Struggling Japanese tech giant Sony has detailed restructuring plans for its Japan-based business as it seeks to slim down operations by closing a lens factory and shedding 2,000 jobs via an early-retirement scheme.
The company says that it is making the changes to “revitalize and grow” its electronics business and it says that it is expecting to save $378 million (30 billion yen) annually from next year. The basis of the changes was laid back in April when the firm announced that it would reduce its headcount by 10,000 — including 3,000-4,000 in Japan — as it implements a $945 million (75 billion yen) restructuring program.
The Minokamo-based plant produces lenses for digital SLR cameras, lens blocks and mobile devices, and — alongside customer support — the 56,713 metre squared site houses some 840 employees. As part of its focus on mobile — which saw it buy out former partner Ericsson for $1.29 billion earlier this year — Sony will transfer some activity from Minokamo to other sites but others will be laid to rest. The company is not detailing precisely what will kept just yet though
The early-retirement plan is set to have the greatest impact on the gaming giant’s head office, where it says that 20 percent of the workforce will have departed by the end of the year – thanks to a series of streamlining initiatives.
The effects of the organizational changes, which has consolidated the firm and cut excess services and divisions, have also prompted it to establish Sony Corporate Services (Japan) Corp, which it says will provide ‘horizontal’ operations support for its businesses in Japan.
The restructuring hasn’t just been about slashing budgets and the firm ploughed $644 million into Olympus, in a move that will consolidate the two firm’s camera technologies and focus on opportunities in the medical imaging industry.
The first streamlining measure that impacted its home market came when it announce in August that it would cut 1,000 global jobs from its handset division, which is relocating to Japan from Sweden.
The PlayStation-maker is haemorrhaging cash and its most recent financial results, published in August, saw income before tax plummet 59 percent to hit $118.5 million (9.4 billion yen). Net losses for the three-month period grew to $310 million (24.6 billion yen), up from $195.3 million (15.5 billion yen) a year previous.
Sony sold its chemical products business for $730 million in June.
Image Credit: Koichi Kamoshida/Getty
Friday, October 19, 2012
FB updates its Android app.
Facebook doesn’t yet have a native app for Android — well, not native in the true sense of the word — but that doesn’t mean they aren’t pushing out regular updates to improve the app as it is currently.
Yesterday the company pushed out another photo-centric update, this time making it easier to tag photos. You can now also choose a previously-created or new album when uploading individual or grouped photos, something that was previously possible only through the iPhone Facebook Camera app.
For an app build almost entirely in HTML5, Facebook for Android is actually quite spritely, especially when run on more modern hardware. We’re excited for the day when Facebook for Android is built on native code, but for the time being enjoy your improved photo uploading experience.
Facebook also made the “biggest overhaul of [its] Android SDK so far,” making it easier for developers to integrate the social network into third-party apps. These features include the Friend Picker and Places Picker, which apps can use to access the Open Grap in more comprehensive ways.
Yesterday the company pushed out another photo-centric update, this time making it easier to tag photos. You can now also choose a previously-created or new album when uploading individual or grouped photos, something that was previously possible only through the iPhone Facebook Camera app.
For an app build almost entirely in HTML5, Facebook for Android is actually quite spritely, especially when run on more modern hardware. We’re excited for the day when Facebook for Android is built on native code, but for the time being enjoy your improved photo uploading experience.
Facebook also made the “biggest overhaul of [its] Android SDK so far,” making it easier for developers to integrate the social network into third-party apps. These features include the Friend Picker and Places Picker, which apps can use to access the Open Grap in more comprehensive ways.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Google releases quarterly results draft early.
(Reuters) - Google Inc inadvertently released its draft quarterly results hours ahead of schedule, missing expectations on both revenue and earnings and wiping 9 percent off the market value of the Internet search and advertising leader.
Google said its financial printers, RR Donnelley, filed its draft results statement without authorization. The company said it was working now to finalize the statement.
The surprise announcement, which had been expected after the market close, pushed its shares down 9 percent to $687.30 before trading was halted by Nasdaq.
Google, which has been struggling to turn around loss-making cellphone maker Motorola Mobility that it bought for $12.5 billion, reported a 20 percent dive in net income to $2.18 billion. Excluding certain items, it earned $9.03 a share, vastly underperforming the $10.65 analysts had expected, on average.
"We have been saying this thing was ripe for a pullback. It's not like they're Google not being Google, but you still have some major issues," said BCG analyst Colin Gillis.
"Click prices declined for the fourth consecutive quarter after rising for eight consecutive quarters before then. That's a negative. This is the mobile problem.
"The other bit is the Motorola millstone had been ignored by the market, and - boom - now you've got weak revenue from Motorola. When you acquire a business and you're about to whack all kinds of people and close offices, you know what happens to the employees? They take their eye off the ball. Sales are down."
Google reported net revenue - excluding traffic acquisition costs - of $11.3 billion for the third quarter, below Wall Street's expectations for about $11.9 billion.
For the fourth consecutive quarter, the company reported a decline in average cost-per-click, a critical metric that denotes the price advertisers pay Google.
Average CPC declined 15 percent from a year ago and 3 percent from the second quarter of this year. Analysts say that Google, like many of its peers in the Internet industry, has been struggling to adapt to the rapid consumer uptake in mobile devices. Advertisers pay far less for adds on smartphones and tablets than for similar ads on desktop computers.
"The core business seems to have slowed down pretty significantly, which is shocking," said B. Riley analyst Sameet Sinha. "The only conclusion l can look at is, search is happening more and more outside of Google, meaning people are searching more through apps than through Google search."
"That could indicate a secular change, especially when it comes to ecommerce searches. The big fear has always been, what if people decide just to go straight to Amazon and do their searches? And potentially that's what could be happening."
Google, which recently overtook Microsoft Corp to become the second-largest U.S. technology company by capitalization, had been due to release its results after the market close.
The second paragraph of the press release merely read "Pending Larry quote," suggesting that space was reserved for comment from CEO Larry Page.
"Earlier this morning RR Donnelley, the financial printer, informed us that they had filed our draft 8K earnings statement without authorization," Google said in a statement. "We have ceased trading on NASDAQ while we work to finalize the document. Once it's finalized we will release our earnings, resume trading on NASDAQ and hold our earnings call as normal at 1:30 PM PT."
Shares of RR Donnelley, the U.S. printing service company, slid as much as 5 percent. They were down 2.2 percent at $10.61 in afternoon trade.
(Reporting by Gerry Shih in San Francisco; Editing by Bernard Orr)
What is truth. It's knowing what happened, but admitting it? Who will collar the trackers?
TOKYO - Japan's most senior policeman began an embarrassing climbdown Thursday after his officers arrested four people over cyber threats issued when their computers were apparently hacked.
Emails containing threats to attack targets including a school and a kindergarten attended by Emperor Akihito's grandchildren were sent from infected computers in different parts of the country.
The computer owners were arrested and held, in one case for several weeks, in a system where custody conditions are harsher than those in other developed countries and where police rely heavily on confessions.
Two of the suspects reportedly admitted sending the emails before a broadcaster and a lawyer received an anonymous message containing information investigators conceded could only have been known by the real culprit.
The message said its sender had taken control of several personal computers to send other threats.
"There is a high possibility that we have arrested people who are not actually criminals," Yutaka Katagiri, the head of the National Police Agency, told a news conference, while adding their innocence was not certain.
"If it is found to be so, we will take appropriate action, including issuing apologies to those who were wrongly arrested," Katagiri said, adding that police would introduce "more cautious measures" for tracking down cyber crime culprits.
Japan's legal system prizes confessions, and prosecutors are generally unwilling to take on cases without the suspect having first acknowledged his guilt.
Suspects can be held for a total of 23 days before they must be charged or released.
It is not uncommon for police initially to arrest someone on a lesser charge and then re-arrest them on suspicion of a more serious crime just before the 23 days is up.
Critics charge that this system is open to abuse and gives police the right to hold people without charge for long periods. They also say the use of intimidatory tactics by officers is not uncommon.
Emails containing threats to attack targets including a school and a kindergarten attended by Emperor Akihito's grandchildren were sent from infected computers in different parts of the country.
The computer owners were arrested and held, in one case for several weeks, in a system where custody conditions are harsher than those in other developed countries and where police rely heavily on confessions.
Two of the suspects reportedly admitted sending the emails before a broadcaster and a lawyer received an anonymous message containing information investigators conceded could only have been known by the real culprit.
The message said its sender had taken control of several personal computers to send other threats.
"There is a high possibility that we have arrested people who are not actually criminals," Yutaka Katagiri, the head of the National Police Agency, told a news conference, while adding their innocence was not certain.
"If it is found to be so, we will take appropriate action, including issuing apologies to those who were wrongly arrested," Katagiri said, adding that police would introduce "more cautious measures" for tracking down cyber crime culprits.
Japan's legal system prizes confessions, and prosecutors are generally unwilling to take on cases without the suspect having first acknowledged his guilt.
Suspects can be held for a total of 23 days before they must be charged or released.
