CTIA's Wireless Annual Survey Concludes That 'Data' is Where the Growth Is

It's not just China that is seeing a slowdown in smartphone growth. In the U.S. overall smartphone growth fell to less than 10 percent for the first time since the start of the mobile revolution. That's according to a CTIA report which found that minutes of phone use and text messaging barely inched higher in 2015. One statistic that did show massive year-over-year growth — mobile data use — is something of a given and necessitates huge capital spending by carriers even as monthly bills remain roughly flat. On that front, Americans consumed 9.6 trillion megabytes of data, up from 4.1 trillion megabytes in 2014. CTIA's annual wireless industry survey develops industry-wide information drawn from operational member and non-member wireless service providers. It has been conducted since January 1985, originally as a cellular-only survey instrument, and now including PCS, ESMR, AWS and 700 MHz license holders. No break-out of results specific to spectrum bands or licenses is performed. Previously a semi-annual survey, it is now released annually. The information solicited from the service providers includes: direct employment, number of cell sites, total service revenues, capital investment and other metrics. The CTIA survey also develops information on the number of reported wireless subscriber units or "connections" for the responding systems, and an estimated total wireless connections figure (taking into account non-responding systems). Can the increase in data usage offset the slowdown in new smartphone shipments in 2017? Share your predictions with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

China's Moxi Group to Introduce New Flexible Touchsceeen Phone

A new device produced by Moxi Group, will feature a flexible touchscreen that still works when looped and worn like a watch or a bracelet, according to the company. It also functions stretched flat, like any other smartphone. The bendy screen uses graphene, the thinnest material in the world that's also strong, light, transparent and flexible. Moxi says it has already produced a prototype of the phone and plans to put 100,000 units on sale in China by the end of this year. It's an impressive feat of innovation if it pulls it off -- no other company is known to have brought a fully bendable smartphone to market. But there's a catch: the phones it intends to release initially will only have black-and-white displays. The company says it's aiming for a full color version, which is more technically challenging to make, by 2018.  Some question the quality of the technology. Roel Vertegaal, director of the Human Media Lab at Canada’s Queen’s University, said if it utilizes e-ink it will be “a real loser.” The color and contrasts will be poor, and it won’t be able to play video. Yu, however, disagrees. He says the company uses the same e-ink used in Kindles, though it’s more advanced than what’s been used before, with enhanced touchscreen capabilities. Will this innovative device provide bone fide value or just be a novelty to Chinese consumers? Send us your comments here at the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Introducing the Namotel Achhe Din - India's Least Expensive Smartphone

Namotel promoter Madhava Reddy at a press conference in Bengaluru on Tuesday reportedly marketed the world's cheapest smartphone, the Nametel Achhe Din, for just Rs. 99.While a smartphone is shown alongside the Namotel Achhe Din listing on the company website, the listing also says, "Pictures shown in the website is for illustration purposes only," casting some doubt on the credibility of the company and product. Priced at Rs. 2,999, the 3G-enabled smartphone will reportedly be made available for bookings between May 17 and May 25 at its special launch price. However, the exact booking process is not clear. You need to sign up for a service called BeMyBanker to proceed with the booking, and also to provide details about your Aadhaar and your photograph, but BeMyBanker's website is not loading at present. It is available on a cash-on-delivery basis ​*with "nominal delivery charges." The vendor adds, "This model is limited and it is applicable only for India and who holds Aadhar Identity." The number of units available has not been announced, or precise delivery dates. The company website lists four other smartphones as well, ranging from Rs. 1,999 for the 4G LTE-enabled Aazadi to Rs. 1,99,999 for the VVIP luxury smartphone. As per a PTI report  in the Financial Express, Reddy claimed that at its launch price, the Namotel Achhe Din is the "world's cheapest phone with a 4-inch display". Other specifications include Android 5.1 Lollipop, a 1.3GHz quad-core processor, and 1GB RAM.  Can this device at this price gain rapid adoption in the Indian market? Send us your comments here at the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Smartphone Review: Redmi Note 3 for Budget-Minded Buyers

