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$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)

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)

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)

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.

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)

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.

25 million active users and counting: Microsoft’s Outlook (.com) cloud-based email system continues to gain users base from around the world and trying to catch Google’s Gmail dominant

Since Microsoft Outlook.com launched in the end of July 2012, the new email system has accumulated over 25 million active users already from around the world. The new email system also received several awards for being great website and great software, including from Time Magazine and PC Magazine.

As per the software giant company’s blog post, more Google’s Gmail users have switched to the new system. A large number of users switched due to its clean design, Microsoft’s technology to block spam, and easier to organize files and documents.

Initially, Outlook was only available for Windows Phone and iPhone users. In order to get more Gmail users to switch, the Outlook team also launched an application catered to users who used devices run on Android mobile operating system. Only Android version 2.x devices and higher version are currently supported.

(Logo: Outlook)

18 days of November and counting: e-commerce spending in America is projected to increase 17% and to hit $43.4 billion during the last two months of 2012 (Nov-Dec)

Shoppers in America continue to flock into online stores during this year’s holiday season. Buyers are no longer relying on brick-and-mortar stores for their holiday shopping. Instead, they are now going online and buying electronic devices and equipment, fashion clothing for women and men, other stuffs. According to comScore, shoppers had spent over $10.1 billion during the first 18 days of November, compared to the same period one year ago, the total spending was $8.8 billion. This was an increase 16% within the past twelve months span.

comScore also noted that the highest level of shopping within 24-hours period occurred just two days after the America’s President Election on November 8. On this date, online sales recorded a total of $829 million.

With the election has passed, consumers in America also have high confidence on their spending sprees which contribute to the recent growth in online spending. The benefits of online shopping include less worry about traffic congestions, better pricing options with coupons, and more products to select from multiple stores.

In the meantime, comScore has projected that sales from online stores during the 2012 holiday season from November to December period could reach as high as $43.4 billion. Compared to one year ago, the total online spending was $37.2 billion. This is going to be an increase of 17% for the twelve months span.

(Image: comScore)

American Kids: all I want for iChristmas is . . . an Apple’s device or gadget including iPad (regular size or Mini), iPhone, or iPod

While the Silicon Valley-based company continues to struggle to maintain its stock value in Wall Street Stocks Exchange during the past few weeks, American kids are hoping Santa Claus will bring those presents containing devices and gadgets made by Apple. As per Nielsen, Apple will likely enjoy these huge sales during this year’s holiday season shopping. Kids (between 6 to 12 years) will be more interested in devices and gadgets that run on Apple's iOS (iOS 6.0) than other electronics and gaming consoles.

According to Nielsen, among top-5 American kids’ wish list for this year’s Christmas Eve, those will include 4 items produced by Apple. Large screen iPad is on the top of the list with 48% of children expressed their interests, while the smaller screen iPad Mini gathered about 36% interests among kids. The previous popular gadget, Apple iPod Touch, is now ranked number three with 36% interests. About 33% of American kids want an iPhone as their communication device. Among top-5 American kids’ wish list, Japanese Nintendo's Wii U console ranks number two and captured 39% interests as the most popular gadget for this year’s shopping season.

For teenagers and adults (aged 13 years plus), about 21% are interested in getting a large screen iPad. Aside of Apple brand, teens and young adults are also considering tablets made by other manufacturers such as Amazon Kindle Fire, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and Microsoft Surface Tablet. Only 14% teens and adults buyers are interested to get an iPhone. iPad Mini attracted about 11% of all teens buyers. Among all type of gadgets and mobile devices, teens will likely to purchase a desktop or laptop computer (PC). This hardware ranks as the top two on their wish list. 19% of teens will buy a PC.

(Images: top, Apple iOS 6 logo; middle, Apple New iPad)

In conjunction with the Thanksgiving largest shopping weekend, Apple starts to operate its first store thru leading auction site eBay and selling refurbished products

While Apple stocks value has been up-and-down during the past few weeks, the Silicon Valley-based company is testing its first store thru leading auction site eBay. The store gets high marks from buyers. There is no Apple logo. However, the site keeps a large label with text showing “Apple Certified Refurbished Products” and using a sub-domain as “stores.ebay.com/refurbishedoutlet” (Refurbished Outlet). The finding of an Apple’s eBay store was first reported by 9to5mac.com.