It is not uncommon for police initially to arrest someone on a lesser charge and then re-arrest them on suspicion of a more serious crime just before the 23 days is up.
Critics charge that this system is open to abuse and gives police the right to hold people without charge for long periods. They also say the use of intimidatory tactics by officers is not uncommon.
The harsh realities of global competition.
You name it, and they are walking in. They are pretty much all very well-educated, global company experience, white collar workers
WATERLOO, Ont. — Former employees of Research In Motion who were laid off during the BlackBerry-maker’s sweeping cutbacks this year are getting a hand from the City of Waterloo.
This week a jobs centre opened at City Hall designed to help the newly unemployed workers find positions at other local technology firms.
It’s part of a partnership between the Ontario and municipal governments as well as other local groups, including tech industry lobbyist Communitech.
Together, they’re hoping to help funnel an estimated 3,000 laid off workers in the region into new jobs at other companies.
RIM announced in June that it would cut 5,000 employees worldwide as part of an effort to save $1 billion by the end of its fiscal year in February 2013.
More than half of the company’s 16,500 employees — about 9,000 — work in the Waterloo region.
Iain Klugman, the chief executive of Communitech, says the jobs centre is a unique project because jobs programs are typically reserved for massive layoffs at auto plants and mining companies.
He says the former RIM employees all have very specific skill sets, ranging from developers and quality assurance representatives, to sales and marketing people.
“You name it, (and they) are walking in,” Klugman said. “They are pretty much all very well-educated, global company experience, white collar workers.”
We’re seeing a bunch of technology companies outside the country who are saying ’We really would love to have access to some of that great talent that’s coming out of RIM
But Klugman says he’s confident there are many other opportunities for those job seekers at more than 1,000 other technology companies in the region.
Communitech says the Waterloo region has also seen a burst of startups since RIM began its layoffs, with more than 100 new companies registering with the organization since July.
Klugman said the community has also started to get more attention from international firms who are looking to capitalize on the rush of job seekers.
“As people put a different kind of spotlight on RIM, they’re also starting to also look a little deeper into Waterloo region,” he said.
“We’re seeing a bunch of technology companies outside the country who are saying ’We really would love to have access to some of that great talent that’s coming out of RIM. We’re thinking of putting a development team up in your area.”’
Meanwhile, RIM is focusing on becoming a leaner operation as it pushes ahead with the launch of its much-delayed new BlackBerry smartphones and operating system, expected early next year.
The company, which posted a quarterly loss of US$235 million in its second quarter, anticipates a further operating loss in the third quarter as it works through the transition.
WATERLOO, Ont. — Former employees of Research In Motion who were laid off during the BlackBerry-maker’s sweeping cutbacks this year are getting a hand from the City of Waterloo.
This week a jobs centre opened at City Hall designed to help the newly unemployed workers find positions at other local technology firms.
It’s part of a partnership between the Ontario and municipal governments as well as other local groups, including tech industry lobbyist Communitech.
Together, they’re hoping to help funnel an estimated 3,000 laid off workers in the region into new jobs at other companies.
RIM announced in June that it would cut 5,000 employees worldwide as part of an effort to save $1 billion by the end of its fiscal year in February 2013.
More than half of the company’s 16,500 employees — about 9,000 — work in the Waterloo region.
Iain Klugman, the chief executive of Communitech, says the jobs centre is a unique project because jobs programs are typically reserved for massive layoffs at auto plants and mining companies.
He says the former RIM employees all have very specific skill sets, ranging from developers and quality assurance representatives, to sales and marketing people.
“You name it, (and they) are walking in,” Klugman said. “They are pretty much all very well-educated, global company experience, white collar workers.”
We’re seeing a bunch of technology companies outside the country who are saying ’We really would love to have access to some of that great talent that’s coming out of RIM
But Klugman says he’s confident there are many other opportunities for those job seekers at more than 1,000 other technology companies in the region.
Communitech says the Waterloo region has also seen a burst of startups since RIM began its layoffs, with more than 100 new companies registering with the organization since July.
Klugman said the community has also started to get more attention from international firms who are looking to capitalize on the rush of job seekers.
“As people put a different kind of spotlight on RIM, they’re also starting to also look a little deeper into Waterloo region,” he said.
“We’re seeing a bunch of technology companies outside the country who are saying ’We really would love to have access to some of that great talent that’s coming out of RIM. We’re thinking of putting a development team up in your area.”’
Meanwhile, RIM is focusing on becoming a leaner operation as it pushes ahead with the launch of its much-delayed new BlackBerry smartphones and operating system, expected early next year.
The company, which posted a quarterly loss of US$235 million in its second quarter, anticipates a further operating loss in the third quarter as it works through the transition.
J.K Rowling. MacBook Air changes her life.
You know how Apple is always calling its products “magical?” Well, it turns out that it may be right. Harry Potter author J.K Rowling not only uses a MacBook Air to write, but says that it has changed her life.
While you might expect the world of wizards, muggles and Hogwarts to have been scratched out onto parchment with ink and a quill, the reality is that most writers (not all these days use computers. And seeing as Harry Potter started life in an Edinburgh coffee shop, it makes sense for the author to be using Apple’s lightest non-tablet writing machine.
Publishers Marketplace:
In a rare product endorsement, Rowling proclaimed, “The MacBook Air changed my life.” She added, “I’ve written everywhere, including some very strange places.”
Sadly, there ends the interview. I would ask what software she uses, and which model she prefers (11 or 13-inch?) Then again, I’m a tech nerd and procrastinator, whereas she’s a successful writer who has published a bunch of great books. She probably writes in (ugh) Microsoft Word and doesn’t even care. Still, even Word is better than Cormac McCarthy’s typewriter.
While you might expect the world of wizards, muggles and Hogwarts to have been scratched out onto parchment with ink and a quill, the reality is that most writers (not all these days use computers. And seeing as Harry Potter started life in an Edinburgh coffee shop, it makes sense for the author to be using Apple’s lightest non-tablet writing machine.
Publishers Marketplace:
In a rare product endorsement, Rowling proclaimed, “The MacBook Air changed my life.” She added, “I’ve written everywhere, including some very strange places.”
Sadly, there ends the interview. I would ask what software she uses, and which model she prefers (11 or 13-inch?) Then again, I’m a tech nerd and procrastinator, whereas she’s a successful writer who has published a bunch of great books. She probably writes in (ugh) Microsoft Word and doesn’t even care. Still, even Word is better than Cormac McCarthy’s typewriter.
Apple gets a slap down in U.K. court ruling.
Apple Inc. (AAPL) lost a U.K. court appeal ruling over whether Samsung Electronics Co.’s Galaxy tablet infringed the design of the iPad as a judge criticized divergent rulings in the global intellectual property fight between the two companies.
A three-judge panel in London upheld an earlier decision by a U.K. judge that said several of Samsung’s Galaxy tablets weren’t “cool” enough to be confused with the iPad. The ruling called a German judgment from July granting Apple a Europe-wide injunction preventing Samsung from selling one model “extreme.”
The ruling is the latest in a long line of disputes in courts across the globe as rivals including HTC Corp. (2498), Apple and Samsung fight for dominance in the smartphone and tablet computer markets. The cases in the U.S., Germany, the Netherlands and Spain often lead to conflicting rulings as judges apply diverging national laws.
“If courts around Europe simply say they do not agree with each other and give inconsistent decisions, Europe will be the poorer,” Judge Robin Jacob said in the written ruling.
Samsung said in an e-mailed statement that it continues “to believe that Apple was not the first to design a tablet with a rectangular shape and rounded corners.”
“Should Apple continue to make excessive legal claims in other countries based on such generic designs, innovation in the industry could be harmed and consumer choice unduly limited,” the company said.
Alan Hely, a spokesman for Apple, didn’t immediately respond to a call requesting comment.
Apple must also publish notices in U.K. newspapers with details of the U.K. ruling, Judge David Kitchin said today.
Jacob said a publicity order was necessary to avoid consumer confusion because of the news coverage of the “not as cool” judgment in the U.K. and the contrasting German court’s decision.
A link to the notice must appear on Apple’s website for one month and the company must publish it in the Financial Times and Daily Mail newspapers.
Apple has agreed to ask the German court to “discharge” the injunction, Jacob said.
If Apple’s registered design ‘‘has a scope as wide’’ as the Cupertino, California company says, ‘‘it would foreclose much of the market for tablet computers,’’ Jacob said.
Courts around the world have issued divergent rulings in patent cases between the two companies.
In August, Apple won a $1.05 billion U.S. jury verdict in a patent case between the companies, while a week later a Tokyo court ruled Samsung products don’t infringe an Apple invention for synchronizing music and video data with servers.
Australian and Dutch courts have also issued rulings that contrasted with decisions in the U.S. case.
To contact the reporter on this story: Jeremy Hodges in London at jhodges17@bloomberg.net
A three-judge panel in London upheld an earlier decision by a U.K. judge that said several of Samsung’s Galaxy tablets weren’t “cool” enough to be confused with the iPad. The ruling called a German judgment from July granting Apple a Europe-wide injunction preventing Samsung from selling one model “extreme.”
