Category: Mobile

Mobile by entelechyasia

1b smart connected devices to be shipped to BRIC countries in 2014

The ASUS Transformer Book Trio is among the many smart devices launched at Computex.
The ASUS Transformer Book Trio is among the many smart devices launched at Computex.

At Computex in Taipei last week, tablets and mobile devices took centrestage. ASUS, maker of the Google Nexus 7, even introduced a tablet starting from just US$129. It looks like these vendors are right on track to tap a burgeoning demand for smart devices.

According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Smart Connected Device Tracker, global shipments of smart connected devices (PCs, tablets, and smartphones) are expected to surpass 1.7 billion units by 2014 with roughly 1 billion units delivered to emerging markets.

Within the emerging markets, the BRIC countries — China, India, Brazil, and Russia — are expected to generate shipments of 662 million units with a shipment value of more than US$206 billion. More than 650 million units are forecast to be shipped to developed markets, with the US, UK, and Japan capturing more than 400 million units with a shipment value of US$204 billion.

Continue reading 1b smart connected devices to be shipped to BRIC countries in 2014
Mobile by entelechyasia

ASUS transforms expectations with exciting new products

ASUS Memo Pad HD7 As a prelude to Computex, which starts tomorrow, ASUS has announced a slew of products at a press conference packed with journalists from around the world at Le Meridien Taipei. The products are part of what Chairman Jonney Shih described as “innovations that transform the market”.

The lineup include a powerful tablet, a phablet, a value tablet, a PC with a difference, complete with mouse and router, an all-in-one PC.

First up is the ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity, the world’s first NVIDIA Tegra 4-powered tablet.

Continue reading ASUS transforms expectations with exciting new products
Mobile by entelechyasia

ZTE launches mobile hotspot device for 100Mbps data transmission

ZTE MF90ZTE has introduced the new MF90 4G uFi (unified WiFi) mobile hotspot device that delivers high-speed data access for mobile consumers via LTE wireless networks.

The MF90 supports simultaneous wireless data access by 10 users, and offers maximum data transmission speeds of 100Mbps. It is supported on mainstream 4G frequency bands globally, including Asia Pacific, and is backward compatible with 3G and 2G networks. The MF90 supports dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz WiFi networks, WiFi 2X2 MIMO, and 802.11 b/g/n.

Offering improved power consumption capabilities compared with first-generation LTE uFi devices, the MF90’s 2300mAh battery supports four hours of continuous use, meeting the needs of most business users and consumers.

Continue reading ZTE launches mobile hotspot device for 100Mbps data transmission
Mobile by entelechyasia

Tablets to outship portable PCs in 2013

IDCLow-cost Android-based devices are fueling growth in the tablet market, which, in turn, is predicted to outstrip portable PC shipment this year.

According to IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Tablet Tracker, the worldwide average selling price (ASP) for tablets is expected to decline -10.8 percent to US$381 this year. In comparison, the ASP of a PC in 2013 is nearly double that at US$635.

IDC expects tablet prices to decline further, which will allow vendors to deliver a viable computing experience into the hands of many more people at price points the PC industry has strived to meet for years.

Continue reading Tablets to outship portable PCs in 2013
Enterprise by entelechyasia

GSMA to create Connected City experience at Mobile Asia Expo

GSMAVisitors to Mobile Asia Expo 2013 in Shanghai will get to delve in a new Connected City experience. They will be able to stroll down a city street of the future and experience the Connected Life powered by intelligent mobile connections.

The Connected City will build on the success of the Connected City at this year’s Mobile World Congress and draw on developments that have put Asia at the forefront of connected device and service uptake.

 

In partnership with China Mobile, Cisco, Ford Motor Company, Huawei, KT Corp. and SAP, the Connected City will be a life-like urban environment where attendees will experience how these companies are making homes smarter, motoring more intelligent, shopping easier and city living safer in the largest and most forward-thinking mobile market in the world. Each area will bring together the latest in cutting-edge products and services to demonstrate how a connected future, driven by mobile, will simplify and enhance people’s everyday lives.

Continue reading GSMA to create Connected City experience at Mobile Asia Expo

Mobile by entelechyasia

IDC: Fiercer competition after 3G rollout in Thailand

IDCThe launch of new 3G data plans by all three Thai mobile operators will introduce broad changes to the competitive dynamics among mobile operators, particularly in how they deal with the mass market segment. 

IDC issued this warning after a review of the price plans and potential market share of the three mobile operators after the release of their 3G service plans.

IDC believes the industry is set for a slew of promotional and pricing competitive pressures in the next six months, possibly resulting in significant churn among the customer base if one of the telco operators does not keep its defenses up.

Continue reading IDC: Fiercer competition after 3G rollout in Thailand
Mobile by entelechyasia

New ZTE Grand X2 In smartphone sports Intel Atom processor

ZTE Grand X2 InZTE has launched a new flagship smartphone — the ZTE Grand X2 In — that comes with the Intel Atom processor Z2580 with up to 2GHz, Android Jelly Bean OS, an advanced 8MP camera and 1080p movie and video play back.

Pitched at demanding but value conscious users, it delivers faster webpage loads, application launch times and content download times, as well as amazing graphics capabilities and responsive multitasking.

The smartphone boasts an 8MP socially-smart camera with one of the shortest shot-to-shot times on the market, capable of up to 24 frames per second and no shutter lag. It secures a high image quality in challenging environments with real-time 2x axis stabilisation, and face and smart scene recognition.

