Nintendo Bets Big on Social DS System

Nintendo has been notorious for providing innovative and fun ways to approach video games.  Their latest product, set to release globally in March of 2011, is the Nintendo 3DS.  The 3DS expands upon its predecessors and has implemented numerous new features.  The first, as evident by the name, is a 3D feature.  What's unique about the 3D within the 3DS is that it requires no glasses.  Similar to the 3D televisions recently released at electronics conventions, the 3DS utilizes a dual projection technology that makes images on the screen appear to be 3D.  Additionally, the 3DS utilizes a new communications tool by providing gamers to talk to one another, write messages, and locate members locally and globally via the internet.  While the idea isn't brand new, Nintendo has shown that simple ideas and innovative concepts can create addicting products.

The Nintendo DS also leaves plenty of room for innovation.  As of now, access to the internet is based upon Wi-Fi hotspots.  Nintendo has not set plans for establishing a 3G connection with the 3DS yet has not closed that window entirely.  While hotspots work generally in populated areas, less populated areas may not be attracted to the device due to the lack of consistent hotspots.  The importance of hotspots to the 3DS' platform is that Nintendo is hoping customers will be persuaded to carry their 3DS wherever they go.  Nintendo indicates that a player could be walking down the street, reading the news on the 3DS, when an notification comes up that a player has "crossed paths" with the player.  The player can then choose to engage or ignore the player, which provides numerous opportunities for gaming and interactions with people around the world.  Of course, Nintendo ensures that this option is entirely optional and can be turned off in order to ensure privacy. 

Many companies have recently made pledges to creating games and products for the Nintendo 3DS due to its innovative capabilities.  Nintendo is hoping to cut into Apple's iPhone and Google's Android gaming market.  Since the 3DS operates with 1 touch screen, this makes it very possible to engage these markets.  One thing that's not confirmed is an "applications" market, or more specifically, some sort of market that allows small, downloadable games.  The importance of this is that many iPhone and Android users purchase games for quick time-killers.  The Nintendo 3DS consists of games that generally, but not always, require a fair amount of time.  Whether customers are looking for something to kill the time or a truly engaging touch experience is unknown.  Nintendo will find out next March.


Cite:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704361504575552052178193756.html?mod=WSJ_Tech_LEFTTopNews

Sprint Posts Loss, but Adds Customers

Today Sprint Nextel Corp. posted a larger 3rd quarter loss but added the most customers in the past 4 years. Sprint is the nations 3rd largest wireless carrier and added approximately 644,000 new customer to its network in its second straight quarter of substatial growth. Sprint shares fell 9.5% to $4.31 in recent trading, but Sprint looks forward to its prospected turnaround reliant on its advanced 4G services.

The timeliness of this comeback however is greatly dependent on Clearwire Corp. Sprint holds a 54 percent stake in Clearwire and is a wholesale customer of the mobile WiMAX operator. Sprint is pushing its 4G-compatible Evo and Epic smartphones as an advantage over its larger rivals. But that advantage is to be short-lived as Verizon Wireless is set to develop its own 4G network in 38 cities by the end of the year, and not to mention add the iPhone to its already prevailing phone selection.

Clearwire is crucial to Sprint’s success because it is the backbone of the companies 4G network. Presently Clearwire is in some financial trouble injuring Sprint’s 4G master plan. Sprint is considering financing the company even further but it is still unsure. Sprint is optimistic as they continue to expect more customer growth in the 4th quarter.

Source; http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304173704575577893941805792.html?mod=WSJ_Tech_LEFTTopNews

Apple Launches Online Store in China

Apple Incorporation has opened an online store in China, along with a simplified-Chinese version of its App Store. This enables the Chinese costumers to an easy access of Apple products (iPad, iPhone, computers). Before, an online purchase had to be picked up in one of the Apple stores, where as now the products can be shipped in a matter of days. However, Apple will not be the only company to expand in China, but the Taiwanese smartphone maker HTV Corporation will as well.

Considering China is the world’s largest mobile market and second largest computer market, Apple is planning to expand their market in China by opening 25 Apple Stores by 2011. Apple is also trying to launch new products as soon as possible for this reason.

Apple was ranked fifth in the smartphone market in China with 7.1%. Therefore this move will probably increase their selling in the area and beat other companies. However, this step has a disadvantage since e-commerce in China since the costumers are required to have dual-currency credit in order to make purchases. This harms the App Store because many seek for other alternatives such as hacking their phones or using fake identities, which harms the market.