The ruling is the latest in a long line of disputes in courts across the globe as rivals including HTC Corp. (2498), Apple and Samsung fight for dominance in the smartphone and tablet computer markets. The cases in the U.S., Germany, the Netherlands and Spain often lead to conflicting rulings as judges apply diverging national laws.
“If courts around Europe simply say they do not agree with each other and give inconsistent decisions, Europe will be the poorer,” Judge Robin Jacob said in the written ruling.
Samsung said in an e-mailed statement that it continues “to believe that Apple was not the first to design a tablet with a rectangular shape and rounded corners.”
“Should Apple continue to make excessive legal claims in other countries based on such generic designs, innovation in the industry could be harmed and consumer choice unduly limited,” the company said.
Alan Hely, a spokesman for Apple, didn’t immediately respond to a call requesting comment.
Apple must also publish notices in U.K. newspapers with details of the U.K. ruling, Judge David Kitchin said today.
Jacob said a publicity order was necessary to avoid consumer confusion because of the news coverage of the “not as cool” judgment in the U.K. and the contrasting German court’s decision.
A link to the notice must appear on Apple’s website for one month and the company must publish it in the Financial Times and Daily Mail newspapers.
Apple has agreed to ask the German court to “discharge” the injunction, Jacob said.
If Apple’s registered design ‘‘has a scope as wide’’ as the Cupertino, California company says, ‘‘it would foreclose much of the market for tablet computers,’’ Jacob said.
Courts around the world have issued divergent rulings in patent cases between the two companies.
In August, Apple won a $1.05 billion U.S. jury verdict in a patent case between the companies, while a week later a Tokyo court ruled Samsung products don’t infringe an Apple invention for synchronizing music and video data with servers.
Australian and Dutch courts have also issued rulings that contrasted with decisions in the U.S. case.
To contact the reporter on this story: Jeremy Hodges in London at jhodges17@bloomberg.net
AnandTech weighs in on iPhone 5
“The iPhone 5 embraces a taller, 4-inch, 16:9 1136 x 640 display opting to lengthen the device instead of increase its area in both dimensions. The result is a device that is distinctly an iPhone, albeit a modern one. The taller display doesn’t do much to make desktop web pages any easier to read as a result of the width staying the same,” Anand Lal Shimpi, Brian Klug and Vivek Gowri report for AnandTech.
MacDailyNews Take: You’re holding it wrong. Turn the iPhone into landscape for reading Web pages, the way it’s meant to be used.
“Reading emails and typing are both improved though as there’s now more room for lists and the keyboard no longer occupies as much of the display. The taller device can be more awkward to use if you have smaller hands, but the added screen real estate is honestly worth it. Once you get used to the iPhone 5’s display, going back to the older models is tough,” Lal Shimpi, Klug and Gowri report. “The taller chassis went on a diet as well. The iPhone 5 is now considerably thinner and lighter than its predecessor, which is yet another factor that contributes to it feeling more modern.”
Lal Shimpi, Klug and Gowri report, “The move to LTE alone is a big enough reason to upgrade for any heavy user of mobile data. The larger/improved display, much faster SoC and 5GHz WiFi support are all icing on the cake – and this is one well iced cake.”
MacDailyNews Take: You’re holding it wrong. Turn the iPhone into landscape for reading Web pages, the way it’s meant to be used.
“Reading emails and typing are both improved though as there’s now more room for lists and the keyboard no longer occupies as much of the display. The taller device can be more awkward to use if you have smaller hands, but the added screen real estate is honestly worth it. Once you get used to the iPhone 5’s display, going back to the older models is tough,” Lal Shimpi, Klug and Gowri report. “The taller chassis went on a diet as well. The iPhone 5 is now considerably thinner and lighter than its predecessor, which is yet another factor that contributes to it feeling more modern.”
Lal Shimpi, Klug and Gowri report, “The move to LTE alone is a big enough reason to upgrade for any heavy user of mobile data. The larger/improved display, much faster SoC and 5GHz WiFi support are all icing on the cake – and this is one well iced cake.”
Speculation on Google's Oct 29 event in New York.
Google has just set an Oct. 29 event in New York centered on its Android mobile software. “The playground is open” is all it says, so we are left to figure out what might land on that playground.
The most likely products to come out at the event are the new Nexus phone rumored to be manufacturing by LG. Also possible is a Nexus 7 tablet with more storage, 32 MB vs. the top-end 16 model currently available. Some folks are speculating that Google might drop the price of its low-end 8 MB Nexus 7 to just $99, which would really shake up the 7-inch tablet business–especially since Apple is expected to weigh in with the similarly sized iPad Mini on Oct. 23.
Then again, the invitation for the event, which will be streamed at YouTube.com/Android, singles out Android itself. So while Google already has a relatively new version of the operating system, maybe there will be some new features updates announced.
“Playground” seems likely to refer to Google Play, the Android apps and content marketplace, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see updates or new content deals announced. One interesting note, which may mean absolutely nothing: The artwork on the invitation closely resembles the drawings associated with its Google Now automated personal assistant on Android.
Or the announcements could be some combination of any of those. More to come as it develops.
The most likely products to come out at the event are the new Nexus phone rumored to be manufacturing by LG. Also possible is a Nexus 7 tablet with more storage, 32 MB vs. the top-end 16 model currently available. Some folks are speculating that Google might drop the price of its low-end 8 MB Nexus 7 to just $99, which would really shake up the 7-inch tablet business–especially since Apple is expected to weigh in with the similarly sized iPad Mini on Oct. 23.
Then again, the invitation for the event, which will be streamed at YouTube.com/Android, singles out Android itself. So while Google already has a relatively new version of the operating system, maybe there will be some new features updates announced.
“Playground” seems likely to refer to Google Play, the Android apps and content marketplace, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see updates or new content deals announced. One interesting note, which may mean absolutely nothing: The artwork on the invitation closely resembles the drawings associated with its Google Now automated personal assistant on Android.
Or the announcements could be some combination of any of those. More to come as it develops.
Schumacher to give up racing completely. Complete retirement eminent.
The seven-times World Champion announced in Japan two weeks ago that he would be quitting F1 for good following November's season finale in Brazil as his energy levels were "in the red zone again" after three years back in the sport.
Although Schumacher has always insisted that competing in other forms of four-wheeled motorsport holds little interest for him, the 43-year-old did take part in some motorcycle races after retiring from F1 for the first time at the end of 2006.
However, asked by Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport if he might re-appear in another racing category this time, Schumacher replied: "No, it's not in my plans.
"Formula 1 offers the maximum as far as emotions, speed and work completeness are concerned. Another type of car wouldn't give me the same feelings. I'm stopping here completely."
In his initial period of retirement Schumacher, in addition to competing on two wheels, also acted as an advisor to former team Ferrari and appeared on the pit wall at a number of grands prix.
A similar offer to serve as an ambassador or advisor to Mercedes is believed to be on the table this time round but the German remains light-lipped on what he might do next.
"From now on life will offer me plenty of new possibilities. I'm looking forward to them," he added.
Having come out of retirement after three years to spearhead Mercedes' new works team in 2010, Schumacher had hoped to challenge for an eighth world title but looks set to exit the sport again without adding to his record 91 wins, with his best finish to date a third place in Valencia in June.
Some pundits have suggested that the underwhelming nature of his on-track return may affect his legacy but Schumacher, despite the disappointing results, says his 'second' career has actually taught him how to accept defeat, and all in all, he's happy with his two decades in the sport as a whole.
"If I look into my life's rear-view mirror, I find myself happy and smiling," he explained.
"I've had two distinct careers: one where I won everything, and a second one where I discovered what losing means.
"Yes, I've learned how to lose, but this has made me more mature and more patient too, partly thanks to my age.
"Today I have to consider what I have done overall and I'm satisfied with myself."
Although Schumacher has always insisted that competing in other forms of four-wheeled motorsport holds little interest for him, the 43-year-old did take part in some motorcycle races after retiring from F1 for the first time at the end of 2006.
However, asked by Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport if he might re-appear in another racing category this time, Schumacher replied: "No, it's not in my plans.
"Formula 1 offers the maximum as far as emotions, speed and work completeness are concerned. Another type of car wouldn't give me the same feelings. I'm stopping here completely."
In his initial period of retirement Schumacher, in addition to competing on two wheels, also acted as an advisor to former team Ferrari and appeared on the pit wall at a number of grands prix.
A similar offer to serve as an ambassador or advisor to Mercedes is believed to be on the table this time round but the German remains light-lipped on what he might do next.
"From now on life will offer me plenty of new possibilities. I'm looking forward to them," he added.
Having come out of retirement after three years to spearhead Mercedes' new works team in 2010, Schumacher had hoped to challenge for an eighth world title but looks set to exit the sport again without adding to his record 91 wins, with his best finish to date a third place in Valencia in June.
Some pundits have suggested that the underwhelming nature of his on-track return may affect his legacy but Schumacher, despite the disappointing results, says his 'second' career has actually taught him how to accept defeat, and all in all, he's happy with his two decades in the sport as a whole.