Continue reading New ZTE Grand X2 In smartphone sports Intel Atom processor
Enterprise by entelechyasia

NetApp Connect provides seamless access to enterprise data from mobile devices

NetAppNetApp has announced NetApp® Connect which enables secure, instant, and easy mobile access to data stored on NetApp storage systems. Based on technology NetApp acquired from ionGrid, it can integrate seamlessly into a NetApp environment without requiring complex VPN setup or separate authentication tools. Additionally, all data remains completely on-premise while delivering consumer-class simplicity and ease of use to the enterprise.

NetApp Connect complements the strong and growing base of NetApp’s partner-delivered mobility solutions such as Citrix ShareFile and VMware Horizon Suite, helping NetApp deliver a more complete range of capabilities to enterprise customers. These partner solutions, integrated with the data management capabilities of NetApp storage (or the clustered Data ONTAP architecture), provide efficient and secure collaboration, data sharing, and mobile device access solutions.

By keeping all data securely behind the corporate firewall and never copied to the cloud, NetApp Connect offers mobile access to corporate data while maintaining the tight security and control that enterprise IT requires for keeping its data and business protected.

Continue reading NetApp Connect provides seamless access to enterprise data from mobile devices

Mobile by entelechyasia

Gartner: APAC led mobile phone growth in Q1

GartnerThe Asia-Pacific region grew 6.4 percent year-on-year in Q1 mobile phone sales, the only region in the world to register growth, according to Gartner.

Worldwide mobile phone sales to end users totalled nearly 426 million units this period, only a slight increase of 0.7 percent from the same period last year. Worldwide smartphone sales hit 210 million units in the first quarter of 2013, up 42.9 percent from the first quarter of 2012.

“More than 226 million mobile phones were sold to end users in Asia-Pacific in the first quarter of 2013, which helped the region increase its share of global mobile phones to 53.1 percent year-on-year,” said Anshul Gupta, Principal Research Analyst at Gartner. “In addition, China saw its mobile phone sales increase 7.5 percent in the first quarter of 2013, and its sales represented 25.7 percent of global mobile phone sales, up nearly 2 percentage points year-on-year.

Continue reading Gartner: APAC led mobile phone growth in Q1

Enterprise by entelechyasia

Tegra to drive NVIDIA growth in 2012

NVIDIANVIDIA has reported revenue for Q1 of fiscal 2014, ended April 28, 2013, of US$954.7 million, down 13.7 percent from US$1.11 billion in Q4 of fiscal 2013.

GAAP earnings per diluted share were US$0.13, down 53.6 percent from US$0.28 in the prior quarter. Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share were US$0.18, down 48.6 percent from US$0.35 in the prior quarter.

As previously announced, NVIDIA plans to return in excess of $1 billion this fiscal year to shareholders in the form of share repurchases and quarterly dividend payments. During Q1, NVIDIA returned US$146.3 million to shareholders by repurchasing US$100 million of shares, and paying US$46.3 million of dividends, or US$0.075 per share.

Continue reading Tegra to drive NVIDIA growth in 2012
Mobile by entelechyasia

IDC: China game market grew 35.1% in 2012

IDCChina’s game market is booming, recording sales of US$9.8 billion in 2012, a growth of 35.1 percent over the previous year. The market includes PC online games, PC console game and mobile online game.

According to IDC data, after a quick growth before 2008, the China game market saw a turning point in development in 2009.  The growth has slowed sharply, at almost equal paces in 2011 and 2012. IDC forecasts that the China game market will see a slower growth during 2013-2017, with the CAGR approximating 16%. In contrast, the greater culture industry where the game market dwells is booming.

IDC believes that the China online game industry will be increasingly involved in pan-entertainment, another content-derivative industry, because of the following factors :

Continue reading IDC: China game market grew 35.1% in 2012

Mobile by entelechyasia

IDC: Worldwide tablet market posts strong growth in Q1

IDCWorldwide tablet shipments continue to surge, growing 142.4 percent year over year in the first quarter of 2013 (1Q13), according to preliminary data from IDC Worldwide Quarterly Tablet Tracker. Tablet shipments totaled 49.2 million units in 1Q13, surpassing that of the entire first half of 2012. With growth fueled by increased market demand for smaller screen devices, tablets have shown no sign of slowing down.

Apple outperformed IDC’s most recent projections for the quarter, shipping 19.5 million units compared to a forecast of 18.7 million units. The company, which historically has experienced a steep drop off in first quarter shipments (following strong holiday sales in the fourth quarter), saw some smoothing of that seasonality this year. Number two vendor Samsung also performed above expectations and managed to grow its shipments over the fourth quarter as more of the company’s smaller-sized tablets began to gain traction in the market. Samsung has also used its recent Android smartphone growth to help bring its tablet product line into new markets and channels, leveraging the opportunity to package and bundle. The strong performance of the two market leaders helped drive total shipments to an impressive 49.2 million units for the quarter.

“Sustained demand for the iPad mini and increasingly strong commercial shipments led to a better-than expected first quarter for Apple,” said Tom Mainelli, Research Director, Tablets at IDC. “In addition, by moving the iPad launch to the fourth quarter of 2012, Apple seems to have avoided the typical first-quarter slowdown that traditionally occurred when consumers held off buying in January and February in anticipation of a new product launch in March.”

Continue reading IDC: Worldwide tablet market posts strong growth in Q1
Mobile by entelechyasia

GSMA launches NFC Experience for Mobile Asia Expo

GSMASo much hope was placed on Near Field Communication (NFC) technology but Apple’s non-adoption of the technology was a major dampener. A few other mobile vendors, such as Samsung, have included NFC is selected models of their devices.

Keen to drive the technology, GSMA will be showcasing the NFC Experience at Mobile Asia Expo, an interactive experience through which exhibitors, vendors and attendees will be able to use mobile NFC to exchange information and conduct transactions. Mobile Asia Expo will take place from June 26 to 28 at Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre (SNIEC) in Shanghai.

