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The hottest game console in America: Microsoft sold close to 1 million Xbox 360 consoles during the week of Black Friday 2011

The world’s largest software company announced that it had sold close to 1 million Xbox 360 consoles during the week of Black Friday 2011.  Within one week period, over 960,000 units were sold in America, while within the 24 hour of Black Friday (November 25), over 800,000 of the consoles were sold in its home country.

With all types of marketing tricks such as standalone and bundled with game console, the software company also sold over 750,000 Kinect sensors in America during the same period.

While Microsoft has been playing catch up in many technology innovations such as mobile phones and tablets computer (Apple and Google), Xbox ecosystem has continued helping Microsoft to find a bring spot among consumer products and services since the launch of Kinect hand-free controller during the first week of November 2010.

According to Microsoft blog, the November’s sales numbers will beat all Xbox competitors in term of total units count.  The month of November of 2011 will be going into the record book as the eleventh straight month Xbox has surpassed PlayStation 3 and Wii in America.

(Image: Xbox)

Cyber Monday 2011 sales increase about 33% over 2010 as several factors shaping ecommerce such as tablet PCs factor, social networks influencers, and mobile shoppers

Majority online retailers show happy faces this year as they get more stuff out of the door in 2011 than in 2010.  The two biggest sales days of the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, generated outstanding total revenues for retailers.   This year’s Cyber Monday was on November 28 and Black Friday was on November 25.

As per data provided by IBM’s Coremetrics, Cyber Monday 2011 sales increased 33% over the same Monday one year ago.   Cyber Monday 2011 increased 29.3% over Black Friday 2011.  IBM also reported that the total amount of orders went up to $198.26 on Cyber Monday 2011, compared to 2010 which was totaled only $193.24.  This was an increase of 2.6%.

Several factors shaping ecommerce this year and years to come, including tablet PCs factor, social networks influencers, and mobile shoppers.  As per IBM, bargain hunters utilizing tablet PCs such as Apple iPad, placed more online orders than ever.  Apple iPad is the top device that drives traffic to websites and the conversion rates hit 5.2% on Cyber Monday 2011, compared to 4.6% on Black Friday 2011.

Social networks influencers referred over 0.5% of all online spending on Cyber Monday and Black Friday 2011, as per data from IBM.  The social networks referred 0.56% of all online sales on Cyber Monday 2011 and referred 0.53% on Black Friday 2011.  The world’s largest social network Facebook controlled about 86% of all social influencers during the two biggest sales days. 

Mobile shoppers that utilized a mobile gadget or device to visit a retailer's website contributed 10.8% of web traffics on Cyber Monday, compared to only 3.9% web traffic one year ago.   IBM also reported that sales via mobile devices increased to 6.6% of all sales on Cyber Monday 2011, compared to only 2.3% in the same Monday in 2010.

(Chart: IBM’s Coremetrics)

The side effects of electromagnetic radiation in wireless gadgets, wifi portable computers, mobile cellphone communication, including decreasing human sperm quality and damaging sperm DNA

In a research report published by the medical journal Fertility and Sterility this week, scientists from Argentine found wifi computers and mobile gadgets could be very harmful to human sperm.  In this report, researchers applied samples of human sperm from 29 healthy men. 

Scientists positioned several drops of human sperm below a portable PC and had wifi connection.  After four hours tests, 25% of the samples sperm were no longer moving.  Compared to another tests as sperm were stored away from computer, the dead count only 14%.  The percentage count of DNA damage also increased significantly for sperm stored near a laptop running on wifi.

Black Friday 2011 in America: retailers recorded the biggest total amount for one day sales in history and the one day sales hit $11.40 billion

America’s retailers experienced significant sales for this year’s holiday shopping season.  Many bargain shoppers camped out near favorite stores to get the best deals.  One day after the Thanksgiving Day is called as Black Friday. 

According to this year’s Black Friday sales data compiled by ShopperTrak, Chicago-based research firm, the one days sales jumped 6.6% over last year’s Black Friday.  The one day sale represents $11.40 billion in total purchases.  This year’s Black Friday is considered as the biggest total amount in term of dollar value in history in America.