"If I look into my life's rear-view mirror, I find myself happy and smiling," he explained.
"I've had two distinct careers: one where I won everything, and a second one where I discovered what losing means.
"Yes, I've learned how to lose, but this has made me more mature and more patient too, partly thanks to my age.
"Today I have to consider what I have done overall and I'm satisfied with myself."
Newsweek sheds print, goes completely digital.
Newsweek, the American weekly news magazine published in NYC, is going all-digital from the start of 2013, marking the end of an era for the almost 80-year-old publication.
The last print edition in the United States will be its December 31 issue, and the company will look to grow its tablet and online presence, as well as its global partnerships and events business.
Newsweek Global, as it will be called, will be a single, worldwide edition supported by paid subscriptions. It will be available through e-readers for both tablet and the Web, with select content available through The Daily Beast.
Newsweek was launched in 1933 by Thomas J.C. Martyn, formerly of Time Magazine, with the first issue dated 17 February, 1933. Today, it is among the biggest-selling weekly magazines in the US, behind Time, and is published in four English language editions, as well as twelve local-language global editions.
Newsweek merged with online publication The Daily Beast back in 2010 in a 50/50 joint venture called The Newsweek Daily Beast Company. The magazine underwent a big redesign last year, which followed an announcement a couple of years previous where it laid out its plans to reinvent the magazine after losing readers to online publications. Indeed, on its 75th anniversary, the magazine finally slipped into the red, and the publication reduced its workforce by 160 people to around 400, mostly through a voluntary retirement program.
So perhaps this isn’t entirely surprising, and it is the way many publications are going. The focus, it seems, will be on building a strong digital revenue model moving forward, and it will be interesting to see what becomes of Newsweek when the final prints roll out later this year.
“Our business has been increasingly affected by the challenging print advertising environment, while Newsweek’s online and e-reader content has built a rapidly growing audience through the Apple, Kindle, Zinio and Nook stores as well as on The Daily Beast,” explains Tina Brown, editor-in-chief and founder of The Newsweek Daily Beast Company, and Baba Shetty, CEO, in a joint statement.
“Tablet-use has grown rapidly among our readers and with it the opportunity to sustain editorial excellence through swift, easy digital distribution—a superb global platform for our award-winning journalism. By year’s end, tablet users in the United States alone are expected to exceed 70 million, up from 13 million just two years ago.”
The last print edition in the United States will be its December 31 issue, and the company will look to grow its tablet and online presence, as well as its global partnerships and events business.
Newsweek Global, as it will be called, will be a single, worldwide edition supported by paid subscriptions. It will be available through e-readers for both tablet and the Web, with select content available through The Daily Beast.
Newsweek was launched in 1933 by Thomas J.C. Martyn, formerly of Time Magazine, with the first issue dated 17 February, 1933. Today, it is among the biggest-selling weekly magazines in the US, behind Time, and is published in four English language editions, as well as twelve local-language global editions.
Newsweek merged with online publication The Daily Beast back in 2010 in a 50/50 joint venture called The Newsweek Daily Beast Company. The magazine underwent a big redesign last year, which followed an announcement a couple of years previous where it laid out its plans to reinvent the magazine after losing readers to online publications. Indeed, on its 75th anniversary, the magazine finally slipped into the red, and the publication reduced its workforce by 160 people to around 400, mostly through a voluntary retirement program.
So perhaps this isn’t entirely surprising, and it is the way many publications are going. The focus, it seems, will be on building a strong digital revenue model moving forward, and it will be interesting to see what becomes of Newsweek when the final prints roll out later this year.
“Our business has been increasingly affected by the challenging print advertising environment, while Newsweek’s online and e-reader content has built a rapidly growing audience through the Apple, Kindle, Zinio and Nook stores as well as on The Daily Beast,” explains Tina Brown, editor-in-chief and founder of The Newsweek Daily Beast Company, and Baba Shetty, CEO, in a joint statement.
“Tablet-use has grown rapidly among our readers and with it the opportunity to sustain editorial excellence through swift, easy digital distribution—a superb global platform for our award-winning journalism. By year’s end, tablet users in the United States alone are expected to exceed 70 million, up from 13 million just two years ago.”
FB intro's more value to its advertising relevance.
Facebook Introduces Global Pages, Adding Toes to Brands' Global Footprint
Socialbakers > Blog >
Facebook just announced “Global Pages”, which resolves three, seemingly mutually exclusive problems international brands have faced using the social network.
The first is local relevance. Brands with a global footprint needed to appeal to a lowest common denominator for their marketing campaigns, generalizing their content for a world audience, losing local relevance and missing local or regional opportunities as a result. The second is brand consistency. To get around the first issue, many brands created localized or region and language-specific pages. This is harder to manage and metric and runs the risk of diluting a brand’s image across markets. The third is split communities. Brands with multiple pages had split communities, defeating the purpose of being a global brand with a global reach.
With “Global Pages”, these issues are resolved by merging local pages with localized material into a single global page, with a single URL that behaves differently in different markets. The single URL can be used globally, streamlining campaigns; users will be automatically directed to the best (most relevant) version of the Page for them. The pages will still have local metrics in addition to global stats, allowing you to monitor the performance of individual markets while maintaining a consistent brand identity.
According to Facebook: “Facebook users will be directed to the best version of a Page based on the country those users are in, enabling them to see localized cover photos, profile photos, Page apps, milestones, “about” information, and news feed stories from Pages – all the while remaining a part of the global brand community.” This results in the best of both worlds, resolving and reconciling all three issues at once.
They continue, “This structure works for brands that historically have managed one single Page with geo-targeted page posts, as well as for brands that have managed multiple, country-specific Pages.”
Socialbakers > Blog >
Facebook just announced “Global Pages”, which resolves three, seemingly mutually exclusive problems international brands have faced using the social network.
The first is local relevance. Brands with a global footprint needed to appeal to a lowest common denominator for their marketing campaigns, generalizing their content for a world audience, losing local relevance and missing local or regional opportunities as a result. The second is brand consistency. To get around the first issue, many brands created localized or region and language-specific pages. This is harder to manage and metric and runs the risk of diluting a brand’s image across markets. The third is split communities. Brands with multiple pages had split communities, defeating the purpose of being a global brand with a global reach.
With “Global Pages”, these issues are resolved by merging local pages with localized material into a single global page, with a single URL that behaves differently in different markets. The single URL can be used globally, streamlining campaigns; users will be automatically directed to the best (most relevant) version of the Page for them. The pages will still have local metrics in addition to global stats, allowing you to monitor the performance of individual markets while maintaining a consistent brand identity.
According to Facebook: “Facebook users will be directed to the best version of a Page based on the country those users are in, enabling them to see localized cover photos, profile photos, Page apps, milestones, “about” information, and news feed stories from Pages – all the while remaining a part of the global brand community.” This results in the best of both worlds, resolving and reconciling all three issues at once.
They continue, “This structure works for brands that historically have managed one single Page with geo-targeted page posts, as well as for brands that have managed multiple, country-specific Pages.”
Third quarter results for Nokia. RIM take note.
This is what happens when you make a good phone, but its too bulky and heavy. Has to be mobile! Better luck to the former number one manufacturer.
The former world number one mobile maker Nokia has announced its Q3 financial results today, reporting yet another quarterly loss — posting an operating loss of €576 million ($754 million). Net sales for the quarter were €7.239 billion ($9.49 billion).
Nokia said sales of its Lumia line of Windows Phone 7-based smartphones decreased quarter-on-quarter to 2.9 million units (down from four million in the previous quarter) — attributing this decline to the looming launch of Windows Phone 8-based devices, due next month.
Total smartphone sales were 6.3 million (down from 10.2 million in the previous quarter). While sales of mobile phones totalled 76.6 million during the quarter, of which 6.5 million were its Asha full touch phones.
The company also noted shrinking cash reserves. Nokia’s net cash fell to €3.6 billion ($4.7 billion) by the end of the quarter, down from €4.2 billion in June.
Commenting on the results, Nokia CEO Stephen Elop said in a statement:
As we expected, Q3 was a difficult quarter in our Devices & Services business; however, we are pleased that we shifted Nokia Group to operating profitability on a non-IFRS basis.
In Q3, we continued to manage through a tough transitional quarter for our smart devices business as we shared the exciting innovation ahead with our new line of Lumia products.
In our mobile phones business, the positive consumer response to our new Asha full touch smartphones translated into strong sales. And in Q3, our mobile phones business delivered a solid quarter with sequential sales growth and improved contribution margin.
In Location & Commerce, we made progress establishing our platform offering with customers like Amazon. This is in line with our plan to expand our location offering to more customers.
And, Nokia Siemens Networks had a remarkable quarter in which we achieved record profitability on a non-IFRS basis and the Nokia Siemens Networks cash balance increased for the fourth quarter in a row.
While we continue to focus on transitioning Nokia, we are determined to carefully manage our financial resources, improve our competitiveness, return our Devices & Services business to positive operating cash flow as quickly as possible, and ultimately provide more value to our shareholders.
