Tablet shipments may approach 250 million units in 2017

Shipments of consumer media tablets like the Apple iPad are expected to approach 250 million units in 2017, a report from In-Stat suggests. While analysts at In-Stat see tablet adoption growing rapidly over the next six years, even a number as large as 250 million is conservative when considering the estimates other firms have recently reported. IHS iSuppli, for example, increased its estimates earlier this week, suggesting tablet shipments will surpass 275 million units in 2015. In-Stat still sees tablet having a huge impact on the industry however, and the firm believes Android and iOS will continue to dominate the market through 2017, with Windows gaining less than 10% of the market at that point in time. ”The tablet market and its associated ecosystem are still evolving. Over the next few generations we will see more differentiation between devices that are targeting different market segments and usage models,” said In-Stat chief technology strategist Jim McGregor in a statement. “In addition, competitive device and service pricing will bring tablets into the mainstream consumer and enterprise markets.” McGregor continued, “Tablets are joining an array of smart-connected devices that allow users almost unlimited access to content and communications. These new devices mark a significant change in the value change of the electronics industry where the content and applications are now the key differentiators and innovation drivers.” In-Stat’s full press release follows below.

Tablet Shipments to Approach 250 Million Units in 2017
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., August 22, 2011 – Years after the first introduction of prototype concept devices known as Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs), the tablet fulfilled the promise of this product category. The tablet market reached an inflection point through the combination of a new device (the Apple iPad), new business models supported by wireless operators, and new usage models through cloud computing and mobile applications. As we enter the last half of 2011, In-Stat forecasts more growth opportunities as a result of price degradation, and new tablets from major consumer electronic (CE) companies like Samsung, Motorola, BlackBerry, LG, and HTC. New In-Stat (www.in-stat.com) research forecasts that this trend will help push tablet shipments toward 250 million units in 2017.
“The tablet market and its associated ecosystem are still evolving. Over the next few generations we will see more differentiation between devices that are targeting different market segments and usage models. In addition, competitive device and service pricing will bring tablets into the mainstream consumer and enterprise markets,” says Jim McGregor, Chief Technology Strategist. “Tablets are joining an array of smart-connected devices that allow users almost unlimited access to content and communications. These new devices mark a significant change in the value change of the electronics industry where the content and applications are now the key differentiators and innovation drivers.”
Recent research findings include:

• In the consumer segment, tablets are competing against all CE and computing devices, not just PCs.


• Despite similarities in system hardware and software architecture, usage models among mobile devices vary by device type.


• The combination of mobile applications, new semiconductor technology, and the full Internet experience are key factors in empowering the tablet market.


• The 9-inch to 11-inch form factor is forecasted to be the dominant tablet form factor with 56% of the market in 2017.


• iOS and Android are forecast to maintain over 90% of the market share with Windows as a distant 3rd.


• Not supporting one of the leading OS platforms is likely to lead to the failure of several companies in the tablet market due to lack of application support.


• Wireless operator business models could have a tremendous impact on future tablet demand.

Recent In-Stat research, The Reality and Ramifications of Tablets (#IN1105088ID), a 30 slide PowerPoint presentation, covers the history, current state, and outlook for tablets including terms of tablet definitions, usage models, market position relative to other devices, evolution of the technology and the market, and forecast for growth by region, consumer and business segments, form factor, and operating system (OS). The report also discusses the challenges facing tablets, the factors that could significantly increase growth prospects for tablets, and the ramifications tablets are having on the overall electronics ecosystem.
This research is part of In-Stat’s Portable and Computing Connected Devices service, provides analysis of the market for portable consumer electronics, including e-readers, digital photo frames, portable media players, handheld games, personal navigation devices, digital radio, digital cameras and electronic toys.

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NVIDIA Announces Tegra Zone Website for all your HD gaming needs

Today NVIDIA has just announced the new TegraZone.com, a brand new website dedicated to mobile gaming on your favorite Tegra-powered superphones and tablets, and the companion site to the Tegra Zone Android app. Along with the official website launch NVIDIA has also updated the Tegra Zone Android app with new features and a brand new game called Sprinkle.

