Apple Store now Accepts PayPal

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZgim5JzyqKIHvnNV5IPYV_f8wB6rFAGokBbKI8b3yFsTfWZEFAOKKui77APCEGd-1kww_P3tZzf0psBLZH2gBWQdXXKcE-4HwV3Jv7Kucs4xpozSW1mtporN5wDM-hByThtCAF29cQ5s/s1600/Apple+Store+now+Accepts+PayPal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZgim5JzyqKIHvnNV5IPYV_f8wB6rFAGokBbKI8b3yFsTfWZEFAOKKui77APCEGd-1kww_P3tZzf0psBLZH2gBWQdXXKcE-4HwV3Jv7Kucs4xpozSW1mtporN5wDM-hByThtCAF29cQ5s/s1600/Apple+Store+now+Accepts+PayPal.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Apple has updated its online store to start accepting PayPal as a payment method in both the United States and United Kingdom.<br /> <br /> <b>SEE ALSO: <a href="http://circles-tech.blogspot.com/2014/12/top-best-smartphone-innovations-coming-in-Next-Year.html">Top Best smartphone innovations coming in Next Year</a></b><br /> <br /> Apple.com shoppers in the U.S. and the U.K. have a new way to pay for the latest iPhone or iPad: PayPal.<br /> <br /> As seen in the screenshot above, U.S. and UK Online Apple Stores have activated PayPal as an accepted form of payment for hardware purchases. First spotted by Re/Code, the change grants  PayPal access to America's second-largest online retailer, and sees Apple promoting the PayPal Credit payments method that lets customers pay off a purchase over 18 months with no interest.<br /> <br /> PayPal transactions have been available in the iTunes Music Store, App Store and iBookstore, as well as various third-party in-app solutions, but Apple has never allowed the payments service access to its lucrative hardware storefront until today.<br /> <br /> It appears PayPal functionality is currently limited to Apple.com, as the Apple Store iOS app is not yet showing availability.<br /> <br /> The two companies share a complicated relationship, especially after Apple announced direct PayPal competitor Apple Pay in September. Shortly after Apple Pay was unveiled, PayPal took advantage of a high-profile celebrity photo leak controversy involving iCloud as ammunition against Apple's mobile payments solution.<br /> <br /> With Apple Pay, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus owners are able to conduct secure touchless transactions at a number of stores across the country. Perhaps more pressing an issue for PayPal is Apple Pay's online and in-app functionality, which some analysts see as a significant opportunity for Apple to disrupt PayPal's dominance in the sector.<br /> <br /> <i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</i></div>

Apple Store now Accepts PayPal

Apple has updated its online store to start accepting PayPal as a payment method in both the United States and United Kingdom. SEE ALS...

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Apple iPhone 5c inventories estimated at over 3 million

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxGps5oxpVfwF6Hf2Pq4rlE3ae65MXe6wqCUUionEY4o8bwo8eFfXhJOgS9dw8T9fBuLfRcCkFAtok98MjMxGe0cHpCdrZ5DSOQyvjhCRTNZe-YEcM1gLULCemQO-5BHT1DUxjM-qh9qd/s1600/Apple+iPhone+5c+inventories+estimated+at+over+3+million.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxGps5oxpVfwF6Hf2Pq4rlE3ae65MXe6wqCUUionEY4o8bwo8eFfXhJOgS9dw8T9fBuLfRcCkFAtok98MjMxGe0cHpCdrZ5DSOQyvjhCRTNZe-YEcM1gLULCemQO-5BHT1DUxjM-qh9qd/s1600/Apple+iPhone+5c+inventories+estimated+at+over+3+million.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Although Apple has been selling record number of iDevices, the iPhone 5c hasn’t being doing all that well.<br /> <br /> <h4 style="text-align: left;">  See Also: Risk Free Easiest Ways to Unlock-jailbreak iPhone on iOS 7.0.6 and Use Any SIM<span class="GFPUSQ2LB"></span></h4> What many tech pundits speculated has turned out to be true and the sales of iPhone 5c have been rather disappointing if a recent report is to be believed.<br /> According to the report, close to 2 million units of the phone are lying at contract manufacturer Pegatron’s plant, while the remaining are catching dust at retailers and carriers’ shelves. Apple hasn’t ordered new iPhone 5c units since last year. A major cited reason for this has been the rather steep price of the phone. The mid range phone costs as much as the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 in some places, while its specs are over 18 months old now. It is rumored that Apple might have also learnt a lesson about the screen size from the phone and might bring a bigger phone the next time with a screen close to 4.5-4.7 inch in size.<br /> Although, one can’t deny the fact that the iPhone 5c has helped boost the sales of the iPhone 5s, which buyers perceive as a premium model over the plasticky iPhone 5c. This of course, has helped Apple’s profit margins.<br /> Hopefully, we might get to see a much called for price cut on the phone soon enough.<br /> <i>Source: <a href="http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20140305PD216.html">digitimes </a></i></div>

Apple iPhone 5c inventories estimated at over 3 million

Although Apple has been selling record number of iDevices, the iPhone 5c hasn’t being doing all that well.  See Also: Risk Free Easie...

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Report: Worldwide Tablet Sales Grew 68 Percent in 2013

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhju13RoSXWU1Q1VoJjknBIyFbquAEJfz-ZrUkSBUwcdBxFuJkyh1MsRf55_iUDajAJoWBbuib0z6DqxsslDkU0T0Q4-QlFXz2ng25dIo_mhP2FdDVQ9DmQ8oy1y9ACIy0TpSOkBcA22FZU/s1600/Worldwide+Tablet+Sales+Grew+68+Percent+in+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhju13RoSXWU1Q1VoJjknBIyFbquAEJfz-ZrUkSBUwcdBxFuJkyh1MsRf55_iUDajAJoWBbuib0z6DqxsslDkU0T0Q4-QlFXz2ng25dIo_mhP2FdDVQ9DmQ8oy1y9ACIy0TpSOkBcA22FZU/s1600/Worldwide+Tablet+Sales+Grew+68+Percent+in+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Over the years, Android has been gaining dominance in the tablet market sphere and 2013 was the year when it finally managed to surpass Apple’s iPad in sales volume.<br /> <br /> <h4 style="text-align: left;"> See Also:  Announce: HTC Confirms M8 For March 25th</h4> Thanks to a sheer number of low cost options, Android held 62 percent market share in 2013 according to Gartner. Meanwhile, Apple was pushed back to the second spot with a 36 percent share. Microsoft also managed to mark its present with a measly 2.1 percent share. Earlier, Gartner had predicted that Android would only be able to overtake iOS in 2015.<br /> So where did all these extra sales come from? Samsung, as you might have expected. The company saw a growth of 336 percent to ship 37 million units. Its share rose from 7.4 percent to 19.1 percent in the period, a repeat of the smartphone wars from yesteryears Apple was still first though, shipping 70 million iPads, most of which were sold in the fourth quarter. ASUS came in third thanks to the Nexus 7 and PadFone line of tablets. Amazon and Lenovo came in the fourth and fifth position respectively. Overall, 195 million tablets were shipped in the year out of which 120 million were running on Android.<br /> <br /> <i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</i></div>

Report: Worldwide Tablet Sales Grew 68 Percent in 2013

Over the years, Android has been gaining dominance in the tablet market sphere and 2013 was the year when it finally managed to surpass ...

