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Top 10 online video content providers in America in July 2012, data was compiled using the number of viewers, including YouTube, Facebook, Yahoo!, VEVO, MSN and Bing

While the Western hemisphere has entering the summer season, Internet users are still flocking into their computers desktops, laptops, and tablet devices to watch videos.  According to monthly data provided by comScore Video Metrix that was published on Friday, August 17, 2012, the number of Internet users who watched online video has reached 184.2 million viewers in America in July 2012. All viewers watched about 36.9 billion videos in one full month of July.

Online video content providers are still dominated by Google Sites.  The world’s largest search engine which is the owner of YouTube attracted about 157 million viewers.  While some people may have missed several episodes of their favorite TV shows, they turned into YouTube to find those lost episodes.  One of the biggest sport events was held in London as many viewers flocked into YouTube to watch the 2012 Olympic Games.  Overall, Google Sites played about 19.6 billion videos in July.

The second spot was captured by Facebook with 53 million viewers. Yahoo! dropped to the third position in July 2012 and received 48.7 million viewers.  At number four was held by VEVO with 44.8 million viewers. Microsoft Sites which include MSN and Bing received 42.7 million viewers and captured the number five spot. Rounding out top 10 sites include AOL, Viacom Digital (providing sites catered for kids such as Nick.com, NickJr.com), NDN (online video platform for news sites), Amazon Sites, and Turner Digital (providing sites such as Cartoon Network).
 
(Table: comScore)

The Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) formed a committee to handle mobile payments revolution which include top mobile operators in America (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon)

The Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) has formed a committee which is known as the Mobile Payments Committee.  This committee will carry a task to improve mobile payments in America and worldwide.  Four of the top mobile network operators including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon will join force to find solutions to create policy and solving business issues regarding mobile payments. 

The committee will guide and give direction on the best way to grow mobile payments.  One of the several options includes finding ways to attract merchants which will provide mobile payments to their consumers.  Other tasks include educating general public about mobile payments and also train merchants to start using mobile payments.

Other technology companies such as PayPal, Google and Apple are supporting the mobile payments. Several top credit card issuers such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, will also join the committee.  Aside of that, banks include Wells Fargo and Capital One will support the new body of governance to handle mobile payments. 

(Logo: The Electronic Transactions Association, ETA)

Microsoft Windows Phone operating system experienced a strong growth rate year-over-year in worldwide smartphone shipments and market share in Q2-2012, Windows Phone will soon capture the number three mobile OS ranking

The new mobile operating system from Microsoft which is known as Windows Phone has experienced a significant growth rate year-over-year in worldwide smartphone shipments and market share in Q2-2012.  One of the reasons for the high growth rate was due to the help of Microsoft’s partner Nokia.  During Q2-2012, Nokia launched several new smartphones including Nokia Lumia 800 and 900 series.  Each new Lumia phone required a two years contract with average down-payment of $99 at AT&T and other mobile operators. 

Windows Phone is expected to capture the number three ranking soon as the smartphone pioneer RIM BlackBerry continued to drop its market share.  According to IDC, Windows Phone captured 3.5% share of smartphone OS market in Q2-2012, compared to 2.3% share in the same quarter one year ago.  Smartphone manufacturers (incl. Nokia) shipped 5.4 million units of handsets powered by Windows Phone in Q2-2012, compared to only 2.5 million units in the same quarter one year ago.

Google Android and Apple iOS continued to dominate the world’s smartphone shipments and market share in Q2-2012.  Android captured 68.1% share in Q2-2012, compared to 46.9% share in Q2-2011.  Smartphone manufacturers (incl. Samsung) shipped 104.8 million units of handsets powered by Android in Q2-2012, compared to 50.8 million units in the same quarter one year ago.

iOS captured 16.9% share in Q2-2012, compared to 18.8% share in Q2-2011.  Apple shipped 26.0 million units of handsets in Q2-2012, compared to 20.4 million units in the same quarter one year ago.

(Images: top right, Nokia Lumia smartphone; bottom: IDC table)

Fakebook: the world’s largest social network holds over 83 million illegitimate accounts representing about 8.7% of total accounts

As the world’s largest social network reported its quarterly earnings report last week and submitted paperwork to America’s regulators dated July 31, 2012, Facebook also revealed that the company has received about 83 million illegitimate accounts or representing about 8.7% of total accounts.  As of this week, Facebook has about 955 million monthly users that are still being active.  However, Facebook has said that 83 million active accounts broke the company’s rules.

There are several problems with Facebook total users.  Some of those discrepancies include duplicate profiles, as one user registered more than one accounts which made up close to 5% of all registered members.  Some of those fake accounts had been registered for non-human users such as for pets (about 2% of all accounts was in this category). 

The latest figures from Facebook continue to hurt its business models, as many experts have questioned the effectiveness of placing advertising on the Facebook platform.

