Android overtakes Apple in mobile app downloads in Q2: ABI research.(Brief article)

Taipei, Oct. 31, 2011 (CENS)--Taipei, Nov. , 2011 (CENS)--Android overtook Apple's iOS to become the market share leader in mobile application downloads in the second quarter, as the market shares of Android and iOS were 44% and 31%, respectively, during the period, according to ABI Research.
"Android's open source strategy is the main factor for its success," said Lim Shiyang, research associate at ABI Research. "Being a free platform has expanded the Android device install base, which in turn has driven growth in the number of third party multi-platform and mobile operator app stores. These conditions alone explain why Android is the new leader in the mobile application market."
The market intelligence firm also added that recent quarterly shipment growth figures also explain Android's ascent to the top app download position. The iPhone shipment growth in the second quarter slowed to 9% from 15% a quarter earlier. In contrast, Android smartphone shipments increased 36% in the second quarter, compared to 20% in the first quarter. Android's install base now exceeds iOS by a factor of 2.4-to-1 worldwide; by 2016 this factor would grow to 3-to-1, ABI Research said.
"Despite leading in total mobile application downloads, Android's app downloads per user still lag behind Apple's by 2-to-1," adds Dan Shey, practice director, mobile services. "Apple's superior monetization policies attracted good developers within its ranks, thus creating a better catalog of apps and customer experience."
Global smartphone app downloads for year-end 2011 are expected to increase to 29 billion, compared to only nine billion in 2010, the firm said. Such stellar increases are largely due to the proliferation of smartphones around the world. The total smartphone install base is expected to grow 46% in 2011, ABI Research forecast.

Liang, Quincy

FlightView's Fan Favorite Android App Upgraded for Superior Functionality.

Smartphone App Enhancements Land in Time for Back to School Travel
BOSTON -- Just in time for the back to school travel season, FlightView, the preferred flight tracking application for mobile users looking for a way to accurately and easily manage flight information for themselves, friends, and family, today unveiled the newest upgrades to its customer-favorite Android travel app. Through FlightView's Android app, students and parents can easily manage their back to school commutes with up-to-the-minute flight information, weather conditions and important airline phone numbers.
Downloaded by more than 40,000 users since its launch in late July, FlightView has instantly become the most popular, user-intuitive and reliable flight tracking app in the Android market. Available for just 99 cents or free with advertisements, FlightView provides the affordability and high-level functionality that Android users have come to expect.
FlightView's latest upgrade gives Android users more power over their travel plans with the ability to:
* Manage Travel Itineraries - with the updated My Trips feature, users can save grouped flights together, record reservation information and personal notes, and sort saved flights by trip name or date.
* Plan for Flight Delays -with the upgraded airport delay map, including the new "Low Traffic" indicator, users can get first looks at probable delays in departures or arrivals - ahead of airline announcements.
* Conserve Battery Life - by optimizing FlightView's servers, the new Android app allows users to track numerous flights at the same time, share travel information through social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter, and quickly rebook when flights are delayed or cancelled - all without draining the smartphone's battery life.
"Since its launch, our Android app has consistently been one of the top-rated apps - based on both its functionality and affordability," said Mike Benjamin, CEO of FlightView. "The latest version of FlightView for Android gives users more power to manage their day-of-travel decisions."
Dominating the Smartphone Market with Functionality, Usability and Affordability
While Android phones are this year's back to school purchase of choice, iPhones and BlackBerrys remain popular with students and their parents. FlightView's top-ranked application is also available for iPhone and BlackBerry users for $1.99 and $4.99 respectively.
Along with the core features that come standard on every FlightView mobile application, an update of FlightView's iPhone app in July provides users with even more social media sharing capabilities, the ability to easily call the airport and reschedule flights and a faster, more user-friendly startup.
FlightView for the BlackBerry, a choice travel tool for business executives, integrates directly with users' BlackBerry calendar, placing travel information into a traveler's daily agenda. Labeled by the media as "one of the most useful apps a business traveler could download," FlightView's BlackBerry app sends customized alerts whenever there is a change in flight information, even when the app is closed.
For information on purchasing apps for mobile devices, including the Android, iPhone and BlackBerry, please visit www.flightview.com.
About FlightView
FlightView is the recognized provider of the most accurate, real-time flight information solutions for the aviation and travel industries. FlightView's mobile, Dispatch and FVXML products help aviation and travel professionals achieve superior customer service with actionable real-time information. FlightView's information displays can be seen at airport terminals and on the Web sites of the largest major airports, airline and travel companies. FlightView's software services and solutions are relied upon by the US government, the world's largest airlines, airports, aviation and travel professionals, ground transportation companies and news outlets. FlightView's mobile applications help consumers control travel plans. Founded in 1981, and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, FlightView has nearly 30 years of experience in building and supporting mission-critical systems for the FAA and the Volpe Center. To access real-time flight information online, visit FlightView Flight Tracker or FlightView Mobile Flight Tracker.

