The Microsoft Surface Tablet: Average Features In An Average Package That Doesn’t Even Come Close To Challenging Android Tablets

If you haven’t been living under a rock for the past few days, you’re probably well-aware of the upcoming Microsoft Surface tablet. Dubbed as one of the saviors for Microsoft’s rapidly degrading brand, the Surface tablet has already been identified as the true iPad and Android tablet challenger. With its thin profile and abundant storage space (comes in 32GB or 64GB configurations with an expandable storage slot), the Surface tablet will have at least the physical features to make it an interesting product. However, the hardware is just one aspect of the tablet— the real kicker is Microsoft’s brand-new OS: Surface for Windows RT technology. The OS will essentially mirror its upcoming Windows 8 OS, while having exclusive offerings like Microsoft Office 2013 and a special version of Netflix included with the tablet. So in essence, upcoming Surface tablet seems to be a true productivity workhorse— at least on the surface (no pun intended folks).

Now while the upcoming Surface tablet certainly looks to be an interesting and perhaps attractive product, Microsoft is treading into dangerous territory. As RIM and certainly HP can attest, Google’s Android platform has a clear stranglehold of the tablet market share— something that both the Blackberry Playbook and HP’s TouchPad certainly couldn’t achieve during their brief lives. Consumers love seeing a new product, but expect reasonable value of what a product offers. The Surface tablet is going to debut at $499 for the 32GB entry-level model– which doesn’t even include the $130 Touch Cover keyboard/cover combo that’s necessary helpful for doing all that increased productivity like using Microsoft Office 2013, as Microsoft is hyping. As indicated by numerous studies, the number of iPad and Android tablets are growing at an astronomical pace. Oh and don’t forget– newer Android tablets are being released on a seemingly daily basis and the prices of the those tablets (and subsequent accessories) are becoming much more reasonable— if not lower overall. So considering Microsoft is certainly unproven, while Apple and more importantly— Android have a clear understanding of not just what consumers want, but what consumers actually need in a tablet— Microsoft doesn’t offer any compelling reason for why consumers should give their product a try. Microsoft’s Surface tablet is a painfully basic product that has a premium price won’t even put a dent in Android sales or overall market share.

The first thing consumers should ask is what is the Surface tablet exactly? More specifically— consumers are going to be left asking what exactly is this tablet is supposed to do for them. The answer is simple really— based off the ability to create or manage content on the go, it’s assumed Microsoft is really pushing its new technology to the business-centric types who can work on Word documents, spreadsheets or display those sexy charts during those Sales’ meetings or product demos. The new Surface for Windows RT technology is appealing because it’s supposed to be touch-centric (as in not needing any type of accessory to perform everyday tasks), so it would allow for users of the tablet to hypothetically create and manage content just by using the on-screen keys. The concept is great and all, but Microsoft realizes that there’s only so much on-screen keys can do, so Microsoft is also pushing its Touch Cover keyboard accessory. Microsoft has not been shy about highlighting the thinness of the accessory and abilities of the Touch Cover keyboard— especially when it comes to typing up documents or emails. Microsoft needs to appeal to those business-centric consumers and offer up a unique tablet experience which not only includes the ability to manage Office-type content on the go. On the other hand, Microsoft also needs to offer up a unique multimedia and social experience for users as well— which Microsoft does not even try to address in the new tablet.

Moving to the bigger issue is the baffling cost of the tablet and utter lack of value for the price. At $499, the 32GB entry-level model of the tablet is already steeply priced. With all due respect the Tegra-based processor, HD cameras and impressive 10.6-inch display as part of the tablet— there is nothing particularly noteworthy specs-wise of the tablet, especially as we’ve already seen the same (if not better) specs on Android tablets already. As of now, Surface for Windows RT is brings a newfound excitement to Microsoft’s brand, but it’s an unproven OS and users don’t know what they’re going to get– especially when it comes to actually using the touted Microsoft Office software. So essentially, users will be paying $499 just for a device bearing the Windows name and will have to deal with the scarce number and different types of apps available now. What’s even worse is in order for users to truly utilize or enjoy the main feature of the tablet (for now)— Microsoft Office 2013, they’ll need to shell out an additional $130 just to grab the optional Touch Cover keyboard. So just to reiterate— we need to make this point clear: the reality is that in order for customers to take advantage of the existing capabilities of the Surface tablet’s productivity features, users will actually need the “optional” $130 Touch Cover keyboard, as opposed to offering the ability to provide users with the ability to use an alternative keyboard that Android (and even iPad) tablets offer like Bluetooth keyboards or covers, both of which often costs under $50.

