TechInsights: Competitive Alerts http://www.teardown.com// Emerging Business Strategy Issues, Opportunities, and Threats © 2012, UBM PLC en-us Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:45:00 -0500 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:45:00 -0500 Competitive TechAlerts 60 Elpida Develops Fast, Nonvolatile Next-Generation ReRAM Memory Elpida Memory of Japan announced that it had developed the first next-generation ReRAM (Resistance Random Access Memory) prototype using 50nm process technology, reported ITmedia in January 2012. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120130.aspx#CA120130-01 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120130.aspx#CA120130-01 Global Foundries May Purchase Japanese Plants California-based Global Foundries, one of the world’s largest independent semiconductor foundries, is apparently thinking about establishing an operation in Japan, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s “Business Line” in January 2012. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120130.aspx#CA120130-02 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120130.aspx#CA120130-02 Renesas to Increase Outsourcing of Semiconductor Front-End Process Renesas Electronics of Japan plans to increase the outsourcing ratio of its semiconductor front-end process to 30%, double the current rate, by fiscal 2014 (Apr. 2014 to Mar. 2015), reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s “Business Line” in January 2012. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120130.aspx#CA120130-03 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120130.aspx#CA120130-03 Texas Instruments to Close Plants in Japan and Texas As part of an effort to restructure its production, Texas Instruments of the U.S. announced that it would shut down two of its older facilities, one in Hiji, Japan, and one in Houston, Texas, reported SankeiBiz in January 2012. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120130.aspx#CA120130-04 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120130.aspx#CA120130-04 Nintendo Falls 45 Billion Yen in the Red Based on its adjusted sales forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2012, Nintendo is expected to post an operating loss of 45 billion yen ($589.9 million @ yen 76.29/$US 1), reported ITmedia in January 2012. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120130.aspx#CA120130-05 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120130.aspx#CA120130-05 Sony Proposes Equity Tie-up with Olympus Sony is apparently seeking an equity tie-up with troubled Japanese camera and medical equipment manufacturer Olympus, reported Reuters in January 2012. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120130.aspx#CA120130-06 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120130.aspx#CA120130-06 Hitachi Pulls the Plug on Its TV Manufacturing Operation Hitachi of Japan announced that it would begin restructuring its flat-panel TV business and cease producing its own TVs, which it first began doing in 1956, reported ITmedia in January 2012. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120130.aspx#CA120130-07 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120130.aspx#CA120130-07 Samsung Electronics Turns LCD Joint Venture with Sony into Wholly-Owned Subsidiary Samsung Electronics of South Korea has acquired Sony’s equity in S-LCD, an LCD manufacturing joint venture established by the two companies, and made the company into a wholly-owned subsidiary, reported Nikkei.com in January 2012. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120130.aspx#CA120130-08 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120130.aspx#CA120130-08 Chinese Mobile Internet Users to Top 600 Million in 2012 Beijing-based market research firm Analysys International recently published its analysis of the mobile Internet market in China, reported China Press in January 2012. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120112.aspx#CA120112-01 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120112.aspx#CA120112-01 Lenovo Showcases Smart TV Lenovo of China showed off its new SmartTV K91 at “CES Unveiled,” a special event for the press at the 2012 International CES in Las Vegas (Jan. 10-13), reported Tech-On! Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120112.aspx#CA120112-02 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120112.aspx#CA120112-02 Toshiba Unveils Four Tablet Devices at CES Toshiba of Japan announced four new Android tablet models at a strategy briefing for the Japanese press prior to the 2012 International CES in Las Vegas (Jan. 10-13), reported Tech-On! Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120112.aspx#CA120112-03 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120112.aspx#CA120112-03 Samsung Electronics Becomes No 1 Seller of Smartphones in Russia According to German market research firm GfK, in November of last year Samsung Electronics of South Korea became the top seller of cell phones and smartphones in Russia, reported Yonhap News in January 2012. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120112.aspx#CA120112-04 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120112.aspx#CA120112-04 InterDigital Sues LG Electronics, Nokia, and Huawei InterDigital of the U.S. filed a sweeping patent-infringement suit against cell-phone makers LG Electronics, Nokia, and Huawei Technologies with the U.S. International Trade Commission, reported Chosun Ilbo in January 2012. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120112.aspx#CA120112-05 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120112.aspx#CA120112-05 Elan Microelectronics to Receive $5 Million Lawsuit Settlement from Apple Elan Microelectronics of Taiwan announced that Apple would pay it $5 million to settle a lawsuit brought by Elan in April 2009 concerning two of its U.S. patents for multi-point touch technology, reported CNET Japan in January 2012. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120112.aspx#CA120112-06 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120112.aspx#CA120112-06 RIM Hopes to Work Miracles with BlackBerry 10 Research in Motion (RIM) of Canada is placing its hopes for a recovery in the smartphone market on a yet-to-be-released smartphone running its proprietary BlackBerry 10 operating system, reported CNET Japan in January 2012. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120112.aspx#CA120112-07 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120112.aspx#CA120112-07 Microsoft and Nokia to Invest $200 Million to Foster Sales of Windows Phones Microsoft and Nokia plan to pour quite a bit of money into an effort to foster sales of upcoming Windows Phones, reported CNET Japan in January 2012. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120112.aspx#CA120112-08 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2012/Q1/CA120112.aspx#CA120112-08 China Overtakes Japan in Patent Filings The World Intellectual Property Organization, familiarly known as WIPO, recently announced the total number of global patent filings for 2010, reported Asahi.com in December 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/rss/rssCompetitiveAlerts.xml Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/rss/rssCompetitiveAlerts.xml ZTE Introduces Third Smartphone for Softbank In 2010, ZTE of China sold 90 million wireless handsets to become the world’s fifth-largest manufacturer of the devices, reported SankeiBiz in December 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/rss/rssCompetitiveAlerts.xml Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/rss/rssCompetitiveAlerts.xml TXC’s Crystal Oscillator Picked by Apple for iPhone 5 Apple has reportedly chosen TXC of Taiwan to supply the crystal oscillators for its upcoming iPhone 5 smartphone, reported NNA ASIA in December 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/rss/rssCompetitiveAlerts.xml Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/rss/rssCompetitiveAlerts.xml Samsung Electronics Sues Apple for Patent Infringement Again in Germany Samsung Electronics of South Korea has filed another suit against Apple of the U.S. in the District Court of Mannheim, Germany, reported Braina in December 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/rss/rssCompetitiveAlerts.xml Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/rss/rssCompetitiveAlerts.xml Japanese Wireless Carriers Team Up to Promote NFC Japan’s three wireless carriers, NTT Docomo, KDDI, and Softbank Mobile, recently set up the Mobile Contactless IC Service Promotion Committee to promote the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard in that country, reported SankeiBiz in December 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/rss/rssCompetitiveAlerts.xml Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/rss/rssCompetitiveAlerts.xml Five Companies Form Content Security Initiative Panasonic, Samsung Electronics, SanDisk, Sony, and Toshiba have agreed to collaborate in the development of new content-protection technology for various for flash memory cards, reported Impress Watch in December 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/rss/rssCompetitiveAlerts.xml Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/rss/rssCompetitiveAlerts.xml Yano Research Institute Says 2011 Global Smartphone Shipments Will Be 470 Million Yano Research Institute of Japan recently published its investigation of the global wireless market, including a breakdown of smartphone shipments by country for 2010 and 2011, reported Impress Watch in December 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/rss/rssCompetitiveAlerts.xml Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/rss/rssCompetitiveAlerts.xml NTT Docomo Debuts Prada Smartphone NTT Docomo, Japan’s largest wireless carrier, announced that it would introduce the Prada phone by LG-L-02D this coming January, reported Asahi.com in December 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/rss/rssCompetitiveAlerts.xml Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/rss/rssCompetitiveAlerts.xml Fujitsu Toshiba to Roll Out Super-Thin Smartphone KDDI, Japan’s second largest wireless carrier, plans to introduce the Arrows ES IS12F smartphone supplied by Fujitsu Toshiba Mobile Communications, reported MSN Sankei Shimbun in December 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111207.aspx#CA111207-01 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111207.aspx#CA111207-01 Hitachi Postpones Sale of HDD Business to Western Digital Hitachi of Japan announced that the sale of its HDD operation to Western Digital would be postponed until the first quarter of 2012, reported Nikkei Net Interactive in December 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111207.aspx#CA111207-02 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111207.aspx#CA111207-02 Sanwa Supply Introduces Palm-Size Toy Camera Sanwa Supply of Japan has begun selling a toy digital camera, the 400-CAN006, at its Sanwa Direct retail site, reported RBB Today in November 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111207.aspx#CA111207-03 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111207.aspx#CA111207-03 Fujifilm Launches Service for Printing Digital Images on 3D Postcards Fujifilm of Japan is now offering a service called Fujifilm 3D Postcard Service, which transforms images captured by a digital still camera (DSC) into 3D prints that can be used as postcards, reported ITmedia in November 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111207.aspx#CA111207-04 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111207.aspx#CA111207-04 GREE to Venture into South Korean Smartphone Market Japan’s leading social networking service, GREE, plans to venture into the South Korea smartphone market via that country's mobile open marketplace and leading Android app store, T-store, reported Mynavi Japan in November 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111207.aspx#CA111207-05 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111207.aspx#CA111207-05 South Korean Smartphone Exports Exceed $10 Billion South Korea’s Ministry of Knowledge Economy announced that the country’s IT exports from January to November of this year totaled $144.45 billion, the best performance ever, reported Joins MSN in November 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111207.aspx#CA111207-06 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111207.aspx#CA111207-06 SK Telecom and China Mobile to Collaborate on Latest Technologies SK Telecom of South Korea and China Mobile Communication of China are seeking to collaborate in the areas of 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) mobile communication and NFC (Near Field Communication), reported Yonhap News in December 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111207.aspx#CA111207-07 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111207.aspx#CA111207-07 HTC Withdraws Appeal of Patent-Infringement Ruling HTC of Taiwan, a leading smartphone supplier, has withdrawn its appeal against an earlier injunction handed down by the District Court of Mannheim, Germany, reported Wireless Wire in November 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111207.aspx#CA111207-08 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111207.aspx#CA111207-08 Toshiba Postpones Sale of Malaysian Factory to Amkor Toshiba of Japan announced that it would postpone the sale of its semiconductor assembly and test operation in Malaysia to Amkor Technology of the U.S., reported SankeiBiz in November 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111122.aspx#CA111122-01 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:23:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111122.aspx#CA111122-01 Elpida Memory Sues Nanya Technology for DRAM Patent Infringement Elpida Memory of Japan has filed suit against Nanya Technology of Taiwan with the International Trade Commission (ITC), requesting a ban on the import of Nanya’s DRAM products into the U.S., reported ITmedia in November 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111122.aspx#CA111122-02 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:23:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111122.aspx#CA111122-02 Suminet Announces WiMAX Communication Module for Sharp’s New Tablet Suminet of Japan has begun volume production of the SWiM WS2010, a detachable WiMAX communication module developed for Sharp’s new Galapagos EB-A71GJ-B tablet, reported Impress Watch in November 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111122.aspx#CA111122-03 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:23:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111122.aspx#CA111122-03 Sharp Announces New Galapagos Tablet Device Sharp of Japan announced that it would commercialize a new 7-in. tablet device, the Galapagos EB-A71GJ-B, reported Tech-On! in November 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111122.aspx#CA111122-04 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:23:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111122.aspx#CA111122-04 Seiko Epson Develops See-Through HMD Seiko Epson of Japan announced that it developed the world’s first see-through head-mounted display (HMD), the Moverio BT-100, reported ITmedia in November 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111122.aspx#CA111122-05 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:23:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111122.aspx#CA111122-05 Microsoft and Samsung to Debut Table-Style Personal Computer Microsoft and Samsung Electronics announced that Samsung Electronics had started taking pre-orders for a table-style PC manufactured by Samsung, called the SUR40 for Microsoft Surface, reported ITmedia in November 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111122.aspx#CA111122-06 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:23:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111122.aspx#CA111122-06 DeNA Teams Up with South Korean Portal DeNA of Japan, which owns the popular Mobage-town platform, announced that its South Korean subsidiary would team up with Daum Communications of South Korea to launch a Korean-version of Mobage, reported SankeiBiz in November 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111122.aspx#CA111122-07 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:23:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111122.aspx#CA111122-07 Samsung Electronics Redesigns Galaxy Tablet for Germany Samsung Electronics of South Korea has begun selling the redesigned Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Germany, reported CNET Japan in November 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111122.aspx#CA111122-08 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:23:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111122.aspx#CA111122-08 Hard Times for Chinese Handset Makers ST Kejian, a former star among handset manufacturers in China, entered bankruptcy restructuring, reported Record China in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111108.aspx#CA111108-01 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111108.aspx#CA111108-01 China Becomes World’s No. 2 Mobile App Market According to Flurry Analytics, a U.S.-based market research firm specializing in how consumers interact with mobile applications, the use of smartphone apps in China by grew 870% from January to October 2011 compared to the same period last year (Asahi.com, October 2011). Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111108.aspx#CA111108-02 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111108.aspx#CA111108-02 Foxconn’s Fab Suffers from Cooling Tablet Market Production at Foxconn’s small- to medium-size touch-panel fab in Dongguan has still not kicked off as planned, reported NNA.ASIA in November 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111108.aspx#CA111108-03 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111108.aspx#CA111108-03 Softbank Invests in Bharti Airtel Softbank of Japan announced that it had set up a 50-50 joint venture in Singapore with Bharti Airtel of India, reported NNA.ASIA in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111108.aspx#CA111108-04 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111108.aspx#CA111108-04 Panasonic Mulls Scaling Back TV Semiconductor Operation Panasonic of Japan is considering scaling back its production of semiconductors used in TVs, reported SankeiBiz in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111108.aspx#CA111108-05 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111108.aspx#CA111108-05 Sony to Reduce Plasma TV Operation Sony of Japan announced that it would scale back its TV operation as part of its effort to return to profitability by fiscal 2013, reported ITmedia in 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111108.aspx#CA111108-06 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111108.aspx#CA111108-06 eMobile Tests LTE Network eMobile (eAccess) of Japan, has begun testing its domestic LTE commercial network, with the goal of launching LTE service on the 1.7GHz spectrum by March 2012, reported Impress Watch in November 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111108.aspx#CA111108-07 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111108.aspx#CA111108-07 HDD Prices Shoot Up Due to Flooding in Thailand Due to the massive flooding in Thailand, the price of hard-disk drives (HDDs), a key component in personal computers, is increasing rapidly, reported SankeiBiz in November 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111108.aspx#CA111108-08 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:45:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111108.aspx#CA111108-08 Sony to End LCD Joint Venture with Samsung Electronics S-LCD, the joint venture between Sony of Japan and Samsung Electronics of South Korea may be coming to an end, reported Nihon Keizai Shimbun in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111102.aspx#CA111102-01 Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111102.aspx#CA111102-01 Asahi Glass Develops Super-Thin Glass for Smartphones Asahi Glass of Japan showcased the prototype of a super-thin reflection-prevention film at FPD International 2011 (Oct. 26-28) held recently at the Pacifico Yokohama Convention Center in Japan, reported Tech-On! in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111102.aspx#CA111102-02 Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111102.aspx#CA111102-02 Canon Lowers Sales Forecast Due to Flooding in Thailand Canon of Japan has adjusted its sales and profit forecast downward for the fiscal year ending December 2011 due to flooding in Thailand and the strong yen, reported SankeiBiz in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111102.aspx#CA111102-03 Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111102.aspx#CA111102-03 Thai Flooding Dampens Holiday Sales Outlook for Japanese Vendors The catastrophic flooding in Thailand is causing serious production problems for Japanese electronics manufacturers, reported SankeiBiz in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111102.aspx#CA111102-04 Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111102.aspx#CA111102-04 Samsung Electronics to Roll Out Phone with Flexible Display Samsung Electronics of South Korea plans to release a smartphone with a flexible display in 2012, reported Computerworld Japan in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111102.aspx#CA111102-05 Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111102.aspx#CA111102-05 Samsung Electronics Develops 10.1-in. 2560 x 1600 LCD At the recent FPD International 2011 (Oct. 26-28) in Yokohama, Japan, Samsung Electronics of South Korea displayed a 10.1-in. LCD prototype panel featuring WQXGA (2560 x 1600) resolution, reported Tech-On! in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111102.aspx#CA111102-06 Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111102.aspx#CA111102-06 BOE to Produce OEL Panels for Smarphones in 2013 BOE of China plans to launch production of small and medium-size OEL (organic electroluminescent) panels in 2013, reported Nikkei.com in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111102.aspx#CA111102-07 Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111102.aspx#CA111102-07 Motorola Sells Only 100,000 XOOMs in Third Quarter Motorola Mobility of the U.S. announced that it had sold only 100,000 units of its Android-powered XOOM tablet during the third quarter of 2011, reported ITmedia in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111102.aspx#CA111102-08 Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111102.aspx#CA111102-08 Lenovo Japan Unveils Palm-Size Tablet Lenovo Japan announced its third Android tablet, the palm-size IdeaPad Tablet A1, due to be released at the end of this month, reported SankeiBiz in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111021.aspx#CA111021-01 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:05:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111021.aspx#CA111021-01 Samsung to Seek Sales Ban of iPhone 4S in South Korea Samsung Electronics of South Korea is seeking a temporary injunction to ban sales of Apple’s iPhone 4S in that country, reported Chosun Online in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111021.aspx#CA111021-02 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:05:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111021.aspx#CA111021-02 Panasonic to Scale Down Plasma TV Operations Panasonic of Japan announced that it would shrink its plasma TV operation dramatically, reported SankeiBiz in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111021.aspx#CA111021-03 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:05:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111021.aspx#CA111021-03 Japanese Carriers Worry about Their Future Roles in Mobile Communications World Japan’s communication carriers are becoming worried about becoming “dumb pipes,” which provide only the networks over which devices operate, while innovators like Apple, Google, and Samsung carve out bigger niches, and revenues, for themselves in the world of mobile communications, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s “Business Line” in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111021.aspx#CA111021-04 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:05:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111021.aspx#CA111021-04 Japanese Semiconductor Companies to Expand Operations in Brazil Japanese semiconductor manufacturers plan to expand their operations in the lucrative Brazilian market, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s “Business Line” in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111021.aspx#CA111021-05 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:05:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111021.aspx#CA111021-05 Docomo to Commercialize Xperia Play SO-01D NTT Docomo, Japan’s largest wireless carrier, is set to roll out Sony Ericsson’s Android-based Xperia PLAY SO-01D, which offers smartphone functionality and immersive gaming, reported Impress Watch in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111021.aspx#CA111021-06 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:05:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111021.aspx#CA111021-06 Motorola Introduces DROID RAZR Motorola Mobility of the U.S. recently announced its new DROID RAZR, the thinnest 4G LTE smartphone on the market, reported ITmedia in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111021.aspx#CA111021-07 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:05:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111021.aspx#CA111021-07 RIM Unveils Next-Generation OS Platform Research In Motion (RIM) of Canada announced its new operating system, BlackBerry BBX, designed to power its next-generation BlackBerry smartphones and tablets, reported Impress Watch in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111021.aspx#CA111021-08 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:05:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111021.aspx#CA111021-08 ASUSTeK Introduces First Android Tablet with Integrated Keyboard ASUSTeK Computer of Taiwan brought a new twist to the tablet world with the release of the Eee Pad Slider (SL101), the first Android tablet with a truly integrated keyboard, reported Impress Watch in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111010.aspx#CA111010-01 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:37:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111010.aspx#CA111010-01 Samsung Electronics Licenses Microsoft Android Patents Samsung Electronics of South Korea and Microsoft of the U.S. have signed a patent-licensing deal that will allow the South Korean company to use Android-related patents owned by Microsoft, reported Wow! Korea in September 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111010.aspx#CA111010-02 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:37:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111010.aspx#CA111010-02 Japanese Carriers Consider Terminating All-You-Can-Use Plans Japanese communication carriers are pushing the deployment of WiFi to take some of the burden off their overloaded cellular networks, reported Yomiuri Online in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111010.aspx#CA111010-03 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:37:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111010.aspx#CA111010-03 Sony Mulls Buying Ericsson out of Long-Running Joint Venture With the global competition among smartphone manufacturers continuing to heat up, Sony is considering buying out its Swedish partner in Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, reported Asahi.com in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111010.aspx#CA111010-04 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:37:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111010.aspx#CA111010-04 Toshiba Markets World’s Thinnest, Most Lightweight LCD Tablet Toshiba announced the REGZA Tablet AT700, which it claims is the world’s thinnest, most lightweight 10.1-in. tablet, reported International Business Times in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111010.aspx#CA111010-05 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:37:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111010.aspx#CA111010-05 Toshiba to Sell Malaysian Semiconductor Subsidiary to Amkor Toshiba of Japan announced that it would sell its Malaysian subsidiary to Amkor Technology of the U.S, reported NNA.Asia in October 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111010.aspx#CA111010-06 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:37:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111010.aspx#CA111010-06 TD Mobile Ventures into Vietnam TD Mobile of Japan announced that it had made a large capital investment in VTA, based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s “Business Line” in September 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111010.aspx#CA111010-07 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:37:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111010.aspx#CA111010-07 Sharp Opts out of eBook Joint Venture Sharp of Japan announced that it would end its ebook-distribution joint venture with the Culture Convenience Club (CCC) and convert the company into a wholly-owned subsidiary, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s “Business Line” in September 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111010.aspx#CA111010-08 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:37:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q4/CA111010.aspx#CA111010-08 Quanta Reduces Factory Workforce by 1,000 Due to Poor Sales of PlayBook Quanta Computer of Taiwan, the world’s largest contract maker of PCs, solicited voluntary resignations at its Linkou factory in Taoyuan, Taiwan, which produces RIM’s PlayBook tablet, reported NNA.Asia in September 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110922.aspx#CA110922-01 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:42:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110922.aspx#CA110922-01 Samsung Electronics to Block Sales of iPhone 5 in South Korea Samsung Electronics of South Korea plans to sue Apple to stop sales of the iPhone 5 in South Korea, reported International Business Times Japan in September 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110922.aspx#CA110922-02 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:42:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110922.aspx#CA110922-02 North Korea Shuts Down Sun Net Cell-Phone Service A mobile-phone rental service for visiting foreigners has been suspended by the North Korean government, reported Yonhap News in September 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110922.aspx#CA110922-03 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:42:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110922.aspx#CA110922-03 Softbank Mobile to Commercialize Yahoo! Phone Softbank Mobile and Yahoo! plan to release "Yahoo! the Phone," a Sharp-made smartphone they're calling the Softbank 009SH Y, reported Impress Watch in September 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110922.aspx#CA110922-04 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:42:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110922.aspx#CA110922-04 Tokyo Univ. of Agriculture & Technology Sells Screen-Scrolling Patents to Funai Tokyo University of Agriculture & Technology announced that it had sold five patents related to the scrolling of on-screen information to Funai Electric, a consumer electronics company headquartered in Daito, Osaka Prefecture, reported Asahi.com in September 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110922.aspx#CA110922-05 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:42:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110922.aspx#CA110922-05 Sharp Will Not Quit Galapagos Business After All Despite reports that Sharp of Japan would stop selling its Galapagos tablet device, the company now says it will continue its tablet device operation but with a slightly altered strategy, reported Asahi.com in September 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110922.aspx#CA110922-06 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:42:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110922.aspx#CA110922-06 KDDI to Distribute Smartphone Applications in China KDDI, Japan’s second-largest wireless carrier, announced that it would begin distributing smartphone applications in China this month, reported Asahi.com in September 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110922.aspx#CA110922-07 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:42:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110922.aspx#CA110922-07 Nokia Announces Nokia Car Mode App At the IAA (Internationale Automobil Ausstellung), a huge car-industry event in Frankfurt, Germany (Sept. 17-25), Nokia announced its Nokia Car Mode app, a standalone app optimized for making smartphones easier to use while driving, reported RBB Today in September 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110922.aspx#CA110922-08 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:42:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110922.aspx#CA110922-08 Japanese Carriers to Roll Out Handsets Supporting Both FeliCa and NFC Mobile payment functionality in cell phones, already popular in Japan, is becoming more commonplace on the international front as well. However, until recently, Japanese users have been limited to a proprietary standard known as FeliCa that’s not compatible with international standards for proximity cards. Now, NTT Docomo, KDDI, and Softbank Mobile, the three Japanese wireless carriers, plan to introduce wireless handsets that support both FeliCa and the international standards, reported ITmedia in September 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110909.aspx#CA110909-01 Fri, 9 Sep 2011 14:03:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110909.aspx#CA110909-01 Sony Tablets to Debut in Japan on September 17 Sony plans to unveil the larger model of its new Sony Tablet, its first such device, later this month, reported SankeiBiz in September 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110909.aspx#CA110909-02 Fri, 9 Sep 2011 14:03:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110909.aspx#CA110909-02 HTC Unveils Windows Phone 7.5 Smartphones HTC of Taiwan announced two new Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango) smartphones, the Titan and the Radar, which will be the company’s first smartphones to run Microsoft's newly updated operating system, reported ITmedia in September 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110909.aspx#CA110909-03 Fri, 9 Sep 2011 14:03:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110909.aspx#CA110909-03 Samsung Electronics to Pump Up Investment in Vietnamese Subsidiary Samsung Electronics of South Korea plans to invest an additional $1.5 billion in the Samsung Complex being planned by Samsung Electronics Vietnam, reported Viet Jo in September 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110909.aspx#CA110909-04 Fri, 9 Sep 2011 14:03:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110909.aspx#CA110909-04 RIM Launches New Music Service RIM (Research In Motion) of Canada announced that it would launch a new music service for its BlackBerry Messengers, reported Reuters Japan in August 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110909.aspx#CA110909-05 Fri, 9 Sep 2011 14:03:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110909.aspx#CA110909-05 Mexico Launches LTE Trials Telcel of Mexico has begun LTE trials in Mexico City, reported Total Telecom in August 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110909.aspx#CA110909-06 Fri, 9 Sep 2011 14:03:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110909.aspx#CA110909-06 Dell Partners with Baidu in Tablet Development Dell of the U.S. will team up with Baidu, China’s largest search engine company, to develop tablet devices and handsets, reported Reuters Japan in September 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110909.aspx#CA110909-07 Fri, 9 Sep 2011 14:03:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110909.aspx#CA110909-07 Nokia’s 2,000 Communication Patents Go to Canadian Patent-Management Firm Mosaid Technologies Inc. of Canada announced that it would acquire over 2,000 patents from Nokia, reported Wireless Wire in September 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110909.aspx#CA110909-08 Fri, 9 Sep 2011 14:03:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110909.aspx#CA110909-08 Skype Acquires GroupMe Skype of the