Handsets

Verizon rolls out new Motorola handsets

Phil Goldstein — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:14:26 -0400

As the holiday shopping season starts to gear up, Verizon has launched two new mid-range handsets from Motorola.

The VU30 is a standard EV-DO flip phone with a 2-megapixel camera, V Cast Music with Rhapsody, VZ Navigator and external music controls. It retails for $129 with a two-year service contract and a $50 mail-in rebate. Verizon also unleashed the VU204, a scaled down version of VU30, with a VGA camera, PC syncing capability, Bluetooth and a personal organizer. It sells for $29.99 with a two-year service contract and a $50 mail-in rebate.

For more:
- see this article
- see a pic of the VU30
- see a pic of the VU204

Related Articles:
Report: Motorola to develop Android phones
Verizon debuts a slew of new devices

What, Nokia worry? Google's G1 not a concern

Jim Barthold — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:42:53 -0400

Nokia has adopted the 'What, me worry?' attitude of Mad Magazine's Alfred E. Newman when it comes to Google's mightily hyped G1 Android-based mobile device which it introduced with T-Mobile this week. Perhaps exhibiting false bravado, Nokia's CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo pointed out that Nokia owns the Symbian operating system that's already in 200 million devices and is making that platform open to an active community of developers and device manufacturers.

Kallasvuo based his confidence on the belief that "a mobile device is not enough anymore" and "the consumer wants a different type of service and experience on top of that." Nokia, which dominates the worldwide handset market has only about a 10 percent share of the frenzied U.S. market, in part, its critics contend, because the company has been more focused on building phones than mobile devices and has been late to appreciate the power of the mobile Internet.

Google, meanwhile, lives on the Web and made a big splash in the already turbulent handset pool with the T-Mobile G1, which runs on the open source Android operating system connecting it to the Internet and numerous developer apps.

For more:
- see this article

Related articles:
Nokia launches Calling All Innovators app contest. Article
Google, T-Mobile USA launch the G1 Android phone. Article

Cell phone study shows adverse testes results

Jim Barthold — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:35:15 -0400

Male cell phone users who carry their devices like 21st century six-shooters might want to reconsider where, exactly, they put them. A new study from the Center for Reproductive Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic has suggested a link between cell phones and sperm damage. Specifically, the study said, when in close range to the testes and in talk mode, the cell phones damage sperm.

Studies were taken on 32 men with similar sperm health. One group was placed for an hour within 2.5 centimeters of a cell phone in talk mode at 850 MHz. The transmission, the study said, led to an increase in "oxidative stress" which, in laymen's terms, apparently means damaged sperm. Even worse, there may be a relation to testicular cancer as well.

This isn't the first time this particular medical team has found a link between cell phones and sperm problems. A previous study of 361 subjects showed men who use their cell phones more than four hours a day have "significantly lower sperm counts." A CTIA spokesman, while supporting "good science," also pointed to other studies that show no link between wireless usage and adverse health effects.

For more:
- see this article

Related:
Head of prominent cancer research institute issues cell-phone warning. Article
Study: No cancer risk from cell phones. Article

U.S. smartphone market is tough to crack

Sue Marek — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:05:31 -0400

Top-ranked handset vendors such as Motorola, Nokia and Samsung control 80 percent of the cell phone device market but have struggled to sell smartphones in the U.S. This has caused an open door for vendors such as Research in Motion and Apple. Can the big handset makers regain their edge? Article (sub. req.)

19.6M Symbian OS handsets shipped in Q2

Sue Marek — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:27:43 -0400

Symbian reported that 19.6 million handsets with its operating system were shipped in second quarter 2008, bringing the total cumulative number of Symbian handsets in the market to 225.9 million.

However the company said that the average royalty per unit declined from $4.40 in the first half of 2007 to $3.70 in the first half of 2008. Symbian said the reason for the decline was because licensees were migrating to the v9 of Symbian OS, which has a different licensing pricing structure. There are currently 159 Symbian phone models available globally from eight handset vendors. Another 92 handsets are in development.

Nokia announced in June that it would acquire the remaining interest in Symbian. The deal is supposed to be completed in the second half of the year.