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Microsoft Cut Windows Price 70%

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxtTURPluVWEpMvMe0UtsWXptWcRjTLBIxU-1E8Imw9EDu0f2HIb-n0EGwzRJNmmlVJJHVt2SsL2MMq7Fc-Zmi4Zz9jBU3V_cJtipywXZkd7kLZnGjqa3dC0-atg7VTr_f2b2VrwbrkCe/s1600/Microsoft+Cut+Windows+Price+70%25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxtTURPluVWEpMvMe0UtsWXptWcRjTLBIxU-1E8Imw9EDu0f2HIb-n0EGwzRJNmmlVJJHVt2SsL2MMq7Fc-Zmi4Zz9jBU3V_cJtipywXZkd7kLZnGjqa3dC0-atg7VTr_f2b2VrwbrkCe/s1600/Microsoft+Cut+Windows+Price+70%25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) is cutting the price of Windows 8.1 by 70 percent for makers of low-cost computers and tablets as they try to fend off cheaper rivals like Google Inc. (GOOG)’s Chromebooks, people familiar with the program said.<br /> <h4 style="text-align: left;"> See also: <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2014/02/Microsoft-OneDrive-Offers-100GB-Free-Storage.html">Microsoft OneDrive Offers 100GB Free Storage</a></h4> It seems like Microsoft has realized that the market today isn’t exactly like it was a few years back and charging licencing fee from OEMs isn’t exactly the best way to generate revenue nowadays. To stop the onslaught from Apple’s iPad and Chromebooks, the company is reportedly slashing the licencing fee for Windows 8.1 by almost 70 percent for low cost devices. This should bring the price of the OS as low as $15 for devices cheaper than $250. Currently the fee is closer to $50 per license. The discount will be applicable on tablets and netbooks lower than the $250 price tag, irrespective of their size.<br /> Windows 8, which has sold close to 200 million licences till now, has failed to make an impact in the tablet market where even Google and Android have caught up with iPad in terms of sales. While the PC market is on the decline and the tablet market is expected to bloom, Microsoft wouldn’t want to get it wrong this time around. We’ve seen how 7 inch tablets changed the game for Android and don’t see why it won’t be possible for Windows.<br /> <i>Source: <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-22/microsoft-said-to-cut-windows-price-70-to-counter-rivals.html">bloomberg</a></i><br /> <i><br /></i> <i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</i></div>

Microsoft Cut Windows Price 70%

Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) is cutting the price of Windows 8.1 by 70 percent for makers of low-cost computers and tablets as they try to f...

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Report: Google Offered To Buy WhatsApp For $10 Billion

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsywPsLLBjjqo1Ga0uHEO3oJPPQtLft_9J7WVfHzMkFtS7gnCMHBhJdF9YBrEj19SEEoefga_XMQZ3J1vsGOFih2JZ23cRsNZAAed__GQowO7wp4HskleBBjknE8jMsFO_QQTT_HcUvKs/s1600/Google+Offered+To+Buy+WhatsApp+For+$10+Billion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsywPsLLBjjqo1Ga0uHEO3oJPPQtLft_9J7WVfHzMkFtS7gnCMHBhJdF9YBrEj19SEEoefga_XMQZ3J1vsGOFih2JZ23cRsNZAAed__GQowO7wp4HskleBBjknE8jMsFO_QQTT_HcUvKs/s1600/Google+Offered+To+Buy+WhatsApp+For+$10+Billion.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Yesterday Facebook announced that they were buying messaging service WhatsApp for a hefty $19 billion.<br /> But they weren't the only tech giant who wanted to buy in.<br /> <br /> <h4 style="text-align: left;"> See also: <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2014/02/Facebook-Buys-WhatsApp-for-19-Billion.html">Announce: Facebook Buys WhatsApp for $19 Billion</a></h4> The tech community is abuzz with the news about Facebook’s acquisition of WhatsApp. Most have been wondering what made Facebook dole out such a huge amount of cash for a company that offers services similar to what Facebook Messenger does. Well, according to Fortune, Facebook wasn’t the only one who wanted to get their hands on WhatsApp. Reportedly, Google offered WhatsApp $10 billion for an acquisition deal. Although unlike Facebook, no board seat was offered along. Also, Google had even offered WhatsApp a payment for dropping them information in case some competitor made an offer to buy out the company.<br /> Why would both these giants spend so much on a service that they can role out themselves? Well, its not the technology, but the userbase that put WhatsApp’s evaluation at such a huge some. With close to 450 million users, over 300 million of which use it everyday, it was easily one of the hottest properties in the market right now for tech giants to acquire. And just so that their competitors don’t gain an edge, companies are ready to spend ridiculous amounts of cash and stay secure. We’re starting to wonder if Viber jumped the gun too soon?<br /> <i>Source:<a href="http://www.theverge.com/2014/2/20/5429236/google-reportedly-offered-10-billion-for-whatsapp">theverge</a></i><br /> <i><br /></i> <i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</i></div>

Report: Google Offered To Buy WhatsApp For $10 Billion

Yesterday Facebook announced that they were buying messaging service WhatsApp for a hefty $19 billion. But they weren't the only t...

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Announce: Facebook Buys WhatsApp for $19 Billion

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRY-zHF-TPnjUHtABkuBTtnQagJaiJki3VEgNnYNHdnbxsEwgFmiDhc_774pQbS-HUk3VqP9P1X5Fq755TiBpg6NgTMoey8AKZCO547W-mIQfhLv954jbDx5hIguF1seBaCr_5sGYmxhU/s1600/Facebook+Buys+WhatsApp+for+$19+Billion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRY-zHF-TPnjUHtABkuBTtnQagJaiJki3VEgNnYNHdnbxsEwgFmiDhc_774pQbS-HUk3VqP9P1X5Fq755TiBpg6NgTMoey8AKZCO547W-mIQfhLv954jbDx5hIguF1seBaCr_5sGYmxhU/s1600/Facebook+Buys+WhatsApp+for+$19+Billion.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Facebook just made its boldest business move ever, buying the mobile-messaging service WhatsApp in a deal worth some $19 billion in cash and stock.<br /> <br /> <h4 style="text-align: left;"> See also: <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2014/01/facebook-accused-for-faking-your-likes.html"> Facebook accused for Faking Your Likes</a></h4> If you can’t beat em, buy them. That’s what the board at Facebook has decided. In another high profile acquisition, the company has acquired WhatsApp for a whopping $19 billion. Facebook would pay $4 billion in cash and another $12 billion in Facebook shares. Another $3 billion would be paid in restricted stock that will vest over the four years after the deal’s closing.<br /> WhatsApp is a popular cross platform messaging service with over 400 million active users a month. It is by far the biggest player in the market, ahead of WeChat, Line and even Facebook Messenger. Earlier rumors last year said that WhatsApp was in talks with Google for an acquisition in a deal pegged at $1 billion. However, the size of this new deal dwarfs that figure. The acquisition also comes less than a week after Rakuten acquired another popular cross platform messenger Viber for $900 million.<br /> WhatsApp, which relies on yearly subscription fee for revenue will continue to operate independently even after the sale. What’s more, the company CEO will be joining the Facebook board of directors. Although it remains to be seen how Facebook will be able generate revenue out of the huge userbase, since WhatsApp doesn’t show any ads, until now that is.<br /> <i>Source: <a href="http://blog.whatsapp.com/index.php/2014/02/facebook/">blog.whatsapp</a></i><br /> <br /> <i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments. </i></div>

Announce: Facebook Buys WhatsApp for $19 Billion

Facebook just made its boldest business move ever, buying the mobile-messaging service WhatsApp in a deal worth some $19 billion in cash...

