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The ITC
<< DC: You cannot take an American company to the ITC. >>
Nokia v, Apple -- just another of many against companies that import products to the USA.
- Eric -
The Comneon Stack(s) ...
Data,
<< Eric - as far as I know, there are multiple companies that use/have used a 3GSM baseband from Infineon ... >>
Absolutely. Shifting sands though always in play.
<< ... and thus the Comneon stack. >>
Yes but ...
... the LSI acquisition brought with it Agere's GSM/3GSM stack although I'm not sure exactly where they were at with the 3GSM portion. In addition stacks get rewritten and not just to exclude licensed IP, although that may play a part but the 3GSM portion now includes which now includes R'8 LTE and HSPA+. ST-Ericsson has rewriiten (is) rewriting their GSM/3GSM stacks. That's where it gets muddy for me. The question becomes whether the Comneon stack (or stacks) is being, or has been rewritten and in the process integrates the GSM and 3GSM portion on a single die, and if so is InterDigital IP still in play? I plead ignorance on that score. <g> ... actually on many scores, but don't tell anybody. <ggg>
Any insight on my befuddlement?
Cheers,
- Eric -
Samsung and Infineon 3GSM
Roxie,
<< Broadcom is well past the Comneon association, >>
What about Samsung? Is there any association -- i.e. does Samsung use the Comneon 3GSM stack with InterDigital IP, and is Samsung generating any 3GSM volume for Infineon? Samsung came to Infineon via Infineon's acquisition of LSI which purchased Agere.
Best,
- Eric -
Strategy Analytics: Q2 2010 Smartphone Sharwe Graphic
More detail here ...
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=52571139
[Note: In above next to last column header should be H1 2010, not H2 2010]
In Q2 2010 Android OS based products from multiple OEMs will almost undoubtedly pass iOS unit share and possibly RIM's BlackBerry OS as as well.
- Eric
Corrected CYTD Smartphone Sales and Share ...
In the prior post I made and error in the final pair of columns in the 1st table below. SA's Total CYTD Sales (H1 Q2) were shown as 112.7m but should have been 113.2m. This affected CYTD share calculations for Nokia, Apple, and Others by 1/10th percentage point. Corrected below ...
Global Smartphone Unit Sell-In and Marketshare -- Top 3 OEM Vendors & Others (Strategy Analytics)
==============================================================================================================
2008 ¦ Q2 '09 ¦ 2009 ¦ Q1 '10 ¦ Q2 '10 ¦ H2 2010 CYTD
Vendor Umits Share ¦ Units Share ¦ Units Share ¦ Units Share ¦ Units Share ¦ Units Share
====== ====== ====== ¦ ====== ====== ¦ ====== ====== | ====== ====== ¦ ====== ====== ¦ ====== ======
Nokia 60.5m 40.0% ¦ 16.9m 40.7% ¦ 67.8m 38.8% | 21.5m 40.0% ¦ 24.0m 40.3% ¦ 45.5m 40.2%
RIM 23.5m 15.5% ¦ 8.0m 19.3% ¦ 34.5m 19.7% | 10.6m 19.7% ¦ 11.2m 19.0% ¦ 21.8m 19.3%
Apple 13.7m 9.1% ¦ 5.2m 12.5% ¦ 25.1m 14.4% | 8.8m 16.4% ¦ 8.4m 14.2% ¦ 17.2m 15.2%
Others 53.4m 35.4% ¦ 11.4m 27.5% ¦ 7.3m 27.1% | 12.8m 23.8% ¦ 15.9m 26.1% ¦ 28.2m 24.9%
------ ------ ¦ ------ ------ ¦ ------ ------ ¦ ------ ------ ¦ ------ ------ ¦ ------ ------
Total 151.1m 100.0% ¦ 41.5m 100.0% ¦ 174.7m 100.0% ¦ 53.7m 100.0% ¦ 59.5m 100.0% ¦ 113.2m 100.0%
==============================================================================================================
Growth YoY +23.1% ¦ +7.5% ¦ +15.6% ¦ +49.6% ¦ +43.4% ¦ +25.9%
==============================================================================================================
Smartphone Sell-In Growth Year-over-Year (Strategy Analytics)
==============================================================================================================
Q2'09 2009 Q2'10
===== ====== =====
Nokia 10.5% 12.1% 42.0%
RIM 42.9% 46.8% 40.0%
Apple 642.9% 83.1% 61.5%
Others -18.0% -11.4% 39.5%
------ ------ -----
Total 16.9% 15.6% 43.4%
==============================================================================================================
Corrected CYTD Smartphone Sales and Share ...
In the prior post I made and error in the final pair of columns in the 1st table below. SA's Total CYTD Sales (H1 Q2) were shown as 112.7m but should have been 113.2m. This affected CYTD share calculations for Nokia, Apple, and Others by 1/10th percentage point. Corrected below ...
Global Smartphone Unit Sell-In and Marketshare -- Top 3 OEM Vendors & Others (Strategy Analytics)
==============================================================================================================
2008 ¦ Q2 '09 ¦ 2009 ¦ Q1 '10 ¦ Q2 '10 ¦ H2 2010 CYTD
Vendor Umits Share ¦ Units Share ¦ Units Share ¦ Units Share ¦ Units Share ¦ Units Share
====== ====== ====== ¦ ====== ====== ¦ ====== ====== | ====== ====== ¦ ====== ====== ¦ ====== ======
Nokia 60.5m 40.0% ¦ 16.9m 40.7% ¦ 67.8m 38.8% | 21.5m 40.0% ¦ 24.0m 40.3% ¦ 45.5m 40.2%
RIM 23.5m 15.5% ¦ 8.0m 19.3% ¦ 34.5m 19.7% | 10.6m 19.7% ¦ 11.2m 19.0% ¦ 21.8m 19.3%
Apple 13.7m 9.1% ¦ 5.2m 12.5% ¦ 25.1m 14.4% | 8.8m 16.4% ¦ 8.4m 14.2% ¦ 17.2m 15.2%
Others 53.4m 35.4% ¦ 11.4m 27.5% ¦ 7.3m 27.1% | 12.8m 23.8% ¦ 15.9m 26.1% ¦ 28.2m 24.9%
------ ------ ¦ ------ ------ ¦ ------ ------ ¦ ------ ------ ¦ ------ ------ ¦ ------ ------
Total 151.1m 100.0% ¦ 41.5m 100.0% ¦ 174.7m 100.0% ¦ 53.7m 100.0% ¦ 59.5m 100.0% ¦ 113.2m 100.0%
==============================================================================================================
Growth YoY +23.1% ¦ +7.5% ¦ +15.6% ¦ +49.6% ¦ +43.4% ¦ +25.9%
==============================================================================================================
Smartphone Sell-In Growth Year-over-Year (Strategy Analytics)
==============================================================================================================
Q2'09 2009 Q2'10
===== ====== =====
Nokia 10.5% 12.1% 42.0%
RIM 42.9% 46.8% 40.0%
Apple 642.9% 83.1% 61.5%
Others -18.0% -11.4% 39.5%
------ ------ -----
Total 16.9% 15.6% 43.4%
==============================================================================================================
Strategy Analytics: Preliminary Global Smartphone Sell-In Units and Maket Share
Global Smartphone Unit Sell-In and Marketshare -- Top 3 OEM Vendors & Others (Strategy Analytics)
==============================================================================================================
2008 ¦ Q2 '09 ¦ 2009 ¦ Q1 '10 ¦ Q2 '10 ¦ H2 2010 CYTD
Vendor Umits Share ¦ Units Share ¦ Units Share ¦ Units Share ¦ Units Share ¦ Units Share
====== ====== ====== ¦ ====== ====== ¦ ====== ====== | ====== ====== ¦ ====== ====== ¦ ====== ======
Nokia 60.5m 40.0% ¦ 16.9m 40.7% ¦ 67.8m 38.8% | 21.5m 40.0% ¦ 24.0m 40.3% ¦ 45.5m 40.3%
RIM 23.5m 15.5% ¦ 8.0m 19.3% ¦ 34.5m 19.7% | 10.6m 19.7% ¦ 11.2m 19.0% ¦ 21.8m 19.3%
Apple 13.7m 9.1% ¦ 5.2m 12.5% ¦ 25.1m 14.4% | 8.8m 16.4% ¦ 8.4m 14.2% ¦ 17.2m 15.3%
Others 53.4m 35.4% ¦ 11.4m 27.5% ¦ 7.3m 27.1% | 12.8m 23.8% ¦ 15.9m 26.1% ¦ 28.2m 25.0%
------ ------ ¦ ------ ------ ¦ ------ ------ ¦ ------ ------ ¦ ------ ------ ¦ ------ ------
Total 151.1m 100.0% ¦ 41.5m 100.0% ¦ 174.7m 100.0% ¦ 53.7m 100.0% ¦ 59.5m 100.0% ¦ 112.7m 100.0%
==============================================================================================================
Growth YoY +23.1% ¦ +7.5% ¦ +15.6% ¦ +49.6% ¦ +43.4% ¦ +25.8%
==============================================================================================================
=====================================
Q2'09 2009 Q2'10
===== ====== =====
Nokia 10.5% 12.1% 42.0%
RIM 42.9% 46.8% 40.0%
Apple 642.9% 83.1% 61.5%
Others -18.0% -11.4% 39.5%
------ ------ -----
Total 16.9% 15.6% 43.4%
=====================================
Strategy Analytics: Preliminary Global Smartphone Sell-In Units and Maket Share
Global Smartphone Unit Sell-In and Marketshare -- Top 3 OEM Vendors & Others (Strategy Analytics)
==============================================================================================================
2008 ¦ Q2 '09 ¦ 2009 ¦ Q1 '10 ¦ Q2 '10 ¦ H2 2010 CYTD
Vendor Umits Share ¦ Units Share ¦ Units Share ¦ Units Share ¦ Units Share ¦ Units Share
====== ====== ====== ¦ ====== ====== ¦ ====== ====== | ====== ====== ¦ ====== ====== ¦ ====== ======
Nokia 60.5m 40.0% ¦ 16.9m 40.7% ¦ 67.8m 38.8% | 21.5m 40.0% ¦ 24.0m 40.3% ¦ 45.5m 40.3%
RIM 23.5m 15.5% ¦ 8.0m 19.3% ¦ 34.5m 19.7% | 10.6m 19.7% ¦ 11.2m 19.0% ¦ 21.8m 19.3%
