By: Aldo Panessidi

The latest results are in for NPD Group’s monthly Mobile Phone Track service. It looks like Apple retails it’s top seat as the #1 smartphone vendor in the U.S.

Apple’s market ownership continues to strengthen. It’s market share increased by 7% in the first quarter year-over-year. In the past year, Apple’s iPhones were responsible for 29% of all smartphone sales in the U.S. Samsung with Its Samsung Galaxy S2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tablets seems to be the only company breathing anywhere down Apple’s neck.

I wrote another blog indicating that Samsung currently has the titles for the world’s largest smartphone vendor and largest overall mobile phone vendor. In the last year, Samsung recorded huge market share growth of 140%. That gives them ownership of 24% share of the market.

Why the confusion? Many analyst interpret market data differently... in addition a giant like Apple would react fervently to any news saying that its market position has been upset

Apple and Samsung together are responsible for 53% of all smartphones sold in the U.S. LG, HTC, Motorola and RIM sales continue to fall.

Leaving your valuable devices unprotected is risky! Discover the latest innovative protection solutions... stylish top brand bags, sleeves as well as cases and skins specifically designed to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes. Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside these brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

“Samsung is the only market leader from the feature phone era to transition to market leadership in the smartphone era in the U.S.,” said NPD analyst Ross Rubin. “Its broad carrier support and advertising – particularly in the ascendant pre-paid segment – have helped it achieve the highest market share among Android handset providers in the U.S.”

NPD also reported that Google’s Android operating system is the highest selling mobile platform. Android use is trending in the right direction, and it regained some of the ground it had previously lost to Apple.

Enhance your mobility and turn your device into a power tool! Discover select accessories such as; stylus & pens, microSD memory cards, batteries, docking stations, Bluetooth headsets, data cables and XMI Speakers all specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

Android smartphone sales grew 24% over the last quarter of 2011 to 61% of the market. Apple iPhone sales are down significantly. The high of 41% in the last quarter is now 29%, a decline of 29%.

Apple is still the People’s Phone. Regardless of what the market share number shows, Apple’s iPhone 4S, iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS still hold the top three spots in NPD’s overall handset ranking for first quarter of 2012. Samsung’s Galaxy S2 and HTC’s EVO 3D round out the top five.

Rubin tries to explain what the poll number show: “After some release of pent-up demand from customers adopting the iPhone 4S, coupled with the company’s strength in the holiday season, Apple’s share fell in the first quarter, as we’ve often see it do in the quarter following its introduction of a new handset. Now that the iPhone is available on Sprint, though, the increased carrier coverage has created a higher baseline for Apple’s share than we have seen in the past.”

Major League Gaming (MLG), the world's largest competitive video game league, Sony Mobile Communications and Gameloft are the Dream Team when it comes to launching the first-ever competitive smartphone gaming platform called Xperia Mobile Gaming Arena Presented by Sony Mobile.

The arena lets gamers compete for more than $10,000 in prizes through all mobile platforms including Android and iOS. All competition details, scores and rankings will be accessible via MLG’s website. For now, the gaming platform only supports Gameloft's Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation, but more games are on their way.

On the mobile accessories side... more an more consumers are protecting their valuable devices with the latest innovative protection solutions... stylish top brand bags, sleeves as well as cases and skins specifically designed to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes. Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside these brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

Major League Gaming CEO Sundance DiGiovanni explains, "The MLG community thrives on competition and with our new mobile platform, we are now enabling gamers to engage in competitive play no matter where they are. With partners like Sony Mobile and Gameloft, we are truly taking mobile gaming to a new level."

Take your devices to new level, enhance your mobility and turn your device into a power tool! Discover select accessories such as; stylus & pens, microSD memory cards, batteries, docking stations, Bluetooth headsets, data cables and XMI Speakers all specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

As Peter Farmer, Head of Marketing for North America, Sony Mobile Communications described the partnership: "Bringing together MLG's authority in competitive gaming, Gameloft's blockbuster game titles and Sony Mobile's immersive mobile entertainment experience, the Xperia™ Mobile Gaming Arena is sure to deliver a new level of mobile gaming for competitors."

