IndoPost.com Breaking News and Opinion

Q3 2012 smartphone ownership increased to 56 percent, while Google Android captured 52% market share and Apple iOS took 35% market share

For the first time ever in mobile phone history, the ownership of smartphone surpassed classic cellphone in America.  Q3 2012 (July to September) smartphone ownership in America increased to 56 percent compared to only 49 percent of all cellphone subscribers in Q1 2012 (January to March), as per the latest report provided by Nielsen.

Mobile operating system created by Google which is known as Android, captured 52% market share in Q3 2012.  Handsets run on Android include Samsung Galaxy, Sony Xperia, HTC One, and others.

Mobile OS developed by the world’s most valuable company Apple which is called iOS took 35% market share in Q3 2012.  Popular handsets by Apple include iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, and iPhone 5.

RIM BlackBerry remained at number three with 7% market share.  Microsoft Windows Phone was at number four with 2% market share.   The remaining of 5% share was divided by Nokia Symbian OS, Samsung Bada OS, and others.

(Image: Nielsen)

$35 billion and counting: online shopping spending during the 2012 holiday season-to-date increased 13 percent versus one year ago

So far, the 2012 holiday season retail e-commerce spending has surpassed the 2011 season.  Based on data provided by comScore, online shopping spending from November 1, 2012 to December 16, 2012 (46 days) has accumulated a total of over $35 billion; compared to the same period one year ago, the total spending totaled just a little bit over $31 billion, or an increase of 13 percent.

During the week of December 10 to December 16, online spending hit a new record high of over $7 billion in sales, compared to the same period one year ago which was at $6.3 billion, or an increase of 12%.

Online spending on the 24-hour of Green Monday (December 10) reached $1.275 billion, compared to the same day one year ago which was at $1.133 billion, or an increase of 13%.

(Table: comScore)

America’s homebuilding permits increased 3.6 percent in November 2012 and reached 899,000 units which was the highest level since July 2008

America’s Commerce Department announced that homebuilding permits (future construction) increased 3.6 percent in November 2012 and reached a total of 899,000 units.  Since the economy turmoil started in the late 2007, the latest number of permits reached the highest level since July 2008.

Citing data from the Commerce Department, reuters.com reported that the early expectation by economists for November’s total permits were only 875,000 units.  The differences were 24,000 units (about 2.7%). 

Financial experts are very encouraged with the latest number in housing market as it will make some contribution to the growth of America economy in 2012.  Experts are projecting that the housing market will continue to expand through 2013.

$500 million and counting: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla, give 18 million shares to Silicon Valley Community Foundation to improve education and health care in the areas

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of the world’s largest social networking company and his wife, Priscilla, find giving spirit during this year holiday season.  Today, the couples are donating about $500 million in stock to a charitable foundation (or, equal to 18 million Facebook shares).

According to a post written by Zuckerberg at the social network wall, the couples had previously signed The Giving Pledge and promised to give away over 50% of the money they will earn during their lifetime to charity.

The lucky foundation is the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.  The fund will be used to enhance education and health in Silicon Valley areas.  Similarly, Zuckerberg has previously donated some of his fortunes to several schools in Newark, New Jersey.

(Image: Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook wall posting)

Facebook adds a new navigation menu called 'Nearby' to enhance local search and helping brick-and-mortar businesses, as the new feature will compete with Yelp and Foursquare

On Monday, December 17, 2012, the world’s largest social network Facebook has added 'Nearby' (a new tab) onto the navigation menu.  The new tab is only available for users who login into their account via mobile devices.  For now, only devices run on Apple iOS and Google Android will be able to use 'Nearby.'  'Nearby' will let users to find nearby places such as malls, restaurants, and bars, etc. Users can search thru category.

Overall, 'Nearby' is almost similar to local search.  The lists of nearby places were based on suggestions and recommendations from friends or family members.  Most 'Nearby' places are usually attached as geo-tag into posts or photos by friends.  Those places had been visited by friends; therefore, they usually give a thumb-up or a thumb-down.  Friends and other users can assign a rating value (i.e., 5-star).