Budget phones usually skimp on storage space, but not the comfortable, 5.5-inch Redmi Note 3. This guy comes with 32GB, and if you need more, you can use one of the phone's dual-SIM slots as a microSD card slot for up to an additional 32GB of storage. Gaming performance was great; I loved the smooth framerates on Asphalt 8 and when switching between apps and sending emails, I rarely experienced any noticeable delay. The Note 3's non-removable battery lasted nearly-14 hours in our video looping battery test; a respectable number for the vast majority of phones. Software wise, Xiaomi's usual MIUI skin runs over the Android 5.1 Lollipop operating system. Since all the app icons spread out across multiple home screens, it looks like a mix of Android and iOS. But other cool features, such as the ability to quickly move all the apps on one screen to the next, and weekly security updates, help make up for the atypical layout. While it isn't standard Android, MIUI does a great job making the phone easy to use, especially with a "Lite mode" which simplifies the interface for not so tech-savvy types. Some key advantages of this phone include: Excellent design and build quality, impressive battery life, very good performance, great software experience, fast and accurate fingerprint reader, includes an IR blaster for controlling household appliances, great sunlight readability and excellent call quality. Prices start around $200. Is this low-end phone all sunshine and lollipops or a rider without a horse? Share your comments here at the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

IDC Report Captures Smartphone Market Share Trends By OS

Globally the smartphone market grew 13.0% year over year in 2015 Q2, with 341.5 million shipments, according to data from the International Data Corporation Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. This growth is primarily due to gains experienced in emerging markets such as APEJ and MEA. This quarter's shipments were slightly lower than forecast and IDC expects to see a noticeable slowdown in smartphone shipments in 2015 as China joins North America and Western Europe in a more mature growth pattern. Android dominated the market with an 82.8% share in 2015 Q2. Samsung reasserted its global leadership with a renewed focus on lower-cost smartphones. Android dominated the smartphone market with a share of 82.8%. Samsung, the #1 contributor, had lower volumes QoQ and YoY. iOS saw its market share for 2015Q2 decline by 22.3% QoQ with 47.5 million shipments. Despite the seasonal decline, Apple enjoyed success thanks to consumers' insatiable appetite for the larger screened iOS devices. Windows Phone experienced a QoQ decline of 4.2% with a total of 8.8 million units shipped this quarter. Windows Phone experienced a QoQ decline of 4.2% with a total of 8.8 million units shipped this quarter. Will these market share trends continue in 2016-2017? Share your predictions with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Is Podcast Addict the Best Android Podcast App?

Podcast Addict is a beautiful app because it piles an excellent free service on top of free service — that is, listening to awesome podcasts. Podcast Addict itself is a free download and it lets you search for, download and listen to podcasts (with its integrated audio player), as well as create playlists of the upcoming shows you want to tune in to. What's more, it houses a neat "trending" search feature so you can see what else is currently popular in the podcast world, providing a simple entry point for newcomers. While it's not always the easiest to navigate, it does everything a good Podcast app should do and it does it well. Podcast Addict is a free, ad-supported or paid-for premium podcatcher that may lack a little on the visuals but more than makes up in the features. It'll let you import your feeds from a number of sources but it'll also help you easily find some great new content to listen to. Search by channel, interests and more, and Podcast Addict will come up with the goods. Besides podcasts, though, it'll also let you organize RSS feeds and YouTube channels, which is something competing apps don't offer. It's also got Chromecast support built in, which is fast becoming a must have feature.Let's here from our readers about their preferred podcast apps for Android device. Share your picks with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Smartphone Competition and Lower COGS Put Pressure on Average Selling Prices

To date smartphone leaders Apple and Samsung which dominate the high-end of the global market for feature-rich devices have has pricing power over suppliers and consumers alike. Now that devices announced at the Mobile World Congress are arriving in stores at roughly four times the price of my current phone, they seem a lot less desirable. An unlocked Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge costs a whopping Rs. 56,000 ($840) in India; in the US, the LG G5 is set to go on sale for about $645 next month. The advantages they offer over significantly cheaper models aren’t exactly negligible, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to justifiy the difference in cost. Good design, snappy performance and commendable build quality – everything we’ve been used to paying top dollar for – are steadily becoming the norm for smartphones, much to the delight of those of us who have to buy phones off contract and unsubsidized. Friends, family and followers often ask me to recommend the next phone they should buy and of late, I’ve been pointing them towards cheaper devices without having to worry if they’ll find it lacking. That doesn’t mean gadget aficionados shouldn’t buy a flagship anymore – if there’s a phone out there that catches your eye and has you reaching for your wallet, go for it. But just know that if you’re low on cash, there are options out there that are almost as good for a fraction of the price. How will these trends affect both consumer demand and vendor profitability? Share your thoughts here at the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Apple iPad Pro: Does This Device Set Apple Apart From Other Tablet Vendors?