Like the Surface tablet, Android tablets makes the overall tablet experience better with the sheer number of the types of tablets and accessories available for them. But unlike Microsoft’s newly unveiled offering, Android manufacturers have fine-tuned the development into tablets from not just great productivity alternatives, but a complete PC replacement overall. As of now, Microsoft only offers a 10.6-inch version of the tablet, while Android tablets come in anywhere from 7-inches to a whopping 13-inches— offering much more flexibility with the types of accessories out in the marketplace. These tablets can be specialists in reading all types of content or allow users to work on various projects or items they choose. If you want a standalone tablet— Android tablets have you covered. If you want a tablet that allows you to transform it into a modest workstation via an inexpensive cover stand & Bluetooth-based keyboard— Android tablets have you covered. Hell, if you want your tablet to transform into a full-fledged notebook for all your productivity and portable needs— Android tablets has you covered.

Speaking of which— Android tablets offer up many more apps for not just productivity, but multimedia or social-centric apps as well. There are hundreds of thousands of apps available, which gives Android tablet users much more flexibility to do whatever it is they want on the go, while allowing users to create or modify content at an optimal level. Thanks to Google’s never-ending commitment to the growth of its Android platform with its manufacturing and developer partners, we see outstanding improvements to products like its own Google Docs Google Drive product and the imminent growth of Quick Office on tablets as well. Oh and don’t forget— Microsoft is has already made its intentions of bringing Microsoft Office to Android, so users will have yet another productivity utility to use from the masters of productivity effectiveness. Moreover, manufacturers like Samsung continue to reinvent the wheel by including its own spin on apps for its products like including unique and useful apps like Photoshop Touch, S Planner, Polaris Office and Twitter & Facebook integration into the TouchWiz software. Samsung is just one example— most, if not all of the other prominent Android manufacturers offer the same exclusives and features in their own respective tablets.

The scary thing about Android tablets is while the overall market share indicates Android tablets plays second fiddle to the iPad, those same Android tablets have positioned themselves as a solid number 2 among consumers— with no signs of letting up. And if you include offerings from Amazon & Barnes & Noble, the tablet market looks to be all but cornered by Apple & Google. You have to hand it to Microsoft for trying to bring a newfound excitement and rejuvenated interest among consumers, but Microsoft needs to bring a product that clearly highlights what sets it apart from its competition. Simply put: the Surface tablet is an overpriced device that’s confused about whether it’s meant for the average consumer or business professionals. Toss in the utter lack of app exclusives or support outside of Microsoft Office and you have yourself a lame duck product.

Android 4.2, Double Notification Pulldowns?

First there was that Gmail 4.2 leak. Now we’re beginning to see some really juicy details about Android 4.2. Turns out,the guys over at Android Police are holding a little more than a leak of Gmail 4.2. They’re sitting with a full system dump of Android 4.2 from the LG Nexus. While we’ve seen reports of the LG Nexus containing Android 4.1.2, their leak has the full version of 4.2, and full tear-downs have ensued. Hit the break for the juicy details.

In the teardown, some interesting features were discovered. The first of which is a mysterious SystemUI file called ”qs_coming_soon.png.” “QS” as in Quick Settings. Quick Settings as in notification pulldown. It looks like notification features indeed will be enhanced – at least in the build they’re holding. Time will tell if any of this will make it in the final 4.2 release however.