(Image: Thumb down)

Let’s say hello to Outlook: Microsoft launched a cloud-based email service called Outlook (.com) and will replace the old-style Hotmail (.com) and Live (.com) addresses

While users from around the world can keep using their @hotmail and @live addresses for many years to come, as the new generation email system called outlook.com has been launched this morning, the world’s largest software company is now offering any users to grab a brand new email address.  Users can now use the @outlook.com extension to get email, send email, and keep email.  Nobody is special as for getting an email address @outlook, it will be first-come, first-served service.

To get an outlook address, users must first exit all accounts related to Microsoft services such as Hotmail, Xbox, Live, Bing Rewards, SkyDrive, and others.  A new user must go to www.outlook.com website and sign up online.  During the signup, users must have a phone number, other email address, zip code, and date of birth.  All of those steps are processed quickly and will take only a few minutes.  After login into the new @outlook email address, users are allowed to connect the new outlook.com address with the old Hotmail or Live addresses by using account settings. 

(Logo: Microsoft Outlook)

Microsoft plans to release Surface tablet computer version 1.0 on Friday, October 26, 2012, in conjunction with the launch of Windows 8 operating system

The world’s largest software maker has submitted its annual Form 10-K to government on July 26, 2012.  On the paperwork, Microsoft stated that the company will release Surface tablet computer version 1.0 on Friday, October 26, 2012.  This is in conjunction with the launch of Windows 8 operating system that was announced by Windows division President Steven Sinofsky on July 18 (Wednesday).  Sinofsky made the announcement at Microsoft annual sales meeting.

During the past few days, several tech watchers have been speculated that Microsoft and its partners who manufacture the Surfaces have been facing difficulties to obtain some raw materials to produce components for the new tablet computer.  While Microsoft's competitors including Apple and Google are working hard to release several new models of tablet computer in the past one month.  Apple is planning to release a new mini iPad tablet computer in October this year.

When Microsoft introduced the Surface at a special event in Los Angeles on June 18, the company’s executives have mentioned that the first release of the Surface will be the low end models using ARM processor and running on Windows RT operating system.  High-end models running on Windows 8 Pro operating system and using Intel microprocessor will be available in early 2013 (about three months after the Surface’s initial release on October 26, 2012). 

(Image: Surface tablet computer)

Global demand for smartphones continues to skyrocket as market grew 42.1% year-over-year while Samsung and Apple controlled about 50% of the world's market

Global smartphone market grew 42.1% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2012 (2Q12).  Based on data provided by the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, handset manufacturers delivered about 153.9 million smartphones in 2Q12.  One year ago, handset manufacturers shipped only 108.3 million units in 2Q11.

South Korean-based company Samsung and Silicon Valley-based Company Apple controlled about 50% of the world's smartphones today.  Samsung uses multiple-products strategy to target several segments of the smartphone market including Samsung Galaxy S II and S III.  Few months before the end of 2011, the company also introduced a larger screen smartphone called Samsung Galaxy Note.  Samsung continues to release new models ahead of its competitors.  With the help of popular Google Android mobile operating system, Samsung delivered 50.2 million units of smartphones in 2Q12, compared to only 18.4 million units in 2Q11.  This was an increase of 172.8% year-over-year.  Samsung captured 32.6% of the world's smartphones market in 2Q12, compared to 17.0% share one year ago.

On the other hand, Apple produces a limited number of models and the release schedule was somewhat slow.  Apple introduced an upgrade of its iPhone 4 and called it 4S in October 2011.  Many prospect buyers were disappointed as they expected a fancier model.  Apple's next-generation iPhone which could be called “the New iPhone” is expected for release in October 2012.  Apple shipped 26.0 million units of smartphones in 2Q12, compared to only 20.4 million units in 2Q11.  This was an increase of 27.5% year-over-year.  However, Apple experienced a decline in term of market share in 2Q12 compared to one year ago.  Apple captured 16.9% of the global smartphones market in 2Q12, compared to 18.8% share one year ago.

(Table: IDC)

10 million and counting: Samsung Galaxy S III smartphones have surpassed 10 million sales mark earlier than the South Korean-based company has expected

According to the South Korean-based company’s senior executive, worldwide sales (incl. Asia, America, and Europe) of Samsung Galaxy S III smartphones have surpassed 10 million units. The latest sales figure was faster than the company has expected. 

The world's largest mobile handsets maker introduced Samsung Galaxy S III in late May 2012 in conjunction with Olympic 2012 activities in London.

Citing Shin Jong-kyun, Samsung’s president of information technology and mobile communication division, South Korean-based Yonhap News Agency reported that Galaxy S III smartphones have surpassed the 10 million on Sunday, July 22, 2012.  Samsung did not reveal exact numbers of sales.