“We’re excited to launch the NFC Experience for Mobile Asia Expo, as it provides attendees the opportunity to experience first-hand the power of NFC technology throughout the Mobile Asia Expo venue, as well as in the Pudong area of Shanghai,” said Michael O’Hara, Chief Marketing Officer, GSMA. “We hope that all attendees will take advantage of the many benefits of NFC, from information access and download to retail transactions, among others.”

Continue reading GSMA launches NFC Experience for Mobile Asia Expo
Mobile by entelechyasia

IDC: Smartphones top feature phone shipment in Q1

IDCSamsung led the smartphone market as smartphones outshipped feature phones for the first time in Q1. According to IDC (see table below), Samsung not only maintained its pole position but widened its market share lead over Apple in the smartphone market. However, LG showed the most percentage improvement in this category with a 110 percent jump year-on-year.

Top Five Smartphone Vendors, Shipments, and Market Share, Q1 (Units in Millions) 

Vendor

1Q13 Unit Shipments

1Q13 Market Share

1Q12 Unit Shipments

1Q12 Market Share

Year-over-year Change
Samsung

70.7

32.7%

44.0

28.8%

60.7%
Apple

37.4

17.3%

35.1

23.0%

6.6%
LG

10.3

4.8%

4.9

3.2%

110.2%
Huawei

9.9

4.6%

5.1

3.3%

94.1%
ZTE

9.1

4.2%

6.1

4.0%

49.2%
Others

78.8

36.4%

57.5

37.7%

37.0%
Total

216.2

100.0%

152.7

100.0%

41.6%

 

The worldwide mobile phone market grew 4 percent year over year in the seasonally slow Q1. IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker reports that vendors shipped a total of 418.6 million mobile phones in Q1 compared to 402.4 million units in Q1 of 2012 and 483.2 million units in Q4 of 2012.

 

Continue reading IDC: Smartphones top feature phone shipment in Q1
Enterprise by entelechyasia

IDC: 3rd platform will drive China’s smart manufacturing sector

IDCIDC believes that IT vendors can leverage business opportunities created by China’s smart manufacturing policies, endeavours to consolidate relationships with governments and industry associations, and enhanced R&D innovation utilising 3rd Platform technologies (cloud computing, big data, social business, and mobility).

Smart manufacturing has been identified and supported by the Chinese government as the key field for further development. In line with this, the national ministries have released research that could drive the continuous construction of IT infrastructure in manufacturing enterprises. Next-generation technology architecture or 3rd platform has triggered clear demands from enterprise customers and created a thorough R&D ecosystem.

Since 2011, the Ministry of Industry and IT of PRC, along with the National Development and Reform Commission, have been releasing a series of research papers on smart manufacturing. IT service providers could identify potential business opportunities by analysing the subject directions and final approved lists.

Continue reading IDC: 3rd platform will drive China’s smart manufacturing sector

Mobile by entelechyasia

ZTE delivers 500 millionth handset

ZTEZTE celebrated the 15th anniversary of its terminals division with the production of the 500 millionth handset, becoming the first Chinese mobile device brand to achieve the landmark.

It plans to promote the Grand S quad-core smartphone and the Grand Memo phablet internationally in the near future, after the two flagship products scored impressive results since their introduction in China this year. The Grand S and Grand Memo represent the state-of-the-art in performance, specifications and industrial design in the global smart devices industry.

Efforts to strengthen ZTE’s brand and engage consumers will be a key part of ZTE’s strategy. The Times Square in New York, the Fukuoka Yahoo! Japan Dome, the London Olympics stadium, and the works of Chinese film director Zhao Baogang are now some of touch-points where ZTE plans to form increased affinity with consumers around the world.

Continue reading ZTE delivers 500 millionth handset

Enterprise by entelechyasia

Gartner: Top 10 technology trends for the energy and utilities sector

GartnerGartner has identified the top ten technology trends affecting the global energy and utility markets in 2013, as the industry faces significant challenges from ongoing environmental sensitivity, changing policymaker attitudes and consumer expectations.

“Searching for successful business models that will address these issues and generate anticipated shareholder returns in uncertain regulatory settings is a top priority for this industry,” said report author Kristian Steenstrup, Vice President and Gartner Fellow. “This is in addition to protecting the security of critical generation and delivery infrastructure, as well as maintaining system reliability with aging physical assets. Public and private utilities are looking at how technology can reduce cost, drive efficiency and enhance competitive advantage.”

According to Steenstrup, what was once considered a conservative and slow-moving industry has seen a wide range of innovation from within and outside the traditional IT organization. He believes that understanding business trends is a crucial requirement for energy and utility organisations to create a successful IT strategy in this market.

Continue reading Gartner: Top 10 technology trends for the energy and utilities sector

Enterprise by entelechyasia

Transforming computing experiences from the device to the cloud

IntelIntel has announced new technologies and partnerships aimed at transforming how people experience technology from the device to the cloud. The announcements at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) included details on new data centre product lines based on the 22-nanometer (nm) process technology and the new Intel rack scale architecture, along with details on the forthcoming 4th generation Intel Core processor family.

During her keynote, Diane Bryant, Intel Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Datacentre and Connected Systems Group, underscored the importance of the data centre in enabling amazing personal computing experiences to deliver real-time information and services. She also outlined the steps Intel is taking to provide the hardware and software needed for data analytics to improve the capabilities of intelligent devices and data center infrastructure.

“People are increasingly demanding more from their devices through applications and services whether at home, at work or wherever they may be,” Bryant said. “Intel is delivering a powerful portfolio of hardware and software computing technologies from the device to the data center that can improve experiences and enable new services.”

