Samsung’s global market share continues to dip, falls over 5% from last year
Samsung’s Galaxy S6 doesn’t look it’s moving the needle in a positive direction for the company, as the latest market share numbers show Samsung’s global dominance continuing to slip to Apple and cheaper Chinese OEMs.
In Q2 of 2014, Samsung held 26.2% of the global market, more than doubling Apple’s market share. This year, Apple has steadily increased their market share to nearly 15% while smaller vendors like Huawei and Xiaomi have scooped up more of the low end, leaving Samsung with just 21.9% market share. That’s over a 5% drop from a year ago, which is pretty substantial.
On the high end, Samsung is still struggling to compete with Apple, especially as Apple expands their lineup to more and more countries. On the low end, it’s nearly impossible to compete with the volume of cheap smartphone manufacturers, and with many Chinese companies producing perfectly good phones and selling them with razor thin margins, it’s clear that Samsung is going to keep struggling if they want to try to hang on to both segments of the market.
source: 9to5 Google
Come comment on this article: Samsung’s global market share continues to dip, falls over 5% from last year
Samsung launches the Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ in South Korea
Samsung has now launched the recently-announced Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ in South Korea. The former retails for 899,800 Korean Won ($758) for the 32GB model and 965,800 Korean Won ($813) for the 64GB edition, and is available in White Pearl, Black Sapphire and Gold Platinum colorways, whilst the latter is only up for grabs in Black Sapphire and Gold Platinum, and carries a price tag of 939,400 Korean Won ($790) for the 32GB variant.
For anyone out there who requires a refresher on either the Galaxy Note 5 or Galaxy S6 Edge+’s specifications, we’ve included the spec sheet below:
Galaxy Note 5/Galaxy S6 Edge+ Specifications
- 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display (1440 x 2560 pixels)
- Exynos 7420 octa-core chipset
- Mali-T760MP8 GPU
- 4GB of RAM
- 16MP rear-facing camera
- 5MP selfie shooter
- 3,000mAh Li-Po battery
If you like the sound of the Galaxy Note 5 or the Galaxy S6 Edge+ and would like to pick up one or t’0ther — hit the source link below.
Source: Samsung
Come comment on this article: Samsung launches the Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ in South Korea
The worldwide smartphone market is slowing down
There’s a statistic floating around that says that nearly everyone on Earth has a smartphone, but just over half of them have access to proper sanitation. Between that stat and this report from Gartner, it looks as if a great many smartphone makers should think about starting their own toilet-making businesses. The research firm believes that while the smartphone market is still growing, that rate of growth has now dropped back to 2013 levels. That’s because China, long-regarded as a rich seam of un-tapped phone buyers has been exhausted, which is what’s prompted these firms to turn to India and Africa. If that all sounds a bit too business-y, here’s the simplified version: everyone who can buy a smartphone already has one, and those people who don’t probably can’t afford them.
Gartner has also tallied the winners and losers for the second three-month period of 2015, and Samsung falls victim to the law of large numbers. Despite shipping just four million fewer devices this year than last, it saw market share fall by 4.3 percent. Samsung’s lunch was mostly gobbled up by Huawei and Xiaomi, while Lenovo, fat and happy after its purchase of Motorola, still managed to watch its figures fall. The other big winner was Apple which, the firm claims, sold upwards of 12 million more iPhones than it did in the same period last year. Gartner also thinks that the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus managed to steal away high-end customers from other brands as well as gain plenty more fans in China.
Like the kids who got picked last for school sports, spare a thought for Windows Phone, which has just 2.5 percent market share. That’s still impressive when compared to BlackBerry, which is now marked down as having just 0.3 percent of the world’s smartphone business.
In terms of predicting the future, it looks as if there’s a growing divide between the dirt-cheap manufacturers and firms that are still producing higher-end Android phones. Huawei, ZTE, TCL and Micromax are all considered success stories having turned their attentions to India and other emerging markets. Sony, HTC and Samsung, to a lesser extent, are all marked down as losers that “struggled to achieve growth at the high end of the market.” Given how cheap it is to enter the Android phone business, there’s no shortage of companies who want to undercut the established players. If that continues, however, it’s not going to be long before we see more than just HTC being put on a watch list.
[Image Credit: Bloomberg / Getty]
Filed under:
Cellphones, Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, Google
Source:
Gartner
Tags: apple, Gartner, google, microsoft, samsung
Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge update brings select Note 5 and S6 Edge+ features
Last week Samsung unveiled the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and the S6 Edge+, bringing both devices a number of new software enhancements that weren’t seen on the Galaxy S6 or the S6 Edge. Thankfully for owners of the GS6 and Edge, a new update is now being pushed out in South Korea that introduces at least a few of these changes. While some of the cooler features of the Galaxy S6 and Edge aren’t present – like RAW image shooting and control of the camera’s shutter speed – its still great to see Samsung working hard to keep its Galaxy family on parity.