Apple 13.7m 9.1% ¦ 5.2m 12.5% ¦ 25.1m 14.4% | 8.8m 16.4% ¦ 8.4m 14.2% ¦ 17.2m 15.3%
Others 53.4m 35.4% ¦ 11.4m 27.5% ¦ 7.3m 27.1% | 12.8m 23.8% ¦ 15.9m 26.1% ¦ 28.2m 25.0%
------ ------ ¦ ------ ------ ¦ ------ ------ ¦ ------ ------ ¦ ------ ------ ¦ ------ ------
Total 151.1m 100.0% ¦ 41.5m 100.0% ¦ 174.7m 100.0% ¦ 53.7m 100.0% ¦ 59.5m 100.0% ¦ 112.7m 100.0%
==============================================================================================================
Growth YoY +23.1% ¦ +7.5% ¦ +15.6% ¦ +49.6% ¦ +43.4% ¦ +25.8%
==============================================================================================================
=====================================
Q2'09 2009 Q2'10
===== ====== =====
Nokia 10.5% 12.1% 42.0%
RIM 42.9% 46.8% 40.0%
Apple 642.9% 83.1% 61.5%
Others -18.0% -11.4% 39.5%
------ ------ -----
Total 16.9% 15.6% 43.4%
=====================================
Recommended Reading: Rescuing Nokia?
The long article by Vulture Central's Andrew Orlowski about "The Risku Manifesto" -- a constructively critical insiders commentary about Nokia -- that is linked below is one of the most interesting I've read about Nokia in several years.
The 'Manifesto' is based on an interview with a 53 year old industrial designer who spent nine years at Nokia from 2001 and in various roles with the company including design, usability (he was head of Symbian user experience design) and Forum Nokia. It's wise to bear in mind that this is simply one individual's view, but it certainly is a fascinating one and he offers some interesting suggestions.
The 4 page interview covers:
• Nokia Research » Symbian » Marketing » Dual CEO model
• Design: contextual » London Office
• People: Kallasvuo » Vanjokki » Aho » Ojanperä » Ahtisaari » McDowell]
So what’s wrong ...... and how should Nokia fix itself?
"The diagnosis is largely one that others have made. Essentially, Nokia has forgotten how to bring innovative products to market ... despite a rich R&D base, which has pioneered many of the innovations competitors now feature. Instead, a risk-averse bureaucracy has grown up that stifles innovation. ... This diagnosis may be familiar, but the proposals quite radical"
>> Rescuing Nokia? A former exec has a radical plan: The Risku Manifesto - now in English
Andrew Orlowski
The Register®
22nd July 2010
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/07/22/nokia_manifesto_risku/
Interview: A couple of months ago, a book appeared in Finland which has become a minor sensation. In the book, a former senior Nokia executive gives his diagnosis of the company, and prescribes some radical and surprising solutions. Up until now, the book has not been covered at all in the English language. This is the first review of the proposals outlined in "Uusi Nokia" (New Nokia - the manuscript) and draws on three hours of interviews with its author, Juhani Risku. It’s very, very timely – and even if you don’t follow Nokia, mobile or telecomms it’s a fascinating exercise in business analysis and organisational studies. Enjoy. ... <Snip Rest but Read On at the Link> ###
- Eric -
Flashback to 2005: "The Man Behind Nokia's Comeback" [FORTUNE]
This article was published 14 months after NOK hit a multi-year low of $10.89. On the date of publication NOK shares closed on NYSE at $16.82. two years after publication NOK hit a 6 year high of $42.22, closing the year at $38.39, up 145% from the 2004 close of $15.67, and +253% from the August 2004 low..A Month later with OPK occupying the CEO's seat for 18 months, they posted their single best quarterly earnings report of the last decade, before beginning to feel the real impact of recession.
Things can change fast in a highly competitive industry.
>> The Man Behind Nokia's Comeback
Nelson D. Schwartz
FORTUNE Magazine
October 31, 2005
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2005/10/31/8359169/index.htm
The nokia 8800 is slim and sexy and can be opened with barely a flick of the wrist, thanks to ball bearings specially ordered from the same firm that supplies Porsche. But the $700 phone, which hits U.S. stores this month, is more than just the latest gotta-have-it gadget. It's also a symbol of the dramatic--and sudden-- design revolution that has pumped up Nokia's stock 25% in recent months, restored buzz to the world's largest mobile-phone maker, and enabled a taciturn lawyer-turned-tech-impresario named Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo to snare the company's top job as successor to larger-than-life CEO Jorma Ollila.
Nokia was in a vicious market-share free fall as recently as last year, prompting observers (including FORTUNE) to wonder if the Finnish firm had lost it. The charismatic Ollila may have been Europe's best-known high-tech CEO--to Finns, who regard Nokia with fervent national pride, he's something close to Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, and Jack Welch rolled into one--but his dowdy monoblock phones were a washout for consumers hungry for models that flip or swivel.
Enter Kallasvuo, known as "OPK" inside Nokia's ultramodern headquarters near Helsinki. The 25-year Nokia veteran is so unemotional, he can seem like an extra from an Ingmar Bergman movie. Yet since taking charge of the handset division in early 2004, he has unleashed a torrent of creativity, including at least 50 new models this year (phones featuring Carl Zeiss optics, easy-to-download music, and 3G capability are being rolled out just in time for the make-or-break Christmas season). Market share has rebounded smartly, from 29% last year to about 33%. Sanford Bernstein analyst Paul Sagawa predicts it could surpass 35% next year, adding $3 billion in revenues.
How'd he do it? Kallasvuo proudly calls himself a "pragmatist"; in other words, if customers want swivels, then give them swivels--and as quickly as possible. To make up for a shortage of flip phones, Kallasvuo turned to outside manufacturers in Taiwan, a step the company had been hesitant to take in the past. He encouraged his creative types to develop a wider range of styles--while sticking to Nokia's existing product platforms in order to restrain costs. And he pushed his customer-centric approach down through the ranks of the product developers. "We have become very agnostic when it comes to the form of our phones," says Kallasvuo.
Ollila's contract runs out in mid-2006, and despite entreaties from Nokia's board to stay on he says he's determined to retire after nearly 14 years as CEO. When it came time to recommend a successor earlier this year, Kallasvuo--who's previously been both CFO and head of the company's U.S. division--was his natural choice. "He was thrown into the water, and he didn't freeze," says Ollila. "He's a very matter-of-fact leader. I probably lead slightly more through people--he would lead more by numbers or facts."
For Kallasvuo, the biggest challenge will come from Asian competitors like Samsung, LG, and Sony Ericsson, which are aggressively going after the high-end phone market. U.S.-based Motorola, meanwhile, is making an aggressive and stylish push into the low-end market with affordable cousins to its popular RAZR. To counter those threats, Nokia is planning a series of splashy launches, rolling out the N80, a slimmer 3G version of its Transformer-like N series featuring high-quality video and music capability, in Barcelona next month. The company also plans a BlackBerry-like device early next year as part of its new E series, with a Qwerty keyboard and Wi-Fi capability. And there are new "fashion" phones on the way too, updating last season's popular 7280, which resembles a lipstick case. Although it's hard to see Kallasvuo using something as flamboyant as the lipstick phone (he prefers the new 8800), he's determined to keep expanding Nokia's range of offerings. As the ever-laconic "OPK" puts it, " 'Wow' is different for different people." ###
- Eric -
Nokia Conducting Search for New CEO? A Change by End of July? [WSJ]
Citing unnamed "people familiar with the situation" (?) and "one person familiar with the matter" (?) 2 journalists from The Wall Street Journal have written that Nokia is conducting a CEO search, sparking considerable speculation globally from the pulp press. There is one quote from one unnamed person in their article ...