Last year Apple launched the largest iPad in its history. The new iPad Pro reduces the screen to the more traditional 9.7-inch size, add an even better camera and screen, and you've got the new 2016 iPad Pro. It starts at $599 for the 32GB Wi-Fi model -- and it's the iPad. The keyboard's comfy. It's not backlit, but one can guess the keys by touch pretty well. The display is beautifully crisp and vibrant. And it runs a magic mix of work tools and fun stuff. Some have used the Air 2 and a Belkin keyboard case as a go-to for a while now. It's a compact, convenient combo. The new iPad Pro delivers a fast processor; a bright, antireflective display; support for Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard accessories; better, louder speakers and top-notch cameras, in the same exact body as the iPad Air 2. A higher price, plus expensive accessories. Less RAM and a slightly slower processor than the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. iOS still limits overall flexibility of this iPad.It's still not a full-fledged laptop killer, but the new 9.7-inch iPad Pro is the best iPad ever made -- a near-perfect balance of tablet power and portability.  Do these modifications make the iPad Pro the hands-down choice for new tablet buyers? Share your preferences with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Will Three's Planned Merger with 02 Finally Happen?

The saga continues with Three’s planned merger with O2. The Competition and Markers Authority (CMA) in the UK has said this week that it has “serious concerns” over the merger, and has made the European Commission aware. There’s always been a hesitance over this merger of the two operators, particularly since BT acquired EE last year. The O2/Three deal would leave the UK mobile market with just three large operators (the other being Vodafone), a move that Ofcom and the EC are debating would leave it with a lack of competition. This is worrying as there are fears the market might stagnate and potentially set consumer prices high. Now that the CMA has waded in, things look a tad bleak for CK Hutchison, Three’s parent company. In wanting to combine Three and O2 it would make the entity the UK’s largest operator, but the EC has until 19 May to decide if it will allow the deal to go ahead. Three still wants to buy 02, but Ofcom's CEO Helen White isn't happy - so much so, she recently openly expressed her misgivings in The Financial Times' letters page ahead of a preliminary ruling from the European Commission. We look at how the deal, which would make Three the UK's largest mobile network, could affect consumers. After all the press and hype will this merger finally take place? Share your predictions with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Unroll.me: Does This iOS App Truly Help Reduce Unwanted and Unsolicited Email?

The Unroll.me app tries to help by making it easier than ever to unsubscribe from mailing lists and keep in touch with the ones you love. The web app is powerful, but its mobile app is an even better way to clear clutter from your inbox. The Unroll.me iOS app brings a Tinder-style interface to your email inbox. Once you’ve logged in using your account credentials, you swipe left on a message to unsubscribe from ones like it, swipe up to add these messages to a daily digest, or swipe right to keep them as they are. If you can swipe, you can blast through your inbox like never before. And there are no awkward dates to go on afterwards either. This app Consolidates newsletters and subscription emails into one summary message. Supports Gmail, Outlook.com, Yahoo! Mail, iCloud email, and more. Lets you unsubscribe from unwanted email lists en masse, however, it Supports one email account at a time. When messages are snatched from GMail to Unrol.me new emails are not easily noticeduntil you read their email digest. This may create problems for email confirmations, password resets and time-sensitive messages. A related situation is that you’ll notice one-off messages tend to get snatched by Unroll and don’t hit your inbox at all. One trick I’ve learned is to check for messages in the “All Mail” folder of Gmail. Just how effective can the Unrol.me app be in eliminating unwanted and unsolicited emails? Share your thoughts with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Apple Unveils Its Latest MacBook - Can It's Market Luster Be Restored?

