HTC Loses Fourth Place to Samsung; Nokia Still Leading

Korean manufacturer Samsung took over the fourth place from HTC in the global market share game for 2010, while the top three spots remain unchanged with Nokia, RIM and Apple comfortably in the lead, according to analysts.

Samsung’s shipments increased by a tremendous 318.2% in 2010, selling 23 million smartphones while the Taiwanese manufacturer’s shipments saw an increase of “only” 165.4%, with sales of 21.5 million units in 2010. In consequence, Samsung is now placed at the fourth spot with 7.6% of the 2010 market share, followed by HTC on sixth with its 7.1 percent. While the margin between the two is very small, for a total of 0.5%, the distance between second placed RIM and third placed Apple is even thinner, with a slight, 0.4% of the market standing between the two. Meanwhile, Nokia is leading with a comfortable 17% -- more than double -- in front of second placed RIM.

Samsung definitely had a huge benefit from its very popular Galaxy S series Android smartphone – and its carrier variants – that managed to break a sales record of over 10 million units at the end of 2010. HTC has somehow shifted a gear back in the race of innovation – as we noticed ourselves – and this had the outcome of losing a place in the Top 5 ranking even though sales were increasing.

Apple is very close to beating RIM and it might even reach that sweet second spot with the new CDMA iPhone 4 as well as the refresh everybody is expecting this summer. Nokia on the other hand is having a hard time these days with their upcoming policy shift which could seriously influence the numbers for this year but we think it’s safe to assume that the Finnish manufacturer will maintain its top spot as a leader in the market share game for 2011.

302.6 million smartphones were totally sold in 2010 which means that past year every 21st person got a shiny new smartphone to play with, on a global rough average. Not bad! Wonder what next year’s figures will tell us about 2011!

Source:(pocketnow)

Android users supposedly getting less sex than iPhone, BlackBerry owners

... And I call BS, but more on that later. So, the folks over at OkCupid just put up an interesting article about ways to avoid "being ugly." From their data as seen above, they are recommending that users steer away from Android devices because Android users seem to get less action than their iPhone (and BlackBerry) counterparts. Who knows, maybe it is because we have porn. Join me past the break and we can discuss this a bit more, shall we?

Via: (Android Central)

RIM Reveals The BlackBerry Torch 9800 For AT&T, OS 6

So after months of rumors of a BlackBerry with a touch screen and a front facing sliding keyboard, and after another long set of previews of what we can expect on a new enhanced OS Experience called BlackBerry 6, RIM finally makes it official by revealing the BlackBerry Torch 9800 for the AT&T network, and yeah... BlackBerry 6 is included in the package. I know the name sounds kind of strange, but it's actually named after the WebKit browser company they bought a little while ago called Torch Mobile. They built the Iris browser we sadly only enjoyed briefly for Windows Mobile just months before RIM snatched them.

On the outside, it looks like a weird hybrid mix between their not so successful Storm line, but with the added bonus of a vertical sliding keyboard. On the inside, it's a whole new ballgame as RIM intends to finally compete with Android and iOS with their new OS called BlackBerry 6... Yeah,.. not OS 6, not BlackBerry OS 6,.. just BlackBerry 6. This includes their new WebKit browser, BlackBerry AppWorld 2.0, better multimedia (hopefully), a revamped home screen, new social networking bits and a lot more. As for a detailed list of specs:

• Approximately 4.4" x 2.4" x 0.57" (closed), 5.8" x 2.4" x 0.57" (open)
• Approximately 5.7 oz.
• 512MB Flash memory, 4GB on‐board memory, microSD/SDHC memory card
slot (4GB card included, cards up to 32GB supported)
• Half‐VGA+ touchscreen display, measuring 3.2" (480 x 360 at 188 ppi)
• 5 MP camera with flash, continuous autofocus, face detection, geotagging
• 802.11 b/g/n
• Built‐in GPS
• Audio format support: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, FLAC, OGG
• Video format support: MPEG4, H.263, MPEG4 Part 2 Simple Profile H.264, WMV
• Network support: GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz; HSPDA/UMTS: 800/850/1900/2100 MHz
• Talk Time: 5.5 hrs, Audio Playback: 29.8 hrs, Video Playback: 6 hrs
• Operating System: BlackBerry 6

The device is already live on the AT&T website, but it will be available on sale until August 12 for $200 after signing the typical 2 year contract we're all used to. Wait for Brandon's full review very soon!