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Sony PS4 Sales Reach 5.3 Million Units Worldwide

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4MQNbsuP3msja5iv6kcUsCrvfwZiO11J1amU_swCdFkrALm-ZxhErKS7l72jjbO2sPHpysmv2ppmXh01lalSrGsz9DdT0KSqRAayqlpAlFx1d1FxQ9ljMWhBUJTfKB1Q0NbwhW4bI4g/s1600/Sony+PS4+Sales+Reach+5.3+Million+Units+Worldwide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4MQNbsuP3msja5iv6kcUsCrvfwZiO11J1amU_swCdFkrALm-ZxhErKS7l72jjbO2sPHpysmv2ppmXh01lalSrGsz9DdT0KSqRAayqlpAlFx1d1FxQ9ljMWhBUJTfKB1Q0NbwhW4bI4g/s1600/Sony+PS4+Sales+Reach+5.3+Million+Units+Worldwide.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /> PS4 worldwide sales reached 5.3 million units as of February 8, 2014, Sony Computer Entertainment has announced. This is actual units sold through to consumers, not shipped. <br /> <h4 style="text-align: left;"> See also: <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2014/02/report-sony-announces-plans-to-address.html">Report: Sony Announces Plans to Address Reform of PC and TV Businesses</a></h4> Sony PlayStation 4 has not even been launched in Japan yet, and already the console has achieved more than what Sony was expecting of it.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEALyLpjQ2FrYA8nZ0F-pUPQqRg05SlxuL628ahAXL15QBwCmB6iSSE0VamQbN4JvuJkI6y-3FpiZpcinSJTmoOAjhlz81pqhd14P8-7P2H2QMqAUPirxD_4OYEDHPnHZ6JoZTxNBBqw4/s1600/Sony+PS4+Sales+Reach+5.3+Million+Units+Worldwide+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEALyLpjQ2FrYA8nZ0F-pUPQqRg05SlxuL628ahAXL15QBwCmB6iSSE0VamQbN4JvuJkI6y-3FpiZpcinSJTmoOAjhlz81pqhd14P8-7P2H2QMqAUPirxD_4OYEDHPnHZ6JoZTxNBBqw4/s1600/Sony+PS4+Sales+Reach+5.3+Million+Units+Worldwide+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> As of February 8th, Sony has shipped 5.3 million PS4 units around the world. The company was aiming for 5 million units before the end of this fiscal and it managed to achieve that target with three weeks still in hand.<br /> It appears as if Sony has managed to widen the gap between its next gen console and its closest competitor from Microsoft. Reports about PS4 being the best selling console in the US in the month of January have been also making rounds. Although the Xbox One has got titles like Titanfall in its arsenal, we’re assuming the early bad PR about weaker hardware, as well as certain games running on a higher native resolution on the PS4 compared to One(1080p vs. 720p), have given an edge to the PS4. With the launch in Japan this month, we’re expecting the rift to widen even further.<br /> <i>Source: <a href="http://scei.co.jp/corporate/release/140218_e.html">scei.co.jp</a></i><br /> <i><br /></i> <i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</i></div>

Sony PS4 Sales Reach 5.3 Million Units Worldwide

PS4 worldwide sales reached 5.3 million units as of February 8, 2014, Sony Computer Entertainment has announced. This is actual units so...

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Nokia, HTC sign patent agreement, agree to collaborate after ending patent dispute

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUFWUWA7s4ot2dpj7cHdSr_IIorSW2srhCVk6ugmjjYp5Hgf-nqQ0vhWSSuypwOvaQ8X8MFX-T-59vkBbkMub27aisnVEz5F3DWWNLZNqQ8iWoJysK9KP5OImsIfZ4Wt4AUtIQ1Nxm_8/s1600/Nokia,+HTC+sign+patent+agreement,+agree+to+collaborate+after+ending+patent+dispute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUFWUWA7s4ot2dpj7cHdSr_IIorSW2srhCVk6ugmjjYp5Hgf-nqQ0vhWSSuypwOvaQ8X8MFX-T-59vkBbkMub27aisnVEz5F3DWWNLZNqQ8iWoJysK9KP5OImsIfZ4Wt4AUtIQ1Nxm_8/s1600/Nokia,+HTC+sign+patent+agreement,+agree+to+collaborate+after+ending+patent+dispute.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> After winning multiple injunctions against HTC in several companies, HTC has finally decided to sign a pact with Nokia rather than fighting courtroom battles in the future.<br /> <br /> <h4 style="text-align: left;">  See also: <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2014/02/htc-m8-first-look-in-newly-leaked-live.html">HTC M8 First-look in Newly Leaked Live Photos</a></h4> The collaboration between the two companies will end all previous patent disputes (which have mostly been in Nokia’s favor).<br /> While the two companies haven’t revealed the exact settlement amount that HTC would be paying to Nokia, it is known that in exchange for using using Nokia’s patents, HTC would be paying certain royalty fees. Also, in exchange, Nokia would gain access to HTC’s LTE patents.<br /> Well, that’s one less dispute to settle for the judges. It will be interesting to see how the deal will affect HTC’s bottom line, which already under a lot of pressure. Perhaps, an impending US import ban is what might have made HTC finally settle its dispute with Nokia.<br /> <i>Image:<a href="http://www.mobigyaan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/nokiahtc.jpg"> mobigyaan</a>  Source: <a href="http://press.nokia.com/2014/02/07/nokia-and-htc-signed-a-patent-and-technology-collaboration-agreement/">press.nokia.com</a></i><br /> <br /> <i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments. </i></div>

Nokia, HTC sign patent agreement, agree to collaborate after ending patent dispute

After winning multiple injunctions against HTC in several companies, HTC has finally decided to sign a pact with Nokia rather than fight...

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Microsoft Invests $15m: Windows Phone 8.1's Cortana to Be Powered by Foursquare

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwwZHVMwoKCyShzVMQ_c7PZx8pvXbHJ76y5u0HNmfSMW4oDEe7j2Qx1DpB0E88lJAlh10vouAYtAZglJX1pgPt3VLCrWU4Q_yOzONF8R3ONCTRUJeBA3-7EANoRAxAkuwELvFkzO6OJU/s1600/Microsoft+Invests+$15m+Windows+Phone+8.1%27s+Cortana+to+Be+Powered+by+Foursquare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwwZHVMwoKCyShzVMQ_c7PZx8pvXbHJ76y5u0HNmfSMW4oDEe7j2Qx1DpB0E88lJAlh10vouAYtAZglJX1pgPt3VLCrWU4Q_yOzONF8R3ONCTRUJeBA3-7EANoRAxAkuwELvFkzO6OJU/s1600/Microsoft+Invests+$15m+Windows+Phone+8.1's+Cortana+to+Be+Powered+by+Foursquare.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Microsoft’s recent investment of $15 million into popular location-based app Foursquare means that it will use the app’s data in its anticipated Cortana voice assistant as part of the upcoming Windows Phone 8.1 release.<br /> <br /> <h4 style="text-align: left;">  See also: <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2014/02/microsoft-board-names-satya-nadella-as.html">Microsoft Board names Satya Nadella as Its Next CEO</a></h4> Now, Bloomberg claims that Microsoft would be feeding the data acquired from this purchase to their voice assistant Cortana in the upcoming Windows Phone Blue update. <br /> The data will apparently help Cortana in providing dining and entertainment suggestions based on user location, as well as discounts and other offers in the user’s locality.<br /> Cortana is Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s Siri and Google Now. But the Foursquare data will also be put to use in Bing powered searches. It seems like Microsoft is serious about giving competition to Google and Apple and that’s only a good thing. The company is expected to unveil Windows Phone 8.1 in April at BUILD 2014.<br /> <i>Source:<a href="http://www.theverge.com/2014/2/7/5389142/windows-phone-8-1-cortana-personal-assistant-features-foursquare">theverge</a></i><br /> <i><br /></i> <i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</i><br /> <br /></div>

Microsoft Invests $15m: Windows Phone 8.1's Cortana to Be Powered by Foursquare

Microsoft’s recent investment of $15 million into popular location-based app Foursquare means that it will use the app’s data in its ant...

