A Closer Look at Tablet Screen Displays

Screen size and display resolution are key factors to consider when purchasing tablets for the home or office. Needless to say not all screens are created equal. Let's take a closer look at some of the highly ranked screens. The Sony Xperia Z4, is no different.

The 10.1-incher is supremely thin and light and its performance is among the fastest Android tablets. Its large HD screen is bright and crisp and, though it features a wide range of colors, color reproduction still looks lifelike and accurate. Like its predecessors, it's also waterproof. The Galaxy Tab S2 8.0, unlike its predecessor (see below), has a 4:3 aspect ratio. This means the screen is a little more square, and not as wide as the majority of tablets with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The size is better suited for reading and browsing the Web, however HD video still looks razor-sharp. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 was released last year, though it's by no mean out of date. The super-AMOLED screen is similar to the one found on this year's model, the Galaxy Tab S2 (above), but with a higher resolution, resulting in more pixels-per-inch. It's sharp and vibrant, with rich color and deep contrast that make real life look dull in comparison. It also comes in a large 10.5 inch model. Since the screens are bigger with a wide aspect ratio (16:9), the older models are better for watching video. By contrast the Dell Venue 8 7000 is a sleek 8.4-inch model with a lot going for it. Its slim and lightweight aluminum design feels solid and luxe, and its sharp screen doesn't disappoint either. It's one of the best small tablets you can buy and, if you're a fan of photography, you'll get a kick out of its depth-sensing rear camera. Which screen display best meets your needs? Share your picks with the Smartphone and Tablet Emporium.

Will "Lightsaber Escape" Turn Your Smartphone into a Force to Be Reckoned With?

As “Star Wars” fervor reached a fever-pitch this week, Google unveiled another neat treat for fans of the franchise: You can now battle Stormtroopers from the comfort of your own desk chair. Lightsaber Escape is a Chrome Experiment  and web-based game that turns your smartphone into a lightsaber.

To try it, visit the game's website on your computer, and copy the unique URL you find there into a browser on your phone. (You can also do the reverse, and access the website on your phone first.) You’ll then be prompted to calibrate your phone. Once done, your phone will become the handle of a glowing weapon, and an image of the lightsaber will appear on your computer screen. Use the lightsaber to battle the Stormtroopers that seem determined to kill you. Lightsaber Escape, which works not just in Chrome but across all mobile and desktop browsers, was created by Google in conjuction with Lucasfilm and the “Star Wars” visual-effects studio Industrial Light & Magic.   A stunning surprise in the search engine that appears when users type in the phrase: "A long time ago in a galaxy far far away".Will "Lightsaber Escape" Turn Your Smartphone into a Force to Be Reckoned With? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Emporium. 

Smartphone Printers: Comparing Canon Selphy, Polariod Zip and Fujifilm Instax Devices

If you're buying an instant printer, you probably want it to be portable, or at least have a small footprint. In this category, you can eliminate the Canon Selphy pretty quickly, as it weighs nearly two pounds and has to stay plugged in. seconds.

The speed we're talking about here refers to the time it takes for the photo to print from the moment the "print" button was tapped on the phone. (Meaning that it doesn't include the time it takes to select and edit a photo.) Surprisingly, the Zip felt excruciatingly long, despite its newness. The Canon Selphy also took more than a minute due to its involved printing process -- the printer prints one color at a time for a total of four colors. So the Instax wins. But there is a catch. Unlike the Selphy and the Zip, the photo isn't ready for viewing once it's delivered. You'll have to wait a few minutes for the image to appear, old-school-style. It's not easy to build a printer that fits in your hand and produces high-quality photos. That's probably why Canon refused to sacrifice its printing quality for form factor. Although it won't fit in your purse, the Selphy delivers prints close to what you'd get from your local drug store. The biggest disappointment in the quality department goes to Fujimax Instax. The prints that come out of it are washed out, blown out and often blurry. In some cases, the nostalgic look might be what you're looking for. But for most people, the image quality just isn't worth the expensive paper. Polaroid's Zip sits somewhere in the middle, producing bright, inviting prints that when examined closely appear noisy or grainy. It's exactly what you'd expect from a pocket-size instant printer. Which printer meets your smartphone printing needs? Share your picks with the Smartphone and Tablet Emporium.

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That leaves the Instax and Zip. Both easily fit in a backpack and won't weigh you down. But side by side, the Instax dwarfs the Zip, making the Instax look old and outdated, like a CRT monitor waiting to be replaced with a sleek flat-panel screen.

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That leaves the Instax and Zip. Both easily fit in a backpack and won't weigh you down. But side by side, the Instax dwarfs the Zip, making the Instax look old and outdated, like a CRT monitor waiting to be replaced with a sleek flat-panel screen.

Smartphone and Internet of Things Forecast for 2016 and Beyond

Research firm Statistica has published their IoT forecast through 2019. The figures shows the market size of the global Internet of Things (IoT) market from 2009 to 2019. In 2013, the global IoT market had a size of 485.6 billion U.S. dollars.

Here are some highlights from this new Statistica Report: This dossier presents a range of statistics, facts and forecasts about the Internet of Things (IoT). The document includes information on the overall projected development of the IoT market, the technologies used, and the number of connected devices & things. It also comprises sections on the industry verticals and fields of application such as for example the health sector, wearables and smart homes:  Market size overview,  Enabling technologies (Sensors, RIFD, NFC, etc.),  Industry verticals / fields of application, Connected devices/things,  Mobile connections & users,  Smart wearables, trackers & clothing, Smart cities & home.. With the smartphone as the most prominent device in the IoT arena, these numbers surely reflect the smartphone ecosystem growth. What will be the 'actual' smartphone and IoT device growth over the next four years?  While our finite, mortal minds cannot be sure, feel free to share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Emporium.Download the complete report at: http://www.statista.com/statistics/485136/global-internet-of-things-market-size/

Tablets Move into the Mainstream - Will They Reach Escape Velocity?

It's difficult to remember a time before tablets, but it's been just over five short years since the original Apple iPad hit the scene, and the current tablet market was born. Since then, we've seen scores of manufacturers trying to snag a slice of the tablet pie.