For local small business owners and brick-and-mortar places such as café shop, beauty salon or barbershop, 'Nearby' feature could increase exposure to potential buyers to find their locations easily.  Small businesses can rely on 'Nearby' to promote sales of products or services.  However, to take advantage of this new feature, every local business must have a Facebook page.  The “about us” page should include store address, store hours, phone number, and type of business.

As Facebook has launched the new app for mobile users, the biggest losers are local search service provider such as Yelp and Foursquare.  Most 'Nearby' recommendations are based on friends in the social network.  On the other hand, Yelp’s data were from the general public.

(Image: Facebook Nearby app for Apple iOS, iPhone)

Gas prices in California hit the lowest point of 2012 at $3.600 a gallon for self-serve regular, after reaching a record high of $4.671 on October 9, 2012

According to AAA’s ‘Weekly Fuel Prices Report’ which was published on Thursday, December 13, 2012, gas prices in the largest state in America hit the lowest point in 2012 at $3.600 a gallon for regular.  Car owners in California were in panic on October 9, 2012 as gas prices set a new record high of $4.671.  Compared to January 1, 2012, the gas price was at $3.625 per gallon for self-serve regular gasoline.

Gas prices in Southern California regions including Los Angeles, San Diego, and others large counties were at stable level in recent weeks.  As per AAA weekly report, gas price in the Los Angeles-Long Beach has experienced nine straight weeks of drops.  This week, the average self-serve regular gasoline in LA area was at $3.666 per gallon, while the price in San Diego was $3.652 per gallon.

AAA believes gas prices in California will remain at stable level, or will continue to drop as the year of 2012 will end in the next few more days.  AAA also inspires car owners to check local prices regularly and always shopping for the lowest prices in their areas. 

Sales of smokeless tobacco products (i.e., chewing tobacco) increase in the largest state in America California, as more illegal tobacco sales to minors

Cigarette sales in the largest state in America have decreased during the past ten years.  However, sales of smokeless tobacco products have increased significantly in California in recent years.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has published a report and showing that sales of smokeless tobacco accumulated total of about $211 million in 2011, compared to only $77 million in 2001.

High school students in California were among the top users of smokeless tobacco products such as chewing tobacco.  The use of smokeless tobacco products, non-cigarette tobacco and nicotine products, among high school students increased to 3.9% of students in 2010, compared to 3.1% in 2004.

The CDPH’s report also found that illegal tobacco sales to minors increase to 8.7 percent in 2011.  High schools which located close proximity to discount stores, delis, liquor stores, and discount shops, also increase chances of getting tobacco products to students.

(Image: California Department of Public Health logo)

Housing market in Southern California hit the highest level since 2006 as median home price increased to $321,000 in November 2012

As the U.S. election has completed in the early November 2012, Americans feel more confident about their jobs securities and the country’s economy.  This has impacted on housing prices in Southern California. Southern California region includes large cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and several large counties such as LA and Orange County. 

Citing data from DataQuick, latimes.com reported that the median home price in Southern California in November 2012 was $321,000.  Compared to September 2012, the median home price was $315,000.  While compared to one year ago, the median home price was $275,000 in November of 2011, or an increase of 17% over the twelve months ago.

Housing market in Southern California were boosted by buyers who tend to purchase middle ranges homes and upgrade to the high end homes.  On the other hand, there were fewer buyers of inexpensive homes in recent months.

Let’s say hello to @pontifex: the official Twitter page of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, a new era of social media will go live from Vatican on December 12, 2012

On Wednesday, December 12, 2012 (12/12/12), Pope Benedict XVI will start sending out tweets from Vatican.  This is the beginning of social media era from the current sitting Pope.  Pope Benedict XVI will use a Twitter handle known as @pontifex.  Just one day before the first tweet coming out from Vatican, the @pontifex account has accumulated about 631,000 followers.

As one of the most recognize religious figure in the world, Pope Benedict XVI will send out tweets to answers questions regarding faith and other religion issues.  Pope Benedict XVI is a well-known scholar, theologian, and also as a writer of several best-seller religious books about faith and morals.

