The internet has been awash with rumours of the Nokia N8 recently, and we were half expecting it to be launched along with the Nokia C3, Nokia C6 and Nokia E5 earlier this week. Nokia’s 12-Megapixel flagship phone didn’t make an appearance, however, so what happened to it? To find out more about the Nokia N8, join us after the break…
The Nokia N8-00 looks like being one of the most exciting and important Nokia smartphones for some time, with the brand new Symbian ^3 operating system designed specifically around touchscreen usability. As such, the Nokia N8 should feel a lot more contemporary than existing touchscreen Nokia handsets. Unfortunately, it looks like we’re going to have to wait a little longer for the Nokia N8, with no sign of it at yesterday’s announcement.
The Nokia N8 – formally known as the Nokia N8-00 – will sit at the top of Nokia’s smartphone range, and will be the first handset to take advantage of the Symbian ^3 operating system. That means you’ll find features such as multiple home screens and hardware graphics acceleration, with performance expected to prove exceptional.
5 things you need to know about the Nokia N8
With Nokia ironing out any final bugs in the Symbian ^3 operating system, however, it looks like the launch of the Nokia N8 has been delayed slightly. That’s not to say we’ll be waiting a long time – thankfully – with Engadget hinting at a mid-April launch for the Nokia N8.That said, Slashgear appear a litte more pessimistic, pointing out that the Nokia N8 could be delayed until as late as mid-July. Either way, we’ll be keeping you updated every step of the way.
Will you be buying the Nokia N8? Let us know what you think of Nokia’s flagship in the Comments below.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Nokia C3 price in India: Nokia C6 Price & Specifications, Nokia E5 rates
Nokia announced it’s three new sets, all the new sets are good for teenagers and well designed. Nokia announced about C3, C5 and E5 mobiles yesterday. Nokia C3 will cost you in India Rs. 5500 & C5 expected to be around Rs 16000. And E5 model will cost you – Well its not declared till now.
The Nokia E5 is a 2.4-inch smartphone that is set to replace the Nokia E72 in the affectations of anyone who needs a QWERTY messaging machine. Why? Well, the sleek new design adds an even smoother keyboard while the battery life of the Nokia E5 – up to 25 days in standby – is bound to impress anyone who needs a killer battery life.
The Nokia C3 has 3G which means the users will be able to access web and download data at blazing fast speed. This is the first S40 OS based phone from Nokia that features a full QWERTY keypad. It also has a standard 2MP camera that records video. The phone has 55 MB on-board memory. For wireless connectivity it has WiFi and Blue-tooth. It supports external memory card up to 8GB.
Nokia C6 runs Symbian S60 3d Edition OS and its QWERTY keyboard candybar looks like the ones on the E Series devices. The handset supports UMTS/HSDPA connectivity, packing a 5 megapixel camera. Most of the Nokia C6 features is adopt the C5 with 2.2-inch QVGA display,camera, GPS function, FM radio and 50MB internal memory.
The Nokia E5 is a 2.4-inch smartphone that is set to replace the Nokia E72 in the affectations of anyone who needs a QWERTY messaging machine. Why? Well, the sleek new design adds an even smoother keyboard while the battery life of the Nokia E5 – up to 25 days in standby – is bound to impress anyone who needs a killer battery life.The Nokia C3 has 3G which means the users will be able to access web and download data at blazing fast speed. This is the first S40 OS based phone from Nokia that features a full QWERTY keypad. It also has a standard 2MP camera that records video. The phone has 55 MB on-board memory. For wireless connectivity it has WiFi and Blue-tooth. It supports external memory card up to 8GB.Nokia C6 runs Symbian S60 3d Edition OS and its QWERTY keyboard candybar looks like the ones on the E Series devices. The handset supports UMTS/HSDPA connectivity, packing a 5 megapixel camera. Most of the Nokia C6 features is adopt the C5 with 2.2-inch QVGA display,camera, GPS function, FM radio and 50MB internal memory.
New Microsoft Phones Aim at a Younger Crowd
Jim Wilson/The New York Times
Robert J. Bach, the president of Microsoft’s entertainment and devices division, at a news conference on Monday.
SAN FRANCISCO — Microsoft is trying to home in on a younger, chattier demographic with two new cellphones centered on social networking. The Kin One and Kin Two allow users to keep closely synched with sites like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. The start menu displays a montage of photographs from friends with notes about what they are doing rather than a more traditional menu that caters to phone functions. The Kins also have touch screens, links to the Zune music service and high-powered cameras for capturing photographs and video.
“This is aimed at 15- to 30-year-olds who are social-networking enthusiasts,” said Robert J. Bach, president of Microsoft’s entertainment and devices division, who introduced the phones at a news conference here Monday.
Phone makers like Nokia and Samsung have long built a variety of models, including those aimed at younger buyers, many of which also link to social-networking sites. But in its focus on social networking, Microsoft has taken one of the more aggressive stances in going after this market, which the company believes is receptive to a fresh pitch.
Microsoft could use a runaway cellphone product since it has been steadily losing market share despite selling mobile software for far longer than Apple.
With a nod to the intended audience, Mr. Bach left his pink shirt untucked as he discussed the Kin phones during the news conference, which was held at a bar — drinks, sliders and crème brûlée at the ready.
The Kin One is square and fits easily in the palm of a hand. A full keyboard slides down at the bottom of the phone. The Kin Two has the more familiar rectangle shape, an eight-megapixel camera (up from five megapixels on the One) and can take high-definition videos.
Verizon Wireless has an exclusive deal in the United States for the Kins, made by Sharp; the phones are to go on sale in May for an undisclosed price. Vodafone will sell them in Europe.
Kevin Restivo, an analyst with the research firm IDC, said many phone makers and carriers had recently emphasized social networking. But he commended Microsoft for picking a clear target.
“For years, Microsoft has tried to be all things to all people and it hasn’t worked,” he said. “Microsoft has regrouped and decided to form a beachhead with the teens and tweens.”
John Harrobin, a senior vice president at Verizon, said he hoped the phones would attract a new crop of customers. Mr. Harrobin likened the Kins’ focus on social networking to the corporate e-mail strategy of Research In Motion, maker of the BlackBerry smartphones.
“R.I.M. went after a market that they knew was big, but didn’t know how big,” he said. “They did e-mail better than anyone, and the Kin does social networking, pictures and video better than other phones.”
Mr. Harrobin said he expected the video-capable Kins to cost less than the popular Flip video cameras sold by Cisco Systems, which start at about $150.
Microsoft has been in the cellphone software market for years, trying to make a mobile version of its Windows software as popular on hand-held devices as the regular version is on PCs. But the strategy has not been successful; the company ended 2009 with 8.7 percent of the smartphone software market, down from 11.8 percent in 2008, according to the research company Gartner.
In February, Microsoft showed off a new version of its smartphone software, Windows Phone 7. A large number of phone makers will ship products based on this software later this year, hoping their devices will slow the momentum of Apple’s iPhone.
The Kin phones build on the same core software as the Windows Phone 7 products, although they look different. And while the Kins emphasize social networking, the Windows Phone 7 software and devices merge consumer and business functions.