In conjunction with this week’s Thanksgiving largest shopping weekend, Apple seems to be testing its store to attract buyers of refurbished products. Thru the store, the world’s largest mobile device company is now selling refurbished products directly to customers through eBay.

In term of asking prices, there is no difference between the price at Apple’s eBay store and the price at Apple’s official store. For example, refurbished iPad Wi-Fi 32GB (3rd generation) is cost $469 on both stores.

In order to make customers happy, all products on both stores will include full one-year warranty, installed with original OS, re-installed with new battery, and many others.

(Images: top, Apple’s eBay store homepage; bottom, comparing the price of an iPad at left eBay store and right Apple store)

60% and counting: 30 of the 50 biggest cities in America are smoke-free as more communities and states have adopted comprehensive smoke-free (CSF) laws

Major cities in America have adopted new ordinances to ban smoking in any bar, restaurant, or workplace. The ordinances were created to protect workers and the general public. While some big cities such as Los Angeles and Atlanta are still trying their best and for now only partially ban smoking.

Majority populations in America are getting less secondhand smoke exposure because of new ordinances which were adopted by state or local to ban indoor smoking. Although the new ordinances have been in place to deter secondhand smoke contact, about 3,400 nonsmokers had died due to lung cancer while about 46,000 had died due to heart disease on yearly basis, as reported by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC's report on smoke-free laws is being published in the November 16 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Most of communities and cities that have not adopted comprehensive smoke-free (CSF) laws are located in the South. The local governments in the South have not been able to pass anti-smoking restrictions due to business interests and political reasons.

Over half a billion dollars and counting: “Call of Duty, Black Ops 2” video game franchise hit over $500 million in retail sales within the first 24 hours after released to video gamers worldwide

Last week’s release of Microsoft Xbox-related video game “Halo 4” just earned the software giant company about $220 million in its first 24 hours of release. This week’s another new video game known as Call of Duty franchise was released to general public and have accumulated over $500 million in retail sales globally within its first 24 hours.

The video game maker Activision Blizzard noted that “Call of Duty” is the company’s biggest launch of the year of 2012. The same video game franchise has been updated and released for the fourth consecutive years. It has always raked in a monstrous sales numbers.

Millions gamers had visited over 16,000 retail stores worldwide. Majority of those stores opened in America and Britain at midnight November 13 (Tuesday morning).

“Call of Duty, Black Ops 2” video game can be installed on Xbox 360 video game, PlayStation®3, and Windows PC. While for Nintendo game console, gamers must waiting for few more days. The video game will be released this weekend (Nov 18) but only available for the new Wii U game system.

(Image: Activision)

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Google Android captured 72.4 percent share of worldwide smartphones market during the third quarter of 2012, or a jump of 20 percent points from the same quarter one year ago

As per data provided by research firm Gartner, Google Android mobile operating system continues to dominate the global market of smartphones during the third quarter (Q3-12), or for the month of July to September 2012. Android OS captured 72.4 percent market share in Q3-12, compared one year ago which was at 52.5 percent, or an increase of 19.9 percent points within the past twelve months. In term of sales count, Android powered handsets have doubled to 122.5 million units in Q3-12, compared to 60.5 million units one year ago, or an increase of 62 million units. Popular Android handsets are manufactured by South Korea-based Company Samsung including Galaxy II and Galaxy III. Samsung has also pushed a new generation phablet known as Note I and Note II.

Silicon Valley-based company Apple with its popular mobile operating system known as iOS remained at the number two spot. Apple captured 13.9 percent market share in Q3-12, compared to one year ago which was at 15.0 percent share, or a drop of 1.1 percent within the past twelve months period. Apple sold 23.5 million units of iPhones in Q3-12, compared to 17.3 million units one year ago (or, an increase of 6.2 million units). The unit count was helped by the launch of the new iPhone 5 during the third week of September.