The feature that jumps out is the “double notification pulldown.” Upon pulling down notifications like normal, if you do another swipe, you’re left with the temporary “Future Site of Quick Settings” window pane. Hmmm… quick settings? We can only assume that at this point we’ll soon be faced with options like WiFi settings, volume control, and power options not unlike the feature found in TouchWiz and custom ROMs.

An additional, slight change is that once you make the initial pulldown, you can now still view the status bar.  It seems obvious not to hide the status bar while viewing notifications so hopefully this feature makes it into the final build as well. Things look to be coming along well with the latest version of everyone’s favorite OS. What do you think about these new features? Useful, or slight afterthought? This seems to be just the tip of the iceberg as I’m sure we’ll see more leaks of features from the upcoming 4.2.

source:  Android Police

Rumor: Upcoming Nexus Featuring Android 4.2 To Feature New Customization Center, Updated Google Now And Project Roadrunner

As we all await the arrival of the latest Nexus device (or devices if all holds true), we are also eagerly awaiting what Google has up its sleeves in the latest Android OS. Well it looks like the gang at Android and Me may have the inside scoop on not only the latest OS which is expected to be software version 4.2, but details on the direction of its Nexus line of devices. According to an anonymous source, Google is trying to promote its Nexus line among all major manufacturers. The various manufacturers will work directly with Google in regards to the hardware and driver details, though Google will be responsible for the hardware updates directly. Moreover, although these special Google devices are part of the Nexus line, they don’t necessarily need to be called Nexus as part of its name– sort of like of what Google did with the Motorola Xoom WiFi tablet. The thought is that by manufacturers joining the Nexus program, it would allow for the special variations of the devices to have even more access to specially-optimized Google content.

Of course since there will be added content, it’s only natural to have an idea of what exactly the Nexus devices will feature in regards to the newest Android OS, Android 4.2. The biggest features in the new OS are rumored to be identified as the new Customization Center, Project Roadrunner, an updated Google Now and revamped Play Store. The new Customization Center will be useful for all Android users as it essentially allows users to update the base Android OS, without having to wait for OEM manufacturers to update their skins. Here’s how it works: it is basically a way for you to do basic customizations through a range of options through the Play Store. When a new update is available, new items like filters and icons would be available via the Play Store. So when Google upgrades Android and a manufacturer doesn’t provide a compatible version of their custom UI initially, the device reverts simply to the stock UI or wait for the upgrade until the manufacturer catches up.

The others seem to be incredibly beneficial as well. Project Roadrunner specifically aims to soup up and optimize battery live on devices, having the same impact as Project Butter did when it came to responsiveness on Jelly Bean-enabled devices. Meanwhile, the updated Google Play Store will likely feature personalized search, optional promotional campaigns with Notification Center integration, more billing options, and easier in-app micro-transactions. And finally, Google Now will be updated to include even more expanded functionality like the ability to ask “Where can I activate bluetooth?” or “How can I tone down the brightness?”, for basic OS questions.

Keep in mind this should all be taken with a grain of salt, but it’s looking more and more like Google is ready to take the next major step in the evolution of Android as a whole. All we need now is for the announcement to hurry up and get here already.

source: Android and Me

Open webOS Galaxy Nexus source code now available

I wasn’t always the Android fanatic that I am today, I originally started as a strong supporter of webOS. When webOS died about a year ago, I was a little sad to see the card based OS go. Now it seems that webOS has found a comfortable home as an open source community project. Now this project was only recently released for the community to tear at, but already it’s found its way to Google’s flagship Android phone; the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. What was the perfect Android development device has now taken another step into a whole new world.

Only a few days after the port was released, the source code has now been released as well. Now it seems that the flagship of the Android world will now be the flagship for Palm’s forgotten OS as well. I personally am really excited to see what the super talented Android community can do with this new development platform. It may even help spawn some new ideas for Android development as well. A small part of me is happy to see the Android community take their open source brother under their wing.