The Kins are largely updated versions of products Microsoft acquired in its 2008 purchase of Danger. Sharp and Microsoft designed the phones, which will display the Windows Phone, Sharp and Verizon/Vodafone brands.
One software feature unique to the Kin phones is the Spot, a place near the bottom of the interface where users can drag photos, messages, videos, maps and other content, which can then be sent to a friend with a flick of the finger.
Microsoft has decided to retain tight control of the Kin software, meaning that there is no applications marketplace for the products, and will determine which social networks have built-in support on the phones.
Social networking and messaging brought to life with the Nokia C3, Nokia C6 and Nokia E5
Espoo, Finland -- Nokia has announced three new handsets - the Nokia C3, Nokia C6 and Nokia E5 - designed to put better messaging and social networking tools in the hands of more people around the world, at affordable prices. These new handsets feature full QWERTY keyboards, and enable access to a range of different email accounts, IM communities and social networks."Our messaging device range is very successful," said Anssi Vanjoki, Nokia's Head of Markets. "Services that provide easy access to the world's consumer and corporate email and instant messaging are really popular on our QWERTY smartphones such as the Nokia E71 and Nokia E63. People want the best messaging and social networking experience on an affordable device, whether it's sending a simple text or instant message, an email, or a direct message from their Twitter account. The Nokia C3, Nokia C6 and Nokia E5 are made for just that."
The Nokia C3 is the first device to bring a full QWERTY keyboard to the world's most popular mobile phone platform - Series 40 - and is the first in the range to enable access to social networks directly on the homescreen. People can view, comment, update their status and share pictures to their favorite social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.
At an estimated price of EUR 90, before taxes and subsidies, the Nokia C3 also comes with Ovi Mail and Ovi Chat, meaning first time users can set up email and chat accounts straight from the device, without the need for a PC. Other notable features are the Wi-Fi connectivity, a two megapixel camera, rich color 2.4 inch screen and support for up to an 8GB memory card. The Nokia C3 is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2010 in a variety of appealing colors, including golden white, slate grey and hot pink.
The Nokia C6 is a Symbian-based smartphone combining the benefits of a 3.2 inch touch screen with a full slide out keyboard. The large screen provides a great Internet experience, as well as offering access to Facebook feeds directly on the homescreen. A full suite of email and social networking capabilities means the Nokia C6 is perfect for people who want to stay up to date while on the go.
Expected to be available in the second quarter of 2010 at an estimated price of EUR 220, before taxes and subsidies, the Nokia C6 has an impressive feature set including a high quality five megapixel camera with autofocus and flash, and Ovi Maps with free walk and drive navigation. In addition, thousands of apps - from games and videos to news aggregators and web services - are available in the Ovi Store.
Rounding off the trio is the latest addition to the Nokia Eseries range, the Nokia E5. Designed for those that want to be productive in both their professional and personal lives, the Symbian-based Nokia E5 follows the successful blueprint of devices such as the Nokia E72 and Nokia E63. The Nokia E5 combines high quality business features with all of the personal networking and entertainment capabilities that a busy professional expects from a smartphone.
The Nokia E5 is perfect for managing busy schedules with a variety of productivity applications available in the Ovi Store. And with direct access to over 90 percent of the world's corporate email through Mail for Exchange and IBM Lotus Notes Traveler, it's easy to keep in contact from anywhere.
Estimated price of the Nokia E5 is EUR 180, before taxes and subsidies, with expected availability in the third quarter of 2010.
The Nokia C3 is the first device to bring a full QWERTY keyboard to the world's most popular mobile phone platform - Series 40 - and is the first in the range to enable access to social networks directly on the homescreen. People can view, comment, update their status and share pictures to their favorite social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.
At an estimated price of EUR 90, before taxes and subsidies, the Nokia C3 also comes with Ovi Mail and Ovi Chat, meaning first time users can set up email and chat accounts straight from the device, without the need for a PC. Other notable features are the Wi-Fi connectivity, a two megapixel camera, rich color 2.4 inch screen and support for up to an 8GB memory card. The Nokia C3 is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2010 in a variety of appealing colors, including golden white, slate grey and hot pink.
The Nokia C6 is a Symbian-based smartphone combining the benefits of a 3.2 inch touch screen with a full slide out keyboard. The large screen provides a great Internet experience, as well as offering access to Facebook feeds directly on the homescreen. A full suite of email and social networking capabilities means the Nokia C6 is perfect for people who want to stay up to date while on the go.
Expected to be available in the second quarter of 2010 at an estimated price of EUR 220, before taxes and subsidies, the Nokia C6 has an impressive feature set including a high quality five megapixel camera with autofocus and flash, and Ovi Maps with free walk and drive navigation. In addition, thousands of apps - from games and videos to news aggregators and web services - are available in the Ovi Store.
Rounding off the trio is the latest addition to the Nokia Eseries range, the Nokia E5. Designed for those that want to be productive in both their professional and personal lives, the Symbian-based Nokia E5 follows the successful blueprint of devices such as the Nokia E72 and Nokia E63. The Nokia E5 combines high quality business features with all of the personal networking and entertainment capabilities that a busy professional expects from a smartphone.
The Nokia E5 is perfect for managing busy schedules with a variety of productivity applications available in the Ovi Store. And with direct access to over 90 percent of the world's corporate email through Mail for Exchange and IBM Lotus Notes Traveler, it's easy to keep in contact from anywhere.
Estimated price of the Nokia E5 is EUR 180, before taxes and subsidies, with expected availability in the third quarter of 2010.
Microsoft Ushers in the Next Generation of the Social Phone With KIN, a New Windows Phone
Redmond, WA -- Microsoft Corp. announces KIN, a new Windows® Phone designed specifically for people who are actively navigating their social lives. Brought to life through partnerships with Verizon Wireless, Vodafone and Sharp Corporation, KIN is designed to be the ultimate social experience that blends the phone, online services and the PC with breakthrough new experiences called the Loop, Spot and Studio. KIN will be exclusively available from Verizon Wireless in the U.S. beginning in May and from Vodafone this autumn in Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom."Working closely with our partners, we saw an opportunity to design a mobile experience just for this social generation — a phone that makes it easy to share your life moment to moment," said Robbie Bach, president of the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. "We built KIN for people who live to be connected, share, express and relate to their friends and family. This social generation wants and needs more from their phone. KIN is the one place to get the stuff you care about to the people you care about most."
A New Kind of Social Phone
With KIN, social networking is built into the fabric of the phone. KIN has a fun, simple interface, which is designed to help people publish the magazine of their life by making the people and stuff they love the focus rather than menus and icons. The unique hardware design was developed in partnership with Sharp to create a new kind of social phone. There are two models called KIN ONE and KIN TWO. Both phones feature a touch screen and slide-out keyboard. ONE is small and compact, making it a perfect fit for a pocket and to operate with one hand. TWO has a larger screen and keyboard, in addition to more memory, a higher resolution camera, and the ability to record high-definition video. The 5 and 8 megapixel cameras in ONE and TWO, respectively, are designed for use in low light with image stabilization and a bright LumiLED flash.