U.S. has acquired GroupMe, also of the U.S., a developer of group chat applications for mobile devices, reported Wireless Wire in August 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110826.aspx#CA110826-01 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110826.aspx#CA110826-01 HP to Take the Path of IBM with Regard to Manufacturing PCs Hewlett-Packard (HP) announced that it’s considering selling off its PC manufacturing operation and will also cease its webOS operation, reported ZD Net in August 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110826.aspx#CA110826-02 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110826.aspx#CA110826-02 Apple to Invest $1 Billion in Sharp’s Kameyama Fab Apple is said to be ready to invest up to $1 billion in Sharp’s Kameyama plant in order to secure a steady supply of displays for its popular iPhones and iPads, reported ITmedia in August 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110826.aspx#CA110826-03 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110826.aspx#CA110826-03 HTC Sues Apple for Patent Violations Again HTC of Taiwan filed complaints with the International Trade Commission (ITC) and the Federal District Court of Delaware alleging that Apple’s iPhone, iPad, and iPod are infringing three of its technology patents, reported ITmedia in August 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110826.aspx#CA110826-04 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110826.aspx#CA110826-04 What HTC Thinks about Google’s Acquisition of Motorola Following Google’s recent announcement that it would acquire Motorola Mobility, handset manufacturers of Android-based devices have been embracing a promise made by Google cofounder and CEO, Larry Page, that the company would maintain the current Android ecosystem, reported Wireless Wire in August 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110826.aspx#CA110826-05 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110826.aspx#CA110826-05 Samsung and Apple Patent Disputes Being Fought in Nine Countries The patent-infringement battle between Samsung Electronics and Apple is being fought in nine countries, 12 districts, and 19 lawsuits, reported Yonhap News in August 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110826.aspx#CA110826-06 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110826.aspx#CA110826-06 Samsung Electronics Develops 32GB 3D-TVS RDIMM Samsung Electronics announced that it had developed a 32GB RDIMM module using 3D through-silicon-via technology (TSV) and intended for super-fast enterprise servers, reported Yonhap News in August 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110826.aspx#CA110826-07 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110826.aspx#CA110826-07 Bandai Namco and DeNA to Set Up Joint Venture Bandai Namco Holdings and DeNA, both of Japan, announced that they would set up a game development joint venture in October, reported ITmedia in August 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110826.aspx#CA110826-08 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110826.aspx#CA110826-08 Elpida Sample-Ships 25nm DRAMs Elpida Memory, Japan’s leading global supplier of DRAM, announced that it had begun sample shipments of the industry’s first 25nm DRAM, reported SankeiBiz in August 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110810.aspx#CA110810-01 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:47:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110810.aspx#CA110810-01 eAccess and Sharp Roll Out Tablet Device eAccess, a Japanese MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) operator, and electronics giant Sharp, also of Japan, will release the Galapagos A01SH, a 7-in. tablet device, later this month, reported Tech-On! in August 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110810.aspx#CA110810-02 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:47:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110810.aspx#CA110810-02 Hitachi to Withdraw from Flat-Panel TV Manufacturing It looks like Hitachi of Japan will stop manufacturing flat-panel TVs by next year, reported ITmedia in August 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110810.aspx#CA110810-03 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:47:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110810.aspx#CA110810-03 Toshiba to Exit from Handset Manufacturing Fujitsu of Japan announced that it would make Fujitsu Toshiba Mobile Communications a wholly-owned subsidiary during the first half 2012, reported Yomiuri Online in August 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110810.aspx#CA110810-04 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:47:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110810.aspx#CA110810-04 DeNA’s U.S. Subsidiary Partners with AT&T DeNA’s U.S. subsidiary, ngmoco, and AT&T of the U.S. have agreed to team up for the deployment of DeNA’s social-gaming platform for smartphones, Mobage, in the U.S., reported Impress Watch in August 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110810.aspx#CA110810-05 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:47:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110810.aspx#CA110810-05 Samsung Electronics Acquires STT-MRAM Company Samsung Electronics of South Korea announced that it had acquired Grandis of the U.S., which licenses its broad IP portfolio to various technology companies, reported Tech-On! in August 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110810.aspx#CA110810-06 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:47:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110810.aspx#CA110810-06 Huawei on Pace to Sell 10 Million Smartphones This Year ASCII Media Works recently interviewed Victor Xu, the Chief Marketing Officer of Huawei of China, to see what’s up with the world’s third-largest supplier of mobile telecommunications infrastructure equipment (ASCII.jp, August 2011). Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110810.aspx#CA110810-07 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:47:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110810.aspx#CA110810-07 Apple and Samsung Top Nokia in Smartphone Shipments in Q2 According to Strategy Analytics, global smartphone shipments in the second quarter of this year grew 76% year on year, reaching a total of 110 million units, reported IT Pro in August 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110810.aspx#CA110810-08 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:47:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110810.aspx#CA110810-08 Huawei Introduces NFC Smartphone in Turkey Huawei of China has commercialized a new Android smartphone, the Huawei Sonic, featuring NFC (near-field communication) technology, reported ITmedia in July 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110725.aspx#CA110725-01 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110725.aspx#CA110725-01 Lenovo Considers Manufacturing Products in Japan Lenovo of China, which earlier this year merged its personal computer operation with that of NEC of Japan, is now considering manufacturing Lenovo-branded products at NEC’s Japanese production facility, reported SankeiBiz in July 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110725.aspx#CA110725-02 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110725.aspx#CA110725-02 Netflix Streaming Service Comes to Nintendo 3DS Nintendo and Netflix announced they had teamed up to provide a new streaming service that will allow users of Nintendo’s 3DS console in the U.S. and Canada to view Netflix content, reported ITmedia in July 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110725.aspx#CA110725-03 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110725.aspx#CA110725-03 Palm-Size Multifunctional Digital Audio Player Evergreen of Japan has begun sales of the DN-103, a palm-size digital audio player, at its online shop, Shanghai Donya, reported Yomiuri Online in July 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110725.aspx#CA110725-04 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110725.aspx#CA110725-04 Samsung Electronics Sets Lofty 2011 Smartphone Sales Goal The head of Samsung Electronics’ wireless operation, Shin Jong-kyun, said in a recent interview with a South Korean newspaper that his company aims to sell over 60 million smartphones this year, reported Yonhap News in July 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110725.aspx#CA110725-05 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110725.aspx#CA110725-05 Transition to 450mm-Diameter Wafers Delayed Toshiba’s transition to 450mm-diameter semiconductor wafers has hit a snag and will be delayed, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s “Business Line” in July 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110725.aspx#CA110725-06 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110725.aspx#CA110725-06 PayPal Issues Mobile-Payment Application for Android NFC PayPal, a subsidiary of U.S.-based eBay, announced a new peer-to-peer (P2P) mobile-payment application based on NFC (near-field communication) technology, reported ITmedia in July 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110725.aspx#CA110725-07 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110725.aspx#CA110725-07 Struggling Nokia Reduces Smartphone Prices in Europe Nokia, the world’s largest cell-phone manufacturer by volume, has reduced the prices of its smartphones in Europe, reported Reuters Japan in July 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110725.aspx#CA110725-08 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110725.aspx#CA110725-08 Murata Develops Industry's Smallest WiMAX Communication Module Murata Manufacturing of Japan announced that it had developed the smallest WiMAX module, the LBFA1ZRSTZ, reported Impress Watch in July 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110712.aspx#CA110712-01 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:39:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110712.aspx#CA110712-01 Ricoh Acquires Access to Pentax Brand Ricoh of Japan announced that it plans to acquire the Pentax-branded camera operation of Hoya Corp., also of Japan, reported ITmedia in July 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110712.aspx#CA110712-02 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:39:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110712.aspx#CA110712-02 Renesas Electronics to Close Tokyo Device Division Renesas Electronics announced that it will close the Tokyo Device Division (Ome, Tokyo) of its wholly-owned subsidiary Renesas East Japan Semiconductor by the end of March 2012, reported Tech-On! in June 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110712.aspx#CA110712-03 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:39:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110712.aspx#CA110712-03 Japanese Smartphone Market to Expand to 35.5 Million Units by 2015 A recent report from Tokyo-based market research firm Fuji Chimera, entitled “2011 Smartphone Business Investigation,” forecasts strong growth for the Japanese smartphone market, reported RBB Today in June 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110712.aspx#CA110712-04 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:39:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110712.aspx#CA110712-04 ACCESS and Acacia Research License Patents to Nokia Acacia Research of U.S. announced that its subsidiary, Smartphone Technology, and ACCESS of Japan signed a smartphone patent-licensing agreement with Nokia, reported Braina.com in July 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110712.aspx#CA110712-05 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:39:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110712.aspx#CA110712-05 South Korea Launches LTE Service SK Telecom and LG Uplus of South Korea have begun offering commercial 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) service, reported Digital Times in July 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110712.aspx#CA110712-06 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:39:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110712.aspx#CA110712-06 Nokia to Exit from Japanese Cell-Phone Market Nokia, the world’s largest supplier of cell-phones, plans to withdraw from the Japanese market by the end of August 2011, reported Nihon Keizai Shimbun in July 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110712.aspx#CA110712-07 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:39:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110712.aspx#CA110712-07 Apple and Microsoft Consortium Obtain Nortel Patents Nortel Networks, which filed for bankruptcy in 2009, announced that its wireless technology patents were sold at auction to a consortium led by Microsoft and Apple, reported CNET Japan in July 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110712.aspx#CA110712-08 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:39:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q3/CA110712.aspx#CA110712-08 RIM’s Profit Margin Drops Research in Motion (RIM) of Canada reported mixed financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 (Mar.–May 2011), reported ITmedia in June 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110623.aspx#CA110623-01 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110623.aspx#CA110623-01 Huawei Intros the MediaPad Huawei Technologies of China announced a 7-in. tablet device called the MediaPad that features Android 3.2 (Honeycomb), reported ITmedia in June 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110623.aspx#CA110623-02 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110623.aspx#CA110623-02 North Korean Cell-Phone Subscriber Base Tops 500,000 The number of cell-phone users in North Korea is growing rapidly. According to Orascom Telecom’s financial report for the first quarter of 2011, Koryolink’s subscriber base was 535,133 at the end of March, reported Yonhap News in June. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110623.aspx#CA110623-03 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110623.aspx#CA110623-03 LG Electronics to Begin Sales of 0.88cm Thick, 47-in. LCD TV LG Electronics Japan announced that it would commercialize two lines of LCD TVs that use LEDs for backlighting, reported SankeiBiz in June 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110623.aspx#CA110623-04 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110623.aspx#CA110623-04 LG Electronics Set to Ship 2 Million Handsets in Japan LG Electronics of South Korea announced its plan to ship over 2 million handsets in Japan this year, aimed at achieving a 5% share of that country’s cell-phone market, reported Yonhap News in June 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110623.aspx#CA110623-05 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110623.aspx#CA110623-05 Sony, Panasonic, Rakuten, and Kinokuniya Team Up on Ebook Service Sony, Panasonic, Rakuten (operator of the biggest online mall in Japan), and Kinokuniya (Japanese bookstore chain) announced that they would create a common platform for their ebook readers and content to improve ebook sales and service, reported Engadget in June 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110623.aspx#CA110623-06 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110623.aspx#CA110623-06 Renesas Develops Battery-free Data Transmission Technology Renesas Electronics of Japan has developed sensor technology that can transmit data to a nearby information device without using a battery, reported Tech-On! in June 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110623.aspx#CA110623-07 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110623.aspx#CA110623-07 Tera Probe Acquires Casio Subsidiary Tera Probe of Japan announced that it would acquire an entire business operation of Casio Micronics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Casio, reported SankeiBiz in June 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110623.aspx#CA110623-08 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:56:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110623.aspx#CA110623-08 Toshiba and Sony Merge Small-to-Medium Size LCD Panel Operations Toshiba and Sony, both of Japan, are in talks to combine their small-to-medium size LCD operations, reported Asahi Shimbun in June 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110614.aspx#CA110614-01 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110614.aspx#CA110614-01 SCE to Unveil PlayStation Vita Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) plans to commercialize a new portable game device, the PlayStation Vita, by the end of this year, reported Nikkei.com in June 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110614.aspx#CA110614-02 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110614.aspx#CA110614-02 TDK Commercializes Transparent OEL Display TDK of Japan announced that it had commercialized the world’s first transparent color OEL display, reported ITmedia in June 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110614.aspx#CA110614-03 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110614.aspx#CA110614-03 Ricoh Ventures into Document Management Business in the U.S. Ricoh of Japan, a global leader in digital office innovations, plans to enter the document management business in the U.S., on the strength of its proprietary electronic paper and a new tablet device, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s “Business Line” in June 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110614.aspx#CA110614-04 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110614.aspx#CA110614-04 ASUSTeK Announces Padfone ASUSTeK of Taiwan recently announced the Padfone, a device that seamlessly integrates an Android tablet and smartphone, reported ITmedia in May 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110614.aspx#CA110614-05 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110614.aspx#CA110614-05 China’s Cell-Phone Users Top 900 Million The number of cell-phone users in China, the world’s most populous country, is now over 900 million, reported Computerworld Japan in May 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110614.aspx#CA110614-06 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110614.aspx#CA110614-06 Lenovo Establishes Foothold in Europe via