Continue reading Transforming computing experiences from the device to the cloud
Mobile by entelechyasia

ZTE doubled smartphone shipment in 2012

ZTEZTE more than doubled its target shipment of smartphones in 2012. The growth in smartphone sales helped ZTE post a gross profit margin of 16.8 percent in its terminals division in 2012, an improvement of 1.6 percentage points compared to a year earlier.

In the US, ZTE’s smartphone shipments greatly increased due to the company’s focus on high-end markets.  In emerging markets including India, Indonesia, Mexico, Argentina, and Russia, ZTE also achieved fast growth. In 2012, the distributors channel contributed 10 percent of ZTE’s terminal revenue for the first time.

The strong smartphone sales performance helped ZTE record RMB1.87 billion of operating cash flow in 2012. ZTE also posted positive free cash flow and operating cash flow for the first time in three years.

Continue reading ZTE doubled smartphone shipment in 2012
Mobile by entelechyasia

Gartner: 2.4b PCs, tablets and mobile phones to ship in 2013

GartnerWorldwide shipment of PCs, tablets and mobile phones are expected to top 2.4 billion units in 2013, a 9 percent increase from 2012, according to Gartner. Device shipments are predicted to reach more than 2.9 billion units in 2017. However, the mix of these devices will significantly change over the forecast period.

The proliferation of lower-priced tablets and their growing capability is accelerating the shift from PCs to tablets.

“While there will be some individuals who retain both a personal PC and a tablet, especially those who use either or both for work and play, most will be satisfied with the experience they get from a tablet as their main computing device,” said Carolina Milanesi, Research Vice President at Gartner. “As consumers shift their time away from their PC to tablets and smartphones, they will no longer see their PC as a device that they need to replace on a regular basis.”

Continue reading Gartner: 2.4b PCs, tablets and mobile phones to ship in 2013

Mobile by entelechyasia

New NVIDIA GeForce 700M GPUs extend battery life, enhance performance, enrich experience

GeForce 700MFive new NVIDIA notebook GPUs deliver a trifecta of technologies that seamlessly and automatically maximise a consumer’s notebook performance and experience. With no effort or input from the notebook user, the technologies work in the background to save battery life, enhance performance and enrich the visual experience — providing the best notebook experience the GPU can deliver. They include:

  • New NVIDIA GPU Boost 2.0 technology, which intelligently adjusts GPU clock speed to maximise graphics performance.
  • NVIDIA Optimus technology, which enables extra-long battery life by switching the GPU on and off so it runs only when needed.
  • GeForce Experience™ software, which adjusts in-game settings for the best performance and visual quality specific to a user’s notebook and keeps GeForce drivers up to date.

Continue reading New NVIDIA GeForce 700M GPUs extend battery life, enhance performance, enrich experience

Mobile by entelechyasia

ZTE completes world’s first LTE ground-air broadband test

ZTEAir travellers can look forward to better internet communications while on the air. Last month, Hainan Airlines tested the world’s first  commercial ground-air FDD-LTE-based broadband network on its flight HU7137 from Beijing to Xi’an.

Internet connectivity was available for 70 minutes of the two-hour flight. During the test, engineers were able to complete a variety of online tasks, including real-time video conferencing, instant messaging, microblogging, email, online gaming, and online payments. The downlink and uplink bandwidths were stable and worked at speeds greater than 12Mbps.

The test was conducted in partnership with ZTE. To adapt to the fast-growing online service needs of domestic airlines in China, ZTE initiated in 2011 R&D for the world’s first 4G civil aviation ground-air broadband communication system. The system is designed to provide wireless broadband data transmission channels at a rate of higher than 30-60Mbps on planes flying at various altitudes. The service, which is based on advanced FDD-LTE 4G network technology, allows passengers to access the Internet via a cabin WLAN.

Continue reading ZTE completes world’s first LTE ground-air broadband test
Mobile by entelechyasia

NVIDIA PhysX and APEX support Sony’s PlayStation 4

NVIDIANVIDIA has announced support for Sony Computer Entertainment’s PlayStation 4 with the popular NVIDIA PhysX and NVIDIA APEX software development kits (SDKs).

Game designers use PhysX and APEX technologies for collision detection and simulation of rigid bodies, clothing, fluids, particle systems and more across a wide range of platforms, including desktop PCs, game consoles, and mobile and handheld devices.

NVIDIA PhysX technology is the world’s most pervasive physics solution for designing real-time, real-world effects into interactive entertainment titles. The PhysX development environment gives developers unprecedented control over the look of their final in-game interactivity.

Continue reading NVIDIA PhysX and APEX support Sony’s PlayStation 4

Mobile by entelechyasia

ZTE and Intel in next generation smartphone collaboration

ZTEZTE and Intel are collaborating on developing the next generation of ZTE smartphones based on the new Intel Atom Processor Z2580 platform.

The platform’s dual-core processor with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology provides double the compute performance and up to 3x graphics capabilities over the previous generation Intel Atom Z2460 processor while delivering the same battery life.

This latest engagement builds on the multi-year relationship between ZTE and Intel that has already produced the ZTE Grand X IN, ZTE’s first smartphone with Intel Inside.

“Our work with ZTE has been instrumental as we work to expand our portfolio of mobile products and bring to market exciting new designs with Intel Inside, It’s great to work with ZTE on the new family of Intel Atom processors for smartphones and we’re confident that the combination of high performance, competitive battery life and overall value will be appreciated by consumers,” said Hendrik Unkel, Director for Marketing and Business Development at Intel.

