience
Customers can only get this experience here – with the exclusive white version of the X10 plus music and media from one of this Holiday’s hottest artists. The phone retails for $99 with a new two-year activation and will be in stores on Oct. 24.
The ultimate media pack of Taylor Swift content includes:

• Taylor Swift’s self titled and ‘Fearless’ albums
• Her new single ‘Mine’ along with the Ringtone and Music video
• Plus, get access to all of the music from the new “Speak Nowâ€� CD on the Oct. 25 release day.
• Additionally, there is an exclusive accessory pack for the White X10 that includes a Skin for the phone and matching headphones – the fan’s essential!

The X10 runs on the Android operating system and features:

• 8.1 MP camera
• Large 4â€� WVGA capacitive touch display
• 1 GHz Snapdragon processor
• Timescapeâ„¢ – Easily manage Facebookâ„¢, Twitterâ„¢, Email & more in an animated deck-of-cards format
• Mediascape – Photos, online photos, videos and music all in one place, plus music links to YouTubeâ„¢.

5� Android-based Tablet: Dell Streak on AT&T
The Dell Streak has found a way to fit your whole world in a 5-inch screen, and in your pocket. The 5-inch Android-based tablet is designed to provide people the best on-the-go entertainment, social connection and navigation experience.
Dell Streak features:

• Only 5â€� Tablet optimized to be pocket friendly for easy portability
• 5â€� Gorilla glass display creates a high quality damage resistant display
• Fast processing power with 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragonâ„¢ processor
• Two cameras allow users the flexibility to capture the moment by photo or video chat
• Integrated A-GPS and e-compass enables Location-Based Services (LBS) applications for personal navigation w/ real time maps.

The Streak retails for $299.99 with a new 2 year activation and launches in stores on Oct. 24.

Windows Phone 7 arrives: HTC Surround on AT&T
The HTC Surround is the first smart phone at Best Buy to feature Windows Phone 7. It retails for $199 with new two-year activation and will be in stores on Nov. 8.

With Windows Phone 7, the things that matter most to people, such as games, music and video, photos and office productivity are organized through integrated experiences known as Hubs and fueled by the rich experiences of Xbox LIVE, Zune, Bing, and Office.
The HTC Surround includes integrated Dolby Mobile and SRS surround sound speakers. The speakers slide-out and reveal a kickstand for watching video beneath its 3.8-inch touch screen.

White hot: White Samsung Fascinate on Verizon
One of Verizon Wireless’ best selling phones now comes in white and is only at Best Buy Mobile. The phone is $149.99 with new two-year activation and launches on Oct. 24. It features:

• Brilliant 4â€� Super AMOLED screen
• 1GHz processor
• 5MP Camera
• 720 DH Video Recording
• 16GB pre-installed SD Card

Best Buy Mobile rapidly has become a leading destination for smart phone purchases, in part because of the promises the store offers its customers: better choice of phones and networks; impartial, informed advice; straightforward pricing; and someone to be there for the life of the phone.