For more:
- see this press release

Related article:
Nokia to acquire Symbian and open software platform

New York Times: T-Mobile will be first with Android phone

Lynnette Luna — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:10:24 -0400

The New York Times is reporting that T-Mobile USA will be the first operator to offer a mobile phone based on Google's Android platform. The newspaper, citing sources briefed on the company's plans, said the phone will be HTC's Dream, and is anticipated to go on sale in the U.S. before Christmas and maybe as early as October. The release date of the device depends on how early the FCC certifies both the Google software and the HTC device. Executives at T-Mobile and Google hope to make an announcement by September so the two companies can make a splash for the holiday season.

The "unofficial" blog T-Mobile online reported earlier that T-Mobile would begin taking preorders for HTC's Android-based device on Sept. 17. T-Mobile executives declined to comment on the news, only saying it was on track to offer it in the fourth quarter. HTC, which is expected to be the only device maker to have an Android phone on the market this year, also declined to comment.

Earlier this week, HTC denied a report claiming it will be forced to delay its Android handset. Last week Trip Chowdhry of Global Equities Research said that HTC was struggling to incorporate the Android feature set and the first Android phone--originally slated to debut in the fourth quarter--would not make its debut until after the first of the year. But HTC reiterates that it remains on schedule--moreover, a new video posted to YouTube purports to demonstrate the company's Android-based Dream device, which boasts a fold-out QWERTY keyboard as well as an orientation sensor that automatically flips the screen layout in tandem with the user's movements.

For more:
- read The New York Times

Related stories:
HTC denies Android delay nightmare. HTC story
Rumor mill: T-Mobile will presale HTC Dream Sept. 17. T-Mobile story

Mobile phone sales will reach 1.28B in 2008

Sue Marek — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:07:08 -0400

Research firm Gartner says that worldwide mobile phone sales will top 1.28 billion units in 2008, an 11 percent increase over last year. Handset sales reached 294.3 million in first quarter 2008 and the analyst firm expects sales in the second quarter to be between 300 million and 305 million. For the third quarter, Gartner expects a slight increase in sales over second quarter but only slight because both Motorola and LG issued warnings about a sequential drop in sales.

Gartner predicts handset makers will rely more on emerging markets to reach their growth projections. The firm expects Asia-Pacific to have a 17.9 percent increase in mobile phone sales in 2008 reaching 472.5 million. Meanwhile, Western Europe will experience a 1.5 percent decline from last year to reach 188 million in sales. North America will have a decline of 5.3 percent to reach 185.7 million in sales.

Avian Securities analyst Matt Thornton concurs with Gartner. He believes that mobile phone sales will reach nearly 1.3 billion units in 2008 and average selling prices (ASP) for phones will decline 8 percent year-over-year as sales shift to higher growth emerging markets.

For more:
- see this press release

Related articles:
Handset sales slowing in U.S. amid worsening economy
Handset sales sluggish thanks to weak economy

Report: Handset shipments topped 287M in Q2

Sue Marek — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:09:25 -0400

Strategy Analytics says that global mobile handset shipments grew 15 percent year-over-year to reach 297 million in second quarter 2008. Analyst Bonny Joy says that despite the economic gloom, handset sales remain robust in emerging markets. In addition, the research firm found that Apple's global handset shipments fell in the second quarter to 0.7 million from 1.7 million units in first quarter. Release

Motorola ships 28.1 million handsets in 2Q

Sue Marek — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:32:07 -0400

Motorola surprised analysts by posting a second-quarter net income of $4 million, up from a net loss of $28 million a year ago. Revenue fell 7.4 percent to $8.08 billion and the company expects its third-quarter earnings to be flat.

The handset maker continues to lose market share, shipping just 28.1 million handsets during second quarter, a decrease of 21 percent from the first quarter. Although some predicted Motorola would lose its stature as the third largest maker of cell phones behind Nokia and Samsung, it held onto its ranking. In second quarter Nokia shipped 122 million devices and Samsung shipped 45.7 million handsets. Meanwhile, LG shipped 27.7 million and appears to be quickly closing the gap.

Motorola is in the midst of a major restructuring. Earlier this week it announce it was dividing its Home & Networks Mobility Group into three separate businesses, a move that many believe may make the businesses easier to sell off.

For more:
- here's a round up the telecom infrastructure vendor revenues - chart
- see this article (sub. req.)
- see this MarketWatch article

Related articles:
Motorola restructures--again
Motorola slashes 150 R&D jobs

Samsung ships 45.7M phones in 2Q

Sue Marek — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:29:59 -0400

Samsung, the No. 2 maker of cell phones, is feeling the pressure of the economic slowdown. The company reported second quarter earnings of $2.1 billion, up 51 percent over the same quarter a year ago but its cell phone division reported an operating profit margin of 12.8 percent, which is down from 15.5 percent in the first quarter. The company shipped 45.7 million units during the quarter, up from 37.4 million in the year ago quarter but slightly below the 46.3 million it shipped in the first quarter.

