Dan Gallagher of MarketWatch.com had a very interesting video interview with Citigroup's Analyst Jim Suva about whether or not the smartphone market is too crowded. According to Mr. Suva, competition is getting fierce; however, there is still plenty of room for good competitors. See video to the right.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced its newest Android-powered smartphone, the Galaxy Spica (I5700).
Samsung Galaxy Spica is a powerful Android-powered smartphone that offers seamless connectivity, highlighted by smooth access to Google mobile services and easy connection to popular social network sites such as Facebook and MySpace.
The Galaxy Spica shows faster and more powerful performance than ever before by providing 800 MHZ application processor, so users can enjoy a variety of applications that can be downloaded from Android Market.
Samsung Galaxy Spica provides an exceptional multimedia experience by supporting DivX for the first time on Android-powered phones to eliminate the hassle of file format conversions. Equipped with DNSe 2.0 for better sound quality and 3.5 mm ear jack, the Galaxy Spica offers the fully comprehensive multimedia feature set. Moreover, a long enough battery life (1500mAh) allows its users to enjoy all the applications and multimedia content. The phone also boasts its slim and compact design with mere 13.2 mm thickness.
Dell today confirmed plans to enter the smart phone business and announced partnerships with two of the world’s largest mobile operators.
Dell plans to distribute its new Mini 3 smart phones through China Mobile, the largest telecommunications company in the world with more than 500 million customers, and Claro, which serves more than 42 million people in Brazil as part of the America Movil network.
Entry into the smart phone category reflects Dell’s continued expansion into mobile internet products and services through value-added relationships with leading operators. Earlier this year Dell was the first mobile PC manufacturer to embed China Mobile’s 3G technology and services into its netbooks and quickly became the leading seller of netbooks through retail outlets in China. In addition Dell has existing agreements with other leading global telecom providers, including Vodafone in Europe; Australia/New Zealand, AT&T and Verizon in the U.S.; M1 and Starhub in Singapore; and Maxis in Malaysia, creating more opportunities to meet the needs of a connected lifestyle.
At the 2009 BlackBerry Developer Conference, Research In Motion and Adobe Systems Incorporated today expanded their collaboration and announced that creative professionals and application developers will be able to use the Adobe Flash Platform technology and Adobe Creative Suite content development and authoring tools to easily create rich content and application experiences for BlackBerry smartphones.
Future versions of Adobe Creative Suite starting with Adobe Creative Suite 5 will provide the ability for designers to create optimized graphic assets, such as image and video content, from tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe After Effects, for the BlackBerry platform.
Celio Corp recently announced that its REDFLY Mobile Companion is now compatible with select BlackBerry smartphones. The REDFLY for BlackBerry software driver is available to download today.
The REDFLY Mobile Companion is not a computer; it's simply a large screen and full keyboard for a smartphone. With the REDFLY, BlackBerry smartphone customers now have the ability to increase their productivity typing long emails, editing documents, browsing web content and more using their existing smartphone applications and data plan.
Productivity is top of mind these days for mobile professionals, and according to the latest research by the technology economists at OMNI Consulting Group, this poses a key inflection point in the evolution of smartphone technology.
Sprint announced it will add the new BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone to it’s lineup of devices (as well as Verizon Wireless). Customers can visit http://www.sprint.com/blackberrycurve8530 to pre-register for this next generation of the popular BlackBerry wireless device on America’s most dependable 3G network1 with the affordability of Sprint’s Everything Data plans featuring Any Mobile, AnytimeSM. Pricing and availability will be announced at a later date.
BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone makes it even easier to enjoy music on-the-go with dedicated keys to skip to the next song on a playlist, pause or play. It comes preloaded with several multimedia applications including BlackBerry Media Sync, Sprint Music Store, Sprint TV and Pandora. It also boasts dedicated applications for a smoothly integrated social networking experience with Facebook, MySpace and Flickr. BlackBerry Curve 8530 will be available in three color options – Black, Royal Purple and Red.
Sprint’s BlackBerry Curve 8530 will offer BlackBerry App World for instant access to thousands of applications. Sprint has employed an open Internet approach, and the Sprint Application Developer Program has been providing tools for third-party developers, since Sprint first launched the Wireless Web on its phones in 2001.
Verizon Wireless and Research In Motion today introduced the BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone, an exciting new addition to the BlackBerry Curve series of smartphones.