Today Apple released a set of updates to its ultra-thin and light laptop portfolio, including an extra hour of battery life, newer processors, better graphics card, and faster flash storage. The starting $1,299 model for the 12-inch MacBook now comes with the latest 1.1 GHz Intel Core m3 processor and 256 GB of flash storage. The $1,599 version comes with a faster 1.2 GHz Intel Core m5 processor and 512 GB of flash storage. Apple started selling the new MacBooks through its website on Tuesday and said they will be in Apple's physical stores and other retail stores on Wednesday. The company unveiled its redesigned laptops last year, touting their slim profile, fanless construction, Force Touch trackpad, and universal USB-C port. The body of the MacBook is tapered like the body of the MacBook Air. From $1299 the new MacBook is thinner and lighter than the MacBook Air with a 12‑inch (diagonal) LED‑backlit Retina display, an 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core m3, 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Core m5, or 1.3GHz dual-core Intel Core m7 processor, a turbo boost up to 3.1GHz, up to 10 hours battery life, up to 512GB flash storage, weighs 2.03 pounds and is vailable in rose gold, space gray, gold, and silver. The MacBook is not as powerful as the MacBook Air, however, and it carries a heftier price tag. Can the new McBook recapture some of Apple's luster in the highly competitive laptop-notebook market worldwide? Send us your comments here at the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

The Future of Smartphones - Merging Mind-Control Texting to Hologram Calls

What does the future hold for the confluence of smartphone and complementary technologies? George Lucas had the right idea. Holograms would be the natural evolution of video calls, capable of enhancing interactions by conveying all the nuanced body language that you just don't get on the grainy, 2D, 720p image of a person's face. Of course, the scope of hologram-emitting displays goes far beyond Skype and comedy re-enactments of Princess Leia begging Obi-Wan for aid. Such capability could create truly 3D maps, prototype models for designers or just a hugely enlarged display. Why squint at a 4.7in screen when the same content could be beamed outwards on a much bigger, easier to read scale? Holograms could also lend some much-needed personality to digital assistants by giving them an actual form. There's no way anyone could miss a Siri reminder if they're simultaneously greeted by a frazzled and overworked personification in 3D, angrily stomping around with a 'MEETING AT 3:30' placard. Which other technology plays are awaiting for our beloved smartphones? Send us your predictions here at the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Smartphone Camera Rankings - Which Vendor Comes Out on Top?

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge ranked as best in-class. Its 12-megapixel dual-pixel sensor is a first in smartphones, enabling superfast autofocus so you never miss a shot. Large 1.4-micron pixels and a wide f/1.7 aperture let in more light than before for bright, vivid and sharp photos especially in low-light conditions. The Apple iPhone 6s Plus has 12-megapixel camera with 1.22-micron pixels snaps bright, colorful pictures with high contrast and clear details. The camera is very good at capturing skin tones accurately, even in low light. Optical image stabilization (only on the Plus) helps you snap sharp images each time. Plus, the cool new Live Photos feature lets you catch a glimpse of movement during that shot. The LG G5 brings twice the fun with a dual-camera setup on its back, but the real star is its secondary 8-MP lens that shoots at a 135-degree wide angle. You can easily switch cameras on the fly to choose between the standard 16-MP cam, which is a solid shooter, or its wide-angle companion. The Galaxy S6 and wrap it in a nearly indestructible body. That's what you get in the S6 Active. In addition to enduring drops down a staircase and smacks against a banister, the S6 Active also survived being submerged for 30 minutes. Finally, the new HTC 10 has a seriously upgraded camera that could take on the big boys. The camera's 12-megapixel sensor features large 1.55-micron pixels that, paired with a generous f/1.8 aperture, lets in more light for brighter, clearer pics. Share your picks for the best smartphone camera on the market today with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

The New HTC 10 - Does This Device Spell Victory or Defeat for this Smartphone Maker?

HTC, the Taiwanese electronics firm has launched its latest flagship smartphone, the HTC 10, as it looks to revive its struggling device sales amid intense competition. Some of the key specs include: A 5.2 inch quad high-definition display, runs Google's Android Marshmallow, comes in a 32GB or 64Gb variation, has a 12 megapixel main camera with 4K video recording, and its battery is able to charge up to 50 percent in 30 minutes. The HTC 10 will be available from April 2016 in four colors: carbon grey, glacier silver, topaz gold and camellia red, according to the company. But the Taiwanese firm is launching its latest product amid a slowing smartphone market, increased competition, and struggles with its own brand. HTC posted a 3.4 billion new Taiwan dollar ($98.9 million) net loss in the fourth quarter of 2015 due to slowing smartphone sales. HTC's devices used to have popular appeal but have lost ground significantly to Aple and Samsung, whose new S7 series has proved very popular. So now for the big question: Can the HTC 10 give the firm a strong foothold in the global smartphone market or does this device simply prolong its inevitable demise in this sector? Send your predictions to the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Blackberry: Can New Android Smartphones Save the Company from the Abyss?