Samsung executives said that they expect the cell phone profits to remain under pressure and the company's year-on-year growth will likely slow in the second half of the year. Nevertheless, the company does expect to meet its target of shipping 200 million units in 2008.

For more:
- see this article (sub. req.)

Related stories:
Samsung's net rises 37 percent
Nokia's outlook for 2008 is good, market share is up

Head of prominent cancer research institute issues cell-phone warning

Lynnette Luna — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:00:26 -0400

The age-old debate over whether cell phones cause cancer has reared its ugly head again as Dr. Robert Herberman, director of the prominent University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, issued an unusual warning to some 3,000 faculty and staff, urging them to limit cell phone use because of the possible risk of cancer. The warning is contrary to several studies that have said no link exists between the two, but Herberman said he is raising the alarm because of early unpublished data, and it takes too long to obtain answers from science and believes people should act now, especially children.

"Really at the heart of my concern is that we shouldn't wait for a definitive study to come out, but err on the side of being safe rather than sorry later," Herberman told the AP. No other major academic cancer research institutions have issued such a warning.

For more:
- read AP

Related story:
Researchers disagree over cell phone safety findings. Cancer research story

Motorola sues former exec over employment with Apple

Lynnette Luna — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:40:28 -0400

Motorola is suing a former executive, claiming he violated a two-year non-compete agreement by becoming the head of global iPhone sales for Apple and recruiting two other former Motorola employees.

Motorola filed the suit against Mike Fenger, who quit in March as senior vice president of mobile devices for Europe, Middle East and Africa to join Apple. Fenger was part of a mass exodus of executives this past spring as the company's handset business continues to deteriorate. The suit not only alleges a breach of contract but also claims Fenger used Motorola trade secrets. It's not that he stole any documents, but the information in his head seems to be enough to violate Motorola's trade secrets.

"In his new position...he cannot perform his duties for Apple without inevitably disclosing Motorola's trade secrets," the lawsuit states.

For more:
- check out the WSJ (sub. req.)

Related stories:
Motorola replaces two more executives. Motorola story
Another Motorola executive departs. Motorola story

How hot are social networking sites on mobile phones?

Lynnette Luna — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:20:28 -0400

According to a new survey, just 24 percent of Internet users ever visit social network sites on their mobile phones or smartphones. The survey was conducted by ICM Research and written up in a report from the London School of Economics. Dr. Leslie Haddon of the school's Economics' Media and Communications Department said the results can be interpreted two ways. One is to conclude that social networking does not dominate life online. "In fact, only 7 percent of the whole sample use the various mobile devices to do so every day," she said. "On the other hand, this figure of roughly a quarter is still substantial given that SNS (social networking sites) have been around far less time than the more established uses, such as email." Article

Mary McDowell - Top Women in Wireless

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:56:54 -0400

Mary McDowell

Executive vice president and chief development officer at Nokia

After spending 17 years at HP-Compaq, Mary McDowell decided to make the foray into wireless in 2004 when she joined Nokia as executive vice president and general manager of the company's enterprise solutions group. During her time there, she oversaw the development of the Nokia Eseries of mobile devices.

In her current role, she heads the corporate development office and oversees many areas including mobile software sales and marketing and IT. With Nokia's growing emphasis on applications and software, McDowell is now on the forefront of many company initiatives, including Nokia's recent $410 million acquisition of the remaining interest in Symbian and its plans to make Symbian's software into an open source platform and make it available to members for free.

GPhone speculation strikes again

Sue Marek — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:49:08 -0400

Just when you thought all rumors of the GPhone had been quashed for good, they strike again. TechCrunch is reporting that Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergei Bring and CEO Eric Schmidt made "nebulous" statements to Hollywood Reporter writer Dan Cox leaving some to wonder if the company is once again thinking about building a GPhone. In an article, Cox writes, "The trio of Google execs also used the opportunity to talk about the inroads the company is making with its own branded mobile phone as a replacement for the iPhone."

In addition, TechCrunch says that a source has told them that Ammunition Design Group, a San Francisco-based firm that designs computers, mobile phones and hardware for companies such as Palm, HP, Dell and others, may be working with Google to create an Android-based Google branded GPhone.

