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Oonagh Reidy

REVEALED: iPad Worst Enemy…iPhone 4S

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The iPhone 4S gobbles iPad sales – but Amazon are on your tails too, Apple.
That’s according to new figures from analysts IHS, which show Apple’s grand share of the tab pie has dropped to 57% in Q4 – down from highs of around 73% – while new entrant Amazon Fire has soared to No. 2 spot with 14%.

Although “soaring sales” of Amazon’s Fire and low-priced tabs trimmed Apple’s market share, “it was [Apple’s] own newly introduced iPhone 4S that proved to be the strongest competitor for the iPad” in Q4, said IHS iSuppli.

In other words, Apple’s biggest tablet enemy was ..itself.

The $199 7″ Kindle Fire also played a strong role in the iPad’s downfall, particularly in the U.S, accounting for an astonishing 50% plus of tablet sales globally in Q4 last, despite its limited availability.
 
“Shipments of the iPad line fell short of IHS estimates in the fourth quarter as many loyal Apple customers devoted their dollars to shiny new alternatives,” said Rhoda Alexander, IHS researcher.

Apple shipped over 40 million tabs last year (up 168%) and 15.4m iPads and iPad 2s in Q4, meaning it held 62% market domination in 2011, but marks a fall from grace from the cult tab, which enjoyed global market share of 87% in 2010.

Ouch.


Ouch: iPad’s are hurting due to iPhone 4S

“The rollout of the iPhone 4S in October generated intense competition for Apple purchasers’ disposable income, doing more to limit iPad shipment growth than competition from the Kindle Fire and other media tablets.”

The low priced Android Kindle Fire’s shipments hit 3.9 million units in last three months of 2011, pushing Samsung Galaxy Tab’s off the number 2 spot, although the brand held on to the second highest spot for the year as a whole with 9.4%.

Barnes and Noble’s Nook tab came 4th, while Asus with its Eee line up came 5th in the global tablet race last year, although its share of the tabs pie slipped in Q4 compared to the previous quarter.

Kindle Fire shipments was in line with the IHS early December forecast, representing a “respectable start for the Fire” Alexander noted.

“However, the long-term viability of [Fire] will hinge on the success of Amazon’s business gamble, which depends on tablet sales driving substantial new online merchandise sales at Amazon.com,” the analyst warned.

 

But the surge in Android tabs came at a high costs, say analysts as budget tablets, like Kindle Fire and Barnes & Noble’s Nook, created “chaos” in the the Android tablet market, forcing competitors to slash prices.

“The surge in non-iPad shipments in the fourth quarter was achieved at considerable financial cost, with sharp price reductions across most of the competing Android tablets and actual product giveaways from a number of vendors as part of promotional efforts for other electronic products,” said Alexander.

In turn, vendors could be turning their backs on Android OS tabs as the price race to the bottom battle intensifies (and Google’s acquisition of Motorola) and are now looking to Windows 8 tablets due this year as a more “profitable alternative.”

“Watch for a surge of Windows 8 and ARM microprocessor-based tablets in late 2012 and early 2013,” say IHS.

But the US analysts also predicts iPad 3 due in Q2, will sell like hot cakes, reported to feature a QXGA retina display and Siri voice assistant.

IHS also expect demand to outstrip supply as Apple fans jostle to get their mitts on the third gen pad.

Read IHS full report here.

 

Samsung Q1 Profit Soar On Galaxy

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Samsung quarterly guidance spells goods news as operating profits rise over 50%
The world’s biggest phone maker’s January-March Q1 ’13 operating profit rose 53 percent to an estimated 8.7 trillion won  (US$7.7 billion) thanks to huge sales of mid-tier smartphones, according to its latest guidance.

Samsung said it expects operating profit to fall within the range of 8.5 – 8.9 trillion Korean won, beating analysts estimates of 8.3 tr won, report Reuters.

Will this phone drive Samsung profits even higher?

Samsung said total sales were approximately 52 trillion won, and is said to have sold 68-70 million smartphones alone in the first quarter – up from previous quarters.

Analysts estimate Samsung sold  63.7 million smartphones in the last quarter of 2012, nabbing almost 30% of the phone market.

It will release full results at the end of the month, April 26.

Earlier today, Samsung announced it would be launching the Galaxy S4 in Oz on Tuesday 23 April, the same day as rival HTC One goes on sale, which could send Samsung profits even hgiher if its enjoys teh same popularity as its predecessor, SIII.

Hello Lumia: Nokia Windows 7.5 Phone Hits March (BUT Can It Smash iPhone?)

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Nokia Windows Phone – Lumia 800 – is hitting a telco near you in March…but can it shine light?


