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Posts tagged Mobile
Gartner: Apple Top Smartphone Vendor For 2011, Third For All Mobile Devices Sold
May 16th
Analysis firm Gartner has revealed that not only has Apple established itself as the number one smartphone vendor of Q4 of 2011 and 2011 as a whole, it has also overtaken LG as the third biggest seller of mobile devices with 89 million units sold for 2011.
As you can see, Apple sold 35 million of those in Q4 alone, a considerable chunk of their total. Nokia had a considerable lead over Samsung with 111 million units sold.
However these tables don’t illustrate the number of smartphones sold. If you think about how many people buy cheap Nokia prepayed phones, then Apple are doing amazingly well to be competitive in that ranking.
Smartphone sales soared to 149 million in units in Q4 of 2011 according to the report, with Apple having a market share of 23.8%. for that quarter and a 19% share over the whole of 2011.
“Expectations for 2012 are for the overall market to grow by about 7 percent, while smartphone growth is expected to slow to around 39 percent,” said Annette Zimmermann, principal research analyst at Gartner.
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China Mobile and Apple ‘Actively Talking’ About iPhone Cooperation
May 16th
China Mobile revealed on Wednesday that it is in negotiations with Apple to bring the iPhone to its network. Chairman Xi Guohua said during a shareholders meeting, I can’t give you too many details, but I’d like to repeat that both sides do hope to boost our cooperation.”
AppleInsiderXi was responding to questions about when the world’s largest carrier would begin offering the iPhone to its subscribers. As of earlier this year, China Mobile, which had 667 million subscribers as of March, is now the only carrier in China not selling Apple’s handset.
Having the iPhone on China Mobile is expected to be quite popular. Even though the company does not currently sell the device, the company has more than 15 million iPhone users on its network. It was projected earlier this year that China Unicom could sell 24 million iPhones in 2013.
China Unicom was Apple’s first carrier partner in the country. The wireless operator began selling the iPhone 3GS in 2009.
Even without China Mobile, Apple is seeing excellent growth in iPhone sales in Greater China. Sales of the device in the March 2012 quarter were five times those of the previous year.
One of the main obstacles in the way of a deal with China Mobile is that the carrier operates a home-grown 3G wireless network which would require a separate device.
There has been speculation that Apple would wait until its next-generation iPhone to sign with China Mobile. Morgan Stanley’s Katy Huberty believes Apple is likely to make use of a Qualcomm quad-mode baseband chip that could make the iPhone compatible with “all 3G and LTE network flavors.”
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Virgin Mobile Launches the LG Optimus Elite
May 16th
A few days ago Virgin Mobile began taking pre-orders for the LG Optimus Elite. Today, Virgin Mobile actually released the device so if you didn’t get your pre-order in already you should have no problem stopping by your local pre-paid retailer and picking one up. The LG Optimus Elite is the eco-friendly successor to the Optimus S and will run you $150 with Virgin’s pre-paid plans beginning at $35 a month. This is a pretty sweet deal for a device that is equipped with NFC capabilities and you know what that means, that means you get to enjoy a little Google Wallet action as well. Other features include a 3.5-inch HVGA screen, an 800MHz processor, and a 5MP rear camera with flash. Head to your local pre-paid retailer or check out Virgin Mobile’s website to pick one up. Full press release after the break.
WARREN, N.J. & SAN DIEGO (BUSINESS WIRE), May 15, 2012 – Virgin Mobile USA answers to A Higher Calling™ once again, announcing with LG Mobile the availability today of LG Optimus Elite™ in Titan Silver for $149.99. The device operates on Virgin Mobile’s industry-leading, no-contract Beyond Talk plans with unlimited data and messaging starting at $35 a month. Stylish and slim, LG Optimus Elite comes with Google Wallet™ and is now available at virginmobileusa.com and major retailers nationwide.
LG Optimus EliteTM Makes its Way to Virgin Mobile USA on May 15. http://www.virginmobileusa.com (Photo: Business Wire)
A successor to the popular LG Optimus V™, this highly customizable full-featured smartphone keeps customers organized with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and other key features, including a 3.5-inch HVGA screen, 800MHz processor, 5MP autofocus rear-facing camera and camcorder with flash, and a virtual QWERTY keyboard.
A first for Virgin Mobile USA devices, LG Optimus Elite comes with Near Field Communications (NFC), allowing customers to access true value features, such as Google WalletTM, an app that allows payment using a mobile device from participating retailers at select Macy’s, RadioShack, Walgreens, Gap and more.
“Our customers fell in love with the LG Optimus V™, so bringing another great device to our lineup of Android™-powered devices from the Optimus family goes right along with our promise of A Higher Calling™,” said Jeff Auman, vice president for Virgin Mobile USA. “LG Optimus Elite offers full integration of social networking apps, Microsoft Outlook Exchange email, and advanced messaging capabilities. Combined with our awesome Beyond Talk monthly unlimited data plans, customers can realize true savings with no contract and no surprises.”