Considering the issues of the action are minor and can be taken care of, Apple is on top of all other companies. One more time Apple is seeking to satisfy the public with their products and services, and this time in the most popular smartphone market. If Chinese costumers start buying through this service, it is very likely Apple will overtake popularity in China and will increase their wholesale.

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Apple-Launches-Online-Store-bw-3623989688.html?x=0&.v=1

Google's Expansion Creating Enemies in Online Traveling

Besides being known as a powerful search engine, Google Inc. branched from Internet and broadband to the mobile industry and now wants to grasp traveling. Announcing this, Google Inc. created enemies, as numerous online travel companies created a coalition called Fair Search.org in hopes of persuading the Justice Department to forbid Google’s deal. FairSearch.org was formed by the partnership of Expedia Inc., Kayak.com, Sabre Holdings and Farelogix Inc; the leading companies in the online traveling.

Google Inc. wants to purchase the ITA Software Inc, the $700 million. ITA Software is fundamental because it is the leading informer about flights data. By allowing this deal to be conducted, Google will have total control over the travel sector. Not surprisingly, Microsoft Corp. also opposes the transaction saying that their search engine Bing relies on ITA for its travel searches. By allowing Google to purchase it, Bing will be hurt drastically because Google Inc. can set limitations on travel data since it would own ITA.

Statistically, ITA owns 65% of direct online information. ITA software helps online booking as well as comparing different online travel agencies for best prices. Google, on the other hand, without buying the ITA’s software already owns more than 30% of all search engines for those sites. Is FairSearch.org than right to rally against the deal? By concurring the deal, Google would then own 95% completely owning the industry once again. If the deal does occur or not, what will Google try to branch out to next?

Cite Source:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304248704575574710753536950.html?mod=ITP_marketplace_0#ixzz13Ue9mllh

Glasses free 3D TV unlikely soon

At a recent electronics conference, Samsung revealed a glasses free 3D TV that astounded many consumers.  3D has been making its way into consumer products as shown by the Nintendo 3DS which is showing signs of an up and coming market for various telecommunications products.  Unfortunately, Samsung indicated that this type of product won't be available to consumers for another 5-10 years.  This is due to high manufacturing prices that would prevent it from being mass-produced.  What I find interesting about this article is the hints towards the importance of the next 5-10 years.

As 3D begins to make its way to smaller products such as cell phones and hand held devices, a "testing phase" of 3D is beginning.  The next couple of years will determine the success and implications of 3D on telecommunication products.  How customers react to these products could shape the role 3D plays in larger companies.  While visually appealing, there are still numerous problems that exist with 3D, specifically, the "zone of vision" one must be within in order to see the full effect of the 3D capabilities.  The transition towards 3D could also affect industries that focus on HD, LCD, LED, etc. forms of projecting images.  While many of these issues are extremely predictive, they may become real issues as the years progress.

N8 Nokia beat the Apple iPhone?

Nokia Corp is one of the world large mobile industries. This following May it will introduce the new N8 smart phone. The N8 costs $549 and is said to tighten the competition between them and the iPhone. Over the past three years Nokia has been doing horrible in the United States. They lost over 70% of their market value due to their misinterpretation in market trends.

One thing that made Nokia loose its popularity is that they said consumers can pre-order from they home website yet they couldn’t distribute all of them, creating a bad image. Due to this Nokia profit fell from $289.8 million by June 30. However, their quarterly sales rose to €10 billion from €9.91 billion

What is interesting to note is that Nokia Corp is envisioning that the N8 will bring up their sales and catch up with iPhone. Does anybody really believe that?

Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703960004575481912022035740.html

Sony to Start Sales of Google TVs

Sony Corporation will now sell televisions with Google Incorporation’s Web-surfing, a combination of access to the Internet with regular TV programming. LCD screens from 24 to 26 inches will be available at a very considerate price, from $600 to $1400. The purchasing of the new product will be available through the online Sony website and in Best Buy stores as well.

Sony’s prices exceed other prices by $200 to $400 because they include the new software. This worries the company the consumers will not purchase their TV. However I believe the public will consider their offering as well since those extra bills are there for a reason, the advantage of having access to Internet and a TV at the same time. Sony is taking advantage to launch Google TV sets in the holiday shopping season in order to sell more. This demonstrates certain fear from part of the company and shares a negative suspicion on the public. Personally, I feel some fear from the company and this lowers my intentions of purchasing the product rather than wanting to buy it.

