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iOS Still King In U.S. And Japan; Android Rules Other Major Markets While Windows Sees Strong European Growth
Apple To Release Two 4-inch iPhones Featuring In-cell Touch, But No Phablet in 2013 - Digitimes
Bigger iPhone Still Coming, But When?
Microsoft's Surface Windows 8 Pro Intel-Powered Tablet PC To Be Available February 9
Microsoft's "True iPad Killer" Will Cost Nearly As Much As A MacBook Air
VueScan Mobile Free Scanning App Now Available For iPad, iPhone or iPod touch Plus Now Android Devices
PocketScan It Plus - Scanner, Sign and Faxing PDF Documents
Mopedi Puts Wikipedia in Your Pocket with Images, Tables and Equations
iOS Still King In U.S. And Japan; Android Rules Other Major Markets While Windows Sees Strong European Growth
The latest smartphone sales data from Kantar Worldpanel ComTech shows Android holding the number one spot in key world markets including Britain, China, Spain, Australia and Germany, however iOS is on top in the US and Japan.(*)
Elsewhere, the report notes thst Windows is experiencing strong European growth, particularly in Britain and Italy, with shares hitting 5.9% and 13.9% respectively up from just 2.2% and 2.8% a year ago.
Dominic Sunnebo, global consumer insight director at Kantar Worldpanel ComTech, comments: "At the end of 2012 the global OS picture shows Android on top, but clearly the rate of growth it experienced over the past year is beginning to slow as easy wins from first time smartphone buyers begin to reduce."
The report notes that while it has been far slower than Microsoft would have liked, Windows Phone is now starting to gain respectable shares in a number of key European countries. However, its performance in the Chinese and US markets remains underwhelming. As the two largest smartphone markets in the world, these remain key challenges for Microsoft to overcome during 2013.
iOS continues to perform well in the States, now holding half of the US smartphone market for two consecutive periods and taking two-thirds of the rapidly expanding Japanese smartphone market.
Sunnebo continues: "Among the handset manufacturers, Samsung has held onto the number one spot in Britain, claiming 35% of smartphone sales, although Apple is now biting at its heels with 32%. Nokia is experiencing something of a turnaround in Britain with its smartphone sales share at 6.2% and actual sales growing by over 50% compared with last year. Meanwhile, BlackBerry continues to find trading tough in the run up to the BlackBerry 10 release; however, its 9320 handset gave it a boost over Christmas with two-thirds bought as a gifts."
Smartphones proved popular over the festive season with a third of all handsets bought in December given as Christmas gifts. Interestingly, the BlackBerry 9320 was the most popular gifted handset in December, followed by the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 and Apple iPhone 4S. The majority of smartphone gift recipients were under 18 years old and 57% were women. More than one in five handsets bought as gifts in Britain during December were from Tesco.
Smartphone percentage penetration in Great Britain hit 61% in the latest period, 82% of all mobile phone sales over the past 12 weeks were smartphones.
(*) 12 w/e 23rd December 2012
Via: http://goo.gl/PBA6A
Apple To Release Two 4-inch iPhones Featuring In-cell Touch, But No Phablet in 2013 - Digitimes
Digitimes' Siu Han and Alex Wolfgram report that Apple is planning to release two new iPhones in 2013, likely to have 4-inch displays, one to target the midrange market segment, but both featuring in-cell technology, according to unnamed industry sources.
However, contrary to previous rumors that suggested Apple would release a lower-cost version of its iPhone with a bigger screen in 2013, Siu and Wolfgram now say their sources claim that while Apple is indeed developing an iPhone with a bigger screen, it won't be among models to be launched this year.
However, the Digitimes reporters also report that their sources caution that it is still yet to be determined if Apple will have adequate supply of in-cell touch panels in 2013 for a lower-cost version of the iPhone, due to mass production issues from the technology in 2012 that cost the iPhone 5 a hit in sales as a result of poor yields for in-cell technology, although the sources now say those yields are improving.