Continue reading ZTE and Intel in next generation smartphone collaboration
Enterprise by entelechyasia

hybris Software raises $30m investment

hybrishybris has secured a $30 million investment to fund growth in emerging markets, strengthen its presence in North America and Europe, address additional verticals, and make strategic add-on acquisitions. 

The new investment comes from Meritech Capital Partners, Greylock Israel and Huntsman Gay Global Capital (HGGC), which has been the company’s largest investor since 2011. George Bischof, a Managing Director at Meritech who led this equity round, has joined the hybris Board of Directors.

Over the past three years, hybris has generated organic revenue growth at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 70 percent, while still generating positive operating cash flows. hybris currently employs more than 600 people.

Continue reading hybris Software raises $30m investment
Mobile by entelechyasia

Asian mobile players and operators among Global Mobile award winners

The ASUS-made Google Nexus 7 clinched the Best Tablet Award.
The ASUS-made Google Nexus 7 clinched the Best Tablet Award.

Asia is becoming a leading force in the mobile communications space. Mobile product makers Samsung and Asus and mobile operators NTT Docomo, Bharti Airtel and SK Telecom were among the winners at the 18th Annual Global Mobile awards, held at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The Government of New Zealand also nabbed the Spectrum for Mobile Broadband Award.

More than 170 independent analysts, journalists, academics, and subject matter experts and 13 representatives from mobile operators throughout the world participated in the judging of the 2013 awards.

The full list of winners and finalist for the 2013 Global Mobile Awards is available at www.globalmobileawards.com/winners-2013

Continue reading Asian mobile players and operators among Global Mobile award winners
Mobile by entelechyasia

Women underserved by mobile financial services providers


GSMAVisaWomen in developing countries represent a significant underserved market and commercial opportunity for mobile financial service providers.

According to the study by the GSMA mWomen Programme and Visa, more than two billion people worldwide, the majority of whom are women, lack access to basic financial services.

The study, entitled, Unlocking the Potential: Women and Mobile Financial Services in Emerging Markets, focused on women in Indonesia, Kenya, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, and Tanzania. It was undertaken to gain additional insight into how financial institutions and mobile network operators can better support the complex financial lives of women at the base of the pyramid.

Continue reading Women underserved by mobile financial services providers
Mobile by entelechyasia

New ZTE Grand Memo features Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor

ZTE Grand MemoThe newly-launched ZTE Grand Memo 5.7-inch handset runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processors.

It balances the portability of a handset and the larger viewing and easier touch-interaction experience of a tablet. The new phone features a 5.7-inch, high definition, 720 x 1280 display, and a powerful Qualcomm 800 processor with quad-core Krait CPUs and 2GB of RAM. Combined with a 13MP rear-facing camera, 1MP front-facing camera and 1080 HD video playback, this gives users a smooth, high quality multimedia experience that is perfect for gaming and video.

The Grand Memo caters to those who are always on-the-go, with voice-response technology which allows users to answer calls safely while driving, and A-GPS and car-mode navigation system for high quality mapping and directions. It comes with a HD version of ZTE’s Mifavor user interface that is specially designed for smartphones, providing a simpler user experience, and ZTE’s Z Cloud service for the security and access-anywhere provided by cloud services. It also includes a 3200mAh battery for super-long standby time.

Continue reading New ZTE Grand Memo features Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor
Mobile by entelechyasia

GSMA announces OneAPI Exchange

GSMAGSMA has announced OneAPI Exchange, a new, flexible technical platform that will deliver network capabilities to mobile apps. This latest phase of the OneAPI global initiative, which facilitates closer collaboration between operators and developers, has been undertaken with leading mobile operators including AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone.  OneAPI Exchange will be operated by Apigee.

“The OneAPI Exchange promises to elevate the mobile app experience for consumers,” said Michael O’Hara, Chief Marketing Officer of GSMA. “By supporting closer operator-developer relationships and greater cross-carrier interoperability, the platform will lead to seamless access to exciting mobile apps with enhanced features. End users will benefit from operator services they already know and trust, such as billing, messaging and operator identity, embedded within the apps they choose.”

The new initiative incorporates the work undertaken by the Wholesale Application Community (WAC), which was integrated into the GSMA in July 2012. The OneAPI Exchange, which is currently in a working proof of concept form, improves that capability by giving operators the choice of providing developers with either their own customised application programming interfaces (APIs) or standardised APIs. This leads to better flexibility for operators to participate in the OneAPI Exchange programme, according to their own business objectives, while also providing benefits of scale and reach to their developers through API interoperability.

Continue reading GSMA announces OneAPI Exchange
Mobile by entelechyasia

ZTE debuts world’s first Firefox OS smartphone

ZTE OpenZTE has launched ZTE Open, the world’s first smartphone to run on Mozilla’s Firefox OS open mobile ecosystem. Together with global operator Telefónica, ZTE will first launch the ZTE Open in Spain, Venezuela and Colombia in mid-2013.

The ZTE Open is an entry-level smartphone ideal for young people who are keen to experience the very latest technology, and people on limited budgets looking to make the move from a feature phone to their first smartphone. It features a 3.5-inch, HVGA TFT touchscreen display and has 256MB RAM and 512MB ROM combined with a 3.2MP camera. It supports Bluetooth 2.1, WIFI 802.11b/g/n and AGPS and has a 1200mAH battery.

“ZTE continues to push the boundaries with the aim of bringing customers the very latest that mobile technology has to offer.” said He Shiyou, EVP and Head of ZTE’s Mobile Devices Division. 

