By Aldo Panessidi

At one point in time HTC was the crowned king of Android… releasing nearly a dozen different models in Canada last year.  From the HTC Amaze being like its namesake amazing, the HTC Desire being sleek and alluring to the HTC Raider having a big bold display .  However, HTC’s market strategy to have a model to please everyone, in fact, ended pleasing a very small portion of the smartphone market space.

In a recent interview HTC’s Phil Roberson made it clear that HTC was moving away from its strategy of flooding the market with devices in favour of focusing  on delivering ‘hero’ based technology and designs.   As Roberson indicated “HTC had tried to do too much in 2011 and oversaturated the field with devices.  This year would be about making something special or having fewer but more distinctive devices.”

Leaving your valuable HTC mobile devices unprotected is risky!  Discover the latest innovative protection solutions… stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases specifically designed to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes.  Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside these brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

A consolidation might be necessary in the face of stiff competition. Its profits fell by 25 percent this fall after both Apple and Samsung carved into its once safe sales. Apple is virtually the opposite of HTC and has just three iPhones on the market, two of which were old models with configurations trimmed back. It has had no problems faring well by both outpacing and outselling the Samsung cell phones , which itself is in HTC’s situation of having many phones that cater to every possible niche.

Enhance your mobility and turn your HTC device into a power tool with select  accessories such as; stylus & pens, micro SD memory cards, batteries, docking stations, Bluetooth headsets, data cables and glider gloves all specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

In Canada, the “hero” devices are the Samsung Galaxy S II series, which HTC CEO Peter Chou called “nuclear weapons.” And though HTC has seen its fair share of success, 2012 needs to be a year of re-growth and rebuilding for them, focusing on fewer smartphones centred around a core brand.

By Aldo Panessidi

The world’s greatest tech show – CES 2012 – kicked off on Monday, January 9th… and will run until Friday January 13th.

With more than four decades of success, the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) reaches across global markets, connects the industry and enables CE innovations to grow and thrive. The show is produced by Consumer electronic Association, the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $186 billion U.S. consumer technology industry. CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of consumer electronics products. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

This year’s show is held at the Hilton Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas and will cover more than 1.8 million square feet which is equivalent to 35 American football fields with over 2700 exhibitors and close to 200,000 attendees from across the globe.

Most of the leading smartphone and wireless mobile device (such as tablets) manufacturers and vendors will be unveiling their latest product and technology. In the same breath, these manufacturers will be showcasing their latest in innovative protection solutions… … stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases specifically designed to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes. Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside these brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

The following capture the most important CES smartphone and wireless mobile device news and product video overview:

	LTE-packing Nokia Lumia 900 is finally official, exclusive to AT&T HTC Titan II vs. Nokia Lumia 900 vs. Samsung Focus S – the ultimate WP showdown [TABLE]  Nokia Lumia 900 – specs • hands-on
	New Samsung Series 9 ultrabook comes in 13.3″ and 15″ versions, the small one weighs just 1.16kg Samsung and AT&T unveil Note, Skyrocket HD and Exhilarate Android-powered webcam-like device, the Samsung inTouch, adds Smart TV magic to your boring HDTV Sprint unveils Samsung Galaxy Nexus LTE Verizon debuts Galaxy Tab LTE   Verizon Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 LTE- specs • hands-on • second hands-on AT&T Galaxy Note LTE – specs • hands-on • second hands-on Samsung Skyrocket HD – specs Samsung Exhilarate – specs Samsung Galaxy Nexus LTE – specs
	Sony Ericsson LiveView successor spotted at CES, announcement seems imminent The Sony Xperia ion coming to AT&T in Q2 2012 Sony announces Xperia S with a 12MP camera and HD screen  Sony Xperia ion – specs • hands-on Sony Xperia S – specs • hands-on
	LG brings a ton of new HDTV stuff to CES, 3D is everywhere, and there’s a motion-controlled remote with voice input LG Spectrum goes official, joins the Verizon LTE gang on Jan 19 Sprint unveils LG Viper  LG Viper- specs LG Spectrum – specs • hands-on
	HTC Titan II vs. Nokia Lumia 900 vs. Samsung Focus S – the ultimate WP showdown [TABLE] LTE HTC Titan II with 16 MP camera revealed, heads for AT&T HTC Titan II - specs • hands-on • camera samples
	Acer announces Aspire S5 and Aspire Timeline Ultra Ultrabooks, claims the former to be the world’s thinnest Acer showcases the new Iconia Tab A700, comes with a quad-core processor and a full HD display
	Verizon announces several Droid RAZRs  Motorola RAZR MAXX – specs • hands-on Motorola Droid 4 - specs • hands-on
	Lenovo continues CES invasion with IdeaCentre B-series all-in-ones and refreshed desktops Lenovo announces IdeaPad S200 and IdeaPad S206 netbooks, will launch in June Lenovo IdeaPad U310 and U410 new Ultrabook laptops get under the spotlight Lenovo unveils Ideapad S2, the S2 smartphone and K91 TV
	Huawei Ascend P1 and Ascend P1 S droid beasts announced  Huawei Ascend P1 – specs • hands-on Huawei Ascend P1 S – specs • hands-on
Misc	Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update starts rolling out for the ASUS Transformer Prime ASUS and NVidia CEOs show a 7-inch Tegra 3-powered tablet with ICS for $249 Gigabyte keeps Atom dream alive with Cedar Trail powered T1006M convertibe netbook and tablet, Windows 7 on board In case of emergency: The new SpareOne mobile phone promises to hold its charge for up to 15 years Fujitsu showcases quad-core Tegra 3 smartphone at CES Parrot shows AR.Drone 2.0 at CES – now with 720p video recording, easy sharing and sturdier hardware OCZ Lightfoot SSD boasts Thunderbolt connectivity, speeds beyond belief Canon PowerShot G1 X is a 14MP compact with a DSLR-sized 4:3 image sensor • Canon G1 X hands-on Fujifilm announced rangefinder-style, mirrorless X-Pro1 camera, to cost $1,700 at launch SanDisk unveils the world’s fastest SDXC card, promises write speeds of up to 45MB/sToshiba showcase three mysterious tablets at CES and tell us nothing about them Razer reveals Project Fiona, a tablet with controllers attached to it running on a Core i7 and Windows 8