For the full report visit here:
http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20130122PD212.html
Bigger iPhone Still Coming, But When?
CNET's Josh Lowensohn says that notwithstanding Digitimes semi-reversal of opinion to the school of thought that a larger version of the iPhone is in the pipeline - just not for this year, Jefferies analyst Peter Misek, who watches Apple's supply chain closely, put out a note to investors Tuesday agreeing with a China Times report on the weekend that three different iPhone models are still on deck for launch in 2013, albeit disagreeing on some details. Lowensohn cites Misek saying he believes a lower-cost 4.3" iPhone and multicolor 4" iPhone 5S will launch in June/July, with a 4.8" iPhone model to follow for the end of October.
For the full report visit here:
http://goo.gl/0YGgK
Microsoft's Surface Windows 8 Pro Intel-Powered Tablet PC To Be Available February 9
Panos Panay, General Manager of Microsoft Surface has confirmed in a blog entry that the Surface Windows 8 Pro tablet PC will be available in the U.S. and Canada starting on Feb. 9 through all Microsoft retail stores, microsoftstore.com, at Staples and Best Buy in the U.S. as well as from a number of locations in Canada.
Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, Surface Windows 8 Pro is engineered to provide the power and performance of a laptop in a tablet package that can will run all standard Windows 8 desktop applications as well as current Windows 7 desktop applications. Last month, Microsoft announced Surface Windows 8 Pro pricing starting at $899 and that it will be available in 64 GB and 128 GB models. A Surface Pen stylus is included for writers, graphic designers or even engineers, and bundled Palm Block technology makes writing and drawing fun on Surface Windows 8 Pro.
The thing is that $899 is just 100 bucks less than Apple's entry-level 64 GB MacBook Air sells for, and more than the price of some PC Ultrabook laptops with touchscreens (http://www.ultrabookprice.net/), which should represent formidable market competition in that price range. The impression remains that, while Surface Pro offers some attractive advantages over, say, a high-end iPad, such as keyboard availability, being able to run full-featured desktop apps in a desktop Windows environment, Intel i5 power, mouse driver support, and standard USB connectivity, the price is in laptop territory.
Panay also says that in the coming weeks, Microsoft will be more than doubling the markets in which Surface Windows RT is available. Surface Windows RT is already available for purchase in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and the United States and this announcement will expand its availability to 13 additional markets worldwide. New markets in the coming weeks include: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Panay touts a marquee benefit of Surface as being that it is a personal computer allowing customers to use it as a laptop or tablet.
Also available at extra cost is Microsoft's Touch Cover keyboard cover for Surface. Starting in February, customers can click in three new Touch Cover Limited Editions. Priced at $129.99 in the US, Touch Cover Limited Edition features unique laser-etched designs in three distinctive colors: red, magenta and cyan.
Each design is different and allows customers additional personalization options beyond the various colors of Touch Cover that are already available. These limited edition Touch Covers will be available for purchase on Feb. 9 in the 8 markets in which Surface is currently sold, with additional markets to follow in the coming weeks.
In addition to the limited-edition Touch Covers, Microsoft is releasing a special Surface Edition of the Wedge Touch Mouse. The Wedge Touch Mouse Surface Edition is specifically designed to complement the Surface experience in all its forms, providing four-way Touch scrolling and easy navigation at ones fingertips. It also has a similar finish to Surface's VaporMg casing, the combination of material selection and manufacturing process that is used to create Surface. The Wedge Touch Mouse Surface Edition will be available on Feb. 9 for estimated retail price of $69.95 in all markets where Surface Windows RT is currently sold.
Panay says Microsoft will also announce the 64 GB Surface Windows RT standalone version, not bundled with a black Touch Cover. That alternative will allow customers to personalize their Surface Window RT 64 GB with the Touch Cover or Type Cover of their choice. Starting Feb. 9, customers can purchase a 64 GB Surface Windows RT as a standalone unit in all markets where Surface Windows RT is currently sold, adding that additional information will be released as we get closer to Feb. 9.
