HTC to cut 15 percent of its workforce following poor sales
HTC’s long running revenue troubles have been well documented, but this year has seen the company plunge back into the red as sales of its flagship HTC One M9 smartphone have fallen flat. As a result, HTC has announced plans to lay off 15 percent of its workforce, in a bid to cut costs and improve its profitability.
The job cuts will affect staff worldwide and could reduce the company’s size by more than 2,250 roles. In total, HTC is looking to reduce its operating expenses by 35 percent over the coming months. HTC seems to be in such a poor state that further cost cutting measures could be extended into the first quarter of 2016 too.
HTC is expecting a further decline in revenue for Q3.
After falling back into a loss in the second quarter, HTC is also forecasting another more substantial loss for Q3 2015, as demand for its smartphones remains weak and the Chinese market becomes increasingly competitive.
“We need a flexible and dynamic organization to ensure we can take advantage of all of the exciting opportunities in the connected lifestyle space.” – HTC CEO Cher Wang
On the plus side, HTC has acknowledge that it needs to look for new revenue streams outside of the traditional smartphone market. The company is planning to form a new business unit to focus on virtual reality and other connected lifestyle products, so we may see more from ideas like the HTC Vive in the future.
HTC’s Cher Wang wants to continue to focus on the high-end handset market, but said that the company is preparing to move “beyond the smartphone business”. Do you think that this sounds like a sensible move for the struggling smartphone manufacturer?
Niantic Labs, makers of Ingress, being spun off into an independent company
Niantic Labs, the division behind the super popular augmented reality game Ingress will be spun off into a new company. They’re currently a division within Google but will soon become independent of the search giant. There’s no word on if this is a move brought on by the creation of Alphabet but Niantic will NOT be an Alphabet property.
Google will remain a big part of the company while it looks to bring in “new partners” to reach more audiences. Ingress has 12 million installs and 250,00 active players and will begin to transfer data over from Google to the new Niantic company on September 11th. In an email to customers, Niantic has stated that players will be opt out of this. While this doesn’t seem to be a big deal, just remember that even though Niantic is going to become its own company, they will still operate under the umbrella of Google. So your data will still be safe.
“Important Account Information: Niantic Labs is becoming an independent company. We’ll be taking our unique blend of exploration and fun to even bigger audiences with some amazing new partners joining Google as collaborators and backers. Niantic will be building on the success of +Ingress, which has been downloaded more than 12M times, has attracted more than 250,000 people to live events around the world, and has inspired users to collectively walk the distance from the earth to the sun while playing, exploring and discovering. Stay tuned at http://www.NianticLabs.com and our social channels for more information.“
Ingress has been a bit of a phenomenon in Android gaming. While augmented reality games aren’t a huge segment yet, Ingress boasts an impressive player base. It’s even big enough to spawn accessories made just keeping you up and running since the game is so hard on batteries. It’ll be interesting to see where the company heads next.
Source: Android Central via Ingress Google+
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‘Ok Google’ prompt becomes more useful for iOS users
Google has rolled out a new update for its iOS app, which considerably upgrades what its voice prompt can do. Now, the app can take what’s loaded on your browser into account when answering questions. If you’re reading an article about George Washington, for instance, it instantly knows who you’re talking about when you ask: “Ok Google, when did he become president?” No need to specify who “he” is — the assitant even dictates the main answer in addition to returning the typical search results. If you’re reading about a certain location, say Disneyland, you can ask “Ok Google, how do I go to this place?” and it will tell you how to get there by car or other means. The latest version of Google for iOS also returns more detailed local search results and lets you copy-paste from anywhere in the app. You can download it right now from iTunes if you want to be able to do more hands-free search queries.
Filed under:
Misc, Mobile, Google
Via:
9to5mac
Source:
iTunes
Tags: app, google, ios, mobilepostcross, okgoogle
HTC cuts 15 percent of workforce amid weak sales
As expected, smartphone maker HTC has announced more layoffs, and the cuts are brutal. The company will let 15 percent of its workforce go (over 2,000 employees), due in large part to falling revenues and profits. Last week the company reported shaky financial results, which it chalked up to worse-than-expect sales of its HTC One M9 flagship. It’s also facing an ever-tightening smartphone market and more competition, especially from Chinese companies like Xiaomi and Huawei. The layoffs are part of a company-wide realignment, and CEO Cher Wang — who took the reigns from Peter Chou in March — tried to put that spin on it.