There's no denying the tablet is here to stay. The greatest strength of Apple's iOS, the operating system on the iPad Air and iPad mini tablet lines, is twofold: It's very clean and intuitive, and the wide selection of iPad apps that you can buy right on your tablet—more than one million iPad-specific titles at the time of this writing—work uniformly well with very few exceptions. Google's Android mobile OS gives you a choice of hardware from several different manufacturers and offers maximum configurability, a top-notch notification system, fast and smooth Web browsing, and seamless integration with Google applications like Gmail, Google Maps, and Hangouts for video chat. Android also includes support for multiple user logins so you can share your tablet with a friend or family member, a useful feature that's missing in Apple tablets. What is your choice for the highest value/most cost-effective tablet on the market today? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Emporium. View PC Magazine's Top 10 Tablets for 2015: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2413145,00.asp

Does the Future of Artificial Intelligence Forshadow the Demise of the Smartphone?

Artificial intelligence Ericsson's "10 Hot Consumer Trends for 2016" report.connected to the Internet in five years' time. Ericsson. They think the smartphone screen will disappear in five years' time, to be replaced by AI as the main way of interacting with the Internet and communicating with devices at home. Still, predicting the death of the ubiquitous device may be as premature as heralding the demise of the PC, television, or even radio.  Ericsson surveyed 6,600 smartphone users aged 15-69 in 13 major cities around the world.While none of us mortals have a crystal ball, share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Emporium. View the entire Ericsson report at: http://www.ericsson.com/res/docs/2015/consumerlab/ericsson-consumerlab-10-hot-consumer-trends-2016-presentation-16-9.pdf .

Virtual reality headsets, not your smartphone, could be the way you access entertainment, apps and services by the end of the decade.
It predicts the world will have more than eight billion connected devices such as smartphones, tablets, e-readers, smart glasses and other wearables. Ericsson surveyed 6,600 smartphone users aged 15-69 in 13 major cities around the world. That's the view of half of all smartphone users surveyed.

Assessing Smartphone Camera Quality for Casual vs. Professional Photographers

Smartphone cameras are perhaps the most exciting and bitterly contested category in consumer tech today.   When most flagship smartphones offer high-quality industrial design, large screens, and blazing fast processors, it can be hard to make a device that stands out.

But the camera is one place where even smaller players can make a name for themselves and attract new buyers. Ultimately, as impressive as its camera is, it's hard to envision the Lumix CM1 having any kind of mass appeal. Instead, we feel it's an ideal camera for anyone who refuses to compromise on image quality, but also can't stomach carrying a dedicated camera around. For hardcore Instagrammers and professionals who want to post their work straight to social media, it might be an ideal choice—one that outperforms all other smartphones, but is still portable enough to travel with you everywhere. We assume that professional photographers will use Nikon or Canon quality stand-alone cameras for their work. However, share your comments on the camera quality on your smartphone ... for casual use? Send your comments to the Smartphone and Tablet Emporium.

Samsung's New Fast Charge Wireless Charging Pad - Will it Boost Productivity?

Take your wireless charging experience to the next level with the Fast Charge Wireless Charging Pad. Available in black sapphire or white, the new wireless charging pad allows you to charge your Galaxy Note5 or Galaxy S6 edge+ device up to 1.4x faster than standard wireless charging pads, reducing total charging time from 0-100% by up to 50 minutes.

Using Samsung’s Fast Charge technology, the pad can transfer a faster charge to the device when used with the included Fast Charge wall charger. The Fast Charge Wireless Charging Pad is closing the gap in speed between wireless and wired charging! The pad is also backwards compatible for any Qi-enabled device so you can charge those devices wirelessly at standard speeds. Galaxy Note5 and Galaxy S6 edge+ are compatible with wireless Fast Charge technology. Other devices will charge at standard wireless charging speeds. Say goodbye to tangled wires and lost charging cables. The Samsung Wireless Charging Pad utilizes Qi Inductive Charging Technology that eliminates the need to fumble with charging cables each time you want to charge your device. The dedicated Charging Pad is always at the ready, providing wireless power whenever you set your device on the pad. You can still use your device while charging, and your device is always accessible so you can answer a call without having to unplug. How will the new Samsung Fast Charge Wireless Charging Pad improve your personal and business productivity? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Emporium.

Tablet Blue Light Screen Exposure May Impede Our Sleep Patterns

Having trouble getting to sleep after a late-night reading session on your tablet? It might be more than the story floating around in your head. Evening exposure to blue light from tablets may suppress our bodies' production of melatonin, which can cause major sleep problems.

Fortunately, Amazon has a solution. The company is rolling out a new feature to Fire Tablets called Blue Shade, which "uses specialized filters to limit exposure to blue light" to give you a more comfortable night time reading experience, and — hopefully — a better night's sleep. The feature can be turned on or off with a single tap, and also lets you lower the display brightness to an "ultra-low level," if you prefer. Fire tablet owners can fine-tune the color settings to their personal preference, and the device will "intelligently" adjust the filtering so that blue light is always suppressed. A new feature called Activity Center, for instance, lets parents see how much time their kids spend playing games, watching videos, and reading on the device. Parents can also view their kids' browser history to see what they're looking at on the Web, as well as specific apps, books, and videos their child accessed. This feature is designed for kids who have outgrown Amazon's FreeTime parental controls, but still need monitoring. Have you experienced this late night phenoniom? Share your experience with the Smartphone and Tablet Emporium.

Smartphone, Tablet and Wearable Christmas Gift Ideas - What's on Your List?

The Apple Watch landed mid-way through 2015 and enjoyed a positive response from its target demographic (anyone with an iPhone interested in wearables, basically). If you’re looking for a gift for someone, and they own an iPhone 5 or newer, then the Apple Watch might be worthy of your consideration. AirPlay is a wonderful thing.  
One minute you’re sitting on the sofa, watching a video on your iPhone or iPad, and two taps later, that video is on your TV for all to see. Whether you’re watching cat videos on Facebook, or an entire movie on Netflix, AirPlay allows you to share your screen with the entire room. the achilles heel of most modern smartphones, battery life can be drastically improved with a few after market accessories. If you know someone who burns through battery life like it’s going out of fashion, you could make their life easier this Christmas by giving the gift of external power. iOS 8 introduced support for Apple-approved gaming controllers, and though the market isn’t exactly crowded, there are a number of titles that really benefit from physical buttons, like GTA: San Andreas. you can always opt for the unimaginative-yet-often-appreciated Gift Cards. Available in $30, $60 and $120 denominations, iTunes credit can be used for a wide variety of things including: apps, music, TV shows, movies, books, in-app purchases, Music subscriptions, and even Cloud storage space. So which items are on your Christmas wish list? Share your ideas with the Smartphone and Tablet Emporium: www.smartphonetabletemporium.com  .