Source: XDA-Developers

Xbox Music to launch October 26th, but Android users will have to wait

As the battle for mobile OS supremacy has raged on over the years between Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android, developers have been called upon to make decisions about which platform to develop for initially. We even see reports regarding the scope of these decisions and what it may portend for OS users. In an interesting twist, development of a new music app from Microsoft will be released for their platforms first with Android and iOS native versions to follow. The app in question is Micosoft’s Xbox Music which will be available for their Windows Phone, Windows 8 and Xbox 360 platforms on October 26th. Microsoft has not released any information on when versions for other platforms will be available.

The Xbox Music app is based on a subscription service that allows users to stream unlimited music on their device. Users will also be able to opt for an ad-supported free version similar to apps like Spotify or Pandora. Xbox Music will integrate with Microsoft’s SkyDrive cloud solution so users can stream their own library of music files as well.

source: WinSource
via: Phandroid

Bing will be the default search engine on the Kindle Fire HD

With Amazon unveiling their new Kindle Fire lineup at such low prices given the specs of the tablets, it looks like they have been finding numerous ways to make back some of the money they’re going to lose upon each Kindle Fire they’re going to sell. First Amazon places ads around the OS (most notably the lockscreen) to create some extra revenue, and now they have struck a deal with Microsoft to make the Fire’s default search engine into Bing, as opposed to Google Search in the first Kindle Fire.

This is a huge win for Microsoft as we should expect to see the new set of Kindle Fire’s to outsell last years predecessor. Anything to help subsidize the costs of these tablets, right? Looks like there will be some slight drawbacks in having these high end tablets for a cheap price.

source: Business Insider

Amazon CEO praises Android and its flexebility

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos took it upon himself to give Google Android OS the praise that it deserves. According to Bezos:

Android is accomplishing everything that Amazon needs it to and, at the same time, giving the company flexibility to customize things. We treat Android like Linux, and so it’s a base OS layer. We have a large dedicated team that customizes Android and that’s what you see on the Kindle Fire.

I think it’s great to see a CEO of such a huge player like Amazon praising Android for what it offers to everyone. It’s probably the least he can do considering the sales Android has helped give the Kindle Fire, and the upcoming success the Kindle Fire 2 and Kindle Fire HD will bring to the company.

When asked if Amazon has any plans on straying away from Android, Bezos gave a simply answer of  ”No, we like Android.”

source: AllThingsD

Samsung and Android Still King According To ComScore Numbers

Well, folks, the July 2012 ComScore numbers are in and we’re seeing more of the same… Samsung and Android are both still leading in market share. Sammy posted a 25.6 percent lead in the U.S. market, down 0.3 percent from April, but still dominant overall. Samsung nemesis Apple went up 1.9 percent for a total of 16.3 percent in the U.S.

On the OS front it’s what you’d expect… Android is up 1.4 percent to 52.2 percent overall and Apple is also up 2 percent to 33.4 percent overall. Microsoft dropped 0.4 percent and owns 3.6 percent of the market, and poor RIM took the biggest hit with a 2.1 percent drop and holds only 9.5 percent of the market.

Really no surprises here. The trends continue. For a more detailed analysis, hit the source link.

source: comscore

Gartner Reports Global Sales Drop 2.3 Percent For Q2 2012, But Samsung And Android Still Lead Overall Sales

Smartphones are as popular as ever, but it doesn’t mean sales can’t take a slight hit. Gartner reports overall global sales for Q2 2012 dropped 2.3 percent compared to Q2 2011. The Android platform unsurprisingly accounted for 64.1 percent of the overall sales with Samsung leading the way with 90.4 million units sold, while Nokia and Apple followed behind. Speaking of Apple— iOS devices sold 28.9 million units, which accounts for an 18.8 percent market share.

While the report is new, it pretty much cements what we already know: the Android platform continues to be a dominant one. We’re sure you’re itching for specific details, so be sure to hit the break to see the full report in all its glory.