By Aldo Panessidi

The much-anticipated Spotify iPad application has arrived and is available for free download from the Apple App Store. With a Premium membership, Spotify’s app provides you access to the 18 million songs in their portfolio of music, stream tracks and playlists, and share songs. Consumers can download spotify directly to their and iPad 2 and iPad 3

Protect your iPhone, iPad, iPod and MacBook with the latest innovative protection solutions... stylish top brand bags and sleeves as well as cases and skins specifically designed to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes. Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside these brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

Technologically Spotify’s iPad app is a boon for Spotify users. Their press release is calling it a “lean, green, music machine”, and that’s only the half of it. The new “Now Playing” feature is a full-screen view with high-def cover art. You can search for playlists, users and music all from the same view.

The iPad app also features gapless playback, a crossfade function and AirPlay integration. This is a big boost to the wireless AirPlay users who stream music from their iPads to AirPlay-compatible devices.

Accessories are designed to help you enhance your mobility and turn your device into a power tool! Discover select accessories such as; stylus & pens, micro SD memory cards, batteries, docking stations, Bluetooth headsets, data cables and XMI Speakers all specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.
Spotify is really cozying up to Apple with its new iPad app. As Apple iPad demand continues to skyrocket, and with the new iPad hypnotizing almost everyone, Spotify has a nice symbiotic relationship going for it.

You want to be able to use the new Spotify app anytime, anywhere without any hiccups. Don’t forget to give your iPad’s sound quality a boost with earbuds and headphones as well as wireless speakers. Keep those graphics and artwork on-screen beautiful with iPad cleaning kits.

Spotify’s Premium subscribers can take themselves over to the Apple App Store right now. If you don’t have a Spotify membership, you can get a Premium free trial for 30 days. www.spotify.com/freetrial.

By Aldo Panessidi

In just one year, Samsung has taken the top spot from Apple as the world’s largest smartphone vendor. Samsung shipped over 42 million phones in 1Q 2012, as opposed to Apple’s 31 million. For Samsung, that’s a one year improvement in their shipment numbers of 267%!

Samsung’s impressive growth doesn’t stop there. The South Korean- based vendor also ousted longtime leader Nokia to become the world’s largest mobile phone vendor by recording a 35% increase in phone shipments during the past year, as opposed to Nokia’s decrease of 24%.

As you would expect, this kind of growth is translating into big money. Samsung increased its profits by 82% to a record 5.05 trillion in the first quarter of the year.

Discover the latest innovative protection solutions... stylish top brand bags, sleeves as well as cases and skins specifically designed to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes. Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside these brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

According to IDC senior research analyst Ramon Llamas, “Apple launched its popular iPhone 4S in additional key markets, most notably in China, and Samsung experienced continued success from its Galaxy Note smartphone/tablet and other Galaxy smartphones. With other companies in the midst of major strategic transitions, the contest between Apple and Samsung will bear close observation as hotly-anticipated new models are launched.”

Enhance your mobility and turn your device into a power tool! Discover select accessories such as; stylus & pens, micro SD memory cards, batteries, docking stations, Bluetooth headsets, data cables and XMI Speakers all specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

Samsung and Apple’s gains have come at the expense of Nokia, Blackberry and HTC. Nokia’s shipments fell 15% to capture only 8.2% of the global smartphone market. RIM’s share fell from 13.6% in the first quarter of 2011 to 6.7% last quarter, and HTC’s market share dropped from 8.9% to 4.8%.

Get powered up for work, life and play easily and conveniently with our collection of desktop chargers, wall chargers and car chargers. Get all the power and energy you need for the mobile lifestyle.

By: Aldo Panessidi

Google Drive is now live! Google Drive is a cloud-based storage service reported to be compatible with Android, iOS, Mac, and PC platforms. This kind of scope will take Google Drive beyond the capabilities of its main competition –Dropbox.com and Box.com- for everything but PC.