"They are serious about making a change, ... [Nokia board members are] supposed to make a decision by the end of the month."
The journalists also state that "efforts to reach Nokia representatives in Finland were unsuccessful."
Supposedly and according to the journalists and their sources at least two people were flown into Espoo from the U.S. for interviews, and one of them turned the position down because "he didn't want to move to Finland."
Not to be outdone Reuters' Helsinki based correspondent, Tarmo Virki, after citing the WSJ article stated ...
"Two industry sources told Reuters on Tuesday that Nokia is now actively looking to recruit a replacement for Kallasvuo."
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE66J0MC20100720
In another article clipped below, Caroline Gabriel, who I consider to be one of the more responsible journalists covering mobile wireless sector questions "whether Nokia really needs a new CEO, or a new PR machine."
http://www.rethink-wireless.com/2010/07/20/nokia-looking-new-ceo.htm
>> Nokia Conducting Search for New CEO
Joann S. Lublin And Niraj Sheth
The Wall Street Journal
July 19, 2010
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703720504575377750449338786.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Mobile phone maker Nokia Corp. has launched a search for a new chief executive, people familiar with the situation said Monday.
The move comes as the current chief executive, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, struggles to find traction for the company in the market for high-end smartphones.
While Nokia continues to sell more cellphones than any other manufacturer, it has failed to keep up with advances by such rivals as Apple Inc. and makers of smartphones running Google Inc. operating software.
The Espoo, Finland, company's failure to get back in the race has taken a toll. Its stock rose eight cents to $8.82 in 4 p.m. New York Stock Exchange trading Monday but is off nearly 42% since April 19.
Laurie Armstrong, a U.S.-based spokeswoman for Nokia, said Monday the company wouldn't comment on speculation. Efforts to reach spokesmen in Finland were unsuccessful.
"They are serious about making a change," one person familiar with the matter said. Nokia board members are "supposed to make a decision by the end of the month,'' that person said.
The CEO of a major U.S. high-tech company recently spurned Nokia's approach after meeting with Chairman Jorma Ollila, because the candidate wasn't interested in moving to Finland, this person said. Nokia also has flown in at least one other U.S. based executive to interview for the CEO job, the person said.
Mr. Kallasvuo has held the CEO job since 2006, the year before Apple introduced the iPhone and roiled the market for mobile phones. The company has stumbled several times in its efforts to catch up.
In May, a month after Nokia posted weaker than expected earnings in the first quarter, the Finnish company reshuffled top management, replacing a key handset executive and creating a unit specially tasked with making smartphones. That same month, it said it would launch a new line of smartphones later in the year.
In mid-June, the company again lowered its profit outlook, citing among other factors "the competitive environment, particularly at the high-end of the market."
Analysts say Nokia needs to beef up its operating system software and cast of supporting applications developers to compete with the iPhone and Google's Android operating system.
The company had aimed to roll out a new version of its main Symbian operating system in the second quarter, but now isn't expected to release the software until later this summer. Meanwhile, it has decided to adopt a separate operating system, developed with Intel Corp. and called MeeGo, to power its high-end smartphones.
Worldwide, Nokia has a 40% market share of cell phones in use, with strong positions in Europe and developing countries like India. However, most of the phones Nokia sells in those markets are lower-priced models, limiting its profit margins.
In the third quarter last year, Apple overtook Nokia as the world's most profitable phone maker, booking $1.6 billion in profit on the iPhone in the quarter compared to Nokia's $1.1 billion, according to Strategy Analytics. Nokia made 108.5 million phones in that quarter, while Apple sold 7.4 million.
The company is scheduled to report earnings on Thursday. ###
>> Nokia Looking for New CEO?
Reports say the firm has mounted active search to replace Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo
Caroline Gabriel
Rethink Wireless
20 July, 2010
http://www.rethink-wireless.com/2010/07/20/nokia-looking-new-ceo.htm
Reports have resurfaced that Nokia is seeking a new CEO, as the markets become frustrated by the erosion of the company's handset market lead under current chief Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo. The Wall Street Journal reports that the Finnish giant is in talks with headhunters to find a new chief.
Nokia has seen its market value fall by two-thirds, or about €60bn ($77bn), since 2007, a period when the firm has failed to adjust to the second wave of the smartphone market, as defined by Apple and Android. The company is promising a fightback at the end of this year, with the launch of top end devices sporting the new Symbian^3 and MeeGo operating systems and a redesigned user interface. But investors are getting impatient at the wait for concrete results from Kallasvuo's strategy to turn Nokia into a mobile web services giant rather than a hardware driven company - a hugely ambitious plan, but one that was never going to deliver rapid results.
Kallasvuo's failure has not been the plan itself but the failure to inspire market confidence and encourage investors to give the strategy some time to work. In this, his performance has contrasted with that of predecessor Jorma Olilla, who achieved an even more dramatic refocusing when he exited all Nokia's wide range of businesses to focus only on mobile devices and infrastructure.
Although Nokia has held onto market share around 40% in smartphones, it has issued two profit warnings in the past three months and seen its stock fall by 25% this year alone. Its handset margins are now at 12%, sharply down from the 21% it achieved when it launched the first real smartphone, the N95. Having created the category, it has been slow to respond to changes in the format, especially on the user experience side, and has been forced to rely more heavily on its scale and legendary supply chain efficiencies to retain market share, but at the cost of profit margins. Nokia's share price has dropped to €6.83, from €20.81 when the first iPhone launched, and there is now the added competition from Android.
The question is, whether Nokia really needs a new CEO, or a new PR machine. Its mobile hardware credentials are hardly questioned, nor its extreme efficiency in execution and its powerful channels to market. But it is essential that it delivers an impressive new user interface, and even more importantly, a marketing campaign that genuinely captures the consumer and analyst imaginations. Kallasvuo, for all his experience and vision, is no Steve Jobs, capable of creating excitement about the slightest technical advance. If Nokia decides it needs a CEO who can get public opinion on its side, it will need to look outside the firm itself and break its usual habit of promoting its own veterans. ###
While the Nokia Board of Directors may indeed be vetting potential possible candidates for an eventual replacement of OPK -- a logical and probably necessary thing to do with disgruntled investors breathing down their necks -- I'm not sure I agree with Caroline's last sentence. I can think of at least two possible members of the current Nokia Executive Board (and resident Finns) who would be logical candidates in succession planning and two former members of that board deserving of consideration.
- Eric -
Introducing LightSquared ...
Their Website ...
http://www.LightSquared.com.
>> Introducing LightSquared: Revolutionizing the U.S. Wireless Industry
LightSquared Press Release
New York, N.Y.
July 20, 2010
http://lightsquared.com/press-room/press-releases/
News Highlights
* Nokia Siemens Networks signs an 8-year agreement worth $7 billion to deploy, install, operate, and maintain LightSquared network
* First-ever wholesale nationwide 4G-LTE wireless broadband network integrated with satellite coverage allows partners to offer terrestrial-only, satellite-only, or integrated satellite-terrestrial services to their end users.
* Telecommunications luminary Sanjiv Ahuja becomes Chairman and CEO, joined by a seasoned management team
* First truly open and net neutral wireless network spurring the development of new wireless devices, applications, and services
* Unique wholesale-only business model avoids conflict of interest with customers
* LightSquared is announcing up to $1.75 billion in additional debt and equity financing
* LightSquared network build-out anticipated to generate more than 100,000 direct and indirect private sector jobs within five years
Today marks the launch of LightSquared™, a new nationwide 4G-LTE wireless broadband network integrated with satellite coverage that will revolutionize communications in the United States. As the nation’s first wholesale-only integrated wireless broadband and satellite network, LightSquared will provide wireless broadband capacity to a diverse group of customers, including retailers; wireline and wireless communication service providers; cable operators; device manufacturers; web players; content providers; and many others. The LightSquared network will allow these partners to offer satellite-only, terrestrial-only, or integrated satellite-terrestrial services to their end users. This wholesale-only business model ensures LightSquared has no conflict of interest with its customers. LightSquared seeks to transform the wireless broadband industry to one that fosters innovation, creativity, and freedom of choice via the first truly open and net neutral wireless network.
The driving force behind LightSquared is Philip Falcone, founder and chief executive officer of Harbinger Capital Partners, who foresaw the explosive demand for wireless broadband connectivity generated by new devices and the mobile Internet. To meet this demand and make his plan a reality, Falcone made several investments through the Harbinger funds, including the acquisition of SkyTerra Communications, Inc., now part of LightSquared.