Acquisition of Medion After acquiring IBM’s PC operation in 2004 and setting up a PC joint venture with NEC of Japan this year, Lenovo has now decided it's time to tackle the European market, reported Record China in June 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110614.aspx#CA110614-07 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110614.aspx#CA110614-07 Samsung Mobile Display Kicks Off Production of Largest AMOLED Display to Date Samsung Mobile Display has begun production of the industry’s first 5.5-generation AMOLED displays, reported Yonhap News in May 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110614.aspx#CA110614-08 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:52:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110614.aspx#CA110614-08 Panasonic to Begin Mass-Producing ReRAM in 2012 Panasonic of Japan announced plans to begin volume production of ReRAM (resistive random access memory) in 2012, reported Tech-On! in May 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110524.aspx#CA110524-01 Tue, 24 May 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110524.aspx#CA110524-01 Asahi Glass Develops Super-Thin Glass Asahi Glass Co. (AGC) of Japan announced that it had developed a new type of display glass that’s only 0.1mm thick, or about the thickness of a sheet of paper, reported ITmedia in May 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110524.aspx#CA110524-02 Tue, 24 May 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110524.aspx#CA110524-02 DeNA Establishes Foothold in Europe Through Acquisition DeNA of Japan announced that it had acquired Rough Cookie of the Netherlands, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary, reported ITmedia in May 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110524.aspx#CA110524-03 Tue, 24 May 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110524.aspx#CA110524-03 NEC Debuts Dual-Screen Android Device for Corporate Users NEC of Japan announced that it would commercialize a book-style Android device with dual screens called the Cloud Communicator LT-W (LifeTouch W) in June, reported Nikkei Net in 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110524.aspx#CA110524-04 Tue, 24 May 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110524.aspx#CA110524-04 Hitachi Reenters the Flat-Panel TV Market in China Hitachi of Japan has reentered the Chinese market for flat-panel TVs, having withdrawn from that arena in 2010, reported SankeiBiz in May 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110524.aspx#CA110524-05 Tue, 24 May 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110524.aspx#CA110524-05 Price of Flat-Panel TVs Continues to Drop The price of flat-panel TVs in Japan is dropping fast, reported ITmedia in May 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110524.aspx#CA110524-06 Tue, 24 May 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110524.aspx#CA110524-06 Samsung and RealD to Co-License New 3D Technology Samsung and RealD announced plans to jointly license a new full-resolution 3D technology to home electronics manufacturers, reported CNET Japan in May 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110524.aspx#CA110524-07 Tue, 24 May 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110524.aspx#CA110524-07 Microsoft and RIM Team Up Microsoft of the U.S. and RIM (Research In Motion) of Canada announced a partnership that would make Microsoft’s Bing and Bing Maps the default search tools for RIM’s ever-popular BlackBerry smartphone, reported ITmedia in May 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110524.aspx#CA110524-08 Tue, 24 May 2011 14:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110524.aspx#CA110524-08 Amazon Ventures into Tablet Devices Amazon.com plans to venture into the burgeoning market for tablet devices, reported NNA.ASIA in May 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110509.aspx#CA110509-01 Tue, 10 May 2011 10:04:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110509.aspx#CA110509-01 Nokia to Make Beijing a Major R&D Base Nokia, the world’s largest manufacturer of cell phones, announced that it would integrate and reorganize its worldwide development bases and workforce especially in China, reported Asahi.com in May 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110509.aspx#CA110509-02 Tue, 10 May 2011 10:04:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110509.aspx#CA110509-02 Apple Working to Reduce Its Procurement of Processors from Samsung Electronics Apple is reportedly trying to switch the supplier of its application processors for the iPhone and iPad from Samsung Electronics to Intel, reported Bloomberg in May 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110509.aspx#CA110509-03 Tue, 10 May 2011 10:04:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110509.aspx#CA110509-03 Sony and Samsung Electronics Reduce Capital in LCD Joint Venture S-LCD, the LCD joint venture between Samsung Electronics of South Korea and Sony of Japan, announced a capital reduction of 598 billion won ($555 million @ won 1078.74/$US 1), reported Reuters Japan in April 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110509.aspx#CA110509-04 Tue, 10 May 2011 10:04:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110509.aspx#CA110509-04 Huawei Sues ZTE for Patent and Trademark Violations Huawei sued fellow Chinese manufacturer ZTE of China for patent infringement and for allegedly branding some of its data cards with the Huawei brand, reported Searchina in May 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110509.aspx#CA110509-05 Tue, 10 May 2011 10:04:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110509.aspx#CA110509-05 NTT Docomo to Ship 6 Million Smartphones in Fiscal 2011 NTT Docomo, Japan’s largest wireless carrier, plans to ship 6 million smartphones in fiscal 2011 (Apr. 2011-Mar. 2012), reported ITmedia in April 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110509.aspx#CA110509-06 Tue, 10 May 2011 10:04:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110509.aspx#CA110509-06 Murata Loses Patent-Infringement Suit Against Samsung Electronics Japanese electronics manufacturer Murata lost a suit filed with the International Trade Commission (ITC) against Samsung Electronics of South Korea for violation of several of its patents, reported J-Cube Interactive in April 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110509.aspx#CA110509-07 Tue, 10 May 2011 10:04:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110509.aspx#CA110509-07 North Korea Confiscates Smuggled Handsets The North Korean government has begun to confiscate handsets smuggled from China in an effort to stifle the flow of information from foreign sources, reported AFP BBNews in May 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110509.aspx#CA110509-08 Tue, 10 May 2011 10:04:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110509.aspx#CA110509-08 CyberAgent and DeNA Set Up Advertising Company Targeting Smartphones Two of Japan’s biggest online players, CyberAgent and DeNA, are combining forces to set up an advertising company targeting smartphones, reported SankeiBiz in April 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110425.aspx#CA110425-01 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:51:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110425.aspx#CA110425-01 Pioneer and Docomo Team Up for Smartphone-Based Car Nav Service Pioneer and NTT Docomo, both of Japan, announced that they would launch a new car-navigation service that will enable smartphones to function as full-fledged wireless navigation devices compatible with Docomo's own Drive Net service, reported SankeiBiz in April 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110425.aspx#CA110425-02 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:51:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110425.aspx#CA110425-02 Toshiba Jumps into Ebook Business Toshiba of Japan announced that it would begin distributing ebooks, reported MSN Sankei Shimbun in April 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110425.aspx#CA110425-03 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:51:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110425.aspx#CA110425-03 Sharp and AUO Settle Patent Dispute via Cross-Licensing Deal Sharp of Japan and AU Optronics (AUO) of Taiwan signed a cross-licensing deal that allows them to use each other’s patented technology related to LCD panels and LCD panel modules, reported ITmedia in 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110425.aspx#CA110425-04 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:51:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110425.aspx#CA110425-04 Microsoft Sues Barnes & Noble over Nook Microsoft has sued Barnes & Noble, alleging that B&N’s ebook reader, the Nook, violates five patents owned by Microsoft, reported SankeiBiz in March 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110425.aspx#CA110425-05 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:51:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110425.aspx#CA110425-05 Philips to Transfer TV Business to Joint Venture with TPV Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands announced that it would set up a joint venture with TPV Technology Ltd. of Hong Kong to which it would transfer its struggling TV operation, reported Tech-On! in April 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110425.aspx#CA110425-06 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:51:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110425.aspx#CA110425-06 Downloads of Android Apps Top 3 Billion Google announced that downloads of Android applications worldwide had topped 3 billion, reported ITmedia in April 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110425.aspx#CA110425-07 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:51:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110425.aspx#CA110425-07 iOS and Android Shake Dominance of Nintendo DS in the U.S. Flurry Analytics, a U.S.-based market research firm, reports that iOS and Android devices have been steadily eating away at the Nintendo DS’s dominant share of the market for portable games in the U.S. (ITmedia, April 2011). Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110425.aspx#CA110425-08 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:51:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110425.aspx#CA110425-08 Samsung Electronics to Produce Transparent LCDs Samsung Electronics of South Korea announced that it would start volume production of transparent LCDs, reported Wow! Korea in March 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110411.aspx#CA110411-01 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:47:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110411.aspx#CA110411-01 Sony May Delay Release of NGP Sony is considering delaying the release of its next-generation portable game player, the Next Generation Portable (NGP), until 2012, reported Bloomberg in April 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110411.aspx#CA110411-02 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:47:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110411.aspx#CA110411-02 Softbank Mobile Chucks Plan to Sell IDEOS X3 004HW Japan’s Softbank Mobile has decided not to commercialize the IDEOS X3 004HW, an Android smartphone made by Huawei of China, which Softbank Mobile originally announced in November of last year, reported Impress Watch in April 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110411.aspx#CA110411-03 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:47:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110411.aspx#CA110411-03 Freescale to Permanently Close Damaged Fab in Northeastern Japan Freescale Semiconductor of the U.S. has decided to permanently close its semiconductor fab located in Sendai, the epicenter of the earthquake and tsunami that hit northeastern Japan, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s “Business Line” in April 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110411.aspx#CA110411-04 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:47:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110411.aspx#CA110411-04 Micron Sells Nishiwaki Fab to Tower Semiconductor Micron Technology of the U.S. announced that it had agreed to sell its Nishiwaki fab in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, to Tower Semiconductor of Israel and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Jazz Semiconductor, reported Tech-On! in April 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110411.aspx#CA110411-05 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:47:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110411.aspx#CA110411-05 Headaches and Dizziness Prompt 3DS Returns in the U.K. Thousands of consumers have returned their Nintendo 3DS portable game consoles because of headaches and dizziness experienced after playing the three-dimensional device, reported the Daily Telegraph in April 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110411.aspx#CA110411-06 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:47:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110411.aspx#CA110411-06 Toyota & Microsoft to Test-Drive New Car-Navigation System Following the announcement to the Japanese press of a strategic partnership between Toyota Motor Corp. and Microsoft, the U.S.-based software giant is planning to invest in Toyota’s IT service subsidiary, Toyota Media Service, based in Nagoya, Japan, reported Mainichi Shimbun in April 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110411.aspx#CA110411-07 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:47:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110411.aspx#CA110411-07 Sprint to Launch Mobile Payment Service U.S. wireless service operator Sprint Nextel plans to implement a service that will allow its subscribers to shop with their cell phones, reported Bloomberg in April 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110411.aspx#CA110411-08 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:47:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q2/CA110411.aspx#CA110411-08 TEPCO’s Scheduled Blackouts Affect Communication Services in Japan TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) announced that it would enforce scheduled blackouts beginning March 14 to prevent large-scale power shortages after the recent earthquake and tsunami that destroyed large parts of northeastern Japan, including a nuclear power plant in Fukushima Prefecture, reported ITmedia in March 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110316.aspx#CA110316-01 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110316.aspx#CA110316-01 Skype and Softbank Mobile Offer Free Services to Areas Affected by Earthquake Skype is temporarily making Skype Access, which allows access to public wireless access points (WAPs), free in Japan to help people contact friends and families more easily in areas affected by the massive earthquake and tsunami that hit northeastern Japan, reported ITmedia in March 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110316.aspx#CA110316-02 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110316.aspx#CA110316-02 Docomo to Offer mini-UIM Card NTT Docomo, Japan’s largest wireless carrier, announced that it would begin offering handsets without a SIM lock on April 2, reported ITmedia in March 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110316.aspx#CA110316-03 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110316.aspx#CA110316-03 Sanwa Direct Launches SD/SDHC Card Reader/Writer for iPhones Sanwa Direct, the direct sales site of Sanwa Supply, plans to commercialize an SD/SDHC card reader/writer called the ZoomIt for iPhones, reported ITmedia in March 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110316.aspx#CA110316-04 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110316.aspx#CA110316-04 SGI Japan Becomes Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of SGI of U.S. SGI Japan announced that it had become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Silicon Graphics International (SGI) of the U.S., reported ITmedia in March 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110316.aspx#CA110316-05 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110316.aspx#CA110316-05 3M and Quanta to Form Touchscreen Joint Venture Minnesota-based 3M and Quanta Computer of Taiwan have decided to form a new company to produce and commercialize capacitive touchscreen products for personal computing devices. The announcement appeared on the Digital Signage Expo site in March 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110316.aspx#CA110316-06 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110316.aspx#CA110316-06 Dutch Court Rules Against LG Electronics A court in the Netherlands dismissed a patent-infringement claim made by LG Electronics against Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE), maker of the PlayStation3, as well as a request to ban all imports of the device in that country, reported Yomiuri Online in March 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110316.aspx#CA110316-07 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110316.aspx#CA110316-07 Microsoft Ditches Zune Microsoft plans to discontinue development of the Zune, its lackluster digital media player, reported Bloomberg in March 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110316.aspx#CA110316-08 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:08:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110316.aspx#CA110316-08 Panasonic Cans Development of Jungle Console Panasonic announced that it had discontinued development of its portable online game console, the Jungle, reported ITmedia in February 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110302.aspx#CA110302-01 Wed, 2 Mar 2011 14:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110302.aspx#CA110302-01 Wacom Files Complaint Regarding Princeton’s Tablet Device Wacom of Japan filed a complaint in Tokyo District Court alleging that the Sirius Tablet (PTB-S2BK) made by Princeton Technology infringes the design rights of Wacom’s pen tablet, the Intuos4, reported ITmedia in February 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110302.aspx#CA110302-02 Wed, 2 Mar 2011 14:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110302.aspx#CA110302-02 NEC Sells