Via: (PocketNow)

BlackBerry App World 2.0 Enters Beta

BlackBerry App World 2.0 is now in beta. We've previews the second iteration of BlackBerry's app store over the summer and the new version brings with it some nice improvements that should aid in usability, including a simple BlackBerry ID that makes it easy to re-download all your apps should you switch BlackBerry devices, more payment options to help ease the impulse purchases, and a nicer layout that helps users discover new apps.



If you're interested in previewing App World 2.0, you can head over to the BlackBerry Beta Zone to get more details and information.

Via: (PocketNow)

BlackBerry Bold 9780 caught on video running OS 6

This new Bold 9780 is really looking like the real deal, isn't it? The phone, which includes some ultra-minor aesthetic tweaks over the 9700, along with 512MB of RAM to handle the new BlackBerry 6 OS, has been described on paper, caught on camera, and now has gotten the requisite video walkthrough. The video, obtained by Driphter.com, includes some nice WebKit browsing, with fast page loads but some slightly sluggish scroll speeds. Of course, this is still pre-release software, so we'll see where we end up when BlackBerry 6 starts landing on these RAM-bumped devices for reals. Video is after the break.



Via: (Engadget)

Blackberry 6 OS Caught Running on Verizon Bold 9650

Some early screenshots have emerged of RIM's next-generation BlackBerry 6 operating system on the non-touchscreen Verizon Wireless BlackBerry Bold 9650.



Though neither the carrier nor Research in Motion have announced whether the 9650 will receive an upgrade to version 6, it has been speculated that current devices that were released recently may get the makeover in time.

Via: (PocketNow)

Latest BlackBerry 6 preview proves that the more things change...

To say RIM has a lot riding on BlackBerry 6 is an understatement. With new kids on the block like Android and iOS stepping in with lustworthy apps and attractive UIs, the BlackBerrys have been sitting in a corner BBMing everyone else at the party trying to convince them of its sustained utility. Regardless, the latest tease on the BlackBerry Blogs shows off some of the "fresh, but familiar" elements that are getting polished in the jump from OS 5 to OS 6. While some features do have us intrigued -- its implementation of universal search, for example -- other headlining changes to the otherwise staid homescreen have us begging for more. New "views," toggled from a space right under the notification bar, are essentially glorified folders, and the "quick access area" is much like the functionality offered by years-old "Today"-style themes for the handset. Don't get us wrong, the refinements definitely help, but at the end of the day we just hope it isn't RIM trying to put lipstick on a pig -- guess we'll find out when we get a commercial release to really bite into.

Via: (Engadget)

AT&T Rumored to Launch BlackBerry Bold 9800 Slider August 15

The BlackBerry Bold 9800 Slider, which has been spotted in numerous leaks, is now slated for an AT&T launch mid-August. Though not officially announced yet by RIM nor by the carrier, BlackBerry Partners Fund John Albright is pegging the launch date as August 15.

The BlackBerry Bold 9800 Slider will be the first BlackBerry to sport a Palm Pre-like form factor, merging the touchscreen on the BlackBerry Storm with the full keyboard on the BlackBerry Bold.

Via: (PocketNow)

New BlackBerry 6 Video Shows Off Multimedia, Social Networking Features

A new video of RIM's forthcoming BlackBerry 6 operating system shows off the multimedia capabilities as well as the integrated social networking features.



BlackBerry 6 retains some of the traditional OS elements that CrackBerry diehards are used to, but adds a slick touch interface that seems more touch optimized than previous editions of the operating system. In addition to the new multimedia capabilities, BlackBerry 6 also supports a Webkit browser and quick multitasking abilities.

Via: (PocketNow)

RIM's BlackBerry Curve 9300 spotted in T-Mobile branding

It's certainly not the first time we've seen this here BlackBerry (with "this here" meaning "Curve 9300"), but it's the first time we've seen it outfitted in carrier clothing. Notice that T-Mobile logo at the bottom? That's the clearest indication yet that this particular 'Berry will soon be headed to T-Mob, but given that it's unlikely to support an upgrade to BlackBerry OS 6, your off-the-chart excitement level may indeed be unwarranted. At any rate, we're also hearing that Rogers in Canada will be snagging this at launch, but we'll be passing along official details just as soon as we get them.

Via: (Engadget)

Early BlackBerry 9780 Photo Leaks Out

It looks like the original BlackBerry Bold 9700 may soon get a model upgrade to be called the BlackBerry Bold 9780 in the future if rumors hold true. The new model brings with it some minor upgrades along with an OS upgrade to BlackBerry 6 with a more modern Webkit-based browser from Research in Motion.