Falcone said, “The launch of LightSquared marks a significant milestone in the industry and for Harbinger. With a strong management team and a world-class partner to build and manage the network, the business is well positioned to capitalize on key trends; demand for wireless broadband is growing at a rapid pace and there is an increasing need for additional network capacity and reach. Importantly, LightSquared will also make a significant contribution to U.S. job growth and the economy.”
Falcone has partnered with telecommunications visionary Sanjiv Ahuja, who will lead the LightSquared team as chairman and chief executive officer. Ahuja brings a successful track record to the new company and will lead the development and nationwide rollout of its network. Ahuja was chief executive officer of the global telecom giant Orange Group from 2004 through 2007, during which Orange’s customer base grew from 48 million to more than 100 million subscribers globally.
“LightSquared will be a disruptive force in the U.S. wireless landscape by democratizing wireless broadband services,” said Ahuja. “We’re not only delivering exciting opportunities for manufacturers and retailers, but also real change for consumers, dealers, and service providers. We’re providing everyone, including underserved communities, with a fast, reliable experience regardless of where they are located in the United States. This network will return our country to its rightful position as a leader in wireless broadband technology and solidify its reputation as the center of global innovation.”
Partner Selected to Manage Network Deployment
Nokia Siemens Networks, a leading supplier of telecommunications equipment and services, has signed an 8-year agreement with LightSquared, subject to final approval by both the Nokia Siemens Networks and the LightSquared boards. The agreement represents more than $7 billion over 8 years, and includes network design, equipment manufacturing and installation, and network operations and maintenance. The nationwide LightSquared network, consisting of approximately 40,000 cellular base stations, will cover 92 percent of the U.S. population by 2015.
“Nokia Siemens Networks is proud to have been selected for the largest-ever outsourced deployment of a wireless network in the United States,” said Rajeev Suri, chief executive officer of Nokia Siemens Networks. “Our organization is prepared and ready to harness our global expertise to enable LightSquared to meet its aggressive rollout schedule.”
Spectrum Assets and Financing
LightSquared controls valuable high quality spectrum assets of 59 Mhz of nationwide spectrum in an advantageous frequency position.
In addition to the $2.9 billion of assets already contributed by Harbinger Capital Partners and affiliates, LightSquared is announcing additional debt and equity financing of up to $1.75 billion.
Management Team
Joining Ahuja on the LightSquared management team are several telecommunications industry veterans. Frank Boulben joins as LightSquared’s chief marketing officer and will oversee strategy, marketing, and partner development. Boulben was previously group commercial director at Vodafone and group chief marketing officer at Orange. He also served on the Board of the GSMA from 2004 to 2006 and was chairman of the Board Strategy Committee. Serving as LightSquared’s general counsel is Curtis Lu, former senior vice president, deputy general counsel, and chief ethics and compliance officer for Time Warner.
Drew Caplan, formerly SkyTerra’s chief network officer, will continue to serve in this capacity for LightSquared. A 25-year veteran of the telecommunications industry, Caplan founded and led Nextel Communications’ national engineering organization, where he was responsible for development, engineering, planning, and deployment of new technologies, products, and services.
Jeff Carlisle will serve as LightSquared’s executive vice president for Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy. Carlisle, who previously served as vice president of Regulatory Affairs for SkyTerra, is responsible for all domestic and international regulatory and policy matters including those at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Congress, the Executive Branch, the ITU, and in foreign markets.
With official appointment set to commence in fall of 2010, LightSquared’s executive management team will also include Martin Harriman as executive vice president of Ecosystem Development and Satellite Business. Harriman will oversee satellite engineering, devices, chipset development, service applications, and partner solutions. Harriman has previously served in senior management positions with Ericsson and was the chief marketing officer of Marconi. Since the first quarter of 2010, Harriman has been acting as an advisor to Harbinger Global Wireless.
Steve Olive will serve as the chief administrative officer and will be responsible for LightSquared’s human resources, procurement, facility management, and internal communications functions. Olive previously served in senior executive positions with France Telecom and for Orange. Since the first quarter of 2010, Olive has been acting as an advisor to Harbinger Global Wireless. Olive’s appointment is also slated to begin in fall of 2010.
Doug Smith will serve as senior vice president, Engineering and Operations for LightSquared and will be responsible for the company’s network design, deployment, and operations. Before joining LightSquared, Smith was senior vice president, Engineering and Operations for Clearwire and has also held senior technical and operations positions at Sprint Nextel and Nextel.
Jeff Snyder will serve as LightSquared’s senior vice president, Satellite Engineering and Operations. Snyder, who previously served as group vice president, Satellite Engineering and Operations for SkyTerra Communications, will be responsible for the management of the procurement, construction, launch, testing, and operation of LightSquared’s next generation satellite network and spacecraft. He previously served as senior vice president for Space and Ground Systems at XM Satellite Radio and prior to that as vice president of Space Systems for Worldspace Corporation.
Dion Oglesby will serve as interim chief financial officer for LightSquared. Oglesby has more than 15 years of experience in restructuring, investment banking, and lending, including as vice president in the High Yield Capital Markets Group of Credit Suisse First Boston.
Impact on Economy and Society
The LightSquared network build-out is anticipated to generate more than 100,000 direct and indirect private sector jobs over the next five years through the build-out, administration, and utilization of the network. As stated in the FCC’s National Broadband Plan, “Broadband can and must serve as a foundation for long-term economic growth, ongoing investment, and enduring job creation.” The LightSquared network will demonstrate the reality of that policy goal.
Building on SkyTerra’s record of public safety services support, LightSquared will continue developing reliable and affordable solutions using its integrated 4G-LTE satellite network.
“LightSquared will help solve some of the communications and public safety issues we’ve seen during recent national disasters, as well as provide connectivity in rural markets where there is currently no reliable wireless communication,” said Ahuja. “By using satellite coverage, we can ensure constant connectivity, even if the terrestrial network is not available.”
About LightSquared
LightSquared’s mission is to revolutionize the U.S. wireless industry. Through the creation of the first-ever wholesale-only nationwide 4G-LTE network complemented by satellite coverage, LightSquared offers people the speed, value, and reliability of universal broadband connectivity, wherever they are in the United States. Through its wholesale-only business model, those without their own wireless network or who have limited geographic coverage or spectrum can develop and sell their own devices, applications, and services using LightSquared’s open 4G network—at a competitive cost and without retail competition from LightSquared.
For further information about LightSquared, please go to www.LightSquared.com ###
- Eric -
The $7 Billion 8 year NSN Harbinger Venture "LightSquared" Carrier's Carrier LTE Deal ...
... has some attendant risk. Hopefully LightSquared suceeds.
• Harbinger Harbinger Capital Partners has released details about its plan to build out a nationwide LTE network (LightSquared) under a wholesale model selling to wireless operators and other companies that want to offer branded wireless service,
• LightSquared plans to build about 40,000 base stations to cover 92% of the population by 2015 using the 30 megahertz of spectrum it acquired from SkyTerra earlier this year..
>> Harbinger Venture Signs NSN in $7B Outsourcing Deal
Plans to offer wireless broadband means 100k jobs, hope for rural operators
Tracy Ford
RCR Wireless News
July 20 2010
http://www.rcrwireless.com/article/20100720/CARRIERS/100729993/harbinger-venture-signs-nsn-in-7b-outsourcing-deal
Fresh off its agreement to buy Motorola Inc.'s networks business, Nokia Siemens Networks said it will build Harbinger Capital Partners' LTE network in an eight-year deal valued at $7 billion, marking NSN's biggest North American contract and the largest outsourcing deal in the United States.
Harbinger, meanwhile, released more details about its plan to build out a nationwide LTE network under a wholesale model, selling to wireless operators and other companies that want to offer branded wireless service. The company said it is launching LightSquared and announced it management team, led by former Orange executive Sanjiv Ahuja, who will become chairman and CEO.
“As the nation's first wholesale-only integrated wireless broadband and satellite network, LightSquared will provide wireless broadband capacity to a diverse group of customers, including retailers; wireline and wireless communication service providers; cable operators; device manufacturers; web players; content providers; and many others,” the company said in a press release. “The LightSquared network will allow these partners to offer satellite-only, terrestrial-only, or integrated satellite-terrestrial services to their end users. This wholesale-only business model ensures LightSquared has no conflict of interest with its customers. LightSquared seeks to transform the wireless broadband industry to one that fosters innovation, creativity, and freedom of choice via the first truly open and net neutral wireless network.”