The New Way to Share
The home screen of the phone is called the KIN Loop, which is always up to date and always on, showing all the things happening in someone's social world. KIN automatically brings together feeds from leading Microsoft and third-party services such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter all in one place, making it easier to stay connected. Customers can also select their favorite people, and KIN will automatically prioritize their status updates, messages, feeds and photos. Another unique feature, the KIN Spot is a new way for people to share what's going on in their world. It lets them focus first on the people and stuff they want to share rather than the specific application they want to use. Videos, photos, text messages, Web pages, location and status updates are shared by simply dragging them to a single place on the phone called the Spot. Once all the people and content are in the Spot to share, the consumer can choose how to share, and start broadcasting.
Your Phone, on the Web
KIN Studio is your phone online. Almost everything created on the phone is available in the cloud from any Web browser. Photos and videos are freed from the confines of the phone and presented in an online visual timeline so they are easy to view and share. The KIN Studio automatically backs up texts, call history, photos, videos and contacts, and populates a personalized digital journal so it's easy to go back in time to relive a crazy weekend or recent birthday. And the KIN Studio gives customers tons of storage to keep all those photos, videos, contacts and texts so they'll never run out of space on their phone and lose a memory.
Music and More
KIN will be the first Windows Phone to feature a Zune experience — including music, video, FM radio and podcast playback. With a Zune Pass subscription, customers using Zune software on their PC can listen to millions of songs from Zune Marketplace on their KIN while on the go, or load their personal collection. KIN also has other features customers want in a phone including a rich browser with the ability to share pieces of the Web, local and Web search by Bing, and an RSS feed reader to pull down information on people and stories from the Web.
A New Kind of Social Phone
With KIN, social networking is built into the fabric of the phone. KIN has a fun, simple interface, which is designed to help people publish the magazine of their life by making the people and stuff they love the focus rather than menus and icons. The unique hardware design was developed in partnership with Sharp to create a new kind of social phone. There are two models called KIN ONE and KIN TWO. Both phones feature a touch screen and slide-out keyboard. ONE is small and compact, making it a perfect fit for a pocket and to operate with one hand. TWO has a larger screen and keyboard, in addition to more memory, a higher resolution camera, and the ability to record high-definition video. The 5 and 8 megapixel cameras in ONE and TWO, respectively, are designed for use in low light with image stabilization and a bright LumiLED flash.
The New Way to Share
The home screen of the phone is called the KIN Loop, which is always up to date and always on, showing all the things happening in someone's social world. KIN automatically brings together feeds from leading Microsoft and third-party services such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter all in one place, making it easier to stay connected. Customers can also select their favorite people, and KIN will automatically prioritize their status updates, messages, feeds and photos. Another unique feature, the KIN Spot is a new way for people to share what's going on in their world. It lets them focus first on the people and stuff they want to share rather than the specific application they want to use. Videos, photos, text messages, Web pages, location and status updates are shared by simply dragging them to a single place on the phone called the Spot. Once all the people and content are in the Spot to share, the consumer can choose how to share, and start broadcasting.
Your Phone, on the Web
KIN Studio is your phone online. Almost everything created on the phone is available in the cloud from any Web browser. Photos and videos are freed from the confines of the phone and presented in an online visual timeline so they are easy to view and share. The KIN Studio automatically backs up texts, call history, photos, videos and contacts, and populates a personalized digital journal so it's easy to go back in time to relive a crazy weekend or recent birthday. And the KIN Studio gives customers tons of storage to keep all those photos, videos, contacts and texts so they'll never run out of space on their phone and lose a memory.
Music and More
KIN will be the first Windows Phone to feature a Zune experience — including music, video, FM radio and podcast playback. With a Zune Pass subscription, customers using Zune software on their PC can listen to millions of songs from Zune Marketplace on their KIN while on the go, or load their personal collection. KIN also has other features customers want in a phone including a rich browser with the ability to share pieces of the Web, local and Web search by Bing, and an RSS feed reader to pull down information on people and stories from the Web.
Qualcomm updates FLO TV
Las Vegas -- FLO TV Incorporated, a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), today announced at the 2010 NAB Show in Las Vegas that it is working to enhance its mobile TV service with new applications that integrate video with Web-based content and social media tools. The expanded capabilities are in response to the ways in which consumers today are simultaneously viewing and interacting with content.“With consumers’ mobile entertainment habits evolving rapidly, FLO TV will be integrating its current live linear video with relevant, on-demand content and interactive features that complement the programming viewers are watching in real-time,” said Bill Stone, president of FLO TV. “Our innovative, nationwide multicast network is at the heart of this solution and will allow us to distribute live mobile TV and rich mobile media services to a range of new devices – from smartbooks to e-readers and tablets.”
In addition to integrated experiences, FLO TV announced an expanded suite of mobile TV services, including interactive capabilities, pay-per-day and event passes, and time-shifted viewing options. The new features will be available on the FLO TV™ service across a range of mobile devices in the second half of 2010. New service applications will include:
* Interactive features that will enable users to interact with programming and advertising, allowing consumers to click for more information about a show or click to buy an advertised product. * Pay-per-day passes designed to offer pay-as-you-go flexibility, providing consumers the ability to watch the FLO TV service without committing to a recurring monthly subscription. Event passes will provide an easy way for existing FLO TV subscribers to add premium content such as limited engagement, special events to their programming lineup.
* Time-shifted viewing, or ‘catch-up TV,’ that will allow popular shows to be stored on FLO-enabled mobile devices, thereby granting viewers the ability to watch their favorite shows on-demand, even outside of a coverage area.
At a time when mobile devices such as smartphones, e-readers and tablets are proliferating and data consumption is increasing, FLO TV’s nationwide network can alleviate cellular network congestion to meet the growing consumer demand for mobile media access across a wide range of devices.
The FLO TV service is currently available on multiple platforms, including mobile handsets and the recently launched FLO TV Personal Television, the first-ever portable digital television with a dedicated network. In collaboration with Audiovox, FLO TV also offers FLO TV Auto Entertainment, an in-vehicle entertainment system that delivers high-quality mobile TV.
Service not available everywhere. Programming subject to change / blackout restrictions. Service subscription required. “Live mobile television” means the FLO TV service transmits channels in real time; no downloading, sideloading or buffering.
In addition to integrated experiences, FLO TV announced an expanded suite of mobile TV services, including interactive capabilities, pay-per-day and event passes, and time-shifted viewing options. The new features will be available on the FLO TV™ service across a range of mobile devices in the second half of 2010. New service applications will include:
* Interactive features that will enable users to interact with programming and advertising, allowing consumers to click for more information about a show or click to buy an advertised product. * Pay-per-day passes designed to offer pay-as-you-go flexibility, providing consumers the ability to watch the FLO TV service without committing to a recurring monthly subscription. Event passes will provide an easy way for existing FLO TV subscribers to add premium content such as limited engagement, special events to their programming lineup.
* Time-shifted viewing, or ‘catch-up TV,’ that will allow popular shows to be stored on FLO-enabled mobile devices, thereby granting viewers the ability to watch their favorite shows on-demand, even outside of a coverage area.