Blackberry to launch two less expensive Android phones.The smartphone maker plans to sell two new Android phones at a lower cost than the Priv. This Canadian vendor is planning to launch two mid-range Android devices this year in what analysts are calling the "last opportunity" for the firm to get it right in handsets. This comes after the company admitted that the Priv was too expensive. In an interview with Abu Dhabi-based publication The National, BlackBerry chief executive John Chen said there would be one Android handset this year with a keyboard and one full touchscreen, but gave no timing on when they would be released. Last year, BlackBerry launched its first device running Android called the Priv. It was aimed at the high-end market where the likes of Apple and Samsung play. But Chen said that it was too expensive. "The fact that we came out with a high-end phone (as our first Android device) was probably not as wise as it should have been," Chen said. "A lot of enterprise customers have said to us, 'I want to buy your phone but $700 is a little too steep for me. I'm more interested in a $400 device'." BlackBerry has struggled in recent times to make its hardware business profitable. In its fiscal year ending February 29, BlackBerry reported a 39.8 percent year-on-year drop in hardware revenue. It said it recognized revenue related to approximately 3.2 million BlackBerry handheld devices in fiscal 2016, a large drop from the 7 million the previous fiscal year. Can Blackberry resurrect its smartphone business and remain a viable entity or will the company simply fade into oblivion? Share your comments here at the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

WhatsApp IM Tool Approaches 1 Billion Users

Instant messaging service WhatsApp is seeking to reassure its users about their privacy by encrypting all messages sent via its app. In a blog post written by WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum on Tuesday, Koum explains that every conversation on the messaging service, whether it be a private or group chat, will have full end-to-end encryption, thus making the recipient the only person who can see the message. "No one can see inside that message. Not cybercriminals. Not hackers. Not oppressive regimes. Not even us," writes Koum, in his blog on the WhatsApp website. "End-to-end encryption helps make communication via WhatsApp private – sort of like a face-to-face conversation," said Koum. Koum is the CEO of WhatsApp, the mobile messaging startup Facebook for $19B USD earlier this year. He’s disappointed because his company’s mobile app has only reached about 990 million people. On stage in Germany, he was hoping to announce a billion. But as disappointments go, it’s a small one. WhatsApp—a quick, easy, inexpensive way to trade text messages and photos—is now the second-most popular app on Earth (not counting the apps Google and Apple bundle with their own mobile operating systems). Only Facebook’s own app reaches more people. Since Facebook purchased WhatsApp—and many questioned whether Mark Zuckerberg and company had grossly overpaid for the startup—the audience has more than doubled for Koum’s creation, which he developed in 2009 with his old colleague Brian Acton. Let's here from any WhatsApp users about the value they receive from this innovative app. Kindly send your feedback to the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

LG G5 Product Review - Can it Compete Against Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy?

When LG first showed off the G5, it made a big show of it being the first phone with modular capabilities. This ability to swap out and customize certain hardware parts has been a longtime fantasy for mobile users. Like building a personal computer, you can upgrade certain components that are important to you or fit a certain need. It's encouraging to see LG take these baby steps towards modularity. This isn't a concept device stuck in developer limbo.  Instead, LG ran this on a mass-market flagship phone, which hopefully means it's committed to furthering this feature in the next iterations.  LG is facing a gigantic challenge in 2016. It’s launching directly against Samsung's Galaxy S7 which improves on an already excellent platform to become an incredibly accomplished smartphone. To combat Samsung and the omnipresent iPhone, LG has decided to innovate and rethink how we use smartphones. The G5 is really different. It’s a phone that has a bottom and battery that detach, allowing you to clip in new modules that give the G5 special abilities, like a better camera or higher-quality sound. It’s a small change, but damn exciting because of what it represents and what it could mean for the future. Let hear back from some LG G5 users. Can this innovative device truly compete against the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the soon to be launched Apple iPhone 7S? Share you comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