Nokia said it expects the fourth quarter to be “challenging”, despite being able to start selling WP8-based Lumias in Q4 — “with a lower-than-normal benefit from seasonality in volumes, primarily due to product transitions and our ramp up plan for our new devices”.
It said it expects its non-IFRS Devices & Services operating margin in Q4 to be approximately negative 6 percent, plus or minus four percentage points.
Commenting on the results, IHS Screen Digest analyst Ian Fogg noted that the WP8 launch timetable will continue to cause Nokia pain in Q4.
“Given the November Windows Phone 8 availability, Nokia’s smartphone results will not see much uplift in 2012. Q4 results will be v tough,” he tweeted.
Fogg also noted how the results highlight Nokia’s failure to drive Windows Phone into the North American market — with just 300,000 handsets shipped in Q3.
While Nokia’s -64 percent year-on-year decline in China — attributed by Nokia to its move away from Symbian — is also equally down to “lack of take up of Windows Phone Lumia devices”, said Fogg.
The former world number one mobile maker Nokia has announced its Q3 financial results today, reporting yet another quarterly loss — posting an operating loss of €576 million ($754 million). Net sales for the quarter were €7.239 billion ($9.49 billion).
Nokia said sales of its Lumia line of Windows Phone 7-based smartphones decreased quarter-on-quarter to 2.9 million units (down from four million in the previous quarter) — attributing this decline to the looming launch of Windows Phone 8-based devices, due next month.
Total smartphone sales were 6.3 million (down from 10.2 million in the previous quarter). While sales of mobile phones totalled 76.6 million during the quarter, of which 6.5 million were its Asha full touch phones.
The company also noted shrinking cash reserves. Nokia’s net cash fell to €3.6 billion ($4.7 billion) by the end of the quarter, down from €4.2 billion in June.
Commenting on the results, Nokia CEO Stephen Elop said in a statement:
As we expected, Q3 was a difficult quarter in our Devices & Services business; however, we are pleased that we shifted Nokia Group to operating profitability on a non-IFRS basis.
In Q3, we continued to manage through a tough transitional quarter for our smart devices business as we shared the exciting innovation ahead with our new line of Lumia products.
In our mobile phones business, the positive consumer response to our new Asha full touch smartphones translated into strong sales. And in Q3, our mobile phones business delivered a solid quarter with sequential sales growth and improved contribution margin.
In Location & Commerce, we made progress establishing our platform offering with customers like Amazon. This is in line with our plan to expand our location offering to more customers.
And, Nokia Siemens Networks had a remarkable quarter in which we achieved record profitability on a non-IFRS basis and the Nokia Siemens Networks cash balance increased for the fourth quarter in a row.
While we continue to focus on transitioning Nokia, we are determined to carefully manage our financial resources, improve our competitiveness, return our Devices & Services business to positive operating cash flow as quickly as possible, and ultimately provide more value to our shareholders.
Nokia said it expects the fourth quarter to be “challenging”, despite being able to start selling WP8-based Lumias in Q4 — “with a lower-than-normal benefit from seasonality in volumes, primarily due to product transitions and our ramp up plan for our new devices”.
It said it expects its non-IFRS Devices & Services operating margin in Q4 to be approximately negative 6 percent, plus or minus four percentage points.
Commenting on the results, IHS Screen Digest analyst Ian Fogg noted that the WP8 launch timetable will continue to cause Nokia pain in Q4.
“Given the November Windows Phone 8 availability, Nokia’s smartphone results will not see much uplift in 2012. Q4 results will be v tough,” he tweeted.
Fogg also noted how the results highlight Nokia’s failure to drive Windows Phone into the North American market — with just 300,000 handsets shipped in Q3.
While Nokia’s -64 percent year-on-year decline in China — attributed by Nokia to its move away from Symbian — is also equally down to “lack of take up of Windows Phone Lumia devices”, said Fogg.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Apple acquired Color Labs? Why?
Color Labs, the photo-and-video-sharing social network that received much criticism over its pre-launch $41 million funding round, is about to be acquired by Apple.
We’ve heard through trusted sources that the startup was nabbed for a price that is in the ‘high double digits’, as in millions, and that the deal is ‘done’, though papers have yet to be signed.
From what we know, founder Bill Nguyen has been away from the office for three months, after a period of intense strain between him and the board.
Some of that has come out in stories so far. But what you may not know is that Nguyen actually designed the first user interface for the Color app. And, even before his relationship with the board soured, he was looking for a way to sell the company. For that, he turned to a previous relationship he had with Apple’s Senior Vice President Internet Software and Services, Eddy Cue.
Nguyen started building prototype apps to show to Cue and to other potential suitors, using the resources of the Color team.
Those apps were then abandoned after he showed them off. An entirely new version of the Color broadcasting app was built and never released. Apparently, the technique worked as the deal is said to net everyone at Color, including investors, a return on the initial funding.
Yes, we know, it seems crazy. But this wouldn’t be Apple’s first time buying one of Nguyen’s startups. They snagged Lala for $80 million in December, 2009.
As to why they’d want Color Labs? We would look to Color’s patents, which may include one for a file format that they were working on to record HD video. Color said that it had six patents pending at the time of its funding, including its ‘elastic’ social graph and patents related to GPS location and battery saving. Or its software engineering team could be the target, if Apple was impressed by their work.
If true, and our sources are very well placed, the acquisition helps end a tumultuous period of Color’s existence. From its launch, Color has undergone some different transformations. First, as an application some would consider to be innovative where the premise was that phones would group photos taken with nearby devices through the app, and now its most recent incarnation where it is focused on sharing videos on Facebook (and recently signed a deal with Verizon).
Many became skeptical over Color’s introduction to the scene when it was announced that investors like Bain Capital Ventures, Silicon Valley Bank, and Sequoia Capital had poured in millions of dollars to this unproven company. It was started by serial entrepreneurs Nguyen and Peter Pham, but quickly unraveled over the next couple of years. Pham left the startup in June 2011 over unknown reasons and went to work at Los Angeles incubator Science.
More conflicting news emerged this week as it was reported that the company was going to shut its doors, something that was quickly refuted.
We’ve reached out to Apple and Color for more information and will update this post if we receive it.
We’ve heard through trusted sources that the startup was nabbed for a price that is in the ‘high double digits’, as in millions, and that the deal is ‘done’, though papers have yet to be signed.
From what we know, founder Bill Nguyen has been away from the office for three months, after a period of intense strain between him and the board.
Some of that has come out in stories so far. But what you may not know is that Nguyen actually designed the first user interface for the Color app. And, even before his relationship with the board soured, he was looking for a way to sell the company. For that, he turned to a previous relationship he had with Apple’s Senior Vice President Internet Software and Services, Eddy Cue.
Nguyen started building prototype apps to show to Cue and to other potential suitors, using the resources of the Color team.
Those apps were then abandoned after he showed them off. An entirely new version of the Color broadcasting app was built and never released. Apparently, the technique worked as the deal is said to net everyone at Color, including investors, a return on the initial funding.
Yes, we know, it seems crazy. But this wouldn’t be Apple’s first time buying one of Nguyen’s startups. They snagged Lala for $80 million in December, 2009.
As to why they’d want Color Labs? We would look to Color’s patents, which may include one for a file format that they were working on to record HD video. Color said that it had six patents pending at the time of its funding, including its ‘elastic’ social graph and patents related to GPS location and battery saving. Or its software engineering team could be the target, if Apple was impressed by their work.
If true, and our sources are very well placed, the acquisition helps end a tumultuous period of Color’s existence. From its launch, Color has undergone some different transformations. First, as an application some would consider to be innovative where the premise was that phones would group photos taken with nearby devices through the app, and now its most recent incarnation where it is focused on sharing videos on Facebook (and recently signed a deal with Verizon).
Many became skeptical over Color’s introduction to the scene when it was announced that investors like Bain Capital Ventures, Silicon Valley Bank, and Sequoia Capital had poured in millions of dollars to this unproven company. It was started by serial entrepreneurs Nguyen and Peter Pham, but quickly unraveled over the next couple of years. Pham left the startup in June 2011 over unknown reasons and went to work at Los Angeles incubator Science.
More conflicting news emerged this week as it was reported that the company was going to shut its doors, something that was quickly refuted.
We’ve reached out to Apple and Color for more information and will update this post if we receive it.
Socware
“Malware on Facebook seems to be hosted and enabled by Facebook itself,” Michalis Faloutsos, a professor of computer science and engineering, said in a statement “It’s a classic parasitic kind of behavior. It is fascinating and sad at the same time.”
All about screen protectors and how to put one on, properly.
How to choose and apply a screen protector, bubble-free
October 17, 2012 | Sharon Vaknin
Find out how to choose the right screen protector, and the key to a bubble-free application.
Through rigorous torture testing, we've learned that not all phones are equipped to stand up against trials of everyday life. OK, so, the Nokia Lumia 900 can take a hammering (literally), but even Gorilla Glass-donning phones are prone to unsavory hairline scratches.