.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (min-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
width: 100% !important;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos
width: 100%;
float: none !important;
overflow-x: auto;
overflow-y: hidden;
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
overflow: auto;
max-height: none;
body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: left !important;
clear: none !important;
So what exactly does the update bring to the table? Probably one of the most obvious and expected additions is that of Samsung Pay, the Korean giant’s new mobile payments system. Beyond Pay however, the update includes the new revamped icons and UI elements from the Note 5/Edge+ TouchWiz, a minor update to KNOX, Apps Edge for the Galaxy S6 Edge – which lets you launch up to 5 apps from a sideloading pane, and audio-enhancing software, UHQ Upscaler and Vacuum Tube Amp Pro.
At least for now, the firmware update is only available in South Korea, though we imagine it is only a matter of time before the new firmware officially makes its way to more regions. For those who are a bit more daring, it is possible to manually flash the update if you have a compatible device (Galaxy S6 SM-G920S or a Galaxy S6 edge SM-G925S). You can find the new firmware over at SamMobile.
Don’t already own a Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge? You can pick up the Galaxy S6 unlocked and ready to go for just $567.13, or $657.32 for the Edge.
LG trolls Samsung for not bringing the Note 5 to Europe
Ah Samsung; a week ago, the company’s biggest decision of the past few months was met with some interesting responses from customers as the Korean manufacturer decided not to bring its latest Galaxy Note 5 smartphone to Europe. Whether this works out to be a wise decision in the long run is unknown but as far LG is concerned, this is a priceless marketing opportunity that it can’t give up.
.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (min-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
width: 100% !important;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos
width: 100%;
float: none !important;
overflow-x: auto;
overflow-y: hidden;
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
overflow: auto;
max-height: none;
body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: left !important;
clear: none !important;
In response to Samsung’s somewhat bizarre and strange decision, LG posted a tweet which basically implies they would never do what Samsung has done and instead promotes the LG G4, which is available throughout the world. For would-be Galaxy Note 5 users, the LG G4 doesn’t come with the S-Pen but it does have the removable battery and expandable storage that many have lauded Samsung for leaving out of its latest smartphone.
As much as LG’s marketing ploy may work, it’s unlikely to sway most of those thousands of customers who want Samsung to bring its latest Note to Europe (and I am certainly one of them). A petition has been launched to ask Samsung to bring the handset to Europe and if you want the Note 5 in Europe, be sure to go ahead and sign it (I know I have!).
Samsung won’t offer the Note 5 in Europe, but should it?
What do you think of LG’s marketing ploy? Does it persuade you to buy the LG G4 if the Note 5 doesn’t come to Europe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below guys!
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 does not have Google+ installed
Google has been phasing out parts of Google+, but it has come to our attention that it is not pre-loaded onto the Galaxy Note 5. You would think every Android phone would ship with all the main Google apps, but that doesn’t look to be the case.
The Note 5 does still come with all the other main Google apps as well as the new Google Photos app. The Galaxy A8 is another phone that Google+ is not pre-installed on.
I am sure a lot of users will be happy to see Samsung removing even more bloat from their phones. You can always download Google+ from the Play Store if you really want to use it.
Source: Android Central
Via: Sammobile
Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy Note 5 does not have Google+ installed
Samsung proposes appeal in patent battle with Apple
Another day another patent battle. When this happens, Apple and Samsung are the first two that come to mind. Both company’s are known to have gone back and forth in the courts many times over the recent years. And those times aren’t near being over.
According to a new report on a modern case, Samsung isn’t willing to give up easily. Following the long dispute over one of Apple’s design patents, Samsung has decided to take the case to the courts.
On August 19, Samsung filed a report explaining it wants the US Supreme Court to hear its appeal. Samsung wants a decision by the summer of 2016 and is strongly encouraging a review. Recently, the company was able to have a $1 billion verdict reduced to only $548 million. And if the new court ruling favors Samsung, the company could potentially have its fine dropped an additional $400 million. Many companies are backing Samsung in this battle, but who knows, the court may not even agree to take the case. Only time will tell.
Source: MercuryNews
Come comment on this article: Samsung proposes appeal in patent battle with Apple
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 display is the best in any smartphone
We can complain about many Samsung shortcomings, but there is one thing the Korean manufacturer will never fail at. Their displays are stunning, and they keep getting better every single time (twice a year, to be exact)! In fact, multiple DisplayMate studies show Samsung has been offering the top screens in the market for quite some time. The Note 4 had the best smartphone panel last year, and the Galaxy S6 took that title more recently. In addition, the Galaxy Tab S series touted the best tablet displays for a while. What’s next?