To get right into the action and explore the new website head over to Tegrazone.com and get started today. Another great option with the new site is potential game developers can tune into the Tegra Zone and submit their new games for consideration and more. Users will be able to browse all the amazing applications and games that make NVIDIA’s Tegra 2 powered Android devices just that much better.

Users and potential buyers will be able to browse some of the best and most advanced games for mobile devices all from the website. With tons of reviews, details, screenshots and the ability to share, +1, and retweet your favorite games to all their friends.
Conveniently NVIDIA has included reviews of all the popular games right on the site and what do you know, yours truly, Android Community is at the top of the list for more than a few of them. Check out all popular THD (Tegra HD) games such as Monster Madness, Riptide GP, Pinball THD and more because we have reviews of all of them.

Thanks for the shout out NVIDIA!
Don’t forget to sign up and head over to the community portal as they have incorporated forums for members to talk, brag about gaming scores, and keep up with all the latest NVIDIA Tegra 2 news. They are also giving away five Acer Iconia A500 Tab’s to a few lucky community members, but more details on that will be coming shortly.
Again head to TegraZone.com to get started or go download the Tegra Zone Android App available in the Android Market.
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PapayaMobile hits 25M Android users

PapayaMobile bills itself as the leading social gaming network for Android and the company has announced a milestone. Since the beginning of 2011, the company has experienced massive growth with Android users with over 940% growth. This week the company announced that it has now passed 25 million users and the network is continuing its growth. The company also offered up more details on its growth and network.

Papaya has handled more than 11 million paid transactions using its own virtual currency. The average revenue per paying user on the network is $22.60 per month. The average revenue per user across all Papaya Game Engine games is more than $10 monthly. The company claims that on average 1 in 5 users purchase virtual currency in the games that use the Papaya Game Engine.
The single largest spend by a user on the network was $4,440 and according to Papaya popular titles on its network earn on average over $20,000 monthly. China is listed as the fastest growing market for the firm with more than 500% growth since January of this year with growth in Europe at 224% and in the US growth is 222%. I wonder what game the user that spent $4,440 in a month was playing.

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Sony Ericsson unveils the neo V and offers details on Android 2.3.4 update for entire 2011 range

Sony Ericsson has made a couple important announcements today that fans of Android and SE devices will like. Sony Ericsson has a new smartphone that will be landing in select markets during Q4 2011 called the Xperia neo V. The smartphone will feature the unique Facebook inside Xperia software and rock a 3D sweep camera. The smartphone will be offered in white, blue, and silver colors, measures 116 x 57 x 13mm, and weighs 126g.

The device will run Android Gingerbread 2.3.4 and uses a 1GHz Snapdragon MSM8255 processor. That camera I mentioned has a 5MP resolution and a 16x digital zoom. It also features face detection, autofocus, and LED flash. It will also geo tag and has tons more features. The screen is a 3.7-inch TFT Reality Display with the Mobile BRAVIA Engine. A front camera is integrated for video chats and the rear cam can record 720p video.
The official 2.3.4 update for the entire Xpreia line will bring with it the 3D Sweep panorama feature for all of the Android device SE offers. It will also add Facebook inside Xperia V2, Swipe Text input, and the ability to capture screenshots. The update also allows Google Talk with Video Chat and a lot more. The 2.3.4 update will hit in October for select markets.
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Android-targeted malware jumps 76% in Q2, McAfee says

A new report recently issued by the security firm McAfee suggests that the number of malware applications targeting Android devices jumped 76% during the second quarter of this year, making Android the “most attacked” mobile operating system. “This year we’ve seen record-breaking numbers of malware, especially on mobile devices, where the uptick is in direct correlation to popularity,” senior vice president of McAfee labs Vincent Weafer said. Android users typically install the malware accidentally and assume the app is from a safe and legitimate developer. The most prevalent malware-infected modified applications were:

• Android/Jmsonez.A - a calendar app that sends SMS texts to a premium rate number.