Continue reading ZTE debuts world’s first Firefox OS smartphone
Mobile by entelechyasia

Korean mobile operators KT and SK Telecom win GSMA Chairman’s Award

GSMAKorean mobile operators KT Corporation and SK Telecom have been named the joint recipients of the 2013 GSMA Chairman’s Award. Established in 1996, the award is the GSMA’s most prestigious award and recognises outstanding contribution to the growth and development of mobile communications around the world. This year’s award recognises SK Telecom and KT for their pioneering efforts and leadership in driving the adoption of SIM-based mobile near field communication (NFC) services.

“KT and SK Telecom have been at the forefront of global commercialisation of NFC, catalysing the financial ecosystem for mobile NFC from an early stage,” said Franco Bernabè, Chairman, GSMA and Chairman and CEO of Telecom Italia Group.

“These efforts have not only led to an explosion in demand for NFC-based services domestically, but ensured that the country leads in the worldwide adoption of a single standard for mobile NFC. On behalf of the GSMA, and indeed the entire mobile industry, I commend SK Telecom and KT for their cooperative spirit and a commitment to making life-enhancing new mobile services for users everywhere,” he added.

Continue reading Korean mobile operators KT and SK Telecom win GSMA Chairman’s Award
Mobile by entelechyasia

Global mobile data revenue to surpass voice revenue by 2018

GSMAMobile operator data revenues will overtake voice revenues globally by 2018, according to a new GSMA report. The mobile data explosion is being driven by a surge in demand for connected devices and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications and is transforming the socioeconomic future of people in developed and developing countries.

The increase in mobile operator data revenues is a global trend across both developed and emerging markets. In 2012, Japan became the first country where data revenues exceeded voice revenues, due largely to the availability of advanced mobile broadband networks and a higher adoption of the latest smartphones, tablets and connected devices.

Data growth has spurred significant advances in connected devices and M2M technologies globally. Four sectors in particular – health, automotive, education and smart cities – are building on the evolution of mobile broadband access and services.

Continue reading Global mobile data revenue to surpass voice revenue by 2018
Enterprise by entelechyasia

Intel accelerates mobile computing push

IntelIntel Corporation has announced a range of new products, including a new dual-core Atom SoC (“Clover Trail+”) platform for smartphones and Android tablets, and its first global, multimode-multiband LTE solution that will ship in the first half of this year.

Other disclosures included “Bay Trail” momentum, mobile device enabling efforts, and continued smartphone momentum in emerging markets with the Intel Atom Z2420 processor-based platform.

“Today’s announcements build on Intel’s growing device portfolio across a range of mobile market segments,” said Hermann Eul, Intel Vice President and co-General Manager of the Mobile and Communications Group. “In less than a year’s time, we have worked closely with our customers to bring Intel-based smartphones to market in more than 20 countries around the world, and have also delivered an industry-leading low-power Atom SoC tablet solution running Windows 8, and shipping with leading OEM customers today. Looking forward, we will build upon this foundation and work closely with our ecosystem partners, across operating systems, to deliver the best mobile products and experiences for consumers with Intel Inside.”

Continue reading Intel accelerates mobile computing push

Mobile by entelechyasia

ZTE to increase smartphone revenues by 30% in 2013

ZTEZTE expects to increase smartphone revenues by 30 percent in 2013, and maintain its position as one of the top 4 global handset manufacturers.

ZTE’s handset business has seen steady development and profit growth during 2012. Industry analyst IDC reported that ZTE had shipped 65 million handsets in 2012, accounting for 3.8 percent of the global handset market and confirming ZTE as one of the top 4 handset producers.

“We know that our future success means we have to build the ZTE brand, and another target for us is to be a top 5 vendor in terms of brand awareness and reputation within the next three years,” said He Shiyou, EVP and Head of the Mobile Devices Division at ZTE. “2013 is the final year of our three-year transformation into a high-end smartphone brand, but we have a lot of building still to do.”

Continue reading ZTE to increase smartphone revenues by 30% in 2013
Mobile by entelechyasia

1 in 2 worldwide uses mobile phone

GSMANearly half of the world’s population now uses mobile communications. The number of mobile subscribers now stands at 3.2 billion people and is expected to increase by another 700 million subscribers by 2017. The 4 billion-subscriber milestone will be reached in 2018, according to a new GSMA report.

“The Mobile Economy 2013”, which provides a comprehensive overview of the mobile industry today, outlines the key opportunities and challenges for the mobile industry over the next five years. Developed by the GSMA and A.T. Kearney, the wide-ranging study offers critical insights into the health of the mobile communications industry and details the global enablers needed to spur further investment and growth in the sector. 

“Mobile is a vibrant and evolving industry at the heart of everyday life for billions of people around the world,” said Anne Bouverot, Director General of GSMA. “Mobile has gone beyond being a mere communications tool to one that provides life-enhancing, and in some cases life-saving, services to men, women and children. It’s exciting to look at the possibilities ahead of us as we connect the world’s population to the mobile Internet.”

Continue reading 1 in 2 worldwide uses mobile phone

Mobile by entelechyasia

ZTE and NVIDIA partner to launch first Tegra 4 super phones

Tegra 4ZTE is teaming up with NVIDIA to deliver the first super phones powered by the NVIDIA Tegra 4 mobile processor, with the first models to be launched in China in the first half of 2013.

Launched at CES in January, the NVIDIA Tegra 4 will enable the ZTE devices to deliver ultra-fast web browsing, improved app load times, more realistic gaming experiences and great battery life – thanks to the processor’s 72 custom NVIDIA GeForce cores and quad-core ARM Cortex-A15 CPU.

Tegra 4 also enables worldwide 4G LTE voice and data support through an optional chipset, the NVIDIA i500 processor. ZTE and NVIDIA are also planning a new LTE super phone using the i500 LTE chipset for blazing-fast networking.