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Report: Sony Announces Plans to Address Reform of PC and TV Businesses

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gRw0ddwdpDwE8sN93LGU6rfzqyPeU5q1e8x1q_OkyEuCw8q9FY3Nx3Et5k0HVG65ha4D62bP9Qyj3b4MoIg4jf_TrHYgrx4uN-_hxPdgwCNL0GxAL62Al7HI5DYoc9m2lXOTaVMzil4/s1600/Sony+Announces+Plans+to+Address+Reform+of+PC+and+TV+Businesses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gRw0ddwdpDwE8sN93LGU6rfzqyPeU5q1e8x1q_OkyEuCw8q9FY3Nx3Et5k0HVG65ha4D62bP9Qyj3b4MoIg4jf_TrHYgrx4uN-_hxPdgwCNL0GxAL62Al7HI5DYoc9m2lXOTaVMzil4/s1600/Sony+Announces+Plans+to+Address+Reform+of+PC+and+TV+Businesses.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Sony has announced that it will be selling its PC business, that includes VAIO range of notebooks to Japan Industrial Partners Inc. The deal shall be completed by March 2014.<br /> <br /> <h4 style="text-align: left;">  See also: <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2014/02/many-sony-xperia-ends-software-support.html">Many Sony Xperia Ends Software Support Update</a></h4> The decision comes after a slowdown in the PC business, that has impacted more or less every player in the segment.<br /> Sony would no longer be designing new PCs or laptops and would instead shift its focus to post PC devices (smartphones and tablets). That still means that we might see some Windows running hardware from the company. Manufacturing and sales will also be discontinued after the Spring 2014 lineup gets launched globally.<br /> Meanwhile, Sony has also announced it Q3 earnings. The operating revenue for the company rose 23 percent year on year to $23.7 billion, while the operating income was at $885 million. Sony managed to sell 4.2 million PS4 units last quarter, much more than what Microsoft achieved with the Xbox One in the same period. The smartphone sales grew to 10.7 million units, up from 10 million a quarter ago. LCD TV, camera and camcorder business saw growth in sales as well, while the sales of PlayStation Vita more than doubled from last quarter to 2.0 million units.<br /> <i>Source: <a href="http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/201402/14-019E/index.html">sony</a>  </i><br /> <br /> <br /><i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</i></div>

Report: Sony Announces Plans to Address Reform of PC and TV Businesses

Sony has announced that it will be selling its PC business, that includes VAIO range of notebooks to Japan Industrial Partners Inc. The ...

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Microsoft Board names Satya Nadella as Its Next CEO

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmk7JUBJHNR57qVutsXMbCrKx9ywrF_O_xOvAvz_RqKPzUKg3iAqNxtK8Tzu3ezVsDDmy5wp40CNwdVTk_07n7q-PKRbu4NfFEwhAjlZ1tcB0T3VipZ1aISRM3YlU_rCaTBkV1FiVW89U/s1600/Microsoft+Board+names+Satya+Nadella+as+Its+Next+CEO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmk7JUBJHNR57qVutsXMbCrKx9ywrF_O_xOvAvz_RqKPzUKg3iAqNxtK8Tzu3ezVsDDmy5wp40CNwdVTk_07n7q-PKRbu4NfFEwhAjlZ1tcB0T3VipZ1aISRM3YlU_rCaTBkV1FiVW89U/s1600/Microsoft+Board+names+Satya+Nadella+as+Its+Next+CEO.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Microsoft’s CEO post has been at the center of rumors and leaks for the last couple of months. Today, the company finally announced the successor to Steve Balmer. Meet Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s new CEO. The appointment takes effect immediately, so Steve Balmer can go into an earlier than anticipated retirement.<br /> A quick background check on Nadella tells that he joined Microsoft 22 years ago from Sun Microsystems. Having his roots based in India, Nadella moved to the US to study computer science at the University of Wisconsin. At Microsoft, Satya has worked on cloud and enterprise business. He has played an active role in taking Office to the cloud.<br /> As the newly appointed CEO, Satya has lots of challenges and tasks to complete. The first of them would be to transform Microsoft from a software focused company to a device and services and software centric one. This would include the Xbox business and the newly acquired handset business from Nokia. Also, Satya would be facing the task of increasing Microsoft’s presence in the smartphone and tablet business, where it still holds next to nothing market share when compared to the biggies.<br /> But he won’t be alone in facing these hurdles, since the company founder Bill Gates will take the role of Founder and Technology Advisor, to help Nadella take the company in the right direction. </div>

Microsoft Board names Satya Nadella as Its Next CEO

Microsoft’s CEO post has been at the center of rumors and leaks for the last couple of months. Today, the company finally announced the ...

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Samsung Unpacked event confirmed for February 24 at MWC: Hints at Galaxy S5

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HGeUFC-fqgfl3E313nWsIoF7I6Mawu6-cAyV8-_KyeKyIEhQ2yPhOs-1HfH6JqKSR3iuqFmCQrH0iztfBmzvMxJp0qhj6_7J2e1N0mdEpZg_qimA730JJ-1WqwGJiWzzyzCKTsBqAzY/s1600/Samsung+Unpacked+event+confirmed+for+February+24+at+MWC+Hints+at+Galaxy+S5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HGeUFC-fqgfl3E313nWsIoF7I6Mawu6-cAyV8-_KyeKyIEhQ2yPhOs-1HfH6JqKSR3iuqFmCQrH0iztfBmzvMxJp0qhj6_7J2e1N0mdEpZg_qimA730JJ-1WqwGJiWzzyzCKTsBqAzY/s1600/Samsung+Unpacked+event+confirmed+for+February+24+at+MWC+Hints+at+Galaxy+S5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> This is it folks. If you’ve been waiting for sequel to the best seller from Samsung, you won’t have to wait much longer now, as the phone is set to be revealed on February 24th at Samsung’s Unpacked event in Barcelona.<br /> <br /> <h4 style="text-align: left;">  See also: <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2014/01/samsung-galaxy-note-3-neo-officially.html">Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo Officially Announced: Live Photos</a></h4> The invitation drops clear hints about the event being about the Galaxy S5.<br /> This marks as a change in Samsung’s strategy, which otherwise waits until after the MWC and usually has New York or London as the venue to unveil its greatest phone every year. From what we’ve heard from around the web, Galaxy S5 will come sporting a 2K display (probably 5.2 inch in size), 16MP f/2.2 camera and probably a fingerprint scanner. It is also expected to pack Samsung’s latest version of TouchWiz UI skinned over Android KitKat.<br /> With just 21 days between today and February 24th, we won’t have to wait much long to see what Samsung has in store for us.<br /> <i>Source:<a href="http://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Unpacked-event-confirmed-for-February-24-at-MWC-2014---should-we-wait-for-a-Galaxy-S5-announcement_id52153">phonearena</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/SamsungMobile/status/430491945421385729/photo/1">@SamsungMobile</a></i><br /> <i><br /></i> <i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</i></div>

Samsung Unpacked event confirmed for February 24 at MWC: Hints at Galaxy S5

This is it folks. If you’ve been waiting for sequel to the best seller from Samsung, you won’t have to wait much longer now, as the ph...