It took about 5 months for the previous model called the Galaxy S II to hit 10 million sales mark.  So, the latest model Galaxy S III is one of the all-time best sellers for the South Korean-based company.

Samsung Galaxy S III is powered by 4 quad core processor and has a 4.8-inch screen.  The handset runs on the latest Google Android mobile operating system which is also known as “Ice Cream Sandwich."

(Image: Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone)

See you on Friday, October 26, 2012: the newest operating system from Microsoft, Windows 8, will be released to general public as customers will be able to purchase a new PC and download the OS to upgrade their PCs

Ten days ago at Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference, one of the top executive of Windows division gave a hint that the new operating system will be available in late October this year.  At the same conference, Microsoft people also announced that the company will release a version called Release to Manufacturing (RTM) in the first week of August.  This version of Windows usually goes to computer manufacturers such as Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer and others.

At Microsoft annual sales meeting on July 18 (Wednesday), Windows division boss, Steven Sinofsky announced that the final version of Windows 8 will be release on Friday, October 26, 2012.  Customers will be able to purchase a new PC which will be pre-installed with the newest OS at computer hardware and electronics stores, such as BestBuy, Fry’s, or even at Microsoft’s own Store.  Microsoft Stores are located at several super mall in America, including Century City Mall in Los Angeles and South Coast Plaza in Orange County.  At the same day, Windows users can also download the new OS to upgrade their PCs which run on Windows 7 or Windows XP.

(Image: Microsoft Windows 8 start page)

Americans' confidence in religion dropped significantly since the 1970s era as it hit the lowest level at 44% in 2012 due to abuse scandal and economy crisis

People in America continue to see less importance of religion in their lives.   Scandals among leaders, televangelist preachers, and pastors have eroded the degree of confidence. Since early 2000s, Catholics pastors and children sex abuse have affected tremendously in Americans lives.  While in the late 1980s and early 1990s scandals which involved televangelist preachers also played a big role in recent drop of confidence level in religion. 

According to Gallup, since economy crisis hampered America starting in 2007, the confidence level increased slightly to 52% in 2009, but it dropped to 44% in 2012.  Previously the confidence level dropped significantly to 45% in 2002, one year after the terrorists attacked America land.  Then, it increased few points after the 9/11 disaster, but it dropped again to 46% in 2007 as Americans facing the world economy crisis and layoffs.  Overall, the latest trend shows that Americans are now facing a long-term drop in confidence in religion since the 1970s era.

(Chart: Gallup)

Worldwide personal computer shipment growth remained at a steady level during the second quarter of 2012 (April-June) while two Asian brands Lenovo and ASUS kick their competitor’s ass

The second quarter of 2012 Worldwide PC shipments suffered a loss of 0.1% from the second quarter of 2011.  Preliminary data provided by Gartner found that the PC market continued to go through several quarter of very little of growth or decline.  Worldwide PC shipments accumulated only 87.5 million units in 2Q-2012, compared to 87.6 million units in 2Q-2011.

Consumers are not buying new PCs as usual as new types of hardware including smartphones and tablets attracted the new generation of buyers.  At the same time, Ultrabook is too slow to come into the market to rescue the industry. The first Ultrabook was introduced in 2011 by Apple Company, and later was imitated by other manufacturers such as Samsung, ASUS, Acer, and others.

The biggest losers include HP and Dell.  HP captured about 14.9% market share, but its global PC shipments suffered a drop of 12.1% from one year ago.  Dell controlled about 10.7% market share, but its shipments dropped about 11.5% from the same quarter one year ago. 

The biggest winners are two Asian brands Lenovo and ASUS.  Lenovo captured about 14.7% market share, and its global PC shipments increased about 14.9% from one year ago.  Taiwanese-based ASUS controlled about 7.0% market share worldwide in 2Q-2012, and its shipments increased about 38.6% from 2Q-2011.

(Table: Gartner)

Let’s say hello to Amazing Alex: the newest game from the maker of Angry Birds, available for download on Thursday, July 12, 2012, on both Apple iTunes and Google Play appstores

Rovio, the maker of popular mobile games Angry Birds announced that the company will release a new game on Thursday, July 12, 2012.  The company will name the new game as “Amazing Alex” with promotion text read “awesome physics puzzles.” 

Rovio's next generation game after birds and pigs includes a youngster named Alex and emphases on puzzle games. At the time of release the game will start with 100 levels. 

“Amazing Alex” will be available thru Apple iTunes and Google Play appstores.

In the meantime, Rovio urged its users to check out a short trailer via YouTube.  The company also asked its users to keep update info thru Twitter (which now has about 1,500 followers) and Facebook.