Pope’s office in Vatican has utilized social media to reach out people from around the world.  The Vatican has established a YouTube channel since early 2009 and also continues to update its Facebook page.  Just before the Easter celebration of 2012, the Vatican sent several tweets regarding Lent.

(Image: Twitter @pontifex)

McDonald's global sales in November 2012: sales increased 2.5% in America, 1.4% in Europe, and 0.6% in the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa regions

Overall sales for McDonald's increase 2.4% in November 2012. According to the press release, the fast-food chains’ sales increased 2.5% in America, 1.4% in Europe, and 0.6% in the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa regions.  Compared to October sales number, the fast-food restaurants sales dropped about 1.8%.

The November sales number has encouraged executive team to continue their strategies to deliver long-term growth for the company. 

There are about 69 million customers visited any one of McDonald's worldwide to try great-tasting breakfast and newly created menu. The world’s largest fast-food chains have boosted its sales on everyday value options ($1 meal), breakfast menu, and new premium offers. 

The high-quality food has attracted new customers to try new menu such as limited-time Cheddar Bacon Onion sandwiches. The tasty sandwiches were launched during the third week of October 2012.  There are two types of sandwiches, including premium white chicken breast and 100% Angus beef. 

(Image: McDonald's Cheddar Bacon Onion sandwiches)

Photo images from Instagram photo sharing service to Twitter has been disconnected on Sunday, December 9, 2012

After several days of on-and-off, Instagram has finally disconnected its photo sharing feature with Twitter on Sunday, December 9, 2012.  The confirmation of the end of sharing capability was posted online via a Twitter's status update.

Instagram was acquired by Facebook the world’s largest social networking in early April 2012 for close to $1 billion.  In the beginning Instagram was only available for iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod) and later the app was released for Android users.  The app has been downloaded by about 100 million users from around the world.  Instagram has generated high traffic from mobile phone users. 

In recent weeks, Instagram has launched its own website catered as photo sharing site.  Each user will be assigned their own sub-domain which contains all their photos.  On the site, users can view their photos and share with other users.  At the same time Twitter is preparing to launch its own photo app to take on Instagram. Tech watchers believe Twitter for photo app will be available during the Christmas holiday season this year.

(Image: Instagram logo)

Let’s say hello to the limited-edition Eau de Pizza Hut: a new type of perfume which smells like freshly opened Pizza Hut from the box

The world’s largest pizza chain, Pizza Hut, is introducing a limited-edition Eau de Pizza Hut.  According to Pizza Hut press release, the new type of perfume smells like freshly opened Pizza Hut from the box. 

The perfume was designed by an aromachologist.  A marketing team from Pizza Hut Canada has produced about 110 bottles of Eau de Pizza Hut.  After putting those perfume into a nice bottle and packaged, they were later delivered to Facebook fans.

The release of the new perfume was in conjunction to celebrating Pizza Hut Canada branch who has signed up 100,000 Facebook fans.

While many Facebook fans are trying to place an order for the new perfume, however, the pizza chain has informed its fans that the company has no plan to sell them in store yet. 

(Image: Eau de Pizza Hut)

Made in U.S.A.: Foxconn is planning to manufacture the next generation gadgets and computers for its biggest client Apple in America

Apple has been using a tag line read “Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China.”   However, in recent years, there are more buyers of Apple products in North America prefer their gadgets and computers to be Made in U.S.A.  In order to fulfill those requests, Foxconn Technology Group, the major supplier to Apple Inc., has started to look for expanding its operation in America. 

Foxconn has already assembled some computer servers using its factories in California and Texas.  The company will expand its operations in America to build Mac computers.  Some of the computer and phone parts including Samsung microprocessors and Gorilla glass for displays are currently manufactured in America.  By moving some of its manufacturing to America, Foxconn could shorten delivery times and reduce costs of transportation.