Operating on the Sprint Nationwide Network1, Virgin Mobile USA offers tremendous value for those customers who text, IM, post, email, friend, like and tweet more than they talk. Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk plans start at just $35 a month for 300 minutes of voice and include unlimited messaging and data. For those looking for a bit more talk time, the $45 plan offers 1,200 minutes of voice, and the $55 plan offers unlimited voice minutes each month. All plans include unlimited messaging and data (plans include 2.5GB of full-speed data).
“LG Mobile strives to provide the best technologies and services that are not only extremely useful, but also accessible to everyone,” said Tim O’Brien, vice president of marketing for LG Mobile. “The LG Optimus Elite not only has amazing features, but with add-ons such as Google Wallet, Box and Virgin Mobile’s affordable monthly plan, consumers will be getting a great smartphone with incredible value.”
Customers can also download Box on LG Optimus Elite and receive 50GB of free cloud storage and sharing2 directly from LG, an estimated value of $240 per year, so they don’t have to stress about storing all of their favorite music, files, photos and other memories.
About Virgin Mobile USA
Virgin Mobile USA, one of Sprint’s prepaid brands, offers millions of customers control, flexibility and connectivity through Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk™ no-contract plans with unlimited data for mobile phone service, including Android-powered smartphones and prepaid Broadband2Go high-speed Web access on the Nationwide Sprint Network. Virgin Mobile-branded devices are available at more than 40,000 retail stores, including Target, Walmart, Best Buy and RadioShack. Top-Up cards are available at approximately 150,000 locations nationwide and can be used for Broadband2Go services. Experience Virgin Mobile on the Web atFacebook, Twitter, You Tube and purchase Virgin Mobile USA products at www.virginmobileusa.com.
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances. With 117 operations around the world, LG achieved global sales of USD 49 billion (KRW 54.26 trillion) in 2011. LG is comprised of four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning & Energy Solutions – and is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. For more news and information on LG Electronics, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com.
About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company
The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a global leader and innovator in mobile communications. With its breakthrough technologies and innovative designs, LG continues to establish a number of benchmarks in the smartphone market, while also helping create a better lifestyle for consumers by delivering a wholly enhanced smartphone experience. As a leader in 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, LG continues its commitment to developing groundbreaking LTE technologies and fulfilling consumer demands with differentiated LTE devices of the highest quality, all of which are based on the company’s wealth of LTE patents and technical knowledge. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.
Google, Android, and Google Play are trademarks of Google, Inc.
1 Virgin Mobile customers have access to the Nationwide Sprint Network which reaches more than 280 million people for voice services and 276 million people for 3G data services.
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Review: Xtand Pro by Just Mobile – A Versatile Desk Stand for Your MacBook
May 16th
With a long list of design awards, Just Mobile offers a wide array of Apple gadgets. Hitting the mobile scene in 2005, behind a mission “to create the most stylish mobile accessories in the world,” the company utilizes a keen attention to detail when designing and creating their products. Unifying form and function, the Xtand Pro for Macbook is an elegant addition to an Apple laden desktop.
Design is Everything
As always, the first sign of an excellent product is the packaging. Steve Jobs spent countless hours perfecting his product package and I am sure Just Mobile has done the same. Even before I had the Xtand pieced together, I was impressed with the attention to detail placed solely in the packaging.
The brushed aluminum matches the Macbook perfectly, along with the wireless keyboard and trackpad, which I recommend when keeping the laptop elevated at the stand’s highest level. Designed to lift MacBook’s display to an ergonomic level, Xtand Pro is three separate pieces: the base; height support bar; and laptop holder (11″ Air – 17″ Pro). Rubberized bumpers are placed on the base to prevent desktop scratching and the laptop holder also implements the same.
While other competitors stands are machine from solid aluminum and boast a single piece product, the Xtand is more versatile, while still offered a machined aluminum construction. Two included height bars provide a low and high option viewing option and the lower height still provides easy access to the MacBook’s onboard keyboard and mouse.
To install/switch the height tube, simply unscrew the connection piece from the stand’s base and switch the included tubes. Because a screw assembly keeps everything together, make sure to bear down on the screw to ensure everything is snug and will not move while the MacBook is atop. If everything is not tightly attached, the stand may pivot left and right. No additional hardware is necessary, however, everything necessary comes in the box.
Why You’ll Want One
Okay…so it is a pedestal for my MacBook, who cares? …for starters, it looks great and gives more usable desk space. When elevated, the area below your laptop can easily accommodate post-it notes, business cards, and the like. Also, increasing the viewing angle of the MacBook is an ergonomic benefit, which prevents slouching over a low monitor.
Most importantly, for my setup, the laptop is raised to the level of my external monitor–for over a year I had been on a quest for an excellent stand that matched my laptop and would keep it elevated with my Samsung SyncMaster 2333HD monitor. The Xtand is a perfect solution.
Conclusion
Just Mobile’s Xtand Pro ($99.95, Order Page) is a solid, minimal, and elegant addition to your desktop. The Xtand is a must for users who are tired of hunching over their laptop screen or who have external monitors and if you prefer the desktop “feel” but need the portability of a laptop, the Xtand is made to provide for your desires.
Once elevated, and with an external keyboard and mouse, the MacBook essentially becomes an iMac but easily allows for grab-and-go portability. If you cannot wait to get one in the mail, then head over to your local Apple Store and you might walk away with one today!