Many consumers will now have the ability to connect with Google Drive with through their smartphones and tablets. Leaving your valuable mobile devices unprotected is risky! Discover the latest innovative protection solutions... stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases specifically designed to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes. Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside these brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

View this informative video on Google Drive

Enhance your mobility and turn your device into a power tool! Discover select accessories such as; stylus & pens, micro SD memory cards, batteries, docking stations, Bluetooth headsets, data cables and XMI speakers all specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

What can you do with Google Drive... only amazing stuff like:

• Create and Collaborate:
  It allows you to work in tandem with colleagues and other third parties to create new documents, spreadsheets and presentation and see the changes 'in real time'
• Enhance Gmail and Google+ Applications
  Send a link from Google Drive in Gmail and everyone has the same file, same version – automatically. In addition, your videos and pictures in Google Drive are instantly available in Google+, so you’re never more than one click away from sharing with your circles.
• More Powerful Search:
  Google Drive helps you get to your files faster. Search for content by keyword and filter by file type, owner and more.
• View Anything at Anytime
  Open over 30 file types in your browser—including HD video, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop—even if you don’t have the program installed on your computer.
• Google Drive Your Apps
  Create, open and share files from a variety of apps directly in Google Drive.
• Enhanced Sharing Capability
  Share files or folders with anyone, and choose whether they can view, edit or comment on your stuff.
• Start a Conversation and Collaborate more Effectively
  Create and reply to comments to get feedback and make files more collaborative.

By Aldo Panessidi

Not only is Apple under fire for the factory conditions and dust explosions that have occurred at their Chinese based manufacturing locations, but according UBM TechInsights, the Silicon Valley darling is looking at a lower profit margin on its upcoming iPad3.

The new iPad 3 will have an estimated bill of materials cost of $310, up from $270.86 on the original iPad and $276.27 on the iPad 2 based on versions at launch using 16 Gbytes memory. By selling all three at the same $629 price, Apple is cutting its profit margins about five points from 56-57 percent on the first two generation products to 51 percent on the new iPad, UBM TechInsights projected.

Apple’s profit margin on the iPad 2 will dip to an estimated 53 percent when it is discounted to $529 at the release of the new model. The iPad 2 sustains less of a hit because prices of its components are projected to have come down since its launch last year resulting in a current bill of materials cost of $248.07 for the 2012 version of the iPad 2, it said.

Leaving your valuable tablet devices unprotected is risky!  Discover the latest innovative protection solutions... stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases specifically designed to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes.  Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside these brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

Why the cost increase? It is in large part thanks to the new iPad’s Retina display. UBM notes that those changes in display cost Apple approximately $70 compared to the $49.50 iPad2 display. In addition to the Retina display, the iPad3’s 4G LTE chips are more than double in cost to the iPad2’s 3G chips ($21 per chip compared to $10) and a more expensive A5X processor chip that adds another $6 in cost.

One can only assume that Apple will look to periphery devices (wireless keyboards, protective cases, docking stations etc) to help close the gap in their gross profit margins for this newest iPad. But as these devices become more expensive to manufacturer, retail prices will inevitably rise. The same may be true for Apple’s line of iPhone 4S smartphone as well. These handsets will also have the more costly 4G LTE chips and increasingly more advanced displays.

As these prices rise, it may cause consumers to take stock of what they are shelling out hundreds of dollars for. Many times, it is more cost effective to reinvest in tablet accessories and less costly peripheral devices to achieve a comparable user experience. And, as in home renovations, sometimes a fresh coat of paint or a new protective case is just as effective in revitalizing the object in question.