Majority of Its Small-to-Medium Size LCD Operation NEC of Japan announced that it would turn its LCD production subsidiary, NEC LCD Technologies (http://www.nec-lcd.com/en/technology/index.html), into a joint venture with Tianma Microelectronics based in Shenzhen, China, reported NNA Asia in February 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110302.aspx#CA110302-03 Wed, 2 Mar 2011 14:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110302.aspx#CA110302-03 JVC Kenwood to Merge with Subsidiaries in October 2011 JVC Kenwood Holdings plans to merge with its subsidiaries, Kenwood, JVC, and J&K Car Electronics, reported MSN Sankei News in February 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110302.aspx#CA110302-04 Wed, 2 Mar 2011 14:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110302.aspx#CA110302-04 Sony Adds Renminbi to Import/Export Trade Currencies Sony of Japan announced that it would add the renminbi, also known as the CNY and yuan, to the currencies it uses for import and export settlement with its Chinese subsidiaries, reported Nikkei Net in February 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110302.aspx#CA110302-05 Wed, 2 Mar 2011 14:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110302.aspx#CA110302-05 Samsung Electronics Announces WiFi-Enabled Compact Digital Camera Samsung Electronics of South Korea announced a WiFi-enabled compact digital camera (CDC) that allows users to upload images and videos directly to social network services and blog sites, reported Tech-On! in February 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110302.aspx#CA110302-06 Wed, 2 Mar 2011 14:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110302.aspx#CA110302-06 Motorola Reenters Japanese Wireless Market At a recent press conference in Japan, Motorola Mobility introduced the Motorola XOOM, an Android-powered tablet, and also outlined its strategy for the Japanese market, reported CNET Japan in February 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110302.aspx#CA110302-07 Wed, 2 Mar 2011 14:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110302.aspx#CA110302-07 Vuzix Corp. and Shin Nittetsu Solutions Develop AR Glasses Vuzix and Shin Nittetsu Solutions have co-developed a head-mounted display (HMD) that aids in operations at manufacturing sites, reported Tech-On! in February 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110302.aspx#CA110302-08 Wed, 2 Mar 2011 14:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110302.aspx#CA110302-08 Softbank Mobile to Initiate LTE XGP Service in 2011 During an appearance at the 2011 LTE TDD/FDD International Summit in Barcelona, Spain (Feb. 14), Masayoshi Son, CEO of Softbank Mobile, disclosed that his company plans to launch LTE XGP service later this year, reported Tech-On! in February 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110217.aspx#CA110217-01 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110217.aspx#CA110217-01 NEC Introduces New Android Terminal NEC of Japan announced the LifeTouch Note, a keyboard-equipped Android handset, reported Tech-On! in February 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110217.aspx#CA110217-02 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110217.aspx#CA110217-02 Will HTC Let the Flyer Fly? HTC of Taiwan announced a new Android-based tablet, the HTC Flyer, reported ITmedia in February 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110217.aspx#CA110217-03 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110217.aspx#CA110217-03 ZTE Ranks Second in Global Patent Filings ZTE of China announced that it ranked second in international patent filings for 2010, reported jiji.com in February 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110217.aspx#CA110217-04 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110217.aspx#CA110217-04 Samsung Electronics to Unleash $150 Smartphone in First Half of 2011 Samsung Electronics, the world’s second-largest cell-phone supplier, plans to begin marketing smartphones that cost $150 or less this year, reported Digital Times in February 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110217.aspx#CA110217-05 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110217.aspx#CA110217-05 Samsung Electronics Develops High-end Image Sensors for Mobile Devices Samsung Electronics of South Korea announced that it had developed a new line of image sensors for cell phones and smartphones, reported Tech-On! in February 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110217.aspx#CA110217-06 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110217.aspx#CA110217-06 Nokia Bets on Windows Phone for Its Smartphones Nokia and Microsoft announced a strategic partnership in the mobile field, reported ITmedia in February 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110217.aspx#CA110217-07 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110217.aspx#CA110217-07 Apple Prepares Compact iPhone Does Apple have a smaller, cheaper iPhone up its sleeve? According to recent speculation, that's what's in the works at the famously innovative and tight-lipped electronics giant, reported ITmedia in February 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110217.aspx#CA110217-08 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:29:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110217.aspx#CA110217-08 ZTE Vaults to No. 4 Position in Global Cell-Phone Sales According to industry watcher IDC, ZTE and Apple continue to advance their positions in the global cell-phone market, reported ITmedia in January 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110202.aspx#CA110202-01 Thu, 3 Feb 2011 11:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110202.aspx#CA110202-01 NTT Docomo Rolls Out Projector Handset NTT Docomo of Japan announced that it would commercialize the Sharp-made SH-06C, a full-touch i-mode phone with an integrated projector, reported Impress Watch in January 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110202.aspx#CA110202-02 Thu, 3 Feb 2011 11:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110202.aspx#CA110202-02 Sanyo Electric Sues Sharp for LCD Patent Infringement Sanyo Electric of Japan filed suit against Sharp, also of Japan, alleging that Sharp's LCD TVs are infringing Sanyo Electric’s LCD-related patents, reported Mainichi Shimbun in January 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110202.aspx#CA110202-03 Thu, 3 Feb 2011 11:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110202.aspx#CA110202-03 Disney to Roll Out First Smartphone in Japan Walt Disney Japan announced that it would start selling Disney Mobile’s first smartphone, the 3D-enabled DM009SH, in mid-February, reported ITmedia in January 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110202.aspx#CA110202-04 Thu, 3 Feb 2011 11:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110202.aspx#CA110202-04 NEC and Lenovo Merge PC Operations in Japan NEC of Japan and Lenovo of China announced that they would set up a joint venture merging their personal computer operations in Japan, reported ITmedia in January in 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110202.aspx#CA110202-05 Thu, 3 Feb 2011 11:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110202.aspx#CA110202-05 Samsung Electronics Acquires Electronic Paper Maker Samsung Electronics of South Korea announced that it had acquired Liquavista, a company specializing in electronic paper (e-paper) technology. The deal was completed this past December for an undisclosed amount, reported ITmedia in January 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110202.aspx#CA110202-06 Thu, 3 Feb 2011 11:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110202.aspx#CA110202-06 Google on a Hiring Spree Google is expanding. The ubiquitous search company just announced that this year it will go on a hiring binge, with plans to take on more than 6,000 workers worldwide, reported Nikkei Net in January 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110202.aspx#CA110202-07 Thu, 3 Feb 2011 11:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110202.aspx#CA110202-07 Kodak Loses Patent Case Against Apple and RIM In a patent infringement case filed by Kodak in January 2010 with the ITC (International Trade Commission), a judge ruled that Apple and Research In Motion (RIM) had not violated Kodak patents related to digital imaging, reported ITmedia in January 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110202.aspx#CA110202-08 Thu, 3 Feb 2011 11:38:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110202.aspx#CA110202-08 UQ Communications & KT to Allow Bilateral Access to WiMAX Networks UQ Communications of Japan is collaborating with KT of South Korea in a deal that will allow each company’s subscribers to connect to the WiMAX network of the other provider, reported Impress Watch in January 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110118.aspx#CA110118-01 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:40:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110118.aspx#CA110118-01 Pioneer Wins Patent Case Against Garmin Pioneer of Japan announced that a German court had ruled in its favor regarding a patent-infringement case it brought against Garmin Ltd., based in Switzerland, for violating several Pioneer patents related to personal navigation technology, reported Response in December 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110118.aspx#CA110118-02 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:40:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110118.aspx#CA110118-02 Sharp to Venture into Indian GSM Market Sharp of Japan has begun supplying GSM phones to India through its Indian subsidiary, Sharp India Ltd., reported Impress Watch in January 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110118.aspx#CA110118-03 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:40:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110118.aspx#CA110118-03 Digital Pen Compatible with iPhone, iPad & iPod MVPen Technologies of Japan will commercialize a digital pen, the MVPen EN301i, which can be used with the iPhone, iPad, and iPod, reported Impress Watch in January 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110118.aspx#CA110118-04 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:40:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110118.aspx#CA110118-04 Samsung Electronics Aims to Sell 60 Million Smartphones in 2011 At the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas (Jan. 6-9), the head of Samsung Electronics’ cell-phone operation, Shin Jong-kyun, indicated that his company, which sold over 20 million smartphones in 2010, had an ambitious sales goal for 2011 of over 60 million smartphones, reported Chosun Online in January. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110118.aspx#CA110118-05 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:40:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110118.aspx#CA110118-05 ZTE Owns 235 Essential LTE Patents ZTE Corporation, China’s telecommunications equipment heavyweight, announced that it holds 235 essential patents related to the LTE standard and has become one of the leading vendors of LTE technology in the world, reported Braina.com in January 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110118.aspx#CA110118-06 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:40:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110118.aspx#CA110118-06 Parrot Develops Android Car Receiver Parrot of France showcased a built-in car receiver system based on Android at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas (Jan. 6-9), reported Tech-On! Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110118.aspx#CA110118-07 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:40:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110118.aspx#CA110118-07 Apple Obtains Patent for Liquid Metal Alloy No stranger to the spotlight, Apple is now drawing attention for obtaining a patent in liquid metal alloy technology, reported CrunchGear in January 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110118.aspx#CA110118-08 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:40:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2011/Q1/CA110118.aspx#CA110118-08 Toppan Printing and AUO to Set up Color Filter Joint Venture in China AUO of Taiwan announced on December 21, 2010, that it would establish a color filter manufacturing subsidiary in China through its joint venture with Toppan Printing of Japan. The subsidiary will build a panel production fab in Kunshan City, Suzhou, in 2012, that will supply color filters for the “7.5th generation” of large-size panels. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101230.aspx#CA101230-01 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:57:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101230.aspx#CA101230-01 KDDI to Launch E-book Reader KDDI, Japan’s No 2 wireless carrier, started sales of an electronic book reader called biblio Leaf SP02 on December 25, 2010. Earlier trade press reports in Japan indicated that the product is expected to retail for about 15,000 yen ($180.92 @ yen 82.9/$US 1). In conjunction with the roll-out of the biblio Leaf SP02, KDDI is also kicking off its “LISMO BOOK Store”, an e-book distribution service. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101230.aspx#CA101230-02 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:57:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101230.aspx#CA101230-02 Sony Considers Repurchasing Semiconductor Equipment from Toshiba Sony of Japan is talking to Toshiba Corporation about potentially repurchasing a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Nagasaki Prefecture that specializes in CMOS image sensors, and which Toshiba purchased from Sony in 2008 as a consequence of Sony’s “Asset Light” strategy. If approved, the purchase amount is estimated at about 50 billion yen ($603.06 million @ yen 82.91/$US 1), according to reports in the Japanese trade press. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101230.aspx#CA101230-03 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:57:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101230.aspx#CA101230-03 Sharp to Install LCD Production Line for Apple’s iPhone Sharp of Japan is considering installing an LCD panel production line at its Kameyama No. 1 Fab to produce small- and medium-size panels for Apple’s iPhone. According to reports in the Japanese trade press, Sharp and Apple are negotiating toward Apple bearing half of the required facilities investment cost. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101230.aspx#CA101230-04 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:57:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101230.aspx#CA101230-04 Want a Girlfriend, But Don’t Have Time to Date? A long-awaited iPhone application is now available from the South Korean company Nabix for men who are too busy to date. When the app is downloaded and activated, a virtual girlfriend will video-call the iPhone owner and speak to them. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101230.aspx#CA101230-05 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:57:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101230.aspx#CA101230-05 Sony Has Tablet Up its Sleeve Mr. Kazuo Hirai, an executive vice president at Sony, revealed on December 22, 2010, that his company is developing a tablet device. Apple, Samsung Electronics, and Dell all have a Tablet in the market. Now, it appears that Sony will join the race as well. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101230.aspx#CA101230-06 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:57:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101230.aspx#CA101230-06 AT&T Acquires FLO TV’s Spectrum from Qualcomm AT&T Inc. and Qualcomm Inc. have announced that the pair have reached an agreement whereby AT&T will buy Qualcomm’s 700MHz spectrum for $1.925 billion. The deal is scheduled to complete in the second half of 2011. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101230.aspx#CA101230-07 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:57:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101230.aspx#CA101230-07 Nokia Expands Lawsuit Against Apple Nokia, the Finnish cellular phone heavyweight, revealed that it has filed additional patent infringement suits against Apple in England, Germany, and the Netherlands. In addition to its original claims, Nokia now alleges that Apple infringes 13 additional patents held by the Finnish company. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101230.aspx#CA101230-08 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:57:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101230.aspx#CA101230-08 Sony to Introduce ebook Devices in Japan Sony plans to roll out two models of its ebook device, the Reader, as well as a new Reader Store to cultivate ebook demand in Japan, reported ITmedia in November 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101202.aspx#CA101202-01 Mon, 6 Dec 2010 10:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101202.aspx#CA101202-01 Sony May Cancel Investment in LCD Panel Joint Venture with Sharp Sony is reportedly planning to cancel its investment in an LCD panel joint venture with Sharp, reported Phile-web in November 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101202.aspx#CA101202-02 Mon, 6 Dec 2010 10:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101202.aspx#CA101202-02 Sony to Launch Qriocity-Powered Video-Distribution Service in Europe Sony of Japan has begun offering a new video-distribution service called “Video On Demand powered by Qriocity” to the European market, reported ITmedia in November 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101202.aspx#CA101202-03 Mon, 6 Dec 2010 10:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101202.aspx#CA101202-03 Japanese Wine Wholesaler Uses iPhone to Promote Wine Mottox, a wine wholesaler based in Osaka, Japan, has begun a free iPhone-based service called “Wine-Link,” which supplies consumers with helpful information from wine producers as well as critiques of various wines, reported SankeiBiz in November 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101202.aspx#CA101202-04 Mon, 6 Dec 2010 10:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101202.aspx#CA101202-04 Toshiba to Offer Battery-Equipped LCD TVs in ASEAN Nations Toshiba of Japan plans to market ten models of LCD TVs to six ASEAN nations starting in mid-December, reported SankeiBiz in November 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101202.aspx#CA101202-05 Mon, 6 Dec 2010 10:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101202.aspx#CA101202-05 Toshiba to Produce LCD TVs in Egypt Toshiba of Japan announced that it would start producing LCD TVs in Egypt, reported SankeiBiz in November 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101202.aspx#CA101202-06 Mon, 6 Dec 2010 10:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101202.aspx#CA101202-06 Next-Generation LCD Panel Project in China Frustrates Foreign Players Speculation regarding next-generation LCD panel projects in China is heating up, reported Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun’s “Business Line” in November 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101202.aspx#CA101202-07 Mon, 6 Dec 2010 10:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101202.aspx#CA101202-07 Amazon to Offer Service for “Gifting” Ebooks Amazon of the U.S. has begun a service that will allow people to give ebooks as presents, reported ITmedia in November 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101202.aspx#CA101202-08 Mon, 6 Dec 2010 10:59:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q4/CA101202.aspx#CA101202-08 What’s All the Crying About? (iPhone Can Tell You) Biloop Technologic of Spain has developed an application called the Cry Translator, which “translates” a baby’s crying, reported ITmedia in September 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100923.aspx#CA100923-01 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:46:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100923.aspx#CA100923-01 L-3 Communications Sues Sony for Image Sensor Patent Infringement L-3 Communications Holdings, a leading U.S. defense contractor, filed suit against Sony Corp. of Japan in federal District Court in Wilmington, Delaware, for infringement of two of its patents related to image sensor technology, reported Bloomberg Japan in September 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100923.aspx#CA100923-02 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:46:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100923.aspx#CA100923-02 Galaxy Tab Hits the U.S. Market Soon Samsung Electronics, the leading communication device manufacturer of South Korea, is getting ready to unleash the Galaxy Tab through four U.S. carriers this fall, reported Yahoo Japan in September 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100923.aspx#CA100923-03 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:46:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100923.aspx#CA100923-03 Motorola Acquires Developer of Location-Based Applications Motorola of the U.S. announced that it had acquired Aloqa GmbH of Germany, a privately-held developer of mobile applications for smartphone platforms, reported Tech-On! in September 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100923.aspx#CA100923-04 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:46:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100923.aspx#CA100923-04 Dell Unveils Dual Core Atom-Based Tablet During keynote speeches on the second day of the Intel Developer Forum 2010 (Sept. 13-15), many upcoming products were introduced to the scores of designers, engineers, implementers, architects, and, of course, developers who attend the annual gathering to discuss Intel products and the products based around them (Tech-On!, September 2010). Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100923.aspx#CA100923-05 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:46:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100923.aspx#CA100923-05 Sharp to Debut Touch Smartphones in China Sharp of Japan announced that it would start shipping touchscreen-equipped 3G smartphones in China in October, reported MSN Sankei News in September 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100923.aspx#CA100923-06 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:46:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100923.aspx#CA100923-06 KDDI and Rekoo to Offer Visual Portal Service KDDI of Japan and Rekoo Media of China will begin offering a visual portal service called Sunshine Kingdom that combines social games with a portal site, reported Impress Watch in September in 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100923.aspx#CA100923-07 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:46:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100923.aspx#CA100923-07 Redstar to Commercialize Ebook Reader Redstar of Japan plans to roll out the E-FON, an e-paper ebook, in October, reported Impress Watch in September 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100923.aspx#CA100923-08 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:46:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100923.aspx#CA100923-08 TI and Spansion Sign Foundry Service Agreement NOR flash specialist Spansion and semiconductor giant Texas Instruments, both of the U.S., signed an extension of their flash memory foundry production agreement, reported MyCom Journal in September 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100920.aspx#CA100920-01 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100920.aspx#CA100920-01 Elpida and Spansion Develop Charge-Trap NAND Flash Elpida Memory of Japan and Spansion of the U.S. announced that they had codeveloped the industry’s first 4Gbit NAND flash memory using charge trap technology, reported PC Watch in September 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100920.aspx#CA100920-02 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100920.aspx#CA100920-02 Hynix and HP to Develop ReRAM Hynix Semiconductor and Hewlett-Packard signed a cooperation agreement to commercialize ReRAM (Resistive RAM) next-generation memory products, reported Yonhap News in September 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100920.aspx#CA100920-03 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100920.aspx#CA100920-03 Android Media Player from Philips Philips Electronics of the Netherlands recently announced its new MP4 player, the Philips GoGear Connect, reported ITmedia in August 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100920.aspx#CA100920-04 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100920.aspx#CA100920-04 Toshiba Preps New SDHC Memory Card Toshiba of Japan plans to roll out an SDHC (Secure Digital High-Capacity) memory card featuring what it claims to be the world’s fastest data transfer speeds, reported Tech-On! in September in 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100920.aspx#CA100920-05 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100920.aspx#CA100920-05 Dai Nippon Printing Develops World’s Smallest NFC Module Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) of Japan announced that it had successfully developed the world’s smallest NFC (Near-Field Communication) module, which it calls the µMarida (micro Marida), reported MyCom Journal in August 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100920.aspx#CA100920-06 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100920.aspx#CA100920-06 Canon to Liquidate SED Subsidiary Canon of Japan announced that it would liquidate its SED (Surface-conduction Electron-emitter Display) development subsidiary, reported AV Watch in August 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100920.aspx#CA100920-07 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100920.aspx#CA100920-07 Economic Downturn Slowed Rate of Global Patent Applications in 2008 WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) announced that the number of global patent applications for 2008 was 1.92 million up 2.6% from 2007. However, due to the global economic downturn, the rate of growth had slowed considerably from the 4.0% rate of 2007, reported 47 News in August 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100920.aspx#CA100920-08 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:01:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100920.aspx#CA100920-08 2010 China Handset Research Initiative UBM TechInsights is performing product teardowns on over 30 cellular handset models to reveal design decisions and trade-offs that Chinese brands and international OEMs have made to address the needs of the exploding Chinese market. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100913.aspx#CA100913-01 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:31:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100913.aspx#CA100913-01 China’s Shanzhai Phone Market One can’t talk fully assess China’s handset market without talking about a category of phones called Shanzhai, which include pirated or knockoff versions of brand-name products, reported NNA.ASIA (and other sources) in March 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100913.aspx#CA100913-02 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:31:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100913.aspx#CA100913-02 Nielsen Surveys China’s Cell-Phone Usage Market-research firm Nielsen of the U.S. recently released a survey of trends in the use of cell phones in China, reported Wired Vision in August 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100913.aspx#CA100913-03 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:31:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100913.aspx#CA100913-03 China’s Wireless Net Users Could Double in Next Five Years In the next five years, thinks Lee Kai-fu, former head of Google’s Chinese operation, China’s mobile Internet population could more than double, reported Wireless Wire News in September 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100913.aspx#CA100913-04 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:31:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100913.aspx#CA100913-04 Huawei to Introduce Low-End Android Smartphone Huawei Technologies, the largest supplier of networking and telecommunications equipment in China, announced that it would roll out the Ideos, a low-price Android-based smartphone for the global market, reported Wireless Wire News in September 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100913.aspx#CA100913-05 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:31:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100913.aspx#CA100913-05 ZTE Ships 28 Million Handsets in the First Half of 2010 ZTE, a major supplier of networking and telecommunications equipment in China, announced that its cell-phone shipments for the first half of 2010 were over 28 million units, which was 40% more than for the first half of 2009, reported jijicom in September 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100913.aspx#CA100913-06 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:31:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100913.aspx#CA100913-06 Vodafone Divests Its Stake in China Mobile Vodafone Group of the U.K. sold its holdings in China Mobile for over $6.5 billion, reported SankeiBiz in September 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100913.aspx#CA100913-07 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:31:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100913.aspx#CA100913-07 Samsung Electronics Rolls Out Galaxy S through Three Chinese Carriers Samsung Electronics unleashed its 3G Galaxy S handset through three separate carriers in China, reported Yonhap News Agency in September 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100913.aspx#CA100913-08 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:31:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100913.aspx#CA100913-08 Nokia Debuts Handset with Touchscreen and Numeric Pad Finnish cell-phone heavyweight Nokia has introduced the Nokia X3 (X3-02), a handset with a touchscreen and 16-button keypad, reported Impress Watch in August 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100824.aspx#CA100824-01 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:06:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100824.aspx#CA100824-01 Does Sony Ericsson Have an Android PlayStation Phone up Its Sleeve? Sony Ericsson is reportedly developing a portable gaming phone based on the Android 3.0 operating system, reported ITmedia in August 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100824.aspx#CA100824-02 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:06:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100824.aspx#CA100824-02 iPhone 5 May Replace Your Wallet Apple recently hired Benjamin Vigier as product manager of its Mobile Commerce Operation, reported Wired Vision in August 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100824.aspx#CA100824-03 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:06:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100824.aspx#CA100824-03 Oracle Sues Google for Android Patent Infringement Oracle of the U.S. filed a suit against search giant Google, also of the U.S., for infringement of Oracle’s recently acquired Java patents, reported ITmedia in 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100824.aspx#CA100824-04 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:06:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100824.aspx#CA100824-04 Spansion Sues Samsung Electronics for Violating Patents Spansion of the U.S. has filed additional suits against Samsung Electronics, alleging that the South Korean company infringed three of its patents regarding flash memory production, reported Yomiuri Online in August 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100824.aspx#CA100824-05 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:06:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100824.aspx#CA100824-05 PlayStation Engineer Awarded Compensation A former Sony employee, who sued the PlayStation maker for not adequately rewarding him for inventing an optical pickup technology used in the popular gaming platform, was awarded 5.1 million yen ($60,580.86 @ yen 84.19/$US 1) in compensation from Japan’s Intellectual Property High Court, reported Yomiuri Online in August 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100824.aspx#CA100824-06 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:06:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100824.aspx#CA100824-06 Sharp Reduces Output of LCD Panels Sharp of Japan announced that it would lower its output of LCD panels beginning later this month, reported Mainichi Shimbun in August 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100824.aspx#CA100824-07 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:06:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100824.aspx#CA100824-07 AUO to Build LCD Panel Assembly Plant in Guangdong Province, China AUO, a leading Taiwanese panel manufacturer, announced that it would set up an LCD panel assembly joint venture in Guangdong Province, China, with Wistron, a leading Taiwanese EMS (electronics manufacturing services) company, reported Nikkei Net in August 2010. Continued on TechInsights website. http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100824.aspx#CA100824-08 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:06:00 -0500 Report http://www.teardown.com/TechAlerts/CompetitiveAlert/2010/Q3/CA100824.aspx#CA100824-08 Sharp’s Handset Strategy Shaken After Being Dropped by Microsoft 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 Ventures into the eBook Business 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 to Sell Semiconductor Operation to On Semiconductor 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 DoCoMo Develops “Naked Eye 3D” Display for Mobile Phones 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 Kyocera Showcases Android Smartphone for the North American Market 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 Dual-Screen eBook Reader to Debut in Japan 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 Semiconductor Manufacturers Rush to Increase Output 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 Fosters WP7 Application Development 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 Picks Up Nokia’s Wireless Modem Business 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 Lowers Prices of eBook Readers 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 Co-Develop Tablet PC for Educational Applications 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 to Roll Out AVCHD Camcorder 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 Develops New Charger Technology 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 DoCoMo to Market i-mode Applications Developed by Individuals 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 Chinese Authorities to Crack Down on Knockoff Handsets 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 KIN Fails to Take Off 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 to Merge Wireless Operations in October 2010 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 Japanese Bookstore to Go Digital 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 Nintendo 3DS to Use Japanese Graphics IP Core 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 Sets Up Subsidiary in Turkey 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 to Release Android Smartphone 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 AT&T Rolls Out the HTC Aria 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 Unveils Square-Shaped Social Networking Handset, the X5 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 Hand Gesture Control Technology for Android Devices 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 Subscribership Likely to Top 1 Billion by 2012 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 Orders $800 Million Worth of TV Panels from AUO and CMO 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 and 3M to Codevelop Next-Generation Touchscreen 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 Introduces Ferrari Smartphone 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 Zappallas’ Stock Price Climbs 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 OLPC and Marvell Partner to Develop Inexpensive Tablet PCs 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 Announces First Dual-Core Snapdragon 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 Motorola’s Android Tablet 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 iPhone 4G Leaks Again, This Time in Vietnam 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 Nexus One Fails to Live Up to Hype 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 Samsung Electronics Leads U.S. Cell-Phone Market with 30% Share 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 North Korea’s Cell-Phone Subscriber Base Tops 125,000 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 DoCoMo Offers Health Maintenance Service to Subscriber Phones 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 to Install Smart Grid Testing Systems 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 Sony to Increase Its Investment in Sharp’s LCD Panel Company 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 Acer to Roll Out Chrome-Based Device 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 Develops Static Capacitive Touch-Panel Technology 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 Outsources Production of Walkman Handset to Taiwan 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’s Palm-Sized Camcorder 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 Beefs Up Output of 3D TVs 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 Bugs in Softbank Mobile Handsets from Samsung Electronics 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 Toshiba Celebrates 25th Anniversary of First Notebook Computer 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 Dell’s Smartbook Roadmap Leaks 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 Chinese IT Vendor Sues Toshiba and HP 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 ITC Investigates 11 Companies for Alleged Patent Infringement 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 Time Is Ripe for South Korean Companies to Acquire Japanese Companies 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 to Distribute Content to Japanese Phones 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 Apple to Sell Concert Tickets on iTunes? 