• Android/Smsmecap.A – a fake comedy app that sends SMS texts to everyone in the user’s address book.


• Android/DroidKungFu – malware that is capable of installing its own software and updates.


• Android/DrdDreamLite – capable of sending data back to the attacker.

McAfee also noted a number of popular Android Trojans that have been making their way through devices. In addition, the company released compelling figures for how much a hacker can sell stolen email addresses for. In the United States, for example, 10,000,000 addresses can be sold to spammers for roughly $300. Read on for McAffee’s full press release, which includes several data points for PCs, too.

McAfee Q2 2011 Threats Report Shows Significant Growth for Malware on Mobile Platforms
Report Shows Record Growth for Malware and Rootkits; Major Hacktivist Activity
SANTA CLARA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–McAfee today released the McAfee Threats Report: Second Quarter 2011, showing that the amount of malware targeted at Android devices jumped 76 percent since last quarter, to become the most attacked mobile operating system. 2011 has also resulted in the busiest ever first half-year in malware history, including a first-ever appearance of Mac fake AV and a significant uptick in rootkits, suggesting that McAfee’s comprehensive malware “zoo” collection will reach a record 75 million samples by the year’s end.
“This year we’ve seen record-breaking numbers of malware, especially on mobile devices, where the uptick is in direct correlation to popularity”
“This year we’ve seen record-breaking numbers of malware, especially on mobile devices, where the uptick is in direct correlation to popularity,” said Vincent Weafer, senior vice president of McAfee Labs. “Overall attacks are becoming more stealth and more sophisticated, suggesting that we could see attacks that remain unnoticed for longer periods of time. High-profile hacktivist groups have also changed the landscape by drawing a line between attacks for personal gain and attacks meant to send a message.”
The report also details specific activity shaping the way cybercriminals operate, such as cybercrime “pricebooks” that determine the going rate for large email address lists, and acts of hacktivism and cyberwar.
2011 On Track to Reach Record “Malware Zoo”
With an approximate 12 million unique samples for the first half of 2011, a 22 percent increase over 2010, this has been the busiest first half-year in malware history. With the addition of Q2’s numbers, the grand total of total malware samples in McAfee’s database has reached approximately 65 million, and McAfee researchers estimate that this “Malware Zoo” will reach at least 75 million samples by the year’s end.
Android Nabs Top Spot for Most Mobile Malware
With the vast amount of personal and business data now found on user’s mobile phones, mobile malware is steadily increasing, often mimicking the same code as PC-based threats. In the second quarter of 2011, Android OS-based malware surpassed Symbian OS for the most popular target for mobile malware developers. While Symbian OS and Java ME remain the most targeted to date, the rapid rise in Android malware in Q2 indicates that the platform could become an increasing target for cybercriminals – affecting everything from calendar apps, to comedy apps to SMS messages to a fake Angry Birds updates.
Fake Anti-Virus for Apple, Rootkits and Stealth Malware Reach New Terrain
There are more Mac users than ever before, and as organizations increasingly adopt Macs for business use, Apple now has become more a target for malware authors. Though historically the Apple platform has been unaffected by fake anti-virus (fake AV) software, activity in Q2 indicates that it is now being affected. Although this type of fake AV is the first of its kind, McAfee Labs does expect fake AV in general will drop off over time.
Another malware category that is demonstrating recent steady growth is stealth malware. The tactic of hiding malware in a rootkit is used by cybercriminals to make malware stealthier and more persistent, and has seen this type of attack gain in prominence over the past year, with high-profile attacks such as Stuxnet. Stealth malware has increased more rapidly in the last six months than in any previous period, up almost 38 percent over 2010.
Acts of Hacktivism and Cyberwar Make Their Mark
Acts of hacktivism, primarily from the groups Anonymous and LulzSec, were among some of the most prominent cyber news generators for Q2. The report details hacktivist activity from Q2, with at least 20 global attacks reported in Q2 alone, and with the majority allegedly at the hands of LulzSec. The report also outlines acts of cyberwar that occurred in Q2, including attacks on United States’ Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and an attack on South Korea’s National Agricultural Cooperative Federation.
Email “Black Market” for Spammers
Though spam is still at historic low levels, due in part to the Rustock takedown, McAfee Labs still expects to see a sharp rise in activity over the coming months. A common method for cybercriminals to increase their volume of spam activity is to purchase a bulk list of emails in order to flood as much spam as possible to a widespread group of people. Whether it’s a botnet or a rental service, prices vary for such enterprises, often by location. For instance, in the United States, the going rate for 1 million emails is $25, whereas in England 1.5 million emails are worth $100.
For more information on trends related to hacktivism, cyberwar, web threats and malware, please download a full copy of the McAfee Threats Report: Second Quarter 2011 at http://www.mcafee.com/us/resources/reports/rp-quarterly-threat-q2-2011.pdf