ShopperTrak noted that the previous record sales for one day occurred during the Black Friday 2007 where sales increased about 8.3% from the 2006 sales.

Aside counting the sales in dollar value, ShopperTrak also compiled data for the number of visitors that visiting stores during the Black Friday.  Based on this year’s data, foot-traffic to stores increased 5.1% over Black Friday 2010.

Concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA) levels increase significantly after eating canned soup regularly which has side effects include heart disease, diabetes, and obesity

Using sample of 75 volunteers who consumed canned soup regularly, a team of researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, found that concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA) levels in human body increase significantly after eating canned soup regularly, as reported by Bloomberg. People in the sample were served with soup brand produced by Progresso.  The research study was published by the Journal of the American Medical Association. 

Medical experts warned that BPA’s side effects include cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.  Researchers urged food companies and processors to reduce BPA from can foods and also asked consumers to eat foods with fresh ingredients.

The side effects of staggered overdoses of pain reliever acetaminophen or paracetamol (i.e., Tylenol) and liver failure and fatally death

Taking a little bit by a little bit and then continuing taking extra of pain reliever acetaminophen or paracetamol (i.e., Tylenol) which also called as staggered overdoses can have side effects of liver failure and fatally death.  The study was conducted by Dr Kenneth Simpson and later published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

Using research sample of 663 patients who went for treatment at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh between 1992 and 2008, the research team found 161 patients (24.3%) had taken extra pain reliever for curing headache and toothache.   The team crunched data at the University of Edinburgh and the Scottish Liver Transplantation Unit.

Medical experts warned that taking extra paracetamol over time can increase chance of overdose.  The staggered overdoses can put a patient at danger of liver failure and fatally death.  This type of situation can be more fatal than people who taking pain reliever one time overdoses.

Booming e-commerce in America: online retail spending during the 2011 holiday season will jump to $37.6 billion or an increase of 15% from one year ago

The 2011 holiday season shopping has started in America.  Data compiled during the first twenty days of November 2011 by comScore showed significant growth of online shopping from one year ago.  comScore data is the most widely used by Wall Street analysts, technology industry watchers, tech bloggers, and others. 

One day after the Thanksgiving is called Black Friday in America where bargain hunters will line up in front of malls and electronic stores to get the best deals, but many will login into Internet and searching for the best deals or special offers.  According to comScore, online retail spending for the November to December period (61 days) will jump to $37.6 billion in America, compared to one year ago which was totaled $32.6 billion (or, an increase of 15%).

Large number Internet users in America will utilize online shopping websites such as Microsoft’s Bing Shopping to find products, compare prices, and obtain reviews.  Bing Shopping also partners with Facebook as users from the world’s largest social network could give their opinions to their friends or family members regarding a particular product or service.

(Table: comScore)

Nihao smartphone: China is now the world’s largest market for web-enabled and applications phones as shipments reached 23.9 million units during Q3 2011 (July-September)

Smartphone shipments to the world’s most populous nation increased over 58% during Q3 2011 compared prior quarter.  The latest stat was obtained from Strategy Analytics, a Boston-based independent research and consulting firm with multiple locations worldwide.  The Great Wall's nation's demand for smartphone continues to skyrocketing as shipments reached 23.9 million units during Q3 2011 (July-September).

According to Strategy Analytics, shipments to America dropped to 23.3 million units during Q3 2011.  This was a drop of 7% from prior quarter.

Nokia controls about 28.5% share of smartphone shipments in China during Q3 2011.  Korean-based Samsung has about 17.6% share for the quarter. 

While in America, Taiwan-based HTC controls about 24.0% share of smartphone shipments and Silicon Valley-based Apple has about 20.6% share for the quarter. 

(Tables: strategyanalytics.com)

Santa Claus will not pick up unsafe toys for young children to celebrate this year’s holiday season, including Hotwheels (Super Stunt RAT BOMB), Little Hands Love Book, or Funny Glasses

Based on the 2011’s report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) with a publication titled “Trouble in Toyland,” the advocate group found several toys and books that are really bad for young children.  

The advocate group also provides some guidelines for Santa Claus to pick up toys for young children.  On the report, the advocate group also shows several toys that are really bad and contain chemical harming young children (incl. lead, phthalates, etc.).