By Aldo Panessidi

The Samsung Galaxy s3 was intended to be currently on display at the Mobile World event over in Barcelona, Spain. However Samsung later opted to decline the showing at the Mobile World Congress. In a strategic move... Samsung executives have chosen wait and give the whole world one big launch date, which is yet to be announced... although reports have it set around June of this year.   While we are still not sure whether this device will be launched as an unlocked cell phone or the related accessories to help protect, personalize and enhance its mobility... we do know that the Galaxy S 3 is slated for launch in over 50 major countries.

Regardless of this, it hasn’t stopped reporters getting their hands on all the specifications and features that the Samsung Galaxy s3 will have.  The details have fans frothing at the mouth and word of Apple iPhone 4S and Window based Nokia Lumia phone lovers jumping ship is happening often, people are so impressed by the reports.

While one can argue that its only speculation, we need to consider that sources these days are never far off the money, if they are off at all.

Samsung Galaxy S3 specs are now the topic of discussion for the tech communities across the world. The perception that the forthcoming smart phone from Samsung will set the bar very high for its competitors to follow in the days to come seems to be true.

The following video is an excellent review of the Samsung Galaxy S 3 that whets the appetite for the highly-anticipated addition to the Android family

The new Samsung baby is going to be 4.8 inch 1024p HD Super AMOLED Plus display with a SXGA resolution of 1280 x 1024, a lot bigger than the Samsung Galaxy S2, but a tad smaller than Galaxy Note, the 5 inch smart phone from Samsun's own stable.  Some sources claim that it will be a 3D display as well.   In any event, we can see an advanced display from Samsung, the world leader in mobile display technology.   Samsung should install a display that can really beat down the high definition Retina Display of iPhone 4S and the possible iPhone 5.

Driving this splendid device is a powerful 1.5 GHz quad-core Samsung Exynos processor zipping the process right along. There will be 2GB RAM. You read it right.  Reports indicate that Samsung is to make its next gen Galaxy S as powerful as a laptop.

The hardware is encased in an ever-chic ceramic shell.  For  those that don’t care for the ceramic case, there is an ever growing array of protective cases and skins to personalize the device to your heart’s content. No matter your style, you will want to protect the 4.8 inch, “full HD” 1080p display to avoid damage and unsightly scratches with top brand bags, cases and sleeves.

As far as camera in the new Galaxy S3 is concerned, all indication point towards the fact that it will be substantially better than Galaxy S2 and Apple’s top selling iPhone 4S. Different sources report that Samsung will mount a 12-megapixel rear camera on Galaxy S3. The current version of Galaxy S2 has an 8-megapixel rear camera.  Many recent or upcoming phones like iPhone 4S, Nokia Lumia 800, Motorola Droid RAZR and HTC Rezound are also up with 8-megapixel camera. So Samsung may make its Galaxy S3 a far powerful machine for image and video capturing.

The icing and the cherry on the cake are the 4G LTE capability and Android 4.0 OS bringing you the final touches of a smartphone that is beautifully designed and made.

By John Castell

Apple today issued invitations to the media for an event next Wednesday, March 7, where it's expected to launch the next generation of Apple tablet the - iPad 3.  Invitations to join this corporate event to be held in San Francisco were received by bloggers and reporters alike.

Apple will host the launch event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, a regular venue for the company's press-only announcements and where former CEO Steve Jobs introduced the iPad 2 on March 2, 2011.

Most experts believe the iPad 3 will feature a higher-resolution screen, a faster processor - perhaps Apple's first quad-core - and more internal memory. They have been split on whether the new tablet will support the faster LTE data networks like those now being deployed in the U.S. by Verizon and AT&T.

Apple’s iPad 3 is expected to feature a high-definition 2,048 x 1,536-pixel Retina Display, a new quad-core Apple A6 processor, a more powerful battery, embedded 4G LTE connectivity, an 8-megapixel camera and an exterior design that is very similar to the current iPad 2 but with a slightly modified case. New features tied to the next major build of Apple’s mobile platform are expected to be on display next week as well, and we took a quick hands-on look at iOS 5.1 earlier this month.

