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Revision as of 15:11, 14 October 2014
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== Insights == | == Insights == | ||
'' | |||
=== Worth a Read === | |||
* Samsung has issued guidance that its [http://online.wsj.com/articles/samsung-girds-for-cost-cuts-after-downbeat-guidance-1412732237 profits are likely to decline again] due to continued downward pressure on its smartphone line. With $300-400 being the new sweet spot for performance-oriented Android phones, and multiple new entrants (and chipsets) in the space, Samsung will likely continue to cut costs and possibly development. At some point we should expect to see them move to a more "Nexus-like" default experience, as their software development efforts are not paying dividends. It's important to note that sales and profit dropoffs appear to be snowballing a little, and its unclear how Samsung will be able to differentiate. | |||
* The Android 6 and 9 are expected to [http://bgr.com/2014/10/10/nexus-9-price-preorder-and-release-date/ release this month], and a [http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/10/13/nexus-6-and-android-l-make-early-cameo-appearance-in-new-android-ad-campaign-be-together-not-the-same/ new ad campaign has leaked with some teasers to both devices] and (possibly) Android L. There's a bunch of speculation what [http://bgr.com/2014/10/13/what-does-android-l-stand-for/ L will stand for], but we should probably see the new class of Nexus devices announced this week, and there's even more rumors that [http://www.android.gs/android-5-0-l-update-for-nexus-4-nexus-5-nexus-7-and-nexus-10-release-date-reports/ L will drop within the month]. Lots of signs pointing to this, with multiple app and developer updates incorporating [https://www.google.com/design/spec/material-design/introduction.html Google's Material Design]. It's coming. Soon. | |||
=== Notes === | |||
* [http://www.wired.com/2014/10/apples-october-16-ipads/ Expect new iPads on Thursday, and possibly some retina upgrades (and maybe even a new mini)]. While the new tablets will be faster and have a couple new features (e.g. fingerprint reader and possibly Pay compatibility), tablet sales continue to fall amidst a refresh cycle that is much shorter than expected (iPad 2 is still the market leader in iPads), while notebook sales are regaining ground. | |||
* Internet [https://twitter.com/IanMaude/status/520933884985606144 ad spend in the UK continues to increase], while anything other than Internet declines. This is a trend seen outside the UK as well, with the interesting bit being that as mobile increases, desktop does not decrease an equivalent amount, but other spend areas are in decline. | |||
* [https://bgr.com/2014/10/13/ios-8-1-apple-pay-release-date/ Apple Pay is expected to launch this week] following the Apple event on the 16th. Adoption of the service by users and merchants will be something to watch for. | |||
* [https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AndroidDevelopers/posts/XG1WmNDMe8H Google released a 64-bit Android L emulator] last week. You'll need an x64-capable desktop for it to work. | |||
* Microsoft [http://www.pcworld.com/article/2825356/microsofts-latest-android-wear-app-tries-your-finger-for-smartwatch-typing.html releases a keyboard of sorts for Androi Wear]. Interesting mainly because Microsoft, but also because it might make typing a text message on a wearable somewhat less painful than gouging your eyes out with a rusty spoon. | |||
* The folks behind the "Blackphone" are [http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/29560342 also working on a tablet]. | |||
* [http://daringfireball.net/linked/2014/10/08/ios-8-adoption iOS 8 adoption rates have slowed pretty dramatically], which wasn't unexpected given the size of the 4S's market share and iOS 8's performance there, as well as less-than-stellar response to a number of changes to iOS (like, you know, the Camera Roll). | |||
== Feedback == | == Feedback == | ||