PC Magazine Ranks the Top Free Android Smartphone Apps

Here are PC Magazine's top 5 free mobile apps for 2016: Any.Do has grown leaps and bounds from its humble list-making origins to a powerful daily organizer. Use it for everything from grocery lists to more complex task management. A feature unique to the app is the Any.Do moment, where you run through the day's tasks and decide which you're going to accomplish. avast! Mobile Security & Antivirus is everything you want in an Android security suite and then the kitchen sink as well. The app comes with top-tier protection from Android malware but can also deter thieves by letting you remotely track, lock, and message a lost Android. It even comes with browsing protection and call and SMS blocking. Comics is the place to go for digital comics. Create an account to shop for digital comics, and even subscribe to monthly titles. It's also a powerful reader, bringing the panels from your favorite stories to your tablet or phone. It's enough to make a die-hard print reader like me think twice. Evernote is the gold standard against which all the others will be measured. With power search features, extensive tagging, optical character recognition for photos, and nesting Notebooks, Evernote makes it easy to find and organize your notes. A free account with Evernote gets you 60MB of uploads per month. Google's app portfolio really brings its A-game app development to Android, which comes as no surprise. Google Chrome is a fast browser on Android. Google Translate brings strong voice recognition and translation to your phone. Google Goggles connects you with useful information from your pictures. Google Drive and QuickOffice give you unprecedented mobile storage and document editing. Gmail is a smart, simple email client and Google Play Music lets you stream and store all your tunes. The Android Device Manager helps keep your phone safe, and the invaluable Google Keyboard will totally change how you interact with your phone.  Vote for your #1 mobile app by visiting the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Apple to Launch the iPhone 5SE in China This Week - Will it Succeed?

The Apple iPhone 5SE launches on Thursday and preliminary numbers at China-based retailers suggest decent demand — but the black market tells a more mixed story. The U.S. tech giant started taking pre-orders for the smartphone on March 24 and has not released official figures. However, as of Monday in Beijing, total pre-orders on three retailing sites exceeded 3.4 million. Despite the brisk pre-orders, though, Chinese vendors and scalpers are uncertain if the iPhone SE will be a sure bet like previous models. One scalper is offering the iPhone SE at a $20 discount to the official price in China. In the past, scalpers have been able to charge a premium of roughly $300 over the official price for a newly released iPhone, but one  Hong Kong smuggler who refused to be named said he expected to charge just $30 above the listed price for the iPhone SE. Until now, Apple has competed in China's massive smartphone market only with its high-end iPhones. The iPhone has become a status symbol, helping to make the country a top market for the U.S. tech giant. The iPhone SE is seen as a way for the company to expand in emerging nations and to target more price-sensitive consumers. In China, the lower end of the market has been dominated by less expensive Android-based smartphones sold by Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, and Meizu. Can the smaller, less-expensive iPhone capture significant market share in China? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

GSMA Privacy and Security Conference at the Hague - Preview (May 10-11)

The Mobile 360 Series in contrast to the other regionally-focused Mobile 360 events, this one is entirely devoted to the topic of privacy and security across the global mobile enterprise ecosystem. In cooperation with The Hague Security Delta and The Municipality of The Hague, Mobile 360 Series – Privacy & Security will explore the state of network security and data privacy today and examine best practices across a variety of industries. This event will include a combination of keynote speakers, panel discussions, technology demonstrations and in-depth case studies that address the growing importance of privacy and security across the globe. two-day program will feature a high-level thought-leadership conference that includes keynote speakers, panel discussions and in-depth case studies from across many industries. As consumer and enterprise awareness grows and more importance is placed on digital trust, customer data privacy and management will become a source of competitive advantage and service creation. Mobile 360 – Privacy & Security will support the cultivation of the mobile-first commercial security and data protection communities. How valuable is this new Privacy and Security event to smartphone and tablet users like you? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Sony's ForwardWorks to Develop Games for IoS and Android Smartphones

Sony announced Thursday that it's ForwardWorks subsidiary will develop games for IoS and Android devices in Asia. The move makes Sony the latest console game company to move into smartphone apps, following rival Nintendo. Nintendo's first smartphone app, Miitomo, was released in Japan last week. But Miitomo is more like a social experience than a traditional game. The app asks users questions about themselves, and then shares those answers with friends. Sony appears to be taking a different route. The company said it will offer "full-fledged game titles" and use existing PlayStation games and characters in new apps. Japan-based Sony has previously dabbled with smartphone gaming without much success. In 2012, the company launched PlayStation Mobile in an attempt to bring Android smartphone games to its dedicated handheld console, the PlayStation Vita. Sony has also promoted a range of Android smartphones with "PlayStation Certified" branding, including a handset from Sony Ericsson with a PlayStation-style controller. But PlayStation Mobile failed to catch on, and few titles were released for the service.Can Sony succeed ton its second attempt to develop games for smartphones? Send your comments to the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Samsung Galaxy S7 Voted #1 Best Smartphone by Consumer Reports