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Windows Phone Latest Statistics Report for January 2014

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> Even after the minor variations, Windows Phone has been on a steady growth trajectory for quite sometime. However, what’s really concerning here is the fact that most of that growth is coming from the lower end segment.<br /> <br /> <h4 style="text-align: left;">  See also: <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2014/01/microsoft-slashes-prices-of-dell.html">Microsoft Slashes Prices of (Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Samsung) Windows 8.1 Tablets!</a><span class="GHUY-LPLB"></span></h4> Lumia 520 and Lumia 620 alone make up for over 50 percent of all WP8 devices, while the Lumia 1020 and 1520 are still to make an impact on the charts.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqq7u-VUTrqXo7vy6yyoVO9TOlYEV-fnUiivl6C-FvitIBjLDbyOYpqh6AeJgIFpGqt7uSv4ucrrGTes8egOcy56_4QgdSivc_nYB5ZP0pqc96Kyy2Zvts4jC88totLdRoR5S824t15PI/s1600/Windows+Phone+Latest+Statistics+Report+for+January+2014+(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqq7u-VUTrqXo7vy6yyoVO9TOlYEV-fnUiivl6C-FvitIBjLDbyOYpqh6AeJgIFpGqt7uSv4ucrrGTes8egOcy56_4QgdSivc_nYB5ZP0pqc96Kyy2Zvts4jC88totLdRoR5S824t15PI/s1600/Windows+Phone+Latest+Statistics+Report+for+January+2014+(1).png" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> AdDuplex data for the month of January shows that the Lumia 520 and 521 together make up for over 40 percent of all WP8 devices and over one third of all Windows Phones (including WP7 devices). However, its growth has rather slowed down, growing only 0.2 percent from last month. Lumia 625 has taken the reigns instead, growing by 0.4 percentage points.Nokia controls close to 90 percent of the market, while HTC is still hanging there with 5 percent market share. What’s concerning for Microsoft here is the dominance of low end phones on the charts. Nokia Lumia 920 was the only ‘high end’ phone on the charts, while the Lumia 1520 and 1020 were nowhere to be seen.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Nt3VViVgv6FA8SYYzakmZ7zNRbdJ9BGrfCK3XDMOiNSKGmjKa21soWefsiPf-1RtGL16za1w8v0XEeI6S6E6CRU7PSH6nnzaFCYrqslw5keBAD3HXEWVh0_cNofGxlADwS66JXLNiss/s1600/Windows+Phone+Latest+Statistics+Report+for+January+2014+(2).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Nt3VViVgv6FA8SYYzakmZ7zNRbdJ9BGrfCK3XDMOiNSKGmjKa21soWefsiPf-1RtGL16za1w8v0XEeI6S6E6CRU7PSH6nnzaFCYrqslw5keBAD3HXEWVh0_cNofGxlADwS66JXLNiss/s1600/Windows+Phone+Latest+Statistics+Report+for+January+2014+(2).png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Meanwhile, close to 80 percent of all Windows Phone handsets are now running on Windows Phone 8. However, the number is down from last month, which is really bizarre. AdDuplex’s explanation for this behavior is that previous month’s data was collected after Christmas when everyone was unwrapping their new smartphones and loading them up with apps, which eventually died out.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOvdirhQyfO3lqd19285OiT-ej_RhEgznmoQolqS0yAnQuEKtyG20QfgEqj7uq_VQ1kh0h71eBw3XC27ZTzznuB-3C9zYPXcDeqH8IYW-pzSSN3JNLto2a5zBR5mnh3kH9yHyEleHc-Q/s1600/Windows+Phone+Latest+Statistics+Report+for+January+2014+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOvdirhQyfO3lqd19285OiT-ej_RhEgznmoQolqS0yAnQuEKtyG20QfgEqj7uq_VQ1kh0h71eBw3XC27ZTzznuB-3C9zYPXcDeqH8IYW-pzSSN3JNLto2a5zBR5mnh3kH9yHyEleHc-Q/s1600/Windows+Phone+Latest+Statistics+Report+for+January+2014+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> 14 percent devices are now on the GDR3 update, while a majority are still on GDR2. Country wise breakdown reveals that all major markets except Germany have the Lumia 520 as the most popular WP handset. Perhaps it is about time Nokia gave the world a 5 inch champion device we’ve all been waiting for.<br /> Meanwhile, AdDuplex has spotted a Samsung device (SM-W750V) with 1080p display and 4.3 inch display size. It’s running on Windows Phone 8 instead of WP8.1, so we might see it real soon. Another 4 inch device from Nokia (Nokia RM-997) has been spotted, but only in China.<br /> <i>Source: <a href="http://blog.adduplex.com/2014/01/adduplex-windows-phone-statistics.html">adduplex </a></i><br /> <br /> <i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</i></div>

Windows Phone Latest Statistics Report for January 2014

Even after the minor variations, Windows Phone has been on a steady growth trajectory for quite sometime. However, what’s really concernin...

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Google reports record revenue of $16.86 billion in Q4 2013: Announces

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBSzMdCAl-x18rGHohNECjGbiB1xM8L7cFBupnrhSZN4rHehebqtxlwvi2I1Vuu_1w0JIrqOf1tK7aVeBNIRzNhr1CpKT5ceyHWkHLXpxyYyctsyPcDwmw6fpGDGmAKXf6-fn5ZLNKZo/s1600/Google+reports+record+revenue+of+$16.86+billion+in+Q4+2013+Announces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBSzMdCAl-x18rGHohNECjGbiB1xM8L7cFBupnrhSZN4rHehebqtxlwvi2I1Vuu_1w0JIrqOf1tK7aVeBNIRzNhr1CpKT5ceyHWkHLXpxyYyctsyPcDwmw6fpGDGmAKXf6-fn5ZLNKZo/s1600/Google+reports+record+revenue+of+$16.86+billion+in+Q4+2013+Announces.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Google has announced its earnings for Q4 13 and its raining money at Mountain View. The search giant managed to rake in $16.86 billion in revenue in Q4, up 17 percent over the same period last year.<br /> <br /> <h4 style="text-align: left;">  See also: <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2014/01/google-confirms-its-selling-motorola.html">Google confirms it’s selling Motorola Mobility to Lenovo for $2.91Billion</a></h4> The GAAP operating income for the fourth quarter stood at $3.92 billion.<br /> Google-owned sites generated a whopping $10.55 billion, or 67% of total Google segment revenues. Its partner sites brought in $3.52 billion, while other revenues stood at $1.65 billion. Paid clicks grew by 13 percent quarter on quarter, but the cost per click was down 2 percent compared to the last quarter. In what might be Motorola’s last contribution (or should we say last loss), the division brought in $1.24 billion, down from $1.51 billion an year ago.<br /> <i>Source:<a href="http://investor.google.com/earnings/2013/Q4_google_earnings.html">investor.google </a></i><br /> <br /> <i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</i></div>

Google reports record revenue of $16.86 billion in Q4 2013: Announces

Google has announced its earnings for Q4 13 and its raining money at Mountain View. The search giant managed to rake in $16.86 billion ...