The article says, “ Sony’s new TVs will be built on Google’s Android operating system, will navigate websites with Google’s Chrome browser and rely on Intel Corp.’s Atom chips for processing power.” I would say this is the competition of Apple TV, whereas working with a company (Google) that is growing with a lot of power and rapidly, is a good move from Sony Corporation.

This new innovation will certainly attract the public’s attention since technology like this is what consumes the most. Being able to watch TV and search anything in the Internet without having to use the TV and the computer will be a “must” in some time considering people are looking for what facilitates them the most. The new Google TV includes a keyboard in order to perform ‘computer work’ in a television.

Source:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703440004575548700586708336.html?mod=WSJ_Tech_LEFTTopNews

Microsoft Redials Phone Pursuit

Recently Microsoft has just launched its company into the chockfull smartphone market. The last time Microsoft had attempted such a move it failed miserably with the “Kin”. This smartphone market is already over powered by phones such as the powerhouse iPhone and the increasingly popular Droid, so if Microsoft plans to be affective this Windows 7 phone better have some amazing features and abilities.

Microsoft has been an international technology corporation specializing in software. Learning from past mistakes with producing the Kin themselves and it failing miserably, the corporation altered the supply chain a little. Now they are sticking to their strengths producing the actual software and allowing other specialized phone producers such as Nokia, HTC, and Samsung to design the hardware of the product. The brainstorming of the software is done multinational as well as domestically. But the actual construction of the product is done in foreign countries to the likes of China and Japan which has drastically lowered production costs.

Although Microsoft is spending over 100 million in an extensive advertising campaign it is going to be tough to enter this kind of market and actually make a lasting impression. A lot of details on the phones are still being figured out but the main focus of the Windows 7 Phone line is to make everything simpler for multitasking and life in general. A certain feature being a camera button on every phone that can snap a photo on demand without the hassle of unlocking the phone and loading it. These phones are to be available early next year on networks such as Sprint and AT&T.

Sources:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703794104575545923610076124.html?mod=WSJ_Tech_LEFTTopNews
http://gigaom.com/2010/10/12/5-ways-windows-phone-7-could-bite-into-android/?utm_source=webworkerdaily&utm_medium=specialtopics
http://www.onlykent.com/20101013/htc-7-pro-windows-phone-7-specs-and-release-date/

Verizon vs. AT&T - The iPhone Battle

As the iPhone finally expands to its second carrier, Verizon, various differences between the networks have emerged.  On the first level, network quality is an important issue for many consumers.  Over the years there have been numerous complaints that iPhones using AT&T's service have experienced dropped calls.  This is primarily due to AT&T's lack of comprehensive network penetration throughout the United States.  Areas such as San Francisco have experienced high levels of dropped calls which has propelled the desire for the iPhone to expand to another network such as Verizon.

While Verizon will probably provide better service than AT&T, there are various structural "issues" that have emerged with Verizon's iPhone.  AT&T iPhones run on a standard called Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) while Verizon's iPhones will run on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA).  The primary difference between these two standards is the ability to multitask.  Verizon customers cannot currently browse the internet or send emails while talking on the phone.  AT&T has capitalized on this ability with their iPhones, especially with the release of the 3G iPhone and operating system, and claim that the ability to multitask is a prerequisite to many consumers purchasing iPhones.

Verizon has downplayed the importance of UMTS and multitasking claiming that multitasking isn't an important factor in purchasing an iPhone.  Another important difference between UMTS and CDMA is the access to CDMA.  CDMA is primarily a service used within the United States.  This means that consumers that want to use their phone in Europe or Asia may find problems attaining service.  This may force Verizon to create partnerships with foreign telecommunications companies which could be a costly endeavor.  Additionally, studies have shown that CDMA consumers energy faster than UMTS which substantially decreases the battery life.

In the end, both companies have different interpretations on what the market is looking for in the iPhone.  AT&T argues that while service is important, the functions of the phone outweigh the mediocre service.  Verizon on the other hand argue that the service is the primary reasons customers are attracted to the iPhone as opposed to the ability to multitask.  If Verizon ends up being right, this could potentially destabilize a major source of income for AT&T.  The iPhone is one of the major headlining products for AT&T.  An emerging competitor from Verizon could potentially prove to be a threat to AT&T's consumer base.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704657304575540072333071694.html?mod=WSJ_Tech_LEFTTopNews

Cisco vs Logitech - Who's Phone TV Would You Choose?

Cisco and Logitech are two companies selling an identical product: a TV that could now be used as a phone. Cisco claims it would allow video chats through HD TV. The package deal is: a remote control, a camera and a set-top box. The image displayed above is an example of a Cisco package (minus the TV). This package deal will cost $599 including a $24.99 monthly subscription fee. It will be available to purchase November 14. Is it that really a good bargain?