Many thanks to GSM Arena for the above references and links.

By Megan Fleet

Every brand and company has its shtick, its M.O., its press friendly sound bytes. Google is no different when espousing the virtues of its Google Android operating system at each event they are able to use a soapbox and spread their smartphone evangelism. The main gospel is the Android culture of openness and the lack of limitations is to the benefit of the consumer.

This is great PR spin. And this writer truly loves a good euphemism laced with truth. So, while Android is more open that its competitors, it is comparative. When held up to open-source software like Linux, it is actually quite closed. Hence, a Hollywoodesque Benniffer moniker is bound to catch: Clopen.

At the moment, Google makes the Android OS source code available to companies and individuals to customize to their liking. Very open and transparent, non? Flip side of this coin is the Google mobile suite: Gmail, Android Market, Google Maps, and the long list of “Google” stamped functions. These are closed sourced. The double talk is confusing for customers. Especially when end users purchase a no-Market Android device. Not good PR.

Throw in the custom skins and fragmentations used by the varied carriers and manufacturers and there is a varying standard of quality for the smartphones bearing the Android and Google names. This is damaging to a brand. In fact, Marketing Land’s Danny Sullivan wrote that these quality control discrepancies are resulting in customers with outdated devices in their hands. This particular quirk can be addressed with accessories (protective cases, upgraded screen skins etc), but what is under the hood is harder to resolve.

Case in point: the latest Android OS release, Ice Cream Sandwich. Various manufacturers have hedged and speculated about when the update would be available and on what phones and what carriers (at least with an unlocked phone, the customer will have more say in to get the latest Android OS). As of right now, only one physical device has the update on it. The flagship Android phone, Galaxy Nexus. Newer devices like the DROID RAZR, DROID Bionic, and the Rezound should see the update later in 2012, but there are many others like the LG Revolution (launched only 7 months ago) that will never get the ICS upgrade treatment because of the carrier (please see above note about unlocked phones!).

Luckily for customers, the Open Handset Alliance which encompasses major US players (LG, HTC, Motorola, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T to name a few) which has pledged with Google to bring an end to fragmentation and bring the latest Android OS to devices if the smartphone release is 18 months old or younger.

By Megan Fleet

Many pro-business advocates will espouse the virtues of patents and their being upheld with patent law in the free market world. A clear comparison in the schools of thought: free market vs. controlled market is the US vs. China. The latter is known for its corporate espionage, systemic lack of creativity, and lack of respect for the rights of intellectual property. The former sometimes has the opposite problem where obscure patents and a muddy system work against entrepreneurs and fail to promote the sharing of information and technology. Strangely, the proprietary model of Apple and their inclination to sign carrier exclusive deals instead of providing carrier agnostic unlocked cell phones seems counterintuitive to this pro-business strategy they’ve pursued.

With these polar opposites at work in the global corporate world, the HTC / Apple patent infringement case actually made me a smile a bit as it is a rare case of patent law being meted out justly and under the intent of the law. On Monday, the United States International Trade Commission ruled that as of April 19^th, 2012 they will ban the import of certain HTC devices (no word on if any of these patent infringements extend to HTC specific after market phone and mobile accessories.  Leaving your valuable mobile devices unprotected is risky!  Protect your devices from scratches and blemishes with stylish top brand cases and skins accessories.

