Worldwide sales of mobile phones reached 294.3 million units in the first quarter of 2008, a 13.6 per cent increase over the first quarter of 2007, according to Gartner. Sales of mobile phones in Western Europe decreased 16.4 per cent from the first quarter of 2007, the first decline in this region since Gartner began tracking the mobile devices market in 2001.

Nokia sold 115.2 million mobile phones in the first quarter of 2008, as its market share slipped slightly to 39.1 per cent (see Table 1). Nokia was able to maintain market leadership thanks to the richness of its portfolio, which appeals to users in both emerging and mature markets. Sales in the ultra-low-cost segment remained strong due to Nokia’s distribution strategy, economies of scale and brand power. However, competition in this segment and at the high end is increasing. To stay ahead, Nokia will have to continue to integrate new technologies in its handsets and improve usability and design.

Samsung maintained its momentum in the first quarter of 2008 with sales reaching 42.4 million units. The South Korean vendor not only held on to its No. 2 position worldwide, but it also widened the gap from third-placed Motorola as its market share grew to 14.4 per cent. Samsung is reacting quickly to the focus on touch-screen devices. “Samsung’s choice to be a quick follower has paid off so far, but it needs to focus on diversifying its designs and strengthening its lower-end portfolio to increase sales in emerging markets,” said Ms Milanesi.

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Tags: mobile, Mobile gadgets

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While the iPod touch is capable of rotating to tweak the video aspect ratio, most docks make you choose one way or the other. But the iHome iH41B dock will actually rotate with your iPod, and its digital clock display will adjust to match. For those of you who just own standard iPods, the iH41B is still compatible. So fulfill all those dreams of docking your MP3 player at a 90-degree angle. And never let someone tell you that you can’t do something again. [iHome via Crunchgear]

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Tags: Apple, audio, mp3

The folks at Konami have been trolling the forums again, kids, and this time they’re fighting back. Reps from the game-maker have issued a statement on the company forum addressing the furor over the inflated cost of the forthcoming, limited edition Metal Solid Gear 4. According to Konami, the bumped up price ($600 for a 40GB version of the PS3, plus Dual Shock controller and MGS4 game) is due to the special material used to create the gunmetal gray system and controller casing. The company seems to take issue with the fact that some are calling it simply a “paint job,” and points out that the run of units is only 10,000, and the package also includes a version of the game with an extra disc of additional content. To put it another way: this is the deal of a lifetime!

[Via Wired]

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Audi has already manged to work some LEDs into a few of its cars (concepts and otherwise), but the automaker has gone all out with its latest Audi R8, which employs LEDs for seemingly every lighting function. That includes the 24-LED running lamps the R8 had before, along with some brand LED high and low beam headlights, and LED turn signals, which add up to some 54 LEDs in all. Of course, given the prices that single LED bulbs demand these days, it should come as no surprise that this is quite the pricey option, with it adding a full €3,590 (or about $5,560) to the R8’s already lofty sticker price.

Source: Engadget.com

Tags: audi, autombiles, Leds

StyleTap today announced plans to bring to market a version of StyleTap CrossPlatform for the iPhone and the iPod touch, which will instantly allow over 20,000 mobile applications to run on these popular devices. Further information about the product, including how it will be marketed and sold, will be made available in early July 2008.

In addition, the company announced that StyleTap personnel will be at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, CA from June 9-13, 2008, and will be available to meet with mobile application developers interested in learning more about StyleTap CrossPlatform for the Apple devices.

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Tags: Applications, iphone

We’ve got your summer crapcamcorders right ‘ere — three new RCA Small Wonder cams to make your Flips flop. Check ‘em out:

• Small Wonder MyLife, EZ200 (black) - 1.5-inch flip-out display, microSDHC with with 1GB microSD that does up to 30 / 60 minutes in high quality and web quality modes, $89 and due this summer
• Small Wonder Pocket, EZ205 (white) - 1.5-inch flip-out display, microSDHC slot with 1GB microSD that does up to 30 / 120 minutes in high quality and web quality modes, $100 and due this summer
• Small Wonder Traveler, EZ210 (green) - 2.4-inch QVGA display, SDHC with 2GB SD card that does up to 60 / 240 minutes in high quality and web quality modes, $150 and due this summer

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Tags: Digital Cameras, Mobile gadgets

With the advent of Safari on the iPhone there’s been a bit of a shake-up in the mobile internet experience – or at least the expectations.

Out of the box Windows Mobile comes with cut down version of Internet Explorer called IEMobile (aka PocketIE) which, while reliable, is getting a little long in the tooth.

IEMobile is based on IE5 so there are many sites that can take advantage of the capabilities available on mobile devices today. With the advent of IE6 for Windows Mobile things should only get better.

Of course, that’s in the future – what can you do today for a better browsing experience?

(more…)

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We have all heard the rumours about whether or not GPS functionality will show up on the new iPhone, but according to GigaOM it is a done deal. Their confirmation is based on two factors: private sources that claim a GPS contract for the iPhone was awarded to Broadcom and legal requirements put in place last year by the FCC regarding Enhanced 911. Even though GigaOM is a reputable source, I’m not ready to buy into iPhone GPS just yet. Sources are sources and I’m pretty sure E911 doesn’t even need GPS. [GigaOM]

Tags: GPS, iphone, Navigation

Remember last year just before the initial iPhone launch? EDGE dropped off for a while and then came back with a vengeance. Prior to the iPhone waterfall that clogged up all of AT&T’s shiny new pipes, we were seeing data speeds of up to 200 - 250 kbps on AT&T’s EDGE network in the New York area. Then the iPhone dropped. Here we are again, getting close to the inevitable iPhone 2 release and oddly enough, AT&T’s 3G services started getting spotty yesterday afternoon in the New York area. Outages sometimes lasted several hours at a time. This morning however, 3G seems to be live again in and to the west of New York City. What’s more, it looks like HSDPA speeds have received a nice little boost since coming back up. For the past few months we’ve been seeing average download speeds between 500 - 800 kbps with a spike here and there. This morning’s tests however, are yielding between 1400 - 1500 kbps. Nice. We’re now hearing that AT&T 3G is still down to the north of the city so one can only assume we’re in the midst of some rolling upgrades. Enjoy it while it lasts people; the iPhone 2 will be out soon enough and AT&T’s networks will be hammered just like last year.

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Tags: Att, edge, iphone, Mobile gadgets