Based on the consumer advocate's report, toys retailers usually will recall unsafe products immediately.  Americans laws protect children from getting toys that may contain safety hazards.  After reading the full report, on the last few pages of the report, the advocate group provides photo and description of the 2011’s unsafe toys, including the following:

• Excessive noise: Hotwheels, Super Stunt RAT BOMB ($15.99)
• Toxic with lead: Little Hands Love Book ($7.95)
• Toxic with phthalates: Funny Glasses ($0.99)

(Images:  the U.S. PIRG)

The world’s largest search engine releases a redesigned Google Search app for Apple’s iPad which is faster, more interactive, and sleeker visual search

The world’s number one search engine upgraded its search app for Apple’s iPad.  As per Google blog post, the new upgraded app for tablet PC running on Apple OS version 4.0 or newer is faster and more interactive. Click here to download the Google app via the Apple App Store.

The Silicon Valley-based search engine company also added Google Instant to help iPad users to conduct search faster and get search results more easily. 

Like many iPad users behavior, they prefer viewing more images than texts.  Google’s new app is equipped with better visual search by showing image result in more organized way. The visual search also offers more choices of images.  Without much of typing skills, users can use Google’s visual search to check out their search history as well.

In the latest release, Google also added a couple of new features to help users to search web page.  One of those new features is thru tapping on magnifying glass.  By doing so, users can find the important stuffs of a web page and mark the page and share them with friends and others.

(Image: Google Search app for iPad)

Crash test ratings: hybrid cars (i.e., Toyota Prius) are safer for drivers and protect passengers better than conventional gas-only cars, as hybrid cars are heavier with large batteries and two engines

A latest report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found hybrid cars (such as Toyota Prius) are safer for drivers and protect passengers better than conventional gas-only cars.   Hybrids vehicle are safer in collision as those cars shielding their owners and passengers from injuries in crashes.  One of the top reasons was due to hybrid cars are heavier with large batteries and two engines.  Click here to download the full report.

Researchers at the IIHS, an independent and nonprofit agency, found that the chances of being injured in the agency’s crash test ratings are 25% lower for drivers and passengers in hybrids than people driving in conventional gas-only cars.

Hybrid cars also have some setbacks as hybrids pose a high risk to human and other living species walking near intersections.   Hybrids are much quieter than gas-powered cars which increase a risk to pedestrians.

(Image: toyota.com)

The Silicon Valley of the East: Harvard University opens innovation lab (i-lab) to nurture new small businesses and act as an incubator for start-ups

One of the top universities in the East Coast of America, Harvard University, opens a new $20 million facility which is also known as innovation lab (i-lab) this weekend, as reported by bostonglobe.com.  The expensive building will be used to help Harvard’s students with any types of school majors and backgrounds who are seeking to start new small businesses.  The building will also has coffee shops and extra spaces for students to gather and attending lectures.

i-lab center will also act as an incubator for start-ups.  With collaboration with the higher education community, the center also provides workshops for students, general public and helping local residents to gain practical skills to run a small business.

The side effects of blood type and risks for stroke: high risks blood clots include type A, B and AB while high risk of bleeding include type O

Using sample of 90,000 men and women for over 20 years study, a research team led by Dr. Lu Qi of Harvard University, showed some evidences that the side effects of blood type and risk of disease on human.  Other researchers include Dr. JoAnn Manson who is the chief preventive medicine at Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital.  The study was presented at American Heart Association conference this week.

Citing the research study, AP reported that men and women with AB had about 26% higher chances to get stroke than people with type O.  On the other hand, excluded men, women with B blood had about 15% higher chance to get stroke than women with type O.

Citing data from the American Red Cross, AP noted low risks blood type O population consist of about 45% whites, 51% blacks, 57% Hispanics, and 40% Asians population.  In the group of high risks AB blood type, they consist of 4% whites and blacks, 2% Hispanics, and 7% Asians population.  For the group of high risks B blood type, they consist of 11% whites, 19% blacks, 10%Hispanics, and 25% Asians population.  Lastly, for the group of high risks A blood type, they consist of 40% whites, 26% blacks, 31% Hispanics, and 28% Asians population.