“This strategic realignment of our business will ensure that each product group has the right focus, the right resources and the right expertise,” she said. As we noted before, that focus will include more mid-range smartphone models, especially in growing markets like India. The company said it will also try to create growth by focusing on “profitable key areas of premium smartphones, virtual reality and connected lifestyle products.” That means it’s pinning hope on products like the Vive, which hasn’t even come to market yet. Hopefully, the company has something else up its sleeve if it wants to pull out of the current death spiral.
Filed under:
Cellphones, Mobile
Tags: HTCOne, Jobs, Layoffs, MarketShare, mobilepostcross, smartphoneos
Deutsche Telekom Now Accepting Reservations for Next-Gen iPhone
German carrier Deutsche Telekom has once again launched an online reservation service for customers interested in purchasing the next-generation iPhone, as spotted by Apfelpage.de.
The new early bird system promises preferred delivery of future smartphone models to customers that sign up with a valid email address and mobile phone number.
Deutsche Telekom does not specifically mention the much-rumored “iPhone 6s” or “iPhone 6s Plus” by name, but the reservation service launching just weeks before Apple is expected to launch new iPhones is unlikely a mere coincidence. In September 2011, the carrier rolled out a similar ticket-based reservation service nearly one month before the iPhone 4s was introduced.
The reservation service is essentially a pre-order system that functions on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing new and existing customers to provide their contact information, redeem a reservation ticket via SMS or email and receive preferred delivery of Apple’s next-generation iPhone to their door without needing to wait in line at an Apple Store or Deutsche Telekom store.
Google Translate:
By registering the reservation service you have bookmarked for a preferred delivery of pending smartphone innovations. The sooner you reserve and redeem your reservation, the sooner you can expect a delivery and have to stand in line in no snake. You get your device conveniently delivered to your door.
(Thanks, Marco!)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 announced: top specs for under $160
Xiaomi has taken to the stage today to announce its new Redmi Note 2 smartphone and just like its predecessor, it aims to offer impressive specs at a super affordable price. On the same day that Samsung is to launch two flagship devices with a high price tag, Xiaomi’s new smartphone delivers a Full HD display, octa-core CPU and a new OS for just $160.
Xiaomi in video:
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The Redmi Note 2 packs a 5.5-inch 1080p display and is powered by MediaTek‘s new Helio X10 SoC with eight cores clocked at 2.2GHz along with a PowerVR G6200 GPU and 2GB RAM. Under the hood there is 16GB internal memory which can be expanded, Wi-Fi ac, dual-SIM LTE capabilities and a 3,020 mAh battery. The Redmi Note 2 is the first handset to run Xiaomi’s new MIUI7, which runs on top of Android 5.1 Lollipop.
On the back of the handset, the Redmi Note 2 comes equipped with phase detection autofocus, which allows the handset to focus in just 0.1 seconds and at 160 grams, the handset is 39 grams lighter than the original Redmi Note. Xiaomi plan to release the new Redmi Note 2 in several colours, with white, black, pink, brown and light blue all confirmed.
If you’re thinking of picking up the Redmi Note 2, there are going to be three versions available; the cheapest one will cost RMB 799 ($128) and will offer LTE on one SIM with 3G on another, while the model with dual-SIM LTE will set you back RMB 899 ($144). If 16GB storage isn’t enough for you, Xiaomi has also announced a Prime version of the handset with 32GB storage (and presumably dual-SIM LTE), which will cost RMB 999 ($160).
Alongside its new handset, Xiaomi also unveiled its new MIUI 7 OS, which runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop and at the moment, has been announced for China only. Xiaomi hasn’t revealed a lot of details about MIUI7 apart from a picture that shows the new OS now support facial recognition in the gallery app.
With its new smartphone and OS, you’d think Xiaomi was done for the day but the company also revealed a new Mi Wi-Fi nano router, which the company promises offers stronger, more stable signals compared to mainstream routers and delivers up to 300Mbps download speeds.
What do you think of Xiaomi’s new smartphone? Do you plan to buy it and if so, which version? Let us know your views in the comments below guys!
Amazon is giving away $90 worth of free apps
Today, Amazon is giving away a selection of Android apps completely free. The deal is usually worth $90 in total, if you were to buy all of the apps individually.