 

(Image: top, Amazing Alex Twitter handle)

Microsoft’s Windows 8 two important dates: one day in early August (August 6 ‘12) and one day at the end of October (October 22 ‘12)

Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) is being held in Toronto, Canada, from July 8 to July 12, 2012.  The annual conference usually attracted about 15,000 to 20,000 people from around the world, while this year is estimated to gather about 16,000 people.  At the opening ceremony on Monday morning, the top marketing and finance executive for the Windows division, Tami Reller, announced that the newest operating system Windows 8 will be available for computer manufacturers in the first week of August.  Around August 6, 2012 timeframe, the software giant company will release a version called Release to Manufacturing (RTM).  This RTM version usually pre-installed on new laptops or desktops that are being sold at computer and electronics stores, such as BestBuy, Microsoft Store, Fry’s, Dell, HP Store, Amazon, and others.

After the release of RTM version in early August, consumers will have about 2 months to wait for their new laptops or desktops arrived in stores.  At WPC, Reller reaffirmed PC users that they will be allowed to download and upgrade to Windows 8 version for general public at the end of October. Since Windows 7 was launched on October 22, 2009, it is very possible Microsoft will stick with the same date to release Windows 8 to general public.  Windows 8 will be equipped to handle 109 languages and will be sold in 231 countries and territories around the world.

Windows 8 developers must work really hard in the next few months to catch up with Microsoft’s release dates so they can start selling their apps by the end of October.  Microsoft will open up their Windows Store and will help developers to sell their apps.

(Image: Microsoft Windows 8 logo)

3 billion download and counting: BlackBerry App World had reached a new milestone while averaging more than 2.5 million downloads per day from a total of 90,000 apps

After all the bad news lately, smartphone pioneer has some good numbers to show its users and investors.  In a blog posted this weekend, Research In Motion (RIM) announced that they have reached the 3 billion download mark and averaging more than 2.5 million downloads per day from a total of 90,000 apps.

To compare the latest achievement with the previous milestones, BlackBerry team wrote that the team took 786 days to get the one billion mark.  Then, to reach the two billion numbers, it took 210 days.  For the current stats, it took only 176 days to reach the three billion mark.

BlackBerry competitors include Apple and Google Android.  Apple announced they had reached the 25 billion downloads from a total of 650,000 apps in March 2012.  For Android, the Google’s Play Store had reached 20 billion downloads from a total of 600,000 apps in June 2012.

BlackBerry smartphone is still a very popular device in many South East Asian countries including Indonesia and Malaysia.  It is also a very popular smartphone in some Middle Eastern countries, such as United Arab Emirates.

(Image: BlackBerry App World)

Facebook and Yahoo! agreed to stop fighting over patents and will establish partnerships on advertising distribution and sharing content thru the world’s largest social network

Facebook and Yahoo! have agreed to resolve their fights over patent fight.  The fights started in the beginning of 2012 as Yahoo appointed a new CEO Scott Thompson which was later fired on May 13 by the boards due to credential issue in his resume.  At the same time, Facebook spent millions to acquire hundred patents from Microsoft and IBM to respond to Yahoo! patent lawsuit.

Yahoo! and Facebook confirmed that they have reached settlement of the case and both companies will work together to share and cross-license their patent portfolios.  In an effort to prolong the relationship, both companies will expand advertising content sharing.  They also promise to improve services to help premium advertisers to get the best out of a new distribution system, including content from Yahoo! to be displayed in the social network.   Millions Facebook users will be benefited by using Yahoo! content to connect to their friends and family members.

The latest news will strengthen Ross Levinsohn to be picked as the next CEO for Yahoo!.  Many tech sources have confirmed that he will be appointed by the board next week. Levinsohn replaced Thompson who was fired in mid-May this year.  Levinsohn has been working very hard to bring peace to Yahoo! and offer to talk with Facebook’s Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg to resolve the patent issue.

(Image: Facebook logo and Yahoo logo)

Google to retire several web services including iGoogle (personalized and real-time site), Google Video (video content will be moved to YouTube), and others

Since Larry Page became Google’s CEO in April 2011, over 30 products and services had been discontinued and retired.  The new era started and required Google engineers to focus on web services and products that making more money for the company.  Therefore, by August 20, 2012, all contents stored at Google Video will be moved to YouTube or deleted.  Google Video is almost similar to YouTube and has been stopped taking uploads from users since May 2009. 

One of the popular web services, iGoogle (personalized and real-time site), which was introduced in 2005, will also retire soon.   According to a blog posted by Matt Eichner, Google’s General Manager for Global Enterprise Search, users will have until November 1, 2013 to shut down their iGoogle and move their data or information somewhere else. 

Apple reached settlement and paid $60 million to a Chinese company (a computer monitor maker) in intellectual property cases

A High Court in Guangdong, China, announced that the world’s most valuable company Apple and a computer monitor maker company based in China, Proview International Holdings Ltd., has reached a settlement in the dispute of trademark "iPad." Apple agreed to pay the Chinese company $60 million and will now has the ownership of the name "iPad."   iPad is the name for the tablet computer produced by Apple and has been in the market since the early 2010.