Last year Google was rumored to be developing a GPhone and was said to even have been talking to various carriers about the device. However, those rumors died down after the company in November launched its Google Android open source mobile operating system.

For more:
- see this report

Related articles:
SPOTLIGHT: Google: Still not building a Gphone
Google unveils Android, Open Handset Alliance

Sony Ericsson may acquire Spice

Sue Marek — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:06:13 -0400

According to the Economic Times, Sony Ericsson is considering acquiring Spice, the handset division of BK Modi Group. BK Modi owns 64 percent of Spice and has asked for 80-100 rupees per share, which would value the company at up to $174 million. The deal has not been finalized, however should it come to fruition, it would make Sony Ericsson the second largest handset maker in India.

Sony Ericsson is well known for its Walkman-branded phones and in first quarter 2008 it shipped 22.3 million handsets, a 2 percent increase year over year. However, in June the company issued a warning to investors that its second-quarter sales and net income will take a hit because of slowing demand for its mobile phones and new product shipping delays. The handset maker estimated it would just break even in the second quarter.

For more:
- see this article

Related articles:
Sony Ericsson issues profit warning
Sony Ericsson ships 22.3M phones in 1Q

Report: Chip sales strong despite rumored cell phone slowdown

Sue Marek — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:49:55 -0400

Forward Concepts analyst Will Strauss says that the latest numbers from the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics indicate that May shipments for chip sets for cell phones were up 8 percent over April, and up 47 percent over May 2007, indicating that reports of a slowdown in cell phone sales are incorrect. Strauss also points out that while WSTS DSP shipments for wireless infrastructure were down 14 percent in May compared to April, that was still 30 percent higher than May 2007. Article

Sony Ericsson issues profit warning

Sue Marek — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:38:51 -0400

Sony Ericsson says that its second-quarter sales and net income will take a hit because of slowing demand for its mobile phones and new product shipping delays. The handset maker estimates it will just break even in the second quarter.

The company says demand for high-end phones is challenging and predicts it will ship about 24 million phones in the quarter with an average selling price of about $181 each. This compares to first quarter when Sony Ericsson shipped 22.3 million units with an average selling price of $190.50.

This is the company's second profit warning this year and is a sign that the joint venture is still having problems in this fiercely competitive sector. The warning is also an indication that mobile phone sales are not responding well to the economic downturn. Earlier this week several brokerage firms reduced their 2008 handset sales forecasts and predicted that many manufacturers would feel the pinch through the end of the year.

For more:
- read this article

Related stories:
Handset sales sluggish thanks to weak economy
Sony Ericsson ships 22.3M phones in 1Q

Handset sales sluggish thanks to weak economy

Sue Marek — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:00:44 -0400

The weakening economy has caused several brokerage firms to reduce their 2008 handset sales forecasts and many are predicting that handset makers such as Motorola, Nokia and others will feel the pinch through the end of the year.

Specifically, Deutsche Bank analyst Brian Modoff cut his handset shipments to the lowest level in six years. He said that mobile phone shipments will grow no more than 6 percent this year, down from his original forecast of 11 percent at the beginning of 2008.

For more:
- see this MarketWatch story

Related story:
Worldwide handset shipments slow in Q1

Huawei to start accepting bids for handset unit

Lynnette Luna — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:11:22 -0400

Huawei Technologies will reportedly begin first-round bids for its mobile-devices business by Monday, according to a report from Dow Jones. The Chinese vendor has been targeting private-equity firms to buy the unit, according to the article. The vendor is also open to selling a controlling interest in the unit, which makes handsets, data cards, DSL modems, convergence devices and video products.

In May, it was revealed that Vodafone and AT&T were interested in taking a 50-percent stake in Huawei's handset business. Huawei confirmed today that it is exploring opportunities for private-equity firms to invest in its mobile devices division. Through a sale or partial sale of the division, Huawei hopes it can gain inroads in the U.S. market by offering low-cost handsets to the market, meanwhile, a potential buyer gets its hands on a lucrative Chinese business. Huawei, however, isn't looking for a sale to a competitor as it wants to keep its brand intact. Huawei's handset division is reportedly profitable, and the vendor is looking for more funds to increase its handset production to 50 million devices a year.

For more:
- read Dow Jones

Related story:
Vodafone, AT&T reportedly interested in Huawei handset business stake. Huawei story