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 to Commercialize Tablet Device 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 to Acquire Victor Entertainment and Teichiku Entertainment 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 to Bolster Sales in India 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 Display Shortage Blamed for Delay of iPad's Global Launch 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 to Hand Over Small-to-Medium Size LCD Plant to Kyocera 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 Declines Investment from Taiwan 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 and PSC to Dissolve Joint Venture 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 Electronics: Creation of New Semiconductor Giant 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 Declining Export Unit Price for Samsung Electronics' and LG Electronics' Handsets 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 Builds New Plant in China 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 iPad Hyped as New Gaming Platform 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 Microsoft Rumored to Unveil Smartphones Soon 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 Patents "Degradable" Video Game 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 Not Going as Expected 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 to Market Mobile WiFi Router 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 to Roll Out Nintendo 3DS in Fiscal 2010 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 to Stream 3D Content 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 ZTE and Huawei Advance Their Presence in the Global Handset Market 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 Announces $99 Tablet PC 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 Sues Sharp and Others for LCD Price-Fixing 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 Rolls Out Handset for Young Females 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 and ARM Expand Collaboration in Mobile Graphics Processing for Consumer Products 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 Unveils eBook Reader 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 to Roll Out 12MP Camera Phone 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 Is Apple Venturing into Home Electronics? 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 to Debut Entry-Level Smartphone 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 and Others Jointly Began Licensing of Blu-ray Patents 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 Sues Three Japanese Manufacturers for Patent Infringement 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 Second Most Tweeted Language on Twitter 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 Files for Bankruptcy Protection 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 Venture into Japan 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 Nintendo May Have Filed for Next-Generation DS Patent 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 Japan’s Patent Agency to Reduce Fees 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 Panasonic Ranked No 1 in International Patent Filings in 2009 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 World’s “Hottest” Mobile Phone 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 Grabs Crossbow Technology in $18 Million Deal 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’s Smartphone Plans 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 Taiwanese Notebook ODMs 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’s Loss Grows 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 Beefs Up Cell-Phone Operation in the U.S. 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 to Debut “Bowlingual” iPhone App 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 Acquires Touchscreen Firm 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 DoCoMo to Launch Smartphone Portal 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 Develops HD Video-Capable Entertainment Phone 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 SCE Ventures into Vietnam with PlayStation 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 Onkyo Rolls Out Notebook with Built-in Terrestrial TV Tuner 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 Announces Large-Size Flexible e-Paper 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 to Launch Android Phone in China 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 Launches Paid Download Service 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 Microsoft to Launch Smartphone? 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 to Supply SD Memory Cards 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 China’s Handset Production Surpasses 600 Million in 2009 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 Hearst Subsidiary Unveils 6.8mm-Thick eBook Reader 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 Mass-Producing High-Sensitivity Touchscreens 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 Kyocera to Control Handset Manufacturing from Japan 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 DoCoMo Offers Downloads of Manga Comics to Tata DoCoMo Subscribers 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 Introduce 3D TVs at CES 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 Cell Phones Leak North Korean Secrets 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 to Ship 5 Million Handsets Abroad by Fiscal 2012 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 Rolls Out High-Definition Web Cam 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 Markets 10-Megapixel Camera for $90 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 Intros Key-Chain Digital Photo Frame 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 to Roll Out Android Tablet PC 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 to Launch Human Body Communication Module in 2010 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 to Manufacture E-book Reader in Japan 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 Develops 2.6mm-Thick LCD Panel 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 to Launch DSC with Built-in Wireless LAN 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 Intros Camera Kit for iPhones 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 Turns Its Camera Focus Abroad 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 Supplies Robust Handset to Verizon Wireless 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 to Boost Ebook Reader Supply 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 to Open Its Own Application Store 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 to Venture into the Telecommunications Market in Bangladesh 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 Prepares Android Phone 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 Team Up in OEL Operation 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 Launches World’s First PHS 3G Dual-Mode Handset 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 DoCoMo Adopts Nissan’s Coating Technology 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 Pushes Cell-Phone Recycling 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’s Mini Projector 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 Announces Its Own Cell-Phone OS 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 to Raise Salaries 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 Revving Up a Lamborghini Handset 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 Introduces Android Smartphone and Netbook 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 Japanese University Distributes Lecture Materials to iPhone 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 Develops Technology to Detect and Replay Similar Songs 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 Commercializes Fuel-Cell Charger for Cell Phones 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 Teaming Up with Hon Hai to Cultivate Demand in China 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 Sony Showcases Omnidirectional 3D Display 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 Develops E-Paper Terminals 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 to Debut Small Wireless LAN Router 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 Introduces Android Phones 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 to Sell 30,000 ST Dupont Phones 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 Sony Showcases Flexible OEL Display 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 DoCoMo Showcases Solar-Powered Handset Charger 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 Becomes Major Shareholder of SiCrystal 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 Panasonic to Reuse Water Used at Its New LCD Panel Factory 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 to Follow Example of Apple 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 to Shut Down Its North Carolina Factory 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 to Roll Out Palm Pixi from Sprint 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 Volkswagen Procures 80 Billion Yen Worth of Car Navigation Systems from Panasonic 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 Unveils the PSP Go in Japan 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 Willcom Limits XGP Service to Tokyo Metropolitan Area 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 Goes Green with “Touch Wood” Phone 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 Introduces HD Camcorder Weighing Only 95 Grams 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 Offers Cell-Phone Search Service in Japan 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 Ventures into PRAM Memory 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, Casio and Hitachi Merge for Push into Overseas Wireless Markets 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 to Outsource Advanced IC Manufacturing 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 to Cease FDD Production 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 Acquires Hong Kong System Developer 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 Plans Roaming with Clearwire and Yota 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 Commercializes Armani Handset 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 Unveils Its First Android Phone 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 Announces Square Handset 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 DoCoMo’s Credit Service Membership Tops 10 Million 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 Consider Merging Cell-Phone Operations 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 Rolls Out Netbook 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 Delay Signing of Merger Agreement 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 to Buy LCD Panels from Each Other 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 China Telecom to Procure 4 Million 3G Handsets 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 Vietnamese Wireless Subscriber Base Tops 100 Million 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 Prepares for 4G Wireless Service in India 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 South Korean Phones Account for 47% of North American Market in 2Q 2009 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 Rumored to Debut Android Phone Soon 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 to Supply OPhone in China 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 Israeli Companies Develop Super-Tiny Disposable CMOS Sensor 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 to Consolidate PC Procurement Operations 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 Cell-Phone Memberships for McDonald's Japan Top 13 Million 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 to Debut Water-Proof Compact Digital Camera 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 to Launch Solar Battery Phone 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 Loses Momentum While Sony Sees Red 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 Sony to Invest 10 Billion Yen in Sharp’s LCD Subsidiary 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 Markets Portable Projector Featuring Stereo Sound 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 to Ship up to 37 Million Notebooks in 2010 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 Pulls the Plug on Its U.S. Wireless Operation 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 Ventures into the eBook Reader Market 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 Unveils New "Chocolate" Phone 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 Cellular Subscribers Slowly Increasing in North Korea 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 Sets Up 8th-Generation LCD Production Line 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 to Triple Output of Multifunctional Cell-Phone Panels 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 to Shut Down Amorphous Silicon Line 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 Ventures into Blu-ray Market 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 to Survive Downturn with Public Aid 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 Symbian Foundation Opens Japanese Office 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 Sees Number of Wireless Subscribers Soar 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 Opens Ebook Store 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 Strengthens Ties with Molecular Imprint 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 Takes Over Epson’s Small- and Medium-Size LCD Operation 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 Money Transfers - DoCoMo Style 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 Cell-Phone Survey Gauges User Satisfaction 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 Firm to Distribute Newspapers to iPhones in Japan 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 Huawei’s Smartphone Platform 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 Unveils Infrared Camera Phone 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 Debuts eBook Reader in the U.K. 