For many people, these scratches are a-OK, but if you plan to sell or trade in your phone in the future, keeping it in tip-top shape is key to getting a good deal.
But screen protectors serve purposes beyond scratch-control -- some act as privacy screens, while other attempt to reduce glare. From buying to applying, follow this guide to getting the most out of your screen protector.
Buying the right screen protector
There are essentially three types of screen protectors, each with their own benefits and quirks. Choosing the right protector is entirely dependent on your needs versus how much you're willing to sacrifice. Let's compare:
Clear. This is the most practical and traditional option. Here, the only purpose of the screen protector is to take the beating of day-to-day life. When shopping, you'll notice that some products include multiple protectors, while others include just one.
If you purchase a pack of two or three protectors, you'll get thin protectors that (when applied properly) are hardly noticeable. They protect your phone against scratches just like other protectors, but will wear over time -- you'll eventually replace your scuffed protector with another one in the pack.
Solo screen protectors are usually a little thicker, and their heavy-duty builds will stand up to scratches for an extended period of time. Some of these products can even be removed and re-applied, should bubbles form.
GreatWhiteGear
Matte. These screen protectors offer the promise of reducing glare while also protecting your device from scratches. Like the clear ones, these protectors also come in packs of one or three, depending on the build.
However, there is one drawback to using an anti-glare protector: distortion. The material used in these matte protectors often produce a rainbow effect and/or a look that can be compared to pixelation. That being said, those who value graphics will have to decide between glare and distortion.
Privacy. Often applied to computers, privacy screen protectors limit the viewing angle of your device, ensuring that only you can view the active screen. These protectors also shield your screen from scratches, but like the matte screens, distortion is apparent.
Privacy screens will make your display appear hazy and video sharing difficult. Forget about gathering friends around your phone for a funny YouTube video -- you'll be the only one laughing.
Applying the screen protector (bubble-free)
There are many methods for applying screen protectors, from the outlandish steam room method to the classic credit-card-and-patience method.
Though many swear by their water or steam-based methods, I recommend against it. Unless the product guide prescribes using such procedures, it's best to keep your new screen protector away from liquids, as minerals in tap water will leave residue between the screen protector and the phone, and the adhesive will deteriorate.
The key to applying a screen protector sans bubbles is patience.
It's also imperative that you apply the protector immediately after purchasing your device,
as even hairline scratches will produce unavoidable bubbles.
The video above shows the step-by-step process, but here's how it's done:
You'll need:
Credit card, club card, gift card, etc.
Microfiber cloth
Screen-cleaning solution (like this homemade one)
Clear tape
Set up your workstation. If you have a clean, non-slip mat, lay it down on your surface to prevent your phone from moving around while you apply the protector.
Finally, clean your hands with soap and water to remove any lotion or dirt.
Using an LCD cleaner and microfiber cloth, clean your screen, removing every last speck of dust. Avoid touching the screen.
Remove the backing from the screen protector, and hold it along the edges.
You may start from the top or bottom of your device, but a good rule of thumb is to start with the end that will require the most precise alignment. (For example, on the iPhone, it would be the home button.) Once you've aligned the protector, adhere it to the screen, following with the credit card to push out any bubbles.
If there are any bubbles apparent, there are two possibilities: your screen is already scratched, or there is a fleck of dust stuck to the protector. If that's the case, use one piece of clear tape to lift the screen protector, and another to remove the dust from the adhesive side. Then, reapply the protector using the method in step 3.
Sharon Vaknin
October 17, 2012 | Sharon Vaknin
Find out how to choose the right screen protector, and the key to a bubble-free application.
Through rigorous torture testing, we've learned that not all phones are equipped to stand up against trials of everyday life. OK, so, the Nokia Lumia 900 can take a hammering (literally), but even Gorilla Glass-donning phones are prone to unsavory hairline scratches.
For many people, these scratches are a-OK, but if you plan to sell or trade in your phone in the future, keeping it in tip-top shape is key to getting a good deal.
But screen protectors serve purposes beyond scratch-control -- some act as privacy screens, while other attempt to reduce glare. From buying to applying, follow this guide to getting the most out of your screen protector.
Buying the right screen protector
There are essentially three types of screen protectors, each with their own benefits and quirks. Choosing the right protector is entirely dependent on your needs versus how much you're willing to sacrifice. Let's compare:
Clear. This is the most practical and traditional option. Here, the only purpose of the screen protector is to take the beating of day-to-day life. When shopping, you'll notice that some products include multiple protectors, while others include just one.
If you purchase a pack of two or three protectors, you'll get thin protectors that (when applied properly) are hardly noticeable. They protect your phone against scratches just like other protectors, but will wear over time -- you'll eventually replace your scuffed protector with another one in the pack.
Solo screen protectors are usually a little thicker, and their heavy-duty builds will stand up to scratches for an extended period of time. Some of these products can even be removed and re-applied, should bubbles form.
GreatWhiteGear
Matte. These screen protectors offer the promise of reducing glare while also protecting your device from scratches. Like the clear ones, these protectors also come in packs of one or three, depending on the build.
However, there is one drawback to using an anti-glare protector: distortion. The material used in these matte protectors often produce a rainbow effect and/or a look that can be compared to pixelation. That being said, those who value graphics will have to decide between glare and distortion.
Privacy. Often applied to computers, privacy screen protectors limit the viewing angle of your device, ensuring that only you can view the active screen. These protectors also shield your screen from scratches, but like the matte screens, distortion is apparent.
Privacy screens will make your display appear hazy and video sharing difficult. Forget about gathering friends around your phone for a funny YouTube video -- you'll be the only one laughing.
Applying the screen protector (bubble-free)
There are many methods for applying screen protectors, from the outlandish steam room method to the classic credit-card-and-patience method.
Though many swear by their water or steam-based methods, I recommend against it. Unless the product guide prescribes using such procedures, it's best to keep your new screen protector away from liquids, as minerals in tap water will leave residue between the screen protector and the phone, and the adhesive will deteriorate.
The key to applying a screen protector sans bubbles is patience.
It's also imperative that you apply the protector immediately after purchasing your device,
as even hairline scratches will produce unavoidable bubbles.
The video above shows the step-by-step process, but here's how it's done:
You'll need:
Credit card, club card, gift card, etc.
Microfiber cloth
Screen-cleaning solution (like this homemade one)
Clear tape
Set up your workstation. If you have a clean, non-slip mat, lay it down on your surface to prevent your phone from moving around while you apply the protector.
Finally, clean your hands with soap and water to remove any lotion or dirt.
Using an LCD cleaner and microfiber cloth, clean your screen, removing every last speck of dust. Avoid touching the screen.
Remove the backing from the screen protector, and hold it along the edges.
You may start from the top or bottom of your device, but a good rule of thumb is to start with the end that will require the most precise alignment. (For example, on the iPhone, it would be the home button.) Once you've aligned the protector, adhere it to the screen, following with the credit card to push out any bubbles.
If there are any bubbles apparent, there are two possibilities: your screen is already scratched, or there is a fleck of dust stuck to the protector. If that's the case, use one piece of clear tape to lift the screen protector, and another to remove the dust from the adhesive side. Then, reapply the protector using the method in step 3.
Sharon Vaknin
iPhone 5 already passing other Os's despite short time on market.
iPhone dominates smartphone Web traffic with 46% share, report says
By Mikey Campbell
Apple's iPhone lineup accounts for nearly half of all internet traffic generated by smartphones in the U.S. and Canada, beating out the market share of next-closest competitor Samsung by over 30 percent, according to research provided by ad network Chitika.
Source: Chitika
In an update to its report last week, Chitika Insights found that Apple's iPhone accounted for 46 percent of North American smartphone based internet traffic, with the new iPhone 5's 3 percent share representing more than that of BlackBerry and Windows Phone combined.
On Friday, the ad network's research arm released data pitting Web traffic generated by the iPhone 5 against that of Samsung's Galaxy S III, finding that Apple's newest handset passed the Korean company's flagship device after being available for only three weeks.
Wednesday's update digs deeper into Chitika's ad impression data to put the iPhone and Galaxy S III numbers in context, breaking down Web use by device manufacturer.
As mentioned, iPhone 5 accounts for 3 percent of all smartphone Web traffic, compared to the 2 percent seen from the Galaxy S III. Apple's other iPhone models, like last year's iPhone 4S and legacy handsets, took 43 percent of traffic, followed by "other smartphone" makers including RIM and Nokia. Samsung claimed second place with a 15 percent share, excluding the Galaxy S III.
Going further, Chitika's Internet Access Platform Tracker shows that iOS accounts for 48.67 percent of all mobile traffic in the U.S. and Canada, while Android trails with a 48.27 percent share despite owning 52.2 percent of the smartphone market.
By Mikey Campbell
Apple's iPhone lineup accounts for nearly half of all internet traffic generated by smartphones in the U.S. and Canada, beating out the market share of next-closest competitor Samsung by over 30 percent, according to research provided by ad network Chitika.