In addition to the big OS jump, the Bold 9780 retains the look and form factor of its predecessor, the Bold 9700, currently available on both AT&T and T-Mobile USA. The 3G-enabled smartphone will get a darker trim on its chrome bezel, giving it a more titanium finish, along with more RAM--up to 512 MB now like on the BlackBerry Bold 9650, the Bold 9700's CDMA cousin.

While the changes are more subtle, we're wondering if many Bold 9700 users will be upgrading from their devices--both will have the same form factor with the same optical trackpad it seems, and the 9700 could possibly be upgraded to BlackBerry 6 if early speculations hold true.

Speaking of the Bold 9650 on CDMA, if you're waiting for the CDMA cousin of the 9780 to head to Verizon Wireless and Sprint, that may take some time. According to earlier rumors, BlackBerry 6 devices for CDMA may not appear until 2011 as RIM may be focusing its efforts on GSM development, which is a smart move considering its global compatibility.


Via: (
PocketNOW)

AT&T Encrypted Mobile Voice to bring extra security to Obama's BlackBerry calls

Yeah, we know that the Prez was once seen rocking a Verizon-branded BlackBerry 8830, but just bend your mind a bit and bear with us. Shortly after lighting up Wall Street with an exceedingly excellent quarterly earnings report, AT&T has announced an Encrypted Mobile Voice service that'll hit later in the year. Assuming Obama actually does own an AT&T-branded 'Berry, he'll soon be able to enjoy what AT&T calls "the first mobile-to-mobile voice encryption solution using two-factor authentication offered by a US operator." Said service is expected to provide a higher level of security for calls across the AT&T wireless network, and naturally, it'll be shopped to government agencies, law enforcement organizations, financial services institutions and international businesses, all of which will pay far too much for what's likely a false sense of security. We mean, haven't these guys ever seen 24?

Via: (Engadget)

RIM Releases BlackBerry Desktop Software 6 Beta

Though exact features and upgrades from the prior version are not disclosed, RIM is showing off its BlackBerry Desktop 6 synchronization software, currently in beta and looking good. The software is competitive with iTunes in that it will allow users to synchronize PIM information, backup their BlackBerry smartphones, synchronize multimedia content (videos, music, and photos), and install applications. Unlike iTunes, though, you won't find a music, movies, or video store as part of RIM's desktop client.

BlackBerry users interested in the desktop client can head over to BlackBerry's page and sign up to be part of the beta.

Via: (PocketNow)

RIM shows off BlackBerry 6 multimedia experience, in pictures

While there's still no (official) word on when we'll get any BlackBerry OS 6 hardware, much less that 9800 Bold, RIM has seen fit to provide us another glimpse at the software front. This time round we're looking at multimedia features, including the photo gallery, a brand-new podcasts app and YouTube, alongside extra camera controls (including a face detection mode) and roundabout confirmation that at least some new BlackBerries will support pinch-to-zoom. Oddly enough, there's no video showing off the new multimedia functionality, just a set of stills, but we suppose RIM realizes it's all been done before and Crackberry addicts will take whatever they can get.

Via: (Engadget)

BlackBerry Curve 9300 spotted in the wild again, gets examined in-depth

We've already seen what's purported to be the BlackBerry Curve 9300 out in the wild a few times, but Vietnamese site Mainguyen has now gotten its hands on a unit as well, and given us our most detailed look at the phone yet. That includes a better look at the slightly higher-end elements more reminiscent of the now-discontinued Curve 8900 than the Curve 8500 series it's apparently replacing, and confirmation of at least a few specs (including a 3.2-megapixel camera). Head on past the break for a video, and hit up the source link below



Via: (Engadget)

BlackBerry 6 Webkit Browser Looks Good

For BlackBerry users longing for a better browsing devices, BlackBerry 6 can't come soon enough. While RIM has shown off the OS in recent videos, the Webkit browser hasn't gotten much coverage until a recent video, which has since been removed from YouTube. I did have a chance to watch it and the browser seems to perform really well and will make BlackBerry smartphones more competitive against more recent platform offerings with a strong browser, like the iPhone with mobile Safari, Android with its Webkit-based browser, and even Symbian, which has had a strong browser. Hopefully, we'll be seeing an official video from RIM soon that shows off what the company is working on for the next-generation BlackBerry operating system.

Via: (PocketNow)