Apple wanted to settle this case as soon as possible so they can start selling more mobile and computer devices in China.  While at the same time, Proview had been miserable in financial difficulties and have to pay debt.  $60 million is small token for the giant as the value of the company has passed over $500 billion.  At first, Proview asked Apple to pay as much as $400 million for the trademark; however, both companies’ lawyers have settled for $60 million. 

The latest settlement will help Apple to conquer China market. Although since the early 2000s Apple sales relies on buyers from America; however, Apple also wants to expand its global market.  As the most populous nation in the world, China could become the most attractive market and will help Apple to grow in the future.  As the iPad trademark dispute is now over, it is about time for Apple to fine tune its strategy to reap the China market.

(Image: Apple iPad)

Java drinkers: the benefit of drinking coffee included helping to prevent heart failure and other medical conditions

A team of researchers analyzed five independent studies dated from January 1966 through December 2011, and using samples of more than 140,220 men and women, found that the benefit of coffee consumption and heart risk.  The early four studies were conducted in Sweden while another one was conducted in Finland.  Researchers found that participants who drank coffee at least two cups of 8-ounce per day may gain 11 percent chances of protective benefits against heart failure. 

The study led by Elizabeth Mostofsky and is being published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation Heart Failure. The lead author is associated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA.

Previous studies have reported that the benefit of drinking coffee could also reduce the risk of other sickness, including stroke, depression, dementia and some type of cancers.

Coffee beans contain many great composites to lower the risk of developing heart failure.  Those compounds include antioxidants which also helping to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and other medical conditions.

(Image: Starbucks coffee)

10 million units in one month and counting: sales of Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone to hit over 10 million units in July 2012

The new Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone could surpass over 10 million units in just one month in July.  The unit count of the new smartphone was based on info from JK Shin, a Samsung's business telecommunications spokesperson, as reported by reuters.com. 

In conjunction with the 2012 Olympics activities, the South Korean-based company introduced Galaxy S III in London in early May.  Samsung is also one of the major sponsors this year summer’s largest sport event which will be held for two weeks, from July 27 until August 12.

Samsung Galaxy S III is expected to compete very closely with top seller Apple's iPhone. Apple has been very busy preparing legal paperwork to fight Samsung in court due patent rights than trying to invent a better smartphone system.  With all top lawyers fighting, however, no one has been named the winner of those patent cases.

Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone has been delivered to several countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia by the end of May.  Americans users also started to pre-order in early June through mobile operators including the two top providers AT&T and Verizon.  Other smaller mobile operators such as Sprint and T-Mobile have also started selling the smartphone. 

(Image: Samsung Galaxy S III)

 

Microsoft launched Windows Phone 8 operating system for mobile devices at "Windows Phone Summit" in San Francisco with a ton of new features

Ten days after Apple’s “Worldwide Developer Conference” (WWDC) was held in San Francisco on June 11, Microsoft’s "Windows Phone Summit" was also held in the same city on June 20, 2012.  At this event Microsoft introduced Windows Phone 8 operating system for mobile devices.  Microsoft uses the same branding (“Windows 8”) for the latest software for mobile devices and desktop/laptop/tablet.  The difference between the two brandings is only on the word “Phone.”  Windows Phone 8 will share the same core or source of coding with Windows 8, so the two OSs will be running the same way. 

At the event, Microsoft announced that the company will work with four manufacturers to produce the handsets and will be ready at the launch date sometime in October 2012.  Those four partners are Nokia, Huawei, HTC, and Samsung.

Microsoft also announced that the “old” generation Windows Phone version 7.0 and 7.5 (such as, handsets made by Nokia version Lumia 900) cannot be upgraded to version 8.  In order make everyone happy,  Microsoft will create a new version 7.8 which will allow early adopters to utilize some of special features, for example to modify the “Start” wall and change the Live Tiles icon size into a smaller size or larger size.

(Image: Windows Phone)

America’s automobile industry quality rankings for 2012: vehicle manufacturers produce better cars than ever as Lexus is still the best brand for two consecutive years

According to the J.D. Power and Associates, initial quality for the cars industry in America in 2012 has improved significantly over 2011.  Using the research firm’s Initial Quality Study (IQS) measurement, the quality of cars has improved by 5 points in 2012 which was averaging 102 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100).  Compared to 2011, the average was at 107 problems per 100 vehicles.  With very tight competitions, manufacturers are making better cars than ever before. 