Money gift ideas: Facebook lets its users to send extra cash to their friends and family members to celebrate birthday or baby shower or wedding anniversary via PayPal account

The world’s largest online payments company announced a partnership with the world’s largest social network to help their users to send money to their friends and family members.  PayPal also revealed 80% of its customers are Facebook users.  The two companies connect very well in term of business services and social networking.

With the new partnership, Facebook users can now send greeting cards and messages plus extra cash to their friends and family members.  This is especially important for users who celebrate birthday or baby shower or wedding anniversary.  By using the latest PayPal’s app called Send Money on Facebook, the social network users can send money gifts easily.

(Image: PayPal)

The world’s largest search engine adds Google Music to let its users to play, listen, buy, share, store, upload, and access from anywhere and anytime using any types of mobile devices or personal computers

The world’s number one search engine has officially launched Google Music on November 16, 2011.  The beta version of the music service was introduced in May this year.  With the launch of Google Music, registered users (in America) can play, listen, buy, share, store, upload, and access from anywhere via any types of mobile devices or personal computers (PCs). 

To support the Google Music community of users, Google offers a cloud storage system which can hold up to 20,000 songs.  The cloud storage is almost similar to Apple’s iCloud which was officially launched one month ago.

In order to help mobile users, Google also added a music store in Android Market.  After downloaded and installed the Google Music mobile app, users can check out 13 million songs from top and local artists from major brands such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, EMI, and others.  After purchasing a song or an album, those digital materials will be added directly to users’ Google Music library/storage.  The cloud-based library can be accessible from anywhere and anytime.

(Image: Google Music, Android Market)

3 million Australians welcome Microsoft’s search engine, as Bing drops its beta tag and upgrades its homepage video with HTML5 technology

Microsoft’s search engine which is also known as Bing decision engine has a fresh homepage image representing animal symbol of Australia on November 15, 2011, Kangaroos jumping over green grass during the warm sunset.  At the same day, Bing has discarded its beta tag.  However, some users were disappointed as many features that were made available for Americans are still not available for Australians, such shopping section, travel and Bing mapping system.

In a blog post, Microsoft Bing team wrote “Nearly 3 million Australians use Bing search engine each month…” as the “new-generation search engine” has conquered the land of Down Under over the past two-and-a-half years.  The old name was Live Search, and then the world’s largest software company changed to Bing starting in June 2009.  More and more users in Australia are flocking into the new-generation search engine with its rich visual and connection to social networking Facebook, as Bing Australia noticed “Traffic increased by more than 65% between June 2009 and Sept 2011.” 

With population of half of the state of California at around 22.3 million, Microsoft team believe its search engine attracted about 3 million Australians per month.

In order to take advantage of Microsoft’s technology using dynamic live streaming video and HTML5 coding system, the software giant also asked Australians to download the newest version 9 of Internet Explorer for better web browsing and to get search results faster.

(Image: Bing Australia’s homepage as seen on November 15, 2011)

Spotted in the wild RIM BlackBerry’s BBX-based handset dubbed as BlackBerry "London": the next generation smartphone will be available starting summer Q3-2012 (dual-core CPU 1.5GHz, 1 GB RAM memory, 8 MB camera, 16 GB storage)

Several trusted tech sources including The Verge and BGR.com have confirmed that RIM BlackBerry Company is working hard to get the next generation BBX-based handsets into the world’s wireless carriers starting next summer 2012.  The Waterloo, Canada-based Company is currently putting its final touch on the new smartphone dubbed as BlackBerry "London." 

In term of smartphone exterior design, the new Blackberry London has some similarities with the recently launched BlackBerry Porsche Design P9981. The P9981 is slated for shipment to local and global Porsche Stores just before Christmas this year.  The handset will only available by pickup at Porsche Store such as the one located in Beverly Hills’s Rodeo Drive. 

According to tech blog owned by sbnation.com, The Verge (formerly This Is My Next), the next generation BlackBerry handset will be powered by dual-core CPU 1.5GHz microprocessor.  The phone will be equipped with 1 GB RAM memory, 8 MB camera, and 16 GB storage.
 