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 to Produce Crocus’s MRAM 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 AUO and Changhong Electric to Establish LCD Module Joint Venture 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 China Mobile in Talks with Reliance Communications 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 India Bans Chinese Phones 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 Introduces Keychain-Style Digital Photo Frame 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 One Seg-Compatible Prepaid Phone from SoftBank 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 Develops Palm-Size WiMAX Router 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 Japanese Publishers to Distribute Manga to iPhones 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 Prepares Smartbook 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 Fujifilm to Launch Touch-and-Shoot DSC 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 DoCoMo Distributes Manga to Cell Phones in France 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 Lackluster Spring for Japanese Cell-Phone Market as Sales Dip 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 Develops Study-Support System Using Nintendo DS 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 Introduces DSC with 24mm Wide-Angle Lens and 10x Optical Zoom 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 Singapore to Launch "Home-Grown" Handset for Children and the Elderly 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 Introduces Solar-Powered Handset in India 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 Gives Face Lift to MP3 Player 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 Aims to Go Global with iTunes and iPhone 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 COOL-ER Than Kindle 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 CEVA Aims to Attain 25% Share in Baseband DSP Market 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 to Roll Out Smartphones in Europe 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 Nikon Closing Two Japanese Manufacturing Plants 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 Unveils Headphone-Style Walkman 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 Samsung’s Recession-Proof Development Strategy 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 A Netbook That Runs on Dry-Cell Batteries 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 Prescriptions for Japanese Cell-Phone Manufacturers 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 New Touchscreen Technology in Sharp’s Subnotebook 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 to Boost Production of Cell-Phone Touchscreens 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 Expands Outsourcing of LCD TV 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 Sony: The Logical Buyer for Ericsson’s Stake in Handset Joint Venture 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 Dumps eyeVio and Nokia Stops Backing Ovi Share 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 Bets on Zeebo for Emerging Markets 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 Launches First Taiwanese WiMAX Service 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 to Tap 3G Phone Demand in China 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 Samsung Electronics Leads Foreign Patent Applications in China 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 Unloads Semiconductor Back-End Processing 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 Extends Furloughs 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 Japan to Distribute Ads to Xboxes 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 Acquires eBook Application Developer 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 First Android Netbook to Go on Sale in July for $250 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 Kicks Off Cell-Phone Production in Vietnam 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 Rolls out Premium Walkman 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 Japan to Assist Elpida with Public Funds 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 Commercializes Netbook That Fits in an Organizer 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 to Set Up Optical Disc Joint Venture 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 DNP to Market Flashing Posters 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 to Make Huge Investment in South Korea 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 Rumored to Debut Smartphone in China 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 Withdraws from Overseas PC Operations 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 Sony Gives Up on FED Dream 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 to Boost Manga Comics Distribution to Cell Phones 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 to Shut Down 15 Outlets 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 Reorganization of the Camera Industry 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 Exhibits Transparent Phone 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 Picks Spreadtrum’s Baseband Chip 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 Nokia Invests in Mobile Payment Startup 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 Sells 5 Million Haptic Phones 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 Showcases HD Camcorder at PMA 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 to Commercialize USB-Style Communication Device 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 Exports of Japanese Electronic Components Drop 40% in December 2008 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 Global Sales of Nintendo DS Top 100 Million 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 Epson to Collaborate on Small and Medium-Size LCDs 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 to Co-Develop Touch-Sensor Technology 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 Carlyle Makes Additional Investment in Willcom 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 Japanese School Children Addicted to Cellular E-Mail 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 DoCoMo Suspends Sales of BlackBerry Bold 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 Introduces "Spy" Camcorder 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 to Bolster Car-Navigation Software Development in China 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 to Invest $3 Billion in India over Next 3 Years 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 Arima to Start Handset Production in Brazil 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 Launches Compact Water-Proof Camera 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 Google Could Challenge Microsoft in Portable PC Market 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 Files for Corporate Restructuring 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 Abandons PC Development in Europe 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 and NEC Electronics Co-Develop 3G Smartphone for China 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 to Abandon Display Operation 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 No One Can Stop the Price Avalanche 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 to Cut Production and Shut Down R and D Operation 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 Rolls Out the Ocean 2 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 and Huawei Set Up WiMAX Laboratory in Beijing 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 Poised to Debut First Projector Phone 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 Delay LCD Panel Joint Venture 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, Sony, Hitachi, and NEC Brace for Dreadful Fiscal Year 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 to Consolidate Production in Japan 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 DoCoMo Service to Recover Data from Water-Damaged Phones 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 Fujitsu Asks Employees to Purchase Only Fujitsu PCs and Cell Phones 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 to Foray into Smartphones 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 Volume Turned Down for Zune 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 DoCoMo and Fujitsu Develop Handset for Taiwan 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 to Market Affordable 5MP Camera 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 Rolls Out Full High-Definition HDD Camcorder 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 Subsidiary to Liquidate 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 to Outsource Some Production of Advanced Chips to TSMC 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 MemoryStick PRO Can Hold 2 Terabytes 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 to Supply LCD Panels to Apple 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 Obtains over 4,000 U.S. Patents in 2008 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 Sony's Teaser Advertisement for the VAIO Mobile PC 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 Ordering Take-Out Meals with a Wii Console 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 Prototypes 7mm-Thick 32-Inch LCD 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 Netwell Develops Cell-Phone Mail-Distribution Engine 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 Andes Electric Files for Bankruptcy 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 Sells Over 5 Million Viewty Phones 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 to Showcase 6.5mm-Thick LED TV at CES 2009 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 Preps Dual-Screen Notebook 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 Japan’s Cell-Phone Sales Plunge in October 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 Reorganizes LCD Panel Plants 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 in Talks for Sale of Its HDD Operation 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 and TV Asahi to Collaborate with KDDI 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 to Launch Android Phone in Summer of 2009 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 to Market Mini-Notebook in Japan 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 LG Product Placement in "The Day the Earth Stood Still" 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 May Acquire Positivo 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 Nokia Cancels E71 Handset Launch in Japan 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 Japan to Advertise to Japanese iPhones 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 Selects LTE Protocol and Hitachi as Core Network Vendor 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 to Bolster Sales of Automotive Components in China 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 DRAM Prices Collapse 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 Promotes Sales of Premium Camera Phones 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’s Subscriber Base Tops 500,000 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 Tri-Panel Handset Developed for British Military 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 to Produce Smartphone 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 to Commercialize Palm-Size Projector 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 Releases Pomera Digital Memo 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 to Cut Output of LCD Panels 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 DoCoMo Invests 264B Yen into Indian Carrier 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 Japanese Fast-Food Chains Advertise Directly to Cell Phones 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 to Develop Android Handset 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 Dell Cancels MP3 Player Plan 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 to Supply EeePC for $200 in 2009 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 Unleashes Pantech Slate 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 to Market Budget Phones in Emerging Markets 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 Markets Compact DSC with Image-Processing Capability 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 to Ship 90nm MRAM in 2009 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 to Reduce Equity in Joint LCD Plant with Sharp 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 Siemens Computers to Become Fujitsu Subsidiary 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 to Introduce 1.4Mbps Uplink Communication Card 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 to Open Hub in Xian, China 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 Announces Simple Handset with 8MP Camera 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 Unveils Prada Phone Successor 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 Showcases World’s Tiniest Walking Robot 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 to Market Digital Piano with CD-R Drive 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 Develops Compact Access Point for WiFi 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 Handset Makers Ramp Up Product Offerings in Japan 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 Comm Develops Technology to Consolidate ID Card Data into Cell Phones 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 Ceases Plasma TV Production 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 to Market New DS Model 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 Video Streaming to Wii 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 Bandai Introduces the Tamagotchi Plus Color 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 Gets into the Video-Distribution Service in the U.S. 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 Pours 30 Billion Yuan into GSM Expansion 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 Markets MP3 Player That Winks and Smiles 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 Planning Touchscreen BlackBerry 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 and Telecom Italia Join Hands 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 to Market Yashica-Branded DSC 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 Acquires Sony NEC Optical-Drive Joint Venture 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 Japan’s Cell-Phone Sales Drop 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 to Introduce Mini Notebook 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 Rolls Out Hybrid Dual Portable Computer 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 Gives Women Peace of Mind with Pink Soul Phone 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 to Ship Large, Thin eBook 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 to Offer 3G Service in 38 Cities 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 to Boost Overseas Production to Control Production Costs 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 Cuts Communication Charge for Smartphones 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 to Boost Personal Computer Output 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 Ships New and Enhanced PSP Model 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 Installs First Mobile WiMAX Cell Station 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 Showcases MacBook Air Contender 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 Korean Flat-Panel Producers to Offer TV Manufacturing Service 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 and Sony Ship100M DSC 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 to Market Advanced Wireless Technology Overseas 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 Teams Up with GOME Electric to Prop Up Handset Sales in China 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 to Debut Android Handset 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 Aigo Rolls out MID 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 Theme Song of Beijing Olympics Downloaded 5.73 Million Times "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 Set Up Joint Venture 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 to Market $300 Notebook in China 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 Bumps Up iPhone 3G Output 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 Japan’s Suffering Cell-Phone Business 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 to Procure Handset from Casio 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 WiMAX Joint Venture 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 Rolls Out 8MPixel HD Camcorder 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 to Beef Up Digital Still Camera Production 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 Wellness Phone Passes JATE Screening 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 Japanese Panel Makers to Collaborate in Large-Size OEL Development 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 DoCoMo Unleashes Thin Clamshell 3G Handset 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 Considers Producing Handsets at PC Plant 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 Enables Wii to Order Digital Photo Prints 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 Distributes Movies to PS3 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 Sony and Others Foray into Mini-Notebooks 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 Enters Japanese Wireless Market 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 in Talks with RIM for New BlackBerry 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 Supplies New Game to iPod 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 Restaurant Group to Use Cell-Phone Coupons 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 to Accelerate Sales to Emerging Markets 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 Acquires Hungarian Communication Company 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 to Acquire Pioneer’s Plasma Panel Plant 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 and Mobilink Sign WiMAX Network Installation Contract 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 China’s Cell-Phone Sales Reach $42 Million in 1st Q 2008 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 Releases High-End Handsets in India 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 Strengthens Ties with Taiwanese ODMs 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 Developing TD-HSDPA Handset 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 Bitway to Distribute Japanese Comics to Cell Phones in Taiwan and South Korea 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 to Produce 37-Inch OEL TVs by 2011 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 PSP Does Google Search 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 Offers 6000 Wireless LAN Spots in Japan 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 Ships Low-Priced Atom Mini Notebook 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 to Acquire Helio 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 to Introduce iPhone 3G in China 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 Completes 3.5G Upgrade Monitor Test 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 Releases Handset in Japan 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 to Sell Handsets in China 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 Teams Up with Qimonda 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 Launches Sport Phone 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 Willcom’s PHS Recalled 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 Introduces Phone with Detachable Bluetooth Headset 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 Hisense to Focus on TD-SCDMA Handsets 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 Chinese Handset Manufacturers Plan Comeback with TD-SCDMA 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 Amoi Estimates 2008 Revenue at $475 Million 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 Warburg Pincus and Tianyu to Team Up 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 and T3G Offer TD-SCDMA Solution 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 Asus Lamborghini Handset Unveiled 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 DoCoMo and KTF Implement Joint Procurement 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 to Distribute Content to Nintendo DS 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