Christmas Shopping Begins at the New Smartphone and Tablet Emporium

The Smartphone and Tablet Emporium offers a wide variety of Apple, Samsung, LG, Motorola, Google and HTC smartphone and Apple, Dell, Sony, HP and Samsung tablet to individuals and small businesses worldwide.  While we commit to keep any posts which are actually "commercials" to an absolute minimum we greatly value your feedback on this one-time basis.

Our goal is provide top quality products We are just launching this new eCommerce store and encourage all of our readers to visit and send us your feedback on which additional security products will best suit your needs. If you are shopping for a new Apple iPhone 6S or 6S Plus, Samsnung Galaxy 56 Edge+ or Samsung Note 5 or perhaps a new tablet from Microsoft, we have them all and much more. Visit the Smartphone and Computer Emporium  at: http://smartphonetabletemporium.com/

Smartphone Shipment Projections for 2016

Shipments for smartphones are expected to reach over 1.7 billion by 2018, a tenfold increase from the amount of shipments in 2009.

This means that by 2017, an estimated 34 percent of the world’s population will have a smartphone, a figure that was at less than 10% in 2011. This upturn in the smartphone market has developed it into a multi-billion dollar industry with revenue projected to top 272 billion U.S. dollars in 2015. The global success of this industry can be attributed to the growing popularity of several key operating systems, namely Android and iOS. By the end of 2013, these two companies held over 90 percent of the global smartphone market share, with Android alone controlling almost 80 percent. This amounted to 226.1 million Android units and 51 million iOS units being shipped in the final quarter of CY2013.  The domination in the market from Android looks set to continue with the shipment of Android phones in 2016 expected to hit around 680 million units.  However, despite both Apple and Android being based in the U.S., it is the Chinese smartphone industry that looks set to dominate the market in the coming years. Forecasts predict that China will control just under a third of the smartphone market in 2017, in comparison to the US estimated market share of 12.1 percent. Share your views on the outlook for 2016 by sending a comment to the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

Tablet Introductions - A Round-up of New Apple, Microsoft, Samsung and Google Devices

There have been many tablet introductions this year so here is a round-up of the most popular devices. he iPad Pro is now available to buy direct from Apple. In the US the Apple tablet starts at $799, which gets you 32GB of storage. . "The dedicated home screen for videos showcases various content services all in one place, making it easy and convenient for people to enjoy the latest entertainment," says Samsung. And the Galaxy View's 5,700mAh battery should offer a full 8 hours of video playback. A 2.1Mp front-facing webcam lets the Galaxy View record full-HD footage. It can also stream video at full-HD 1080p, and play back audio formats including MP3, M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, WMA, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI and XMF. So which of these new tablet offers the best functionality and value? Share your comments wit the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

You can pre-order it now from Microsoft's store.  The Surface Pro 4 will in the UK ship from tomorrow (12 November). However, if you want a Core i7 model you'll have to wait until December 10. The Pro 3 cost is a little more expensive. The Surface Pro 3 is still available at a lower price. Google's major Android OS upgrades haven't always come annually, but in May 2015 Google VP of engineering Hiroshi Lockheimer told Fast Company that "As we've grown as a platform, we realize that to some extent predictability is important for the whole industry: developers, manufacturers, operators, and consumers, frankly. So we've landed with sort of a yearly cadence of big releases, so, for instance, one year we release J, the next year we release K, and then the year after that L, and then this year we'll launch M, and so you can predict what will happen next year.  First teased during its Gear 2 announcement at IFA, the Galaxy View is a large-screen Android 5.1 Lollipop tablet, with a 18.4in screen, and dimensions measuring 17.79x10.86x0.47in. This is a full-HD touchscreen display, with the interface, powerful stereo speakers and battery primed for media consumption. However, if you pay more at $949 then this jumps to 128GB.There's one more model available if you want mobile data connectivity – the iPad Pro with 128GB of storage and 4G LTE support will cost $1,079. Microsoft's Surface Pro 4 is available in various models. So which new tablet offers the best functionality and value? Send your comments to the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

Choosing a Smartphone OS Which Meets Your Holistic Needs

When it comes to choosing a smartphone consumers and businesses need to carefully consider which OS is most compatible with their overall needs. Apple, meanwhile, increased its global market share from 12.2 percent to 14.6 percent with sales of 48 million iPhones.

"Apple recorded strong iPhone replacements in both emerging and mature markets — and particularly in China," Gartner said. "Total iPhone sales in China grew 68 percent to 11.9 million units." Google enthusiasts might want to turn to Android, given that Google apps are deeply integrated into the OS.  Google Now is an amazing personalized and location-based app that learns your search habits and serves up the right results at the right time. Another benefit to the Android OS is the availability of apps—there are more than a million of them in the Google Playstore. With Android, you have a customizable Home screen and the ability to add widgets, like a fun weather or clock widget. Keep as many or as few apps as you want on your Home screen, and you can even create folders to house multiple apps for easy access and organization. Microsoft enthusiasts may want to go with a Windows Phone. With the familiarity of Microsoft products and services—including Microsoft Office and Xbox apps—there’s a smaller learning curve and more comfort in a familiar ecosystem. With bright colors, sharp visuals and a smooth user interface, the Windows Phone operating system is an ideal move for people who are looking to purchase their first smartphone. Share your comments on mobile operating systems here at the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

The Best Smartphone Apps for 2015 and Most Desired New Apps for 2016

Regardless which smartphone you own or are choosing to buy, the apps that are available for it can have an enormous influence on whether you're ultimately happy with your phone. For every app store across every phone and mobile operating system, there are plenty of excellent apps that we recommend people download.