Japanese-based Toyota Luxury brand, Lexus, was selected as the top rank in term of quality for the past two years in a row.  Lexus received an average of 73 problems per 100 vehicles.  Two European brands, Jaguar and Porsche, were at the second spot and received an average of 75 problems per 100 vehicles.  It followed by American car maker Cadillac at number four which received 80 problems per 100 vehicles.  Another Japanese-based company, Honda was ranked at number five and received 83 problems per 100 vehicles. 

Using standard measurement, problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), here is a list of top ranking brands:

• Lexus: 73
• Jaguar and Porsche: 75
• Cadillac: 80
• Honda: 83
• Acura: 84
• Infiniti: 84
• Toyota: 88
• Mercedes-Bens: 96
• BMW: 97
• Mazda: 97
• GMC: 99
• Nissan: 99
• Ram: 99
• Chevrolet: 100
• Industry Average: 102

(Image: J.D. Power and Associates)

Let’s say hello to Microsoft Surface: a new tablet from the world’s largest software company which was introduced in Los Angeles on June 18, 2012

Microsoft has presented a new tablet called Surface.  In today’s presentation in Los Angeles, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Windows Division President Steven Sinofsky were on stage to showcase Surface.

The new tablet will run on Windows 8 operating system, version RT and Pro.  The device has about 10.6-inc screen and 9.3 millimeters thin.  The device has a weight of 1.5 pounds or about 676 grams.  The tablet's cover is functioned as a wireless keyboard.

The new tablet will be launched sometime in October 2012, in conjunction with the Windows 8 operating system launch date.  There was no price tag yet.  It should be around $500 for the basic model.

The device will run Office software.  It can connect to Internet and other entertainment networks such as Netflix and Xbox Live.

Watch video via YouTube, click here:

 

(Image: Microsoft)

Burger King is planning to open 1,000 fast-food restaurants in China by the end of 2019 to target over 1 billion people

The most populated nation will welcome more fast-food restaurants as Burger King Worldwide Holdings (BKW) has decided to expand into China.  The second largest fast food hamburger chain in the world has partnered with a joint venture to open 1,000 fast-food restaurants in China in the next five to seven years.  Expect to finish the project by the end of 2019.

According to a press release, BKW signed a partnership with the fast-food master franchisee and members of the Kurdoglu family, with the help of a global private equity firm Cartesian Capital Group.  Burger King has already opened 63 locations in China while the joint partnership will have the solely right to operate in China.

Today, Burger King has opened its stores in over 12,500 locations around the world.  The fast-food chain was founded in 1954, is considered as the number two largest in the world and serving at least 11 million guests per day.  In term of global market, the fast-food chain has location in 82 countries and territories.

Los Angeles Special Event: Microsoft is getting ready to announce a tablet device to be called "Xbox Tablet" or "Xbox Pad" or "XPad"

The world’s largest software company, Microsoft sent a special invitation to some tech analysts and news writers on Thursday, June 14, and scheduled a special event to announce "something" on Monday June 18 in Los Angeles.  Before we heard the real Microsoft‘s announcement, let's check out some signs that occurred during the past one month.

At Computex conference in Taiwan which occurred during the first week of June 2012, computer manufacturers were told that the cost of licensing Microsoft operating system Windows 8 RT will be around $85 per license. With this high asking price, many think it is a bad move by the giant company. Compared to two leading OS for tablets, Google Android is free and Apple iOS is almost free.  The high licensing cost will hurt the hope of PC manufacturers (i.e., Samsung, Acer, Dell, and HP) to produce such devices.  It appears that Microsoft is distanced itself from manufacturers.  The giant could lose the tablet war with Android and iPad.  Therefore, to cover the licensing cost, Microsoft is more likely to produce its own tablet device.

In the first week of May 2012, Microsoft signed an agreement with Barnes & Noble to use the second largest bookstore catalog and content thru electronic reader called Nook.  This device is resembled of an Amazon Kindle Fire. In order to take advantage of this partnership, Microsoft could launch a new generation e-reader to fight the Kindle Fire.

Why in Los Angeles?  This place signals that Microsoft will be building something with the help of the entertainment industry and Hollywood moguls.  Consumers may need a device to watch movies, listen to music, and play games.  A tablet will fit these needs.

With these signs, speculation of Microsoft to announce a tablet device will come true this Monday.  Microsoft is very capable to build its own device similar to the success of Xbox game console.  The company will be never say "it's too late" to be the tablet manufacturer. The device is expected to be called "Xbox Tablet" or "Xbox Pad" or "XPad."   This will put the company head-to-head competition with Apple and Amazon.