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Nokia launches three Symbian Belle devices

Nokia announced three new Symbian Belle-powered phones on Wednesday: the Nokia 700, Nokia 701 and Nokia 600. The Nokia 700 is the smallest of the bunch and includes a 1GHz processor, a 3.2-inch AMOLED ClearBlack display, 2GB of storage, a 5-megapixel camera capable of recording HD video and support for near-field communications (NFC). The 701 mimics the C7′s industrial design and has the “brightest ever” mobile display, a 1GHz processor, an 8-megapixel camera capable of shooting HD video, a 2-megapixel forward-facing camera for video chats and 8GB of internal storage. The Nokia 600 has a music focus and sports an FM antenna, a loud speaker, a 1GHz processor, a 5-megapixel camera capable of HD video capture, 2GB of internal storage and support for NFC-initiated pairing with Bluetooth accessories. Nokia says the 600 should offer about 60 hours of music playback on a single charge. Nokia vice president Ilari Nurmi confirmed these will “not be the last Symbian” devices the company launches. Read on for the full press release.

Nokia 700, Nokia 701 and Nokia 600 smartphones introduce latest Symbian software update while new NFC-enabled stereo Bluetooth headset takes advantage of NFC pairing and sharing functionality
Espoo, Finland and Hong Kong – Nokia today announced the launch of three feature-packed, mass market smartphones, bringing the latest smartphone functionality at attractive price points and including market-leading innovation with Symbian Belle. The Nokia 700, Nokia 701 and Nokia 600 extend the range of available designs, features and functionality in the Nokia Symbian smartphone range. Symbian Belle powers all three, with single-tap NFC technology sharing and pairing, the most personal user interface so far and a more powerful mobile Web browsing experience. As well as allowing content to be shared between devices, NFC capabilities allow any of the three new smartphones to pair with NFC-enabled mobile accessories such as speakers or Bluetooth headphones and headsets. To extend the range of available NFC-enabled accessories, Nokia is also announcing the launch of the Nokia Essence Bluetooth Stereo Headset, which can be paired with any NFC-enabled smartphone simply by tapping the two devices together.
Symbian Belle range
While all three smartphones contain recognizable Nokia features, they each represent a very distinct set of priorities to allow users to choose what matters most in a smartphone. The most compact touch screen monoblock smartphone in the world (Nokia 700); a sleek and stylish smartphone with the world’s brightest mobile display for indoor or outdoor use (Nokia 701), and Nokia’s loudest entertainment smartphone (Nokia 600) all bring firsts to the Nokia product portfolio.
“After bringing exciting new features to the Symbian user experience only two months ago with Symbian Anna, we are now driving the platform even further with our most competitive Symbian user experience ever,” said Ilari Nurmi, Vice President at Nokia. “Symbian Belle and the three new handsets we are launching today show our commitment to continue delivering Symbian products that allow people to choose what is most important to them in terms of user experience, design, functionality and price. These will not be last products or updates we will deliver on Symbian.”
“With the announcement today Nokia has made it clear that Symbian will continue to play an important role in its product portfolio along side Windows Phone 7″ said Nick McQuire IDC. “There is a sense of urgency in the way improvements and innovation are being delivered to the platform that demonstrates how committed Nokia is to make Symbian products a competitive smartphone choice.”
Nokia 700: Nokia’s smallest smartphone