At a time when mobile devices such as smartphones, e-readers and tablets are proliferating and data consumption is increasing, FLO TV’s nationwide network can alleviate cellular network congestion to meet the growing consumer demand for mobile media access across a wide range of devices.
The FLO TV service is currently available on multiple platforms, including mobile handsets and the recently launched FLO TV Personal Television, the first-ever portable digital television with a dedicated network. In collaboration with Audiovox, FLO TV also offers FLO TV Auto Entertainment, an in-vehicle entertainment system that delivers high-quality mobile TV.
Service not available everywhere. Programming subject to change / blackout restrictions. Service subscription required. “Live mobile television” means the FLO TV service transmits channels in real time; no downloading, sideloading or buffering.
List of possible Palm suitors grows, led by Asians
By Melanie Lee and Franklin Paul
SHANGHAI/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Palm Inc, may be scooped up by an Asian company with enough cash and manufacturing muscle to turn around the struggling smartphone maker, but analysts warn a deal could prove too rich for any buyer at current prices.
Huawei Technologies Co Ltd became on Tuesday the latest name to surface as a possible bidder for Palm, whose phones have steadily lost customers to theiPhone and BlackBerry . Two months ago, Palm reached out to Huawei's bankers regarding a possible deal, although talks have not moved forward, according to a source.
Palm declined to comment, but another source said this week the company has hired bankers to explore several options, including a sale of the company (ID:nLDE63C01S).
Huawei, in a statement, also declined to comment on a merger, but said it is "always open" to opportunities that will enhance its business development.
If Palm fits that bill, Huawei could face competition from a handful of other companies in Asia. Various reports suggest inquiries in the region already include a PC maker, a handset developer and a telecommunications provider.
Several North American companies -- from computer maker Dell Inc to Blackberry makerResearch in Motion Ltd -- have also been mentioned as potential suitors.
But speculation has started to favor overseas concerns that can use broad manufacturing capabilities to boost the supply of Palm-branded phones, at lower costs, as well as help bankroll the advertising and promotion of new products.
"I think its someone who is on the outside looking in to the U.S. smartphone market -- someone who wants to participate but isn't there currently -- a Huaweh or a Lenovo," said Avian Securities analyst Matthew Thornton. "It's those types that would be the best fit."
Despite its challenges, Palm is the No. 3 brand in the biggest growth sector of the mobile phone market, trailing Apple Inc and RIM. In the United States, smartphones represented about one-third of new handset volume in the fourth quarter of 2009, according to NPD Group.
And smartphone sales are expected to rise about 38 percent to 65 million units in the United States and Canada this year, according to research firm Canalys.
HUAWEI, ZTE, LENOVO
Both Huawei, the world's No. 2 telecommunications equipment maker, and Lenovo Group Ltd, a top PC marker that is reportedly looking to bolster its mobile Internet business, could infuse much-needed cash into Palm.
"They can capture the Palm brand, their carrier relationships, (and) the patent portfolio," he added. "For anyone that is starting from scratch in the U.S., this deal makes some sense."
HTC Corp, the No.5 smartphone maker, has also talked to Palm about a possible acquisition, Taiwan's Economic Daily News said last week. Analysts view ZTE Corp, China's No. 2 telecommunications equipment maker, as another possible suitor. ZTE could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.
"Huawei and ZTE are potential buyers. It makes sense: they don't have an operating system or a brand, but they have cheap manufacturing costs and money to invest and develop the brand," said IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo in London.
"Consumers don't associate Chinese brands with quality products and don't pay a premium for such a mobile phone. Palm would be perfect for them."
Palm shares have jumped more than 55 percent in the past week on speculation about a potential sale of the company.
But the stock fell 14.6 percent to close at $5.16 on Tuesday after analysts suggested the rally made the company too pricey.
"We remain concerned that it may be a 'take-under,' meaning a price that is below its current share price," Kaufman Bros. analyst Shaw Wu said in a note.
"This is due to Palm's large operating losses and likelihood that operating expenses remain high due to investment required to stay competitive in the smartphone space."
Based on recent deals in the technology sector, Palm could potentially fetch $1.3 billion, given its current $1 billion market capitalization and the 30 percent premium recently paid in tech deals. Analysts, however, doubt bids will reach that level.
(Additional reporting by Tarmo Virki in Helsinki; editing by Paul Thomasch, Derek Caney editing by Andre Grenon)
SHANGHAI/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Palm Inc, may be scooped up by an Asian company with enough cash and manufacturing muscle to turn around the struggling smartphone maker, but analysts warn a deal could prove too rich for any buyer at current prices.
Huawei Technologies Co Ltd became on Tuesday the latest name to surface as a possible bidder for Palm, whose phones have steadily lost customers to the
Palm declined to comment, but another source said this week the company has hired bankers to explore several options, including a sale of the company (ID:nLDE63C01S).
Huawei, in a statement, also declined to comment on a merger, but said it is "always open" to opportunities that will enhance its business development.
If Palm fits that bill, Huawei could face competition from a handful of other companies in Asia. Various reports suggest inquiries in the region already include a PC maker, a handset developer and a telecommunications provider.
Several North American companies -- from computer maker Dell Inc to Blackberry maker
But speculation has started to favor overseas concerns that can use broad manufacturing capabilities to boost the supply of Palm-branded phones, at lower costs, as well as help bankroll the advertising and promotion of new products.
"I think its someone who is on the outside looking in to the U.S. smartphone market -- someone who wants to participate but isn't there currently -- a Huaweh or a Lenovo," said Avian Securities analyst Matthew Thornton. "It's those types that would be the best fit."
Despite its challenges, Palm is the No. 3 brand in the biggest growth sector of the mobile phone market, trailing Apple Inc and RIM. In the United States, smartphones represented about one-third of new handset volume in the fourth quarter of 2009, according to NPD Group.
And smartphone sales are expected to rise about 38 percent to 65 million units in the United States and Canada this year, according to research firm Canalys.
HUAWEI, ZTE, LENOVO
Both Huawei, the world's No. 2 telecommunications equipment maker, and Lenovo Group Ltd, a top PC marker that is reportedly looking to bolster its mobile Internet business, could infuse much-needed cash into Palm.
"They can capture the Palm brand, their carrier relationships, (and) the patent portfolio," he added. "For anyone that is starting from scratch in the U.S., this deal makes some sense."
HTC Corp, the No.5 smartphone maker, has also talked to Palm about a possible acquisition, Taiwan's Economic Daily News said last week. Analysts view ZTE Corp, China's No. 2 telecommunications equipment maker, as another possible suitor. ZTE could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.
"Huawei and ZTE are potential buyers. It makes sense: they don't have an operating system or a brand, but they have cheap manufacturing costs and money to invest and develop the brand," said IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo in London.
"Consumers don't associate Chinese brands with quality products and don't pay a premium for such a mobile phone. Palm would be perfect for them."
Palm shares have jumped more than 55 percent in the past week on speculation about a potential sale of the company.
But the stock fell 14.6 percent to close at $5.16 on Tuesday after analysts suggested the rally made the company too pricey.
"We remain concerned that it may be a 'take-under,' meaning a price that is below its current share price," Kaufman Bros. analyst Shaw Wu said in a note.