Via: http://goo.gl/0T6Fa
Microsoft's "True iPad Killer" Will Cost Nearly As Much As A MacBook Air
Cult of Mac's Buster Heine notes that the first Microsoft Surface RT tablets were supposed to be Redmond's answer to the iPad, with a cool design, a fancy keyboard and an innovative new operating system, but sales have been abysmal and reviews were bad.
Now there's the Surface Pro coming next month and able to run a full version of Windows 8, the better to compete with the iPad 4 except that Surface Pro is going to cost nearly as much as a MacBook Air, and with that crummy keyboard, Heine can't see why you'd want a Surface over a touchscreen Ultrabook.
For the full commentary visit here:
http://goo.gl/70hZS
VueScan Mobile Free Scanning App Now Available For iPad, iPhone or iPod touch Plus Now Android Devices
Hamrick Software announced today it has released the VueScan Mobile Free App for Android devices, including Android phones, tablets and Kindle Fire. This follows the successful launch of VueScan Mobile for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch in 2011.
The VueScan Mobile Free App for Android devices is now available in the Google Play App store, the Amazon Appstore and directly from:
http://www.hamrick.com
VueScan Mobile allows you to seamlessly scan documents and photos straight to your iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, or Android device from any HP, Canon or Epson WiFi printer/scanner. The Android app works with version 2.3 and later, including small-memory Android phones.
VueScan Mobile uses the Wi-Fi connection on your device to find scanners connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If the scanner has a document feeder, VueScan first checks to see if there is a document in the feeder, otherwise it scans from the flatbed.
In addition to sending via e-mail and saving to the Photos App, VueScan Mobile allows you to save scanned images to your favorite apps that can open PDF or JPEG files such as iBooks, Dropbox, GoodReader and Evernote.
"We released VueScan Mobile in 2011 for iOS, and since then have received numerous requests for support for Android. We are very happy to be able to support Android, and we will be announcing support for new platforms over the next 6 months." says Ed Hamrick, Partner at Hamrick Software.
"A year ago we also decided to make a reduced version for free – the VueScan Mobile Free App - which still contains all the essential features needed for scanning. We wanted to give everyone with a supported scanner the opportunity to experiment with VueScan without any obligation to pay." notes Ed Hamrick. "The VueScan Mobile Free App makes scanning extremely convenient. Simply press the Scan button and, in a few seconds, the document will appear on your Android device, iPad, iPhone or iPod touch."
The full version of VueScan Mobile App is available for $4.99 (Ł2.99) from the Apple App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, or at http://www.itunes.com/appstore and will soon be available in the Google Play App store and the Amazon Appstore.
PocketScan It Plus - Scanner, Sign and Faxing PDF Documents
PocketScan.it is a personal scanner, fax and signing application that transforms your iPhone, iPod, or iPad into a portable document scanner. PocketScan.it allows you to scan receipts, whiteboards, contracts, forms, notes and even images to generate quality documents.
It supports multipage scanning so you can easily scan a 15 page contract within minutes. Our special scanning algorithms automatically adjust the image to ensure optimal exposure and document creation. We remove shadows, make scans sharper and as readable as possible. Scanned documents can then be emailed, printed (locally or remote printers supported) or uploaded to Dropbox, Evernote and synced with Apple iCloud services so your documents are always available on all your devices.
Sign Your Documents On The Go
Unlike the competition, PocketScan.it incorporates a great feature that will allow you to sign documents directly from your iPhone, iPod or iPad devices. Simply select the document from your email or directly from the app itself and instantly have a signed copy. Youre now truly mobile as you don't have to print out a document before signing it. Do it directly through the app.
International Fax Service Built In
Send your document to any fax machine worldwide with PocketScan.it's built-in fax sending service. Buy faxing credits directly from the app.