(Screenshot: The Verge)

The first 24 hours sales of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare version 3 hit an all-time high record as the mature rated video game generated over $400 million in North America and Britain, with over 6.5 million units sold

One of the top video game makers in America, Activision Blizzard, reported a new record high numbers sale for its latest version 3 of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.  Within the first 24 hours sales, the video game maker pocketed over $400 million in sales and has sold over 6.5 million units of the new game in North America and Britain.

According to the gaming company’s press release as published this weekend, Activision Blizzard continued to capture large market share of video games during the past three years in a row.  Compared data from the previous two versions of the popular war game, the company noted that the 2010’s version of Call of Duty: Black Ops generated over $360 million within its first 24 hours sales.  While in 2009, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare version 2 generated over $310 million in sales in the first 24 hours of its release.

(Image: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare version 3)

Eating high-fiber diet, whole grains, cereals can cut lower colorectal (bowel) cancer risk: analyzing 25 studies by a team of British and Dutch researchers

A study conducted by a team of British and Dutch researchers include Dagfinn Aune, Doris S M Chan, Rosa Lau, et.al, found consuming high-fiber diet, whole grains, cereals can cut lower colorectal (bowel) cancer risk.  The study was based on analyzing 25 studies and involved about 2 million people. The study is being published online via BMJ.com.

Researchers believe that eating at least 90 grams of high-fiber diets within three servings per day was linked to about a 20% reduction on colorectal cancer risk.  According to Aune et al., bowel cancer is the top three type of cancer in the world, with over 1.2 million victims diagnosed with the disease and representing about 9.7% of all cases. 

Researchers also found that eating high-fiber diets may cut the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and controlling overweight.

Evidence from social networking (Facebook) and dating sites (Match.com, eHarmony.com) could hurt divorcing couple as an American judge ordered a soon-to-be ex-husband and ex-wife to share website passwords

In the Internet and social networking era, attorneys from two sides of the divorcees have started to use evidence from social networking sites for lawsuits. Both parties not only will give up their stock investments, cars, real estates, kids, and pets, but also will unlock their passwords to their social networking sites.

When a couple in Connecticut, a state in the North Eastern of America, decided to end their marriage, a local judge has ordered the soon-to-be ex-husband and ex-wife to share website passwords including from social networking (Facebook) and dating sites (i.e., Match.com, eHarmony.com). 

The case of the Connecticut couple began when the soon-to-be ex-husband dug into some digital data on the couple’s computer.  The husband believed those evidences could help his case against his soon-to-be ex-wife.  The husband’s lawyer asked the judge to let the husband to gain access to Facebook password as the judge granted the request.  Citing the court order, forbes.com wrote “…Judge Kenneth Shluger ordered that the attorneys for Stephen and Courtney Gallion exchange “their client’s Facebook and dating website passwords.””

Google’s Gmail says bye-bye to App for BlackBerry as support and download will end just one day before this year’s Thanks Giving Day

BlackBerry smartphone subscribers will not so happy to celebrate this year’s Thanks Giving Day as their favorite email system will be facing end of life.  The world’s largest search engine will dump Gmail App for BlackBerry starting November 22, 2011. 

As per Google support notes, they will not let users to download the Gmail app starting November 22, 2011.  Google support team will stop offering any helps for setup a Gmail account via BlackBerry or helping to troubleshooting if users get into email issues.

Google urged BlackBerry subscribers to use BlackBerry web browser to access their Gmail accounts.  Users still can continue using the Gmail App for BlackBerry as long as they won’t need any supports from Google.

Let’s say hello to Polaroid’s new Z340 Instant Digital Camera which will cost USD$ 299.99 and refill ZINK paper at $19.99 per 30 prints per pack

Polaroid, the old-style instant camera maker, introduced a new generation of instant digital camera with a built-in printer.  The new model Z340 will cost USD$ 299.99.  The instant camera can make 3X4 inch prints using refillable ZINK paper which will cost $19.99 per 30 prints per pack.  Camera fans can buy the new camera via Polaroid online store or at large electronic stores or at Amazon.com.