"This is due to Palm's large operating losses and likelihood that operating expenses remain high due to investment required to stay competitive in the smartphone space."
Based on recent deals in the technology sector, Palm could potentially fetch $1.3 billion, given its current $1 billion market capitalization and the 30 percent premium recently paid in tech deals. Analysts, however, doubt bids will reach that level.
(Additional reporting by Tarmo Virki in Helsinki; editing by Paul Thomasch, Derek Caney editing by Andre Grenon)
Twelve Major Broadcast Groups to Form Joint Venture to Develop National Mobile Content Service
Las Vegas -- Belo Corp., Cox Media Group, E.W. Scripps Co., Fox, Gannett Broadcasting, Hearst Television Inc., ION Television, Media General Inc., Meredith Corp., NBC, Post-Newsweek Stations Inc. and Raycom Media today announced plans to form a standalone joint venture to develop a new national mobile content service. Utilizing existing broadcast spectrum, the service will allow member companies to provide content to mobile devices, including live and on-demand video, local and national news from print and electronic sources, as well as sports and entertainment programming.Broadcast spectrum to be utilized for the new mobile service will come from the three owned-and-operated station groups -- Fox, NBC & Telemundo, and ION -- and the nine local broadcast groups, which are Belo, Cox, E.W. Scripps, Gannett, Hearst, Media General, Meredith, Post Newsweek and Raycom. Separately, these nine local broadcast companies formed Pearl Mobile DTV Company LLC as a vehicle for their involvement in the venture.
By aggregating existing broadcast spectrum from its launch partners, the new venture will have the capacity to offer a breadth of mobile video and print content to nearly 150 million U.S. residents. In addition to broadcast spectrum, the partners will commit content, marketing resources and capital to the new venture. The service will employ ATSC-M/H, an open broadcast transmission system developed by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) specifically for mobile devices.
The venture is designed to complement the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) National Broadband Initiative by giving consumers mobile access to video content while reducing congestion of the nation's wireless broadband infrastructure. In addition, the service's mobile content network will have the capacity to deliver local and national time-sensitive emergency information to citizens across the U.S.
Regarding the announcement, Jack Abernethy, Chief Executive Officer of Fox Television Stations, stated: "We are excited about building a platform that makes mobile television universally available and economically viable. This venture is the first step in forging cross-industry and company partnerships to deliver content to consumers."
"This initiative offers a path for the next generation of video consumption, and will help the FCC in its goal of ensuring efficient and reliable broadband service for US consumers," said John Wallace, President, NBC Local Media.
"Local broadcasters are the backbone of the U.S. media industry," said David J. Barrett, President and CEO of Hearst Television Inc. "This sharing of content, broadcast spectrum, marketing resources and capital is unprecedented, and underscores U.S. broadcasters' commitment to bringing vital local news, weather, and emergency information to increasingly mobile U.S. consumers. This is a critically important initiative that holds great promise for our audiences and the television industry. This is truly the next generation of local television service."
"This venture takes to the next level the work we embarked upon three years ago with the development of Mobile DTV technology, in anticipation of digital TV capabilities and consumer mobile demand," said Brandon Burgess, CEO of ION Television.
"Mobile digital television places each of our companies at the center of a consumer transformation, putting us on cell phones, netbooks, DVD players and even in-vehicle entertainment systems," said David Lougee, President, Gannett Broadcasting, Gannett Co. Inc. "And it's the consumers who are the big winners. From news and entertainment to emergency information, virtually all U.S. consumers will soon be able to bring their most valuable content with them wherever they go."
Information regarding a dedicated management team that will focus on securing additional content, spectrum and distribution partnerships for the venture will be made available at a later date.
By aggregating existing broadcast spectrum from its launch partners, the new venture will have the capacity to offer a breadth of mobile video and print content to nearly 150 million U.S. residents. In addition to broadcast spectrum, the partners will commit content, marketing resources and capital to the new venture. The service will employ ATSC-M/H, an open broadcast transmission system developed by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) specifically for mobile devices.
The venture is designed to complement the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) National Broadband Initiative by giving consumers mobile access to video content while reducing congestion of the nation's wireless broadband infrastructure. In addition, the service's mobile content network will have the capacity to deliver local and national time-sensitive emergency information to citizens across the U.S.
Regarding the announcement, Jack Abernethy, Chief Executive Officer of Fox Television Stations, stated: "We are excited about building a platform that makes mobile television universally available and economically viable. This venture is the first step in forging cross-industry and company partnerships to deliver content to consumers."
"This initiative offers a path for the next generation of video consumption, and will help the FCC in its goal of ensuring efficient and reliable broadband service for US consumers," said John Wallace, President, NBC Local Media.
"Local broadcasters are the backbone of the U.S. media industry," said David J. Barrett, President and CEO of Hearst Television Inc. "This sharing of content, broadcast spectrum, marketing resources and capital is unprecedented, and underscores U.S. broadcasters' commitment to bringing vital local news, weather, and emergency information to increasingly mobile U.S. consumers. This is a critically important initiative that holds great promise for our audiences and the television industry. This is truly the next generation of local television service."
"This venture takes to the next level the work we embarked upon three years ago with the development of Mobile DTV technology, in anticipation of digital TV capabilities and consumer mobile demand," said Brandon Burgess, CEO of ION Television.
"Mobile digital television places each of our companies at the center of a consumer transformation, putting us on cell phones, netbooks, DVD players and even in-vehicle entertainment systems," said David Lougee, President, Gannett Broadcasting, Gannett Co. Inc. "And it's the consumers who are the big winners. From news and entertainment to emergency information, virtually all U.S. consumers will soon be able to bring their most valuable content with them wherever they go."
Information regarding a dedicated management team that will focus on securing additional content, spectrum and distribution partnerships for the venture will be made available at a later date.
Apple delays iPad's international launch
By Franklin Paul and Gabriel Madway
Apple iPads are prepared for purchase during an iPad launch event at an Apple store in San Francisco, April 3, 2010. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith
NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple Inc said it would delay for one month the international roll-out of its iPad tablet computer, due to heavy demand and swift sales after its launch in the United States.
Although international markets are increasingly important to Apple's growth, investors appeared unfazed by the delay announced on Wednesday, and the company's shares rose more than 1 percent to touch yet another all-time high.
Analysts said Apple is having difficulty ramping up iPad production, but that any frustration from overseas customers would likely give way to pent-up demand for the popular touchscreen device once it hits store shelves.
In the United States, the device has proven to be more popular than some expected, selling 500,000 units in the week after its April 3 launch.
"It is a little surprising: 500,000 -- weren't they expecting that?" said Hudson Square Research analyst Daniel Ernst. "On the flip side, it's a high-quality problem. There isn't another product on the market like it."
The company expects sales will "likely continue to exceed our supply over the next several weeks."
Broadpoint AmTech analyst Brian Marshall said there was no danger that the international delay would cause the iPad to fall short of sales estimates for the June quarter. Analysts expect 1 million devices or more for the period.
"I think this is a positive, ironically, because it shows strong demand," he said.