In response, HTC released this statement to BGR via email “We are gratified that the commission affirmed the judge’s determination on the ‘721 and ‘983 patents, and reversed its decision on the ‘263 patent and partially on the ‘647 patent […] We are very pleased with the determination and we respect it. However, the ‘647 patent is a small UI experience and HTC will completely remove it from all of our phones soon.”   Discover the select accessories, such as, stylus & pens, data cables, batteries, SD micro cards, desktop chargers, earpieces & headsets as well as glider gloves all specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

This is a ruling that was made after the July 16^th decision that determined a violation of two Apple owned patents by HTC. Luckily for the device manufacturer, it appears that they will be able to side step considerable losses in inventory, research & development, and market share by implementing the required changes before the April 2012 deadline.  The latest  trend setting fashionable bags, cases and sleeves accessories express your unique style.  Make your mobile devices stand out.  Customize your look – how cool can you be?

By Aldo Panessidi

Before October, the casual smart phone consumer was likely blissfully unaware of the existence of a company by the name of Carrier IQ. Thanks to researcher Trevor Eckhart, it has come to light that the stealth software company is recording keystrokes, SMS messages and other information and possibly reporting the data back to their servers. Carrier IQ’s response? Issuing a cease and desist letter to the whistleblower, Eckhart, and releasing a media alert dismissing the accusations saying that they are “not recording keystrokes or providing tracking tools.” Enjoy the freedom brought about by unlocked phones… which allow you to choose not only the service provider but the plan that best meets your lifestyle needs.
The potential privacy contagion is rumored to be limited to certain smart phone OS’s, so be an informed consumer and review all your mobile device options. The best part is the great offerings and releases of new phones and from Apple, Blackberry, Samsung, Motorola, HTC and everything in between during the holiday season! This Holiday Season – protective accessories solutions make excellent and greatly appreciated stocking stuffers.

And to end on a high note, legislation may be in the works to bring greater data equality and accessibility to all Canadians. Christian Paradis, the Minister of Industry, recently made significant remarks at the International Institute of Communications Canada Conference in Ottawa that rolled out “an update on measure taken to support the digital economy in Canada […] Canadians should receive the same services wherever they live.” The implications of this could be huge, ending regional monopolies by carrier based on tower service areas. Putting the power of choice back into the hands of the consumer who could better take advantage of unlocked mobile devices creates a competitive environment to drive technology and affordable, customizable plans. Music to all Canadians’ ears!

By Megan Fleet

In an era where patents are sold and bought like commodities in lieu of protecting intellectual rights; and where mall innovators are snapped up for their technological visions and execution, – HTC is a wonder to behold. The rising star of the smartphone world has « arrived. »

Ten years ago HTC couldn’t even be considered a boutique cell phone to set yourself apart from the mundane crowd of Motorolas and Nokias. It was, however, a company earning its chops manufacturing hardware for Windows Mobile-powered devices for household names like Compaq and XDA. Now HTC is manufacturing the Raider, Amaze and Desire line of cell phones coupled with a plethora a innovative protective solutions and premium electronic accessories

HTC’s big break came in 2008 : with the Android. The Dream and G1, which launched the brand into the periphery of the ever growing smart phone consumer market. Its years as a technological innovator for Windows helped carve a niche and secure a market notoriety for cell phone and mobile accessories.

The following video provides an excellent account of The Quietly Brilliant Story of HTC

Throughout the years there has been escalating competition in particular from Samsung cell phones. But as any good capitalist knows, a competitive environment spurs creativity and innovation. And, as any informed consumer knows, also keeps costs competitive thanks to vendor agnostic retailers such as puremobile.ca where the buffet of unlocked cell phone and mobile devices can be sampled, reviewed, and easily paired with practical yet fun wireless accessories.

HTC is an underdog with elegant and smart technology that marries performance and beauty into something intuitive and tangible for a memorable end user experience. Translation? HTC is a rising star . They may have lost the dominant Android market share to Samsung but the recent performance and successes of Sensation and EVO 3D will pair with upcoming jewels like the Ville and sharp music accessory bundles (without the proprietary encumbrance of Apple’s iTunes) for a bright 2012.

Accessories make great stocking stuffers for the tech savvy Android aficionado in your life, take a gander at some great holiday accessory deals at puremobile.ca!

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Written by: Aldo Panessidi

It’s the most explosive development in the tablet market since the release of the original iPad and the latest apple tablet the iPad2. The launch of the Amazon Kindle Fire represents a major shot across the bow at Apple, according to a new ChangeWave survey which primarily targeted North American consumers.

According to ChangeWave demand for tablets this holiday season is three (3) times higher than for the same period last year.