The slim BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone gives customers access to Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, built-in GPS and Wi-Fi capabilities, as well as easy access to music, games and other mobile apps for entertainment on the go.
The BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone is expected to be available from Verizon Wireless beginning Nov. 20 for $99.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement on a voice plan with an Email and Web feature or an Email and Web for BlackBerry plan. Customers will receive the mail-in rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. Data plans for the BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone begin at $29.99 when added to any Nationwide voice plan. The BlackBerry Curve 8530 comes in Black and Smoky Violet.
The worldwide converged mobile device (commonly referred to as a smartphone) market continued to weather the economic recession and reached a new record for shipments during a single quarter. According to IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, vendors shipped a total of 43.3 million units during the third quarter of 2009 (3Q09), up 4.2% from the 41.5 million units shipped in 3Q08, and up 3.2% from shipments of 41.9 million units in 2Q09.
"Demand for converged mobile devices has remained strong all year," said Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC's Mobile Devices Technology and Trends team. "These devices provide more utility and entertainment than traditional mobile phones. Moreover, users have plenty of devices from which to choose, whether it be a multimedia powerhouse, a messaging machine, or a social networking tool. As users expect greater functionality from their devices beyond telephony, we believe the converged mobile device market will continue to grow faster than the overall mobile phone market."
Smartphone prices are falling as shipment volumes increase, and a new study from ABI Research finds that while in 2007 only 18% of smartphones on offer cost under $200 retail, that percentage has already grown to 27% this year. By 2014, say the firm’s forecasts, 45% of the smartphones shipped that year will be priced below $200.
These numbers highlight a rapid change in many consumers’ attitudes about smartphones, and a corresponding shift in vendors’ and mobile operators’ sales and marketing strategies.
The result: more and more smartphones and conventional phones are priced in similar ranges. Handset makers’ and carriers’ marketing strategies must accommodate both groups of consumers: those who want a basic replacement phone, and those who care about what the OS can do for them. In some markets, these strategies are further complicated by the heavy subsidies that mobile operators may offer.
Verizon Wireless today officially unveiled DROID by Motorola, the first smartphone powered by Android 2.0. DROID by Motorola features the brainpower and breakneck speed of a modern smartphone, designed to outperform where other smartphones fall short. The DROID goes on sale Nov. 6.
The DROID comes with:
High-speed Web browsing
Voice-activated search
Customizable large screen,
Access to thousands of Android applications and
Hundreds of widgets
DROID by Motorola has a solid exterior, intelligent interior and is one of the thinnest full-QWERTY slider phones available. It is a no-fuss, high-tech, location-aware, voice-recognizing, over-the-air updating, multi-tasking machine – and it is available just in time for holiday wish lists.
Verizon Wireless today announced that the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications stores, online at and through business sales channels beginning Oct. 28. The BlackBerry Storm2 with BlackBerry OS 5.0 evolves the BlackBerry touchscreen platform with hundreds of hardware and software enhancements – including new SurePress “clickable” display technology and built-in Wi-Fi – delivering the exceptional multimedia experience and communications capabilities customers have come to expect from their BlackBerry smartphones.
Key Features:
Smooth design and premium finish with sloped edges, chrome accents, glass lens and stainless steel backplate
Large (3.25”), dazzling high-resolution 480 x 360 display at 184 ppi
Capacitive touchscreen with integrated functions (Send, End, Menu, Escape) and new SurePress technology that makes clicking the display practically effortless
3G and global connectivity support for making phone calls in more than 220 countries and accessing data in more than 185 countries (with more than 80 destinations in 3G)
Network Connectivity: EV-DO Revision A; UMTS/HSPA (2100 MHz); and quad-band
MetroPCS Communications, Inc. today launched the Samsung Code (SCH-i220). With MetroPCS’ Samsung Code, consumers who are on-the-go will experience the best of productivity and organization, via the Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system.
The Samsung Code is equipped with the entire Microsoft suite of tools including contacts, calendar, tasks, notes, voice recorder and Windows Live. The optional WizPro interface allows users to easily customize their home screen and create shortcuts to the most frequently used features on the phone, including missed messages, calendar appointments and more.
Samsung Code users can easily access work and personal e-mail through direct push e-mail and other messaging options. The phone easily synchronizes with any computer via Microsoft Outlook Mobile through ActiveSync technology, which can be installed by using the CD included in the box, USB cable or downloading over the air. Once the device is synched, users have instant access to e-mail, contacts and calendar. Corporate and personal accounts can be synced with Microsoft Exchange Server.