The Taipei, Taiwan-based Company has over 1.6 million workers around the world with about 1.5 million worker reside in Mainland China.  According to bloomberg.com, Foxconn plans to boost its workforces in America and will upgrade its facilities with funding over $100 million in 2013. 

The benefit of being a parent on longevity: women and men with a biological child can live longer than childless couples

A new study conducted in Denmark by Esben Agerbo, Ph.D., an associate professor at Aarhus University in Aarhus, found that being a parent may help women and men live longer. Agerbo and colleague believe that having children are the secret to a longer life in human. 

Danish researchers had hypotheses if childless couples were more likely to die early than men and women with kids.  The study titled “Childlessness, parental mortality and psychiatric illness: a natural experiment based on in vitro fertility treatment and adoption” is being published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

Agerbo and the team of researchers used a large sample of 21,276 childless couples in vitro fertility treatment (IVF) between 1994 and 2005.   Researchers continued to follow those couples until the end of 2008 and recorded their death, their relocation, or conducting diagnosis of any type of illness.  Within the period of 1994 to 2005, over 15,000 babies were born and about 1,564 babies were adopted by those couples. Researchers found that being a parent actually decreased the risk of early death.

There were some conclusions from the study on longevity. First, women who become mothers with a biological child were four times less likely to die early than childless women.  Second, men who become fathers with a biological child were two times less likely to die early than childless men.  Other findings include that men who adopted a child were 50% less likely to die early than childless men.  Women who adopted a child have no significant differences with childless women. 

(Image: logo of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)

20,000 retail stores by 2014 on six continents and counting: Starbucks is on track to open 3000+ stores in Americas by 2017 and will reach 4,000 stores in Asia-Pacific by 2013

As economy recession hit North America and many parts of the world (i.e., Europe) in the beginning of 2008, Starbucks was struggling to meet its quarterly earnings.  There were about 16,680 stores in 2008, and soon after that management decided to close some stores and lay off workers due to economy turmoil.  At the same time, CEO Howard Schultz returned to rescue the coffee chains which make Wall Street investors happy.  With Schultz as the boss, Starbucks market value recovered to a normal level and continued to increase over several hundred percentages until early 2012.

The new management has decided to expand aggressively into a new market and targeted Asia-Pacific region.  Starbucks is now on track to reach 4,000 stores in the region by the end of 2013.  The highest grow will occur in Mainland China with about 1,000 stores, followed by Japan with about 1,000 stores, South Korea with about 500 stores and other nations including Vietnam, India, Singapore, Indonesia, and others.  The Great Wall States is projected to become Starbucks‘s second-largest market as the company plan to operate 1,500 stores in 70 Chinese cities in 2015.

The side effects of chemicals known as dichlorophenols (DCPs) in pesticides and food allergies in human

A study led by Elina Jerschow, MD, from Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, found that people exposed to higher levels of pesticides could also develop food allergies.  The study titled “Dichlorophenol-containing pesticides and allergies: results from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006” is being published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

Researchers warn that people exposed to germ-, mold-, and weed-killing chemicals known as dichlorophenols (DCPs) could make them sick including food allergies. DCPs are commonly found on pesticides, especially mix in our drinking water. DCPs are also found in bathroom materials (i.e., moth balls, cleaners, air fresheners).  In the farms, DCPs are usually found on crops when farmers sprayed pesticides on them.

Researchers used a sample of 2,211 persons 6-year-old and older.  Of those samples, most had some kind of levels of DCPs in their urine.   About 20% or 400 people in the sample had some kind of sensitivity to few type of foods such as peanuts, eggs, and milk. About 50% or over 1,000 people in the sample had some kind of sensitivity to an environmental allergen.

(Image: Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology logo)

20 years and counting: text message technology (SMS) celebrate its 20-year anniversary on December 3

A conventional cellphone text messaging read "Merry Christmas" was sent by Neil Papworth, a software engineer, to Richard Jarvis, a director at Vodafone, on December 3, 1992.  This date was considered as the birth of Short Messaging Services (SMS) technology. The first-ever text message was sent thru an Orbitel 901 cellphone. 