You guessed it. It’s time for the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 to triumph, and they have taken the DisplayMate title for the best smartphone screen around. And these are no simple tests; DisplayMate makes complex studies and uses advanced tools to measure screen brightness, accuracy, color gamut and many other factors. These guys go all out.
“Based on our extensive Lab tests and measurements listed below, the Galaxy Note 5 is the Best performing Smartphone display that we have ever tested. It takes over from the Galaxy Note 4, which was the previous record holder for mobile display performance.” – DisplayMate
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 still sports a QHD (2560x1440p) Super AMOLED display measuring 5.7 inches, which sounds identical to the Galaxy Note 4. The truth is these displays are quite different, though. DisplayMate’s analysis proves the newer phone increases screen performance heavily when compared to the predecessors.
For starters, peak brightness has been significantly improved, making it easier to read outdoors (in direct sunlight). And though the screen is brighter, it actually uses less power than the one in the Note 4, as energy optimizations are outstanding. To make matters even more interesting, the Galaxy Note 5 panel broke records in color accuracy, making this the best smartphone screen DisplayMate has ever tested. Now, that is definitely saying something!
Does this mean the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ is also a winner? Pretty much. DisplayMate doesn’t go too much into detail on the edged handset, but they do mention performance is nearly identical. The only main difference is the fact that it uses a flexible panel, which is what allows the screen to bend on each side.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 4
With multiple wins in a row, we say it’s time for the competition to really improve its game. Meanwhile, Samsung keeps dominating the display game (and sales). I will have to say I have seen no better screens coming from other manufacturers in a while. I am not exactly a Samsung fan, but I must accept they know how to make a gorgeous display.
What do you guys think? Will Samsung continue making the best displays in the market, or is it time for someone else to step in?
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 videos
.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (min-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
width: 100% !important;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos
width: 100%;
float: none !important;
overflow-x: auto;
overflow-y: hidden;
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
overflow: auto;
max-height: none;
body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: left !important;
clear: none !important;
Samsung to Appeal to U.S. Supreme Court in Ongoing Patent Battle With Apple
Samsung is planning to take its ongoing patent war with Apple to the United States Surpreme Court, reports the San Jose Mercury News. In court papers filed today, Samsung said that by November it would ask the Supreme Court to hear its latest appeal.
“The questions present issues of enormous importance to patent litigation and the scope of innovation, especially in high-technology industries,” Samsung’s legal team wrote in a bid to hold off paying Apple hundreds of millions of dollars in damages for the patent violations.
Samsung’s decision comes following a rejection from the U.S. Federal Circuit Court of Appeals last week, where the court refused Samsung’s request for a new trial. Samsung had asked the court to reconsider a decision earlier this year that left the company on the hook for a $548 million payout to Apple.
Samsung and Apple have been battling over patent infringement issues since 2012, when a jury ruled Samsung willfully violated several Apple patents, resulting in $1 billion in damages. Since then, Samsung has been fighting the ruling, and over the course of several appeals and a partial retrial, has gotten the damages reduced to the aforementioned $548 million total. If Samsung is successful, the Supreme Court could throw out another $400 million in damages.
Earlier this week, the United States Patent and Trademark Office invalidated a key iPhone design patent that was used in the Apple v. Samsung lawsuit, handing down a non-final rejection that Samsung could use in its appeal to the Supreme Court. Samsung also has the backing of technology companies like Facebook, Google, eBay, HP, and Dell, who have claimed the ruling against Samsung would “lead to absurd results and have a devastating impact on companies.”
Samsung may, however, have difficulty getting the Supreme Court to hear its case. Of the thousands of cases that the Supreme Court is asked to review each year, it agrees to hear approximately 100 to 150.
Samsung’s fast wireless charger is available for pre-order, sort of
When Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+, it also revealed a fast wireless charging pad that takes advantage of the smartphones’ new, speedier Qi charging spec. Well, you can now pre-order that charging pad… in a manner of speaking. The $70 peripheral is available to purchase on Samsung’s website as I write, but dropping it in your cart reveals that it’s back-ordered and doesn’t have an estimated ship date. You’ll be waiting an unspecified number of weeks before this is sitting on your desk, then. If you can afford to wait, however, it could be a good complement to Samsung’s latest supersized devices — you won’t have to wait ages to top up your phone just because you hate cables.
Filed under:
Cellphones, Peripherals, Mobile, Samsung
Via:
Android Community
Source:
Samsung
Tags: fastcharge, fastchargewirelesschargingpad, galaxynote5, galaxys6edgeplus, mobilepostcross, pad, peripherals, qi, samsung, smartphone, wirelesscharging
AIVAnet 