Samsung profits drop significantly in Q2, explanation included

Samsung has long been the giant of the smartphone market, churning out phones like there’s no tomorrow. All good things must come to an end, however, and Samsung could finally be reaching that point. For Q2 2014, Samsung profits dropped 24% from Q2 2013. While the numbers, $51.5 billion in revenue and $7.1 billion in profit, are enormous, they represent Samsung’s slowdown in the smartphone market.

Samsung, though, sent along an explanation for the drop. The Korean Won’s up-and-up improvement is making exports much harder for Samsung. An over-saturation of the market in China and Europe has also led to a large drop in demand for Samsung devices. That issue is combined with Samsung’s struggle to gain a foothold in China. Samsung’s 3G Chinese devices aren’t selling well, because most Chinese consumers are holding out for the next-gen 4G LTE devices. On top of that, Chinese companies like Xiaomi are taking off and pushing out Samsung.

Those problems have led to some other expenses for Samsung. For example, marketing budgets have seen an increase in attempts to move the surplus of devices. The final issue is that the drop in demand has led to slowdowns and profit issues in some of Samsung’s component arms that work to manufacture and create parts for the phones. In short, Samsung has some hills to climb after this quarter. Nonetheless, Samsung noted that it’s cautiously expecting an increase next quarter. This will most likely be due to a new Galaxy Note device to boost demand.

What do you think could help Samsung regain demand?

Show Press Release

Samsung Electronics 2Q Earnings Guidance: Reference Material

The earnings forecast is the result of the strong Korean currency throughout the second quarter as it appreciated against the dollar, euro and most emerging market currencies.

The company also witnessed a slowdown in the overall smartphone market growth and saw increased competition in the Chinese and some European markets. And this led to higher inventories for the medium- and low-end smartphones.

The second quarter is a seasonally weak period for smartphone demand in China. Samsung also saw an increase in inventory due to price competition and a weaker demand for 3G products ahead of the expected growth of 4G LTE products in the Chinese market. Weaker demand in the second quarter also led to increased inventory in Europe, where Samsung has a 40 percent market share approximately.

In the case of tablets, sales were sluggish due to a longer replacement cycle than that of smartphones, which is usually between two to three years. In addition, higher shipments of 5-to-6 inch large screen smartphones replaced demands for 7-to-8 inch tablets.

With the release of new smartphone devices in the second quarter, Samsung launched various promotions to reduce existing inventories in sales channels and this increased the company’s marketing expenditure compared to the previous quarter.

The weak demand for smartphones also affected the System LSI and the display businesses that provide key components and screen technologies.

The company cautiously expects a more positive outlook in the third quarter with the coming release of its new smartphone lineup. Samsung does not expect any major marketing expenditure to occur in the upcoming quarter.

Samsung expects stronger smartphone sales and this will have a positive impact on the company’s display panel businesses. In the memory business, following stable market conditions in the first half, seasonal increase in demand in the third quarter is expected to drive stronger earnings growth.

Samsung will continue to expand its B2B businesses and looks forward to exceeding consumers’ expectations by offering the most innovative wearable devices, smart home appliances, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

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Sony’s selfie game is strong with the new Xperia C3

The selfie has permeated all levels of modern society from the lowly middle schooler to the president. Now Sony is ready to make the selfie game a bit better with the Xperia C3, a new selfie-focused device. The stand-out feature of the Xperia C3 is the 5-megapixel front-facing camera that features a wide-angle 25mm lens. The camera also features a soft LED flash, HDR and a Superior Auto mode to get the best lighting possible for your duckface.

1_Xperia_C3_Group_Colours_Front

Some nifty features such as a smile activated shutter and selfie editing apps are thrown in, but what about the other specs? The Xperia C3 is fairly unspectacular in other areas, featuring a 5.5-inch 720p display, 1.2GHz Snapdragon quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, 8-megapixel rear camera, 4G LTE, 2500mAh battery and Android 4.4 KitKat. Aside from its selfie camera, the phone is unremarkable and fits nicely into the mid-range category.