The remaining of about 14 percent market share was divided by several old timers. First, RIM BlackBerry captured 5.3 percent share. Second, Samsung Bada grabbed 3 percent share. Third, Nokia Symbian captured 2.6 percent share. The software giant Microsoft Windows Phone took 2.4 percent share.

(Tablet: Gartner, November 2012)

Academics and health experts ask the World Health Organization (WHO) to crackdown on counterfeit medicines which may contain harmful ingredients, substandard drugs, or no real ingredient

Medical experts and researchers have urged the World Health Organization (WHO) to handle carefully on the deadly trade of counterfeit medicines around the world. A team of researchers led by Amir Attaran of the University of Ottawa, Canada, has written a research paper regarding the fake drugs. The report is being published by the British Medical Journal this week.

As per data provided by WHO, over 10 percent of drug products that are distributed in poorer countries (i.e., in Asia and Africa) are counterfeit medicines. However, many nations are still unwilling to sign a global treaty to crack down on the fake drugs.

A group of 100 nations are expected to meet in Buenos Aires this week and will discuss the matter. reuters.com reported that a small team of professionals has been banned from this week’s meeting in Buenos Aires due to objection from few countries such as India .

Ecommerce booming in the Great Wall nation: "Singles Day" is the busiest online shopping day in China surpassed Cyber Monday shopping day in America, as consumers spent over $3 billion within the 24-hour span

Online stores and brick-and-mortar retailers have planned their special offers for this year’s Sunday festival, several months ago. This is a holiday called as "Singles Day." The special holiday for single person was started during the early 1990s in conjunction with the special date November 11 (“11.11” or four single digit of “1”).

Buyers attracted to buy a lot of stuffs online due to big discount which was up to 70 percent from regular price. Buyers interested to buy items such as clothes, a pillow, a cabinet, etc.

Sales volume for “Single Day” in China is almost similar to Cyber Monday shopping day in America (Monday after the Thanksgiving holiday).

Citing data from the largest ecommerce provider in China, Alibaba's Taobao and Tmall.com platforms, the Associated Press reported that over 50,000 merchants have utilized the platform and have collected sales of over 19.1 billion yuan or equal to about $3 billion US dollar. This amount was collected within the 24 hour shopping window from midnight of November 10 to midnight of November 11.

With the 12-1 vote, Los Angeles council approved ID cards for half-million city residents (incl. illegal immigrants) to obtain bank accounts, lend books at public libraries, and pay utility bills (gas, electricity, water)

Just one day after the general election, the second largest city in America has some great news for illegal immigrants. With the 12-1 vote, Los Angeles council approved ID cards for about half-million city residents who are mostly illegal immigrants (about 15% of total population in LA). With the LA ID Card, a cardholder can open bank accounts, lend books at public libraries and pay utility bills (gas, electricity, water).

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is one of the top sponsors of the LA ID card. Several councilmen and councilwomen also have supported the idea.

Right now, majority illegal immigrants are carrying cash. By giving a thumb up on the city ID card, LA council believes that cardholders will learn how to access banking services and take responsible to handle their financial needs.

Aside being for identification purposes, the magnetic strip of the LA ID Card can be pre-loaded with cash and later can be used as a debit card for shopping at supermarket or any convenience stores.

A similar city ID card has been propagated widely in other cities in California, including Oakland, Richmond and San Francisco. In San Francisco, the cost for getting the city ID card for a child age 13-year old or younger is $5. For an adult age 14-year and older is $15. While for senior citizen age 62-year and older, and for low income family is $5 per card.

(Image: San Francisco City ID card)

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Sayonara America: Suzuki Motor announced to stop selling cars in the U.S. and will focus only on motorcycles and ATVs

One of the small Japanese car makers, Suzuki, announced that the company will leave the U.S. cars market. However, Suzuki will continue to open its showrooms for motorcycles and ATVs in the U.S.

America’s Suzuki which is a subsidiary of Japan’s Suzuki has its branch office located in Brea, just over ten miles from downtown Los Angeles. Early this week the America’s branch has filed for protection from creditors. The filling occurred in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Santa Ana. As of the end of September, the America’s branch has $346 million in debts and $233 million in assets, with 365 employees.