It seems that today, shoppers have broadened their tablet interest from to include the Kindle Fire from Amazon… you can view more in this consumer demand survey

The more interesting stat, perhaps, is that more than a quarter of respondents in ChangeWave’s survey who confirmed an imminent Kindle Fire purchase said they would buy the Amazon tablet in place of an iPad.

“Tablet providers (Iconia, Xoom, Flyer, Galaxy Tab, PlayBook, etc) have failed to gain appreciable traction against iPad’s 67% market share, and iPad 2 should be a popular holiday purchase,” indicated officials at ChangeWave. “However, strong early Fire uptake seems likely, raising speculation Apple now faces a real tablet contender. Survey data says 26% of likely Fire buyers (i.e. of the 5%) say they will delay/put on hold iPad buying. Sustained Fire uptake and ‘buzz’ will depend on consumer/reviewer reactions to Fire’s user experience.”

Moreover, when asked if they intended to purchase a tablet in the next 90 days, 14% of the 3,043 North American consumers surveyed by ChangeWave said yes. Only 6% said they intended to purchase a tablet in a similar survey conducted in August, and just 4% intended to purchase a tablet in November last year. ChangeWave’s new survey also found that 65% of respondents intended to purchase Apple’s iPad 2, while 22% were eying the Kindle Fire. Only 4% of respondents intended to purchase a Samsung Galaxy Tab, and no other tablet vendor garnered more than 1% of interest among those polled. We expect consumers that want protect and personalize their devices to invest in most fashionable and trendy tablet accessories with the latest technology to enhance functionality

“The launch of the Amazon Kindle Fire is turning out be a real competitive threat to Apple, who until now has almost completely dominated the tablet space,” ChangeWave said. “But the most immediate impact of the Amazon device is on the rest of the competition, where the survey shows it wreaking a devastating blow to a range of second tier tablet manufacturers, including Motorola, RIM, Dell, HTC, H-P and Toshiba.”

Amazon’s tablet may end up helping Apple in the long run. “The ChangeWave survey shows the Amazon Kindle Fire is going to leapfrog the competition and become the number two product in the tablet market, as long as it can provide a quality user experience,” ChangeWave said.

One of the most highly anticipated phone releases in recent memory is that of the HTC Incredible.  Recently, details of the specs for the HTC Incredible have surfaced on the internet and this phone looks to be quiet incredible indeed.  Here is a list of some of the key features that we will be seeing when the Incredible is finally launched.
• 4.63″ x 2.3″ x 0.47″, 4.59 oz.
• Android 2.1 “Eclair” with Sense UI
• 1GHz Snapdragon QSG8650 processor
• 512MB ROM / 512MB RAM
• Dual-band EV-DO Rev. A
• 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
• GPS
• 3.7″ WVGA OLED capacitive display
• 8 megapixel camera with auto-focus and video capture
• HTML browser with Flash Lite 4.0
• Microsoft Exchange support
• 8GB internal memory
• microSD support for up to 32GB
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Accelerometer
• 312 minutes talk time / 149 hours standby
• Pre-loaded with Google Calendar, Gmail, Search, Maps, Latitude, Navigation and Talk
With a list of features like that it is no wonder why people are eagerly awaiting the release of the Incredible by HTC. 

The 8 megapixel camera with autofocus is sure to be one of the highlights for those unlocked mobile phone consumers who love to take pictures wherever they go.  Throw in the fact that this device can s

Peter Chou, CEO of HTC, continues to cause quite a commotion with his various antics and comments.  While speaking at CTIA on Wednesday Chou declared that the Nexus One was a complete success and will surly drive new business to HTC despite the shaky public reception it has received.  For those of you that might be unaware when the HTC was first released it was to a somewhat unsettling beginning.  Early customers reported 3G reception issues that damaged the views of various consumers.  Lagging sales numbers clearly put the Nexus One well behind the DROID in popularity as well.  Now these current issues surrounding the display have further damaged the phones reputation.

Chou also caused a stir with his reluctance to acknowledge any shortcomings with the phone.  Instead Chou decided to focus on the innovative design of the Nexus One and the experience HTC gained when developing the Android 2.1 device.  Chou mentioned that HTC is quickly trying to leverage that credit associated with creating one of the first Android 2.1 mobile devices into becoming the top Android brand. While many critics will disagree with Chou and his statements pointing to the fact that the DROID is a much more popular phone amongst consumers Chou may not be that far off in his assessment.
I do believe that Chou and HTC have a learned a great deal and gained valuable experience while releasing the Nexus One.  They will be able to utilize that experience and enhance any other phone that they may develop in the future.  By knowing what consumers are looking for and what sorts of aspects they want working correctly with their mobile devices HTC will be better equipped to produce quality products in the future.