Marshall said he did not believe it was a component shortage that was causing the delay, but rather the complexity of manufacturing a brand new device. The iPad is being built by contract manufacturer Foxconn.
"Clearly there's a learning curve while they ramp up production, but that's temporary."
Apple launched in the United States with the Wi-Fi-only version of the iPad. The company said it has also taken a large number of pre-orders for the 3G model, which are scheduled for delivery by the end of April.
"Apple is sensible to push back its international launch and focus on the strong demand in its home market and on meeting existing pre-orders for the 3G version of the iPad," said Ovum analyst Tim Renowden.
IPAD CARRIERS
Apple plans to announce international pricing and begin taking online orders on May 10, and iPads will hit store shelves at the end of May.
Separately, Vodafone Group said Wednesday it will offer iPad price plans from the end of May in Australia, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Britain. Orange said it would offer plans in France, Britain, Spain and Switzerland.
Although Apple was once thought of as more dependent on the U.S. market, its international presence has grown dramatically, thanks to the popularity of iPhones and iPods.
International sales accounted for 58 percent of Apple's revenue in the December quarter, up from 46 percent a year earlier.
The delays risk irking customers and creating headaches for retailers banking on the popular tablet computer to draw in store traffic.
But Apple may reap higher margins from additional sales made at U.S. Apple stores and through its Website, according to Cross Research analyst Shannon Cross.
"It validates that there is strong end-market for the device and that the demand was not coming just from early adopters or 'Mac heads'," she said. "It has actually got widespread interest."
The iPad's early U.S. sales impressed analysts, many of whom expect roughly 5 million in 2010, though estimates vary widely.
Analyst Cross on Wednesday raised her iPad sales estimate in the quarter to 2.25 million iPads from 1.5 million, and boosted her price target for Apple shares to $315 from $310.
Apple has much riding on the success of the 9.7-inch touchscreen tablet, essentially a cross between a smartphone and a laptop. The tablet computer market is expected to grow to as many as 50 million units by 2014, according to analysts.
Apple shares, which have risen about 15 percent so far this year, climbed 1.2 percent, or $2.97, to $245.40, after touching a record high of $245.75 in earlyNasdaq trading.
(Reporting by Franklin Paul and Gabriel Madway; additional reporting by Kate Holton and Georgina Prodhan; Editing by Derek Caney and Gunna Dickson)
Apple iPads are prepared for purchase during an iPad launch event at an Apple store in San Francisco, April 3, 2010. REUTERS/Robert GalbraithNEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple Inc said it would delay for one month the international roll-out of its iPad tablet computer, due to heavy demand and swift sales after its launch in the United States.
Although international markets are increasingly important to Apple's growth, investors appeared unfazed by the delay announced on Wednesday, and the company's shares rose more than 1 percent to touch yet another all-time high.
Analysts said Apple is having difficulty ramping up iPad production, but that any frustration from overseas customers would likely give way to pent-up demand for the popular touchscreen device once it hits store shelves.
In the United States, the device has proven to be more popular than some expected, selling 500,000 units in the week after its April 3 launch.
"It is a little surprising: 500,000 -- weren't they expecting that?" said Hudson Square Research analyst Daniel Ernst. "On the flip side, it's a high-quality problem. There isn't another product on the market like it."
The company expects sales will "likely continue to exceed our supply over the next several weeks."
Broadpoint AmTech analyst Brian Marshall said there was no danger that the international delay would cause the iPad to fall short of sales estimates for the June quarter. Analysts expect 1 million devices or more for the period.
"I think this is a positive, ironically, because it shows strong demand," he said.
Marshall said he did not believe it was a component shortage that was causing the delay, but rather the complexity of manufacturing a brand new device. The iPad is being built by contract manufacturer Foxconn.
"Clearly there's a learning curve while they ramp up production, but that's temporary."
Apple launched in the United States with the Wi-Fi-only version of the iPad. The company said it has also taken a large number of pre-orders for the 3G model, which are scheduled for delivery by the end of April.
"Apple is sensible to push back its international launch and focus on the strong demand in its home market and on meeting existing pre-orders for the 3G version of the iPad," said Ovum analyst Tim Renowden.
IPAD CARRIERS
Apple plans to announce international pricing and begin taking online orders on May 10, and iPads will hit store shelves at the end of May.
Separately, Vodafone Group said Wednesday it will offer iPad price plans from the end of May in Australia, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Britain. Orange said it would offer plans in France, Britain, Spain and Switzerland.
Although Apple was once thought of as more dependent on the U.S. market, its international presence has grown dramatically, thanks to the popularity of iPhones and iPods.
International sales accounted for 58 percent of Apple's revenue in the December quarter, up from 46 percent a year earlier.
The delays risk irking customers and creating headaches for retailers banking on the popular tablet computer to draw in store traffic.
But Apple may reap higher margins from additional sales made at U.S. Apple stores and through its Website, according to Cross Research analyst Shannon Cross.
"It validates that there is strong end-market for the device and that the demand was not coming just from early adopters or 'Mac heads'," she said. "It has actually got widespread interest."
The iPad's early U.S. sales impressed analysts, many of whom expect roughly 5 million in 2010, though estimates vary widely.
Analyst Cross on Wednesday raised her iPad sales estimate in the quarter to 2.25 million iPads from 1.5 million, and boosted her price target for Apple shares to $315 from $310.
Apple has much riding on the success of the 9.7-inch touchscreen tablet, essentially a cross between a smartphone and a laptop. The tablet computer market is expected to grow to as many as 50 million units by 2014, according to analysts.
Apple shares, which have risen about 15 percent so far this year, climbed 1.2 percent, or $2.97, to $245.40, after touching a record high of $245.75 in early
(Reporting by Franklin Paul and Gabriel Madway; additional reporting by Kate Holton and Georgina Prodhan; Editing by Derek Caney and Gunna Dickson)
LG Joins Linux Foundation
San Francisco -- The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of Linux, today announced that LG Electronics is its newest member. LG will participate in the Linux Foundation's events and community development efforts.
LG is a global leader in serving the mobile devices, home electronics and home appliances markets. Because of LG's established leadership, it can significantly contribute to the rapid shift towards a computing world in which all devices are connected, all the time, and from anywhere. Linux is naturally positioned to usher in the connected world of computing and LG's participation in the Linux Foundation will help advance the operating system.
"LG Electronics is joining a growing number of companies who see the unique value that Linux brings to the future of computing, where there are many different devices that are always connected," said Amanda McPherson, vice president of marketing and developer programs at the Linux Foundation. "With its long history of innovation, LG's contributions to the Linux Foundation will help accelerate the introduction of new, Linux-based devices."
LG this week is attending the invitation-only Linux Foundation Collaboration Summit:
Smartphone Adoption Shifting Dynamics of U.S. Mobile Gaming Market
Reston, VA -- comScore, Inc., a leader in measuring the digital world, today released the results of a study on mobile gaming highlighting the potential for growth in the mobile gaming market despite a 13-percent decline in the number of U.S. mobile gamers during the past year. This overall decline was driven by a 35 percent decline in mobile gaming among feature phone (i.e. non-smartphone) subscribers, who represent approximately 80 percent of the market, which contrasted with the sizeable 60 percent increase in the number of gamers via smartphone."Although the number of mobile gamers has declined in the past year, there is reason for significant optimism about the future of this market," said Mark Donovan, comScore SVP Mobile and senior analyst. "As the market transitions from feature phones to smartphones, the dynamics of gameplay are also shifting towards a higher quality experience. As a result, we can expect to see a profound increase in adoption of this activity, both in terms of audience size and overall engagement."