Japanese small cars brand such as Suzuki failed to rebound from the economy turmoil in America since the end of 2007. At the same time, cars buyers in America have been attracted to new generation of cheap cars produced by South Korea manufacturers such as Kia and Hyundai.

In the very recent fiscal year, Suzuki only shipped about 30,000 cars compared to its top sales year during fiscal year 2008 where the company sold over 100,000 cars.

Suzuki remains one of the popular car makers in Asia. India has the best target market as Suzuki can sell over 1 million cars per year. Suzuki brand is also popular in other regions such as South East Asia including Indonesia.

(Image: Suzuki logo)

Apple tablet market share dropped to 50% in third quarter of 2012, compared to one year ago which was at 60% share, while Android tablets (sold by Samsung, Amazon, Asus, Google Nexus) gained market share

In the third quarter of 2012 (Q3-12), tablet manufacturers shipped a total of 27.8 million units of tablets, as per data provided by the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Tablet Tracker. Compared to the same quarter one year ago, the total shipments were 18.6 million units of tablets. This was an increase of 49.5%

Apple iPad remained at the number one spot and shipped 14.0 million units in Q3-12, compared to the same quarter one year ago which was at 11.1 million units. Apple iPad captured 50.4% market share in Q3-12, compared to one year ago which was at 59.7% share. Apple market share has dropped about 10% within the past twelve months.

Tablets run on Google Android mobile operating system continued to perform well in worldwide market. Android tablets were manufactured mostly in China and South Korea. Those tablets use several brands such as Samsung Tab, Amazon Fire, Asus Transformer, and Google Nexus.

In term of market share, the combination of Samsung, Amazon, and Asus accounted for 36% market share in Q3-12, compared to one year ago, those three companies only represented at about 10% market share. The three companies have shipped a total of 10 million units in Q3-12, compared to one year ago which was at about 2 million units. Among the three manufacturers, Samsung took the biggest market share as the South Korea-based company’s market share increased to 18.4% in Q3-12, compared to one year ago which was at 6.5% share.

(Image: tablet produced by IDC)

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Starbucks plans to open 1,300 new stores globally in 2013, with 600 new stores in Americas, 600 new stores in Asia Pacific region (China), and the remaining 100 new stores in Europe, Middle East, and Africa

Starbucks has very strong sales in the latest quarter earnings report which was published on Thursday (November 1). The Seattle coffee giant now has about 18,000 stores in 61 nations.

According to Starbucks financial release for fiscal year 2012 and also for the fourth quarter (Q4-12), the world’s largest café chains will add 1,300 new stores globally in 2013. This is going to be 22 percent increase over the fiscal year of 2012.

Of the 1,300 new stores to be opened in 2013, 600 new stores will reside in the North and South America. Most of those 600 new stores will be allocated to be built in its home country.

Starbucks’s next growth region and market target is in the Asia Pacific countries including China. The coffee giant will allocate to build 600 new stores in the region. Starbucks will add over 300 stores in China alone. The remaining stores (or less than 300 stores) will be allocated in the South East Asia countries, Far East nations, South Asia countries, such as Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, India, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and few other countries in Asia.

Due to economic turmoil in several European counties in recent years, Starbucks will only build about 100 new stores in Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

(Image: Starbucks pre-packaged coffee)

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90 percent world’s mobile operating system were created in Silicon Valley, California: Google Android mobile operating system captured 75 percent market share, while Apple iOS took 15 percent market share in in Q3-12 (July-September)

Global mobile phone subscribers continue to switch their old-style cellphones with modern smartphones which can be used to access websites, chat, social media, play music, and doing other activities. Mobile phone manufacturers shipped 181.1 million units of smartphones during Q3-12 (July-September), as per data provided by the International Data Corporation (IDC). Compared to the same quarter one year ago, the unit count of smartphones reached 123.7 million units in Q3-11. The world’s smartphone market growth about 46.4 percent within the past twelve-month period.