Much of the selection is made up from games and includes popular titles such as Goat Simulator, Scribblenauts Remix and the original Fruit Ninja. There are also a couple of photo editing apps included in the deal, including a copy of Photo Lab PRO, which usually retails for $2.99. AVG AntiVirus PRO is the biggest saving that you can grab, as the security app usually costs $11.99.
As usual, these apps come from Amzaon’s app store rather than Google Play, so you will need to download Amazon’s software before you can claim your free apps.
This limited time offer is running until 11:59 on August 15th, which gives you a couple of days to pick out something that catches your fancy.
Huawei Mate 7S passes through TENAA
We all know that Huawei has something planned for IFA later this year after yesterday’s teasers, and now its next smartphone, currently known as the Mate 7S, has been spotted passing through China’s TENAA certification center. As usual, there are a couple of pictures to accompany the listing too.
The latest pictures match up with the leaked images posted online last week, which looks virtually identical to Huawei’s existing Mate 7 smartphone. There are a couple of notable differences though, such as the relocation of the front camera to the right of the phone and a slight replacement of the company’s logo to the lower section of the display.
Huawei Mate 7 on the left, new Mate 7S on the right.
TENAA also lists three different models for a selection of Chinese carriers. Additional models could appear in other regions at a later date. The CRR-UL00 model is destined for Unicom, while CRR-CL00 and CRR-TL00 are for two different carriers, perhaps China Telecom or China Mobile. The phone will also be available in black or gold color options.
The TENAA listing doesn’t give us any information about the phone’s specifications, but the latest hardware rumors suggest that this Mate 7S will ship with a 1080p display, octa-core Kirin SoC, 3GB of RAM and a 13 megapixel rear camera. Huawei has declared that a new “Unique S” smartphone will be unveiled at IFA on September 2nd.
LG Launches a Hi-Fi music service for its premium smartphones
LG smartphone owners: Have you ever wished that LG would launch a Hi-Fi music service with 24bit/192kHz quality sound just for a limited group of its handsets? It’s doubtful, but if you have, you are in luck because LG has just announced it will launch such a service later this month.
From LG’s press release, it seems that the Hi-Fi music service will be a download only service and not a direct rival to music streaming services such as Spotify or Tidal. The Hi-Fi service will allow users to listen to music with 24bit/192kHz sound quality, which is around 6 times richer and clearer than the typical Compact Disc. Qualifying customers will be able to download 2 free Hi-Fi tracks each month as well as receiving a discount of up to 50% off further songs. When launched, the Hi-Fi music app will be available to download from LG’s SmartWorld app.
LG Mobile’s vice president and head of marketing communications, Chris Yie, had this to say about the music service:
“Our Hi-Fi music service reflects our ongoing commitment to providing additional customer benefits to loyal LG customers. MP3 music is perfectly fine for most people but those with Hi-Fi capable LG smartphones can experience a much richer environment.”
Owners of LG’s G2, G3, G4 and G Flex 2 handsets can look forward to the Hi-Fi music service launching in almost 70 countries worldwide, including the United States, Australia, Brazil, China, France, Italy, Russia and the United Kingdom. LG hasn’t given a specific date on when the Hi-Fi music service will launch or details on pricing yet.
Source: LG
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Lenovo to cut 3,200 jobs to revive market share
After reporting 51 percent drop in its first quarter profit, Lenovo has decided to lay off 3,200 staffers, which is roughly five percent of the company’s entire workforce. The Chinese company is hoping to save around $1.35 billion annually from job cuts.
“Last quarter, we faced perhaps the toughest market environment in recent years. To build long term, sustainable growth, we must take proactive and decisive actions in every part of the businesses,” said Lenovo CEO and Chairman Yuanqing Yang in a statement.
The world’s largest PC maker is suffering from poor financial health due to a significant decline in global demand for PCs and tough competition from Chinese smartphone makers. Its shares fell by nine percent on Thursday as it reported a quarterly revenue of $10.7 billion, which was far below the expectations.
Last year, Lenovo bought Motorola for $2.91 billion from Google Inc, and the subsidiary has seen a 31 percent decline in sales. Overall, the Chinese company’s mobile division has lost $300 million, but Yuanqing is confident that streamlining its smartphone businesses will prove to be beneficial for Lenovo in the long term.
“I still believe mobile is a new business we must win. I still believe this acquisition (Motorola) was the right decision…Except Apple and Samsung there is no third strong (global) player. I believe that will be Lenovo,” he said.
Via: Reuters
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