Analysts Expect Apple Gains With iOS 5, iCloud

By Joseph Palenchar On Jun 20 2011 - 4:01am

NEW YORK — Apple’s planned iOS 5 operating system and integrated iCloud services will make Apple devices “stickier,” remove potential barriers to owning more than one Apple mobile device, and tap into consumers’ growing desire for a Cloud-based music service, analysts said of the technologies’ planned fall launch.

 

 

Vizio Readies 8-Inch Tablet

By Joseph Palenchar On Jul 5 2011 - 4:01am

NEW YORK – Vizio announced summertime availability of its first tablet, a Wi-Fi-equipped Android 2.3 model equipped with 8-inch touchscreen and IR blaster to double as a universal remote.

Although the company didn’t disclose a price, Internet photos of a Walmart display show a price of $349.

A 3G version will come “fairly soon,” said product marketing trainer Carlos Angulo during the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) Line Show.

LightSquared Gives FCC Its Broadband Plan

By TWICE Staff On Jul 5 2011 - 4:01am

RESTON, VA. — LightSquared, the wholesaleonly integrated wireless broadband and satellite network, formally presented the company’s modified spectrum plan to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and proposed a comprehensive solution to the GPS interference issue.

LightSquared’s proposal outlines a three-part solution for resolving GPS interference issues involving GPS devices, which was detailed in recommendations filed at the FCC.

Huawei Bows Flagship Tablet

By Joseph Palenchar On Jul 5 2011 - 4:01am

SINGAPORE — Huawei stepped up its tablet portfolio by unveiling what it claimed is the world’s first tablet incorporating the Android Honeycomb 3.2 operating system, which is optimized for 7-inch touchscreens.

The MediaPad is its flagship tablet that will complement the lower-priced Ideos S7 Slim, which also features 7-inch touchscreen. The S7 Slim has been available at Best Buy at $299 in a Wi-Fi-only version.

Acer Launches Tab A500

By Doug Olenick On Apr 18 2011 - 4:01am

SAN JOSE, CALIF. – Acer has begun selling its Iconia Tab A500 tablet PC exclusively through Best Buy.

The Wi-Fi-only A500 carries a $449 suggested retail and runs the Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system. The lithium-ion batteries can supply power for eight hours of HD video playback or 10 hours of Internet browsing.

AnyData To Step Up U.S. Consumer-Product Presence

By Joseph Palenchar On Apr 18 2011 - 4:01am

IRVINE, CALIF. – AnyData, a global marketer of cellphones and embedded cellular modules, plans to step up its U.S. presence in consumer products, said sales and marketing VP Raymond Kim.

Wi-Fi Galaxy Tab On The Way

By Joseph Palenchar On Apr 18 2011 - 4:01am

DALLAS — The long-promised Wi-Fionly version of Samsung’s 7-inch Galaxy Tab has become available through Frys.com, TigerDirect.com, CircuitCity.com and CompUSA.com at $349.

CE Retailers Mull Multiple Options For Entrance Into Cellular Business

By Joseph Palenchar On May 2 2011 - 4:01am

NEW YORK – More consumer electronics retailers have entered the cellular market in recent years or aggressively stepped up their cellular presence.

As a result, the indirect channel’s share of the cellular market has grown – albeit slightly — in recent years, marketers and analysts say. Strategy Analytics estimates that about one-fourth of U.S. handset sellthrough in 2010 went through non-carrierowned brick-and-mortar stores, and the ratio will grow to a third in 2015, Strategy Analytics senior analyst Alex Spektor said.

One Option : Outsourcing Inventory

By Joseph Palenchar On May 2 2011 - 4:01am

NEW YORK — For retailers interested in maximizing cellular profit, “the best case is running it yourself,” said Brightstar’s Sally Lange, but do-ityourself retailers assume the cash-flow risks and the risk of “managing so many moving parts.”

Competing Against Carrier, Online Stores

By Joseph Palenchar On May 2 2011 - 4:01am

NEW YORK — Many brick-and-mortar retailers might not have the visibility of carrier-owned stores, and they might not be able to match the price of some online retailers, but they can compete, retailers and marketers told TWICE.