The Mountain View, Silicon Valley-based Company introduced Android mobile operating system in the first week of November 2007. After five years introduction, Google retained the number one spot and captured 75 percent market share in Q3-12. One year ago Android had 57.5 percent market share. Android smartphones manufacturers include Samsung, HTC, Motorola, and Sony. Manufacturers shipped 136 million units of Android powered smartphones in Q3-12, compared to one year ago which was 71 million units. Among all phone manufacturers Samsung is the only benefactor of Android as the South Korea-based company retained its crown as the King of smartphones maker. The newest Samsung branded smartphones include Samsung Galaxy III and the Samsung Galaxy Note (a.k.a. Phablet).

While Apple was named the most valuable technology company in the world, the Silicon Valley-based Company only captured 14.9 percent market share in Q3-12, compared to 13.8 percent market share one year ago. In term of units count, the gap between Apple iOS and Google Android phones have widened in Q3-12. Apple sold only 26.9 million units of iPhones in Q3-12, compared to one year ago which was 17.1 million units. The iPhone sales figure was helped by the launch of the iPhone 5 on September 21, 2012 (Apple sold over 5 million units during the first week launch). Apple is now going thru some internal management turmoil as two top executives were fired early this week due to performance issues.

The remaining 10 percent market shares in Q3-12 were divided among several operating systems. BlackBerry captured 4.3 percent share, followed by Nokia Symbian at 2.3 percent share, then Microsoft Windows Phone with 2.0 percent share, and Linux with 1.5 percent share.

(Table by IDC)

Asian cars brands continue to outperform American and European brands, as the top-10 brands include Scion, Toyota, Lexus, Mazda, Subaru, Honda, Acura, Audi, Infiniti, and Kia

The latest data provided by Consumer Reports found Asian cars brands have taken nine spots of the top-10 cars brands. The top spot was captured by Toyota’s brand targeting for young adults which is known as Scion. Popular Scion models include xB and xD. Those cars are sold in America and their prices range from $15,000 to $20,000 per unit.

Toyota brand itself was helped by its car manufacturer located in Toyota City, Japan. Most of the cars produced by this plant earned the top rating. In recent years, almost all hybrid cars are made at this location and later shipped to America. Those subcompact hybrid cars include Toyota Prius c (small), the hatchback “classic” Prius, the larger van known as Prius v, and the latest model known as Prius plug-in. Those subcompact cars are sold in America and their prices range from $20,000 to $35,000 per unit.

Another top brand from Toyota was Lexus. This brand catered for luxury cars buyers. Popular Lexus models include RX 350 (subcompact SUV for family), iS (subcompact for young adult) and LS (top of the line for executives). Lexus RX 350 and iS models have a price tag at above $35,000, while the LS model has a price tag at above $70,000.

Other Asian cars brands in the top-10 best cars include Mazda, Subaru, Honda, Acura (a luxury division of Honda), Infiniti (a luxury division of Nissan), and Kia (South-Korean-based Company).

(Data source: Consumer Reports)

Japan's top mobile operator, NTT DOCOMO will provide funds of 10 billion yen ($125 million USD) to nurture startups that focusing on building applications for smartphones and tablet computers

As one of the largest providers of mobile networks in Japan, NTT DOCOMO was known as the pioneer of providing applications for smartphones when the company introduced a service called i-mode in 1999. The DOCOMO i-mode business model was later copied by other developed countries to provide a similar mobile service to their clients. The service provides Internet service and let users to access e-mail, surfing Internet, download files, photos, and others. Recently the company is also a leading developer of mobile payments system which is known as NFC. NTT DOCOMO is also the first network in Japan to serve the ultra-fast 4G LTE network for their mobile subscribers.

NTT DOCOMO recently announced funds of 10 billion yen ($125 million USD) which will be used to establish two new ventures. The first one is called DOCOMO Innovation Fund. The second is called DOCOMO Innovation Village. Both ventures will provide helps to accelerate building applications for smartphones and tablet computers. The first fund will focus mainly for helping startups in Japan. The second fund will be an incubation program. This program will provide supports for new startups to get resources, transfers of knowledge, accessing workspace and meeting rooms. The incubation facility will help developers and experts to exchange ideas and brain-storming.