The exterior of Z340 digital camera almost look like the old-style Polaroid instant cameras which were famous during the 1980s era. The camera is equipped with 14-megapixel camera, 2.7 inch display and an SD memory card slot.

Images: (left) Polaroid ZINK paper; (right) Polaroid Z340

Display Advertising War in America: Microsoft, Yahoo!, and AOL to partner and cross-selling premium online display ad inventory to fight Google ad networks

Google ad networks has just found a new competitor as three companies, Microsoft, Yahoo!, and AOL announced to partner and cross-selling premium online display ad inventory in America starting in early 2012. 

Ever since 2008, Google acquired DoubleClick for over US$3.1 billion, the world's largest search engine and pay-per-click company started to taking market share on display advertising in America.  At the same time, this Silicon Valley-based company has also eaten smaller players lunches. 

Facebook, the social networking King, continues to maintain the number one spot in today's display ad market.

According to the press release, the display advertising partnership of the three companies will provide technologies such as real-time bidding (RTB) which allows advertisers to access the combined inventory of premium online display advertising.  Happy faces will go to online advertisers, agencies and publishers, as they will be significantly benefited from the ad alliance. 

Not only human: the world’s largest search engine now connects local businesses, global corporations, places, and any non-human things via Google+ Pages social network

Only human were allowed during the initial launch of Google+ social network this past summer.  As the service launched within hours, Google cancelled any business accounts that the engineering team spotted.  Today marked the beginning Google+ to let businesses entity and non-human things to join this new feature for the world’s largest search engine. Top level engineering executive, Vic Gundotra, wrote in a post “we want to make sure you can build relationships with all the things you care about—from local businesses to global brands—so today we’re rolling out Google+ Pages worldwide.”

Any non-human things are now being welcomed to join Google+ Pages program. Over the next 48-hours, local businesses, global corporations, places, and any non-human things will be able to create Google+ pages via tools provided by the giant search company.  One of those tools include Create A Page tool.  After login into a business account, users will be asked to create a page by choosing a category of several categories, such as local business, brand, company, and others.

(Image: Google+)

Allergies in America: the side effects of canned air fresheners and fragrant scents products and people with allergies and asthma

The used of canned air fresheners and fragrant scents in America’s houses continue in the rise in recent years.  However, medical experts and doctors warned that people with asthma or allergies should avoid those canned chemicals products in their households. 

According to a new study presented by Dr. Stanley Fineman of Emory University and the Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic during an annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology in Boston this week, canned air fresheners could potentially causing irritation.  Researchers cautioned that air fresheners with chemicals can produce nasal congestion, sneezing, and lasting runny nose.

Americans young adults cannot leave home without mom’s cooking: sons and daughters prefer to living in their parents’ home as economy remain weak

America’s Census Bureau found there are increasing numbers of young people who are living in their parents' home and continue enjoying mom’s cooking in recent years. 

The percentage of men at college students age range 18 to 24 choose to live with their parents hit 59% in 2011, compared to 53% in 2005.  For women age 18 to 24, there were about 50% in 2011, compared to 46% in 2005.

The percentage of college graduated men age 25 to 34 remain living in their parents’ home increased to 19% in 2011, compared to 14% in 2005.  For women in the same age group, the percentage increased to 10% in 2011, compared to only 8% in 2005.

Smartphone market share in America in September 2011: Google Android was number one with 44.8% share, Apple iOS was number two with 27.4% share, RIM BlackBerry was number three with 18.9% share, and Microsoft Windows Phone was number four with 5.6% share

One of the most widely used datasets by Wall Street analysts was published by comScore.  The latest mobile usages and handsets data from the research company found 87.4 million people in America used smartphones to communicating and accessing wireless networks by the end of September 2011.  The research firm believes smartphone usages have increased about 12% from the prior three month period ending June 2011.

Google Android was number one smartphone operating system with 44.8% market share by the end of three-month period ending September (July, August, and September).  Compared to the prior three-months span (April, May, and June), Android had 40.2% share, and this was an increase of 4.6% share for the period.