The concept of being a carrier's carrier is not new, but has yet to be wildly successful. Perhaps the most famous example is NextWave Telecom Inc., which bought PCS licenses in the 1990s only to find it couldn't pay the government for the spectrum. Ultimately, a Supreme Court battle ensued, and in the end, the court ruled in favor of NextWave against the Federal Communications Commission over the nonpayment. NextWave shareholders made out nicely once NextWave sold the majority of its licenses to Verizon Wireless – but the model of a carrier selling wholesale services to other carriers was never realized. However, times change and the LightSquared concept is seen as a way for smaller and rural providers, as well as wireline operators without spectrum, to continue to offer next-generation services without having to make significant investments in technology. Further, LightSquared has been mentioned as a way for T-Mobile USA Inc., which doesn't have enough spectrum to be able to offer LTE service, to get in the 4G game.
Harbinger background
Harbinger Capital Partners closed on its acquisition of SkyTerra Communications Inc. earlier this year. The $1.8 billion deal included stipulations that Harbinger use the 30 megahertz of spectrum it acquired in the deal to build out a nationwide cellular network to supplement the satellite-based services being offered by SkyTerra. The satellite phone industry has had a rocky past littered with spectacular flame outs and heated court battles that resulted in significant consolidation amongst the players. However, the U.S. government has been a broad supporter of the industry following the aftermath of terrorist attacks and natural disasters that highlighted the vulnerability of traditional cellular networks.
The FCC also has been keen on Harbinger as a way to bring more competition to an increasingly consolidated U.S. wireless market dominated by Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility.
LightSquared also said that in addition to the $2.9 billion of assets already contributed by Harbinger Capital Partners and affiliates, LightSquared has available additional debt and equity financing of up to $1.75 billion.
Next challenges
“With LightSquared, Harbinger has effectively thrown down the gauntlet and declared that the MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) model is showing renewed signs of life,” said Ken Hays, partner at global management consulting firm PRTM. “LightSquared could provide a renewed opportunity for retailers and major brands such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Office Depot to enter the wireless market as service providers to consumers. Harbinger has the opportunity to build an organization and operations from scratch, giving them a potential leg up on other operators who have to deal with decades of legacy networks and systems.”
Hays said LightSquared's challenge will be to get key tenants and to operate profitably as a wholesale service. Another challenge for the company will be to get hybrid satellite-terrestrial handsets made at a reasonable cost. Hays said he expects Harbinger to address that issue next.
Employment opportunities, the NSN deal
LightSquared said it expects its buildout to generate more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next five years.
NSN now has trumped rival infrastructure provider L.M. Ericsson, which has a $5 billion outsourcing deal to manage the Sprint Nextel Corp. network. However, the boards and NSN and LightSquared both have to approve the deal before it is completed. LightSquared said it plans to build about 40,000 base stations to cover 92% of the population by 2015, which is good news for tower companies. ###
>> Nokia Siemens to Build $7 Billion U.S. Network
The Wall Street Journal
Gustav Sandstrom
July 20, 2010
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703724104575379053715371696.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Nokia Siemens Networks won a $7 billion contract to deploy and maintain a new U.S. mobile broadband network, cementing its presence in the North American market a day after agreeing to buy the majority of Motorola Inc.'s network-equipment business.
Newly formed telecom venture LightSquared, which is backed by New York-based hedge fund Harbinger Capital Partners, said that under the eight-year contract Nokia Siemens will roll out a fourth-generation network with around 40,000 base stations that will cover 92% of the U.S. population by 2015.
LightSquared, however, faces significant financial, regulatory and competitive hurdles in creating and launching its service. LightSquared plans to sell space on its network on a wholesale basis to retailers, cable companies and other telecom service providers. The company announced up to $1.75 billion in debt and equity financing, but additional funding will be needed.
"We believe that, if successful, this is only the first of many financings the company will need," said Philip Cusick, an analyst at Macquarie Securities. He said it might be "a mistake" to invest billions of dollars in a new wireless network in the already highly competitive U.S. market.
LightSquared, which will be headed by Chief Executive Sanjiv Ahuja, uses a risky and expensive plan involving launching two satellites to communicate with the network of base stations on the ground. It will run a fourth-generation, or 4G, network using a technology standard called Long-Term Evolution. Verizon Wireless, a joint venture between Verizon Communications Inc. and Vodafone Group PLC, plans to launch its own LTE network later this year.
Pressure also is mounting on Harbinger Capital Partners to show more progress. The four-year-old plan is underpinned by Harbinger's controlling stake in satellite-telecom company SkyTerra Communications Inc., which estimated in a recent earnings presentation that it would need to come up with about $211 million for the third quarter to cover costs related to the development of the network. Expenses include insurance for a satellite launch and development of wireless base stations.
In addition, the Federal Communications Commission set benchmark requirements for access to wireless spectrum when it approved Harbinger's acquisition of SkyTerra and its licenses in March. According to one condition, Harbinger must build out its network to provide coverage to at least 100 million people in the U.S. by the end of 2012, 145 million people by the end of 2013, and 260 million people by the end of 2015.
The LightSquared deal adds further momentum to Nokia Siemens' push into the U.S. market after the company Monday said it had agreed to pay $1.2 billion for the majority of Motorola's network equipment business in the country. ###
- Eric -
CDMA, cdma2000, CDMA2000, and GSM/3GSM HEDGE
Hi Ricardo,
<< Eric my point was the IPhone 4 should not be listed as a GSM phone. >>
Do you prefer 3GSM?
How about HEDGE?
You seem to be emotionally attached to this 'cdma' thingie, so you can call it whatever you like to reduce stress, but others (including Steve Jobs) can call it whatever they please since there is no CDMA variant yet and Apple is currently selling into the GSM/3GSM ecosystem of network operators and distributors only.
<< It is clearly WCDMA with backwards compatibility to older and less good technology. >>
It is clearly HSPA, but unlike CDMA2000 it integrates WCDMA CS voice and data (as well as packet data) with high speed packet data in the same carrier and allows simultaneous transmission of voice and data.
Strictly speaking it is not "backwards compatible" with 2G/2.5G GSM/GPRS/EGPRS but multimode handsets enable seamless voice and data handover between GSM and 3GSM access modes. Of course strictly speaking CDMA2000 HRPD (EV-DO is not backwards compatible to cdma2000 1xEV-DO (which IS backward compatible to IS-95 cdmaOne) and multimode handsets and utilize hybrid handoff to enable the handover. One of these days we'll see 1x Advanced and SVDO allowing simultaneous CS voice and HRPD packet data service,
<< I'll leave it to the experts about whether or not is costlier to make the phone backwards compatible with GSM >>.
Find yourself an expert but once R&D for developing and integrating the GSM and 3GSM protocol stacks is amortized out, it simply isn't and every 3GSM SoC today regardless of process geometry includes the GSM stack, although sometimes its a separate die in a single package. Infineon's original GSM/3GSM baseband for Apple was, and it may still be. Qualcomm's may still be also. I haven't paid much attention in the last year or so.
<< I knew several people who had the I Phone 3 and went to Verizon due to dropped calls and inability to make calls while standing next to a Verizon user who had no trouble. >>
That would be at least partially a function of geographic locale and how well AT&T Mobility's (GSM and) 3GSM network is built out and optimized in that particular locale (v. Verizon's 1xRTT network if you are talking voice calls), and it also could be a function of the phone's RF capabilities. Some 3GSM phones have better RF than iPhone 3G including the iPhone 3GS. I'm a 19 year customer of Verizon Wireless (via BAM and BAM-NYNEX) dating back to the AMPS car phone days and I've used 'tri-mode) AMPS/CDMA since April 1997, a month after the QCP-800 was released here (and its price dropped $100 cause it didn't sell at $399). I don't suffer dropped calls anywhere in my residence or attached office or many places I travel in the quad-state area, but then again I don't suffer dropped calls here on my unlocked Nokia N86 smartphone on AT&T Mobility either and get great voice quality as well. AT&T Mobility is very well built out and optimized in both 850 & 1900 MHz (GSM) and 850 MHz and 2.1 GHz (3GSM) here. Sprint in 1900 MHz a different story here, and same with T-Mobile USA where I have fringe coverage. One half mile closer to the local university's campus both Sprint and T-Mobile provide stronger signal and better 1900 MHz penetration and both work exceptionally well on the nearby stretch of I-95 (2 miles from here) which angles across the top of our state from MD to PA.
Best thing about Apple's GSM or GSM/3GSM HEDGE iPhones is they did wonders for the share price of APPL.
Cheers,
- Eriq -
Jorma Ollila ...
ur3sons,
<< Jorma Olilla who moved on to Chairman of the [Nokia] Board >>
At age 59, Jorma is also the COB of the 2nd largest corporation in the world -- Royal Dutch Shell (Shell), and no, he doesn't run Electrolux.
- Eric -
Motorola Spinco ...
<< Isn't Motorola still going to make phones. >>
Yes after Moto's spinoff and IPO of Spinco, Motorola Mobility will provide "mobile solutions" -- mobile devices, software and services -- and Dr. Sanjay Jha, Spinco's CEO will collect a huge bonus.