The cellphone businesses then grow rapidly with the introduction of full QWERTY keyboard devices from hardware makers such as RIM BlackBerry, touchscreen smartphones from Samsung and Apple.  The latest technology for SMS including voice-dictation services using Apple’s Siri technology.  Using voice command, Siri helps users to write messages into text format.

Many cellphone users love the SMS technology for its simplicity to communicate with others. However, some have blamed the technology due to sore thumbs and the decline of friendly phone conversation between one-to-one chat.

The SMS era has also created many text lingoes and has turned those into mainstream language among users.  For example, LOL (laugh out loud), OMG (Oh My God), etc.

As SMS celebrating its 20-year anniversary this week, text messaging usages continue to decline in recent years.  This was due to many free alternatives instant messaging applications provided by hard ware makers (i.e., BlackBerry Messenger/BBM) and smartphone application (i.e., WhatsApp, Apple's iMessage), etc.

One of the world’s best airline company Singapore Airlines plans to sell its 49 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic which is majority owned by billionaire Richard Branson

According to Associated Press, one of the largest airline companies in America is interested to purchase the Virgin Atlantic stake from Asia’s largest airline company Singapore Airlines.  America’s Delta Air Lines is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and is considered as one of the top airlines in North America. 

Virgin Atlantic was founded in 1984 by billionaire Richard Branson.  Sir Branson owns majority stake (51%) of the airline.  Since 1999, Singapore Airlines has captured 49% stake of Virgin Atlantic.  In recent years, the Asian’s largest airline company has been taking more businesses from many Asian countries and its region, and also continues to expand its flights into the world. 

Singapore Airlines has warned business investors that few negotiations have been going on for a while with several suitors.  However, all of those discussions may or may not result in a deal.

(Images: right, Singapore Airlines logo; left, Virgin Atlantic logo)

America’s smartphone operating system market share in October 2012: Google Android remained number one with 53.6% share, followed by Apple iOS at 34.3% share, while RIM BlackBerry and Microsoft Windows Phone continued to drop their market shares

comScore has released mobile phone activities in America for the month of October 2012.  Google Android captured the number one spot and captured 53.6% share of smartphone operating system, compared to the previous three months in July 2012 which was at 52.2% share, or an increase of 1.4% share.

Apple iOS captured the second position with 34.3% share in October 2012, compared to July ‘12 which was at 33.4% share, or an increase of 0.8% share.

RIM BlackBerry retained the number three spot with 7.8% share.  However, compared to July ’12, the Canadian-based company market share was 9.5% share.  This was a drop of 1.7% share.

Microsoft Windows Phone remained at number four and captured only 3.2% share in October 2012, compared to 3.6% share in July 2012, or a drop of 0.4% share within the past three months.

(Image: comScore)

The impact of economy recession on birth rate in America, as it recorded only 63.2 newborns per 1,000 women between 15 and 44-year-old, while immigrant women have fewer babies in 2011

In 2011, America birth rate dropped to record low since 1920. The lowest birth rate was mainly due to economy turmoil starting after 2007.  In 2011, there were only 63.2 newborns per 1,000 women between 15 and 44-year-old.

The latest drop in birthrate in America was led by immigrant women.  The birth rate for foreign-born women plunged 14% in recent year, while for America-born women the drop was only 6% between 2007 and 2010.

According to Pew Research Center, there were 4.0 million newborns in 2010.  Of those, about 3.1 million babies were conceded by America-born women, while about 930,000 babies were carried by immigrant women. 

Just before the economy recession started in America, the highest number of babies carried by immigrant women was reached in 2007 and totaled 1,069,120 babies.  In 2007, foreign-born mothers representing 25% of all births in America.  Compared to 1990, the share was 16% of all births.  In 2010, the share dropped to 23%.

According to Pew Research Center, the bulk of newborns to foreign-born women were to Hispanic mothers in 2010.  This group of population accounted for 56% of all foreign-born mothers.

For babies that were conceded by America-born women in 2010, the majority of newborns were for white mothers.  This group of population accounted for 66% of all America-born mothers.