901am

New Media News Every Morning

Android Slips Past iPhone as the No. 2 Most Selling Smartphone

By

According to NPD’s wireless market research for Q1 2010, the Android OS is now the no. 2 most selling smartphone in the U.S. next to RIM’s BlackBerry devices. But what’s more interesting than this is the fact that Google’s smartphone OS has slipped past Apple’s iPhone OS. The report was based on unit sales to consumers from January to March 2010.

Alright here are the exact figures – RIM unit sales is at 36%, Android at 28% and iPhone at 21%. While this maybe a great news for Google, it is not surprising to me at all. Why? Because the iPhone has alrady saturated its target market. Apple has achieved what it wants to achieve in terms of sales and distribution of the iPhone 3G and 3GS and is probably now well on its way to introducing a new version of the iPhone OS (version 4.0, anyone?).  And consumers know this. That’s why new users who are planning to get a new smartphones are probably waiting for a new iPhone or at least a new OS to be released.

Compare that with the Android phones, wherein one new model is being introduced after another. According to the NPD report, strong sales of the Droid and Droid Eris catapulted the Android’s sales to where it is right now. But those are just two of the most popular Android devices. Certainly there are more. And their sales figures, no matter how small contribute to the Android’s overall sales performance.

Another reason is carrier support. AT&T solely carries the iPhone while other mobile carriers in the U.S. are one way or the other helping boost the Android’s sales.

Will Android slipped past the BlackBerry as well? I don’t think so. When it comes to smartphones RIM has owned the market. And with the impending release of the BlackBerry OS 6.0, I expect RIM to continue this dominance.

via BGR

Originally posted on May 10, 2010 @ 5:33 pm

Verizon, Skype Team Up to Offer VoIP through 3G

By

Verizon Wireless and Skype have just announced their partnership that will give U.S. customers more value for their bucks if they are existing Verizon data subscribers. While for those who are still not on Verizon, this could probably be a good come on get a Verizon mobile data plan.

The new service will bring Skype to Verizon Wireless phones sometime in March. With this new service, you will be able to call around the globe via VoIP through, while your friends can communicate with you via the same route as well. The new exclusive and easy-to-use Skype mobile service will be initially available on several Verizon Wireless phones including BlackBerry Storm 9530, Storm 2 9550, Curve 8330, Curve 8530, 8830 World Edition and Tour 9630. It will also be supported by Droid, Droid Eris and Motorola Devour.

Specifically, the service will let you:

  • make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype user around the globe on America’s most reliable wireless network;
  • call international phone numbers at competitive Skype Out calling rates;
  • send and receive instant messages to other Skype users; and
  • remain always connected with the ability to see friends’ online presence.

So basically, this new Skype service is practically extending your data calling plans plus the fact that you can call anyone through Skype, anytime, anywhere.

Verizon Wireless will start offering Skype through 3G service sometime in March. You can sign up for more information  here.

Originally posted on February 16, 2010 @ 4:37 pm

Motorola DROID is All Geared Up to Battle the iPhone and Others

By

Screen shot 2009-11-05 at 11.02.03 PM

With several mobile phones running Google’s Android platform already out in the market or are about to be released by current popular mobile phone makers, who woud have thought that Motorola might actually come up with possibly the best Android phone of them all?

I mean, Motorola has been struggling to join the likes of Apple, Samsung,  HTC and even LG into the “smartest” phone niche but never seemed to get it right. Until now, as the Motorola DROID was finally launched. This early, Motorola DROID is gaining some accolades from industry analysts. [Read more…]

Originally posted on November 5, 2009 @ 11:04 am

WalkingHotSpot now available for Smartphone users everywhere

By

Software solutions developer for smartphone TapRoot Systems Inc. announced that WalkingHotSpot Internet connectivity solution is now available commercially.

After its initial launch earlier this year, WalkingHotSpot has been successfully tested by thousands of beta testers on major wireless networks. The solution simply requires a one-time software download to Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone. This will allow users to securely retrieve e-mails, search and browse the Internet on Wi-Fi enabled devices such as laptops, MP3 players, etc., with no additional software or configuration required on the connecting device.

WalkingHotSpot is available for Wi-Fi enabled smartphones using Symbian S60 and Windows Mobile operating systems, with support for other major operating systems coming soon. Subscribers are offered a free seven day trial and can then purchase a monthly subscription for $6.99 or a special introductory yearly subscription for $24.99.

Originally posted on September 8, 2008 @ 10:14 am

Asus Releases PadFone 2

By

 

Asus has officially announced the PadFone 2, the second generation of the company’s innovative smartphone – tablet combination device. The product was launched in two simultaneous events that were held in Milan and Taipei.

 

The PadFone 2 has undergone a major redesign and this more intuitive design is what Asus is trying to sell to consumers. The original PadFone had a small door located at the back of the dock for the PadFone tablet. This is where the smartphone is attached. [Read more…]

Originally posted on October 16, 2012 @ 8:51 pm