Smartphone Subscribers Heavier Mobile Gamers
The inevitable ascent of the mobile gaming market depends not only on smartphone subscribers' higher propensity to play games on their mobile devices, but also their heavier gaming activity across nearly every dimension. Smartphone subscribers (47.1 percent) are three times more likely than feature phone subscribers (15.7) to play games on their device at least once a month. They are more than five times as likely to play games almost every day and far surpass their feature phone counterparts across various methods of game play.
Smartphone subscribers also install significantly more games on their devices with 27.3 percent having installed at least one game compared to just 5.6 percent of feature phone subscribers. A third of smartphone subscribers with games have more than five games installed on their phones, while less than one percent of feature phone subscribers have that many games installed.
"Smartphones offer a more accessible and compelling mobile gaming experience that is enabling adoption of this behavior, even among consumers who have not traditionally been gamers," added Donovan. "Marketers and advertisers ought to be paying close attention to the opportunity this presents for reaching consumers in new and engaging ways in a cross-platform environment. The potential for highly creative marketing efforts is exciting."
Top Genres of Mobile Games
Smartphone subscribers are more likely to play mobile games than feature phone subscribers across every gaming genre. The genre with the highest penetration among smartphone subscribers is Arcade Puzzle games at 12.9 percent, followed by Card games (11.9 percent), Word/Number games (11.4 percent) and Casino games (7.6 percent). While casual game genres have higher penetration than hardcore genres (sports, racing, action/adventure, first-person shooter), the hardcore genres exhibit significantly higher adoption among smartphone subscribers. This finding highlights the importance of the smartphone medium in driving adoption of higher quality gaming experiences.
Smartphone Subscribers Heavier Mobile Gamers
The inevitable ascent of the mobile gaming market depends not only on smartphone subscribers' higher propensity to play games on their mobile devices, but also their heavier gaming activity across nearly every dimension. Smartphone subscribers (47.1 percent) are three times more likely than feature phone subscribers (15.7) to play games on their device at least once a month. They are more than five times as likely to play games almost every day and far surpass their feature phone counterparts across various methods of game play.
Smartphone subscribers also install significantly more games on their devices with 27.3 percent having installed at least one game compared to just 5.6 percent of feature phone subscribers. A third of smartphone subscribers with games have more than five games installed on their phones, while less than one percent of feature phone subscribers have that many games installed.
"Smartphones offer a more accessible and compelling mobile gaming experience that is enabling adoption of this behavior, even among consumers who have not traditionally been gamers," added Donovan. "Marketers and advertisers ought to be paying close attention to the opportunity this presents for reaching consumers in new and engaging ways in a cross-platform environment. The potential for highly creative marketing efforts is exciting."
Top Genres of Mobile Games
Smartphone subscribers are more likely to play mobile games than feature phone subscribers across every gaming genre. The genre with the highest penetration among smartphone subscribers is Arcade Puzzle games at 12.9 percent, followed by Card games (11.9 percent), Word/Number games (11.4 percent) and Casino games (7.6 percent). While casual game genres have higher penetration than hardcore genres (sports, racing, action/adventure, first-person shooter), the hardcore genres exhibit significantly higher adoption among smartphone subscribers. This finding highlights the importance of the smartphone medium in driving adoption of higher quality gaming experiences.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Will network hogs run on 3G iPads?
With 3G iPad upon us, the question looms whether Apple and AT&T will cripple software like Skype and SlingPlayer that wants to carry voice and stream video over 3G cellular networks. Am I freaking out? Hardly.Skype has just updated its app with iPad support and guess what – it still lacks 3G VoIP calling. Is it because the iPad? Will the upcoming SlingPlayer app for iPad impose the same limitations?
If data requests from iPhone users have strained AT&T’s 3G network, imagine what millions of 3G iPads could do. I’m not overreacting, iPad apps are more data-hungry and can run at least double the time on the network between charges than the iPhone software.
AT&T and Apple have remained mum on network hogs thus far. Some folks think the iPad apps will be allowed to stream only low-resolution video over AT&T’s 3G network. Higher-quality videos will need to go through WiFi instead, those people speculate. Meanwhile, AT&T says it’s gearing up for the next wave of tablets.
As Geek reported, AT&T is in the process of upgrading its 3G network to support a speedier HSDPA devices, like the iPhone 3GS and iPad. However, should network hogs be allowed on the iPad, users better keep tabs on their bandwidth consumption. AT&T’s pay-as-you-go data plans for the iPad include either the $14.99 a month 250MB plan or the $30 a month unlimited 3G data plan.
Both plans offer free access to AT&T’s nationwide WiFi hotspots and come without a contract, allowing you to cancel 3G service anytime, directly from the device. Folks on the 250MB plan will want to avoid running apps like SlingPlayer over 3G. For AT&T, the capped 250MB plan means they can plan per-user revenue in advance, unlike the unlimited 3G plan.You can also bet that network hogs on the iPad, if allowed on 3G network, will utilize cellular data aggressively because apps like SlingPlayer will want to retrieve higher-quality media optimized for the iPad’s big screen. This, in turn, will lead to an increased per-user cellular data consumption.
Summing up, this doesn’t bode well for AT&T whose 3G network is barely keeping up with iPhone users. What’s your say? Will users be allowed to run apps that stream television and movies to iPads? Chime in with your thoughts in the comment section.
The iPad’s A4 chip under a microscope
The iFixit teardown wizards teamed up with the Ottawa, Ontario-based reverse engineering company Chipworks to cross-section the A4 system-on-a-chip that powers the iPad.
According to both parties, the A4’s CPU die is basically a single-core ARM Cortex-A8 design. While dual-core Cortex-A8 designs based on ARM’s CPU blueprint can be found in other mobile platforms, Apple probably opted for a single-core version in order to keep the number of transistors and power consumption down. Chipworks noted the following:
THE A4 CPU DIE, CROSS-SECTIONED
The first two rectangles represent the RAM dies and a bigger center rectangle is the CPU die. Because the RAM dies are close to the CPU die, both latency and power consumption are reduced.
Those findings confirm what the pundits have been saying all along – Apple’s A4 chip is essentially the same silicon found inside the iPhone 3GS, only overclocked. In fact, the upcoming iPhone HD is also expected to run a variant of the A4 chip.
They also discovered a few tidbits that we didn’t know before, including the following items:
According to both parties, the A4’s CPU die is basically a single-core ARM Cortex-A8 design. While dual-core Cortex-A8 designs based on ARM’s CPU blueprint can be found in other mobile platforms, Apple probably opted for a single-core version in order to keep the number of transistors and power consumption down. Chipworks noted the following:
The Apple A4 processor is packaged just like the Apple iPhone processors using package-on-package technology. One for the microprocessor and one for the two DRAM die.Such a design improves the speed and efficiency of the chip while allowing Apple to source memory from any manufacturer, iFixit noted. Apart from a higher frequency that gives the A4 at least twofold performance jump over the iPhone 3GS, it owes its performance to a combined graphics, I/O, memory controller, and RAM parts – basically everything that’s needed to run apps.
