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Apple's Tablet Market Share Truth
Apple Announces USB Power Adapter Takeback Program
China’s Top Five Vendors Account For 20% Of The World’s Smartphone Shipments
Desperate Microsoft Cuts Surface Pro Prices; Could Signal More Losses
LinkBook Multi-function Folio Case For iPad mini Enhances WIFI Signal
Twelve South Introduces 'HiRise' Stand For iPad mini And iPhone 5
Apple's Tablet Market Share Truth
InformationWeek's Eric Zeman notes that new data from IDC (http://bit.ly/19IasmC) shows that Apple's share of the tablet market is sinkiing, observing that having had more than 90% of the tablet market it reinvented in 2010. IN Q213 Apple saw its share of the tablet market dip to 32.4%, down from 60 percent a year ago.
However, in years past, Apple introduced a new full-size iPad during the second quarter. This year, it didn't. Plenty of people are waiting to see what Apple does next with its full-size tablet, so they're holding off on the annual upgrade. That's not a difficult concept to understand, and even at only 14.6 million units, Apple managed to beat its closest competitor, Samsung, by a wide margin, and when new Apple tablets arrive in late September or early October, they will surely be huge successes.
For the full report, visit here:
http://ubm.io/16xxGZx
Apple Announces USB Power Adapter Takeback Program
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says recent reports have suggested that some counterfeit and third party power adapters may not be designed properly and could result in safety issues. While not all third party adapters have an issue, they are announcing a USB Power Adapter Takeback Program to enable customers to acquire properly designed adapters.
All of Apple's products, including USB power adapters for iPhone, iPad, and iPod, undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standards around the world.
Starting August 16, 2013, if you have concerns about any of your USB power adapters, you can drop them off at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Apple will ensure that these adapters are disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.
If you need a replacement adapter to charge your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, Apple recommends getting an Apple USB power adapter, andor a limited time, you can purchase one Apple USB power adapter at a special price - $10 USD or approximate equivalent in local currency. To qualify, you must turn in at least one USB power adapter and bring your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to an Apple Retail Store or participating Apple Authorized Service Provider for serial number validation. The special pricing on Apple USB power adapters is limited to one adapter for each iPhone, iPad, and iPod you own and is valid until October 18, 2013.
For more information, visit:
http://www.apple.com/support/usbadapter-takeback/
Find a participating location:
Apple Retail Store - Find one here:
http://www.apple.com/retail/storelist/
Apple Authorized Service Provider - Find one here:
https://locate.apple.com/
For information about how to identify an Apple USB power adapter, click here:
http://www.apple.com/power-adapters/
China’s Top Five Vendors Account For 20% Of The World’s Smartphone Shipments
Canalys has published its final Q2 2013 smart phone shipment estimates by vendor for the 50-plus countries that it tracks. Some 238.1 million units shipped in Q2, an impressive 50% year-on-year increase. And while Samsung and Apple grew their shipments by 55% and 20% respectively to maintain first and second place, both lost share to Chinese vendors. Lenovo, Yulong and Korean vendor LG completed the top five vendors. Collectively, the five Chinese vendors shipping the most devices worldwide (Lenovo, Yulong, Huawei, ZTE and Xiaomi) made up 20% of the total market, up from less than 15% a year ago.
Apple’s market share fell to its lowest level since Q1 2009, but its numbers were buoyed by the performance of its older models after a price cut. ‘The high end of the market continues to grow but there is no doubt that the explosive growth will come from the low end of the market,’ says Chris Jones, VP and Principal Analyst. ‘Apple needs to respond to this dynamic and it is evident from the performance of its older models this quarter that there is real demand for a new low-cost iPhone. The challenge that it faces is maintaining high margins on arguably the most important products in its portfolio.’
Shipments in China grew 108% year-on-year, the second highest growth rate of the major markets, to 88.1 million. This represented over a third of all worldwide shipments. Lenovo took second place in China this quarter, where it shipped 10.8 million smart phones. 95% of its total 11.3 million shipments were in its home market, helping take it to third place in the worldwide smart phone market for the first time. ‘Lenovo has benefited from its large TD-SCDMA product portfolio, much of which is aimed at the low-end,’ says Nicole Peng, Research Director, China. ‘China Mobile's strategy of continuously pushing TD-SCDMA smart phones to the mass market benefits local vendors, in particular Lenovo and Yulong. The critical task for these vendors now though is to reduce their reliance on their home market and grow their businesses internationally. To achieve this they will need to invest in patents, establishing local teams and channels as well as diversifying their product portfolios to attract a broader range of consumer segments.’
The US was still in second place in terms of shipments, but geographically, India stood out this quarter with smartphone shipments there growing the fastest of the major markets by 129% to hit 9.0 million and make it the world’s third largest smart phone market. But the dynamics of the market make it challenging for international vendors, besides Samsung, to succeed. ‘Samsung has invested heavily in its brand and channel relationships over a number of years, which has given it a big advantage over many of its international competitors. Samsung took over a third of the Indian market this quarter, followed by local vendor Micromax at 22%. Karbonn, Sony and Nokia made up the top five,’ comments Jessica Kwee, Canalys Analyst. ‘India is a market in transition, moving from feature phones to smart phones, and is a market that offers huge potential as hundreds of millions of users have yet to upgrade their feature phones. Domestic vendors, such as Micromax and Karbonn, are capitalizing on the popularity of their feature phones and are quicker to respond to local market demands, hence their current success.’