Pros
- Brushed aluminum design matches the MacBook line
- Two height options
- Minimal and elegant
- Solidly holds MacBook in place
Cons
- If the screw is not tightened completely, the top may pivot
- Height options are fixed levels, not variable
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LG Optimus Elite now available on Virgin Mobile $150
May 15th
Virgin Mobile has today released the LG Optimus Elite. A phone originally launched for Sprint, it was only natural that a variant of it made its way to its pre-paid underling carrier. The $150 off-contract device will provide you with a 3.5 inch display, NFC and Google Wallet, Android 2.3, an 800MHz processor and a 5 megapixel rear camera with flash. Plans for the device start at just $35 for 300 minutes of voice and unlimited data + text messaging. Head to your local mobile retail store today or go online to order one. Read on for full press details.
WARREN, N.J. & SAN DIEGO (BUSINESS WIRE), May 15, 2012 – Virgin Mobile USA answers to A Higher Calling™ once again, announcing with LG Mobile the availability today of LG Optimus Elite™ in Titan Silver for $149.99. The device operates on Virgin Mobile’s industry-leading, no-contract Beyond Talk plans with unlimited data and messaging starting at $35 a month. Stylish and slim, LG Optimus Elite comes with Google Wallet™ and is now available at virginmobileusa.com and major retailers nationwide.
LG Optimus EliteTM Makes its Way to Virgin Mobile USA on May 15. http://www.virginmobileusa.com (Photo: Business Wire)
A successor to the popular LG Optimus V™, this highly customizable full-featured smartphone keeps customers organized with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and other key features, including a 3.5-inch HVGA screen, 800MHz processor, 5MP autofocus rear-facing camera and camcorder with flash, and a virtual QWERTY keyboard.
A first for Virgin Mobile USA devices, LG Optimus Elite comes with Near Field Communications (NFC), allowing customers to access true value features, such as Google WalletTM, an app that allows payment using a mobile device from participating retailers at select Macy’s, RadioShack, Walgreens, Gap and more.
“Our customers fell in love with the LG Optimus V™, so bringing another great device to our lineup of Android™-powered devices from the Optimus family goes right along with our promise of A Higher Calling™,” said Jeff Auman, vice president for Virgin Mobile USA. “LG Optimus Elite offers full integration of social networking apps, Microsoft Outlook Exchange email, and advanced messaging capabilities. Combined with our awesome Beyond Talk monthly unlimited data plans, customers can realize true savings with no contract and no surprises.”
Operating on the Sprint Nationwide Network1, Virgin Mobile USA offers tremendous value for those customers who text, IM, post, email, friend, like and tweet more than they talk. Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk plans start at just $35 a month for 300 minutes of voice and include unlimited messaging and data. For those looking for a bit more talk time, the $45 plan offers 1,200 minutes of voice, and the $55 plan offers unlimited voice minutes each month. All plans include unlimited messaging and data (plans include 2.5GB of full-speed data).
“LG Mobile strives to provide the best technologies and services that are not only extremely useful, but also accessible to everyone,” said Tim O’Brien, vice president of marketing for LG Mobile. “The LG Optimus Elite not only has amazing features, but with add-ons such as Google Wallet, Box and Virgin Mobile’s affordable monthly plan, consumers will be getting a great smartphone with incredible value.”
Customers can also download Box on LG Optimus Elite and receive 50GB of free cloud storage and sharing2 directly from LG, an estimated value of $240 per year, so they don’t have to stress about storing all of their favorite music, files, photos and other memories.
About Virgin Mobile USA
Virgin Mobile USA, one of Sprint’s prepaid brands, offers millions of customers control, flexibility and connectivity through Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk™ no-contract plans with unlimited data for mobile phone service, including Android-powered smartphones and prepaid Broadband2Go high-speed Web access on the Nationwide Sprint Network. Virgin Mobile-branded devices are available at more than 40,000 retail stores, including Target, Walmart, Best Buy and RadioShack. Top-Up cards are available at approximately 150,000 locations nationwide and can be used for Broadband2Go services. Experience Virgin Mobile on the Web atFacebook, Twitter, You Tube and purchase Virgin Mobile USA products at www.virginmobileusa.com.
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances. With 117 operations around the world, LG achieved global sales of USD 49 billion (KRW 54.26 trillion) in 2011. LG is comprised of four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning & Energy Solutions – and is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. For more news and information on LG Electronics, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com.
About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company
The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a global leader and innovator in mobile communications. With its breakthrough technologies and innovative designs, LG continues to establish a number of benchmarks in the smartphone market, while also helping create a better lifestyle for consumers by delivering a wholly enhanced smartphone experience. As a leader in 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, LG continues its commitment to developing groundbreaking LTE technologies and fulfilling consumer demands with differentiated LTE devices of the highest quality, all of which are based on the company’s wealth of LTE patents and technical knowledge. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.
Google, Android, and Google Play are trademarks of Google, Inc.
1 Virgin Mobile customers have access to the Nationwide Sprint Network which reaches more than 280 million people for voice services and 276 million people for 3G data services.
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