And among that superb selection, there's always a remarkable sub-selection of apps that are totally free. A list of the top 100 free apps for your phone covers four of the most popular operating systems: Apple's iOS (iPhone), Google's Android, Research in Motion's BlackBerry OS, and Microsoft's Windows Phone 7. While the iPhone has the lion's share of the market, with more apps in its app store than any other competitor, phone running Google's Android are catching up. BlackBerry doesn't make up quite as large a percentage of the mobile market as it used to, but anyone still loyal to the once-business-focused suite of phones and operating system will testify that some great, free apps are still being supported (although you may have to visit several different marketplaces, from the official BlackBerry App World to indie store GetJar, or even the developer's own website before finding them). Windows Phone 7—an impressive successor to the rather awful Windows Mobile platform—is estimated to have around 25,000 apps, which sounds like a big number, though it’s a scant five percent of the more than 500,000 apps in Apple's App Store. Which apps have been most valuable to you in 2015? And furthermore, which apps would you like to see come to market in 2016? Send your comments to the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

Tablerts: Comparing the Apple iPad Pro vs. the Samsung Galaxy View

The new Apple iPad Pro is the biggest and fastest Apple tablet to date. The pressure-sensitive Pencil stylus offers superior sketching and drawing, and the Pro's gorgeous giant screen and quad speakers are ideal for split-screen apps, multitasking and watching movies. 

At launch, very few apps are currently optimized to take advantage of the iPad Pro's full potential. Its large size makes it less portable than other iPads. Once you've paid for the Pencil and keyboard peripherals, the iPad Pro costs as much as a good laptop, but lacks its flexibility. The iPad Pro is a dream machine for graphic designers and media mavens, but this elegant tablet needs more optimized apps and accessories before it can fully achieve laptop-killer status. The Samsung Galaxy View has a big, bright screen with a useful built-in stand and handle for carrying around. Its homepage aggregates popular streaming services to make watching video easy. Its plastic kickstand feels cheap and slaps violently into the chassis when changing the angle. There are no ports for connecting devices like game consoles. If the high price doesn't scare you off, the Samsung Galaxy View's large size and practical interface makes for a good alternative to a TV, if not a replacement. Which tablet - Apple, Samsung or other - do you believe is the best device in its class? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone. 

Will Tablets Such as the Apple iPad Pro Replace Laptops ... Near or Long Term?

Replacing replacement is just one of many use for tablets from Apple, Samsung, Dell and other top vendors. They have the required processing power and a stunning screen, but as a serious work device, it's not there yet. Currently laptops appear it's a better fit for more casual laptop users.

But that does not rule out the possibility of bona fide laptops "replacement" in the years to come. When you're in the zone on a laptop, your arms barely move and your fingers fly across the keyboard and trackpad, executing familiar shortcuts and movements. On the iPad Pro, you're constantly pausing to reach up. It sounds minor, and maybe it will become second nature over time, but it's a distracting and unfortunate design. Developers love to make iOS and Android apps. Unfortunately, they're usually lightweight versions of popular professional software. Adobe has multiple Photoshop iOS apps. They're great for someone dabbling in photography, but they won't work for professional photographers. Same goes for other industries. Really great mobile versions are just not good enough to use full time for work. The latest versions of iOS and Android have made huge strides in productivity, and the iPad Pro has some multitasking options. If you want to run two apps side by side or watch a video while you work, then the iPad Pro is a good option . But for most, these features aren't enough to mimic the laptop experience.What does the future hold? Share your predictions with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Smartphone - On the Horizon (Transforming Vision into Reality)

Although the Samsung Galaxy S6 flagship just recently launched, there are already reports beginning to pop up about its successor: the Samsung Galaxy S7.    Samsung tends to keep its phone-naming conventions pretty steady, and we're also pretty sure we know when the Galaxy S7 will release (again, based on history/Samsung's pattern of releasing flagship smartphones). S7 feature? What does it look like? What kind of specs does it have? As we learn more about Samsung's next phone, we will update this piece. This is your go-to place for finding the latest answers to all your Galaxy S7-related questions The Galaxy S6 launched at MWC 2015, while the Galaxy S5 launched at MWC 2014. We therefore think the Galaxy S7 will release during MWC 2016 in February 2016. If that happens, you can then expect the phone to hit store shelves five weeks later, toward late March or early April. A source from Twitter claimed Samsung’s plans do coincide with Mobile World Congress 2016, scheduled to run from 22 February to 25 February, with the an event set for 21 February.  Some of the expected specifications include up to 128 GB memory, 4 GM RAM and 64-bit processor. What are your expects for Samsung's next generation smartphone? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

Apple iPhone - Google Maps App Upgrade (New Navigation Features)

Google will soon be bringing a major new feature to its Maps app for iOS: full offline support. Google Maps has some utility already when used offline, but an upcoming update will make it much more robust when used without Internet access. For example, before you could see an area on Google Maps offline but not do much else with it.
Coming soon, Google will enable features including navigation and business information lookup without requiring an active Internet connection.Google Maps has learned to show and tell: the app will now use spoken traffic directions when you are about to hit a slowdown ahead.Before you begin your trip, it will give you a verbal summary of traffic conditions. While you're moving, Google Maps will help you avoid tunnels that are overcrowded and highway routes with accidents. The app will speak to you mid-journey to notify you of any incidents that will lengthen your journey, and it will give you the option to reroute. Before you begin your trip, it will give you a verbal summary of traffic conditions.  Reminiscent of its secondary community-based navigation app, Waze, Google will heavily integrate real-time information with explanations for what is causing the delays in Maps so drivers will be able to avoid slowdowns more seamlessly than before. How beneficial will this Maps upgrade be to drivers worldwide? Send your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

Blackberry Launches its New Priv Smartphone - Does it Matter?

BlackBerry lags Apple and the army of companies that make phones which run on Google's  Android mobile operating system in global smartphone market share. Microsoft -- thanks to its Windows Phone OS -- is ahead of BlackBerry too.
The stock is down more than 25% so far in 2015 and nearly 90% in the past five years! So the pressure is on BlackBerry to launch a phone that consumers might actually want. CEO John Chen hinted in several interviews last month that BlackBerry may stop making phones if it can't sell 5 million of them a year. That's the level he thinks is necessary for the hardware business to be profitable. So BlackBerry has done something that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago -- it's selling a phone that runs on another operating system. The Priv is an Android phone. Yes, it still has a slide-out keyboard with actual buttons for the CrackBerry addicts. But you can use a touchscreen too. And because it runs on Android, Priv owners will have access to many more apps than they would on a typical BlackBerry phone.Blackberry undoubtedly faces a major uphill challenge to remain a viable phone (smartphone) vendor. Will it succeed? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

Future Smartphone Innovation and Features - What's Lies Ahead?