Drop a comment below if you think that a selfie-centric phone is a good idea. If you think it’s bad, tell us that too.

Show Press Release

8th July 2014, London, UK – Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today introduces Xperia™ C3, the ultimate new smartphone for selfies and social sharing thanks to Sony’s leading digital imaging technology and interactive camera apps.

“Xperia C3 is a unique new smartphone from Sony, created to offer the ultimate social sharing experience with a new powerful ‘PROselfie cam’. It also presents a combination of the best of Sony, with leading digital imaging technology and brilliant specs and performance all for a mid-range price” says Calum MacDougall, Director of Xperia Marketing at Sony Mobile Communications.

“The rise of selfies shows no signs of abating – its usage has increased by 17,000% since 2012 with the word officially being added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2013. We’re excited to offer SONY’s first ‘PROselfie Smartphone’ and play a part in this global phenomenon.”

Fit more in the frame with our best ever ‘selfie cam’ smartphone
The Xperia C3 produces perfect selfies wherever, whenever with a 5 MP wide-angle front camera (25mm with 80 degree field of view) that allows you to capture more in the frame. With a unique soft flash, you can take flattering photos day or night by simply double tapping the back cover or using Smile Shutter, which you can then share with friends in three clicks. Thanks to the front camera’s Superior Auto mode, pictures are automatically adjusted for suitable lighting conditions and the auto scene recognition function, which works together with HDR and LED flash, makes sure you can capture the best selfies and selfie videos in any light.

To enhance your pictures further, the Xperia C3 comes loaded with selfie camera apps. AR effect incorporates themes that let you easily add fun graphics and animations – like pirate hats, horror faces and laser eyes – to your selfies and selfie videos. Portrait Retouch is another innovative app that allows you to have a real-time makeover of up to two people from a combination of choices from 10 different beauty styles, 10 DECO frame options and magic beam for 6 eye reflection pattern changes. All these features allow you to elevate your images to a new level, to impress your friends via your favourite social media channels.

Enjoy Sony camera expertise
Created with Cyber-shot leading camera expertise, the Xperia™ C3’s impressive 8MP main camera, featuring an Exmor RS™ for mobile image sensor, captures perfect pictures even in challenging lighting conditions. With SteadyShot™ all of your videos will come out smooth and distortion-free. The front camera also makes video calls with Xperia™ C3 crispy clear, with exceptional image quality on the large 5.5” HD display over ultra-fast 4G/LTE connection.

Discover apps that open up new experiences
Xperia™ C3 comes loaded with innovative camera apps – developed to enhance your mobile experience with social – and fun ways to create and share:

Superior Auto – on both main and front cameras.From illuminated night views to backlit selfies, Superior Auto recognises four scene types on C3’s front camera and up to 36 scenes by the main camera and adjusts the settings automatically, to help you get the best photos anywhere, in any light. As the default camera mode, Superior Auto turns HDR on or off depending on your scene. HDR mode takes multiple shots with varied exposures and then merges them together to make your photos look natural – even in backlit condition.
Portrait retouch v.2 – style your close-ups in real time. Portrait Retouch makes sure you’re captured looking your best with features including real-time makeover, DECO frame options and magic eye beam (light reflection) effects. Portrait Retouch offers a choice of 10 different beauty styles – including four natural looks for the guys – and the ability to retouch portraits of up to two people per image. You can see changes in real time, before capturing the shot to ensure a photogenic finish.
Timeshift-burst – always get the best picture. Timeshift-burst captures 31 frames in just 2 seconds – starting even before you press the shutter. Consumers can then scroll back and forth amongst the 31 frames to select the perfect image, or even keep them all.
Picture effects – create the best picture. Apply a wide selection of creative effects to your photos and change colours, add image trails or apply mirror effects. These adjustments enhance your images and open up a world of possibilities.
Movie Creator – create videos to be proud of. The new movie creator application allows you to trim and crop your videos so that you can easily edit what you want to share. Insert dramatic slowdown effects at one or more places on the timeline of the video so that you can preview your movie before you save and share.
Social live – broadcast your precious moments live. Social live lets you broadcast every moment as it happens live via Facebook. Get your friend’s response right on the screen and keep the conversation going, all in real-time, and go beyond social sharing as you know it.
Sweep Panorama – Take a panoramic photo by just sweeping the camera.
Vine – Create and share beautiful looping videos. Share six-second videos with friends and your social networks with this simple and exciting app.
Speed that goes on forever
Xperia™ C3 supports super-fast 4G/LTE networks with up to 150 Mbps for downloading and 50 Mbps for uploading, allowing you to share every highlight of your day, anytime and anywhere. Powered by an efficient Snapdragon Quad-core 1.2 Ghz processor and with 1GB RAM and 8GB Flash memory, Xperia™ C3 enables ultra-fast performance with breath-taking graphics.