Platform-wise, Android grew the fastest during the quarter, by 79% year-on-year. It powered 190 million, or 80%, of the smart phones shipped in Q2. Apple’s iOS share fell to 13% as the vendor readies itself for anticipated new products in the second half of 2013. Microsoft’s Windows Phone shipments grew by 54% annually. This was driven by Nokia with 31% sequential growth in Windows Phone shipments, enabling Microsoft to retain a 3% share. BlackBerry’s shipments grew sequentially by 15%, also helping it to retain a 3% share of the market. For the record, Q2 2013 represented another nail in the coffin for Symbian, as shipments slipped under the million mark for the first time since Q1 2003.
For more information, visit:
http://www.canalys.com/
Desperate Microsoft Cuts Surface Pro Prices; Could Signal More Losses
Investor's Business Daily's Patrick Seitz notes that just over two weeks after Microsoft took a $900 million charge to write down inventory of its poor-selling Surface RT tablets, the compny has now cut the price of its premium Surface Pro tablets by $100, after slashing the price of its Surface RT tablets by $150 each. Seitz muses that this latest discounting move raises the question of whether Microsoft will have to record another big loss, this time for its Surface Pro inventory.
For the full report, visit here:
http://bit.ly/16tmQBN
LinkBook Multi-function Folio Case For iPad mini Enhances WIFI Signal
Designed iPad mini users on the go, working, playing, watching a video or FaceTiming: LinkBook for iPad mini is a multi-function folio case that enhances the WIFI signal, protects the device and offers you different viewing/typing positions with a stylish finish.
Ready to go: the EMW element is already installed in its active position. Enjoy the signal enhancement the moment you put the iPad mini into your LinkBook.
Textile touch for a sophisticated look and feel: wrapped in heavy-duty woven fabric and lined with microfiber, LinkBook is durable on the outside and soft on the inside. Take your iPad mini anywhere with style.
Linkbook Features:
• 3 different positions for viewing and typing.
• Magnetic wake / sleep.
• Easy access to ports and buttons.
• Fiber cloth to protect the screen (engraved with signature pattern).
• Elastic band for tight closure.
This Case Has EMW Technology
EMW (Electro Magnetic Waveguide) is the latest signal-enhancing technology incorporated into some of Absolute Technology’s cases.
EMW will resonate with the device’s antenna to provide a performance improvement on your WIFI connection.
SPECS:
Length: 225mm
Thickness: 142mm
Width: 15mm
Weight: 226g
Case Material: PC
Folio material: Denim \ PU \ Nylon \ Rubber
$64.95
For more information, visit:
http://bit.ly/17wvmz0
Twelve South Introduces 'HiRise' Stand For iPad mini And iPhone 5
HiRise for iPhone 5/iPad mini is a brushed metal stand designed to work with your Apple Lightning Cable (not included) – and virtually any iPhone/iPad mini case. You can lace HiRise in your workspace to charge while your hands are free during calls and FaceTime chats. Unlike many other docks, HiRise doesn’t block your speakers, mic or headphone ports. This vertical pedestal is small and attractive enough to use anywhere in your home or office to keep your iPhone 5 or iPad mini fully charged and ready to go.
HiRise for iPhone is compatible with iPhone 5, iPad mini, iPod Touch, iPod nano – and most cases that protect them.
A Stroke Of Lightning Cable
HiRise’s height-adjusting cable clips and movable rear support allows HiRise to work with most cases on the market today – especially those with recessed connections that no other dock can fit. The secret is Apple’s extremely small, high quality Lightning Cable – which allows us to adjust the connector height and create a perfectly fitting dock with the Lightning cable you already have.
The HiRise fits many of the most popular cases in the world, like the OtterBox Defender and Speck CandyShell. Of course, our favorite case for HiRise is our own BookBook for iPhone.
Elevate your iPhone experience.
Having your iPhone 5 elevated by HiRise means you can FaceTime or Skype hands-free. Because HiRise lifts your iPhone in the air, it doesn’t block or muffle your microphone or speakers. Speakerphone calls are crisp and clear. HiRise is also great for keeping an eye on your favorite apps, like those for news, weather and sports scores.
Well Adjusted To Fit You
One of best features of this nifty little stand is that it adjusts to fit so many cases. The rear support on HiRise slides back and forth to support thick protective cases, minimal shells or no case at all. With a sliding rear support and multiple-height clips, you won’t have to give up your dock when choosing your next case.
Stream Your Favorite Hits With HiRise.
Remember when your favorite speakers also docked and charged your iPod? HiRise is a great way to keep your iPhone fully charged while streaming music to your favorite new Bluetooth speakers (not included). Go ahead, listen to hours of music...you’ll find that big green iPhone “battery full” icon when you’re ready to grab your phone and go. This sculptured metal stand looks great parked next to the most stylish Bluetooth speakers out there – or your Mac desktop setup.
iPad mini Soars With HiRise.
HiRise makes a spectacular pedestal for iPad mini. Sitting atop HiRise, the iPad mini looks absolutely gorgeous, and the speakers are wide open too. Just like iPhone, you can stream your favorite music or display your favorite photos, all while charging your device on a modern vertical perch.
Compatibility:
iPhone 5
iPad mini
iPod touch (5th generation)
iPod nano (7th generation)
List Price:
$34.99
For more information, visit:
http://www.twelvesouth.com/products/
Product Page:
http://www.twelvesouth.com/products/hirise_iphone/
At Amazon.com:
http://amzn.to/197Ayjo
Tags: News ď Tech-Industry ď iPhone ď iPhone News ď