In order to accelerate development, DOCOMO will focus only on eight areas and business models. Those include (a) content, (b) mobile payment system, (c) mobile commerce, (d) health and medical, (e) machines learning, (f) aggregation and platforms, (g) environment, and (h) mobile securities.

(Image: NTT DOCOMO logo)

Worldwide smartphone market share Jul-Sep ‘12: South Korea-based Samsung continues to dominate smartphone market, shipped 56.3 million units and captured 31.3% share, while America-based Apple shipped 26.9 million units and captured 15.0% share

Samsung remains the world’s largest smartphone vendor during the third quarter of 2012 (July to September), as the South Korea-based company shipped 56.3 million units of smartphone, as per data from IDC. Compared to the same quarter one year ago, Samsung shipped only 28.1 million units or an increase of 28.2 million units (up by 100.4%) within the past twelve months. In term of worldwide smartphone market share, Samsung controlled about 31.3% share during Q3-12.

Majority Samsung handsets run on Google Android mobile operating system. Top Samsung smartphone models for Android users include Galaxy III and the upcoming Galaxy Note II (also known as Phablet). In conjunction with the launch of Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 operating system this week, Samsung will also launch a new model called ATIV S.

America-based Apple and the world’s most valuable technology company remains at the second place. Apple shipped 26.9 million units of iPhones in the third quarter. Compared to one year ago Apple shipped only 17.1 million units. In term of worldwide smartphone market share, Apple controlled only 15.0% share during Q3-12. With the launch of iPhone 5 which is now equipped with a larger screen and can handling 4G LTE network at the end of the third quarter, Apple will sell more iPhones in the coming quarters. Due to the company’s Asian suppliers and manufacturing issues during the launch, Apple cannot sell as many as iPhone 5 the company has planned.

Other smartphone manufacturers including RIM BlackBerry continues to suffer from loss of clients. BlackBerry shipped only 7.7 million units in Q3-12, compared to one year ago, the Canada-based company shipped 11.8 million units, or a drop of 4.1 million units (down by 34.7%)

(Chart: International Data Corporation, IDC, Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, Q3-12)

Let’s say hello to iPad Mini: Apple introduced a thinner and lighter tablet computer with the cheapest asking price of $329 for a 16GB model with Wi-Fi only, pre-order starts on Friday (Oct 26 '12)

Apple’s CEO Tim Cook and VP of Marketing Phil Schiller were on a stage at the California Theatre in downtown San Jose on Tuesday, 10:00am Pacific Time, October 23, 2012. Those top executives from the world’s largest mobile devices company introduced a small tablet computer at a size of 7.9 inches (or, 20 cm) and will be called as iPad Mini.

According to Apple press release, the iPad Mini is about 23% thinner than the regular iPad or it measures at 7.2 millimeters. In term of weight, the Mini is about 53% lighter than the third-generation “New” iPad, or weight at 308 grams. In terms of price, the most affordable iPad Mini will come with a price tag of $329 which will include 16GB disc-space and Wi-Fi. For a new Mini with 16GB and equipped with cellular access will cost $459. The best iPad Mini has a price tag of $659, with 64GB disc-space and equipped to run on a wireless network (4G LTE).

There will be two types of color, black and white model. In term of power, iPad Mini uses a dual-core microprocessor known as A5 chip. For cellular access, the new tablet has an option to receive the ultrafast Internet access via wireless networks provided by mobile operators, including from AT&T and Verizon. Those two operators offer 4G LTE capability. The new tablet is equipped with a 5-megapixel digital camera. Similar to iPhone 5 smartphone, iPad Mini uses the new charger cable known as Lightning. A fully charged iPad can last at least 10 hours on its own battery power.

In America, pre-order will start on Friday (October 26). The device will be shipped seven days later (November 2) thru Post Office, or via express carriers such as UPS or FedEx. All Apple Store in America will open as usual office hours on November 2, and will start selling the iPad Mini to general public.

(Image: iPad Mini)