At only 50 cubic centimetres, weighing 96gm and at 110 x 50.7 x 9.7 mm, the Nokia 700 not only becomes Nokia’s most compact smartphone in the Symbian range, it is the most compact touch monoblock smartphone in the world. What it lacks in size it makes up for in functionality, with single-tap NFC sharing and pairing capabilities, a 1Ghz processor, 3.2 inch AMOLED screen ClearBlack display, 2GB of internal memory (with the option of using a 32GB microSD card for a total of 34GB), HD video capture and 5MP full focus camera with LED flash. The Nokia 700 is also Nokia’s most eco-friendly smartphone. With a long battery life, extensive use of eco-friendly materials and features to minimize battery consumption, it is the perfect smartphone for any environmentally-conscious smartphone user.
Nokia 701: Nokia’s brightest smartphone
The Nokia 701 is a sleek, slim smartphone incorporating the world’s brightest ever mobile phone display, based on a 3.5 inch ClearBlack display that makes it perfect for indoor and outdoor use. It also has active noise cancellation for the clearest sound quality and, like the other new smartphones, provides single-tap NFC pairing and sharing capabilities, allowing content to be shared and sound to be streamed wirelessly to headphones and NFC-enabled speakers.
Based on the popular Nokia C7 design, the Nokia 701 smartphone also has a 1GHz processor, 8MP full focus camera with dual LED flash and 2 X digital zoom, 2nd front-facing camera and HD video capture. It comes with 8GB internal memory and the possibility to increase to 40GB by installing a 32GB microSD card.
Nokia 600: Nokia’s loudest smartphone
The Nokia 600 smartphone delivers a big sound and a big personality in a small package and is Nokia’s loudest at 106 Phons. With built-in FM radio antenna for listening to radio without headphones and FM transmitter that makes it possible to broadcast music from your phone to any FM radio, the Nokia 600 is a music-lover’s dream. With 60 hours of music playback time, an incredibly powerful internal loudspeaker and the ability to also stream music wirelessly to NFC-enabled accessories, it is the perfect smartphone to get the party started.
Available at a lower price point than the Nokia 700 and Nokia 701, the Nokia 600 still comes with a 1 GHz processor; 5MP full focus camera with LED flash and HD video capture, and 2GB of internal memory with ability to increase to 34GB using a 32GB microSD card.
Symbian Belle
Symbian Belle is the latest in a series of planned software updates to the Symbian platform, which started with Symbian Anna and will continue into 2012. Symbian Belle increases the number of home screens from three to six providing more room to display applications and services. Live widgets, now come in five different sizes, making the home screens come alive and giving users more flexibility to personalize the user experience. It also includes a pull down menu and taskbar to access notifications from any of the home screens and further enhancements to the Web browsing experience. All in all, Symbian Belle provides Nokia’s most competitive, seamless and intuitive Symbian experience so far.
One of Symbian Belle’s most exciting features is the single-tap NFC sharing and pairing capability. This allows contacts, videos and images to be shared with other NFC-enabled devices and smartphones, as well as pairing with NFC-enabled mobile accessories such as speakers and headsets. Gaming fans also benefit from the NFC capabilities of the new handsets with the ability to unlock additional levels in Angry Birds or find a hidden blade in Fruit Ninja just by touching two NFC-enabled devices together. On the Nokia 701 smartphone, which comes preloaded with Asphalt 5, two friends can even pair to compete on the same racetrack.
Nokia Essence Bluetooth Stereo Headset
The new Nokia Essence Bluetooth Stereo Headset uses special active noise cancellation technology to eliminate an unprecedented 99.8% of background noise – delivering pure, high-fidelity sound no matter how noisy the surroundings for people who don’t want to sacrifice audio quality when going wireless. Using NFC technology, the Bluetooth headset can be paired with any NFC-enabled smartphone simply by tapping the two devices together.