Continue reading ZTE and NVIDIA partner to launch first Tegra 4 super phones

Mobile by entelechyasia

NVIDIA showcases Tegra 4i-based Phoenix reference smartphone

PhoenixNVIDIA has introduced its reference smartphone platform code-named “Phoenix” for the newly-announced Tegra 4i processor. Phoenix is a blueprint that phone makers can reference in designing and building future Tegra 4i smartphones to help get them to market quicker.

Previously codenamed “Project Grey”, the Tegra 4i, is NVIDIA’s first fully integrated 4G LTE mobile processor. It features 60 custom NVIDIA GPU cores; a quad-core CPU based on ARM’s newest and most efficient core — the R4 Cortex-A9 CPU — plus a fifth battery saver core; and a version of the NVIDIA i500 LTE modem optimised for integration. The result is an extremely power efficient, compact, high- performance mobile processor that enables smartphone performance and capability previously available only in expensive super phones.

“NVIDIA is delivering for the first time a single, integrated processor that powers all the major functions of a smartphone,” said Phil Carmack, senior vice president of the Mobile business at NVIDIA. “Tegra 4i phones will provide amazing computing power, world-class phone capabilities, and exceptionally long battery life.”

Continue reading NVIDIA showcases Tegra 4i-based Phoenix reference smartphone
Enterprise by entelechyasia

ZTE launches UniCare service solution

ZTEZTE has launched UniCare, a service solution developed specifically for mobile operators.

UniCare is an end-to-end integrated solution covering the whole network by offering operation assurance aimed at network performance management, service quality management and customer experience assurance, as well as operation consulting aimed at network, service and market development.

“Traditionally, technical services have focused on a specific area of an operator’s business, rather than the whole operation. As a result, they have failed to bring about improvements in operational efficiencies or user experience and have not delivered increased revenues or profits,” said Yang Jiaxiao, Vice President of ZTE. “The UniCare service solution overcomes these failures by providing mobile operators with an overall service assurance for their entire business.”

Continue reading ZTE launches UniCare service solution
Enterprise by entelechyasia

NVIDIA reports record US$4.28 billion revenue for FY13

NVIDIANVIDIA has reported revenue for fiscal 2013 ended January 27, 2013, of a record $4.28 billion, up 7.1 percent from $4.00 billion in fiscal 2012.

GAAP earnings per share for the year were $0.90 per diluted share, a decrease of 4.3 percent from $0.94 in fiscal 2012. Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share were $1.17, down 1.7 percent from $1.19 in fiscal 2012. During the quarter, NVIDIA repurchased $100.0 million of stock and paid a dividend of $0.075 per share, equivalent to $46.9 million.

“This year we did the best work in our company’s history,” said Jen-Hsun Huang, president and chief executive officer of NVIDIA. “We achieved record revenues, margins and cash, despite significant market headwinds.

Continue reading NVIDIA reports record US$4.28 billion revenue for FY13
Mobile by entelechyasia

GSMA: Mobile drives unprecedented growth in Arab world

GSMAGSMA has published its first in-depth assessment of the impact of the mobile industry on the Arab States, highlighting the explosive growth of mobile services in the region. Based on research from Deloitte, the GSMA Arab States Mobile Observatory details strong regional market competition and falling handset prices, fuelling a 32 percent average annual growth in mobile connections over the past 10 years, soaring from 19 million connections in 2002 to 391 million in 2012.

While highlighting the extraordinary development of the region over the past decade, the report identifies fundamental challenges that put the continued growth of the sector at risk, including limited spectrum availability, high taxation and stifling regulation.

“Mobile communications in the Arab States have transformed society and fostered substantial growth in investment, innovation and productivity,” commented Tom Phillips, Chief Government and Regulatory Affairs Officer, GSMA. “However, there are far greater opportunities that the mobile industry can deliver for the region. Governments need to take action now to increase spectrum availability and stabilise the regulatory environment if they want to continue the momentum and realise mobile’s full potential.”

Continue reading GSMA: Mobile drives unprecedented growth in Arab world

Mobile by entelechyasia

ZTE launches Grand Era V985 smartphone in Hong Kong

ZTE Grand Era V985ZTE has launched the Grand Era V985 smartphone in Hong Kong, enabling consumers to enjoy the device’s quad-core powered performance, and a rich media and entertainment experience.

The Grand Era V985’s simple, slim-body styling will appeal to discerning consumers – measuring just 7.9mm thick and weighing 115g. The streamlined design of Grand Era V985 conceals the device’s features. Fitted with the NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core 1.5GHz processor, the Grand Era V985 offers superior multitasking performance, fast Web browsing experience, and improved power efficiency for longer battery life.

Equipped with the NVIDIA 12-core Geforce graphics processor, a 4.5-inch Retina screen supporting high-definition videos, a IPS full-view display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 and 326 pixels per inch, and built-in support for Flash videos, the Grand Era V985 delivers best-in-class display quality, and offers user experience matching leading game consoles, meeting the requirements of mobile gamers and online video aficionados.

Continue reading ZTE launches Grand Era V985 smartphone in Hong Kong

Mobile by entelechyasia

ZTE unveils LTE Small Cell backhaul solutions

ZTEZTE has announced a new series of backhaul solutions for LTE Small Cell technology that will enable network operators to meet rising subscriber demand for mobile broadband.

As the increasing use of smart terminals enrich the lives of consumers, network operators face rising challenges. To ensure high-quality user experience, operators need to construct networks that offer dense and miniaturized coverage. Small Cell technology will therefore play a more important role. The deployment of Small Cell networks also places more stringent demands on backhaul technology, with increased emphasis on high capacity, low-cost, security and speed of network construction.