Gartner Says Worldwide Sales of Mobile Phones Declined 2.3 Percent in Second Quarter of 2012

Android Extended Lead While Apple iOS Market Share Growth Paused

Egham, UK, August 14, 2012–Worldwide sales of mobile phones to end users reached 419 million units in the second quarter of 2012, a 2.3 percent decline from the second quarter of 2011, according to Gartner, Inc. Smartphone sales accounted for 36.7 percent of total mobile phone sales and grew 42.7 percent in the second quarter of 2012.

“Demand slowed further in the second quarter of 2012,” said Anshul Gupta, principal research analyst at Gartner. “The challenging economic environment and users postponing upgrades to take advantage of high-profile device launches and promotions available later in the year slowed demand across markets. Demand of feature phones continued to decline, significantly weakening the overall mobile phone market.

“High-profile smartphone launches from key manufacturers such as the anticipated Apple iPhone 5, along with Chinese manufacturers pushing 3G and preparing for major device launches in the second half of 2012, will drive the smartphone market upward. However, feature phones will continue to see pressure,” Mr. Gupta said.

In the second quarter of 2012, Samsung’s mobile phone sales remained very strong — up 29.5 percent from the second quarter of 2011 (see Table 1), and managed to extend its lead over both Apple and Nokia quarter on quarter. This quarter’s growth was driven by record sales of Galaxy smartphones, meaning smartphones now account for 50.4 percent of all Samsung mobile devices, or 45.6 million units. Demand for the new Galaxy S3 was particularly strong, exceeding Samsung’s own expectations, with a reported 10 million units reached in the two months after its release. The Galaxy S3 was the best-selling Android product in the quarter and could have been higher but for product shortages.

In the second quarter of 2012, consumer demand for the Apple iPhone weakened as sales fell 12.6 percent from the first quarter of 2012, but grew 47.4 percent year on year. Depending on the exact launch date of the new iPhone, Apple might experience another weaker-than-usual quarter in the third quarter of 2012, while Apple will be ready to take advantage of the strong holiday sales in North America and Western Europe that have historically remained immune to economic pressure.

“Samsung and Apple continued to dominate the smartphone market, together taking about half the market share, and widening the gap to other manufacturers. No other smartphone vendors had share close to 10 percent,” Mr. Anshul said. “In the race to be top smartphone manufacturer in 2012, Samsung has consistently increased its lead over Apple, and its open OS market share increased to one-and-a-half times that of Apple in the second quarter of 2012.”

Table 1
Worldwide Mobile Device Sales to End Users by Vendor in 2Q12 (Thousands of Units)

Company	2Q12 Units	2Q12 Market Share (%)	2Q11 Units	2Q11 Market Share (%)
Samsung	90,432.1	21.6	69,827.6	16.3
Nokia	83,420.1	19.9	97,869.3	22.8
Apple	28,935.0	6.9	19,628.8	4.6
ZTE	17,936.4	4.3	13,070.2	3.0
LG Electronics	14,345.4	3.4	24,420.8	5.7
Huawei Device	10,894.2	2.6	9,026.1	2.1
TCL Communications	9,355.7	2.2	7,938.9	1.9
HTC	9,301.2	2.2	11,016.1	2.6
Motorola	9,163.2	2.2	10,221.4	2.4
Research In Motion	7,991.2	1.9	12,652.3	3.0
Others	137,233.4	32.8	152,989.70	35.7
Total	419,007.90	100.0	428,661.15	100.0

Source: Gartner (August 2012)

Nokia’s mobile phone sales declined 14.8 percent in the second quarter of 2012. Nokia is battling fiercely with white-box and new emerging device manufacturers to defend its feature phones sales. Nokia succeeded, to a certain extent, in winning feature phone market share as its sales grew quarter-on-quarter. While posting sequential growth in the feature phone market, Nokia’s Lumia devices continue to struggle to find a place in consumers’ minds as a replacement for Android.

“Declining smartphone sales is worsening Nokia’s overall position, as it had already lost the No. 1 position to Samsung in the previous quarter and is facing reduced profitability due to continuous declining sales of premium smartphones,” said Mr. Gupta.