Lightweight and slim, for life on the go
At just 7.6 mm and a mere 150g, this slim and sleek smartphone is perfect for people on the go. Built with leading Sony technology the Xperia C3 has a stunning screen that offers an unrivalled experience. Its large, beautiful 5.5” HD IPS display optimised with BRAVIA® technology that offers great viewing from any angle.

The Xperia C3 features an easy-toggle keyboard for one-handed input. In addition, its Simple Home mode offers a simplified home screen with larger fonts and loaded with the most used apps and speed dial features.

Better battery life
The Xperia C3 provides extensive usage to ensure you get the most out of your smartphone whilst on the move. On top of this, Battery STAMINA Mode 3.0 saves you wasted battery drain by recognising when you’re not using your display and automatically turning off the functions you don’t need, while keeping the notifications you want.

Dual SIM, no compromise
Sony’s latest generation of dual-SIM technology allows users to set up both SIM cards independently with custom ring tones and easily choose between SIMs before making calls or sending texts, whilst Sony’s dual SIM management technology means that users can keep both SIMs active and never miss a call, even when talking on one of them.

Xperia C3 will be available in black, white and for something a bit special, mint, and will launch globally from August 2014 starting with China as the first launch market.

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Top 10 most popular Android apps from last week: Android Wear, Glassboard

Every week we cover new Android apps with Fresh Meat on Wednesday, followed by Android Gaming on Thursday and Top 10 App Updates on Friday. When Monday rolls around, we look back to see which apps were the most appealing to our audience. Read on for the 10 most popular Android apps from last week.

1. Android Wear

Android Wear

App info: The Android Wear app is the link to Android wearables. Control voice action preferences, adjust notification settings and configure devices. 

 

2. Android L Keyboard

Android L

App info: The keyboard from the Android L Developer Preview, modified to run as a standalone app by Chrisch1974 and I. Free, no ads, no bloat. No root required.

 

3. Terrain Home Launcher

Terrain Home

App info: Terrain is a smart homescreen for Android that makes your phone simpler and more streamlined by putting everything you care about in one place. Find contacts faster, launch apps faster and view content faster.

 

4. Heads Up! – notifications

Heads Up

App info: Never miss your notifications! During the intensive game, or during hard work – Heads Up! will always save your day. This app will let you receive floating notifications from selected apps which you will be able to dismiss – or, if you want, they will disappear all by themselves.

 

5. KooGoo Icon Theme Apex Nova Go

KooGoo

App info: 1700+ HD Icons. 88 Cloud Wallpapers – for tablets I suggest you to download them and then set manually.

 

6. Phoenix Zooper Mega Skin Pack

Phoenix Zooper

App info: Phoenix is the perfect companion for your home screen. It is a set of 80 WIDGETS for Zooper so it Requires Zooper Widget PRO installed to use.

 

7. Glassboard

Glassboard

App info: Glassboard is secure messaging for your friends, coworkers and family. Create a board for each group, share photos and files, chat and collaborate on every device. It’s the best way to stay in touch, communicate at events and get things done.