Logitech on the other hand, calls its “TV/phone” a Revue set-top box for Google. This software will allow consumers to navigate the Internet through their TV. The Revue top-box will cost $299.99 device. A $149.99 camera must be purchased for making video calls. Yet their bonus offering is that they will not charge a monthly service. This product will be on the market earlier than Cisco, by the end of October. On that note, is a consumer going to wait and pay $600 plus a $25 monthly fee (Cisco’s deal) or $450 (Logitech’s deal) in total?

Not only are the devices expensive, but the consumers also have to have a high broad Internet connection in order to really have a HD of the people they are video chatting with. Mr. De Beer argues however, that around 31 million US households already have the right internet broad connection and that in a couple of years, the number of households will double. Do both companies really believe people will buy these products? My roommate and I bought a cable that connects our laptop to the TV so we can watch movies full screen (and are already HD if viewed from Hulu, for example). I can just use the cable see my parents full on our TV when I Skype them. Not only do I not pay a monthly fee, but I already have an integrated camera as well. What does Cisco or Logitech have to offer me now?

Source of Picture and Article:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703735804575536072370578924.html?KEYWORDS=telecommunications#articleTabs%3Darticle

Apple Making Verizon-Ready iPhone by Year End

Apple Inc. has recently started producing a CDMA capable iPhone, which is a different kind of wireless technology used by Verizon Wireless. Verizon is the largest U.S. mobile-phone company and will start selling Apple Inc.’s iPhone next year. This put an end to AT&T Inc.’s monopoly on the dominant smartphone in the U.S. This new CDMA compatible iPhone device is rumored to be offered to customers in January.

This iPhone will be very similar to the iPhone 4g in that the look is the same. Actually the only main difference in the phone will be a chip inside that allows the phone to run on a separate network. Furthermore there are continued rumors about Apple Inc. producing an even newer iPhone model but details on this are still unclear.

If this is to show anything it is that Apple Inc. perhaps for once is on the defensive side of things and is now reaching out for new consumers. Maybe other smartphones such as the Droid by Google, which is also offered by Verizon, is becoming more popular because of AT&T’s unconvincing service. This could also cause a huge shift in consumer’s alliance with AT&T because they have always had the exclusive iPhone and now that another competitor is offering it AT&T could possibly see a huge change in its customers starting in the next quarter.

Sources:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703735804575536191649347572.html?mod=WSJ_Tech_LEADTop#articleTabs%3Darticle
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-06-29/verizon-wireless-said-to-start-offering-iphone-ending-at-t-s-exclusivity.html

Windows Phone 7 Won't Move Microsoft Stock

Microsoft Corporation has recently announced the launching of a brand new product, the Windows Phone 7. This is a renovated version of its mobile phone operating system. Microsoft will receive market support from AT&T, which will be the “official” US Company to sell the product.

Microsoft Corporation has been falling in the smartphone area this past year; “falling to 5% in the second quarter of 2010 from 9.3% a year ago”. Since Microsoft’s main competitor, Apple Incorporation, launched the iPhone; they have faced certain fall in their profits concerning the smartphone area. They also had issues with the Blackberry and the Android, falling behind in the mobile innovation. Microsoft tried to be at the level of the rest by launching a line of Kin phones but had to remove them from the market because it was not a successful investment.

This certainly proves how a company may have ups and downs. Microsoft has always been a very well recognized corporation; it has even had the greatest sells in the electronic area at times. Windows phone 7 can get Microsoft involved in the smartphone market again. However, the iPhone, Blackberry and Android are difficult devices to compete with, this is why Microsoft is planning to offer new entertainment such as 2D and 3D games for the program along with new offerings via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Even though the selling of this new product will not affect the company’s stock, according to Business Insider. Supposedly Microsoft sold around 3 million licenses on what has gone of 2010. If Microsoft doubles its market share in 2011 because of the Windows Phone 7, it may double its production and even get to sell 24 million licenses in 2011. However this will have no monetary impact on Microsoft’s stock. Then the question is, is it an intelligent investment where as to monetary means? I believe the company itself may not fall behind in such competitor market, even though it will have a great financial impact on the company, it is worth producing some more money rather than falling behind in the innovations the industry provides.

Source:

http://www.thestreet.com/_yahoo/story/10880245/1/windows-phone-7-wont-move-microsoft-stock.html?cm_ven=YAHOO&cm_cat=FREE&cm_ite=NA