Verizon Wireless is preparing to launch a new smartphone powered by (Google) Android 2.0 by Motorola named Droid.
The Motorola Droid features:
Full physical QWERTY keyboard
5 MP camera with night mode and flash
Speech recognition
Widget support
Verizon Wireless has a launched a teaser site for interested users to sign-up to be informed when they can purchase the Droid. To the right is a video shown on the teaser site.
T-Mobile recently announced the availability of the Motorola CLIQ with MOTOBLUR which is the first Android-powered device from Motorola. The Motorola CLIQ is available starting November 2.
Vodafone and Research In Motion today introduced the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone for customers in seven European countries as well as South Africa.
The second generation of RIM's innovative and award-winning touch-screen smartphone, the BlackBerry Storm2 significantly improves the BlackBerry touch-screen platform with new technology and new features to let customers stay easily connected to the people, places and things that matter most.
In the busy holiday gift buying period, customers in the UK and Ireland will be able to get the new smartphone first through Vodafone, and it will be offered exclusively by Vodafone in Germany, Netherlands and Spain. It will also be made available in France, Italy and South Africa in time for Christmas.
Giorgio Armani announces the new Giorgio Armani-Samsung smartphone powered by Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5. The stylish smartphone is designed by Giorgio Armani himself as he did with the first Giorgio Armani Samsung mobile in 2007 and the Emporio Armani Samsung “Night Effect” mobile in 2008.
In 2009, the new smartphone makes its debut with more powerful functions and superior usability. The next rendition of this style and technology partnership includes a Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5, a unique two step tilt hinge form factor with both full touch screen and QWERTY keyboard hybrid, and a stunning 3.5 inch Ultra Brilliant AMOLED full touch screen.
The Giorgio Armani-Samsung smartphone is part of an innovative brand alliance of portable electronics and household products by Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, and Samsung Electronics. This phone stands out due to the innovative blend of Giorgio Armani’s refined style and Samsung Electronics’ cutting-edge technology. The smartphone features a unique two step 30-degree tilt hinge form factor does not compromise its sophisticated design for higher usability.
According to the Wall Street Journal Dell is planning to launch a smartphone on AT&T Inc.'s wireless network in early 2010. The Dell smartphone will be powered by Google's Android mobile operating system and will be similar to the Apple iPhone featuring a touch screen and a camera. According to sources at Dell, the phone will be similar to the device Dell showcased in China last August.
The smartphone will be Dell's first phone into an already very competitive U.S. cell phone market. Dell is currently in discussions to offer the phone on other U.S. cellular networks.
Sprint today announced the upcoming arrival of Samsung Intrepid smartphone, a dynamic Windows phone that lets the customer be productive on-the-go using America’s most dependable 3G network (EV-DO Rev. A) domestically and through international roaming when traveling worldwide.
Samsung Intrepid features Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional, and improves on previous Samsung Windows phones with a user experience that offers a customizable Today screen to display the features the user accesses most often and shows important information like new emails, text messages, missed calls and calendar appointments. It also has a richer Internet browsing experience and new personalization options including a diverse selection of designer themes and the ability to create an original look for your phone with the built-in theme creator.
Samsung Intrepid adds to Sprint’s robust line of international devices allowing its customers to leverage America’s most dependable network domestically and other high-performance, world class networks abroad. Global business travelers can rest easy knowing Sprint has a solution to keep people connected when they travel in the United States and abroad.
Verizon Wireless and HTC today introduce the HTC Imagio, a stylish multimedia smartphone that combines an intuitive user interface with global roaming capabilities for data access in more than 185 destinations. Verizon Wireless’ first smartphone to support V CAST Mobile TV, the Imagio brings news, sports and entertainment from popular broadcast channels to life on its extra-large 3.6” color display. The HTC Imagio’s mobile productivity is made possible by Windows Mobile 6.5. It is a Windows phone that is engineered to keep customers connected to both entertainment and work.
Key features:
Global roaming capabilities with data access in more than 185 destinations (Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 + 2100 HSPA)
High-speed connectivity in the United States over Verizon Wireless’ Mobile Broadband network (CDMA/EV-DO Rev. A 800/1900 MHz)
Support for Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
Large 3.6” LCD touch-sensitive screen with 480 x 800 WVGA resolution
3.5-mm audio jack and five quick launch buttons, including one-touch access to multimedia capabilities
On-screen QWERTY keyboard for fast and easy typing
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