 

8. Cardboard

Cardboard

App info: Cardboard puts virtual reality on your smartphone. Try a variety of immersive demos on Android and get inspired to build your own using the VR Toolkit at http://g.co/cardboard.

 

9. Nova Launcher

Nova Launcher

App info: Nova Launcher replaces your home screen with one you control and can customize. Change icon themes, colors, layouts, animations and more.

 

10. INDY 500 Arcade Racing

Indy 500

App info: Feeling the Nostalgia of playing Real Arcade Racing games ? Don’t look further… INDY 500® Arcade Racing does bring back the fun of the retro Arcade atmosphere whilst using today’s latest technology.

 

Note:  To ensure that all apps receive a fair chance to make the list, we will retire any app that has made the list for three consecutive weeks and will place it in our Android and Me App Hall of Fame. We will post this Hall of Fame list in a dedicated series. Any app with * next to the title indicates it will now be added to our Hall of Fame list and will no longer be listed in this article.

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Latest Android platform distribution numbers show KitKat use continues to rise

Same story, different month. And that’s not a bad thing. The latest Android platform distribution numbers have been released for the first week of July and things continue to look up for Android 4.4 KitKat.

Compared to last month, KitKat usage is up 4.2 percent. Nothing major, but a swing in the right direction nonetheless. Month-over-month Jelly Bean, Froyo, Gingerbread and Ice Cream Sandwich are all down. The final numbers show all versions of Jelly Bean combined with a healthy lead over every other version of Android, with KitKat coming in second and Gingerbread third.

Screen Shot 2014-07-07 at 5.18.11 PM

With a new version of Android right around the corner, there could be some big changes in store for the platform distribution numbers over the next several months. Rollouts for big updates are usually slow at first for manufacturers, but with Google changing the way they release Android updates, things could could dramatically change. We’ll know just how much of a difference Google releasing a developer preview for the next version of Android will make this fall.

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Isis mobile wallet to distance company from militant group with rebranding

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last several weeks, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the news about the extremist militant group ISIS, based out of Iraq and Syria, that have been involved in several recent violent incidents spanning the Middle East. Because of this, Isis mobile wallet will see a rebranding to distance itself from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Announced via the company’s official online newsroom, Isis says that they “have no interest in sharing a name with a group whose name has become synonymous with violence.” Isis has yet to choose a new name, or is not ready to reveal it yet, but clearly it views getting this information out to the public as a high priority.

As for how this will change Isis, it won’t. Isis CEO Michael Abbot closed out the rebranding announcement by saying Isis will “remain committed to growing the mobile payments ecosystem, and advancing our mobile wallet. Our focus on delivering a great product and platform to our customers hasn’t changed.”

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Rumor: Microsoft prepping Lumia-branded Android phone

When Nokia announced the Android powered Nokia X we weren’t quite sure what to think about it. We’ve long dreamed of the ultra-powerful, ultra-beautiful combination of Android and Nokia but the X simply didn’t deliver. It’s a low spec’d device running a custom version of Android in a cheap body. What we really want is an Android-powered Lumia device. And Microsoft might finally be ready to give it to us.

According to a new rumor out of the one and only evleaks, Microsoft is working on a Nokia Lumia-branded Android device. No other details surrounding the mystery device have been revealed, but there’s really only a couple ways this could turn out. Scenario number one: Microsoft’s Android-powered Lumia could be a beefed up Nokia X. It would run a custom, forked version of Android but come with things like a much better display and high-end camera. Scenario number two: Microsoft’s Android-powered Lumia is a Google-certified device complete with Google Play access and all. Chances are it would still be customized and include a bunch of Microsoft-centric apps, but Google Play access would completely change the appeal of the device.

Of course, with this being an unconfirmed rumor, there is a third scenario where Microsoft doesn’t release anything Android powered at all. Either way, we’ll be keeping a close eye out for more details on this rumor.