T-Mobile launches Google Android G1 phone.(PRODUCTS)

[Wireless media] Handset manufacturer HTC, mobile operator T-Mobile and Google have unveiled the first phone based on the Google-backed Android operating System. The G1 is a T-Mobile exclusive that launched in the US on 22 October 2008 for $179 with a two-year contract including data. The device will launch in the UK in November (free on a 40 [pounds sterling] a month contract) and across remaining T-Mobile countries in early 2009. The G1, which features a full touch-screen and a Qwerty keyboard, enables access to Google's mobile application store Android Market and several existing Google products including Gmail, YouTube and Google Maps. According to Google, all applications will be available free until first quarter 2009, when T-Mobile's exclusivity over the Android platform ends. Developers will then get 70 per cent of revenue from purchases, the rest going to mobile operators for billing provision. This is the same revenue-sharing agreement developers get on iTunes, except that Apple gets the remaining 30 per cent.
* Although press coverage tends to pit the first Android-powered handset (the G1) against Apple's iPhone in some sort of ultimate match for smartphone supremacy, this analysis misses a bigger picture: Google and Apple have very different revenue streams and thus objectives. The former aims to secure an open mobile environment to open the market for advertising revenues, the latter remains a technology company whose revenues are driven by hardware sales.
The G1 is far from being the revolutionary product application developers and content providers were hoping for, as it is still under the control of mobile operators. T-Mobile has product exclusivity over its lifetime and a veto over applications available on the G1's version of Android Market. Screen Digest believes that we will not see the full capabilities of the platform until 2009, when T-Mobile's exclusivity on the Android OS runs out and new Android handsets and paid-for applications are available. Android is in no way limited to the mobile handset. It could eventually be used to power ultra-portable PCs (as an alternative to Windows or some Linux distributions), automobile in-dash entertainment or set-top boxes able to deliver contextual advertising on top of TV broadcasts. Combining Android-powered set-top boxes with Google's Grand Central services could also position Android as a powerful communications platform for the connected home. 

Last.fm Expands Its Mobile Footprint by Launching on the Android Platform.

Last.fm announced its launch on the Android platform, offering an 'on-the-go' music application enabling users to access all the best of Last.fm from their mobile phones. Features include similar artists and genre-specific streaming radio stations, personalized streaming radio, up-to-date concert information and the ability to track users' listening habits to their Last.fm profile. The launch of Last.fm on Android marks the latest step in Last.fm's expansion into the mobile music space. The application is available for download through the Android Market http://www.android.com/market/#app=lastfm (see also Last.fm).
Using the Last.fm application, users can listen to streaming radio stations such as personal recommendations, similar artists, and genre-specific tracks. Users can also share tracks with their friends on Last.fm and stream other users' stations. The new 'Background Playback' feature enables users to listen to Last.fm's streaming music while accessing other programs, such as email, without interrupting the music experience.
Last.fm users can view an on-the-go version of their personal music profiles that includes mobile versions of Last.fm Charts page and Artist pages, with biographies, tags, similar artists and top listeners, all optimized for the Android platform. Users can access Last.fm's Events listings to browse artists on tour, search for events, view Last.fm recommendations and view mapped directions to music venues.
"We are thrilled to bring Last.fm even further into the mobile music space with the launch of this app. The Last.fm service on Android enables our listeners to use virtually every Last.fm feature on their mobiles," said Martin Stiksel, Last.fm Co-Founder. "It truly is a 'to-go' version of the site. Last.fm on Android takes the mobile music experience to the next level."
Last.fm on Android follows Last.fm's successful launch on the iPhone and iPod Touch last year, as well as integrations with Vodafone, T-Mobile, and the Three/INQ1 Social Mobile in Europe. 

Android Handsets and Applications - Latest Report Now Available.(Report)

M2 PRESSWIRE-November 18, 2010-Research and Markets: Android Handsets and Applications - Latest Report Now Available(C)1994-2010 M2 COMMUNICATIONS
RDATE:18112010
Dublin - Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/2e1011/android_handsets_a) has announced the addition of the "Android Handsets and Applications Q4 2010" report to their offering.
The Mind Commerce Mobile Handsets and Application report focuses on recent news and events in the Mobile Handset market. The Newsletter brings you stories on the major players and devices in the Cellular Handset industry. We will monitor the trends in the Smartphone market; examine new technology trends and their impact on the marketplace. We study and comment on press announcements from Apple, Android, Google, RIM and the other major handset manufacturers. We will look at events that can change the market outlook and project market impacts.
Since the smart phone provides wireless communications device, we report on trends in the wireless network services. We will also provide insight into the events and trends in the mobile application marketplace.
The rapid growth of the Mobile application marketplace and huge numbers of the mobile applications leads one to wonder whether any application developer can be successful. The Newsletter will focus on the current state of the mobile application market, the business drivers in this market and how they will shape the mobile application market of the future.
Audience:
- Handset vendors
- Mobile network operators
- Application developers
- Infrastructure providers
- Investors, analysts and consultants
Keywords: Mobile Handsets, Mobile Applications, iPhone, Android, HTC, Google, RIM, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon
Key Topics Covered:
Introduction.
News and Headlines.
Android.
Android Competition.
Apple.
Research in Motion.
Nokia.
Microsoft.
Android & other Handset Developments.
Mobile Applications.
Networks.
Analysis. 