In the last three months consumer and business worldwide have seen the introduction of the Apple iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ and Note 5. Six key areas of innovation are likely to come to market over the next 3-5 years, perhaps sooner. 

They include: Flexible Screens, Built-In Projectors, Virtual and Augmented Reality (VAR), Seamless Voice Control, and 3D Screens and Holograms. There is significant flow of R&D and venture capital into these design areas. Thus, a next generation of smartphones which will come to market will offer greatly expanded functionality than the devices we know today. Which innovations would you like to see in future smartphone releases? Share your thoughts with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone. As with any technology and product segment vendors large and small are planning new features to address both known and unrecognized needs.

Mobile Application Development Methodologies - The New MobileSmith Method

App developers around the world use differing methodologies for creating and testing their software for IOS and Android platforms. MobileSmith has recently published a six-step process for app development including: 1) Design and Build Native Apps in AppCanvas, 2) Build Apps for iPad and Smartphones Within the Same Project, 3) Streamlined App Versioning in your Enterprise App Store, 4) Manage App Development Projects Easily in AppOffice™, 5) Platform Extensions: Include Existing Native or HTML5 Code, and 6) Seamlessly Integrate Apps with the Data Sources.

Data streaming is set up directly between your backend system server and the mobile devices, bypassing the MobileSmith server. MobileSmith provides a simple set of instructions to help you deliver your data in the XML format the apps require.  When you assemble your app, the AppBlock intended to interface with your system is configured with a URL that pulls that data from the backend server. Your AppBlock becomes “RSS on steroids” as data is pulled directly into the mobile device and displayed in the app UI according to the data mapping rules you define. MobileSmith can provide secure and reliable SOAP and REST connectors to your web-based or legacy systems. Our modular adapters will utilize your existing APIs to quickly access and translate your data into the XML format used by our platform. You can configure the MobileSmith CMS to automatically refresh your data at various intervals (daily, weekly, etc.) or you can refresh your content on-demand in MobileSmith AppOffice™ (your cloud-based CMS). Which methodology offers the most effective means for app design and testing? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

comScore: U.S. Smartphone Subscriber Market Share for July 2015 - Apple Gains Share

comScore released data from comScore MobiLens and Mobile Metrix, reporting key trends in the U.S. smartphone industry for July 2015.

Apple ranked as the top smartphone manufacturer with 44.2 percent OEM market share, while Google Android led as the #1 smartphone platform with 51.4 percent platform market share. Facebook ranked as the top individual smartphone app. 191.4 million people in the U.S. owned smartphones (77.1 percent mobile market penetration) during the three months ending in July. Apple ranked as the top OEM with 44.2 percent of U.S. smartphone subscribers (up 1.1 percentage points from April). Samsung ranked second with 27.3 percent market share, followed by LG with 8.7 percent (up 0.3 percentage points), Motorola with 4.9 percent and HTC with 3.5 percent. Can Apple continue to increase its market share growth over Samsung, LG and Motorola  in 2016? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone. Data source: comScore.

Google's NexGen Android Release - Naming Scheme - Does it Matter?

Google's major Android OS upgrades haven't always come annually, but in May 2015 Google VP of engineering Hiroshi Lockheimer told Fast Company that "As we've grown as a platform, we realize that to some extent predictability is important for the whole industry: developers, manufacturers, operators, and consumers, frankly.

So we've landed with sort of a yearly cadence of big releases, so, for instance, one year we release J, the next year we release K, and then the year after that L, and then this year we'll launch M, and so you can predict what will happen next year. You can expect Android O in 2017, Android P in 2018, Android Q - that's going to be difficult to name - in 2019 and so forth.
With the exception of KitKat, the naming schemes of all previous Android OS updates have been food stuffs rather than brands. But this naming scheme may create a problem for Android N. How many food stuffs can you think of that begin with N? For now, our money is on Android 7.0 Nectar. It's sweet, it begins with an N, and it's already the stuff of goodness as the name of a UK-based loyalty scheme for shoppers of Sainsbury's, eBay, Argos, BP and more. But that's just our guess. Some other suggestions include Android Nacho, Android Nougat (Android Nugget anyone?), Android Neopolitan and Android Nuts (probably a no-go). And if Google does once again go down the branded route, we love Android Nutella and Android Nerds. How important is the branding of Google's next generation Android and related products? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone. Interview notes care/of Fast Company.

Smartphone Research and Innovation - Choosing the Right Platform(s) for Your Apps

A large and increasing share of global economic activity takes place in organizational ecosystems which consist of different groups of users conducting transactions through a technological platform. For example, mobile device application markets, such as the Apple App Store, allow device users to download applications created by independent developers. Both platform-leading firms, and those utilising it to supply goods and services, face distinctive management challenges. The performance of firms taking a leading role in an ecosystem depends not only on their management of internal innovation challenges, but also on their ability to manage the differing challenges facing their suppliers and firms providing complementary products.
While much attention has been paid to co-operation with suppliers to overcome such challenges, less is known about how firms can effectively manage complementor innovation. Ecosystems leaders must also consider direct and indirect network effects when developing strategies to attract distinct groups of users to the ecosystem, and must be wary of threats of envelopment by other platforms. Complementors, on the other hand, must make choices regarding which platform(s) to make products for, taking into account a number of considerations, including platform popularity, competition, and technology. They must also compete against other complementors, while keeping in mind the possibility that the platform leader might choose to enter into their product space should their offering be successful. So which criteria should app developers use when selecting a platform? Share your thoughts with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

Looking Ahead - New Smartphone Innovations for 2016

The penetration of smartphones has increased significantly, and the smartphone market is now focused on high quality rather than cost efficiency. Changing demands will transform the smartphone market in 2015. ... to included wireless power supplies. 