Source: Chitika
In an update to its report last week, Chitika Insights found that Apple's iPhone accounted for 46 percent of North American smartphone based internet traffic, with the new iPhone 5's 3 percent share representing more than that of BlackBerry and Windows Phone combined.
On Friday, the ad network's research arm released data pitting Web traffic generated by the iPhone 5 against that of Samsung's Galaxy S III, finding that Apple's newest handset passed the Korean company's flagship device after being available for only three weeks.
Wednesday's update digs deeper into Chitika's ad impression data to put the iPhone and Galaxy S III numbers in context, breaking down Web use by device manufacturer.
As mentioned, iPhone 5 accounts for 3 percent of all smartphone Web traffic, compared to the 2 percent seen from the Galaxy S III. Apple's other iPhone models, like last year's iPhone 4S and legacy handsets, took 43 percent of traffic, followed by "other smartphone" makers including RIM and Nokia. Samsung claimed second place with a 15 percent share, excluding the Galaxy S III.
Going further, Chitika's Internet Access Platform Tracker shows that iOS accounts for 48.67 percent of all mobile traffic in the U.S. and Canada, while Android trails with a 48.27 percent share despite owning 52.2 percent of the smartphone market.
Spartan or micro? Which would you prefer
Me thinks it depends on where you live. Big city center equals micro for a new home investor. Is it practical?
Tiny homes pose a dilemma: How can you make a pocket-size space comfortable and stylish?
The issue has special relevance in San Francisco right now, as the Board of Supervisors gears up for a November 2012 vote on a proposal to allow the construction of microunits as small as 220 square feet.
Small-space living can be an economical choice, but it’s also a lifestyle choice, says Felice Cohen, who has lived in a 90-square-foot apartment in Manhattan for almost five years. “If you adjust your thinking on what is ‘enough,’ you’ll find that you’ll enjoy having the city as your backyard,” she says.
Here, professionals share strategies on how you can live a full life in the tiniest of spaces.
More: How Downsizing Can Make You Happier at Home
Look for Opportunities to Customize
JPDA Creative Director Darrick Borowski applauds density and supports living on a smaller footprint. “I don’t think the microunits necessarily have to equate to a reduction of living standards,” he says. “It can certainly lead to that, but it doesn’t have to.
Although the skeptic in me is concerned how these units will benefit landowners and people with money, another part of me looks at this as an opportunity to create small homes that are bespoke and reflect the way people are living in cities like San Francisco.”
Borowski points to Michael Pozner’s studio, here, as a great example of a space with hardworking multiuse and disappearing furnishings. “His desk space determined so much of the design around it and really reflected the client’s needs,” he says. “He worked there, had meetings there, but its professional function could also disappear, and the space could turn into an entertainment center, a bar for food and drinks.”
These graphics illustrate how Borowski might custom design a 220-square-foot microunit for a client. “We distill our clients’ basic functions — the eat, sleep, cook, entertaining graph — into a clear priority set and turn the priorities into space requirements — the second/middle graph,” he says. “The third graph investigates the overlaps and inevitably informs the design.”
Borowski thinks that what’s not shown on the plan is equally important: public or communal space.
“The microunits should include a public or communal space allotment,” he says. “For example, they could be in buildings with an interior courtyard or a garden. [The city of San Francisco] can make this work and enable people to really wrap their heads around living in 220 square feet by building units within a three- to five-minute walk to a park.”
Felice Cohen, who has since moved from her 90-square-foot unit (this photo) into a 500-square-foot apartment just two blocks away from her old home, thinks that microunits and tiny homes in general enable people like herself to achieve their goals.
“Microunit living can actually contribute to a better quality of life if your quality of life isn’t rooted in what’s inside your apartment, and if you know that you won’t be in the space forever. The city was and still is my backyard: I go to shows and meet friends at restaurants instead of staying at home watching TV on the couch,” she says.
Cohen is quick to point out that there isn’t anything wrong with staying home and watching TV, but that microunit living forced her to “find a reason to get up and go,” she says.
Tiny homes pose a dilemma: How can you make a pocket-size space comfortable and stylish?
The issue has special relevance in San Francisco right now, as the Board of Supervisors gears up for a November 2012 vote on a proposal to allow the construction of microunits as small as 220 square feet.
Small-space living can be an economical choice, but it’s also a lifestyle choice, says Felice Cohen, who has lived in a 90-square-foot apartment in Manhattan for almost five years. “If you adjust your thinking on what is ‘enough,’ you’ll find that you’ll enjoy having the city as your backyard,” she says.
Here, professionals share strategies on how you can live a full life in the tiniest of spaces.
More: How Downsizing Can Make You Happier at Home
Look for Opportunities to Customize
JPDA Creative Director Darrick Borowski applauds density and supports living on a smaller footprint. “I don’t think the microunits necessarily have to equate to a reduction of living standards,” he says. “It can certainly lead to that, but it doesn’t have to.
Although the skeptic in me is concerned how these units will benefit landowners and people with money, another part of me looks at this as an opportunity to create small homes that are bespoke and reflect the way people are living in cities like San Francisco.”
Borowski points to Michael Pozner’s studio, here, as a great example of a space with hardworking multiuse and disappearing furnishings. “His desk space determined so much of the design around it and really reflected the client’s needs,” he says. “He worked there, had meetings there, but its professional function could also disappear, and the space could turn into an entertainment center, a bar for food and drinks.”
These graphics illustrate how Borowski might custom design a 220-square-foot microunit for a client. “We distill our clients’ basic functions — the eat, sleep, cook, entertaining graph — into a clear priority set and turn the priorities into space requirements — the second/middle graph,” he says. “The third graph investigates the overlaps and inevitably informs the design.”
Borowski thinks that what’s not shown on the plan is equally important: public or communal space.
“The microunits should include a public or communal space allotment,” he says. “For example, they could be in buildings with an interior courtyard or a garden. [The city of San Francisco] can make this work and enable people to really wrap their heads around living in 220 square feet by building units within a three- to five-minute walk to a park.”
Felice Cohen, who has since moved from her 90-square-foot unit (this photo) into a 500-square-foot apartment just two blocks away from her old home, thinks that microunits and tiny homes in general enable people like herself to achieve their goals.
“Microunit living can actually contribute to a better quality of life if your quality of life isn’t rooted in what’s inside your apartment, and if you know that you won’t be in the space forever. The city was and still is my backyard: I go to shows and meet friends at restaurants instead of staying at home watching TV on the couch,” she says.
Cohen is quick to point out that there isn’t anything wrong with staying home and watching TV, but that microunit living forced her to “find a reason to get up and go,” she says.
Is it about style, or do some people value true versatility?
The day had finally arrived: My two-year cell phone contract was up, and I could finally ditch my BlackBerry. It also happened to coincide with the release of the Samsung Galaxy S II, the first Android that reviewers said could compete with the iPhone. I gleefully took the plunge. Like those ashamed BlackBerry users profiled in yesterday's New York Times, I was sick of the "mockery and derision" directed at the last remaining holdouts, and was excited for all the possibilities of my new Android.
Two months later, I switched back to my BlackBerry.
The primary reason I went back is the physical keyboard. I always had trouble using a touchpad to type when I would borrow friends' iPhones or Androids, but foolishly believed their assurances that "It get's easier" and "You'll get used to it in a few days." It didn't.
On my BlackBerry, I could easily write entire articles (which I often had to do on the road as a Middle East correspondent). On my Samsung, I struggled to write a standard email. I found myself waiting until I got back home to my laptop to type anything that was more than a sentence or two. Downloading a SWYPE keyboard (which is weirdly lacking on iPhones) improved things significantly, but I still had to pause in between each word, which made typing on a touchpad remain an awkward and frustrating experience.
The other dealbreaker for me is the horrible battery life. On my BlackBerry, I could go two days without recharging. On my Samsung, I was lucky to get to dinner without a recharge -- and on busy days, I often needed to recharge twice. (I hear similar complaints from honest iPhone users.) And I was not a heavy user, most days averaging a few short phone calls and a few emails. I resorted to carrying both a charger and a spare battery around with me. This is not acceptable for a smartphone in 2012. I don't care how fancy a phone is -- if it can't make it through the day without a recharge, it's not worth it.
A related complaint is that, while Android does have a setting for "push email" -- meaning that emails get delivered to my phone in real time, rather than checking for new emails every few minutes -- it is a huge battery drain. One of the main reasons I have a smartphone is so that I can get emails immediately. I shouldn't have to choose between push email and battery life.
One of the vaunted advantages of Androids is that the open-source software allows develops to correct flaws or weak programming in the system. For example, I hated that my Android played a loud jingle whenever it booted up -- so thankfully I found an app that disabled the sound for that.
But there is not an app for everything. I could not find an app to turn off the sound when I shut down, or get rid of the boot up animation altogether. Yes, you can always "root" your phone (an operation that seems to crack open the entire operating system to hacking), which seems to vastly increase the number of ways you can tweak your phone. But it is pretty complicated to do for an average user like me, and also invalidates the phone's warranty.