In the smartphone OS market, Android extended its lead with an increase of 20.7 percentage points in market share in the second quarter of 2012 (see Table 2). While Apple’s iOS market share slightly grew year over year (0.6 percent), it declined 3.7 percentage points quarter on quarter, as users postponed their upgrade decisions in most markets ahead of the upcoming launch of the iPhone 5.

Gartner analysts said the arrival of the iPhone 5 should provide the greatest upgrade opportunity yet as the expected new design with a larger screen and likely other stylistic changes to the form factor will certainly make a strong case for iPhone 4 users to upgrade.

Table 2
Worldwide Mobile Device Sales to End Users by Operating System in 2Q12 (Thousands of Units)

Operating System	2Q12  Units	2Q12 Market Share (%)	2Q11  Units	2Q11 Market Share (%)
Android	98,529.3	64.1	46,775.9	43.4
iOS	28,935.0	18.8	19,628.8	18.2
Symbian	9,071.5	5.9	23,853.2	22.1
Research In Motion	7,991.2	5.2	12,652.3	11.7
Bada	4,208.8	2.7	2,055.8	1.9
Microsoft	4,087.0	2.7	1,723.8	1.6
Others	863.3	0.6	1,050.6	1.0
Total	153,686.1	100.0	107,740.4	100.0

Source: Gartner (August 2012)

Additional information can be found in the Gartner report “Market Share: Mobile Devices, Worldwide, 2Q12.” The report is available on Gartner’s website at http://www.gartner.com/resId=2117915.

Gartner Reports Global Sales Drop 2.3 Percent For Q2 2012, But Samsung And Android Still Lead Overall Sales

Smartphones are as popular as ever, but it doesn’t mean sales can’t take a slight hit. Gartner reports overall global sales for Q2 2012 dropped 2.3 percent compared to Q2 2011. The Android platform unsurprisingly accounted for 64.1 percent of the overall sales with Samsung leading the way with 90.4 million units sold, while Nokia and Apple followed behind. Speaking of Apple— iOS devices sold 28.9 million units, which accounts for an 18.8 percent market share.

While the report is new, it pretty much cements what we already know: the Android platform continues to be a dominant one. We’re sure you’re itching for specific details, so be sure to hit the break to see the full report in all its glory.

Gartner Says Worldwide Sales of Mobile Phones Declined 2.3 Percent in Second Quarter of 2012

Android Extended Lead While Apple iOS Market Share Growth Paused

Egham, UK, August 14, 2012–Worldwide sales of mobile phones to end users reached 419 million units in the second quarter of 2012, a 2.3 percent decline from the second quarter of 2011, according to Gartner, Inc. Smartphone sales accounted for 36.7 percent of total mobile phone sales and grew 42.7 percent in the second quarter of 2012.

“Demand slowed further in the second quarter of 2012,” said Anshul Gupta, principal research analyst at Gartner. “The challenging economic environment and users postponing upgrades to take advantage of high-profile device launches and promotions available later in the year slowed demand across markets. Demand of feature phones continued to decline, significantly weakening the overall mobile phone market.

“High-profile smartphone launches from key manufacturers such as the anticipated Apple iPhone 5, along with Chinese manufacturers pushing 3G and preparing for major device launches in the second half of 2012, will drive the smartphone market upward. However, feature phones will continue to see pressure,” Mr. Gupta said.

In the second quarter of 2012, Samsung’s mobile phone sales remained very strong — up 29.5 percent from the second quarter of 2011 (see Table 1), and managed to extend its lead over both Apple and Nokia quarter on quarter. This quarter’s growth was driven by record sales of Galaxy smartphones, meaning smartphones now account for 50.4 percent of all Samsung mobile devices, or 45.6 million units. Demand for the new Galaxy S3 was particularly strong, exceeding Samsung’s own expectations, with a reported 10 million units reached in the two months after its release. The Galaxy S3 was the best-selling Android product in the quarter and could have been higher but for product shortages.

