Windows Phone sees big gains at the expense of BlackBerry and Symbian

Windows Phone sees big gains at the expense of BlackBerry and Symbian:

Alright, so Microsoft is in no danger of toppling iOS or Android anytime soon. But the analytics firm Kantar has seen significant growth for Windows Phone, largely at the expense of BlackBerry. In practically every major market WP8 has started to chip away at its competitors, growing from 6.2 percent to 6.7 percent share in the UK in just one month. Twelve months ago it was at only three percent in the country. The most dramatic ascent has taken place in Italy where it accounted for just 5.4 percent of handsets sold in February of 2012, and now makes up 13.1 percent of sales. Even in the US Windows Phone is seeing steady, if hardly eye-popping growth.
Symbian and BlackBerry are obviously the biggest losers. In Mexico, both platforms have seen double digit drops in their share of sales over the last year. While in the UK, the company formerly known as RIM has gone from a seemingly secure third place with 16.8 percent of the market to a quickly fading fourth with 5.1 percent is just 12 months. Meanwhile, Apple is sitting pretty with hardly a change to its position and Android continues its juggernaut-like assault on all markets. To see the complete global figures check out the images after the break.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile
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Via: WMPoweruser
Source: Kantar 1, 2

Wacom unveils crayon-esque Bamboo Stylus mini for tablets and smartphones

Wacom unveils crayon-esque Bamboo Stylus mini for tablets and smartphones:

Wacom wants to make sure there's no buyer's remorse for those who didn't pop for a pen-equipped device, so it added the Bamboo Stylus mini to its portable touch-pen lineup. It joins the Stylus Feel, Solo, Pocket and Duo, but brings a stubbier 4.7 centimeter (1.85 inch) form factor and strap with a dummy mini-jack plug for terminal pen mis-placers. Despite the whimsical look, Wacom says the body is brass plated, has six colors of soft-touch rubber and nibs that are replaceable with firm or soft touch options. You can color in your order now for $19 at the source.
Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals, Tablets
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Source: Wacom (store)

Shipments for 9.7-inch LCD panels grow in February, says IHS

Shipments for 9.7-inch LCD panels grow in February, says IHS: After plunging by more than 80% in January 2013, shipments of 9.7-inch LCD panels intended for the iPad rebounded 158% in February as Apple resumed purchasing in big numbers, according to research firm IHS.

PC component shipments to enjoy 20-50% growth in 2H13

PC component shipments to enjoy 20-50% growth in 2H13: PC supply chain shipments in the second half are expected to enjoy growth of at least 20% compared to the first half and may even reach 50% due to Intel's new Haswell-based processors and drops in Microsoft's licensing fees, according to sources from the upstream supply chain.

Dell CEO memo talks of a 'significant' boost to PCs and tablets in restructuring

Dell CEO memo talks of a 'significant' boost to PCs and tablets in restructuring:

When Michael Dell signaled intentions to take his company private for an overhaul, there were questions as to just what he wanted to do if and when shareholders weren't watching his every move: was he going to shift attention away from PCs toward the enterprise? There's no reason to worry, according to a staff memo that his company has published through the SEC. Dell tells his employees that the firm will "significantly increase investment" in PCs and tablets after going private. While he's cryptic about what that means, he does note that there would be a shift away from valuing gross margins -- in other words, the company may take a hit on profits to make its device sales sing. Other strategies are more what you'd expect from any good business: more research and development, a simpler experience and a stronger push into developing markets like Brazil and China. We can't say we're completely surprised when Microsoft made an investment in Dell's reorg precisely to safeguard PCs, but it's good to know that Dell's interest in PCs still extends well beyond the server room.s
Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Tablets, Dell
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Via: Fortune
Source: SEC

‘Phablets’ called a ‘fad’ that will eventually succumb to iPhone-sized devices

‘Phablets’ called a ‘fad’ that will eventually succumb to iPhone-sized devices:
If you think that having a large smartphone screen makes you more likely to consume more data, think again. According to a report from Flurry Analytics, smartphones around the size of Apple's (AAPL) iPhone experience the most regular usage among users. Devices with screen sizes between 3.5-inches and 4.9-inches were found to account for 69% of data usage, compared to smaller smartphones such as BlackBerrys (BBRY) at 16% and larger screen handsets, commonly referred to as "phablets," at 2% of usage. When the data was broken down further, it was discovered that phablets only account for 7% of data on all Android devices, compared to 70% from normal sized devices. The research firm suggests that larger-screened phones are a fad, however with more companies releasing devices with 5-inch or higher displays, usage could increase in the coming years. A second image follows below.

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HTC One preorders will reportedly begin April 5th on AT&T starting at $250

HTC One preorders will reportedly begin April 5th on AT&T starting at $250:
Customers eagerly awaiting the arrival of the HTC One in the United States may not have to wait much longer. According to a leaked document published by Engadget, the company's latest flagship smartphone will reportedly be available for preorder on April 5th from AT&T (T). The carrier will offer the HTC One in a 32GB model option for $249.99 with a new two-year agreement and an exclusive 64GB model for $299.99. The smartphone is equipped with a 4.7-inch full HD 1080p display, a quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor and a 4.3-"ultrapixel" rear camera. HTC (2498) previously confirmed that the handset would be released at the end of the month. BGR recently reviewed the HTC One and called it the best Android smartphone in the world.