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IDC: Tablet sales up 50% in 2013, but growth is slowing down

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkY5SXrb1QhE9t1NQwtd16jKVguFBjanNrgZ_6UG27cU41ftM4KwBDbT-fkk2xCA-d5YnAZfX1Bbnr3JhI0DP6oPtaHgivixIaNpjp_Ldrpd9mdBVCqufLXN3NqqgrLxVXGxvTzhmXdU/s1600/IDC+Tablet+sales+up+50%25+in+2013,+but+growth+is+slowing+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkY5SXrb1QhE9t1NQwtd16jKVguFBjanNrgZ_6UG27cU41ftM4KwBDbT-fkk2xCA-d5YnAZfX1Bbnr3JhI0DP6oPtaHgivixIaNpjp_Ldrpd9mdBVCqufLXN3NqqgrLxVXGxvTzhmXdU/s1600/IDC+Tablet+sales+up+50%25+in+2013,+but+growth+is+slowing+down.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> With laptop sales slowing, those volumes have to shift somewhere, right? And that’s why tablets have been flying off the shelves in the last couple of years. 2013 was no different and saw a 50.6 percent year on year growth for total shipments of 217.1 million units.<br /> <br /> <h4 style="text-align: left;"> See also: <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2014/01/microsoft-slashes-prices-of-dell.html">Microsoft Slashes Prices of (Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Samsung) Windows 8.1 Tablets!</a></h4> 2013 was again no different in the sense that Apple’s iPad spearheaded the sales, with shipments crossing 26 million in the fourth quarter alone. It held a 33.8 percent market share in Q4, but has failed to keep the same pace of growth as the overall industry.<br /> Samsung was second, capturing an 18.8 percent market share in Q4 and clocking a YoY growth of astonishing 85.9 percent. Meanwhile, shipments were down for Amazon in Q4 compared to last year. Asus came in fourth thanks to the Nexus 7 and PadFone range of tablets. It was Lenovo here that stole the show. Although fifth on the charts, it clocked a growth of mind boggling 325 percent.<br /> For the future, here’s what Research Director Tom Mainelli at IDC had to say:<br /> “It’s becoming increasingly clear that markets such as the U.S. are reaching high levels of consumer saturation and while emerging markets continue to show strong growth this has not been enough to sustain the dramatic worldwide growth rates of years past. We expect commercial purchases of tablets to continue to accelerate in mature markets, but softness in the consumer segment—brought about by high penetration rates and increased competition for the consumer dollar—point to a more challenging environment for tablets in 2014 and beyond.”<br /> <i>Source: <a href="http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS24650614">idc</a> & <a href="http://blog.gsmarena.com/idc-tablet-market-in-2013-was-doing-great-but-growth-is-slowing-down/">gsmarena</a></i><br /> <br /> <i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</i></div>

IDC: Tablet sales up 50% in 2013, but growth is slowing down

With laptop sales slowing, those volumes have to shift somewhere, right? And that’s why tablets have been flying off the shelves in the ...

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Google confirms it’s selling Motorola Mobility to Lenovo for $2.91Billion

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EVUqmC9Pv5CJzEzNxbV1SS4NlJKMYozHcwfC-it2XMgNpFAVjHDHpctCXFWYaVpX-ngKdPOQTdC5kF-aNfhxW_yOoM8FypDzkj9FXYi9p7n_X48c4mEPfg_dIPJzd7bmVnUvQTlpWw4/s1600/Google+confirms+it%E2%80%99s+selling+Motorola+Mobility+to+Lenovo+for+$2.91Billion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EVUqmC9Pv5CJzEzNxbV1SS4NlJKMYozHcwfC-it2XMgNpFAVjHDHpctCXFWYaVpX-ngKdPOQTdC5kF-aNfhxW_yOoM8FypDzkj9FXYi9p7n_X48c4mEPfg_dIPJzd7bmVnUvQTlpWw4/s1600/Google+confirms+it%E2%80%99s+selling+Motorola+Mobility+to+Lenovo+for+$2.91Billion.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Seems like Motorola will have to change their logo soon enough as it will no longer be a Google company. Google has decided to sell Motorola Mobility to Lenovo in a deal valued at $2.91 billion.<br /> <br /> <h4 style="text-align: left;">  See also: <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2014/01/google-buys-deepmind-artificial.html">Google buys DeepMind artificial intelligence firm For $240 Million</a></h4> Now, Motorola was acquired by Google for $12.5 billion in 2012. However, the company isn’t making a loss of close to $10 billion on the deal as you’d think. Instead, it will be keeping a majority of Motorola’s patents, while Lenovo will get the handset business along with the Motorola Mobility brand and its trademarks and close to 2,000 patents. Google will allow Lenovo to licence out the patents the Mountain View giant will be keeping with itself.<br /> Despite Google’s best efforts and launch of devices like the Moto X and the Moto G, Motorola has still been a loss making business at Google for as long as it has managed it. With close ties with Samsung and other manufacturers Google might have though that it doesn’t need the hardware making business afterall. Lenovo on the other hand, will get a much needed foothold in the US market where Motorola still has a strong presence.<br /> We’re hoping that Lenovo can turn around Motorola’s fortunes, the way it did with the ThinkPad after acquiring it from IBM. The deal should be closed after it gets regulatory approvals both in China and the United States.<br /> <i> Source:<a href="http://investor.google.com/releases/2014/0129.html">investor.google</a></i><br /> <i><br /></i> <i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</i></div>

Google confirms it’s selling Motorola Mobility to Lenovo for $2.91Billion

Seems like Motorola will have to change their logo soon enough as it will no longer be a Google company. Google has decided to sell Moto...

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Android OS Captured 79% Share of Worldwide Smartphone Shipments in 2013