Enhanced camera features, foldable phones and virtual reality are some of the other cool innovations consumers should expect to see in 2016. Meanwhile, smart connected devices and wearable devices closely associated with smartphones will keep developing. In 2015, traditional cell phones will change in the following four areas: 1. Industrial Design, 2. New Trend of Hardware Configurations, 3. UI and Interaction not only for Fingers, and 4. Smart Accessories. What is on your wish list for new smartphone features and capabilities? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

Traditional phone models are no longer well-received, and manufacturers will increase their investments in design and technological innovation to reinvent the smartphone experience.

Intel Launches 'Intel Inside' Powered Tablets - Can They Compete Against Apple, Samsung?

Is Intel a real player in the tablet computing space? Though 64-bit technology isn't exactly new—it's been evolving continuously since the release of the 4-bit in 1971—this is the first time a mobile device has had the capacity to run 64-bit architecture.

That means more computing power, faster performance, and smoother multitasking; for data-intensive or computationally demanding applications, the architecture will make a world of difference. Features like Secure Boot allow you to restart your device more safely while Intel® AES New Instructions (Intel® AES-NI) offers faster data encryption. And the best part? You can enjoy the extra boost of security without holding back performance. Intel® Tablets, you can power on longer with exceptional battery life—so you can charge up and leave your charger at home. Whether you use Windows* or Android*, that means more music, more games, and more of the tablet time you love and need with Intel Inside®. Thus, the new Intel tablet offer the power you would expect, however, how does their feature set, functionality and ease-of-use compare with other vendors? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

HTC Launches 'One A9' Smartphone - Low-Priced iPhone Copycat Design?

The new HTC One A9 smartphone is a dead-ringer for the iPhone 6S in virtually every way -- except for its price tag. It costs just $400, compared to the iPhone's $650. HTC said it was a coincidence that the new One A9 follows the same design guidelines that the iPhone (and to a large degree the Samsung Galaxy S6) hold to. "We've gotten that feedback before, but it wasn't intentional," said Drew Bamford, head of HTC's creative labs. "We view the fact that a competitor reached the same conclusion that we did as an affirmation that we are right about where this space is going."

Dolby Audio^™ Surround and an all-new enhanced, high-output amplifier also help deliver the best sound quality on the market.  To ensure you enjoy the full package, the HTC One A9 comes with 6 months of free music streaming on Google Play^™ Music.  Higher power output means higher fidelity sound. With the built-in headset amp you’ll enjoy a greater dynamic range than you’d expect from a smartphone. Pair it with HTC Pro Studio earphones for extended bass, high-pitch audio capabilities and a wide frequency range, for an in-ear performance that’s every bit as profound and moving as being at a live studio recording. Starting at $399 USD can the HTC One A9 effectively compete with the Apple iPhone and Samsung S6 Edge+. Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

Smartphone Trends in 2015 - Benefits and Challenges for Users Worldwide

CES has never been a showcase for new smartphones, but it always features several interesting announcements that highlight big trends for the next 12 months, and this year was no exception. Smartphone manufacturers are struggling to get people to upgrade because new models lack earth-shaking features. But these new devices will still offer significant improvements, including powerful processors, better screens and enhanced cameras, as seen at CES.Samsung's Galaxy Note Edge has a curved side. Even though it wasn’t a trend at CES, more high-end smartphones will get screens with a 2560 by 1440 pixel resolution (also known as QHD), like the ones already available with Google’s Nexus 6 and LG’s G3. High-resolution screens are also trickling down to cheaper smartphones.

The basic model of the LTE-equipped ZenFone 2 costs $199, but packs a 5.5-inch screen with a 1080p screen, which is impressive. It also has a 13-megapixel camera on the back and a 5-megapixel camera on the front. In general, buyers of phones that cost under $200 without a contract will get more bang for their buck this year with better screens, cameras and LTE support. What will be the impact of these trends on the global smartphone market? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

ADVERTISING Lets look at what some specific makers are doing. LG isn’t giving up on the idea of curved smartphones with the launch of the G Flex2, which is curved from the top to the bottom. Interestingly, LG has decreased the screen size from 6 inches to 5.5-inches, while at the same time increasing the resolution to 1080p. is more useful: it lets users access and see more information and features alongside the main screenIn fact, LG’s display team showed a side-rounded screen as well, so this is a concept that seems to be catching on. The key is to come up with applications that make good use of the rounded edge, so that whatever is displayed there is helpful and not distracting.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 Feature Set - A Closer Look

With the recent introduction of the Note5 Samsung's goal is to capture greater market share among smartphone users who prefer to use  a stylus. You can use the S Pen to effortlessly navigate between screens. The Air Command menu ensures that S Pen features are easy to find and use from any screen or app. Jot down a quick note or number or edit a PDF file for work when you’re on the go. Key features include:

• Crystal clear detail. 5.7" Quad HD Super AMOLED display.
  
• Great shots anywhere, every time. 16MP rear-facing camera.
• More fun in every frame. 5 MP front-facing, wide-angle camera.
• Stay connected longer. Ultra Power Saving Mode.
• Transfer data with ease. Samsung Smart Switch  
• Built-in wireless charging, you have the freedom to recharge

Will the new Samsung Galaxy Note5 feature set entice users to upgrade from their current devices? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone. Read the complete Note5 specs at: Note 5 Specs: http://www.samsung.com/us/explore/galaxy-note-5-features-and-specs/

Android's Market Share Increased to 79.3% in Q2 2015 as Apple iPhone Dipped to 13.2%

Smartphones using Google's Android software increased their global market share as iPhones lost ground in the absence of new models being unleashed by Apple, the International Data Corporation reported Wednesday. Android's share of the smartphone market grew to 79.3% in the second quarter while that of iPhone slipped to 13.2% from 16.6% in the same three-month period last year, according to IDC figures. "The iOS decline in the second quarter aligns with the cyclicality of iPhone," said IDC mobile phone research team manager Ramon Llamas, referring to the software platform on which the Apple handsets are built.