- Eric -
IP and Signing Moto ...
<< ... so much for getting MOT signed, LOL ... Why does that sound like a stupid thing to say? Because they still make phones. This was a sale of their network division not their mobile phone unit. >>
I just listened to the webcasted Moto/NSN CC with Greg Brown, Co-CEO of Moto and Rajeev Suri, CEO of NSN.Greg clarified that little IP transfers to Nokia. Moto retains it. NSN, however,obtains what appears to be a royalty free cross license for that IP that Moto retains to complement their own declared 3GPP2 CDMA essential IP (with relatively little of that on the network side).
- Eric -
The Webcasted NSN/Moto Conference Call ...
The 30 minute webcast with Greg Brown, Co-CEO of Moto and Rajeev Suri, CEO of NSN was interesting and informative. A replay will be available in approximately 3 hours at ...
http://www.motorola.com/investor
One takeaway: Nokia gains Japan's KDDI as a CDMA2000 customer. In addition to strengthening NSN's presence with key mobile wireless and optical network operators in China and the US it appears to me that in light of the recent Renesas deal Nokia is probably planning to once again reestablish a presence in Japan where they have had relatively little success in the past.
Another takeaway: Little IP transfers to Nokia. Moto retains it. However Nokia obtains what appears to be a royalty free cross license for that IP that Moto retains to complement their own declared 3GPP2 CDMA essential IP (with relatively little of that on the network side).
- Eric -
NSN to Buy Moto's Network Infra Assets
Conference Call and Webcast: Nokia Siemens Networks and Motorola will host a conference call for media beginning at 10:30 a.m. (U.S. Eastern Time) on Monday, July 19. The conference call will be webcast live with audio at http://www.motorola.com/investor
>> Nokia Siemens Networks to Acquire Certain Wireless Network Infrastructure Assets of Motorola For Usd 1.2 Billion
Nokia and Motorola Press Release
Espoo, Finland; Schaumburg, Illinois, USA
July 19, 2010
http://www.nokia.com/press/press-releases/showpressrelease?newsid=1432453
• Transaction expected to significantly strengthen Nokia Siemens Networks' presence globally, particularly in the United States and Japan.
• Nokia Siemens Networks targeting to gain incumbent relationships with more than 50 operators and strengthen relationships with others.
• Acquisition to enhance position of Nokia Siemens Networks in key wireless technologies; will give company large global footprint in CDMA.
• Motorola retains the iDEN business, substantially all the patents related to its wireless network infrastructure business, and other selected assets.
• The companies expect to complete closing activities by the end of 2010.
Nokia Siemens Networks and Motorola, Inc. today jointly announced that the companies have entered into an agreement under which Nokia Siemens Networks will acquire the majority of Motorola's wireless network infrastructure assets for USD 1.2 billion in cash. The companies expect to complete closing activities by the end of 2010, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals.
"This is an exciting acquisition that I believe has significant benefits for customers, employees and our shareholders," said Rajeev Suri, Chief Executive Officer of Nokia Siemens Networks. "Motorola's current customers will continue to get world-class support for their installed base and a clear path for transitioning to next generation technologies while employees will join an industry leader with global scale and reach. Nokia Siemens Networks will see the benefits of a deal that is expected to enhance profitability and cash-flow and to have significant upside potential."
"Motorola is very proud of the operational and financial performance of our Networks business and its employees, who will now become a valuable addition to Nokia Siemens Networks. We are excited to have reached this agreement to combine our Networks team with such an industry leader," said Greg Brown, Co-CEO of Motorola. "This is great news for our customers, our investors and our people and will allow us to sharpen our strategic focus on providing mission and business critical solutions for our government, public safety, and enterprise customers."
As part of the transaction, Nokia Siemens Networks expects to gain incumbent relationships with more than 50 operators and to strengthen its position with China Mobile, Clearwire, KDDI, Sprint, Verizon Wireless and Vodafone.
"We are pleased to be able to add new relationships with some customers, and reinforce our position with others," said Suri. "I believe the addition of Motorola's Networks business will significantly strengthen our worldwide presence, enhance our scale in the United States, Japan and other priority regions and reinforce our leadership position in the global wireless sector."
"Verizon views today's announcement as good news for the global wireless industry," said Richard J. Lynch, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Verizon. "This deal brings together two important Verizon suppliers; we look forward to our continuing work with Nokia Siemens Networks."
Nokia Siemens Networks expects that based on revenue, with the addition of the Motorola wireless network infrastructure business, it will become the #3 wireless infrastructure vendor in the United States, the #1 foreign wireless vendor in Japan, and strengthen its current #2 position in the global infrastructure segment.
Motorola's networks infrastructure business provides products and services for wireless networks, including GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, WiMAX and LTE. This business is a market leader in WiMAX, with 41 contracts in 21 countries; has a strong global footprint in CDMA with 30 active networks in 22 countries; and a robust GSM installed base, with more than 80 active networks in 66 countries; and excellent traction with LTE early adopters.
"As customers look to transition from CDMA networks to next generation technologies, the addition of the Motorola wireless network infrastructure business is targeted to ensure that we are well placed to meet those needs," said Bosco Novak, head of Customer Operations at Nokia Siemens Networks. "Together, we will utilize the combined strength of Nokia Siemens Networks' TD-LTE solutions and Motorola's WiMAX and LTE businesses, to better meet customers' evolving technology and business needs."
Approximately 7,500 employees are expected to transfer to Nokia Siemens Networks from Motorola's wireless network infrastructure business when the transaction closes, including large research and development sites in the United States, China and India. Motorola retains the iDEN business, substantially all the patents related to its wireless network infrastructure business and other selected assets.
The companies expect to complete closing activities by the end of 2010 and therefore do not expect the transaction to have any impact on Nokia Siemens Networks' financial performance in 2010.
Nokia Siemens Networks and Motorola also are exploring a global relationship in the public safety arena. This relationship would combine Motorola's leadership in providing solutions to public safety organizations with Nokia Siemens Networks' commercial LTE solutions.
About Nokia Siemens Networks
Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of telecommunications services. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company provides a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services. It is one of the largest telecommunications hardware, software and professional services companies in the world. Operating in 150 countries, its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland. http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com
About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications and is focused on advancing the way the world connects. From broadband communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility and public safety solutions to mobile and wireline digital communication devices that provide compelling experiences, Motorola is leading the next wave of innovations that enable people, enterprises and governments to be more connected and more mobile. Motorola (NYSE: MOT) had sales of US $22 billion in 2009. For more information, please visit http://www.motorola.com ###
- Eric -
Early Symbian^4 Homescreen Screenshots
The source code for the Symbian^4 Homescreen application using the Qt for Windows 4.6.3 SDK is available in Symbian Foundation's Mercurial repositary.
>> New Pictures of The Symbian^4 Homescreen Surface
Vlad Bobleanta
Unwired View
16 July 10
http://www.unwiredview.com/2010/07/16/new-pictures-of-the-symbian4-homescreen-surface/
In the past, we’ve seen some demo videos of the new UI in Symbian^4, there was also Nokia’s UI concept proposal before that, and now new pictures of the Symbian^4 homescreen have surfaced on the Symbian Developer Wiki.These are built in an emulator, using the Qt for Windows SDK. Symbian^4 will feature a complete Qt-based UI redesign compared to its predecessors (such as Symbian^3 powering the upcoming Nokia N8).
There are clear similarities between these screenshots and the previously released videos and pictures. However, the signal bars and battery indicator have moved to a slim top bar that wasn’t there before, and their place in the left side of the main bar was taken by a drop-down menu arrow. On the right of the main bar there seems to be an Application Menu launcher button, and the central drop-down options menu idea was kept:
The now extensively-used ‘dots’ that show you which homescreen you’re on also appear at the bottom of the homescreen, which is otherwise empty of any controls.
Here we have a pop-up menu example. You invoke this by long-pressing the screen:
Also available are a few other screenshots, that show applications grouped by category, an application search app, and how choosing your background image looks. Here they are:
While Symbian^4 is still in development, and a number of things could change before it launches, it may be safe to claim that the release version will feature a homescreen design if not identical, then at least very similar to what you see here. Symbian^4 should be finished by the end of this year and devices running it are expected in the first half of 2011.
As for the actual usability, or user-friendliness of the new design, I think we have to wait for actual devices to get an idea. There are certainly enough differences between the UI here and Symbian^3 or Symbian^1, that at least have the potential to silence all the outspoken critics of Symbian. However, by Q2 2011 (when I’m betting the first Symbian^4 device will come to market), Symbian’s main competitor, Android, may have changed substantially, UI-wise, from what it is today, if rumors are to be believed, so it’s impossible at this point to paint a picture of what the mobile landscape will look like when Symbian^4 finally launches. So, in short, what you see here will not change your life tomorrow, or even next month. But it may end up in your pocket in 2011. ###
- Eric -
Voice (and Data) Quality and Reception ...