The following video provides an insight into the Top 5 Features expected in the iPad3

Apple has not said anything about the price of the new iPad -- some recent rumors have claimed it will cost about $80 more than current models -- when it will go on sale or even the official name of the tablet.

By Aldo Panessidi

Today Apple can seemingly do no wrong. But if you think back a couple of years, you will likely recall the fuss made around the iPhone4 and the unheard of design flaw that had jaws flapping. Honestly, it had been ages since the incident had crossed my mind. And unfortunately for Apple, Antennagate has reared its ugly head once again.

The silver lining for the tech darling is that this time the reminder comes in the form of a bookend on the class-action lawsuit that had been levied against Apple after the 2010 iPhone 4 release that caused some serious problems for customers trying to actually use their iPhones to speak with others. Some users noticed that when the strip along the side of the handset was covered it would result in a loss of signal and eventually a dropped call.

Enhance your mobility and turn your device into a power tool!  Discover select accessories such as; stylus & pens, micro SD memory cards, batteries, docking stations, Bluetooth headsets, data cables and glider gloves all specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

To stem the tide of a disgruntled public, Apple offered free Bumper cases for iPhone4 buyers. Alas, they were only available through September 30, 2010 which did not appease those who had waited in line and paid a premium for the long-awaited iPhone4 – hence, the multiple lawsuits filed against Apple.

So those iPhone customers who felt cheated because of the time limit on free bumper cases will be pleased to hear that the class-action lawsuit against Apple translates into either a free Bumper case or $15 cash to iPhone4 customers in the United States. Personally, my iPhone4 is already enshrined in the protective case of my choosing. But, the $15 cash is a great incentive to buy the new running accessories or headset I’ve had my eye on.

To claim the reward of your choice, visit www.iPhone4Settlement.com (it is not yet up and running). The website will provide information on how customers can receive their free case or get the cash in hand. In case you forget, Apple will be required to send reminder emails to iPhone4 users prior to April 30^th.

Thankfully this design flaw was addressed with the iPhone 4S and the tech company continues to bring its signature innovation and style to consumers with products like the iPad that have made it the success story to date and an industry leader, not a follower.

By Aldo Panessidi

With the Mobile World Congress on the horizon, the top smartphone vendors (Apple, Blackberry, HTC,  LG Mobile, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony) are ramping up products that were introduced and released earlier this year and fine tuning the messaging for the upcoming event that will give them the opportunity to leverage the publicity, innovative mobile accessory launches that accompany these global gatherings. So, Samsung is in a great position to capitalize on the momentum on the world stage for its latest international device, the Samsung Galaxy Note.

As with other Samsung offerings, this unlocked cell phone has gone through a series of transformations before reaching the shores of North America and will align with its American siblings in certain areas. With four touch sensitive buttons under the screen and a Snapdragon S3 chipset under the hood, the 1.5 GHz dual-core Scorpion processor is a differentiator from the Exynos silicon found in the global version of the handset.

And, with the added LTE connectivity, S Pen (stylus and pen), and large 5.3” Super AMOLED screen, this device looks to create its own niche and make its own waves in the mobile device industry. There is a slew of features that make this smartabletphone a good fit for some customers including a microSD slot (a nice consideration for a device that is likely to eat up a lot of storage), video recording in 1080p that has USB host and TV-out support, and full Flash support which is definitely sought out in media playing devices. The specs are long and worth checking out, but I would venture to say that the peripheral devices and accessories that will come along with this device will also be key.

The size of the handset will make headsets and Bluetooth devices all the more imperative for those customers using the Galaxy Note as one-handed use is bound to be tricky. Purchase of a protective accessory that precludes the need to fit this smartabletphone in your pocket is also a likely necessity. All in all, Samsung has created a device that answers the needs of consumers who are looking to consolidate the number of devices they tote around. The functionality will please many, but to truly get the most from this handset, customers will have to plan carefully and invest in the best accessories and peripheral devices to fit their usage and lifestyle – all of which we look forward to seeing and reviewing at the MWC!