"Without a new product launch since the debut of the iPhone 5 nearly a year ago, Apple's market share was vulnerable to product launches from the competition." Apple is "well positioned" to recapture market share with the release later this year of a new iPhone and the next-generation iOS mobile operating system, according to Llamas. IDC reported that 187 million Android-powered smartphones were shipped in the second quarter of the year as compared to 31.2 million iPhones. Smartphones powered by Microsoft Windows software showed the biggest jump, hitting 3.7% of the market in a 77.6% rise that "re-enforced" the mobile platform's third-place position, according to IDC. "Last quarter we witnessed Windows Phone shipments surpassing BlackBerry and the trend has continued into the second quarter," said IDC mobility tracker program manager Ryan Reith. Will Android continue to take market share from Apple IoS iPhone? Share your comments at the Smartphone and Tablet Emporium.

Qualcomm to Launch New Snapdragon Chip Powered Smartphone and Tablet Products

Qualcomm® introduced Snapdragon™ processors and LTE modems support breath-taking speed, jaw-dropping graphics, ultra-fast connectivity and longer battery life on your mobile device so you can do more of the things you love. any Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processors and modems have 4G LTE connectivity built right in – and that’s just the beginning.

Some Snapdragon processors and LTE modems even support 4G+ connectivity, enabled by LTE Advanced Carrier Aggregation. Carrier Aggregation (part of LTE Advanced), and it’s supported by many Snapdragon processors and LTE modems. Snapdragon processors and LTE modems also support all major 4G, 3G, and 2G cellular technologies, which lets your device automatically connect to the best available signal. That means fast download and upload speeds, quick network response times, access to rich app content and fast speeds with fewer bars. Google, LG, HTC, Kyocera, Motorola, Samsung, Sony and ZTE are among the manufacturers using the Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. 4G+ also means that you can get faster speeds with fewer bars. That’s because 4G+ networks can use up to three connections at the same time. How will these devices stack-up against comparable solutions from Apple and Samsung? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

Microsoft Enters the Global Tablet Market With its New Surface Book Devices

In recent years Microsoft has said that its Surface tablets would replace traditional laptops, but now the company has a backup product. The Microsoft Surface Book looks like a MacBook at first glance, but how it works is much more interesting. Just like the Surface, the new Surface Book can be used as a full-powered laptop or as a tablet. You can also snap the display screen to the back of the keyboard so it acts like a clipboard, thanks to a unique mechanical hinge.

Surface devices are  crafted by Microsoft using PixelSense™ displays with image quality that rivals real life, incredibly powerful 6th Gen Intel® Core™ processors, and Surface Pen makes each member of the Surface family into a category redefining device.  Each Surface is built with the power of a fully functioning laptop under the hood.  But the Surface Book isn't just another Surface tablet with a better keyboard. The monitor contains the latest Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, and the keyboard base has a graphics processing unit (GPU) that boosts the laptop's performance. In addition, about three-fourths of the device's battery life is stored in the keyboard. (A fully charged battery can last 12 hours, Microsoft says.)  Will the new Surface tablets enable Microsoft, coming late to the tablet party, to effectively compete against the likes of Apple, Samsung and Dell? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Emporium.

IDC Reports Decline in Global Tablet Shipments of -7% Year over Year

According to the IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Tablet Tracker worldwide tablet market declined -7.0% year over year in the second quarter of 2015 (2Q15) with shipments totaling 44.7 million units. Marked by little hardware innovation and limited vendor portfolio updates, the market also declined -3.9% compared to the first quarter of 2015.

"Beyond the decline, we're seeing a profound shift in the vendor landscape as the top two vendors, Apple and Samsung, lose share in the overall market," said Jean Philippe Bouchard, IDC Research Director for Tablets. "In the first quarter of the year, Apple and Samsung accounted for 45% of the market and this quarter, with the growth of vendors like LG, Huawei, and E FUN, their combined share dropped to 41%. Each of the growing vendors managed to address available pockets of growth in the market; connected tablets for LG and Huawei, larger tablets and 2-in-1s in the right price bands for E FUN. This trend is also something we see on a wider scale with the top 5 vendors accounting for 54% of the market, down from 58% last quarter. It is worth mentioning that Huawei enters the top 5 ranking for the first time, while E FUN has re-entered the top 10 after more than a year, further indicating that the vendor landscape is indeed evolving." Despite a continued decline in shipments for its iPad product line, Apple maintained its lead in the worldwide tablet market, shipping 10.9 million units in the second quarter. Samsung held its number 2 position in the market with 7.6 million units shipped and 17.0% market share in 2Q15. Lenovo maintained its third position with 2.5 million units and 5.7% share of the market. LG and Huawei ended the quarter in a statistical tie* for fourth place, rounding out the top 5 with each shipping 1.6 million devices. As previously mentioned, share outside the top 5 continued to outgrow the market, representing 46% of total tablet shipments in 2Q15. What are the implications of this report for future tablet shipments? Send your comments to the Smartphone and Tablet Emporium.

Taking a Closer Look at the Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950X

The new Microsoft Lumia 950 (codenamed Talkman) and 950 XL (codenamed Cityman) will be among the first Windows Phones to run Windows 10 mobile. No longer rumours, here's the Microsoft Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL UK release date, price and specs. Also see: Best Windows Phones 2015 and Best smartphones 2015. Microsoft is expected to launch the Lumia 940 and 940 XL but, a bit like the jump from Windows 8 to Windows 10, we instead have the Lumia 950 and 950 XL. These are flagship phones which command flagship prices. Microsoft is aiming them much more at business users than consumers, mainly thanks to all their productivity features which include the abiltiy to use them like a desktop PC with a big screen, keyboard and mouse.

More powerful chips and USB-C mean that Continuum is possible via a Microsoft Display Dock. This optional accessory lets you hook up your phone via USB, and a keyboard, mouse and monitor to the dock (there's HDMI and DisplayPort support). You can even connect a USB flash drive and use the setup just like a Windows 10 PC. You get a desktop that looks just like a Windows 10 PC, and the Start menu is just the same home screen you'd see on your phone screen. But you can launch a universal app, such as Word or PowerPoint and it will scale to look like the desktop version. For more see: How to use Universal apps in Windows 10.  Will the Lumia 950 and 950X be breakthrough products for Microsoft? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Emporium.