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AT&T will begin selling LG G3 and G Watch on July 11

New stuff! AT&T just announced that it will begin selling the LG G3 and G Watch on July 11. The G Watch will sell for $229, the same price as it does on the Google Play Store. The G3 will be available for $199 on a two-year contract or you can go the AT&T Next route and pay zero down, but $29/month for 12 months. Both devices will be available in stores and online beginning July 11, but starting tomorrow, you can pre-order them if you so desire.

AT&T is the first carrier out of the gate to begin selling Android Wear devices. As such, it’s going to be the first one responsible for pushing the devices into the hands of consumers. Android Wear has oodles of potential, so we’re hoping that the G Watch works with it well, so as not to tarnish the name of Android Wear before it even takes off.

As for the G3, well, you can read our review here. But in case you want to know how it is in one word: excellent.

Show Press Release

DALLAS, July 7, 2014 – Starting July 8, you can order the LG G Watch for $229 and pre-order the LG G3 smartphone with 4G LTE from AT&T2 for zero down and no annual contract. You can purchase both the LG G3 and LG G Watch in AT&T retail locations starting July 11.

For a limited time, save 50 percent on select LG premium accessories including the G Watch, popular Tone Ultra Bluetooth Stereo Headset or G3 Quick Circle Folio Case with wireless charging capability when you pre-order or purchase the LG G3 or LG G Flex with AT&T Next or a two-year commitment.4 (Visit att.com or an AT&T retail store for more details. One discounted accessory purchase per smartphone activation.)

Check out these videos for a closer look at the LG G3 or LG G Watch. For details about the LG G3 design story, check out this video.

“We’ve been working diligently to be the first U.S. carrier to offer the brand new LG G Watch and among the first to offer the LG G3 smartphone on the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE network,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president – Devices, AT&T. “AT&T offers one of the largest and best selections of LG devices and these products take our device portfolio to the next level. The LG G3 is a cutting-edge device and our first in a next-gen Quad HD display.”

The LG G3 with 4G LTE features advancements such as:

5.5-inch Quad HD Display.
13MP Optical Image Stabilization Plus Camera with Laser Auto Focus.
Smart Notice predictive technology provides personalized suggestions for added convenience and greater productivity.
Along with the LG G3, customers can purchase the LG G Watch, AT&T’s first wearable powered by Android Wear that enables you to connect to your world through the power of Google Now. Android Wear gives you the information you need, when you need it and offers helpful suggestions before you even ask – such as weather forecasts in the morning and flight time and gate information before leaving for the airport. With Google Now™, you can ask questions, send text messages and set reminders without touching your smartphone. Additionally, the LG G Watch is compatible with smartphones running Android OS version 4.3 and higher.

Additional LG G Watch features include:

1.65-inch always-on display that allows you to check the time and see new information at a glance.
400mAh battery will keep your watch going throughout the day.
Can be personalized with any standard 22mm watch strap.
Certified water and dust resistant.5
“Because the LG G Watch works with so many of our Android smartphones, it should be a wearable device that appeals to a wide array of consumers,” said Bradley. “Its ability to anticipate your schedule and traveling needs will help you plan your schedule more efficiently while on-the-go.”

In addition to ordering the LG G Watch for $229 and pre-ordering the LG G3 smartphone with 4G LTE from AT&T2 for zero down and no annual contract, the smartphone will be available at $24.17 per month with AT&T Next3 18, $29 per month with AT&T Next 12, or $199 with a two-year agreement.

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FreedomPop Nationwide Hotspot Overdrive Free Internet Offer

FreedomPop is back with yet another Free Wireless Internet deal for our readers, this time they are featuring their Nationwide Hotspot Overdrive with a couple extras that could save you up to 80% off retail. If you’ve missed our previous deals with FreedomPop here’s a brief rundown on who they are and what they have to offer.

FreedomPop, the company behind ’100% Free Internet’, was founded a little over two years ago, backed by Skype co-founder Niklas Zennstrom with the idea that “The Internet is a Right, and not a Privilege”. Since then, they’ve added coverage with Sprint’s nationwide 3G and 4G LTE, and most recently brought on Android phones featuring Free Talk, Text, and Data. Deal hunter sites have featured the small carrier as a great way to save money every month on mobile data plans and providing features that the larger carriers just can’t replicate.