(Image: Microsoft)

Three most popular features from Apple iOS 6 operation system, as the announcement was held at WWDC Conference in San Francisco (June 11-15, 2012), iOS 6 will be available for general public in October

On Monday morning June 11, 2012, the largest conference for Apple application developers called Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) was officially opened.  The event is held in San Francisco from June 11 until June 15.  The main speaker at this morning’s session was Apple CEO Tim Cook.  At the session, the giant mobile device company announced a new operating system called iOS 6 which will be available for release in the fall (October 2012). Users can upgrade for free via wireless.  For Apple fans, iOS 6 only compatible with iPhone 3G, 4, 4S, iPod Touch 4th generation, iPad 2, and the New iPad.  There will be no upgrade for iPad 1.

Apple iOS 6 top three features include the following:

1. Siri: this feature was made popular in iPhone 4S (“S” means “Siri”).  Siri capabilities will expand to understand human conversation from different cultures.  The upgraded Siri is being developed to understand multi languages.  With Siri, Apple users can visit or work abroad.  For tablet, Siri is only available for the New iPad.  New features will be added including providing more information on daily activities.  Those activities include get sports info and match results, find restaurant reviews and reserve seats at a restaurant, find movie show times at local movie theaters, and create a list of flight schedules. User may also ask Siri to send a short message to social networks such as Twitter and Facebook.
2. Facebook: Apple is keeping an eye on the growth of Google Android operating system, so Tim Cook’s company is now joining force with Mark Zuckerberg’s company to fight the giant Google.  iOS 6 will be integrated with Facebook with additional new features to help users to use the social network without leaving other applications. The new features will let users to share photos easily by taking pictures directly from the device’s camera.  Users do not need to type a message as users will be able to ask Siri to send a message using voice or update their wall’s status easily.  Other cool features include a very neat integration between Facebook’s calendar and the gadget’s calendar to handle list of events, birthday dates, and others. The new feature will also let users to automatically update their friends’ information between Facebook and mobile phones and tablets.
3. Maps: Apple dumped Google Maps and created their own mapping system with the help of a third party provider.  The new Maps will provide detailed information in text form and better graphic form. It will provide directions on the road, provide navigation services, and provide real-time update on the state of traffic flow. The new Maps will also provide features similar to a bird’s eye view of a city and its surrounding areas with high resolution images.

(Screenshot: Apple iOS 6 website)

Online trends in America: over 20 million senior citizens always access Internet and their knowledge of technology beyond what was originally thought

Forrester Research just published a study with a title "Digital Seniors" regarding the activities of senior citizens online.  Researchers were surprised to see senior citizens go online very often and their knowledge of technology beyond what was originally thought.  Senior citizens love to use technology to share information with their friends and family.

The study found that 60% of senior citizens prefer to access Internet which representing 21 million senior citizens in America. The remaining 40% of this age group do not care about the Internet.

Forrester researchers found that senior citizens have very different online activities than adults on daily basis.  Senior citizen activities include using email, which representing 91% of seniors activities on daily basis.  They also like to go shopping online, where 59% of this age group had bought something online in the last three months.   Seniors also like to connect to friends and family members as 49% of this age group have a Facebook account.  Sharing and sending photos via e-mail is part of seniors activities which representing 46% of their online activities.   Seniors also love to play video game which representing 44% of their time using the Internet.   Getting discount coupons is also one of those online activities which representing 24% of their online activities.

(Image: Forrester Research)

Smartphones operating system market share worldwide in 2016: Google Android #1, Microsoft Windows Phone #2, Apple iOS #3, and RIM BlackBerry #4

Early this week, research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker published a report and concluded that Google Android operating system will maintain its dominance for the next five years.  The OS market share will reach its peak in 2012.  South Korean-based company Samsung will be the most beneficial from the growth of Android OS, as the company is now selling million units of handsets called Galaxy S III.  Android market share is projected to maintain at a stable level with 52.9% share in 2016, compared to 61.0% share in 2012.

The second spot will go to Microsoft Windows Phone OS.  The mobile OS was released about two years ago.  The OS is now projected to take the number two position in 2016.  Windows Phone is estimated to grab market share as much as 19.2% in 2016, compared to 5.2% in 2012.  IDC also warned that the number two spot will only be reached if Nokia will still maintain its cellphone dominance in developing countries.

Apple iOS has grabbed a very large market share in recent years with the sales of iPhone version 4 and 4S.  Apple’s market targets include America, Europe, and Asian countries in the Pacific Rim region (incl. China, Far East, and Southeast Asia). IDC predicted that for years to come, Apple’s growth will rely on replacement cycles and phone carrier contracts. iOS is projected to grab 19.0% market share in 2016, compared to 20.5% in 2012.

RIM BlackBerry’s market share will continue to be suffered due to change of leadership at the company. IDC projected that the BlackBerry will retain some users who have familiar with the device and users who less likely to change OS due to learning curve.   However, apps developers have stayed away from developing BlackBerry apps in recent years which could hurt BlackBerry users’ base in the future.