In the second quarter of 2012, consumer demand for the Apple iPhone weakened as sales fell 12.6 percent from the first quarter of 2012, but grew 47.4 percent year on year. Depending on the exact launch date of the new iPhone, Apple might experience another weaker-than-usual quarter in the third quarter of 2012, while Apple will be ready to take advantage of the strong holiday sales in North America and Western Europe that have historically remained immune to economic pressure.

“Samsung and Apple continued to dominate the smartphone market, together taking about half the market share, and widening the gap to other manufacturers. No other smartphone vendors had share close to 10 percent,” Mr. Anshul said. “In the race to be top smartphone manufacturer in 2012, Samsung has consistently increased its lead over Apple, and its open OS market share increased to one-and-a-half times that of Apple in the second quarter of 2012.”

Table 1
Worldwide Mobile Device Sales to End Users by Vendor in 2Q12 (Thousands of Units)

Company	2Q12 Units	2Q12 Market Share (%)	2Q11 Units	2Q11 Market Share (%)
Samsung	90,432.1	21.6	69,827.6	16.3
Nokia	83,420.1	19.9	97,869.3	22.8
Apple	28,935.0	6.9	19,628.8	4.6
ZTE	17,936.4	4.3	13,070.2	3.0
LG Electronics	14,345.4	3.4	24,420.8	5.7
Huawei Device	10,894.2	2.6	9,026.1	2.1
TCL Communications	9,355.7	2.2	7,938.9	1.9
HTC	9,301.2	2.2	11,016.1	2.6
Motorola	9,163.2	2.2	10,221.4	2.4
Research In Motion	7,991.2	1.9	12,652.3	3.0
Others	137,233.4	32.8	152,989.70	35.7
Total	419,007.90	100.0	428,661.15	100.0

Source: Gartner (August 2012)

Nokia’s mobile phone sales declined 14.8 percent in the second quarter of 2012. Nokia is battling fiercely with white-box and new emerging device manufacturers to defend its feature phones sales. Nokia succeeded, to a certain extent, in winning feature phone market share as its sales grew quarter-on-quarter. While posting sequential growth in the feature phone market, Nokia’s Lumia devices continue to struggle to find a place in consumers’ minds as a replacement for Android.

“Declining smartphone sales is worsening Nokia’s overall position, as it had already lost the No. 1 position to Samsung in the previous quarter and is facing reduced profitability due to continuous declining sales of premium smartphones,” said Mr. Gupta.

In the smartphone OS market, Android extended its lead with an increase of 20.7 percentage points in market share in the second quarter of 2012 (see Table 2). While Apple’s iOS market share slightly grew year over year (0.6 percent), it declined 3.7 percentage points quarter on quarter, as users postponed their upgrade decisions in most markets ahead of the upcoming launch of the iPhone 5.

Gartner analysts said the arrival of the iPhone 5 should provide the greatest upgrade opportunity yet as the expected new design with a larger screen and likely other stylistic changes to the form factor will certainly make a strong case for iPhone 4 users to upgrade.

Table 2
Worldwide Mobile Device Sales to End Users by Operating System in 2Q12 (Thousands of Units)

Operating System	2Q12  Units	2Q12 Market Share (%)	2Q11  Units	2Q11 Market Share (%)
Android	98,529.3	64.1	46,775.9	43.4
iOS	28,935.0	18.8	19,628.8	18.2
Symbian	9,071.5	5.9	23,853.2	22.1
Research In Motion	7,991.2	5.2	12,652.3	11.7
Bada	4,208.8	2.7	2,055.8	1.9
Microsoft	4,087.0	2.7	1,723.8	1.6
Others	863.3	0.6	1,050.6	1.0
Total	153,686.1	100.0	107,740.4	100.0

Source: Gartner (August 2012)

Additional information can be found in the Gartner report “Market Share: Mobile Devices, Worldwide, 2Q12.” The report is available on Gartner’s website at http://www.gartner.com/resId=2117915.