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.