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The 3.7 AMOLED display smartphone with Windows’ tile grid will be sold in Optus, Telstra, Vodafone and all “major retailers” from March, Nokia confirmed today.

The Nokia Lumia 800 on Windows Phone 7.5 has an 8 MP camera with 28mm Carl Zeiss wide-angle lens and HD video.

The camera has instant photo share capabilities and touch-to-focus, which Nokia claim is unique to its brand, which is false, since Samsung S II, HTC Velocity, Moto Razr, iPhone 4 all have this feature.

Memory wise, Lumia has 16GB of internal user memory plus 5GB of additional free SkyDrive storage.

The Lumia 800 home screen is a grid of live, animated tiles tailored to a user’s liking.

So, what are in the tiles? “Up-to-the-minute” Facebook, Twitter updates, news and weather feeds, email notifications and calendar alerts.

And for gamers, the Microsoft Windows Phone offers Xbox gaming.

The touch phone also features a People Hub, which combines all your contacts and feeds from Facebook, Linked-in and Twitter into one thread pinned to the homescreen.

The Lumia 800 was released in Europe last year, is tall and thin with sports sleek, curved casing.

The smartie is also best in class business with its 30+ year Windows software heritage, say Nokia, plus apps such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and OneNote Bing, Internet Explorer 9, HTML5 and Wi-Fi.


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And for radio lovers, Mix Radio, streams hours of music for free via WiFi, and Gigfinder, which lets you search for live local music events, shares your discoveries and buy concert tickets online.

On the GPS front, Nokia Drive – available in more than 100 countries – turns Lumia 800 into a fully-featured sat nav with voice guided turn-by-turn navigation, info on traffic, speed limits and cameras.

Nokia’s Windows gamble is a game changer and demand is strong here, says Nokia Australia MD.

 

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 “Nokia Lumia will change the way people think about Nokia.  It signifies a new beginning for the company, bringing together the very best of Nokia’s handset design and services with the latest Windows Phone software,” said Chris Carr.
 
“Interest locally for Nokia Lumia, our first range of Nokia with Windows Phone devices, has been extremely positive, with a significant appetite from operators and retailers looking to offer consumers a real smartphone alternative.”

“With uptake from all Australian operators and major retailers, the launch of the Nokia Lumia 800 signals our intent to regain leadership in smartphone design and usability,” Carr said.

Nokia’s Lumia 800 comes in black, blue (Cyan), pink (Magenta) and white.

No word on pricing yet.

HTC: Sales Go Wildfire 93% But Dip Ahead

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Up, but not for long: Desire maker HTC has just reported sensational third quarter results but is predicting a slide in sales, revenues next quarter. Q3 profit after-tax also rose a whopping 68% year-on-year to was NT$18.68bn or US$624m, while revenues grew for the sixth consecutive quarter hitting NT$135.82bn ($4.5bn), up 79% on same time a year ago.

Sue You Apple: South Koreans Accuse iPhone Of Prying Eyes $26M Battle

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South Korea v Cupertino. Sound familiar? 27,000 iPhone holders claim Apple secretly collected location data from their smartphones.


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Pictured: iPhone’s ability to map and track user locations.

The mass group from South Korea, Samsung’s home turf, claim privacy violations and are seeking US$930 or one million won in compensation each, reports AP. 

 Incidentially, South Korean brand, Samsung, too are locked in an ugly patent dispute with rivals Apple, in which Cupertino, California based giant sought to ban sale of its smartphones and, in particular, Galaxy Tab in several countries including Australia. 
One of the lawyers representing the iPhone claimants, Kim Hyeong-seok, say his clients are seeking to protect privacy rights. 
Over 26,691 individuals have already filed a civil case, while almost another 1,000, believed to be minors, are to follow suit. 
But its not just the locals who are getting shirty with Apple – so are its authorities. 
 Earlier this month, Steve Jobs’ giant was forced to pay fine of 3 million won (around AU$2,700) to the country’s communications regulator, the South Korea Communications Commission, for violating local information laws. 
 Apple have landed in hot water before under similar data violation accusations, uncovered by two British scientists who found iPhone’s were tracking and storing user location data, but the iOS maker later blamed a ‘glitch’ although did admit devices “may collect, use and share precise location data,” accidentally, when cross examined by US Senate. 
 

 It also said its updated iOS software, version 4.3.3, allowed users to turn off location services if they so wish. 

 Read Apple Deny (Yet Admit) User Tracking & Blame iPad, iPhone ‘Glitch’ Here

Smartphone Shake-Up: Sony To Seize Ericisson In Bid To Conquer iPhone

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Sony are nearing a buyout of its JV partner Sony Ericisson, say reports. The full takeover of the half European owned phones giant would see Sony coughing up millions to Telefon AB L.M. to seize full control over operations, which it currently owns a 50% stake in.


