http://www.teardown.com// Emerging Business Strategy Issues, Opportunities, and Threats © 2010, UBM LLC en-us Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:25:00 -0500 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:25:00 -0500 Competitive TechAlerts 60 The KIN, the first self-branded smartphone for Microsoft, was supposed to compete with the Apple iPhone. It went on sale in early May of this year and was scheduled to debut in Europe this fall. But, in late June, Microsoft announced the discontinuation of its social networking handset, less than two months after its release, reported Yahoo! Japan in July 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100721.aspx#CA100721-01 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:02:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100721.aspx#CA100721-01 Sharp of Japan announced plans to develop a next-generation ebook format (next-generation XMDF) that supports audio and video. The company will launch both a distribution service and a tablet device before the end of this year, reported Impress Watch in July 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100721.aspx#CA100721-02 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:02:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100721.aspx#CA100721-02 Sanyo Electric of Japan announced that it will sell its semiconductor operation to On Semiconductor of the U.S., reported Asahi.com in July 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100721.aspx#CA100721-03 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:02:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100721.aspx#CA100721-03 NTT DoCoMo unveiled a 2.5-in. 3D LCD display that can be viewed without special glasses at the recent Wireless Japan 2010 exposition in Tokyo (July 14-16), reported ITmedia in July. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100721.aspx#CA100721-04 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:02:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100721.aspx#CA100721-04 At the recent Wireless Japan 2010 exposition in Tokyo (July 14-16), Kyocera of Japan showcased an Android smartphone, the Zio M6000, which it plans to release before the end of fiscal 2010 (ending Mar. 2011), reported Impress Watch in July. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100721.aspx#CA100721-05 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:02:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100721.aspx#CA100721-05 The Alex, a dual-screen ebook reader based on the Android operating system and manufactured by Spring Design of the U.S., was showcased at the recent Wireless Japan 2010 exposition in Tokyo (July 14-16), reported ITmedia in July. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100721.aspx#CA100721-06 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:02:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100721.aspx#CA100721-06 Despite the possibility of creating an oversupply and driving down prices, top semiconductor manufacturers around the world are currently boosting production, reported ITmedia in July 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100721.aspx#CA100721-07 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:02:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100721.aspx#CA100721-07 Microsoft will increase its financial incentives for application development for Windows Phone 7, the latest version of that OS scheduled to debut before the end of 2010, reported SankeiBiz in July 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100721.aspx#CA100721-08 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:02:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100721.aspx#CA100721-08 Renesas Electronics of Japan has agreed buy Nokia’s wireless modem operation for about $200 million, reported Impress Watch in July 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100708.aspx#CA100708-01 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:25:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100708.aspx#CA100708-01 Sony Electronics of the U.S. lowered the prices of all three models in its Sony Reader line of ebook readers, reported ITmedia in July 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100708.aspx#CA100708-02 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:25:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100708.aspx#CA100708-02 Toshiba and Intel announced that they had co-developed a tablet PC for educational applications in the Japanese market, reported CNET Japan in July 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100708.aspx#CA100708-03 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:25:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100708.aspx#CA100708-03 JVC of Japan will begin shipping the Everio GZ-HM350, a full HD camcorder, in early July 2010, reported AV Watch. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100708.aspx#CA100708-04 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:25:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100708.aspx#CA100708-04 Murata Manufacturing of Japan has developed a way to charge mobile devices just by placing them on a special electrostatic sheet. The company unveiled a prototype of the new system in late June 2010, reported Asahi.com. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100708.aspx#CA100708-05 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:25:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100708.aspx#CA100708-05 NTT DoCoMo, Japan’s largest wireless carrier, will establish an Apple-style app store for its i-mode customers, allowing them to purchase applications developed by individuals, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s “Business Line” in July 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100708.aspx#CA100708-06 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:25:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100708.aspx#CA100708-06 The Chinese government has begun to crack down on knockoff handsets, known as Shanzhai in China, reported NNA.ASIA in July 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100708.aspx#CA100708-07 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:25:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100708.aspx#CA100708-07 Microsoft will discontinue sales of its social-networking phone, the KIN, reported Impress Watch in July 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100708.aspx#CA100708-08 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:25:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100708.aspx#CA100708-08 Fujitsu and Toshiba, both of Japan, announced that they would merge their handset operations by October of this year, with the pair set to sign the final agreement in July, reported Reuters Japan in June 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100623.aspx#CA100623-01 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:24:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100623.aspx#CA100623-01 Books Kinokuniya (http://www.kinokuniya.com/), a leading Japanese bookstore chain, announced that it would begin sales of ebooks in September of this year, reported ITmedia in June 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100623.aspx#CA100623-02 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:24:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100623.aspx#CA100623-02 Tokyo-based Digital Media Professionals (DMP) announced that Nintendo’s upcoming handheld game console, the Nintendo 3DS, will adopt DMP’s graphics IP core, the PICA200, reported ITmedia in June 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100623.aspx#CA100623-03 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:24:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100623.aspx#CA100623-03 NEC, the Japanese multinational IT company, announced that it had set up NEC Telecommunication & Information Technology (NECTIT) in Turkey to reinforce its operations throughout the Middle East and Africa, reported SankeiBiz in June 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100623.aspx#CA100623-04 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:24:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100623.aspx#CA100623-04 Sony Ericsson announced that it would release an Android-powered smartphone, the Xperia X8, which will be more affordable than the existing Xperia X10, reported CNET Japan in June 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100623.aspx#CA100623-05 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:24:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100623.aspx#CA100623-05 HTC of Taiwan announced its latest Android smartphone, the HTC Aria, which is available from AT&T, reported MyCom Journal in June 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100623.aspx#CA100623-06 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:24:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100623.aspx#CA100623-06 Nokia announced a new model for its X series, the X5, with beefed up music and SNS functions, reported ITmedia in June 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100623.aspx#CA100623-07 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:24:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100623.aspx#CA100623-07 A new technology allows users to control their cell phones with simple hand gestures, without even making contact with the touchscreen, reported TMCnet.com in June 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100623.aspx#CA100623-08 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:24:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100623.aspx#CA100623-08 China’s mobile phone subscribership is expected to continue to grow at an explosive pace for the foreseeable future. This has not gone unnoticed by Swedish telecommunications giant Ericsson, which recently held its Ericsson Business Innovation Forum 2010 at the Shanghai World Expo (May 17– 19), reported ITmedia in May 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100608.aspx#CA100608-01 Tue, 8 Jun 2010 14:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100608.aspx#CA100608-01 Changhong of China plans to procure $800 million worth of TV panels from AU Optronics (AUO) and CMO (Chi Mei Optoelectronics), both of Taiwan, reported japan.internet.com in May 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100608.aspx#CA100608-02 Tue, 8 Jun 2010 14:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100608.aspx#CA100608-02 Quanta of Taiwan and 3M of the U.S. will jointly develop a next-generation touchscreen, reported Engadget in June 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100608.aspx#CA100608-03 Tue, 8 Jun 2010 14:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100608.aspx#CA100608-03 Acer of Taiwan has released a special Ferrari model of its Liquid E smartphone, reported Impress Watch in June 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100608.aspx#CA100608-04 Tue, 8 Jun 2010 14:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100608.aspx#CA100608-04 The stock price of Zappallas rose for three straight days after the Japanese content provider announced its partnership with Vogins Technology of China, reported Mainichi Shimbun in May 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100608.aspx#CA100608-05 Tue, 8 Jun 2010 14:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100608.aspx#CA100608-05 The OLPC (One Laptop per Child) Foundation, which is working to develop a notebook PC costing less than $100, has teamed up with Marvell Technology to develop the OLPC XO-3 tablet PC, reported ITmedia in May 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100608.aspx#CA100608-06 Tue, 8 Jun 2010 14:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100608.aspx#CA100608-06 Qualcomm announced its first dual-core Snapdragon chipsets at Computex Taipei 2010 (June 1– 5), reported ITmedia in June 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100608.aspx#CA100608-07 Tue, 8 Jun 2010 14:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100608.aspx#CA100608-07 Now that ASUS and Dell have announced their Android-based tablet computers, Motorola says it has an Android tablet computer in the works that could hit the market before the end of this year, reported MyCom Journal in June 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100608.aspx#CA100608-08 Tue, 8 Jun 2010 14:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100608.aspx#CA100608-08 Just weeks ago, images of what appeared to be a next-generation iPhone prototype mysteriously appeared on a tech portal in the U.S. Now photos of another iPhone-like device have cropped up on a website in Vietnam, reported SankeiBiz in May 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100521.aspx#CA100521-01 Mon, 24 May 2010 12:07:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100521.aspx#CA100521-01 Since its introduction in January 2010, Google’s Nexus One has stumbled in the U.S., and sales have been weak, reported ASCII-jp in May 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100521.aspx#CA100521-02 Mon, 24 May 2010 12:07:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100521.aspx#CA100521-02 Market research firm Strategy Analytics reported that Samsung Electronics had shipped 12.3 million handsets in the U.S. during the first quarter of this year, to claim a 30.1% share of the market (Chosun Online, May 2010). Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100521.aspx#CA100521-03 Mon, 24 May 2010 12:07:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100521.aspx#CA100521-03 Radio Free Asia of the U.S. reported that the cell-phone subscriber base in North Korea was more than 125,000 strong at the end March 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100521.aspx#CA100521-04 Mon, 24 May 2010 12:07:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100521.aspx#CA100521-04 NTT DoCoMo of Japan will begin offering a health support service called “i Bodymo,” reported Impress Watch in May 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100521.aspx#CA100521-05 Mon, 24 May 2010 12:07:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100521.aspx#CA100521-05 Mitsubishi Electric of Japan announced that it would install Smart Grid authentication systems at several of its manufacturing facilities, reported Reuters Japan in May 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100521.aspx#CA100521-06 Mon, 24 May 2010 12:07:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100521.aspx#CA100521-06 In an interview with Nihon Keizai Shimbun (May 17, 2010), the CEO of Sharp, Mikio Katayama, said that Sony’s stake in Sharp’s LCD panel subsidiary in Sakai City would increase from its current level of 7% to 34%. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100521.aspx#CA100521-07 Mon, 24 May 2010 12:07:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100521.aspx#CA100521-07 Computex Taipei 2010 is about to kick off. According to one industry insider, Acer of Taiwan will use the occasion to unveil a Chrome-based device, reported Searchina in May. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100521.aspx#CA100521-08 Mon, 24 May 2010 12:07:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100521.aspx#CA100521-08 Sony of Japan has developed a static capacitive touch panel, reported SankeiBiz in April 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100505.aspx#CA100505-01 Thu, 6 May 2010 11:55:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100505.aspx#CA100505-01 Sony Ericsson, a Japanese–Swedish joint venture, has outsourced production of its new Walkman cell phone, the Spiro, to Arima Communications of Taiwan, reported Asahi.com in April 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100505.aspx#CA100505-02 Thu, 6 May 2010 11:55:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100505.aspx#CA100505-02 Exemode of Japan will commercialize a palm-sized high-definition camcorder, the EXEMODE DV330, reported ITmedia+D in April 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100505.aspx#CA100505-03 Thu, 6 May 2010 11:55:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100505.aspx#CA100505-03 Panasonic of Japan aims to bolster its output of 3D plasma TVs, reported Yahoo! Japan in April 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100505.aspx#CA100505-04 Thu, 6 May 2010 11:55:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100505.aspx#CA100505-04 Softbank Mobile of Japan announced that there were problems with 18 of its handset models manufactured by Samsung Electronics, reported ITmedia+D in April 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100505.aspx#CA100505-05 Thu, 6 May 2010 11:55:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100505.aspx#CA100505-05 It’s been 25 years since the Toshiba T1100, claimed to be the world’s first notebook PC, hit the market, and Toshiba is celebrating the key anniversary with several contests and a website created especially for the occasion, reported ITmedia in April 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100505.aspx#CA100505-06 Thu, 6 May 2010 11:55:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100505.aspx#CA100505-06 Foreign media have leaked Dell’s smartbook roadmap, reported Searchina in April 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100505.aspx#CA100505-07 Thu, 6 May 2010 11:55:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100505.aspx#CA100505-07 Beijing Huaqi Information Digital Technology Co. filed suit in Beijing and Xi’an courts against Toshiba and Hewlett-Packard, alleging that personal computers sold by those companies violated one of its patents, reported Nikkei (Nihon Keizai Shimbun online) in April 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100505.aspx#CA100505-08 Thu, 6 May 2010 11:55:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100505.aspx#CA100505-08 The International Trade Commission (ITC) in Washington announced that it would investigate 11 TV manufacturers for infringement of Sony-owned patents, reported Nikkei (Nihon Keizai Shimbun's online edition) in April 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100421.aspx#CA100421-01 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:43:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100421.aspx#CA100421-01 In recent years, Chinese corporations have increased their power and reach by snatching up small- and medium-size Japanese companies with lots of technology expertise. Now South Korean corporations concerned about losing their competitive edge are seeking to merge with Chinese companies, known for their hardware technology, and Japanese companies, famous for their software technology, Searchina in April 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100421.aspx#CA100421-02 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:43:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100421.aspx#CA100421-02 SK Telecom, South Korea’s largest wireless carrier, will begin distributing South Korean Manga content to phones of three Japanese wireless carriers in early May, reported Yahoo! Japan in April 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100421.aspx#CA100421-03 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:43:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100421.aspx#CA100421-03 According to a recent patent filing, Apple is developing a way to sell concert tickets on its iTunes music website, reported Mainichi Shimbun in April 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100421.aspx#CA100421-04 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:43:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100421.aspx#CA100421-04 Toshiba of Japan announced that it would