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China Sets iPhone Unit Shipment Records According to Apple and IDC

China drove sales of Apple’s latest iPhone to a record 13m units last weekend, topping last year’s record of 10m, when the manufacturer’s popular phone was held up in China by regulators. Analysts put sales in China at between 3m and 4m units, leaving sales elsewhere essentially flat year-over-year. The company allowed 16 days for its presale period (last year it gave itself 10) and the phone officially went on sale 25 September. It will continue to roll out around the world through October. “Sales for iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus have been phenomenal, blowing past any previous first weekend sales results in Apple’s history,” wrote Apple CEO Tim Cook, in a press release.

 The devices’ success is a testament to the reliability of Apple’s user base, said Ramon Llamas, a mobile market analyst for International Data Corporation (IDC). “The fact that this is an S version and not a whole new body type version speaks to how much clout Apple has with end-users out there,” Llamas said. “People usually wait for the new version, but there’s a sizable number that says: ‘No, we’d rather have the incremental version and move forward.’” The popularity of the devices is also likely to make for greater Apple Watch adoption, Llamas said – or at least to remove a barrier to Apple Watch adoption, since the watch only works with iOS devices. The phone’s major upgrades include what Apple is calling 3D touch, in which the touchscreen responds not solely to touch but to pressure, as well, and the standard camera megapixel and processor improvements. Llamas said he expects to see the “home” button disappear before long. Will the iPhone continue to dominate the Chinese market? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.


http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/sep/28/iphone-6s-apple-breaks-record-sales-china

Google Launches Nexus 6P & 5X Smartphones - Can They Compete Against Apple?

Google unveiled new Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X smartphones on Tuesday. Google also announced a brand new device called Chromecast Audio, an updated Chromecast stick and a launch date for Android Marshmallow. The company unveiled new Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X smartphones on Tuesday. Google also announced a brand new device called Chromecast Audio, an updated Chromecast stick and a launch date for Android Marshmallow. According to Product Chief Sundar Pichai, there are now 1.4 billion active Android users. The latest version of Android, Marshmallow, will start rolling out next week to older Nexus devices and to other Android hardware after that.

The Nexus 6P is Google's new top-of-the-line Nexus smartphone. Its star feature is a 12.3 MP camera optimized for low-light photos. On the back, a black rectangle stretches across the aluminum body. The strip, which makes the phone look a bit like a Cylon, conceals some of the new camera's electronics. It also has Made by Huawei, the 5.7-inch phone also has the big camera, new USB-C port and a speedy fingerprint sensor, interestingly located on the back of the phone. The 6P is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor and costs $499 to start. Smaller, $120 cheaper, and with some pared-down specs, the new Nexus 5X is an updated version of the Nexus 5. It is made by LG and has a lot of the same big features as the 6P, including the powerful camera and USB-C port. It starts at $379. Both phones are available to pre-order in Google's online store.So can Google compete as a 'so-called' smartphone vendor against the likes of Apple and Samsung? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

Apple Begins iPhone 6S and 6S Plus Shipments

Apple began shipping the  iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus today, and many people must do the annual soul searching that comes after an Apple release. Do you jump now, wait another year, or stick with your Android phone? Many smartphone owners are on an every-other-year upgrade cycle.

A few hardcore Apple lovers get the latest iPhone annually. Waiting years until your last phone is a broken, sluggish, former shell of itself is also a completely valid upgrade philosophy. The iPhone 6S screen detects pressure, a feature Apple calls 3D Touch. Pressing harder than a tap mostly triggers shortcuts and previews. The phone issues different vibrations to let you know you've pushed hard enough. Is it any good? Getting around the phone is absolutely faster, when you do it right. The 3D Touching takes a bit of practice. I keep making the same mistakes, like not pushing hard enough on an icon and making all the apps jiggle instead. Or pressing on things that don't support 3D Touch. Will these enhancements meet customer expectations and continue to drive Apple's explosive revenue growth? Send your comments to the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

Sprint and T-Mobile Pricing Wars Over the Apple iPhone 6s and 6S Plus

Apple's new iPhone 6S and 6S Plus begin shipping on September 25.  The price war between Sprint and T-Mobile continues to rage on. Sprint slashed the cost of its iPhone Forever plan to $1 a month for a 16 GB iPhone 6S on Thursday, and $5 a month for a 16 GB iPhone 6S Plus.

However, consumers have to trade-in an iPhone 6. The iPhone Forever plan lets customers lease iPhones from Sprint, and upgrade to a new device whenever Apple releases a new smartphone. Regular price for a 22-month commitment with a trade-in is $22 a month, and $27 a month. Sprint's (S) latest deal comes just a few days after T-Mobile announced a huge deal of its own upgrade-anytime "Jump On Demand" plan. T-Mobile (TMUS) cut its monthly Jump On Demand price from more than $25 a month to $5 a month for an iPhone 6S on Tuesday. The company also cut the price for the iPhone 6S Plus from about $31 a month to $9 a month. Like Sprint, T-Mobile will only give you the promotional price with the trade-in of an iPhone 6. But, T-Mobile lets you upgrade up to three times per year -- whether you want a new iPhone or any other smartphone. What will be the outcome of these pricing changes on customer demand, especially give the fact that the consumer needs to trade-in their current iPhone 6? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

US Federal Court Rules in Favor of Apple over Samsung in Trademark Case

A federal appeals court in Washington ruled that Samsung has to update its smartphones' software to remove slide-to-unlock, autocorrect and quick link software that directly mimic Apple's similar features on the iPhone. But the ruling comes long after Samsung has changed the way those features work on its smartphones. For example, you no longer need to slide a button to unlock Galaxy phones -- you can just swipe your finger anywhere on the screen. Samsung's keyboard has also been updated several times since the ruling.

Samsung said in a statement that its Galaxy smartphones will continue to be sold and supported by the company. It also said it is looking for further review of Thursday's decision. The court said it had granted Apple a "narrow" ruling, saying it did not want to take Samsung's devices off the shelves. Rather, it instructed Samsung to remove the infringing features -- if there are any remaining on customers' devices -- without recalling its smartphones. Apple first filed its lawsuit in February 2012 -- ages ago in technology terms. (The Galaxy S II was the newest Samsung smartphone to be listed in the lawsuit when the case was filed -- Samsung released the Galaxy S6 earlier this year). What impact will this ruling have on Samsung as it seeks to remain competitive with Apple in the global smartphone market? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.