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Steve Jobs Resigns as Apple CEO, Names Tim Cook the new Chief

Just breaking news this evening Steve Jobs has officially announced today that he will resign as the CEO of Apple. No this isn’t a joke either. He has officially announced in an open letter to all board of directors and the entire Apple community that he will no longer be able to meet his duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO. I know we are all about Android, but this is big news.


Without getting into too much details here I’ll go ahead and throw up the entire open letter for everyone to read.
To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.
I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.
I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.
I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.
Steve

Shocking news to say the least. While it has been known for a while that Steve had been dealing with a few health issues this has came without warning and is a huge surprise to everyone. This is a sad day in the technology world, even though we love all things Android here Apple played a large role in the success of Android. Apple has confirmed that Jobs will indeed stay on as Chairman. More details as this story develops.
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Google Docs Updated, Adds 46 new languages and image attachments

It looks like everyone’s favorite documents application for Android we all know as Google Docs received a little update today. It’s all about that cloud-based web functionality here. The main feature in the update today is the ability to quickly and easily upload photos to Google Docs and the web clipboard. This is a great feature for mobile users and something we can use on-the-go with ease.

Now from in the app or conveniently on the Android widget users can select the camera and directly take a photo with their smartphone. Once the photo has been snapped you have three options. Upload files without conversion, Convert file to Google Docs format, and Send to Web Clipboard. Now from either your mobile device, or anywhere else you are using Google Docs you can quickly access the cloud-based web clipboard used by Google Docs to get access to those photos or documents you’ve uploaded. Neat huh?

Google’s team has also made opening and sending easier and now has more options. You can now open documents with any compatible viewer application or send a doc as an attachment through email or another compatible apps on your phone. They’ve also been nice enough to add support for an additional 46 new languages with this latest update. If you’ve been waiting for your language to have support most likely today’s update brought on goods you need to get to work.
For more details and pictures head over to the Google Docs Blog.

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Samsung GT-19220 Photo Leaked, Packs a huge AMOLED display [Update]

Here is a photo that will most likely get those rumor mills stirring again. We aren’t sure exactly what we are looking at, or how big the screen is but comparing it to the 4.0″ display on the Galaxy S next to it, I’d say it’s pretty large. Sources are claiming this to be the new Samsung GT-I9220 that we recently saw on a leaked Samsung roadmap. While the leak is claiming it to possibly be a 5.29″ AMOLED display with a 1280x720p resolution the leaked roadmap suggests something much smaller for the GT-I9220.

Update: After a few tips and a closer look this is nothing more than the 5″ Samsung Galaxy S Player. As in not a phone, only Samsung’s recently seen music player to compete with the iPod. Sorry guys!
Details are still a bit blurry but they are stating this Samsung beast will indeed have a high resolution Super AMOLED display with a 1280x720p resolution. Rocking a blazing fast 1.4 Ghz dual-core processor and more. While this device could in fact have a huge 5.3″ display the leaked roadmap suggests the GT-I9220 would have only a 4.3″ screen but the image shown above clearly shows something larger than that.
Could this be the GT-I9250 that we also heard about. The roadmap suggested that device would have a 4.65″ AMOLED display and that would line up a bit better with the size of the screen shown in the leaked image. Our sources at AndroidUP claim this might be called the Samsung Galaxy S II Plus at launch and we might see it sometime around October 24th. Either way the photo sure is exciting, we don’t have a lot of details but would love to get some hands-on time with the phone.
What do you guys think of the photo above? Look like a 5.29″ screen to you, or more like 4.65″ or so? Tell us below in the comments.
[via AndroidUP]

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