ZTE’s new series of backhaul solutions for LTE Small Cells will help operators address these technical challenges, offering support for a wide range of data transmission methods, including packet bearer network backhaul solution, fixed broadband backhaul solution (through PON, xDSL and Cable), Microwave Wireless backhaul solution, WiFi Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) Wireless backhaul solution and TD-LTE backhaul solution. Operators will enjoy more flexibility and choice in customising their backhaul networks based on their own requirements.

Continue reading ZTE unveils LTE Small Cell backhaul solutions
Mobile by entelechyasia

Samsung opens first Partner Shop in Macau

Shop frontSamsung opened its first Partner Shop in Macau today. Located at No. 63-65 on Avenida do Infante D. Henrique, the stylish and modern shop aims to provide every visitor with the best quality of customer service with unexpected personalised experience.

“As the world leader in consumer electronics and information technology, Samsung is dedicated to introducing innovative products with diversified features and functions to meet customer needs. Further to the launch of two Samsung Partner Shops in Hong Kong last year, Samsung continues to expand its business by launching the first Samsung Partner Shop in Macau,” said Lawrence Chow, Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Electronics Hong Kong.

Adjacent to various scenic spots, the shop is a one-minute walk from Senado Square and two-minute walk from Grand Lisboa Hotel. With everything under one roof, it lets visitors experience Samsung’s innovative technology and modern digital living.

Continue reading Samsung opens first Partner Shop in Macau
Mobile by entelechyasia

Gartner: Worldwide mobile advertising revenue to hit US$11.4b this year

GartnerWorldwide mobile advertising revenue is forecast to reach $11.4 billion in 2013, up from $9.6 billion in 2012, according to Gartner. Worldwide revenue will reach $24.5 billion in 2016 with mobile advertising revenue creating new opportunities for app developers, ad networks, mobile platform providers, specialty agencies and even communications service providers in certain regions.

“The mobile advertising market took off even faster than we expected due to an increased uptake in smartphones and tablets, as well as the merger of consumer behaviors on computers and mobile devices,” said Stephanie Baghdassarian, Research Director of Gartner. “Growth in mobile advertising comes in part at the expense of print formats, especially local newspapers, which currently face much lower ad yields as a result of mobile publishing initiatives.”

“Smartphones and media tablets extend the addressable market for mobile advertising in more and more geographies as an increasing population of users spends an increasing share of its time with these devices,” said Andrew Frank, Research Vice President of Gartner. “This market will therefore become easier to segment and target, driving the growth of mobile advertising spend for brands and advertisers. Mobile advertising should be integrated into advertisers’ overall marketing campaigns in order to connect with their audience in very specific, actionable ways through their smartphones and/or tablets.”

Continue reading Gartner: Worldwide mobile advertising revenue to hit US$11.4b this year
Mobile by entelechyasia

20,000 to attend 2nd Mobile Asia Expo in Shanghai

GSMA

Mobile Asia Expo will offer more to conference participants in Shanghai from June 26 to 28.

Now in its second year, the expo will include a conference programme featuring CEOs and senior executives from leading companies in Asia and around the world; an extensive exhibition showcasing innovative mobile products and services, including the new Connected City; the App Planet programme for the mobile application development community; a government and regulatory programme; and a variety of other seminars, meetings and educational programmes.

“We are pleased to be returning to Shanghai for our second Mobile Asia Expo,” said Michael O’Hara, Chief Marketing Officer, GSMA. “Building on the success of our inaugural event last year, the 2013 edition of Mobile Asia Expo will attract more than 20,000 attendees, including executives and mobile professionals from across the broad mobile communications ecosystem, government officials, technology-savvy consumers. Mobile Asia Expo 2013 promises to be bigger and better, with a range of new programmes and activities for both business and consumer attendees.”

Continue reading 20,000 to attend 2nd Mobile Asia Expo in Shanghai

Mobile by entelechyasia

ZTE forecasts profitable Q1

ZTEZTE expects to report a profit in the first quarter of 2013 as a result of the company’s operational review and strategic realignment efforts.

It is executing its comprehensive strategic review begun last year to sharpen its focus on key products and markets and strengthen cash flow management. ZTE is generating net cash inflows from operations and recorded higher sales collection, achieved increased profitability on new contracts, applied stringent cost controls and recognised investment gains.

Due to delays in the progress of some domestic and international network projects, the recognition of earlier lower-margin contracts and a drop in revenue for terminal products, ZTE may post a full-year net loss attributable to shareholders of the listed company of between RMB2.5 billion and RMB2.9 billion in 2012, a reversal of 221.35% and 240.77% compared to a year earlier.

Continue reading ZTE forecasts profitable Q1
Mobile by entelechyasia

Intel delivers broad range of new mobile experiences at CES

Intel plans to accelerate new mobile device experiences across the company’s growing portfolio of smartphone, tablet and Ultrabook offerings.

These include a new smartphone platform for emerging markets, a forthcoming 22nm quad-core SoC for tablets, and more personal and intuitive Ultrabook devices in innovative convertible designs. The plans were shared by Mike Bell, Vice President and General Manager of the Mobile and Communications Group, and Kirk Skaugen, Vice President and General Manager of the PC Client Group at Intel.

“The best of Intel is coming to a mobile device near you,” said Skaugen. “We are set to deliver the biggest increase in battery efficiency in Intel’s history with 4th generation Intel Core processors, while adding broad new human interfaces to computing devices through touch, voice, facial recognition, and gesture-based interactions. We’re also significantly extending the performance and power savings in Atom™ processors as we accelerate our mobile offerings in an unprecedented fashion in 2013.”

Continue reading Intel delivers broad range of new mobile experiences at CES