There are other minor annoyances that, independently, would be tolerable, but do add up to considerable limitations. For example, the alarm clock does not work if the phone is off. I turn my phone off at night, so that made the alarm clock useless. (In the interim before I switched back to my BlackBerry, I actually used my BlackBerry as alarm clock for this reason.) And no, I couldn't find an app for that.
I also found the lack of external LED light to be surprisingly inconvenient. I had to turn on my screen every time I wanted to see if I had an email -- as opposed to the BlackBerry, that has a red blinking light I could see from the top of my pocket. I did find an app that simulated this feature by making colored squares appear on the screen whenever I had an email or a text message. But that was far less useful than the BlackBerry light -- and, yet again, became such a battery drain that I had to disable it.
Another key feature of the BlackBerry for me is the international data plan, which I have yet to find for any other smart phone. T-Mobile offers a $20/month add-on for unlimited emails overseas, only for BlackBerries, which is a lifesaver for someone who travels as much as I do. With my Android, I was stuck paying criminally expensive roaming charges for even minimal international email usage. For a while, I would use my Android at home and move my SIM card to my BlackBerry for when I traveled; after one such trip, I was too busy to switch back to my Android -- and after a few days, realized that I didn't even want to.
The saving grace of the Android is supposed to be the apps. That was what compelled me to stick with my Android for as long as I did. But when I looked through all my Android apps, I realized that almost all the ones I used with any frequency (such as Pandora, Our Groceries, Zipcar, Google Maps, and Twitter) all had BlackBerry versions -- and for some, the BlackBerry version were even better (such as the NextBus app).
To be sure, some BlackBerry apps are pretty weak (like Evernote, which doesn't allow you to edit notes, only view them). And some of my most used apps don't exist for BlackBerry (like Pocket, Instagram, or a Car2Go locator). But the majority of those apps I downloaded on my Android I have barely used more than once or twice.
With all that said, the decline of BlackBerry will become a self-fulfilling prophesy. As more users flock to iPhones and Androids, fewer new apps will become available on the BlackBerry. Eventually, the gap in availability will become a significant drawback for the BlackBerry. When that time comes, I will reluctantly dust off the Galaxy S II sitting on my shelf (not to mention the extra batteries and travel charger). But until then, I will remain a proudly uncool BlackBerry user.
Two months later, I switched back to my BlackBerry.
The primary reason I went back is the physical keyboard. I always had trouble using a touchpad to type when I would borrow friends' iPhones or Androids, but foolishly believed their assurances that "It get's easier" and "You'll get used to it in a few days." It didn't.
On my BlackBerry, I could easily write entire articles (which I often had to do on the road as a Middle East correspondent). On my Samsung, I struggled to write a standard email. I found myself waiting until I got back home to my laptop to type anything that was more than a sentence or two. Downloading a SWYPE keyboard (which is weirdly lacking on iPhones) improved things significantly, but I still had to pause in between each word, which made typing on a touchpad remain an awkward and frustrating experience.
The other dealbreaker for me is the horrible battery life. On my BlackBerry, I could go two days without recharging. On my Samsung, I was lucky to get to dinner without a recharge -- and on busy days, I often needed to recharge twice. (I hear similar complaints from honest iPhone users.) And I was not a heavy user, most days averaging a few short phone calls and a few emails. I resorted to carrying both a charger and a spare battery around with me. This is not acceptable for a smartphone in 2012. I don't care how fancy a phone is -- if it can't make it through the day without a recharge, it's not worth it.
A related complaint is that, while Android does have a setting for "push email" -- meaning that emails get delivered to my phone in real time, rather than checking for new emails every few minutes -- it is a huge battery drain. One of the main reasons I have a smartphone is so that I can get emails immediately. I shouldn't have to choose between push email and battery life.
One of the vaunted advantages of Androids is that the open-source software allows develops to correct flaws or weak programming in the system. For example, I hated that my Android played a loud jingle whenever it booted up -- so thankfully I found an app that disabled the sound for that.
But there is not an app for everything. I could not find an app to turn off the sound when I shut down, or get rid of the boot up animation altogether. Yes, you can always "root" your phone (an operation that seems to crack open the entire operating system to hacking), which seems to vastly increase the number of ways you can tweak your phone. But it is pretty complicated to do for an average user like me, and also invalidates the phone's warranty.
There are other minor annoyances that, independently, would be tolerable, but do add up to considerable limitations. For example, the alarm clock does not work if the phone is off. I turn my phone off at night, so that made the alarm clock useless. (In the interim before I switched back to my BlackBerry, I actually used my BlackBerry as alarm clock for this reason.) And no, I couldn't find an app for that.
I also found the lack of external LED light to be surprisingly inconvenient. I had to turn on my screen every time I wanted to see if I had an email -- as opposed to the BlackBerry, that has a red blinking light I could see from the top of my pocket. I did find an app that simulated this feature by making colored squares appear on the screen whenever I had an email or a text message. But that was far less useful than the BlackBerry light -- and, yet again, became such a battery drain that I had to disable it.
Another key feature of the BlackBerry for me is the international data plan, which I have yet to find for any other smart phone. T-Mobile offers a $20/month add-on for unlimited emails overseas, only for BlackBerries, which is a lifesaver for someone who travels as much as I do. With my Android, I was stuck paying criminally expensive roaming charges for even minimal international email usage. For a while, I would use my Android at home and move my SIM card to my BlackBerry for when I traveled; after one such trip, I was too busy to switch back to my Android -- and after a few days, realized that I didn't even want to.
The saving grace of the Android is supposed to be the apps. That was what compelled me to stick with my Android for as long as I did. But when I looked through all my Android apps, I realized that almost all the ones I used with any frequency (such as Pandora, Our Groceries, Zipcar, Google Maps, and Twitter) all had BlackBerry versions -- and for some, the BlackBerry version were even better (such as the NextBus app).
To be sure, some BlackBerry apps are pretty weak (like Evernote, which doesn't allow you to edit notes, only view them). And some of my most used apps don't exist for BlackBerry (like Pocket, Instagram, or a Car2Go locator). But the majority of those apps I downloaded on my Android I have barely used more than once or twice.
With all that said, the decline of BlackBerry will become a self-fulfilling prophesy. As more users flock to iPhones and Androids, fewer new apps will become available on the BlackBerry. Eventually, the gap in availability will become a significant drawback for the BlackBerry. When that time comes, I will reluctantly dust off the Galaxy S II sitting on my shelf (not to mention the extra batteries and travel charger). But until then, I will remain a proudly uncool BlackBerry user.
FB reaches for new heights. More apps or more ads?
Two months into testing a program for promoting sponsored applications in Facebook’s iOS and Android applications, the social network has opened the service to all developers.
Now officially titled “mobile app install ads,” the units allow application makers to buy prominent exposure for their apps in the mobile News Feed.
The ads appear in the stream with a subtle “sponsored” label (as pictured right), and allow Facebook members to click through to Apple’s App Store or the Google Play marketplace to purchase or download a promoted app.
“With these new ads, mobile apps and games of all sizes across any category can reach the right audience, at scale,” Facebook engineer Vijaye Raji wrote in a blog post Wednesday. “TinyCo saw 50% higher CTRs and significantly higher conversion rates compared to their current mobile channels, as well as a significant increase in player engagement.”
Raji said other beta partners such as Kabam, Fab, Big Fish, and Nanigans also experienced higher engagement rates and better reach to more relevant users.
Now that the units are openly available, they will either allow the social network to address its mobile monetization issues or alienate members who’ve not yet noticed a stream of ads cluttering their mobile News Feeds. The task at hand is especially important now that nearly 20 percent of Facebook’s mobile users skip the website altogether. Facebook has 600 million monthly active mobile users.
Facebook today also promised developers substantial improvements to the ad units in the coming months. The ability for end users to install apps without leaving Facebook’s app, the option to customize the ad based on audience type, and the choice to show ads to people who have not installed an app were all cited as examples.
Now officially titled “mobile app install ads,” the units allow application makers to buy prominent exposure for their apps in the mobile News Feed.
The ads appear in the stream with a subtle “sponsored” label (as pictured right), and allow Facebook members to click through to Apple’s App Store or the Google Play marketplace to purchase or download a promoted app.
“With these new ads, mobile apps and games of all sizes across any category can reach the right audience, at scale,” Facebook engineer Vijaye Raji wrote in a blog post Wednesday. “TinyCo saw 50% higher CTRs and significantly higher conversion rates compared to their current mobile channels, as well as a significant increase in player engagement.”
Raji said other beta partners such as Kabam, Fab, Big Fish, and Nanigans also experienced higher engagement rates and better reach to more relevant users.
Now that the units are openly available, they will either allow the social network to address its mobile monetization issues or alienate members who’ve not yet noticed a stream of ads cluttering their mobile News Feeds. The task at hand is especially important now that nearly 20 percent of Facebook’s mobile users skip the website altogether. Facebook has 600 million monthly active mobile users.
Facebook today also promised developers substantial improvements to the ad units in the coming months. The ability for end users to install apps without leaving Facebook’s app, the option to customize the ad based on audience type, and the choice to show ads to people who have not installed an app were all cited as examples.
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