FreedomPop’s free tier offers customers 500MB of 4G data each month without a monthly fee or contract with speeds up to 6 Mbps down and 1-2 up. Need more data? You can earn it by adding Freedom Friends, downloading apps, signing up for other services and more. You can also just pay to upgrade to a 2GB plan for $19.99 a month. Another add-on that is worth considering is rollover data. For $3.99 a month you can bank up to 20GB of data, so if you are a heavy data user that could prove worth the cost.

You’ll also be able to enjoy a free trial of premium 2GB nationwide data. Do nothing and stay on this plan or choose to downgrade to our 4G only free plan through your account page. We also have a 4G/3G 500MB plan for only $3.99/ month that you can select to help keep you connected whenever you need it.

Something to note on all of the FreedomPop plans is that once you get within 100MB of your data limit for the month it will automatically “top-up” with 1GB of data for $10 unless you turn that setting off. That isn’t a bad price by any means, the $10 is added as credit to your account and never expires.

Now obviously you need to consider the services you want and the coverage map, but FreedomPop can offer a huge savings. Verizon’s prepaid hotspot starts at $15 a week for 250MB or $60 a month for 3GB. AT&T’s prepaid option is $50 for 5GB. The only carrier that comes even remotely close is T-Mobile at $20 a month for 500MB or $30 for 2.5GB.

If FreedomPop sounds like it could work for you then this special deal will get you started for next to nothing. Just $25 will get you the refurbished FreedomPop Nationwide Overdrive Hotspot, a travel charger, free shipping and a free trial of the 2GB 4G/3G plan for your first month with FreedomPop. As with all their plans there is no contract making this basically risk free and if you find that you won’t use 2GB in a month you can always drop down to the free 500MB 4G only plan before that first month is up.

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Sony’s upcoming selfie phone appears in new leak, packs front-facing LED flash

Are selfies the bane of the Internet? That’s for you to decide, but a new phone might make them even more prevalent. Sony is creating a phone designed specifically with selfies in mind. Early this morning, Sony Xperia’s Twitter account dropped a hint that a new phone focused on seflies is on its way. In fact, it’s set to be announced tomorrow, July 8.

Following up the tweet, a leak came out on Weibo that claims to reveal the phone. The phone will reportedly be called the Xperia C3, and from what we can see, it packs a pretty powerful front-facing camera. The front-facing shooter looks significantly larger than usual, most likely packing a larger sensor and wide-angle lens. Right next to the front-facing camera is an LED flash, something that’s designed to help light your photos better, although we’ll be surprised if it does more than just spawn a bunch of squinting selfies. Sony Xperia C3

Some of the other photos show a 2,500mAh battery and a unique choice of turquoise as the color for the backplate of the phone. Hit up the source link for some assorted pictures of the device, though must warn you that the page is in Chinese.

Is a selfie phone even a good idea? Drop a comment down below!

Source: Weibo, Sony Xperia (Twitter)

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Charge up your Androids, TSA now blocking uncharged devices on some international flights

We all know the frustration of waiting for a flight. Fortunately, our phones can make that wait a bit more bearable. But before you depend on airport charging ports for your next international flight, you’d better bring your device to the airport fully juiced up. The TSA has announced that it’ll be banning uncharged mobile devices on some international flights. This canvasses not just phones, but tablets and laptops as well.

As well as going through the usual security rigmarole, travelers will now need to power on their device to prove to the TSA official that it’s actually a phone. The move will be taking place in undisclosed airports in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. This new measure is reportedly aimed at preventing an al Qaeda terror plot to blow up a plane. Along with phones getting an extra check, shoes will also be looked at more closely.

The move may cause some inconvenience, but it’s a good safety feature in the midst of a terror scare. Sound off in the comments with your thoughts on this latest move by the TSA.

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