What PocketScan.it Allows You To Do:
• Scan all types of documents - scan any document ranging from receipts, whiteboard images and multipage documents. Save all documents as PDFs or even JPEGs
• Stability processing and optimization - all scanned images are automatically cleaned up for shaky pictures, automatic or manual edge detection for extremely fast scanning capabilities.
• Re-arrange all scanned images or append new images to your documents.
• Send documents via email; upload to Dropbox, iCloud, Evernote (more devices coming)
• Fax your document directly from the app to any fax machine in the world with our international faxing service (in-app purchase required to buy credits) lowest faxing costs compared.
• Sign your documents directly from the app, load up an attachment from your email or simply sign a scanned document.
• Fast and easy to use app
In-app Purchases:
All in-app purchases are to add faxing credits to your account, you DO NOT need to make any additional app purchases if you don't plan on faxing directly out of the app.
Smart Tips:
For best results, try to ensure that you don't shake when taking pictures, although the app can clean up the picture, a steady hand is always best. Works on iPhone 4, iPhone 5, iPod and iPad 2, iPad 3 and iPad mini cameras.
Support:
If your having a problem with the app, email AffinityClick Inc. support at
New in Version 1.2.1:
• Fixed Major bug when updating the app, previous documents would be empty.
• Fixed notifications.
• Added a new outbound fax log when sending faxes so you can track the status.
Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 6.0 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.
0.99
For more information, visit:
http://goo.gl/VjYps
Mopedi Puts Wikipedia in Your Pocket with Images, Tables and Equations
MPaja Ltd has released Mopedi 1.5 for iOS. Mopedi is an offline Wikipedia reader with images, tables and equations. Mopedi works always and everywhere. Users are no longer at the mercy of network connectivity. It makes an ideal traveling companion, be it in an airplane, in the woods without network, or in a foreign country without online access.
Mopedi databases are complete, containing images, tables and equations. So you can easily perform ad-hoc Wikipedia queries that will give you the full result. The travelers are the obvious target audience. Also students will find it beneficial: one can do a focused Wikipedia search without the distractions of the internet. With Mopedi you will never be let down by the network.
Geolocation:
Wikipedia articles contain geographical coordinates which Mopedi puts to use. You can search articles based on proximity to the current location as reported by the phone GPS. Also the article coordinate links themselves perform a search, instantly bringing up a list of places of interest nearby. An finally, if you have internet connectivity, you can leverage Mopedi by performing a Wikipedia search just by dragging a flag on the phone map.
Multiple Wikipedia databases can be installed in Mopedi side by side. History and bookmarks include the database information, so you can seamlessly jump across databases just by clicking at a bookmark.
Mopedi has complete Wikipedia snapshots available for multiple languages, as well as Wikiquotes.
Multiple databases exist in English, ranging from Simple English and English Wikiquotes to curated databases distilled from the English Wikipedia, with sizes from 100Mb to 10Gb. More databases are being brought online, as well as existing ones updated.
You can install databases wirelessly directly from Mopedi itself, just go to settings and select the database you wish to download. However, depending on your internet connection and the size of the database, it may be faster to download the database file first to your PC, and then transfer it to the device via iTunes USB connection.
Language Support:
English, Bokmal, Norwegian, Finnish, French, German, Swedish
Device Requirements:
(*) iPhone 3GS/4/4S/5, iPod touch (3rd/4th/5th generation), and iPad
(*) Requires iOS 5.1 or later
(*) Universal app optimized for display on all iOS devices
(*) 2.8 MB
Mopedi 1.5 is $9.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Reference category. All database downloads are free for the current version.
Mopedi 1.5:
http://mpaja.com/mopedi
Purchase and Download:
https://itunes.apple.com/app/mopedi/id590242080
YouTube Video:
http://goo.gl/k69qm
Twitter Profile:
https://twitter.com/mpaja
Trackback URL:
http://goo.gl/N198O
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