Similar to their experience with the phones, Consumer Reports found the device to have great cameras, excellent battery life, super-fast processors, and very high resolution screens. The expandable storage and water-resistance features also helped the phones gain their top ratings, partially because they make the other parts of the phone stand out even more. For example, the phone can record video in 4K, or Ultra-HD. Those files are huge in size, which makes it important to have a microSD slot for memory cards. Battery life lasted more than 24 hours of simulated talk time -- more than twice the iPhone 6S. The speakers on the S7 and S7 edge produce loud and crisp volume. And because of the phones' high resolution displays, screens are easier to read in bright light. The Galaxy S7 and S7 edge's main camera is terrific, despite downsizing in resolution from the S6's 15.9 megapixels to 12.2. It produced Excellent image quality and Very Good 1080p video quality—among the best we've tested in a smartphone. confirmed that the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge can handle immersion for up to 30 minutes in 5 feet of water. They can laugh in the face of sinks, toilets, and scarily deep puddles. And, amazingly, this water-resistance is achieved without physical covers for the USB port. Can the newest Samsung Galaxy S7 series maintain Consumer Reports top-ranked position once the Apple introduces its highly anticipated iPhone 7S next September? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone.

What is the Best Security App for Android Smartphones and Tablets?

Mobile Security and Antivirus from Avast has received 4 1/2 star rating from CNET for Android mobile security. The free version of the Mobile Security and AntiVirus app offers: 1) Detect viruses, malware and more, plus strengthen your home network, 2) Log in anywhere and Avast claims it can make your device unbreakable. With more than 230 million sensors, we see new threats first, and respond fast – to everyone in our network. And we don’t give your details to anyone (be that the NSA, the CIA, or the government). The days when an antivirus took over your PC are long gone. Avast Antivirus is lighter and faster than ever, so you won’t even know that it’s there. It doesn’t matter whether they’re wireless or connected by cables, routers and other devices on your network are easy targets for hackers. Hackers can easily compromise routers to get access to your personal data, web cam or to simply use your internet bandwidth for free, while you pay. Does the Avast security app deliver on these promises? Let's hear from Android users from around the globe. Share your feedback with the Cyber and Cloud Security Center: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Google Launches 'Android N' - What Will Be the Impact on New Mobile Apps?

Google released the first Android N developer preview on March 9, two full months earlier than expected. The Android N preview went live for the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 (Wi-Fi and LTE), Nexus Player and Pixel C on the Android Developers site. A more polished version of the Android N developer preview will still be shown off during Sundar Pichai’s keynote lecture on day one of the conference but developers and enthusiasts will have a couple months’ head start on getting to know N. Google has released a early preview of the next version of its mobile operating system – Android N – with split-screen multitasking, increased battery life and better notifications.  Head of Android Hiroshi Lockheimer, said: “It’s earlier than ever, it’s easier to try and we’re expanding the ways for you to give us feedback. We want to hear from you and iterate on the platform with you – that’s what makes Android stronger.” Compatible apps (developers will need to add support for split screen mode individually) can be opened up side-by-side in Android N and resized. Developers will be able to set a minimum size for their app windows, but you’ll have a very similar multitasking experience to what you already find on many OEM devices. There’s also a new picture-in-picture mode that works just like minimized video in YouTube. Will "N" make Android OS devices more competitive with IoS and Windows 10 based electronics? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Assessing the HTC M10: What Does the Future Hold?

HTC had a challenging year in 2015, with the M9 perhaps not being the hit it wanted. It's most interesting device last year was perhaps the HTC One A9 instead. It has a refreshed design, opts for an amoled display and runs a lighter version of Sense than we've seen before. It also performs well on its mid-range hardware and rumour has it the new flagship will be taking a few cues from this device. Claims suggest HTC might abandon the name M10 for the next handset, with the name HTC 10 being thrown about instead. Other leaks suggest a 5.1-inch AMOLED display with a Quad HD resolution, along with the SD820, 4GB of RAM and 32GB of memory. A fingerprint sensor is expected on the front of the handset, like the One A9 and the leaked images also suggest USB Type-C will be on board. Despite the One M9 launching on the eve of MWC like Samsung and LG did this year, we will be waiting a few more weeks for the M10. Reports suggest HTC will do a separate event in April for the launch of its new flagship, with the 11 April and 19 April both appearing in rumours. The company has already started teasing the device  so keep an eye out over the next few weeks. With the HTC One M9 - 2015's flagship - pushing design refinement, but falling short in other areas, it's make or break time for HTC. Can HTC rediscover the right formula needed to resurrect its smartphone business? Let us know your predictions here at the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Product Review: The Motorola Droid Maxx2