Apple iOS was number two by capturing 27.4% share, compared to the previous three-months period which was at 26.6% share (an increase of 0.8% share).  With the launch of Apple iOS version 5 during the second week of October, Apple iOS will continue to maintain its superior position in term of smartphone market share in America in months to come.

With production delays and its popular messenger system (BBM) outages, RIM BlackBerry’s share of smartphone market in America dropped to 18.9% share, compared to the previous three-month span which was at 23.5% share (a drop of 4.6% share).

Microsoft Windows Phone will likely take the number three spot in the next few months with its partnership with Nokia handsets maker and very aggressive marketing campaigns for the latest mobile OS dubbed as “mango” or Windows Phone version 7.5.  However, Windows Phone OS had only 5.6% share by the end of September, compared to the prior three-month which was at 5.8% share (a drop of 0.2% share).

(Table: comScore)

America’s smartphone operating system market share Q3-2011, July to September: Google Android remained stable at 43%, Apple iPhone was constant at 28%, RIM BlackBerry’s share was steady at 18%, and Windows Phone was stable at 7%

Data provided by research firm Nielsen showed smartphones representing 43% share of all phone subscribers in America by the end of the third quarter of 2011 (September 30).  The research firm also found over 50% of users in the age group of less than 44 year-old has used smartphones to communicate with friends, families, and colleagues and access mobile web.

While several handsets makers including Sony Ericsson will drop producing feature phones, the adoption of smartphone continues to skyrocketing in America.  Google Android remained stable during the Q3-11 and captured 43% market share of smartphone operating system.

The popular Apple iPhone remained steady and controlled 28% market share of smartphone OS. 

While suffered from several outages during the quarter, RIM BlackBerry’s share was stable at 18%. 

The newly launched operating system from the giant software company Microsoft dubbed as Windows Phone 7.5 (product code name “mango”) hold at stable level and captured 7% smartphone operating system market share for Q3-11.

(Chart: Nielsen)

Microsoft Bing decision engine goes mobile with HTML5, the latest version 3.0 is now powering apps for Apple iPhone and Google Android smartphones

Microsoft Bing decision engine launched a new version of mobile app to catch more Apple iPhone and Google Android smartphones users.  The enhanced version 3.0 Bing for Mobile app run only on Apple iPhone and Google Android operating systems, while for other operating systems must wait for while including Microsoft Windows Phone and RIM BlackBerry, the fine print reads “coming soon to more devices.”

Microsoft Bing urged iPhone and Android users to download the new app at Apple iTunes store and Android Market.  As soon as they have downloaded the app they can go to m.bing.com to check out all new features with the new HTML5 coding system. Those new features include the following:

1. Local maps, business listings, and real-time transit maps, in split view: phone users can use Bing Maps to search for local maps and business listings, to get driving directions, and to explore real-time transit maps for a trip.
2. Best local deals: users can scroll down all type of deals from over 100 providers in America including Groupon, Living Social, and other Microsoft’s partners.
3. Video Domain: mobile users can see breaking news videos, check out the popular viral videos, and sports videos.

(Screenshot: Bing for Mobile, Android Market)

Starting November 6, 2011: the best BlackBerry Bold 9900 goes on sale for $199.99 with a two-year contract via online or at local AT&T stores

America’s BlackBerry users who subscribe to AT&T can get the new and powerful Bold 9900 smartphone starting on November 6, 2011. The new phone will cost $199.99 with a two-year contract via online or at local AT&T stores. BlackBerry Bold 9900 was launched in mid-August this year as T-Mobile started selling them immediately. The production of BlackBerry Bold 9900 was first announced in early May 2011.  AT&T has delayed offering the phone to its subscribers due to technical reason with its mobile payment system. 

BlackBerry Bold 9900 is a very powerful smartphone with full QWERTY keyboard and a 2.8-inch touch screen. It is also one of the thinnest BlackBerry smartphone ever made by Waterloo, Canada-based Company, Research In Motion (RIM). It measures at 10.5 mm. The phone has capability for 4G speeds. It is equipped with 1.2 GHz processor, 768 MB RAM, 8GB of onboard memory (for max expansion to 40 GB with a 32 GB media card). It can record HD video and dual-band Wi-Fi.

(Image: BlackBerry Bold 9900)