commercialize a tablet device before the end of 2010, reported Yahoo! Japan in April 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100421.aspx#CA100421-05 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:43:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100421.aspx#CA100421-05 Softbank is planning to purchase Victor Entertainment and Teichiku Entertainment in an effort to reinforce the content side of its cell-phone business, reported asahi.com in April 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100421.aspx#CA100421-06 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:43:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100421.aspx#CA100421-06 Panasonic of Japan announced its goal of doubling sales in India to 50 billion rupees ($1.12 billion @ rupees 44.47/$US 1) by 2012, reported indochannel.jp in April 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100421.aspx#CA100421-07 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:43:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100421.aspx#CA100421-07 When the Apple iPad went on sale this month in the U.S., it naturally grabbed worldwide attention. However, the device's release to other parts of the world was postponed for about a month amid speculation that a shortage of touch panels was to blame, reported SlipperyBrick.com (citing Bloomberg) in April 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100421.aspx#CA100421-08 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:43:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100421.aspx#CA100421-08 Sony and Kyocera, both of Japan, have agreed to a deal that will have Sony Mobile Display Corp. (SMD) handing over its small-to-medium size TFT-LCD design and manufacturing operation to Kyocera, reported Impress Watch in March 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100407.aspx#CA100407-01 Wed, 7 Apr 2010 15:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100407.aspx#CA100407-01 Elpida Memory, a leading Japanese semiconductor memory maker, announced that it would forgo further investment from TIMC, the new company set up by the Taiwanese government to help rebuild the Taiwanese memory Industry, reported SankeiBiz in March 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100407.aspx#CA100407-02 Wed, 7 Apr 2010 15:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100407.aspx#CA100407-02 Renesas Technology of Japan and PSC (Powerchip Semiconductor Corp.) of Taiwan will dissolve their flash memory design and development joint venture, Vantel, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun's "Business Line" in March 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100407.aspx#CA100407-03 Wed, 7 Apr 2010 15:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100407.aspx#CA100407-03 Renesas Technology and NEC Electronics have merged to form a new company, Renesas Electronics, whose combined sales will make it the world’s third-largest semiconductor company, reported SankeiBiz in March 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100407.aspx#CA100407-04 Wed, 7 Apr 2010 15:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100407.aspx#CA100407-04 According to operation reports recently submitted by Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics to the Financial Supervisory Commission of South Korea, the unit price for their handsets intended for export dropped significantly from 2008 to 2009, reported Chosun Online in April 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100407.aspx#CA100407-05 Wed, 7 Apr 2010 15:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100407.aspx#CA100407-05 MEMSIC Inc. of the U.S. has completed construction of a new production/R&D facility in Wuxi, China, reported Tech-On! in March 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100407.aspx#CA100407-06 Wed, 7 Apr 2010 15:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100407.aspx#CA100407-06 When Apple’s iPad went on sale in the U.S. on April 3, 2010, over 300,000 were sold that first day, reported ITmedia. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100407.aspx#CA100407-07 Wed, 7 Apr 2010 15:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100407.aspx#CA100407-07 The industry is abuzz with rumors that Microsoft will soon announce its own smartphones (codenamed Project Pink), reported ITmedia in April 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100407.aspx#CA100407-08 Wed, 7 Apr 2010 15:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q2/CA100407.aspx#CA100407-08 Sony Computer Entertainment America has patented a video demonstration program with functions that gradually degrade as the demo is used, reported inside-games.jp in March 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100325.aspx#CA100325-01 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100325.aspx#CA100325-01 Sony’s PSP go has not "gone" where expected since its debut in November 2009, despite Sony’s high hopes for the new handheld video game console, reported ITmedia in March 2010, citing a U.S. source. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100325.aspx#CA100325-02 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100325.aspx#CA100325-02 Softbank Mobile of Japan plans to offer a mobile WiFi router manufactured by Huawei of China, reported CNET Japan, in March 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100325.aspx#CA100325-03 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100325.aspx#CA100325-03 Nintendo of Japan announced that it would commercialize a new handheld game console, the Nintendo 3DS, reported ITmedia in March 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100325.aspx#CA100325-04 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100325.aspx#CA100325-04 acTVila (http://actvila.jp/) of Japan announced that it will begin steaming 3D content this summer, reported ITmedia in March 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100325.aspx#CA100325-05 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100325.aspx#CA100325-05 The ROA Group (http://japan.researchonasia.com/), a market research company, released a free report entitled “Reasons for and Thoughts on the Power Increase of ZTE and Huawei,” reported japan.internet.com in March 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100325.aspx#CA100325-06 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100325.aspx#CA100325-06 Marvell, a U.S.-based semiconductor company, announced a prototype $99 tablet PC called the Marvell Moby and targeted for the student market, reported ITmedia in March 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100325.aspx#CA100325-07 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100325.aspx#CA100325-07 Dell of the U.S. filed suit in U.S. federal court in San Francisco, alleging that Sharp, Hitachi, Toshiba, and Seiko Epson, all of Japan, and HannStar Display of Taiwan were engaged in manipulating the price of their LCDs, reported ITmedia in March 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100325.aspx#CA100325-08 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100325.aspx#CA100325-08 Samsung Electronics of South Korea announced that it was commercializing a phone for young females called the Anycall Clutch (SPH-W9500), reported Engadget in March 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100309.aspx#CA100309-01 Tue, 9 Mar 2010 14:23:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100309.aspx#CA100309-01 Samsung Electronics of South Korea and ARM of the U.K. are expanding their collaboration in mobile graphics processing for consumer products, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s “Business Line” in February 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100309.aspx#CA100309-02 Tue, 9 Mar 2010 14:23:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100309.aspx#CA100309-02 ASUSTek Computer of Taiwan, a leading supplier of netbooks, unveiled its first ebook reader, the DR-900, at CeBIT, the world's largest computer expo, in Hanover, Germany (Mar. 2–6, 2010), reported ITmedia. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100309.aspx#CA100309-03 Tue, 9 Mar 2010 14:23:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100309.aspx#CA100309-03 KDDI (au) and Okinawa Cellular released a CDMA 1X WIN camera phone, the SH006, in early March 2010, reported Impress Watch. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100309.aspx#CA100309-04 Tue, 9 Mar 2010 14:23:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100309.aspx#CA100309-04 Apple is reportedly looking to hire people in an effort to expand the use of the company's popular iPhone operating system to other devices, reported Searchina in February 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100309.aspx#CA100309-05 Tue, 9 Mar 2010 14:23:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100309.aspx#CA100309-05 Nokia announced an entry-level smartphone, the Nokia C5, which does not feature a touchscreen, reported ITmedia in March 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100309.aspx#CA100309-06 Tue, 9 Mar 2010 14:23:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100309.aspx#CA100309-06 Mitsubishi Electric, Thomson Licensing, Toshiba, and Warner Brothers Home Entertainment have set up a joint licensing program, collectively known as the BD4C Licensing Group, to begin licensing BD (Blu-ray Disc) and DVD core patents for Blu-ray Disc products globally, reported AV Watch in March 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100309.aspx#CA100309-07 Tue, 9 Mar 2010 14:23:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100309.aspx#CA100309-07 Freescale Semiconductor filed suit against Panasonic, Funai Electric, and JVC, all of Japan, in federal court in Austin, Texas, and also with the ITC (International Trade Commission), alleging that the three companies have infringed on several Freescale patents, reported Braina.com in March 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100309.aspx#CA100309-08 Tue, 9 Mar 2010 14:23:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100309.aspx#CA100309-08 Japanese is the second most used language on Twitter after English, according to research conducted by Semiocast of France, reported ITmedia in February 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100226.aspx#CA100226-03 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100226.aspx#CA100226-03 Willcom, a Japanese PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) operator, announced that it had filed for protection under the Japanese Corporate Rehabilitation Law, reported IT+PLUS in February 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100226.aspx#CA100226-04 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100226.aspx#CA100226-04 International patent management companies plan to set up a framework to enable bilateral use of major patents for next-generation cell phones, reported Fuji Sankei Business i in February 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100226.aspx#CA100226-05 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100226.aspx#CA100226-05 Rumors abound regarding the next-generation Nintendo DS (dual-screen) handheld game console. In January, Nintendo filed an application for a patent possibly related to the next-generation DS, reported the Kotaku game blog in February 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100226.aspx#CA100226-06 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100226.aspx#CA100226-06 Japanese patent agency will consider reducing fees for patent filings, screenings, and maintenance, reported BIZ+PLUS in February 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100226.aspx#CA100226-07 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100226.aspx#CA100226-07 According to the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization), Panasonic reclaimed the top position for international patent filings for 2009 from Huawei of China, reported asahi.com in February 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100226.aspx#CA100226-08 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100226.aspx#CA100226-08 The world’s "hottest" mobile phone, targeted at smokers, is on sale now, reported ITmedia in February 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100212.aspx#CA100212-01 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:12:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100212.aspx#CA100212-01 MEMSIC Semiconductor Company of Wuxi, China, acquired Crossbow Technology Inc. of the U.S., reported CIIPP.com in February 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100212.aspx#CA100212-02 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:12:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100212.aspx#CA100212-02 ASUSTeK of Taiwan recently announced a new smartphone, the Garmin-Asus M10, reported EMS One in February 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100212.aspx#CA100212-03 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:12:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100212.aspx#CA100212-03 Compal Electronics, a Taiwanese ODM (original design manufacturer), shipped 860,000 more notebooks than rival Quanta Computer, also of Taiwan, in January 2010, reported NNA.ASIA in February. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100212.aspx#CA100212-04 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:12:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100212.aspx#CA100212-04 Casio Computer Co. of Japan announced that it will report a net loss of 22 billion yen ($244.40 million @ yen 90.02/$US 1) for its consolidated performance for the fiscal year ending March 2010, reported ITmedia in February. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100212.aspx#CA100212-05 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:12:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100212.aspx#CA100212-05 KDDI of Japan announced that it would venture into wireless operations targeted at immigrants in the U.S., reported BIZ+PLUS in February 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100212.aspx#CA100212-06 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:12:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100212.aspx#CA100212-06 Index of Japan announced that it would commercialize an iPhone application for Bowlingual in the summer of 2010, reported ITmedia in February. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100212.aspx#CA100212-07 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:12:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100212.aspx#CA100212-07 Amazon.com of the U.S. has acquired Touchco, a touchscreen company, reported ITmedia in February 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100212.aspx#CA100212-08 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:12:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100212.aspx#CA100212-08 NTT DoCoMo, Japan’s largest wireless carrier, plans to open a portal for smartphones this spring, reported ITmedia in January 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100127.aspx#CA100127-01 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:55:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100127.aspx#CA100127-01 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications announced the Vivaz, a Symbian smartphone capable of recording HD video, reported ITmedia in January 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100127.aspx#CA100127-02 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:55:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100127.aspx#CA100127-02 Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) of Japan has begun marketing its popular PlayStation video game consoles and compatible games in Vietnam, reported IT+PLUS in January 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100127.aspx#CA100127-03 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:55:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100127.aspx#CA100127-03 Just in time for the spring sales season, Onkyo of Japan has announced a series of personal computers with terrestrial TV and FM/AM radio tuners, reported ITmedia in January 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100127.aspx#CA100127-04 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:55:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100127.aspx#CA100127-04 LG Display of South Korea announced that it had developed 19-inch flexible e-paper, which is the same size as a tabloid and targeted as a reader for such content, reported Nikkei Net in January 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100127.aspx#CA100127-05 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:55:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100127.aspx#CA100127-05 Motorola announced that it would set up an application store for the Android platform in China, reported ITmedia in January 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100127.aspx#CA100127-06 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:55:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100127.aspx#CA100127-06 YouTube announced that it has begun offering online video rentals, reported ITmedia in January 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100127.aspx#CA100127-07 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:55:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100127.aspx#CA100127-07 Is Microsoft about to launch its own smartphone? According to speculation in the industry, a smartphone code-named Project Pink and based on Windows Mobile 7 will be unveiled in the next few months, reported ITmedia in January 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100127.aspx#CA100127-08 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:55:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100127.aspx#CA100127-08 Sony is getting into the SD memory card business, reported Tech-On! in January 2010. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100113.aspx#CA100113-01 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:28:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100113.aspx#CA100113-01 Except for notable exceptions like the iPhone and certain smartphone models, the global cell-phone industry had a rough time of it in 2009, reported japan.internet.com in January 2010. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100113.aspx#CA100113-02 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:28:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100113.aspx#CA100113-02 Skiff, a subsidiary of U.S.-based publisher Hearst, has announced an ebook reader that uses flexible electronic paper, reported ITmedia in January 2010. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100113.aspx#CA100113-03 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:28:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100113.aspx#CA100113-03 Wacom (http://www.wacom.com/index.html) of Japan has begun volume production of high-sensitivity touchscreens for notebook computers, reported Nikkei Net in January 2010. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100113.aspx#CA100113-04 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:28:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100113.aspx#CA100113-04 Japanese handset manufacturer Kyocera plans to begin managing its cell-phone manufacturing sites from Japan, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun “Business Line” in January 2010. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100113.aspx#CA100113-05 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:28:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100113.aspx#CA100113-05 NTT DoCoMo of Japan has begun offering a service that allows Tata DoCoMo’s subscribers in India to download Manga comics, reported SankeiBiz in January 2010. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100113.aspx#CA100113-06 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:28:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100113.aspx#CA100113-06 Panasonic, Sony, and Toshiba, all of Japan, announced plans to begin marketing flat-panel TVs that offer 3D video before the end of 2010, reported SankeiBiz in January 2010. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100113.aspx#CA100113-07 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:28:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100113.aspx#CA100113-07 News about the revaluation of the North Korean currency and other information not usually made public to foreigners is leaking out anyway via cell-phone reports from observers inside that very secretive country, reported Yomiuri Online in January 2010. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100113.aspx#CA100113-08 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:28:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q1/CA100113.aspx#CA100113-08 NEC Casio Mobile Communications is a new joint venture that will be formed in April 2010 by combining the handset operations of NEC, Casio, and Hitachi and that's aiming to cultivate overseas demand for its products, reported IT+PLUS in December 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091228.aspx#CA091228-01 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:27:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091228.aspx#CA091228-01 Creative Media of Tokyo has begun offering a web camera that's capable of taking high-definition images, IT+PLUS in December 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091228.aspx#CA091228-02 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:27:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091228.aspx#CA091228-02 Exemode of Japan began taking reservations for the AgfaPhoto Compact 100 camera on December 18, 2009, reported Yahoo! Japan. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091228.aspx#CA091228-03 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:27:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091228.aspx#CA091228-03 Exemode of Japan recently announced a lightweight digital photo frame, the EXEMODE PF15, which comes with its own key chain for easy portability, reported CNET Japan in December 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091228.aspx#CA091228-04 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:27:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091228.aspx#CA091228-04 Camangi Japan announced that it would begin shipping the Camangi WebStation, an Android tablet PC, at the end of December 2009, reported Yahoo! Japan. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091228.aspx#CA091228-05 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:27:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091228.aspx#CA091228-05 NTT of Japan has been developing a small bilateral communication module based on RedTacton (http://www.redtacton.com/en/index.html), a human area networking technology, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun's "Business Line" in December 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091228.aspx#CA091228-06 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:27:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091228.aspx#CA091228-06 Sony of Japan plans to manufacture its e-book readers in Japan for export to the U.S., reported IT+PLUS in December 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091228.aspx#CA091228-07 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:27:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091228.aspx#CA091228-07 LG Display of South Korea announced that it had developed a TV-size LCD panel that's only 2.6mm thick, reported Nikkei Net in December 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091228.aspx#CA091228-08 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:27:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091228.aspx#CA091228-08 Cerevo of Japan announced that it would soon start taking reservations for its CerevoCAM, a DSC (digital still camera) with built-in wireless LAN, reported K-tai Impress Watch in November 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091123.aspx#CA091123-01 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:57:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091123.aspx#CA091123-01 Princeton Technology of Japan is rolling out a camera kit for the iPhone3G and iPhone3GS, reported Akihabara News in November 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091123.aspx#CA091123-02 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:57:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091123.aspx#CA091123-02 Casio of Japan announced that it would debut the EXILIM G, a compact DSC (digital still camera) with enhanced shock, water, and dust resistance, in the U.S., reported Fuji Sankei Business i in November 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091123.aspx#CA091123-03 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:57:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091123.aspx#CA091123-03 Casio of Japan has begun supplying the G’zOne Rock C731, a waterproof and shockproof cell phone, to Verizon Wireless of the U.S., reported MyCom Journal in November 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091123.aspx#CA091123-04 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:57:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091123.aspx#CA091123-04 Sony of Japan revealed that it would increase its supply of the Reader Touch Edition, an ebook reader with a touch-sensitive screen, in time for the holiday season, reported Sankei News in November 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091123.aspx#CA091123-05 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:57:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091123.aspx#CA091123-05 Sony of Japan announced that it would begin distributing applications to personal computers, games, and cell phones over the Internet in 2010, reported Yomiuri Online in November 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091123.aspx#CA091123-06 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:57:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091123.aspx#CA091123-06 KDDI of Japan announced that it will acquire a 50% stake in BRAC BD Mail Networks Ltd., a Dhaka-based Internet access service provider, reported Japan Today in November 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091123.aspx#CA091123-07 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:57:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091123.aspx#CA091123-07 ZTE of China is currently preparing an Android-based smartphone and also in talks with several carriers, including Vodafone, Verizon Wireless, Orange of France, and T-Mobile of Germany, according to Searchina News in November 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091123.aspx#CA091123-08 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:57:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091123.aspx#CA091123-08 Casio and Toppan Printing, both of Japan, announced that they would cooperate in an OEL business, reported Fuji Sankei Business i in November 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091113.aspx#CA091113-01 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:53:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091113.aspx#CA091113-01 Willcom and Willcom Okinawa, two Japanese PHS operators, announced plans to commercialize the HYBRID W-ZERO3, a handset that supports both PHS and W-CDMA networks, reported Yahoo! Japan in November 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091113.aspx#CA091113-02 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:53:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091113.aspx#CA091113-02 NTT DoCoMo, Japan’s No. 1 wireless service operator, will begin using a coating technology from Nissan, according to Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun in November 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091113.aspx#CA091113-03 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:53:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091113.aspx#CA091113-03 Japan will start offering incentives to consumers who recycle their handsets, reported asahi.com in November 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091113.aspx#CA091113-04 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:53:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091113.aspx#CA091113-04 Princeton Technology, a Japan-based importer and reseller PC peripherals, plans to roll out a box-type mini projector measuring only 5 x 5 cm and weighing just 120 grams, reported RBB Today in November 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091113.aspx#CA091113-05 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:53:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091113.aspx#CA091113-05 Samsung Electronics of South Korea, the world’s second-largest wireless phone supplier, announced a proprietary cell-phone platform called "bada," reported ITmedia in November 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091113.aspx#CA091113-06 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:53:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091113.aspx#CA091113-06 Samsung Electronics of South Korea has decided to raise the salaries of employees who are directors and below, but excluding workers its R and D divisions, reported Nikkei Net in November 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091113.aspx#CA091113-07 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:53:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091113.aspx#CA091113-07 TAG Heuer, the high-end watch maker based in Switzerland, has begun sales of a handset inspired by the Lamborghini Murcielago, a so-called supercar and the flagship of the Italian automaker's lineup, reported IBTimes in November 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091113.aspx#CA091113-08 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:53:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091113.aspx#CA091113-08 Acer of Taiwan announced two new devices, a smartphone and a netbook, that both feature Google’s Android OS, reported ITmedia in October 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091102.aspx#CA091102-01 Tue, 3 Nov 2009 13:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091102.aspx#CA091102-01 Aoyama Gakuin University (http://www.aoyama.ac.jp/en/) of Japan has begun distributing lecture materials to its students via their iPhones, reported ITmedia in October 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091102.aspx#CA091102-02 Tue, 3 Nov 2009 13:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091102.aspx#CA091102-02 KDDI Labs of Japan has developed a technology called Mazeuta (literally, “song mix” in Japanese) that selects similar-sounding songs from a large collection of songs, creates a playlist, and replays the collection to suit the occasion, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s “Business Line” in October 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091102.aspx#CA091102-03 Tue, 3 Nov 2009 13:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091102.aspx#CA091102-03 Toshiba of Japan has commercialized a fuel cell for charging mobile devices called the Dynario, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s “Business Line” in October 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091102.aspx#CA091102-04 Tue, 3 Nov 2009 13:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091102.aspx#CA091102-04 Sony of Japan plans to team up with Hon Hai Precision, a leading Taiwanese EMS (electronics manufacturing service) provider, to capture growing demand in China for digital electronics, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s “Business Line” in October 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091102.aspx#CA091102-05 Tue, 3 Nov 2009 13:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091102.aspx#CA091102-05 At the recent Digital Content EXPO 2009 in Tokyo, Sony of Japan showcased the prototype of a newly developed cylindrical 360° 3D LED display, reported Fuji Sankei Business i in October 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091102.aspx#CA091102-06 Tue, 3 Nov 2009 13:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091102.aspx#CA091102-06 Bridgestone of Japan announced an e-paper terminal that uses proprietary electronic powder materials, reported Tech-On! in October 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091102.aspx#CA091102-07 Tue, 3 Nov 2009 13:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091102.aspx#CA091102-07 EMOBILE, a Japanese MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), plans to roll out the Pocket WiFi (D25HW), a compact wireless LAN router with an integrated 3G-communication module, reported K-tai Impress Watch in October 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091102.aspx#CA091102-08 Tue, 3 Nov 2009 13:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091102.aspx#CA091102-08 Samsung Electronics of South Korea, having already entered the Android phone market in Europe, has now set its sights on the North American market, reported Digital Times in October 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091013.aspx#CA091013-01 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091013.aspx#CA091013-01 Pantech of South Korea has teamed up with French company ST Dupont (http://www.st-dupont.com/en/index2.php) and begun taking reservations for 30,000 units of its Sky ST Dupont IM-U510LE luxury phone, reported Financial News in October 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091013.aspx#CA091013-02 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091013.aspx#CA091013-02 A flexible OEL (organic electroluminescent) display from Sony attracted lots of attention at its booth during CEATEC JAPAN 2009 (Oct. 6–10), reported K-tai Impress Watch in October. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091013.aspx#CA091013-03 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091013.aspx#CA091013-03 NTT DoCoMo, Japan’s largest wireless service carrier, has developed a cell-phone charger that uses solar power for charging, reported Tech-On! in October 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091013.aspx#CA091013-04 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091013.aspx#CA091013-04 Rohm of Japan has become a major shareholder of SiCrystal of Germany, reported Tech-On! in October 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091013.aspx#CA091013-05 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091013.aspx#CA091013-05 When Panasonic’s new LCD panel plant in Himeji kicks off production in July 2010, almost 100% of the water used in the manufacturing process will be recycled, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s “Business Line” in October 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091013.aspx#CA091013-06 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091013.aspx#CA091013-06 Microsoft launched its “Windows Marketplace” website for high-end cell phones on October 6, 2009, reported Yahoo! Japan. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091013.aspx#CA091013-07 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091013.aspx#CA091013-07 Dell, the world’s second-largest personal computer maker, announced that it is closing its desktop computer manufacturing plant in North Carolina after four years of operation and laying off 905 workers, reported Reuters Japan in October 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091013.aspx#CA091013-08 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q4/CA091013.aspx#CA091013-08 Palm of the U.S. plans to introduce the Palm Pixi (http://www.palm.com/us/products/phones/pixi/index.html) exclusively through Sprint in time for the holiday season, reported Tech-On! in September 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090929.aspx#CA090929-01 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:28:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090929.aspx#CA090929-01 German automaker Volkswagen AG has signed a huge deal with Panasonic of Japan to procure an estimated 80 billion yen ($887.90 million @ yen 90.10/$US 1) worth of car navigation systems from the Japanese electronics company starting in 2011, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s “Business Line” in September 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090929.aspx#CA090929-02 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:28:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090929.aspx#CA090929-02 Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) of Japan unveiled its new handheld game, the PSP Go, at the Tokyo Game Show 2009, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s “Business Line” in September 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090929.aspx#CA090929-03 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:28:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090929.aspx#CA090929-03 Japan’s PHS service operator, Willcom, plans to limit the coverage area of its high-speed wireless XGP service (next-generation PHS) to the Tokyo metropolitan area for the time being, reported IT+PLUS in September 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090929.aspx#CA090929-04 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:28:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090929.aspx#CA090929-04 NTT DoCoMo of Japan has announced a prototype phone with a casing made of Japanese cypress, reported Yahoo! Japan in September 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090929.aspx#CA090929-05 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:28:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090929.aspx#CA090929-05 JVC of Japan announced on that it would introduce the Picsio GC-FM1 HD mini camcorder capable of capturing high-definition video and 8-megapixel still images before the end of September 2009, reported ITmedia. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090929.aspx#CA090929-06 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:28:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090929.aspx#CA090929-06 Baidu of China has begun offering the beta version of their Baidu Mobile service for cell phones in Japan, reported K-tai Impress Watch in September 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090929.aspx#CA090929-07 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:28:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090929.aspx#CA090929-07 Samsung Electronics of South Korea revealed plans to begin volume production of PRAM (phase-change random access memory) before the end of September 2009, reported Nikkei Net. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090929.aspx#CA090929-08 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:28:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090929.aspx#CA090929-08 NEC Corp., Casio Computer Co., and Hitachi Ltd., all of Japan, have agreed to merge their cell-phone operations by April 2010 to establish NEC Casio Mobile Communications, reported Impress Watch in September 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090916.aspx#CA090916-01 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090916.aspx#CA090916-01 Toshiba has decided to outsource production of advanced system ICs, which are incorporated into digital home appliances, to overseas foundries, reported Nihon Keizai Shimbun in September 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090916.aspx#CA090916-02 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090916.aspx#CA090916-02 Sony of Japan will stop manufacturing of FDDs (floppy disk drives) at the end of September 2009, reported IT+PLUS in September 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090916.aspx#CA090916-03 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090916.aspx#CA090916-03 KDDI, a Japanese communication carrier, announced that it would acquire DMX Technologies Group of Hong Kong, reported Nikkei Net in September 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090916.aspx#CA090916-04 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090916.aspx#CA090916-04 UQ Com, a Japan’s WiMAX operator, announced that it would begin international roaming with Clearwire Communications of the U.S. and Yota of Russia, reported BB Watch in September 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090916.aspx#CA090916-05 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090916.aspx#CA090916-05 Softbank Mobile of Japan plans to commercialize the 830SC, a handset with the Emporio Armani brand, reported Impress Watch in September 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090916.aspx#CA090916-06 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090916.aspx#CA090916-06 LG Electronics recently unveiled its first Android handset, the Etna KS360, at the IFA show in Berlin, Germany, reported Digital Times in September 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090916.aspx#CA090916-07 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090916.aspx#CA090916-07 Nokia announced the Twist 7705, a uniquely square-shaped handset, reported ITmedia in September 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090916.aspx#CA090916-08 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090916.aspx#CA090916-08 NTT DoCoMo, Japan’s largest wireless carrier, announced that membership in its cell-phone credit payment service, DCMX, had topped 10 million users, reported IT+PLUS in August 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090901.aspx#CA090901-01 Tue, 1 Sep 2009 16:27:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090901.aspx#CA090901-01 NEC, Hitachi, and Casio, all of Japan, are considering merging their cell-phone operations by April 2010, reported Yomiuri Online in August 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090901.aspx#CA090901-02 Tue, 1 Sep 2009 16:27:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090901.aspx#CA090901-02 Sharp of Japan announced a new mobile netbook, the NetWalker, reported ITmedia in August 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090901.aspx#CA090901-03 Tue, 1 Sep 2009 16:27:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090901.aspx#CA090901-03 NEC Electronics and Renesas Technologies, both of Japan, announced in August that they would delay the signing of a merger agreement until mid-September 2009, reported ITmedia. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090901.aspx#CA090901-04 Tue, 1 Sep 2009 16:27:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090901.aspx#CA090901-04 Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, both of South Korea, announced that they will begin supplying LCD panels to each other by the end of September 2009, reported Nihon Keizai Shimbun. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090901.aspx#CA090901-05 Tue, 1 Sep 2009 16:27:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090901.aspx#CA090901-05 At a meeting in August 2009, China Telecom of China issued orders for 68 models of 3G handsets (CDMA2000 EV-DO) to 31 handset manufacturers, totaling over 4 million handsets, reported Yahoo! Japan. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090901.aspx#CA090901-06 Tue, 1 Sep 2009 16:27:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090901.aspx#CA090901-06 The wireless subscriber base in Vietnam is soaring, reported Nikkei Net in August 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090901.aspx#CA090901-07 Tue, 1 Sep 2009 16:27:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090901.aspx#CA090901-07 Motorola of the U.S. is preparing to conduct Long Term Evolution tests and start trial service in India in the near future, reported IBTimes in August 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090901.aspx#CA090901-08 Tue, 1 Sep 2009 16:27:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090901.aspx#CA090901-08 In the 2nd quarter of 2009, South Korean phones claimed an almost 50% share of the world’s most competitive cell-phone market, North America, reported Chosun Online in August. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090817.aspx#CA090817-01 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090817.aspx#CA090817-01 Dell is rumored to be close to commercializing an Android-based cell phone soon in China, reported Searchina News in August 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090817.aspx#CA090817-02 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090817.aspx#CA090817-02 LG Electronics of South Korea is expected to debut an Ophone in China in the fourth quarter of 2009, reported China Press in August. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090817.aspx#CA090817-03 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090817.aspx#CA090817-03 Two Israeli companies have developed a super-tiny CMOS image sensor for use in disposable endoscopes, reported Tech-On! in August 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090817.aspx#CA090817-04 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090817.aspx#CA090817-04 Fujitsu of Japan plans to restructure the component procurement process for its personal computer operation, reported IT+PLUS in August 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090817.aspx#CA090817-05 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090817.aspx#CA090817-05 Memberships at restaurant cell-phone websites are skyrocketing, reported Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Japan’s leading financial daily, in August 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090817.aspx#CA090817-06 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090817.aspx#CA090817-06 Hoya of Japan, a manufacturer of optical products, plans to roll out the PENTAX Optio WS80, a compact digital still camera (DSC) that's both waterproof and dust-proof, reported Tech-On! in August 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090817.aspx#CA090817-07 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090817.aspx#CA090817-07 Softbank Mobile announced that it would roll out the Solar Hybrid 936SH (http://mb.softbank.jp/mb/product/3G/936sh/), reported Nikkei Net in August 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090817.aspx#CA090817-08 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090817.aspx#CA090817-08 Nintendo of Japan released disappointing financial results for the second quarter of 2009, reported jiji.com (Jiji Press Ltd.) in late July. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090803.aspx#CA090803-01 Tue, 4 Aug 2009 10:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090803.aspx#CA090803-01 Sharp of Japan announced that its LCD panel subsidiary would receive an investment of 10 billion yen ($105.56 million @ yen 94.73/$US 1) from Sony, reported Fuji Sankei Business i in late July 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090803.aspx#CA090803-02 Tue, 4 Aug 2009 10:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090803.aspx#CA090803-02 Sumitomo 3M of Japan plans to market the MPro120 pocket projector featuring stereo sound, reported Impress Watch in August 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090803.aspx#CA090803-03 Tue, 4 Aug 2009 10:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090803.aspx#CA090803-03 Acer of Taiwan plans to ship from 33 million to 37 million notebook computers in 2010, reported the Commercial Times in late July 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090803.aspx#CA090803-04 Tue, 4 Aug 2009 10:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090803.aspx#CA090803-04 SK Telecom of South Korea announced that it will shed its investment in Virgin Mobile of the U.S. and exit its wireless operations in the U.S., reported Chosun Online in July 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090803.aspx#CA090803-05 Tue, 4 Aug 2009 10:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090803.aspx#CA090803-05 Samsung Electronics is venturing into the eBook reader market, which is dominated by Amazon’s Kindle and Sony’s PRS series in the U.S., reported Engadget in late July 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090803.aspx#CA090803-06 Tue, 4 Aug 2009 10:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090803.aspx#CA090803-06 LG Electronics unveiled a successor to its popular "Chocolate" phone in late July 2009, reported Digital Times. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090803.aspx#CA090803-07 Tue, 4 Aug 2009 10:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090803.aspx#CA090803-07 The number of cell-phone subscribers in North Korea is increasing, reported Searchina in late July 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090803.aspx#CA090803-08 Tue, 4 Aug 2009 10:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090803.aspx#CA090803-08 LG Display, the world’s second-largest LCD panel producer, announced that it would install an 8th-generation production line, reported IT+PLUS in July 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090722.aspx#CA090722-01 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:03:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090722.aspx#CA090722-01 Hitachi Displays of Japan plans to triple output of high-resolution small-size LCD panels, reported IT+PLUS in July 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090722.aspx#CA090722-02 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:03:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090722.aspx#CA090722-02 Toshiba Mobile Display of Japan announced that it would reorganize its production facility in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, reported ITmedia in July 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090722.aspx#CA090722-03 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:03:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090722.aspx#CA090722-03 Toshiba of Japan, which lost out to Blu-ray in the competition between high-definition DVD standards, will enter the Blu-ray player market, reported Yomiuri Online in July 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090722.aspx#CA090722-04 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:03:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090722.aspx#CA090722-04 Elpida Memory is planning to rehabilitate its business under the Japanese Industrial Revitalization Law. The announcement, which was made on June 30, 2009, was reported by CNET Japan. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090722.aspx#CA090722-05 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:03:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090722.aspx#CA090722-05 The Symbian Foundation of the U.K. opened a branch office in Japan on June 1, 2009, reported Yahoo! Japan. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090722.aspx#CA090722-06 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:03:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090722.aspx#CA090722-06 India, the world’s second-largest wireless market, is witnessing the rapid expansion of its cell-phone market, reported IT+PLUS in July 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090722.aspx#CA090722-07 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:03:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090722.aspx#CA090722-07 Barnes and Noble, the largest book retailer in the U.S., opened an electronic bookstore at its website on July 20, 2009, reported Tech-On! Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090722.aspx#CA090722-08 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:03:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090722.aspx#CA090722-08 Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) of Japan, a leading producer of semiconductor photomasks, announced that it was strengthening ties with Molecular Imprints, (http://www.molecularimprints.com/) of Austin, Texas, a leader in nanopatterning systems and solutions, to accelerate the commercialization of nanoimprint lithography for mass-producing semiconductor devices (IT+PLUS, July 2009). Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090706.aspx#CA090706-01 Mon, 6 Jul 2009 16:22:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090706.aspx#CA090706-01 Sony and Seiko Epson, both of Japan, announced an agreement allowing Sony to take over Seiko Epson’s small- and medium-size TFT-LCD operations, reported ITmedia in July 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090706.aspx#CA090706-02 Mon, 6 Jul 2009 16:22:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090706.aspx#CA090706-02 NTT DoCoMo, Japan’s leading wireless carrier, plans to launch a new service called "DoCoMo Keitai Sokin," a money-transfer service targeted at its subscribers, reported ITmedia in July 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090706.aspx#CA090706-03 Mon, 6 Jul 2009 16:22:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090706.aspx#CA090706-03 Net Asia of Japan conducted an online survey of 500 consumers, from 10 to 49 years old, to gauge their level of satisfaction with the cell phones they currently use, reported TechInsight in June 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090706.aspx#CA090706-04 Mon, 6 Jul 2009 16:22:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090706.aspx#CA090706-04 Chinese IT heavyweight, Founder Group, plans to distribute online versions of Chinese newspapers to iPhones in Japan, reported Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Japan’s largest financial daily) in July 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090706.aspx#CA090706-05 Mon, 6 Jul 2009 16:22:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090706.aspx#CA090706-05 In mid June 2009, Huawei Technologies of China announced three models of smartphones based on the K3 EDGE/GPRS platform developed by HiSilicon, a subsidiary of Huawei, reported japan.internet.com in July 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090706.aspx#CA090706-06 Mon, 6 Jul 2009 16:22:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090706.aspx#CA090706-06 Samsung Electronics of South Korea has unveiled the world’s first infrared camera phone, the SCH-W760, reported Digital Times in July 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090706.aspx#CA090706-07 Mon, 6 Jul 2009 16:22:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090706.aspx#CA090706-07 Elonex International (http://www.elonex.co.uk/) of the U.K. has introduced an electronic book reader there, reported Nikkei BP in July 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090706.aspx#CA090706-08 Mon, 6 Jul 2009 16:22:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q3/CA090706.aspx#CA090706-08 Tower Semiconductor Ltd., an Israeli foundry, and Crocus Technology of France have agreed to a deal that will allow Crocus to port its MRAM technology into Tower Semiconductor’s mass-production facility, reported Tech-On! in June 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090625.aspx#CA090625-01 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090625.aspx#CA090625-01 Given the increasing demand for LCD panels worldwide, AU Optronics (AUO) of Taiwan, the world’s third-largest LCD producer, and Sichuan Changhong Electric, a Chinese manufacturer TVs and other electronic devices, plan to set up a joint venture to produce LCD modules, reported Reuters Japan in June 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090625.aspx#CA090625-02 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090625.aspx#CA090625-02 According to Business Standard, a prominent Indian paper, China Mobile, China’s leading wireless carrier, is in talks with Reliance Communications, India’s second-largest wireless operator, regarding a possible business alliance, reported Nikkei Net in June 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090625.aspx#CA090625-03 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090625.aspx#CA090625-03 The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in India has banned the import of Chinese handsets that do not have IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identifier) numbers or else have IMEI numbers that are all zeros, reported IBTimes in June 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090625.aspx#CA090625-04 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090625.aspx#CA090625-04 Kairen of Japan plans to commercialize a keychain-style digital photo frame, the PHOTTY-GL15-BK, reported AV Watch in June 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090625.aspx#CA090625-05 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090625.aspx#CA090625-05 SoftBank Mobile, Japan’s third-largest wireless operator, introduced the SoftBank 821SC (http://mb.softbank.jp/mb/product/3G/821sc/), a One Seg-compatible prepaid phone, on June 20, 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090625.aspx#CA090625-06 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090625.aspx#CA090625-06 Shinsei Corporation of Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, has developed a palm-sized Wi-Fi mobile router called the URoad-5000, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun's "Business Line" in June 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090625.aspx#CA090625-07 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090625.aspx#CA090625-07 Major Japanese publishers Kodansha and Kadokawa Shoten plan to begin distributing Manga content to iPhones, reported IT+PLUS in June 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090625.aspx#CA090625-08 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090625.aspx#CA090625-08 Apple recently announced its much-anticipated new iPhone, the iPhone 3G S, at WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) 2009 in early June. Now, according to an analyst for a Taiwanese market research firm, Apple is also likely to introduce a “Smartbook” based on the ARM processor (japan.internet.com). Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090617.aspx#CA090617-01 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:49:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090617.aspx#CA090617-01 On June 20, 2009, Fujifilm of Japan will launch the FinePix Z300 (http://fujifilm.jp/personal/digitalcamera/finepixz300/), a compact digital still camera (DSC) that allows the user to touch-and-shoot, reported Yahoo! Japan. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090617.aspx#CA090617-02 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:49:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090617.aspx#CA090617-02 NTT DoCoMo of Japan recently began distributing Manga content to cell phones on the Bouygues Telecom network through its wholly owned European subsidiary, DoCoMo Netherlands, reported Impress Watch in June 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090617.aspx#CA090617-03 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:49:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090617.aspx#CA090617-03 JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries) announced domestic shipment data for cell phones and PHS (Personal Handyphone System) phones for April 2009, reported CNET Japan. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090617.aspx#CA090617-04 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:49:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090617.aspx#CA090617-04 Sharp of Japan announced that it had developed an educational study-support system based on Nintendo’s handheld game, the Nintendo DS, reported IT+PLUS in June 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090617.aspx#CA090617-05 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:49:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090617.aspx#CA090617-05 Casio of Japan plans to roll out the EXILIM Hi-Zoom EX-H10, a digital still camera (DSC) featuring a 24mm wide-angle lens (35mm film equivalent) and 10x optical zoom, in early July 2009, reported IT+PLUS. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090617.aspx#CA090617-06 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:49:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090617.aspx#CA090617-06 Foresight Technologies (http://www.fsight.com.sg/) of Singapore plans to introduce a handset designed especially for children and the elderly, reported IT+PLUS in June 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090617.aspx#CA090617-07 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:49:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090617.aspx#CA090617-07 Samsung Electronics of South Korea held a global launch ceremony for its new solar-powered cell phone, the Solar Guru, to kick off sales of the phone in India, reported TechTree.com in June 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090617.aspx#CA090617-08 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:49:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090617.aspx#CA090617-08 Microsoft of the U.S. announced its next-generation music player, the Zune HD, complete with the Zune service and synergy with Xbox Live, reported ITmedia in May 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090601.aspx#CA090601-01 Mon, 1 Jun 2009 15:25:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090601.aspx#CA090601-01 Apple of the U.S., hoping to distribute music through its iTunes Store in all 27 nations of the European Union (EU), has called for the creation of a Europe-wide copyright, reported BIZ+PLUS in May 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090601.aspx#CA090601-02 Mon, 1 Jun 2009 15:25:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090601.aspx#CA090601-02 Interead of England plans to roll out a book reader that rivals Amazon’s Kindle, reported ITmedia in May 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090601.aspx#CA090601-03 Mon, 1 Jun 2009 15:25:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090601.aspx#CA090601-03 At a recent press conference in Tokyo, CEVA of the U.S., a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) core licenser, explained its business approach and its DSP core services, reported MyCom Journal in May 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090601.aspx#CA090601-04 Mon, 1 Jun 2009 15:25:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090601.aspx#CA090601-04 Sharp, Japan’s top cell-phone supplier, announced its handset business strategy in late May 2009, reported BIZ+PLUS. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090601.aspx#CA090601-05 Mon, 1 Jun 2009 15:25:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090601.aspx#CA090601-05 Amid deteriorating economic conditions, Nikon of Japan announced a reorganization of its factories, reported Fuji Sankei Business i in May 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090601.aspx#CA090601-06 Mon, 1 Jun 2009 15:25:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090601.aspx#CA090601-06 Sony of Japan plans to roll out a new series of headphone-style Walkmans, reported ITmedia in May 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090601.aspx#CA090601-07 Mon, 1 Jun 2009 15:25:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090601.aspx#CA090601-07 In dire economic times like these, when corporations are required to curtail costs and resort to other extraordinary means to stay competitive, it often becomes necessary to partner with competitors or branch out into new markets. According to NNA.ASIA (May 2009), which covers the business scene in Korea, that's just what's happening. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090601.aspx#CA090601-08 Mon, 1 Jun 2009 15:25:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090601.aspx#CA090601-08 NorTec of Thailand will soon release a netbook PC that can run on AA batteries, reported ITmedia in May 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090514.aspx#CA090514-01 Fri, 15 May 2009 14:41:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090514.aspx#CA090514-01 In a recent interview with Nikkei Communication, an executive with Ericsson, the Swedish telecommunications giant, made recommendations for the Japanese wireless industry aimed at helping it weather the global economic downturn by better adapting itself to worldwide markets (ITpro, May 2009). Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090514.aspx#CA090514-02 Fri, 15 May 2009 14:41:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090514.aspx#CA090514-02 Sharp, the Japanese electronics manufacturer, has implemented a new touchscreen technology in its new Mebius subnotebook, which will go on sale in late May 2009, reported ITmedia. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090514.aspx#CA090514-03 Fri, 15 May 2009 14:41:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090514.aspx#CA090514-03 Nissha, a Japanese supplier of electronic components, plans to build a new plant in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, in order to boost its output of touchscreens for cellular applications, reported Nikkei Net in May 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090514.aspx#CA090514-04 Fri, 15 May 2009 14:41:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090514.aspx#CA090514-04 Sony of Japan plans to increase the outsourcing of its LCD TV production, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun's "Business Line" in May 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090514.aspx#CA090514-05 Fri, 15 May 2009 14:41:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090514.aspx#CA090514-05 The CEO of Ericsson, a leading communication equipment supplier, suggested that Sony is the logical buyer of Ericsson’s stake in their joint handset venture, Sony Ericsson, reported the Financial Times of the U.K. in May 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090514.aspx#CA090514-06 Fri, 15 May 2009 14:41:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090514.aspx#CA090514-06 Sony of Japan plans to abandon its eyeVio video-sharing service, reported The Washington Post in May 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090514.aspx#CA090514-07 Fri, 15 May 2009 14:41:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090514.aspx#CA090514-07 Qualcomm of the U. S. and Zeebo (previously Tectoy) of Brazil are teaming up to produce a game console that will be fully managed by digital distribution and targeted at emerging economies, reported Tech-On! in May 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090514.aspx#CA090514-08 Fri, 15 May 2009 14:41:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090514.aspx#CA090514-08 Tatung InfoComm, one of six WiMAX licensees in Taiwan, announced that it had begun offering Taiwan’s first WiMAX service, reported Computerworld in April 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090501.aspx#CA090501-01 Fri, 1 May 2009 13:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090501.aspx#CA090501-01 LG Electronics of South Korea, which ranks third in global handset sales, announced that it would begin supplying 3G phones to three Chinese wireless carriers, reported Reuters Japan in April 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090501.aspx#CA090501-02 Fri, 1 May 2009 13:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090501.aspx#CA090501-02 The South Korean embassy announced that in 2008 Samsung Electronics applied for the most patents in China among all foreign entities operating in the country (Chosun Online, April 2009). Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090501.aspx#CA090501-03 Fri, 1 May 2009 13:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090501.aspx#CA090501-03 Toshiba, Nakaya Microdevices, and Amkor Technology have agreed to set up a joint venture devoted to IC back-end processing, reported IT+PLUS in April 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090501.aspx#CA090501-04 Fri, 1 May 2009 13:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090501.aspx#CA090501-04 Toshiba of Japan will extend furloughs to 19,200 employees at its major semiconductor production sites for 5 to 10 days a month during April and June 2009, reported BIZ+PLUS in April 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090501.aspx#CA090501-05 Fri, 1 May 2009 13:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090501.aspx#CA090501-05 Microsoft’s Japanese operation plans to begin distributing advertisements to the Xbox 360, Microsoft’s video game console, beginning in May 2009, reported IT+PLUS. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090501.aspx#CA090501-06 Fri, 1 May 2009 13:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090501.aspx#CA090501-06 Amazon.com of the U.S. acquired Lexcycle, a developer of eBook applications for Apple’s iPhone, reported IBTtimes in April 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090501.aspx#CA090501-07 Fri, 1 May 2009 13:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090501.aspx#CA090501-07 Several personal computer manufacturers, including Hewlett-Packard and Acer, have already announced plans to commercialize netbooks based on Google’s Android operating system. Now comes news of a Chinese company called Skytone with plans to hit the market with an Android-based netbook three months from now (ITmedia Enterprise, April 2009). Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090501.aspx#CA090501-08 Fri, 1 May 2009 13:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090501.aspx#CA090501-08 Samsung Electronics, the world’s second-largest cell-phone maker, launched production of cell phones in Yen Phong Industrial Park (a Hanoi suburb) in Vietnam, in April 2009, according to Digital Times. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090416.aspx#CA090416-01 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:19:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090416.aspx#CA090416-01 Sony of Japan plans to roll out two new Walkman models featuring 3-inch OLED displays and support for One-Seg TV and YouTube in late April 2009, reported ITmedia. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090416.aspx#CA090416-02 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:19:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090416.aspx#CA090416-02 The Japanese government is considering providing funds to ailing Elpida Memory, the world’s third-largest DRAM manufacturer and supplier, reported Yahoo! Japan in April 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090416.aspx#CA090416-03 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:19:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090416.aspx#CA090416-03 Willcom, Japan’s PHS (Personal Handyphone System) operator, plans to roll out a netbook that fits in a personal organizer, reported Impress Watch in April 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090416.aspx#CA090416-04 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:19:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090416.aspx#CA090416-04 Pioneer and Sharp, both of Japan, announced in early April that they would set up an optical disc joint venture in October 2009, reported FujiSankei Business i. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090416.aspx#CA090416-05 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:19:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090416.aspx#CA090416-05 Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) of Japan plans to market flashing posters, reported FujiSankei Business i in April 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090416.aspx#CA090416-06 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:19:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090416.aspx#CA090416-06 Cisco Systems of the U.S., the world’s leading communication equipment manufacturer, will invest $2 billion into South Korea over next five years, reported Chosun Online in April 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090416.aspx#CA090416-07 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:19:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090416.aspx#CA090416-07 Dell, the world’s second-largest personal computer supplier, plans to begin supplying smartphones to the Chinese market in 2009, reported Reuters in April. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090416.aspx#CA090416-08 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:19:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090416.aspx#CA090416-08 NEC of Japan announced in late March 2009 that it would halt its personal computer operation in Southeast Asia, reported IT+PLUS. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090401.aspx#CA090401-01 Thu, 2 Apr 2009 12:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090401.aspx#CA090401-01 FE Technologies (http://www.fe-tech.co.jp/en/index.html), funded by both Sony and an investment fund, will transfer its technology to a third party and liquidate the company, giving up on its effort to produce FEDs (Field Emission Displays), reported ITnews in March 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090401.aspx#CA090401-02 Thu, 2 Apr 2009 12:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090401.aspx#CA090401-02 NTT Solmare (http://www.nttsolmare.com/) of Osaka plans to increase its distribution of manga comics to cell phones abroad, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun in March 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090401.aspx#CA090401-03 Thu, 2 Apr 2009 12:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090401.aspx#CA090401-03 Laox, a leading Japanese electronics retailer, announced that it is canning its plan to transfer 15 of its electronic retail stores in metropolitan suburbs to its rival Nojima, reported Nikkei.com in March 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090401.aspx#CA090401-04 Thu, 2 Apr 2009 12:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090401.aspx#CA090401-04 The severe economic slump is causing mergers among camera manufacturers, reported Tech-On! in late March 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090401.aspx#CA090401-05 Thu, 2 Apr 2009 12:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090401.aspx#CA090401-05 LG Electronics of South Korea will be exhibiting the LG-GD900, the world’s first transparent phone, at CTIA Wireless 2009 in Las Vegas (Apr. 1–4), reported Digital Times in March. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090401.aspx#CA090401-06 Thu, 2 Apr 2009 12:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090401.aspx#CA090401-06 Samsung Electronics of South Korea will adopt Spreadtrum Communications Inc.’s baseband chipset, a Spreadtrum representative revealed, reported japan.internet.com in March 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090401.aspx#CA090401-07 Thu, 2 Apr 2009 12:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090401.aspx#CA090401-07 Obopay of U.S. announced in late March 2009 that it had received funding from Nokia of Finland, but did not reveal the investment amount, reported Tech-On! Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090401.aspx#CA090401-08 Thu, 2 Apr 2009 12:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q2/CA090401.aspx#CA090401-08 Samsung Electronics of South Korea announced that it had sold over 5 million TouchWiz (SGH-F480) phones, reported Tech-On! in March 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090316.aspx#CA090316-01 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090316.aspx#CA090316-01 Samsung Electronics of South Korea showcased the HMX-R10, a palm-sized camcorder capable of capturing full HD video, at PMA 2009 in Las Vegas (Mar. 3–5), reported Tech-On! Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090316.aspx#CA090316-02 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090316.aspx#CA090316-02 Huawei Technologies of China plans to introduce the E182E, a USB stick-style communication terminal, in Europe in April 2009, reported Tech-On! Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090316.aspx#CA090316-03 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090316.aspx#CA090316-03 JEITA (the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association) announced that exports of electronic components by Japanese manufacturers were down 40% in December 2008 compared to the same month in 2007, reported Tech-On! in February 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090316.aspx#CA090316-04 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090316.aspx#CA090316-04 Worldwide sales of Nintendo DS, Nintendo’s popular dual-screen handheld game console, topped 100 million units in early March 2009, reported Slashdot ("News for Nerds"). Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090316.aspx#CA090316-05 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090316.aspx#CA090316-05 Sony and Seiko Epson, both of Japan, are in discussions regarding a partnership to manufacturer small and medium-size LCD operations, reported Nihon Keizai Shimbun in March 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090316.aspx#CA090316-06 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090316.aspx#CA090316-06 Omron and Renesas Technology, both of Japan, plan to jointly develop capacitive touch-sensor technology, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun in March 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090316.aspx#CA090316-07 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090316.aspx#CA090316-07 The Carlyle Group, a U.S. private equity firm, plans to up its investment in Japan’s PHS operator, Willcom, reported the ITnews Diary in March 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090316.aspx#CA090316-08 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090316.aspx#CA090316-08 About 20% of all Japanese middle-school students send and receive at least 50 e-mails a day on their cell phones, reported Yahoo Japan in February 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090302.aspx#CA090302-01 Tue, 3 Mar 2009 12:58:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090302.aspx#CA090302-01 NTT DoCoMo has temporally suspended sales of the BlackBerry Bold, reported Yahoo Japan in February 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090302.aspx#CA090302-02 Tue, 3 Mar 2009 12:58:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090302.aspx#CA090302-02 Evergreen of Japan has begun sales of a super-small camcorder, the DN-DPVR302, at its "Shanghai Donya" website (www.donya.jp), reported Yahoo Japan in February 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090302.aspx#CA090302-03 Tue, 3 Mar 2009 12:58:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090302.aspx#CA090302-03 DENSO Corporation of Japan, a global automotive components supplier, announced that it would begin ramping up software development for car-navigation systems in China, reported China Press in February 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090302.aspx#CA090302-04 Tue, 3 Mar 2009 12:58:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090302.aspx#CA090302-04 Panasonic of Japan aims to invest $3 billion in India over the next three years, beginning in April of this year, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s online Business Line in February 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090302.aspx#CA090302-05 Tue, 3 Mar 2009 12:58:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090302.aspx#CA090302-05 Having decided to close its Yingko plant in Taiwan, Arima Communications plans to set up a handset production plant in Jundiaí, Brazil, reported Yahoo! Taiwan in February 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090302.aspx#CA090302-06 Tue, 3 Mar 2009 12:58:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090302.aspx#CA090302-06 Fujifilm of Japan is planning a March rollout of the FinePix Z33WP, a new compact camera that’s both waterproof (to a depth of 3 meters) and dustproof, reported IT+PLUS in February 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090302.aspx#CA090302-07 Tue, 3 Mar 2009 12:58:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090302.aspx#CA090302-07 Just five months ago, Google, which commands more than 60% the Internet search engine market, introduced Android operating system for cell phones. Now, the company is planning a foray into the market for portable computer operating systems, where Microsoft clearly dominates with its Windows OS, reported Nihon Kogyo Shimbun in February 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090302.aspx#CA090302-08 Tue, 3 Mar 2009 12:58:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090302.aspx#CA090302-08 Spansion Japan, the Japanese branch of Sunnyvale, CA-based Spansion, applied for corporate restructuring in Tokyo District Court in February 2009, reported IT+PLUS. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090213.aspx#CA090213-01 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:19:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090213.aspx#CA090213-01 Fujitsu of Japan has decided to stop development of personal computers in Europe, reporting Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun in February 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090213.aspx#CA090213-02 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:19:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090213.aspx#CA090213-02 ACCESS China, a subsidiary of ACCESS, and NEC Electronics have prototyped a 3G smartphone for the Chinese market, reported CNET Japan in February 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090213.aspx#CA090213-03 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:19:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090213.aspx#CA090213-03 Pioneer of Japan announced that it would withdraw from all of its display operations by March 2010, reported IT+PLUS in February 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090213.aspx#CA090213-04 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:19:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090213.aspx#CA090213-04 Prices of digital goods are falling fast. According to market research firm BCN (Yahoo Japan, February 2009), which collects POS (point of sale) data from Japanese electronics retailers, during the recent holiday season prices for digital recorders fell 12% while LCD TVs fell 15%. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090213.aspx#CA090213-05 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:19:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090213.aspx#CA090213-05 Nokia of Finland, the world’s largest cell-phone supplier, announced in February 2009 that it would reduce output at its Salo plant in southern Finland and close down an R and D operation at its Jyväskylä plant in central Finland by year’s end, reported Reuters Japan. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090213.aspx#CA090213-06 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:19:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090213.aspx#CA090213-06 Helio (http://www.helio.com/), an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) acquired by Virgin Mobile USA in 2008, plans to roll out a new edition of its flagship Ocean cell phone in February of 2009, reported the Business Insider. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090213.aspx#CA090213-07 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:19:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090213.aspx#CA090213-07 Intel of the U.S. and Huawei Technologies of China announced in February 2009 that they had set up a WiMAX IOT (interoperability testing) Lab in Beijing, China, reported Impress Watch. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090213.aspx#CA090213-08 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:19:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090213.aspx#CA090213-08 KTF of South Korea plans to release the world’s first projector phone, the SPH-W7900, reported Digital Times in January 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090202.aspx#CA090202-01 Mon, 2 Feb 2009 16:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090202.aspx#CA090202-01 Sharp and Sony announced in late January 2009 that they would postpone a planned joint venture to produce LCD panels by one year, reported Nikkei Net (Nihon Keizai Shimbun). Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090202.aspx#CA090202-02 Mon, 2 Feb 2009 16:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090202.aspx#CA090202-02 Toshiba and Sony, both of Japan, warned in late January 2009 that their consolidated operational financial result for the fiscal year ending March 2009 would be their worst in history, reported Nikkei Net (Nihon Keizai Shimbun). Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090202.aspx#CA090202-03 Mon, 2 Feb 2009 16:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090202.aspx#CA090202-03 Toshiba is planning to consolidate its Japanese production sites, reported asahi.com (Asahi Shimbun) in January 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090202.aspx#CA090202-04 Mon, 2 Feb 2009 16:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090202.aspx#CA090202-04 NTT DoCoMo, the largest mobile phone operator in Japan, plans to offer a service that recovers data from its FOMA cell phones that become water-damaged and cannot be turned on, reported ITmedia in January 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090202.aspx#CA090202-05 Mon, 2 Feb 2009 16:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090202.aspx#CA090202-05 In desperate move to survive the economic downturn, Fujitsu of Japan recently encouraged its 100,000 employees (including those of affiliated companies) to purchase its own products, reported Yomiuri Shimbun in January 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090202.aspx#CA090202-06 Mon, 2 Feb 2009 16:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090202.aspx#CA090202-06 Acer of Taiwan, known for its personal computers such as Aspire One, is getting into the market for smartphones, reported RBB Today in January 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090202.aspx#CA090202-07 Mon, 2 Feb 2009 16:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090202.aspx#CA090202-07 Microsoft’s Zune music player generated $100 million less in sales during October and December 2008, reported ITmedia in January 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090202.aspx#CA090202-08 Mon, 2 Feb 2009 16:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090202.aspx#CA090202-08 NTT DoCoMo and Fujitsu, both of Japan, have jointly developed a wireless handset for the Taiwanese market, reported Impress Watch in January 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090119.aspx#CA090119-01 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090119.aspx#CA090119-01 Exemode of Japan plans to roll out a Yashica-branded compact digital camera (CDC) featuring a CMOS sensor with an effective size of 5.08 megapixels, reported RBB Today in January 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090119.aspx#CA090119-02 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090119.aspx#CA090119-02 JVC of Japan announced two new models of its full high-definition HDD camcorder, the Everio, reported MyCom Journal in January 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090119.aspx#CA090119-03 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090119.aspx#CA090119-03 Renesas Nagano Semiconductor, founded in January 1998, was ordered to start a special liquidation process in late December 2008 by the Nagano District Court, reported Tokyo Shoko Research in January 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090119.aspx#CA090119-04 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090119.aspx#CA090119-04 Renesas Technology of Japan plans to outsource some of its advanced semiconductor production to TSMC, a leading foundry based in Taiwan, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun in January 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090119.aspx#CA090119-05 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090119.aspx#CA090119-05 Sony and SanDisk announced that they had developed a version of the MemoryStick, the MemoryStick PRO, capable of storing up to 2 terabytes (TB) of data, reported ITmedia in January 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090119.aspx#CA090119-06 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090119.aspx#CA090119-06 LG Display of South Korea landed an order to supply LCD panels to Apple for the next five years, reported ITmedia in January 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090119.aspx#CA090119-07 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090119.aspx#CA090119-07 IBM announced that it had obtained 4,186 U.S. patents in 2008, reported asahi.com in January 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090119.aspx#CA090119-08 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090119.aspx#CA090119-08 A teaser advertisement for its soon-to-be-released mobile PC has been running on the Sony website, reported IBTimes in December 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090108.aspx#CA090108-01 Fri, 9 Jan 2009 15:14:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090108.aspx#CA090108-01 Yume no Machi Souzou Iinkai Co., Ltd., the Japanese company that operates the restaurant take-out order site known as “Demaekan,” is set to launch the Demae Channel, a service that will allow users to order take-out meals using Nintendo’s popular Wii game console. The announcement was reported by ITmedia in late December 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090108.aspx#CA090108-02 Fri, 9 Jan 2009 15:14:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090108.aspx#CA090108-02 JVC of Japan announced that it has developed next-generation, thin-format LCD display technology, reported ITmedia in January 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090108.aspx#CA090108-03 Fri, 9 Jan 2009 15:14:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090108.aspx#CA090108-03 Japanese software developer, Netwell of Tokyo, will release a mail-distribution engine for cell phones in January 2009, reported IT+PLUS. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090108.aspx#CA090108-04 Fri, 9 Jan 2009 15:14:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090108.aspx#CA090108-04 According to Teikoku Data Bank, Andes Electric (http://www.andes.co.jp/jp/), a manufacturer of color filters for LCD displays, One Seg tuner modules, and air purifiers, filed for bankruptcy protection from its creditors under Japan's Civil Rehabilitation Law on January 5, 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090108.aspx#CA090108-05 Fri, 9 Jan 2009 15:14:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090108.aspx#CA090108-05 LG Electronics of South Korea announced that it had sold over 5 million units of its Viewty phone in the 12-month period beginning October 2007, reported Digital Times in January 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090108.aspx#CA090108-06 Fri, 9 Jan 2009 15:14:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090108.aspx#CA090108-06 Samsung Electronics of South Korea plans to showcase a 6.5mm-thick LED TV at CES 2009 in Las Vegas (January 8–11), reported Digital Daily. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090108.aspx#CA090108-07 Fri, 9 Jan 2009 15:14:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090108.aspx#CA090108-07 Lenovo of China, the world’s fourth largest personal computer manufacturer, plans to introduce a dual-display notebook PC, reported Yahoo! Japan in January 2009. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090108.aspx#CA090108-08 Fri, 9 Jan 2009 15:14:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2009/Q1/CA090108.aspx#CA090108-08 JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association) recently published bleak shipment figures for cell phones in Japan for the month of October 2008, reported Fuji Sankei Business-i in December. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081216.aspx#CA081216-01 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:16:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081216.aspx#CA081216-01 Sharp announced in mid-December 2008 that it would reorganize its LCD panel plants, reported IT+PLUS. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081216.aspx#CA081216-02 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:16:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081216.aspx#CA081216-02 Fujitsu of Japan is in talks with multiple companies for possible sale of its HDD (hard-disk drive) operation, reported ITmedia in December 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081216.aspx#CA081216-03 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:16:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081216.aspx#CA081216-03 Asahi Shimbun, one of the largest newspapers in Japan, and TV Asahi, also of Japan, will collaborate with KDDI ("au"), the second-largest wireless carrier in that country, reported IT+PLUS in December 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081216.aspx#CA081216-04 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:16:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081216.aspx#CA081216-04 Sony Ericsson plans to market a Google phone based on the Android platform as early as next summer 2009 in Japan, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun on December 12, 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081216.aspx#CA081216-05 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:16:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081216.aspx#CA081216-05 Gateway plans to release a compact, low-price mini-notebook PC called the LT1001 in Japan, reported Fuji Sankei Business-i in December 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081216.aspx#CA081216-06 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:16:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081216.aspx#CA081216-06 The remake of the 1951 Sci-Fi classic "The Day Earth Stood Still" starring Keanu Reeves hit the box office on December 12, 2008, featuring not only the latest in computer-generated graphics but LG cell phones as well, reported Fuji Sankei Business-i. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081216.aspx#CA081216-07 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:16:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081216.aspx#CA081216-07 Lenovo, China’s leading personal computer manufacturer, may acquire the largest Brazilian personal computer manufacturer, Positivo, reported China Press in December 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081216.aspx#CA081216-08 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:16:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081216.aspx#CA081216-08 NTT DoCoMo of Japan announced that it would not release the Nokia-supplied E71 handset, which the carrier had planned to launch in the spring of 2009, reported IT+PLUS in December 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081204.aspx#CA081204-01 Thu, 4 Dec 2008 12:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081204.aspx#CA081204-01 Rolex, the Swiss maker of premium watches, launched it campaign to advertise directly to iPhones in Japan, reported IT+PLUS in December 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081204.aspx#CA081204-02 Thu, 4 Dec 2008 12:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081204.aspx#CA081204-02 KDDI, Japan’s No. 2 wireless carrier, announced that it had selected LTE (Long-Term Evolution) as its next-generation wireless protocol and that Hitachi will be the supplier vendor for its core network, reported Impress Watch in December 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081204.aspx#CA081204-03 Thu, 4 Dec 2008 12:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081204.aspx#CA081204-03 NEC Electronics plans to strengthen its semiconductor sales and service offerings in China over the next couple of years, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun in December 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081204.aspx#CA081204-04 Thu, 4 Dec 2008 12:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081204.aspx#CA081204-04 The price of DRAMs for large-volume customers plunged below $1, reported Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Japan’s largest financial daily in December 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081204.aspx#CA081204-05 Thu, 4 Dec 2008 12:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081204.aspx#CA081204-05 Samsung Electronics is enhancing its brand image by leading the high-end camera phone market, reported Inews24 in late November 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081204.aspx#CA081204-06 Thu, 4 Dec 2008 12:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081204.aspx#CA081204-06 U Mobile Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian 3G wireless operator, surpassed the half million mark for 3G wireless subscribers on December 2 2008, reported Digital Times in December 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081204.aspx#CA081204-07 Thu, 4 Dec 2008 12:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081204.aspx#CA081204-07 British-based Medical Phone, Ltd. has developed a tri-panel cell phone called the iCEphone that integrates a small computer and first-aid database, reported Itmedia in December 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081204.aspx#CA081204-08 Thu, 4 Dec 2008 12:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081204.aspx#CA081204-08 Huawei of China plans to begin releasing smartphones based on the Android and Symbian open-source operating systems in the first half of 2009, reported Searchina.net in November 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081118.aspx#CA081118-01 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081118.aspx#CA081118-01 Sumitomo 3M of Japan will launch the MPro110, a palm-size mobile projector, in late November 2008, reported Yahoo! Japan. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081118.aspx#CA081118-02 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081118.aspx#CA081118-02 King Jim, a Japanese maker of office products, has released a digital memo device called the Pomera (http://www.kingjim.co.jp/pomera/index.html), which consists of a 4-inch, monochrome VGA display and foldable, notebook-size keyboard, reported Yahoo! Japan in November 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081118.aspx#CA081118-03 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081118.aspx#CA081118-03 Sharp plans to sharply reduce its output of LCD panels in December 2008, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun in November. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081118.aspx#CA081118-04 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081118.aspx#CA081118-04 NTT DoCoMo, Japan’s leading wireless service carrier, announced in mid-November 2008 that it would invest 264 billion yen ($2.72 billion @ yen 96.65/$US 1) into TTSL of India and acquire 26% of the company, reported asahi.com. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081118.aspx#CA081118-05 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081118.aspx#CA081118-05 Mos Food Service, owner of the Mos Burger fast-food chain in Japan, is planning to reduce the number of its TV commercials dramatically and reallocate its advertising resources toward direct mail to cell phones, reported J-Cast News in November 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081118.aspx#CA081118-06 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081118.aspx#CA081118-06 Kyocera Wireless, a U.S. subsidiary of Japanese Kyocera, is developing a handset based on Android, Google’s new open-source OS for cell phones, reported CNET Japan in October 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081118.aspx#CA081118-07 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081118.aspx#CA081118-07 U.S. computer manufacturer Dell has decided not to roll out a digital music player in time for Christmas sales, reported ITmedia in November 2008 (quoting the Wall Street Journal). Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081118.aspx#CA081118-08 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081118.aspx#CA081118-08 ASUSTek Computer of Taiwan announced that it would reduce the price of its Eee PCs, reported CNET Japan in November 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081107.aspx#CA081107-01 Fri, 7 Nov 2008 14:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081107.aspx#CA081107-01 ATT of the U.S. rolled out the world's thinnest candy-bar cell phone with a full QWERTY keyboard, the Pantech Slate, reported Digital Times in November 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081107.aspx#CA081107-02 Fri, 7 Nov 2008 14:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081107.aspx#CA081107-02 Nokia, the world’s largest cell-phone supplier, announced that it would start supplying ultra-low-price phones and related services to emerging markets, reported Impress Watch in November 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081107.aspx#CA081107-03 Fri, 7 Nov 2008 14:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081107.aspx#CA081107-03 Fujifilm of Japan announced that it would begin marketing the Finepix Z250fd digital still camera (DSC) in November 2008, reported IT+PLUS. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081107.aspx#CA081107-04 Fri, 7 Nov 2008 14:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081107.aspx#CA081107-04 Renesas Technology of Japan plans to introduce MRAM based on 90nm technology in 2009, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081107.aspx#CA081107-05 Fri, 7 Nov 2008 14:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081107.aspx#CA081107-05 Sony and Sharp, both of Japan, are currently negotiating a deal to reduce Sony’s equity share in their new joint LCD plant in Sakai, Osaka, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun in October 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081107.aspx#CA081107-06 Fri, 7 Nov 2008 14:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081107.aspx#CA081107-06 Fujitsu of Japan announced in November 2008 that it would purchase all holdings of Fujitsu Siemens Computers (FSC), a joint venture between Fujitsu and Siemens AG. Fujitsu will turn the company into a wholly owned subsidiary in April 2009, reported Yahoo! Japan. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081107.aspx#CA081107-07 Fri, 7 Nov 2008 14:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081107.aspx#CA081107-07 EMOBILE of Japan announced that it would start supplying new data-communication cards with an upgraded data transfer rate of 1.4Mbps (max.) for upstream communication, reported IT+PLUS in November 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081107.aspx#CA081107-08 Fri, 7 Nov 2008 14:35:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081107.aspx#CA081107-08 ZTE of China, a global provider of telecommunications equipment and network services, announced plans to set up a production and Research and Development facility in Xian, the capital of Shanxi province, reported Telecommunication Online in October 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081016.aspx#CA081016-01 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:06:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081016.aspx#CA081016-01 LG Electronics of South Korea announced the LG-KC780 phone featuring an 8-megapixel (MP) camera, reported ITmedia in October 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081016.aspx#CA081016-02 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:06:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081016.aspx#CA081016-02 LG Electronics of South Korea announced that it will roll out the LG-KF900, a successor to the Prada phone, which the South Korean phone vendor co-developed with Prada, reported Digital Times in October 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081016.aspx#CA081016-03 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:06:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081016.aspx#CA081016-03 Takara Tomy, a Japanese toy manufacturer, showcased the Robo-Q, a prototype two-legged robot with the ability to walk at Robo Japan 2008 (Oct. 11–13), reported ITmedia in October 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081016.aspx#CA081016-04 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:06:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081016.aspx#CA081016-04 Roland, a Japanese electronic musical instrument manufacturer, plans to market the VIMA RK-300, a piano featuring a CD-R drive, reported ITmedia in October 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081016.aspx#CA081016-05 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:06:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081016.aspx#CA081016-05 Willcom, Buffalo, and Sanyo Electric, all of Japan, have co-developed a compact access point for wireless LAN, the Dokodemo WiFi, to be made available through Willcom next spring, reported ITmedia in October 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081016.aspx#CA081016-06 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:06:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081016.aspx#CA081016-06 Asian cell-phone suppliers are accelerating their exposure in Japan, reported Fuji Sankei Business i in October 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081016.aspx#CA081016-07 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:06:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081016.aspx#CA081016-07 NTT Communications of Japan announced that it had developed technology to consolidate over 100 ID and point cards on a single cell phone, reported IT+Plus in October 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081016.aspx#CA081016-08 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:06:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081016.aspx#CA081016-08 Hitachi of Japan announced that it would stop producing glass panels for plasma TVs by March 2009, reported asahi.com in September 2008. Instead, Hitachi will procure the panels from Panasonic (formerly known as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.). Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081002.aspx#CA081002-01 Thu, 2 Oct 2008 12:31:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081002.aspx#CA081002-01 Nintendo of Japan plans to market a new Nintendo DS (NDS) model before the end of 2008, reported IT+Plus in September 2008. It will be the first portable game console equipped with a camera and music playback functionality. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081002.aspx#CA081002-02 Thu, 2 Oct 2008 12:31:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081002.aspx#CA081002-02 Fujisoft Inc. of Japan announced that it would launch a VOD (Video on Demand) service for Wii, Nintendo’s popular home game console, reported ITmedia in September 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081002.aspx#CA081002-03 Thu, 2 Oct 2008 12:31:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081002.aspx#CA081002-03 Japanese toy manufacturer Bandai plans to market the Tamagotchi Plus Color, the electronic toy series first model with a color LCD display, reported ITmedia in September 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081002.aspx#CA081002-04 Thu, 2 Oct 2008 12:31:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081002.aspx#CA081002-04 Toshiba of Japan announced that it would start offering a video-distribution service using SD memory cards in the U.S, reported IT Pro in September 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081002.aspx#CA081002-05 Thu, 2 Oct 2008 12:31:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081002.aspx#CA081002-05 China Unicom of China announced that it would invest 30 billion yuan ($4.33 billion @ yuan 6.92/$US 1) to expand its GSM network, reported China Press in September 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081002.aspx#CA081002-06 Thu, 2 Oct 2008 12:31:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081002.aspx#CA081002-06 Reigncom of South Korea announced a Mickey Mouse-shaped portable MP3 player called "MPlayer Eyes" that's capable of displaying a variety of expressions using LED lights, reported inews24.com in September 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081002.aspx#CA081002-07 Thu, 2 Oct 2008 12:31:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081002.aspx#CA081002-07 RIM of Canada is planning a new touchscreen BlackBerry smartphone, reported Reuters in September 2008, quoting a source close to Verizon Wireless. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081002.aspx#CA081002-08 Thu, 2 Oct 2008 12:31:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q4/CA081002.aspx#CA081002-08 NEC of Japan and Telecom Italia, Italy’s largest communication carrier, signed a global partnership agreement in September 2008, reported japan.internet.com. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080919.aspx#CA080919-01 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080919.aspx#CA080919-01 Exemode of Japan (www.exemode.com) plans to roll out a Yashica-branded compact digital camera (CDC) in mid-October 2008, reported Impress Watch. The new CDC will retail for about 14,800 yen ($138.32 @ yen 106.99/$US 1). Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080919.aspx#CA080919-02 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080919.aspx#CA080919-02 Sony and NEC, both of Japan, announced in September 2008 that they will convert Sony NEC Optiarc (SNO), their optical-drive joint venture, into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony, reported ITmedia. NEC will sell its equity stake in SNO (45%) to Sony, with the transaction expected to be completed in December of this year. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080919.aspx#CA080919-03 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080919.aspx#CA080919-03 Sales of cell phones in Japan are down dramatically, reported IT Pro in September 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080919.aspx#CA080919-04 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080919.aspx#CA080919-04 Onkyo of Japan plans to roll out the SOTEC C1, a low-price mini notebook in early October 2008, reported PC Online. The new mini notebook is expected to retail for about 60,000 yen ($560.75 @ yen 106.99/$US 1). Onkyo is the second Japanese supplier after Kojinsha to venture into this market. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080919.aspx#CA080919-05 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080919.aspx#CA080919-05 Miutech (www.miutech.com), a South Korean multimedia company, announced it will roll out a hybrid dual portable computer (HDPC) dubbed the MIU phone, reported Digital Times. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080919.aspx#CA080919-06 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080919.aspx#CA080919-06 Samsung Electronics of South Korea plans to roll out the Soul Phone targeted at women and featuring a “self-conversation” feature and an SOS siren, reported IT News24 in September 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080919.aspx#CA080919-07 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080919.aspx#CA080919-07 Plastic Logic, which was founded by researchers at Cambridge University in 2000, announced a new electronic book (ebook) at the DEMOfall ‘08 Conference in Palm Springs, California, reported ITmedia. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080919.aspx#CA080919-08 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080919.aspx#CA080919-08 China Mobile will launch 3G service in 38 cities throughout China beginning in June 2009, reported Digital Times in August 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080903.aspx#CA080903-01 Thu, 4 Sep 2008 11:54:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080903.aspx#CA080903-01 Haier, a leading Chinese home electronics manufacturer, plans to produce products abroad in order to curtail production costs, reported China Press in August 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080903.aspx#CA080903-02 Thu, 4 Sep 2008 11:54:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080903.aspx#CA080903-02 Softbank Mobile of Japan has reduced the fixed-rate communication charges of its “Packet Flat-rate Full” plan for smartphone users from 1,695 yen ($15.56 @ yen 108.93/$US 1) a month to 1,029 yen a month ($9.45) for a certain amount of packets. Depending on usage volume, that basic monthly rate can increase to as much as 5,985 yen ($54.96). Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080903.aspx#CA080903-03 Thu, 4 Sep 2008 11:54:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080903.aspx#CA080903-03 Sony Corporation of Japan plans to boost its output of personal computers from 5.2 million units in fiscal 2007 to 10 million units by fiscal 2010, reported Fuji Sankei Business i in August 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080903.aspx#CA080903-04 Thu, 4 Sep 2008 11:54:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080903.aspx#CA080903-04 Sony Computer Entertainment of Japan announced that it would market a new model of its popular handheld game console, the PlayStation Portable (PSP), reported Fuji Sankei Business i in August 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080903.aspx#CA080903-05 Thu, 4 Sep 2008 11:54:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080903.aspx#CA080903-05 UQ Communications of Japan announced that it has installed its first Mobile WiMAX base station, reported Impress Watch in August 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080903.aspx#CA080903-06 Thu, 4 Sep 2008 11:54:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080903.aspx#CA080903-06 Samsung Electronics of South Korea unveiled the X360, a notebook computer with a thin form factor, at the IFA2008 consumer electronics show in Berlin in August 2008, reported Computerworld.jp. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080903.aspx#CA080903-07 Thu, 4 Sep 2008 11:54:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080903.aspx#CA080903-07 South Korean flat-panel manufacturers are venturing into OEM manufacturing of flat panel TVs, reported IT+PLUS in September 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080903.aspx#CA080903-08 Thu, 4 Sep 2008 11:54:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080903.aspx#CA080903-08 Canon of Japan announced on August 19, 2008 that it had shipped over 100 million compact digital still cameras (DSCs), reported Mainichi Shimbun. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080821.aspx#CA080821-02 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:11:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080821.aspx#CA080821-02 Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan and an organization of industry representatives will form an alliance to send delegations overseas to market advanced wireless communication technology, including the Osaifu Keitai ("wallet phone"), reported Fuji Sankei Business i in August 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080821.aspx#CA080821-03 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:11:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080821.aspx#CA080821-03 Sharp of Japan plans to start handset sales through GOME Electric, China’s leading home electronics chain, in the fall, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun in August 2008. Sharp, which ventured into China’s cell-phone market earlier this year, wants to solidify its position there by expanding its sales network and enhancing its lineup of offerings. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080821.aspx#CA080821-04 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:11:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080821.aspx#CA080821-04 HTC of Taiwan plans to roll out a handset called the "Dream" in the U.S. in November 2008, reported China Press in August. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080821.aspx#CA080821-05 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:11:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080821.aspx#CA080821-05 Consumer electronics company Aigo of China has rolled out a new model of its MID (Mobile Internet Device), the P8860 "Patriot," in China, reported yesky.com in August 2008. The P8860 supports the Linux OS and Intel's 800MHz Atom Z500 processor and is priced at 4,999 yuan ($731.96 @ yuan 6.83/$US 1). Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080821.aspx#CA080821-06 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:11:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080821.aspx#CA080821-06 "You and Me," the theme song of the Beijing Olympics sung by British soprano Sarah Brightman and Chinese singer Liu Huan during the opening ceremony, has proved to be hugely popular. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080821.aspx#CA080821-07 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:11:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080821.aspx#CA080821-07 STMicroelectronics and Ericsson announced that they would create a joint venture by merging ST-NXP Wireless and Ericsson Mobile Platforms (EMP), reported ITpro in August 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080821.aspx#CA080821-08 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:11:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080821.aspx#CA080821-08 Hasee (http://www.hasee.com/en/index.html), the second-largest Chinese computer manufacturer, announced that it would introduce a super low-price notebook in China in September 2008, reported China Press. The new computer will retail for 1,999 yuan ($291.72 @ yuan 6.85/$US 1). Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080806.aspx#CA080806-01 Thu, 7 Aug 2008 12:11:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080806.aspx#CA080806-01 Foxconn of Taiwan plans to increase its output of the iPhone 3G to over 800,000 units a week, reported TechCrunch in August 2008. Notably, the 800,000 units a week is beyond the current maximum capacity of Foxconn. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080806.aspx#CA080806-02 Thu, 7 Aug 2008 12:11:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080806.aspx#CA080806-02 Eight leading Japanese electronics manufacturers announced their 2nd quarter (April–June) performance results on July 31, 2008, reported IT+PLUS. Among the companies showing higher profits were Hitachi and Matsushita Electric (internationally known as Panasonic). However, Sharp and Sony posted reduced profits, while Toshiba posted a loss. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080806.aspx#CA080806-03 Thu, 7 Aug 2008 12:11:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080806.aspx#CA080806-03 Softbank Mobile of Japan plans to introduce a Casio-supplied handset, reported Impress Watch in August 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080806.aspx#CA080806-04 Thu, 7 Aug 2008 12:11:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080806.aspx#CA080806-04 Fujitsu Microelectronics’ Taiwanese joint venture with the Institute for Information Industry (III) of Taiwan officially began operating on August 4, 2008, reported Tech-On. The new company, Fujitsu Global Mobile Platform Inc., will develop platforms for Mobile WiMAX handsets and compact base stations. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080806.aspx#CA080806-05 Thu, 7 Aug 2008 12:11:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080806.aspx#CA080806-05 Sanyo Electric of Japan announced in late July 2008 that it would market the Xacti DMX-HD800, a camcorder capable of recording high-definition video, reported CNET Japan. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080806.aspx#CA080806-06 Thu, 7 Aug 2008 12:11:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080806.aspx#CA080806-06 Sanyo Electric of Japan announced that it would increase production volume of digital still cameras, reported Impress Watch in August 2008. The company will also increase production of its Xacti brand camcorder to 2 million units annually. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080806.aspx#CA080806-07 Thu, 7 Aug 2008 12:11:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080806.aspx#CA080806-07 Sharp’s new handset for NTT DoCoMo passed screening by JATE (Japan Approvals Institute for Telecommunications Equipment), ITmedia reported in August 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080806.aspx#CA080806-08 Thu, 7 Aug 2008 12:11:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080806.aspx#CA080806-08 Sony, Sharp, Toshiba, and Matsushita Electric Co., all of Japan, plan to cooperate in the development of core technology for mass-producing large-size OEL (organic electroluminescent) panels, reported IT+PLUS in July 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080724.aspx#CA080724-01 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080724.aspx#CA080724-01 NTT DoCoMo of Japan is releasing a W-CDMA clamshell handset that is claimed to be the world’s thinnest 3G clamshell phone, reported Impress Watch in July 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080724.aspx#CA080724-02 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080724.aspx#CA080724-02 NEC of Japan is considering producing wireless handsets at its personal computer plant, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun in July 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080724.aspx#CA080724-03 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080724.aspx#CA080724-03 Fujifilm of Japan announced that it will enable Nintendo’s Wii game console to order digital photo prints via its web-access capability, reported IT+PLUS in July 2008. Fujifilm will initially offer the service only in Japan, but will make it available in North America and Europe at a later date. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080724.aspx#CA080724-04 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080724.aspx#CA080724-04 Sony announced that it would begin distributing movies from Disney, Fox, and Warner Brothers to its PlayStation 3 video game console, reported the IBTimes. Sony made the announcement at the E3 Media and Business Summit held in Washington, DC, in mid-July 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080724.aspx#CA080724-05 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080724.aspx#CA080724-05 China Press (Taiwanese media) reported in July 2008 that Sony, Toshiba, and other Japanese electronics manufacturers are talking to Taiwanese IT OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) regarding their plans to enter the market for low-price mini-notebooks during fourth quarter 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080724.aspx#CA080724-06 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080724.aspx#CA080724-06 ZTE of China announced that it would start supplying handsets to the Japanese market, reported IT+PLUS in July 2008. The ZTE executive in charge of the East Asian and Southeast Asian markets said that the company aims to generate $100 million in revenue from Japan by 2010. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080724.aspx#CA080724-07 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080724.aspx#CA080724-07 China Mobile is in talks with RIM about releasing a new model of the BlackBerry in China, reported japan.internet.com in July 2008. Specifications and details of the new model were not disclosed. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080724.aspx#CA080724-08 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080724.aspx#CA080724-08 Square Enix, a Japanese video game company, announced the release of a new role-playing game (RPG) called "Song Summoner: The Unsung Heroes" for the iPod, reported tech portal IT+PLUS in July 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080710.aspx#CA080710-01 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080710.aspx#CA080710-01 Skylark of Japan, a leading family restaurant chain, is planning to adopt the use cell-phone coupons at 2,400 of its restaurants throughout the country, reported tech portal IT+PLUS in July 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080710.aspx#CA080710-02 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080710.aspx#CA080710-02 Sony of Japan announced in June 2008 that it would accelerate sales to emerging markets in the so-called BRIC countries, Brazil, Russia, India, and China, reported tech portal China Press. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080710.aspx#CA080710-03 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080710.aspx#CA080710-03 NEC of Japan has acquired Linecom, a Hungarian telecom engineering company and former outsourcing partner based in Budapest, reported EE Times in July 2008. NEC reportedly paid about 1 billion yen ($9.35 million @ yen 106.89/$US 1) for the acquisition. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080710.aspx#CA080710-04 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080710.aspx#CA080710-04 FE Technologies (FET) of Japan, co-owned by Sony and an external technology investment fund, plans to acquire Pioneer’s plasma panel plant in Kagoshima Prefecture, reported FujiSankei Business i in July 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080710.aspx#CA080710-05 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080710.aspx#CA080710-05 Huawei of China and Mobilink of Pakistan signed an agreement that will allow Huawei to deploy Mobilink's WiMAX network in Pakistan, reported japan.internet.com in July 2008. Per the agreement, Huawei will install a WiMAX IEEE 802.16e network for Mobilink, the first GSM operator and largest cellular service provider in Pakistan. In addition, Huawei will supply WiMAX network solutions and equipment to Mobilink, which was previously owned by Motorola before being sold to Orascom. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080710.aspx#CA080710-06 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080710.aspx#CA080710-06 Analysys International, a Beijing-based marketing research firm (http://english.analysys.com.cn/home/index2008.php), has just released its 1Q 2008 "Cellular Phone Market Report" for China, reported China Press. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080710.aspx#CA080710-07 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080710.aspx#CA080710-07 Nokia India has released two new models in India, the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66, reported japan.internet.com in July 2008. The E71 and the E66 retail for 22,949 rupees ($531.72 @ rupees 43.16/$US 1) and 23,689 rupees ($548.86), respectively. The phones support Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files as well as third-party e-mail solutions. The E71 also allows users to edit MS Office documents. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080710.aspx#CA080710-08 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080710.aspx#CA080710-08 Lenovo, a leading personal computer manufacturer plans to outsource production of 1–1.5 million notebook computers a month to Taiwanese ODMs (original design manufacturers) starting in the first quarter 2009, reported tech portal China Press in June 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080701.aspx#CA080701-01 Wed, 2 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080701.aspx#CA080701-01 Datang Mobile revealed that the company has been developing a TD-HSDPA handset featuring 3.5G communication technology, reported Chinese media in June 2008. Datang Mobile plans to complete a prototype as early as September 2008 and will market the phone by the end of 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080701.aspx#CA080701-02 Wed, 2 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080701.aspx#CA080701-02 A subsidiary of Toppan Printing of Japan, Bitway, which distributes content to cell phones, plans to begin distributing Japanese comics to cell phones in South Korea and Taiwan by November 2008, reported tech portal IT+PLUS. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080701.aspx#CA080701-03 Wed, 2 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080701.aspx#CA080701-03 Panasonic, the brand name of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. of Japan, plans to begin mass-producing 37-inch OEL (organic electroluminescent) TVs in fiscal 2011, reported tech portal ITmedia in June 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080701.aspx#CA080701-04 Wed, 2 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080701.aspx#CA080701-04 Google announced in late June 2008 that Sony Computer Entertainment’s PSP portable game console is now compatible with Google web search, reported japan.internet.com. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080701.aspx#CA080701-05 Wed, 2 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080701.aspx#CA080701-05 Nokia, the world’s largest cell phone supplier, plans to start a cell phone hot-spot service in Japan, reported tech portal IT+PLUS in June 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080701.aspx#CA080701-06 Wed, 2 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080701.aspx#CA080701-06 Mouse Computer, a Japanese retailer of personal computers and BTO (built-to-order) PCs, announced a mini-notebook computer, the LuvBook U100, featuring the Atom processor and a price tag of 59,800 yen ($566.13 @ yen 105.63/$US 1), reported tech portal ITmedia in late June 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080701.aspx#CA080701-07 Wed, 2 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080701.aspx#CA080701-07 Virgin Mobile USA, a subsidiary of Virgin Group of UK, announced in late June 2008 that it would acquire Helio, a joint venture between mobile service provider SK Telecom of South Korea and Internet service provider EarthLink of the U.S. Virgin Mobile USA plans to offer $39 million worth its stock to purchase Helio. The transaction will be completed during the third quarter of 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080701.aspx#CA080701-08 Wed, 2 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q3/CA080701.aspx#CA080701-08 Apple announced recently that it would release the iPhone 3G in 22 countries and regions around the world, reported Japanese news portal livedoor.com in June 2008. Although the release schedule is not clear, Apple is reportedly having talks with China Unicom about bringing the iPhone to China. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080616.aspx#CA080616-01 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:30:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080616.aspx#CA080616-01 Datang Mobile, a subsidiary of Chinese telecommunications equipment giant Datang Telecom, completed a monitoring test of the upgrade from the TD-SCDMA (3G) network to a TD-HSDPA (3.5G) network in the cities of Shanghai and Guangzhou, reported China Press in June 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080616.aspx#CA080616-02 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:30:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080616.aspx#CA080616-02 Huawei Technologies of China introduced the H11HW handset through EMOBILE of Japan, reported tech portal Impress Watch. The handset, which went on sale in mid-June 2008, is priced at 29,800 yen ($276.18 @ yen 107.90/$US 1). Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080616.aspx#CA080616-03 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:30:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080616.aspx#CA080616-03 Sharp of Japan announced that it would begin selling handsets in China, reported Fuji Sankei Business i in June 2008. The company plans to begin its foray into the Chinese market with a high-end model aimed at upscale users, and will add two or three models by year’s end. Yoshisuke Hasegawa, group general manager of Sharp's communication systems group, commented that the goal is to make the operation profitable in China by the end of fiscal year 2009/2010. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080616.aspx#CA080616-04 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:30:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080616.aspx#CA080616-04 Elpida Memory of Japan announced in June 2008 that it would partner with Qimonda of Germany to develop next-generation DRAM, reported Fuji Sankei Business i. The companies hope to roll out 40nm products by 2010, with 30nm technology enabling cell sizes as small as 4F² also on the roadmap. The 40nm technology allows more than twice the bits per wafer over the company’s 58nm trench technology. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080616.aspx#CA080616-05 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:30:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080616.aspx#CA080616-05 KDDI (au), Japan’s No 2 wireless carrier, announced the Sportio phone (also known as the W63T), which can track and display the number of steps taken by a user during an exercise routine as well as the calories consumed, reported tech portal IT+PLUS in June 2008. The phone, which went on sale in mid-June, is sourced from Toshiba. It houses a 2.2-inch TFT-LCD display, a 1.96-megapixel camera, and a microSD card slot for up to 2Gbytes of additional storage. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080616.aspx#CA080616-06 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:30:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080616.aspx#CA080616-06 Japanese PHS service provider, Willcom, announced in June 2008 that it would suspend sales of the X PLATE WX130S (http://www.willcom-inc.com/ja/lineup/wx/130s/), a PHS handset manufactured by Seiko Instruments, reported Mainichi Shimbun (one of the largest newspapers in Japan). Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080616.aspx#CA080616-07 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:30:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080616.aspx#CA080616-07 LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A. announced the LG Decoy, which houses a detachable Bluetooth headset in June 2008, reported tech portal Tech-On! The company is showcasing the handset at the 2008 SIG (Special Interest Group) Holiday Gift Guide Event being held in New York City. The LG Decoy will be available through Verizon Wireless in the U.S. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080616.aspx#CA080616-08 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:30:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080616.aspx#CA080616-08 China’s leading home electronics manufacturer, Hisense, plans to focus on TD-SCDMA handsets, reported tech portal China Press in May 2008. TD-SCDMA (Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access) is a 3G mobile telecommunications standard currently being deployed in major cities in China to make it less dependent on Western technology. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080602.aspx#CA080602-01 Mon, 2 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080602.aspx#CA080602-01 China’s homegrown handset manufacturers are planning a comeback with production of TD-SCDMA handsets, reported tech portal China Press in May 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080602.aspx#CA080602-02 Mon, 2 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080602.aspx#CA080602-02 China’s homegrown handset manufacturers are planning a comeback with production of TD-SCDMA handsets, reported tech portal China Press in May 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080602.aspx#CA080602-03 Mon, 2 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080602.aspx#CA080602-03 Beijing Tianyu Communication Equipment and Warburg Pincus, a U.S.-based private equity company, signed a strategic partnership agreement, reported tech portal China Press in May 2008. Warburg Pincus plans to invest over $70 million in the Chinese company. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080602.aspx#CA080602-04 Mon, 2 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080602.aspx#CA080602-04 NXP Semiconductors of the Netherlands and T3G Technologies of China announced in late May 2008 that they had begun offering a 3G cellular system solution, the T3G7208, reported tech portal japan.internet.com. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080602.aspx#CA080602-05 Mon, 2 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080602.aspx#CA080602-05 The Asus Lamborghini ZX1 was unveiled in late May on eprice.com, a Taiwanese tech website. The new handset, which uses the Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system, was first showcased at 2008 CeBIT in Hannover. It will be exhibited in Taiwan for the first time at Computex Taipei 2008 in June. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080602.aspx#CA080602-06 Mon, 2 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080602.aspx#CA080602-06 NTT DoCoMo of Japan and KT Freetel (KTF) of South Korea plan to jointly procure a 3G handset made by LG Electronics, also of South Korea, reported tech portal Chosun Online in May 2008. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080602.aspx#CA080602-07 Mon, 2 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080602.aspx#CA080602-07 Dai Nippon Printing of Japan, a subsidiary of am3, plans to begin distributing novels, comics, and animations to Nintendo DS (aka NDS, a handheld game console), reported Japanese tech portal IT+PLUS. The company will provide content from leading publishing companies and animation providers. Continued on Portelligent website. http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080602.aspx#CA080602-08 Mon, 2 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2008/Q2/CA080602.aspx#CA080602-08