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Image credit: GSM Arena

Sony and Swedish owned Ericsson share a 50-50 joint venture after the duo combined forces in 2001, making it the 6th largest phonemaker in the world.

However, no word yet on how much Sony would pay for total control, although analysts estimate Ericsson’s stake may be worth anything from US$1.3 billion to $1.7 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The deal, if its goes ahead, would also be a sure sign of the Japanese giant’s interest in making major gains in the smartphone market and mobile computing, most recently unveiling two Android tablets in IFA Berlin.

To date, SE’s core business has been a dab hand at producing low end mobiles, similar to Nokia and whether it can break into the high end market dominated by the like of iPhone, Samsung and BlackBerry is another matter entirely.

However, its Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray has been dubbed an iPhone contender by SmartHouse reviewer.

Read Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray Is An iPhone Contender Here

However, Sony Ericisson’s fortunes have been on the slide of late, with phone sales slumping 32.1% to US $1.7bn in its first fiscal first quarter to June 30, which it attributed to a decline in basic feature phones demand as consumers love affairs with smartphones intensifies.  

Howard Stringer’s firm now hopes to integrate fully its new smartphones into its other computing devices, including Android tabs as well as PlayStation consoles, and Viao laptops, for synchronicity and in order to develop a viable eco system, reports suggest.

 

The parent companies have had previous discussions about a possible takeover over the years, although comments by Sony Ericisson’s Chief Bert Nordberg last week hinted in Sony’s favour, saying it has “more in common” with Sony than Ericsson.

Neither Sony nor Ericisson have made any offical comment although Stringer earlier this year did say the buyout did make sense and was on the cards.

“We talk a lot about this and we continue to talk,” he said.

Read  Take THAT, iPad 2: Sony Slap Rivals With 5″ Pocket Tab

Yahoo: Its War, Facebook

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Forget Apple V Samsung. The latest patent row is between Internet giants Yahoo V Facebook over News Feeds and messaging.


Facebook won’t give money away too easily to Yahoo, analysts believe.

Troubled web giant Yahoo has accused The Social Network of nicking ten “cutting edge” patents relating to its advertisement technology, and cloning other patented technologies for Facebook’s News Feed, Premium Video Comment Ad’s and messaging.

In fact, “Facebook’s entire social network model, which allows users to create profiles and connect with, among other things, persons and businesses, is based on Yahoo’s patented social networking technology,” the former Internet darling claims. 

The way Facebook displays its advertisements and using a pay-per-click model to prevent click fraud, also infringes Yahoo technologies, it alleges.

“Yahoo’s patents relate to cutting edge innovations in online products, including in messaging, news feed generation, social commenting, advertising display, preventing click fraud and privacy controls,” according to the case filed at U.S. District Court, Northern California, reports BBC.

“Yahoo is harmed by Facebook’s use of Yahoo’s patented technologies in a way that cannot be compensated for by payment of royalty alone.” However, there’s no word on whether Yahoo sought to settle out of court prior to the action.

Mark Zuckerberg’s giant said it was “disappointed” with its business partner Yahoo’s surprise legal action, which if pursued, could cost it millions in lawyers fees and court litigation, but denies the charges.

“We’re disappointed that Yahoo, a longtime business partner of Facebook and a company that has substantially benefited from its association with Facebook, has decided to resort to litigation,” it said.

However, the network which now boasts 845 million friends, said it has no forewarning about the litigation:

“Once again, we learned of Yahoo’s decision simultaneously with the media,” but pledged to “defend ourselves vigorously against these puzzling actions.”

The case comes as Facebook is getting set to go public later this year, which may coin the network up to $10bn and place its total value at a whopping $100bn – making it the biggest IPO ever.

Yahoo has suffered at the hands of rivals like Google in recent years as its search platform dived in popularity with the onslaught of Twitter, Facebook and other sites, and suffered management discontent, falling share price and profits.

 

The troubled giant pulled a similar move on rivals Google back in 2004 – which ended in Google coughing up 2.7m shares to settle the case, and may suggest Yahoo is now looking to get a piece of Facebook’s lucrative share portfolio also as a payoff.

Or else get a massive payout, which is what some industry watchers believe Yahoo are after, believing Facebook will be under pressure to settle as its IPO looms.

However, technology analyst Colin Gillis reckons believe Mark Zuckerberg wont be giving any money away too easily.

“There’s an air of desperation about this – it’s unlikely that they will get easy money from Facebook. This isn’t going to derail the IPO,” Gillis told the BBC.

Flight Centre Price Fixing Row

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Travel company has flown into hot water over price fixing allegations.