ZTE Joins Open Handset Alliance and Plans to launch Android Smartphones in Q1 2010.

M2 PRESSWIRE-14 January 2010-ZTE Corporation: ZTE Joins Open Handset Alliance and Plans to launch Android Smartphones in Q1 2010(C)1994-2010 M2 COMMUNICATIONS
RDATE:14012010
Shenzhen, China - ZTE Corporation ("ZTE" - H share stock code: 00763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, today announced its joining of the Open Handset Alliance, a partnership of more than 60 global mobile industry leaders. ZTE expects to launch smartphones based on the Android platform in the first quarter of this year.
As a member of the Open Handset Alliance, ZTE will work with its members to contribute to the development of the Android platform, and offer consumers a user experience far superior to today's mobile platforms. By joining the Open Handset Alliance, ZTE demonstrates its support for Android as an open mobile platform and its commitment to Android's commercial success.
Android is a complete, open mobile phone software stack. It includes everything a manufacturer or operator needs to build a mobile phone. Android is available as open source via the Apache v2 license, and it is designed from the ground up to enable the best user experience possible on a mobile phone. It leverages web and Internet content to provide advanced services such as mobile mash-ups and location-based applications.
"With the growing trend and popularity of Android smartphones, ZTE is committed to invest in this innovative platform to meet the market demand," said Mr. Lin Qiang, General Manager of ZTE Smartphones. "To accommodate this trend, ZTE has invested heavily in the research and development of Android smartphones during the last year. In the first quarter of this year ZTE will launch smartphones based on the Android platform."
About ZTE
ZTE is a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions. It has the widest and most complete product range in the world - covering virtually every sector of the wireline, wireless, service and terminals markets. The company delivers innovative, custom-made products and services to over 500 operators in more than 140 countries, helping them to achieve continued revenue growth and to shape the future of the world's communications. ZTE commits around 10% of its annual turnover to research and development and takes a leading role in a wide range of international bodies developing emerging telecoms standards. ZTE leads China's 3G industry with about 30% share of the total 3G equipment market in 2008. A company with sound corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ZTE is a member of the UN Global Compact that strictly adheres to the Ten Principles of the Global Compact in developing and carrying out CSR programs. ZTE is China's only listed telecoms manufacturer, with shares publicly traded on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ). For more information, please visit www.zte.com.cn. 

Smart rallies local mobile application developers to Android.(Infotech)

Leading wireless services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) in partnership Taiwan smartphone maker HTC brings together mobile application developers at the Smart Mobile Developer Conference Friday at the Science Discovery Center at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.The Smart Mobile Developer Conference features Google's latest mobile platform Android. The whole-day conference aims to encourage the Philippine mobile developer community to become Android experts by exchanging knowledge and sharing their experiences and tools in developing mobile applications for the new mobile platform.The conference will feature guests and experts from Smart, HTC, Google and the developer community who will talk about Android through presentations including an "Introduction to Android," "Android in the Changing Mobile Ecosystem," "Android SDK," and "Programming Environment" among others. There will also be demonstrations on local Android development samples, hands-on workshops on using Android and other developer tools, and a panel discussion on "What makes a killer app?" with guests and experts from Smart, HTC, and leading Android developers.A highlight of the conference is the announcement of the Smart Mobile Developer Competition which aims to bring out the best in the Philippines' mobile application developer community. The competition is open to all amateur, freelance, or professional developers with Java programming experience. Huge prizes await the top two winning teams which will be determined through judges' rating as well as a one-week online public voting.The teams participating in the competition will have the unique opportunity to have their apps considered for commercial deployment with Smart.A "People's Choice Award" will also be given to the entry that earns the highest number of online votes.The overall top two winning teams will each receive HTC Magic handsets as well as trophies as a testament to their excellent work.Furthermore, a team member from each of the top two teams will represent the Philippines at the Conexus Android showcase at the GSMA Mobile Asia Congress in Hong Kong on November 18, 2009.The representatives will have a rare opportunity to exchange ideas and skills with fellow developers from other countries and to interact with mobile operators from other countries as well as the international mobile community and technology journalists.Smart will sponsor the two winning team representatives' airfare, hotel accommodation, and other expenses when they head to Hong Kong for the Conexus Android showcase.