Yo Clarkie.
<< What did you think of Nokia crowing about their antenna prowess? Kind of seemed like a shot from the smartphone bleachers... >>
The responses to Steve Jobs' malarky of yesterday from RIMs Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, Moto's Sanjay Jha, and from Nokia were not only appropriate but called for under the circumstances.
Nokia is THE acknowledged leader in mobile antenna design and implementation -- not only for the mobile WAN but also for the WiFi LAN, and Bluetooth PLAN.
There are many reasons why Nokia is the global market leader in mobile phones: in entry level phones; in feature phones, in smartphones, and in 3GSM UMTS WCDMA/HSPA/HSPA+ multimode phones. One of those reasons is that they consistently deliver superior quality voice (and data) quality and RF reception (the capability to capture and hold a signal) across their model ranges. Rather obviously that requires more than antenna design and placement at which Nokia excels but also the combination of multiple antennae arrays codec design and implementation, RF silicon, microphone and speaker design and placement, and optimization of the combination of those in firmware.
Your recent comment here commenting on Nokia's statements on antenna design: "we prioritize antenna performance over physical design if they are ever in conflict" etc ... .
Nokia is really getting desperate. This announcement is like the Baltimore Orioles announcing that despite that current standings, they are happy with the teams effort. Who cares???? ...
... was hilarious. "Who cares?" Mobile phone users that value consistently good voice and data quality and reception across a networks footprint regardless of access mode iand RTT n play. IOW, the experienced buyer of a mobile device, that's all.
Cheers,
- Eric -
Reactions to Steve Jobs Handling of "Antennagate" ...
>> Reactions to Steve Jobs' Performance
A sampling of opinions -- the good, the bad and the ugly
Philip Elmer-DeWitt
Fortune
July 17, 2010
http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/07/17/reactions-to-steve-jobs-performance/
Given how much attention Apple (AAPL) was getting before Steve Jobs' "Antennagate" press conference Friday -- CNBC greeted it with a countdown clock and eight simultaneous talking heads -- it's not surprising that his performance got widely reviewed. We counted 131 headlines on Techmeme Saturday morning, not including the 52 links to live blogs of the event.
Reactions were predictably mixed. The analysts were pleased. The competition was miffed. The press was snarky. The bloggers were all over the lot. And Consumer Reports? Well, see for yourself.
The Analysts:
"Apple needed to address their loyalists and those prospective buyers who have been sitting on the fence in lieu of the noise about 'antennagate.' We think he did both." [Forrester's Charles Golvin]
"We see Apple's decision to offer free cases to all iPhone 4 buyers as a best-case scenario for the company, because we believe the company adequately proved the antenna issue is an industry-wide problem and the case solution is of minimal cost to Apple." [Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster]
"Apple's announcement today was well handled, balanced possible cost and disruption against customer satisfaction. The fix however may not go far enough for some, possibly sustaining near term reputational risk." [RBC Capital's Mike Abramsky]
"The event should serve to limit (though unlikely to quash altogether) negative press + consumer perception of the quality of iPhone 4. Apple did leave some unanswered questions, such as providing a definitive answer on whether a full software/hardware fix is likely in the next several months (which we believe is a possibility)." [Morgan Stanley's Katy Huberty]
The Press
"Many expected a mea culpa from Steven P. Jobs, Apple's chief executive. Instead, he turned the iPhone 4's antenna problems into a marketing event." [New York Times' Michael Helft]
"Chief Executive Steve Jobs defended Apple Inc.'s newest iPhone against complaints that it has a flawed antenna design, arguing that all smartphones have reception problems and saying the issue has been blown out of proportion." [Wall St. Journal's Geoffrey Fowler, Ian Sherr and Niraj Sheth]
"That was the right thing to do, but doing the right thing sort of got lost in Jobs' 15 minutes of justifying the reception issues." [Infoworld's Galen Gruman]
"While Apple can be applauded for addressing the problem, the tone of its response reeked of arrogance, with Jobs saying the issue had been 'blown out of proportion' by the media. As many analysts predicted, consumers wound up with a rubber bumper, and a half-baked apology. But knowing the reverence many people feel for all things Apple, Jobs probably thinks that's going to shut most of them up." [MarketWatch's Therese Poletti]
The Competition:
"Apple's attempt to draw RIM into Apple's self-made debacle is unacceptable. Apple's claims about RIM products appear to be deliberate attempts to distort the public's understanding of an antenna design issue and to deflect attention from Apple's difficult situation." [Research in Motion's Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie]
"It is disingenuous to suggest that all phones perform equally. In our own testing we have found that Droid X performs much better than iPhone 4 when held by consumers." [Motorola's Sanjay Jha]
"In general, antenna performance of a mobile device/phone may be affected with a tight grip, depending on how the device is held. That's why Nokia designs our phones to ensure acceptable performance in all real life cases, for example when the phone is held in either hand." [Nokia press release]
The Bloggers:
"That thunk you heard was the iPhone falling off its pedestal." [PaidContent's Tricia Duryee]
"Apple's not really ready to say it's sorry about the iPhone 4 antenna design, but it is willing to give all you darn squeaky wheels free cases for your trouble." [Engadget's Paul Miller]
"We called Apple's iPhone bumpers a ripoff at $30, but it's hard to argue with free. Those of us on staff who already have bumpers plan to apply for the refund." [Ars Technica's Jacqui Cheng]
"I had a theory about today's Apple iPhone 4 Press Extravagana. Apple was just too eager to get all the press that cares about Apple stuff into one room at the same time on one day's notice. They were either going to (1) get Steve Jobs to hypnotize everyone with a reality distortion field "there is no problem" and have them walk out dazed and confused but with vague warm feelings towards Apple. Or (2) they gathered all the press to one place to simply kill them. It was 50/50 in my book. Apple went with no. 1, probably based on a coin flip." [TechCrunch's Michael Arrington]
"In the end, it doesn't really matter: however begrudgingly (and some of his points are quite valid), Jobs made the right decision for Apple, its employees, its shareholders, and its customers in taking the hit and moving on." [CNET's Tom Krazit]
Consumer Reports:
"Consumer Reports believes Apple's offer of free cases is a good first step. However, Apple has indicated that this is not a long-term solution, it has guaranteed the offer only through September 30th, and has not extended it unequivocally to customers who bought cases from third-party vendors. We look forward to a long-term fix from Apple. As things currently stand, the iPhone 4 is still not one of our Recommended models." [CR's Paul Reynolds] ###
- Eric -
Protocol Stacks for iPhone ...
Ricardo,
<< Wow i didn't know the IPhone has all those other chips in it for GSM Edge etc. >>
No "other" C-Processor modem chips are involved. The layers of the GSM/3GSM protocol stack used in iPhones are on a single baseband chip from Infineon. Same as they are on a Qualcomm GSM/3GSM HEDGE MSM or GSM/3GSM HEDGE QSD. They support GSM, GPRS, EDGE, WCDMA and HSPA. The iPhone does of course use Apple's own A-Processor fabricated for them by Samsung. It's a custom version of essentially the same A-Processor Samsung is using for its Android 2.1 Galaxy S smartphones for AT&T. Sprint, T-Mobile USA, US Cellular, and Verizon. Presumably the basebands are from Qualcomm for both the CDNA or HSPA versions.
<< It must add to the cost to put al those other capabilities in. >>
There is (was) an R&D cost to master and develop the stack. Beyond that no real cost adder to implement. Basebands are commodities. Of course CDSMA basebands are expensive commodities because Qualcomm has the market cornered and i you buy the baseband you buy an integrated A-processor as well, whether you use it or not.
<< I guess that;s because AT&T is still not 3g in a lot of areas which helps explain the poorer reception they get. >>
2.5G GSM/EDGE provides good circuit switched (CS) voice and packet data (PS) data service nationwide for AT&T Mobility and it provides fallback for areas where 3G WCDMA/HSPA is not covered or covered well particularly under peak load and heavy packet data demand.
<< I imagine that with just a #g cdma from Q it would be less costly to make, but perhaps they wil also have 2G cdm,a in the I phone for Verizon, >>
Any baseband IC Apple sources from Qualcomm for Verizon (should they source such a beast) will need 1xRTT and HRPD (1xEV-DO) capability and IS-95 A/B cdmaOne will no doubt be part of the stack
Verizon has very little 2G IS-95 cdmaOne remaining. They have 2.5G (ersatz 3G) cdma2000 R'0 1xRTT for CS voice and some relatively inefficient PS data service but PS data services are provided primarily by much more efficient CDMA2000 HRPD (1xEV-DO) R'A with each utilized in separate 1.25 MHz network carriers. Regardless, its just a single multilayer protocol stack on a single chip.