As the new owner of my first Motorola smartphone let's take a brief look at some of the features, benefits and potential pitfalls. If you are an Android smartphone user rest assured that much - not all - of the functionality found in Samsung, LG and related devices is the same. Settings: Quite similar, although you may need to 'hunt' for the setting of your choice. Screen: Comparable to the Samsung Galaxy 6 - good size with good resolution. Power On-Off Options: Oddly I cannot find a "Restart" feature only a "Power Off" option ... somewhat disappointing. Speakerphone: Good volume and sound quality. Ringtones: A very good selection to choose from, however, some may suggest that the quality of these tones is rather rudimentary. Battery life and charging: It is too soon for me to make a conclusion on battery 'life', however, I can definitely say that the power charging capability - either from your standard wall jack or from your vehicle power adapter is much faster than my aging Samsung Galaxy phone. Look and Fell: Nothing dramatic here other than to say the external 'texture' of the phone assures a better grip reducing the possibility of dropping and damaging the device. Sof is the Droid Maxx2 a viable competitor to the Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy series? I suggest not. However, if you need a well-built, dependable smartphone at an affordable price the Maxx2 may be the right choice for you. Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Emporium: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Preview: iPhone 7 Strategy - Can Apple Keep Pace With Samsung?

Samsung made a big splash at last month's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona by introducing the Galaxy S7 Edge and Edge Plus. Now attention turns to Apple's next move. The iPhone 7 will be Apple's brand-new flagship phone for 2016, and following tradition should be announced in September. Although the final release date is still many months away, that hasn't stopped the rumour mill going crazy over the upcoming iPhone. With an all-new D-jack headphone jack, waterproofing protection and an eSIM. Loads of rumours are circulating about the screen too - will it get bigger? Will it feature a curved edge? Will it have a Touch ID display, or edge-to-edge glass? One things for sure, the new iPhone will be faster than ever, with an A10 processor and embedded M10 motion co-processor, plus 2GB of RAM. reports say that Apple might struggle to meet demand for the iPhone 7 due to earthquake damage in Taiwain to Apple supplier TSMC's factories. In early February,  reports emerged suggesting that Apple would use TSMC as its sole processor manufacturer, but the earthquake came just days later. Don't be confused by the rumoured Apple iPhone launch event expected to take place on 21 March. This is for the iPhone 5se, the 'mini' iPhone that is thought to be the first of several new iPhones launching this year. Just when will Apple launch the iPhone 7 series and will it keep pace with the Samsung Galaxy? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/

Is Smartphone 'Style' About to Surpass 'Functionality' Among Consumer Preferences?

Smartphones have become status symbols and statement makers -- much like luxury cars. The new Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is a good example of this idea. With a price tag of almost $800, customers are paying an ultra premium. And while the phone has tons of features that cater to nearly every whimsical need, many just seem superfluous. After using the S7 Edge for about a week, I've come to love the way it looks and feels in my hands. I also love how the phone performs. Everything feels instantaneous. Apps load incredibly fast. The fingerprint reader works with the slightest touch. The always-on display is really helpful. And the phone charges in less than 80 minutes. On the flip side, the S7 Edge is a bit high maintenance. Compared to an iPhone 6 Plus, the phone I've been using for over a year, the S7 Edge seems more complicated than it should be without equally rewarding me for my extra effort. Case in point: the unique curved edges of the screen. Aside from making the phone feel great, they don't make the phone that much easier or better to use. In fact, it sometimes feels like Samsung had to add features to justify the design. In other cases, the curved edge limits the usefulness of the phone. Most would agree that the market leading smartphones from Apple and Samsung are status symbols in addition to providing bona fide functionality that we have grown to expect. But does that mean that smartphone ‘style’ may surpass ‘functionality’ anytime soon? Share your comments with the Smartphone and Tablet Zone: http://smartphoneandtabletzone.blogspot.com/