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipf6Lomv6K-EyTB0jFtorr1QN_6ZJ46KiFmD3cX6GFVCEBioHSldEav69_WrWBdlPGoaTkRnWsA73w7U9V04PtrNgQV0ShyphenhyphenIcBkMh7YW2AQUM20p2D_tq9H8so40FkYeERjmpSfl97bGw/s1600/Android+OS+Captured+79%25+Share+of+Worldwide+Smartphone+Shipments+in+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipf6Lomv6K-EyTB0jFtorr1QN_6ZJ46KiFmD3cX6GFVCEBioHSldEav69_WrWBdlPGoaTkRnWsA73w7U9V04PtrNgQV0ShyphenhyphenIcBkMh7YW2AQUM20p2D_tq9H8so40FkYeERjmpSfl97bGw/s1600/Android+OS+Captured+79%25+Share+of+Worldwide+Smartphone+Shipments+in+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> With 990 million smartphones being sold in 2013 according to Strategy Analytics, a major chunk of them belonged to the droid family. In fact, Android was present on 4 out of every 5 smartphones sold last year.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBsZUYqiPNjl2lvnGagNwD7ZB63dLiFm1lmf2506DyDlgEQvRYYNH-NHJS4s2hllljPCrb6vg4bNKkys__2IWISzDQ71PF-9mnW7SRs68VZcNmyk0XOgQUdQUGCj32vTKhYpORPg1R9k/s1600/Android+OS+Captured+79%25+Share+of+Worldwide+Smartphone+Shipments+in+2013+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBsZUYqiPNjl2lvnGagNwD7ZB63dLiFm1lmf2506DyDlgEQvRYYNH-NHJS4s2hllljPCrb6vg4bNKkys__2IWISzDQ71PF-9mnW7SRs68VZcNmyk0XOgQUdQUGCj32vTKhYpORPg1R9k/s1600/Android+OS+Captured+79%25+Share+of+Worldwide+Smartphone+Shipments+in+2013+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> With 781million Android smartphones in consumers’ hands, Android held a solid 78.9 percent market share, up from 68.8 percent last year. A chunk of that growth came at the expense of Apple’s market share, which despite selling 153 million iPhones (up from 135 million in 2012) saw its market share shrink to 3.6 percent.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKe_UsVr_1AAvz0zHBMVCuXHNB4BYVw6yRwuyzGxpjxcaiOJ83AhtKvmAagHq_Gyu6mEDZrFFxqXXEAworBRLiyBBA_vVSiji_eVftn9h66U2MzE7munF-umkgBMRu2NQ37ATcid6ca8/s1600/Android+OS+Captured+79%25+Share+of+Worldwide+Smartphone+Shipments+in+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKe_UsVr_1AAvz0zHBMVCuXHNB4BYVw6yRwuyzGxpjxcaiOJ83AhtKvmAagHq_Gyu6mEDZrFFxqXXEAworBRLiyBBA_vVSiji_eVftn9h66U2MzE7munF-umkgBMRu2NQ37ATcid6ca8/s1600/Android+OS+Captured+79%25+Share+of+Worldwide+Smartphone+Shipments+in+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> 2013 also saw Windows Phone being firmly placed in the third spot. Although, with just 35.7 million smartphones sold, it could only capture 3.6 percent of the overall market. That’s not all that bad though, since the number is double of what Microsoft could manage in 2012.<br /> <br /> <h4 style="text-align: left;"> See also: <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2014/01/reports-global-smartphone-shipments.html">Reports: Global Smartphone Shipments Reach a First Time, Record 990 Million Units in 2013</a></h4> SA expects slowdown of Android in 2014 due to the increasing competition. Meanwhile, BlackBerry has dropped out of the main list and joined others. That’s all we need to know how it performed in 2013.<br /> <i>Image:<a href="http://s1.ibtimes.com/sites/www.ibtimes.com/files/styles/v2_article_large/public/2013/05/17/android.jpg">ibtimes </a>Source: <a href="http://blogs.strategyanalytics.com/WSS/post/2014/01/29/Android-Captured-79-Share-of-Global-Smartphone-Shipments-in-2013.aspx">strategyanalytics </a></i><br /> <br /> <i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</i></div>

Android OS Captured 79% Share of Worldwide Smartphone Shipments in 2013

With 990 million smartphones being sold in 2013 according to Strategy Analytics, a major chunk of them belonged to the droid family. In ...

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Google buys DeepMind artificial intelligence firm For $240 Million

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Gc5Yn7SbDF7E4hODdqjvl8QdyidHqTSLdxvxJuKxiS4iPp2WU1e8N_3Q4s0XavfGrb3tIQfWBMFTp9V1_5GSSlAufH1iH5OOZY6TT7TRG0XJB3iqf7M5I7ikVz7_AGE4DpnXX8ckMhs/s1600/Google+buys+DeepMind+artificial+intelligence+firm+For+$240+Million+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Gc5Yn7SbDF7E4hODdqjvl8QdyidHqTSLdxvxJuKxiS4iPp2WU1e8N_3Q4s0XavfGrb3tIQfWBMFTp9V1_5GSSlAufH1iH5OOZY6TT7TRG0XJB3iqf7M5I7ikVz7_AGE4DpnXX8ckMhs/s1600/Google+buys+DeepMind+artificial+intelligence+firm+For+$240+Million+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> Is the rise of the machines nearly upon us?  It maybe nearer than you think, as Google’s latest acquisition is in line with their recent purchases of seven robotics firms, including Industrial Perception, which specialises in machines that can package goods and Mekabot, which makes humanoid robots.  <br /> <br /> <h4 style="text-align: left;"> See also: <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2014/01/google-buys-nest-labs-for-32-billion-in.html">Google buys Nest Labs for $3.2 billion in Cash</a></h4> However, as an alternative to being used in the robotics division, it is more likely that the acquisition of <a href="http://deepmind.com/" target="_blank" title="DeepMind">DeepMind</a> will be used to further improve Google’s current technologies – including the voice and text search features which are so widely used today.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqbc-eDcd89cvLtZJTIp23L40IWcD_BHF5JhTByaPw97maf0DroKlXI51i8vaw8_P3b90K5loQeUSDEpju4Q44-MgNR37hN-kUOtVCtNFh2e1R_cLkeCgGtNUQWC_iXvmLhT1ho_NNC4/s1600/Google+buys+DeepMind+artificial+intelligence+firm+For+$240+Million.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqbc-eDcd89cvLtZJTIp23L40IWcD_BHF5JhTByaPw97maf0DroKlXI51i8vaw8_P3b90K5loQeUSDEpju4Q44-MgNR37hN-kUOtVCtNFh2e1R_cLkeCgGtNUQWC_iXvmLhT1ho_NNC4/s1600/Google+buys+DeepMind+artificial+intelligence+firm+For+$240+Million.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> DeepMind’s technology could help develop Google’s most recent ‘Hummingbird’ search update, which was created to make Google ‘more human’ and searches can now understand context, very similarly to what a human brain does.  In addition to its ‘Hummingbird’ search update, the Google Now app uses ‘predictive analysis’ which enables it to predict what Android users will do next, before offering relevant help and information at each step without ever being asked to do so.<br /> The company was set up by neuroscientist Demis Hassabis, along with Artificial Intelligence experts Shane Legg and Mustafa Suleyman.  The company website states DeepMind uses ‘the best techniques from machine learning and systems neuroscience to build powerful general-purpose learning algorithms.’   They have previously created algorithms for retailers and game creators. A Report from The Information states that Facebook had also been in negotiations to buy the startup.<br /> Interestingly, Google has agreed to set up an ethics board to make sure the DeepMind AI technology isn’t ‘abused’, sources familiar with the plans told The Information.  The DeepMind-Google ethics board will be set up to create a series of rules and restrictions over the use of the technology.  This seems all too familiar.  Remember Asimov’s 3 laws of robotics?<br /> Google also hired futurist Ray Kurzweil as Engineering Director back in 2012.  Kurzweil has famously claimed that in just over 30 years time, humans will be able to upload their minds to computers and thereby become digitally immortal, an event called ‘singularity’.  He also claimed the biological parts of our body will be replaced with mechanical parts and this could happen as early as 2100.  So maybe the rise of the machines is imminent.  Cue Terminator music…<br /> <i>Source:<a href="http://hexus.net/business/news/corporate/65401-artificial-intelligence-firm-deepmind-acquired-google/">hexus</a>  Image:<a href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/image/890434/1387550732000/large16x9/768/432/the-google-logo-at-the.jpg">channelnewsasia</a></i><br /> <br /> <i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</i></div>

Google buys DeepMind artificial intelligence firm For $240 Million

Is the rise of the machines nearly upon us?  It maybe nearer than you think, as Google’s latest acquisition is in line with their rec...