THE A4 CPU DIE, CROSS-SECTIONED
The first two rectangles represent the RAM dies and a bigger center rectangle is the CPU die. Because the RAM dies are close to the CPU die, both latency and power consumption are reduced.
Those findings confirm what the pundits have been saying all along – Apple’s A4 chip is essentially the same silicon found inside the iPhone 3GS, only overclocked. In fact, the upcoming iPhone HD is also expected to run a variant of the A4 chip.
A closeup of Samsung's DRAM die on Apple's A4 chip that powers the iPad.
- the DRAM in the A4 is made by Samsung, provided as two 1Gb mobile DDR SDRAM dies marked K4X1G323PE
- the A4 chip is an Apple-branded baby – you won’t find Samsung’s part numbers anywhere on the silicon, unlike on the iPhone 3GS’s processor
- Apple could have clocked the A4 chip above 1GHz, but the iPad’s battery life would have taken a significant toll as a result
- the A4 “sips power” – according to iFixit, in order to get ten hours of battery life, “the entire iPad (including display) has to pull less than 2.5 Watts on average”
- the iPad design wins include Samsung, Broadcom, Texas Instruments, NXP, Linear Technologies, STMicroelectronics, LG, Intersil, Atmel, and others
The iPad says it needs to cool down under too much sunlight
Early complaints from iPad users mostly focus on reported reception issues with wireless routers. On top of that, however, we’re hearing stories of other problems plaguing Apple’s inaugural multitouch tablet.
Apparently, some iPads are malfunctioning when users expose them to too much direct sunlight. According to ZDNet, some overheated iPads refuse to work, greeting their users with a simple message:
iPad needs to cool down before you can use it.CNET reports that some users have seen this message while operating their device at relatively mild 70 degrees.
Read more at ZDNet
Christian’s Opinion
Well, this doesn’t surprise me. I own an iPhone 3G and I’ve noticed a similar phenomenon that’s especially evident during the summer. When the outside temperature tops 95 degrees, even less, you begin seeing a noticeable lag and system-wide slowdown. As a result, it often takes 15 seconds or more just to wake your device from sleep. According to Apple, operating temperature for the iPhone 3G is between 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.Anything warmer and your phone will decrease its CPU speed, clock cycles, and screen brightness in an effort to cool down the silicon. And what about the iPad? According to official system specs, the device requires the same 32° to 95°F (0° to 35°C) range as its phone counterpart. That being said, the case of iPad overheating at direct sunlight is probably a non-issue, no matter how you spin it.
Full multitasking is the killer feature of iPhone OS 4.0, sources claim
The upcoming iPhone OS 4.0 should finally fix – and in a big way, too – the lack of multitasking as the most glaring omission of Apple’s mobile platform.
This news came via a note that Kaufman Bros. released to investors earlier today. Shaw Wu, the analyst with Kaufman Bros., wrote in a note that his “checks with sources” point at full multitasking support in third-party applications. App Store apps, he claims, will be finally allowed to run concurrently in the background alongside system processes, thanks to iPhone OS 4.0 due for announcement this coming Thursday.
If true, this could change everything because multitasking is Android’s biggest differentiator over Apple’s platform. Without multitasking, iPhone OS is just a toy compared to Android. The analyst wrote that multitasking will be especially important on the iPad:
Critics didn’t spare words bashing the iPhone over lack of multitasking. It should be noted that iPhone OS is a preemptive multitasking operating system by design, even though Apple has limited background tasks to system processes only.
A number of system processes are constantly running on your iPhone at any given time, including phone, messaging, push notifications, and mail. However, the system doesn’t allow end-users to run more than one third-party app at a time due to, as Apple explains, security concerns and a possible battery drain.
In order to help overcome this limitation, iPhone OS 3.0 added new APIs that allow text, sound, and badge alerts to be sent to the device even if an app isn’t running. Most users, however, saw push notifications as a poor substitute for the ability to run more than one app at a time.
This news came via a note that Kaufman Bros. released to investors earlier today. Shaw Wu, the analyst with Kaufman Bros., wrote in a note that his “checks with sources” point at full multitasking support in third-party applications. App Store apps, he claims, will be finally allowed to run concurrently in the background alongside system processes, thanks to iPhone OS 4.0 due for announcement this coming Thursday.
If true, this could change everything because multitasking is Android’s biggest differentiator over Apple’s platform. Without multitasking, iPhone OS is just a toy compared to Android. The analyst wrote that multitasking will be especially important on the iPad:
We believe this will be particularly important for the iPad, due to its much faster processor and much larger screen where users will more likely want the capability to run multiple applications much like most do with their PCs and Macs. We believe this will allow AAPL to deliver a fuller and more differentiated experience on the iPad helping drive greater adoption.
Critics didn’t spare words bashing the iPhone over lack of multitasking. It should be noted that iPhone OS is a preemptive multitasking operating system by design, even though Apple has limited background tasks to system processes only.A number of system processes are constantly running on your iPhone at any given time, including phone, messaging, push notifications, and mail. However, the system doesn’t allow end-users to run more than one third-party app at a time due to, as Apple explains, security concerns and a possible battery drain.
In order to help overcome this limitation, iPhone OS 3.0 added new APIs that allow text, sound, and badge alerts to be sent to the device even if an app isn’t running. Most users, however, saw push notifications as a poor substitute for the ability to run more than one app at a time.
Google I/O attendees to receive free Nexus One or Droid
If you are pre-registered and paid to go to the Google I/O conference in May expect a package through your door soon. Google has decided that you will be receiving either a Motorola Droid or Nexus One smartphone for free.Google is shipping the free smartphones before the conference because it wants everyone there to have an Android-based handset. As most of the conference will be centered around Android it makes sense that all attendees can run any demo code and new apps as they are being talked about.
TechCrunch got a copy of the e-mail Google is sending out to some 4,000 developers who are paying to attend. It looks as though the e-mail you receive determines which phone you are getting as this one states a Droid:
As you might have guessed, Android will have a big presence at this year’s event. To make sure you’re equipped to make the most of your Android experience during Google I/O, we’d like to mail you a Verizon Droid by Motorola before the event.Unfortunately, you can’t pick which handset you want, but this is a freebie so no one can really complain.
Read more at TechCrunch
Matthew’s Opinion
Obviously some people are going to want to swap their Droid/Nexus One for the other. Some developers may not even need either phone. That is probably going to be good news for anyone wanting to buy either phone at a slightly cheaper price than at retail. No doubt some developers will put these up for sale on eBay.
The last date for telling Google where you want the phone shipped is April 18th. Delivery will then occur between two and four weeks later. So I would start watching eBay and Craigslist from the beginning of May to see if these start appearing for sale.
If you are wondering how good this free smartphone offer is, consider that attendees only paid $500 for a pass. Early bird registration cost $400.
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