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The competition watchdog has instituted proceedings in Brisbane’s Federal Court against travel agency Flight Centre, alleging it attempted to induce competitors to enter into price fixing arrangements with it.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission alleges that, on six occasions between 2005 and 2009, the company attempted to induce Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines and Emirates to agree to stop directly offering their own fares at prices less than Flight Centre offered.

Flight Centre’s prices included both the amount collected for the airfare (paid to the airlines) plus commission, the watchdog alleges.

The watchdog also alleges that the purpose and likely effect of the arrangements sought by Flight Centre was to maintain its level of commissions.

“Such arrangements constitute price fixing arrangements in contravention of section 45 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (through the former s.45A of the Trade Practices Act 1974),” the ACCC said in a statement.

However, Flight Centre Managing Director, Graham Turner, denies any wrongdoing saying: “I am absolutely confident we will win our case and show our customers we always have the lowest price for any airline ticket.”

 

Turner also branded the ACCC case as “pure stupidity” saying “we don’t know where these trumped up charges [by the ACCC] are coming from.”

The watchdog is seeking injunctions and costs in its case against Flight Centre listed for Friday 13 April 2012 before Justice Logan.

Bargain Friday’s: Samsung 1000W Theatre $439, 55″ LED $699, 2 For 1 Cameras

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Its Bargain Friday again and there some juicy deals in town.


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First off Harvey Norman are doing a good deal on cameras and camcorders with a (semi) 2 for 1 deal  where you buy one and get the other half price.

However, its website gives away no real information on which models are on the offer so you may have to go instore to see for yourself.

JB Hi-Fi are also giving away iTunes gift cards vouchers on the cheap – giving away 2 X $20 gift vouchers for $30. This deal is also available at Target and Big W.

Also at JB’s is a Samsung 3D Blu-Ray home theatre system (HTD5530) for $436 – 1000W 6 speaker system (2x tallboy speakers, 2x bookshelf rears, 1x centre, 1x subwoofer), 2x HDMI inputs to hook up to a TV, Wi-Fi, iPod support, and 2D to 3D conversion.

The retailer is also selling a 55″ Soniq HD LED TV (1920 X 1080)  for a decent $699, which has 4 HDMI Inputs, USB inputs and recording function and inbuilt HD tuner.

Telstra Wireless NBN To Hit ‘Mid-2013’

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Telstra’s wireless NBN services could be here in less than 12 months, CEO David Thodey revealed yesterday

The telco will kick off testing wireless services on the National Broadband Network soon, and full service is likely to be available mid 2013, Thodey said yesterday.

The revelations came yesterday as Telstra’s top execs gave a ‘where we’re at’ strategy presentation to shareholders at an investor day.

Telstra already has fixed line NBN services where the high speed broadband network is in play.

Thodey also said Australia’s biggest telco was “considering” its NBN satellite options, according to reports, a service which will be used in remote and regional areas.

And Telstra, who will get an $11 billion pay out from the NBN Co in total, is carefully devising business plans as the rollout continues,  but has ”no god-given right that it will be successful” on NBN, despite being the country’s biggest telco, its boss admitted to shareholders. 

However, Telstra is “working closely with NBN to on the build of the transit network” and almost “one quarter of dark fibre links and 3000 equivalent rack spaces delivered,” according to the company presentation slides.

Telstra’s NBN activations have also increased steadily over the past three months, the presentation also showed, although there was a dip recorded during several weeks recently including mid-October.

Telstra is also getting nicely paid by NBN Co for the shutting down of its copper network and transferring infrastructure into the hands of Mike Quigley’s NBN Co and received $321m last year.

It also pledged to make the switch to the NBN as easy as possible for millions of customers, something which could cause confused chaos as the switch over gains pace in the future.

On other strategies, Telstra’s Mobile Director, Warwick Bray, pointed out the importance of mobile to Telstra’s revenue stream, and despite the market slowing says it will aim to grow revenue by monetising data growth and pushing MBB and Market to Market apps.

 

Average monthly revenue per user on postpaid mobile was “steady” but has declined in 6 months of FY12 from $63.38 in H1 to $59.08 in H2 and mobile broadband ARPU also dipped.

Telstra sold a massive 405,000 4G LTE ready smartphones and its 4G customer base is now veering steadily towards the 1 million mark with 802,0000 devices sold including wireless hotspots, phones and tabs.

Telstra’s strategy includes growing new business in Asian markets, Media, and Network Applications and Services (NAS).

Its Media group, which includes Foxtel, is also a major area of focus and it aims to increase the penetration of pay TV in Oz, and Thodey also alluded to supporting ‘treble play’ on Foxtel, bundling broadband, Pay TV and phone services and wants to become a “leader in multi screen IPTV” for sport and local content.

Improving customer service and simplifying pricing is also on the telco’s agenda.