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Apple Report: Enter The Mobile Payments Business

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div> <div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoTRfh6wX3W6WxLQULipP11SLY9XwoXIA9hF4Q7LQiDw6UvLvkDJHHYC8f_Vufhyet9Kz1bPCGL3QrXEo53MPKYGrxadtX_cDmHgMW7wSEYHxSnOExeyibQQyXK6mer8ToO8rz3XlicM/s1600/Apple+Report+Enter+The+Mobile+Payments+Business+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoTRfh6wX3W6WxLQULipP11SLY9XwoXIA9hF4Q7LQiDw6UvLvkDJHHYC8f_Vufhyet9Kz1bPCGL3QrXEo53MPKYGrxadtX_cDmHgMW7wSEYHxSnOExeyibQQyXK6mer8ToO8rz3XlicM/s1600/Apple+Report+Enter+The+Mobile+Payments+Business+(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Do you use Paypal?  Many of us do!  But Apple has also started laying the foundations for a strong mobile payment service. <br /> <br /> <h4 style="text-align: left;"> See also:  <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2014/01/apple-breaks-revenue-iphone-and-ipad.html">Apple breaks revenue, iPhone, and iPad records in Q1</a></h4> Eddy Cue,  App Store chief, has met with many payment decision makers in order to discuss the company’s potential in creating a payments business for goods and services, says the Wall Street Journal.  Apple has supposedly met with at least five payments industry administrators but has apparently chosen Jennifer Bailey, head of the company’s online store, to construct the new venture.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ42c4gWXuN0YbJ3COsyjhjWZuh1rEFZKgUGsk7Luz-dOboCFYOW-4ENTBV6qrPbJ8o4idHnj5ShCOl1Bb5j_iUyx0J4IgIpYdhOTQ8KHpUhWbbcen4c6PS71pZet4VaHN1zT9knttDNA/s1600/Apple+Report+Enter+The+Mobile+Payments+Business+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ42c4gWXuN0YbJ3COsyjhjWZuh1rEFZKgUGsk7Luz-dOboCFYOW-4ENTBV6qrPbJ8o4idHnj5ShCOl1Bb5j_iUyx0J4IgIpYdhOTQ8KHpUhWbbcen4c6PS71pZet4VaHN1zT9knttDNA/s1600/Apple+Report+Enter+The+Mobile+Payments+Business+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div> </div> </div> <div> <div> This push towards a bigger mobile payments service is not a new idea by Apple but they have been exploring this aspect since 2011 when they began working on a ‘wallet app’ that had the potential to become a mobile payment service.  They ultimately got rid of the project as there were worried about near-field-communication technology’s drain on battery life as well as potential problems with customers who might blame Apple for bad customer service from outside merchants.<br /> By 2017, it is estimated, by research firm Forrester, that Americans will spend over $90 billion on mobile payments.  It is a fast growing business.  American’s spend around $12.8 billion already.<br /> Stripe recently announced they would spend $80 million in new funding, making it the fastest-growing payments startup at $1.75 billion.<br /> On an April 2013 conference call, Apple CEO, Tim Cook, told investors that Mobile payment technology is still in the early stages.  But if anyone has the technology and resources to create a captivating Mobile payments technology, it’s Apple!<br /> So far, besides Apple’s own digital wares, the mobile payments have been limited to <a href="http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5483" target="_blank" title="Passbook">Passbook </a>which is an in-built app for storing digital coupons, tickets, gift cards as well as mobile payments.   It is still foggy as to whether Passbook would be built up or a completely new wallet app be created.<br /> <i>Image:<a href="http://www.imore.com/apple-reportedly-interested-handling-mobile-payments-would-you-use-itunes-over-paypal-or-square">imore</a> Image+Source: <a href="http://venturebeat.com/2014/01/25/apple-mobile-payments-business-rumor/"><cite class="vurls">venturebeat</cite></a></i><br /> <br /> <cite class="vurls">Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments. </cite></div> </div> </div>

Apple Report: Enter The Mobile Payments Business

Do you use Paypal?  Many of us do!  But Apple has also started laying the foundations for a strong mobile payment service. Se...

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Reports: Global Smartphone Shipments Reach a First Time, Record 990 Million Units in 2013

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIspCmib6cuCRueI2QoejdJR0EhBmvFJbuN_AJnitRFtyY0C_hI92rFD3T-PssI36Jv4OvKXKZiTSrPFb0iQj3YnUczGm-cKahoqnzqpLGQ4pyzQnCGqmvvS-TE9exi-MiujyTcF63U4/s1600/Reports+Global+Smartphone+Shipments+Reach+a+First+Time,+Record+990+Million+Units+in+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIspCmib6cuCRueI2QoejdJR0EhBmvFJbuN_AJnitRFtyY0C_hI92rFD3T-PssI36Jv4OvKXKZiTSrPFb0iQj3YnUczGm-cKahoqnzqpLGQ4pyzQnCGqmvvS-TE9exi-MiujyTcF63U4/s1600/Reports+Global+Smartphone+Shipments+Reach+a+First+Time,+Record+990+Million+Units+in+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Put it this way. If every person on this planet kept one smartphone that they purchased in 2013 for themselves, one in every seven people would have walked with a new smartphone in their hands.<br /> <br /> <h4 style="text-align: left;"> See also: <a href="http://www.circlestech.com/2014/01/samsung-to-pay-ericsson-650-million.html">Samsung to pay Ericsson $650 million plus royalties to end patent spat: See Our Benefits</a></h4> Two separate reports from two analysts put the sales of smartphones in 2013 close to a billion. While, IDC claims the sales topped one billion, Strategy Analysts claim the figure stood at close to 990 million. Still, that’s a lot of smartphones. The annual growth rate was also close to an astonishing 40 percent. No wonder every one wants to get on the phone making bandwagon.<br /> Breakdown of the sales reveals that Samsung accounted to almost a third of all those sales, shipping 319.8 million smartphones worldwide (IDC report puts the number at 313.9 million). And although the Galaxy S4 and the Note 3 were key drivers to the sales, umpteen other models also played their roles well.<br /> Apple came in second, shipping close to 150 million smartphones, or less than half of what Samsung managed. Although, the higher profit margins on the sales of iPhone means the company still made a lot of cash. However, with just 13 percent growth rate, Apple failed to keep up with the market’s pace.<br /> LG, Huawei and Lenovo came in third, fourth and fifth respectively (fifth, third and fourth respectively, according to IDC), selling under 50 million smartphones each. This year also saw local manufacturers offering large sized cheap Androids capture a significant share in markets like Korea, China and India.<br /> <i>Source:<a href="http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS24645514"> idc </a> &<a href="http://blogs.strategyanalytics.com/WSS/post/2014/01/27/Global-Smartphone-Shipments-Reach-a-Record-990-Million-Units-in-2013.aspx"> strategyanalytics</a></i><br /> <br /> <i>Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.</i></div>

Reports: Global Smartphone Shipments Reach a First Time, Record 990 Million Units in 2013

Put it this way. If every person on this planet kept one smartphone that they purchased in 2013 for themselves, one in every seven peopl...

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