(Images: top left, Google Android logo; top right, Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone; middle, table by IDC)

The beginning of privatization of UCLA: faculty leaders approved plan to make the world’s top-25 Anderson School's MBA program self-supporting and will soon rely on students tuition fees and alumni donations

The continuing budget crisis in the largest state in America has led to extensive cuts to fund public schools and colleges in California, including UC higher education system.  State funding for public universities are limited and there will be very little hope to recover in years to come as America’s economy remains weak.

On Thursday afternoon, June 7, the UCLA’s faculty leaders voted 53-46, with three people voted absents, to support a controversial plan to stop receiving state funding, as reported by dailybruin.com.  The world’s top-25 MBA program will stop taking state fund and hoping to survive on tuition fees, fundraising and donations.

The change may start a trend of privatization of public universities in America, especially for professional, business and law schools.  Those programs could charge high tuitions and get some wealthy alumni to donate their fortunes.

UCLA Anderson school dean, Judy Olian, is the forefront person of the plan.  After winning the votes, Olian is now working hard to get approvals from the UC Office of the President, as reported by latimes.com.   

Many top business schools in America such as Harvard, Stanford, USC, rely heavily on students’ tuition, alumni donations and organization gifts.  The latest move to be financially independent will help Anderson to compete in term of more innovative teaching methods and freely to collaborate with other institutions.  It will be good for Anderson as it will compete with other top-25 business schools to get the best potential students from around the world.

(Image: UCLA logo)

From Los Angeles's Electronic Entertainment Expo (continue): Nintendo is trying to win fans in the gaming world by launching a new console called "Wii U" and a new social networking platform called "Miiverse"

On the second day of E3 conference in Los Angeles, Japanese-based Company Nintendo held their presentation at Nokia Theatre at the LA Live complex which is at the same block as the LA Convention Center, just behind the Staples Center the popular sport arena.  The presentation started with showing a short video with characters from Pikmin 3 game.  Then, the world’s best game creator including Mario and Zelda, Shigeru Miyamoto, was on the stage.  First he spoke few sentences in English, then decided to ask an interpreter and continued his presentation in Japanese.  Mr. Miyamoto praised the new console "Wii U."

The presentation continued as the company’s President for North America region, Reggie Fils-Aime, went on the stage.  Mr. Fils-Aime explained more about games ecosystem than talked about the console.  The console was presented in short video footage with its accessories. Moreover, Fils-Aime noted that the company is working hard to partner with several content providers including YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Video.  With this partnership, Nintendo is hoping to allow fans to watch video and movies using the console.

The presentation continued with introduction of a new platform for social networking called "Miiverse." The presentation utilized avatar character called Mii.  With Mii avatar character, fans can create social networking "Miiverse."  Nintendo expects players to utilize Miiverse to invite friends to join in a multi-player game.  To support Wii U, Nintendo will introduce many games including the company’s franchise "New Super Mario Bros.  U."   This game will bring all fans together in social networking and help to build community with Miiverse.

Nintendo’s presentation put a lot of emphases on marketing of Wii U through games. Most of the games will use the new controller called Wii U Gamepad.  As the company had signed several partners including Warner Brothers, the Hollywood top movie makers will incorporate Wii U console and Wii Gamepad into the next big game called “Batman Arkham City” Armored edition.  Wii Gamepad will help players to choose or exchange weapons, oversee the condition of war field, and plan attacks.

At the E3 Expo, Nintendo has not decided on the price yet.  The new console will be available in the electronic and gaming stores before Thanksgiving holiday shopping started in November 2012.  We will expect the price tag at $299.

(Image by indopost.com team: Nintendo’s exhibit hall at E3 Expo, Los Angeles, June 5-7, 2012)

The nonprofit organization of Internet Society has set June 6, 2012 GMT (or at 5:00 pm Pacific Saving Time on June 5) as the launch date for Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6)

On June 6, 2012, GMT (or at 5:00 pm Pacific Saving Time on June 5), popular Internet companies and service providers will turn on IPv6 support in their networks and all of them will leave it on for many years until they really need a next generation Internet Protocol.  One year ago on June 6, 2011, several Internet company agreed to test their networks using IPv6 for 24 hours period.  The event was coordinated by the nonprofit organization of Internet Society.  The test was regarded as very successful.  As a result, majority tech companies have decided to join the launch date on June 6, 2012.

In other part of the world, companies have already started to switch to IPv6 as they agreed to participate in the launch date on June 6.  The US-based Internet service providers involved in the June 6 launch event include AT&T, Comcast, and Time Warner Cable.  Several networking equipment manufacturers will also connect their networks into IPv6, including Cisco and D-Link.  Popular web services providers, social networking, and search engines such as Yahoo, MSN, Facebook, Google and Bing will also join the launch.

(Images: Internet Society, left, IPv6 logo and right, IPv6 launch date logo)