<< Still a lot les than At&T. >>
Not in any way that matters.
Cheers,
- Eric -
Steve Jobs, IMJ, and Other Knowledgeable People (II) ...
"THEY think its GSM but its REALLY CDMA." -- Dr. Irwin Mark Jacobs --
I guess reasonable knowledgeable people can differ.
Turns out THEY significantly outnumber others, and THEY are evolving the GSM platform by flattening the core networks architecture (SAE) and will be evolving to OFDM/OFDMA based access modes (LTE) and Qualcomm is now a THEY.
Hi Rich,
<< Well Eric I somewhat disagree with you. >>
T'is always your option to do so, but I submit that it doesn't take a great deal of "knowledge" and one need not be a rocket scientist to differentiate synchronous 1xRTT CDMA with its unintegrated DO CDM/TDM EV (Evolution) RTT in separate 1.25 MHz carriers from asynchronous WCDMA with its integrated HSPA CDM/TDM extensions.
<< Although you are correct that the original I-Phone was 2G tech and GSM, you have somewhat glossed over the fact that subsequent models incorporated WCDMA---which also by any definition incorporates Q's CDMA technology and there is no doubt that it is subject to royalties payable to Q. >>
I do not recall glossing over the fact that the iPhone from the '3G' version forward incorporated 3GPP's UTRA-FDD Wideband CDMA (The ITU's IMT-2000 DS) with its HSPA extensions for integrated asynchronous circuit switched voice and packet switched data services in a single 5 MHz carrier, and briefly described the fact thus ...
"AT&T Mobility has deployed nationwide 2.5G GSM EDGE network in 850/1900 MHz and overlaid 3G/3.5G WCDMA with its HSPA extensions in 2.1 GHz and 850 MHz on their evolved GSM core network (CN). Apples iPhone 3G, 3GS, and 4, all feature multi-mode quad-band GSM/EGPRS (EDGE) with tri-band WCDMA/HSPA or penta-band WCDMA/HSPA in the iPhone 4."
The last 3 generations of iPhone are multimode EDGE/HSPA, and while some "knowledgeable people" refer to the primary 3G access mode as WCDMA (NOT CDMA with which it's seldom confused outside of Qualcomm circles) many refer to the RTTs by their high order (i.e.. not GPRS and not WCDMA in this case) although the EDGE/HSPA (or simply HSPA or HSPA+) baseband's protocol stack incorporates several lower order RTTs allowing these HSPA iPhones to communicate on 2G and/or 2.5G GSM mobile wireless networks in every country in the world (although some non-technical commercial issues are in play in that regard -- carrier locked/unlocked, roaming agreements, etc.), and today with iPhone 4 on 3G WCDMA (with 3.5G HSPDA/HSUPA) networks in almost all of them although in many 3GSM coverage is still limited to urban/suburban areas.
If rumors are to be believed one of these months or years an iPhone might incorporate CDMA, and Qualcomm might contribute a CDMA (CDMA2000) baseband ASSP but today's iPhones do not and they are used exclusively on networks operated by GSMA members.
3GPP R'99 forward WCDMA "by any definition incorporates Q's" 'cdma' technology elements AND by "any definition" it also incorporates 3GSM CN and WCDMA RAN technology contributed by DoCoMo, Ericsson, Fujitsu, InterDigital, Motorola, NEC, Nokia, Siemens and many others. There is little doubt that the major contributors are all entitled to royalties payable to them, and require a license from them or more typically a cross license which may or may not be royalty bearing, and their net royalty inflow usually does not totally offset outflow for subscriber equipment.
In the 1st 4¾ years of FDD WCDMA development and standardization which started in Japan's ATIS in early '97 after several years of early development on the test beds of Europe and Japan and in Europe's ETSI in early '98 before formation of 3GPP at '98 end, Qualcomm actively contributed virtually nothing to its development and its standardization process and they declared no specific essential IP to the interoperability technology or standard.
The good news is that in mid-2001 Qualcomm committed resources to the ETSI/3GPP process, and today in addition to being a very active contributor to the evolved GSM family of technologies, actively contribute to its commercialization, and they mastered the complete GSM/3GSM protocol stack. They are also a card carrying associate member of GSMA (only network operators and regulators are members), and member of GSA (the GSM Suppliers Association). They are also actively contributing to the next step in the evolution of The Global System for Mobile Communications which is an end to end platform for mobile wireless services that has never been defined by its original or evolved access mode(s).
John Daly in the St. Andrews clubhouse T3 at -6. Tiger (T6; -5) had a bogey free round through 16 and if he hadn't had 2 consecutive missed putts on 17 and 18, he'd be T2 behind young Rory McIlroy with his fantabulous -9, 63. Breezes now kicking up. Fun stuff. Early out golfers beat The Old Course today rather than vice versa. There goes Phil Foldo (even thru 12) into the wind ... but he missed the Coffins. Back into the wind. Whoops. Good chip, Tough par coming up. Whoops. He's +2. Rain starting. Time to Jigger Inn it.
Cheers,
- Eric -
Knowledgeable People ...
Ricardo,
<< Why in the world would knowledgeable people claim the IPhone using AT&T is still based on GSM technology? >>
Because "knowledgeable people" know that AT&T Mobility's network platform uses evolved 2.5G Global System for Mobile Communications for packet data services with GSM circuit switched voice and data and their 3GSM RAN Access Modes are the 3rd generation of the GSM family's circuit switched and packet data protocol layers for radio transmission?
<< Am I wrong that the IPhone uses WCDMA? >>
AT&T Mobility has deployed nationwide 2.5G GSM EDGE in 850/1900 MHz and overlaid 3G/3.5G WCDMA with its HSPA extensions in 2.1 GHz and 850 MHz on their evolved GSM core network (CN).
Apples iPhone 3G, 3GS, and 4, all feature multi-mode quad-band GSM/EGPRS (EDGE) with tri-band WCDMA/HSPA or penta-band WCDMA/HSPA in the iPhone 4.
<< If so Jobs is a comp[lete a*hole. Surely it is WCDMA. Can someone confirm this? >>
Confirm what? That he's a pretty sharp and successful autocratic leader and one heck of a pitchman that knows Apple's iPhone is not a CDMA phone and that while WCDMA is a member of the 'cdma family' of tadio transmission technologies and the HSPA extensions are CDM/TDM hybrids similar in some respects to EV-DO? You sure can't call him "a complete a*hole" for that particular reason. Color him "knowledgeable" for not confusing 3GPP2's CDMA2000 with 3GPP's WCDMA/HSPA.
<< Also i hear Q was undertaking the needed repairs for the IPhone 4 anyone know anything about that? >>
I've heard the rumor, and it doesn't seem logical to me based on the fact that there is no Qualcomm content in an iPhone and mobile device antenna design isn't really a core Qualcomm competency so far as I know (even though related RF design certainly is), but I suppose it's possible. OTOH if Apple is considering Qualcomm CDMA basebands for Verizon they'll need to make sure their antenna design and RF properly supports Verizon's CDMA2000 network and possibly their planned LTE network. That could be the basis for the rumor.
Cheers,
- Eric -
The Persistent Intel Infineon (Wireless) Rumor ...
... just might pan.
>> Intel, Infineon Close to Billion-Dollar Deal, Says Report
Peter Clarke
EE Times (London)
07/09/2010
http://www.eetimes.com/rss/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=225702778
Intel and Infineon are closing in on a deal to sell Infineon's wireless business unit to Intel for a price of more than $1 billion, according to a report in Die Welt. Discussions are said to have taken place this week in Munich with the focus being finding a price for the deal, the report said citing un-named sources.
Rumors that Infineon is looking to sell its wireless business unit have been running for several weeks (see Infineon asks bank to aid wireless sale, says report). The unit has several prestigious design wins in Apple products such as the iPhone and the iPad as well as supplying Nokia and Samsung, but conventional business wisdom is that unless business units are held for strategic reasons companies should shed those that are not competing in a top-three position globally. Meanwhile it makes sense for Intel to take a position in wireless to complement its microprocessor sales for mobile applications.
The two companies have met several times to negotiate over the last two weeks with the price of the mobile division estimated to be between $1.1 billion and $1.4 billion, the report said.
U.S. investment bank JP Morgan is taking the lead in the negotiations with law firms Gleiss Lutz and Freshfields now also involved. It is at the offices of Gleiss Lutz in Munich that the latest negotiations are said to have taken place, the report said.
Communications has been an Infineon technology strength for many years and the company has achieved design wins inside Apple's iPhone and iPad. However, the wireless marketplace is crowded and Infineon is smaller than Qualcomm, Texas Instruments and ST-Ericsson. This may have prompted Infineon to leave the market so it can focus on automotive and power semiconductors. Infineon has already divested its wireline communications IC business via a management buyout into a company called Lantiq.
The wireless division is now responsible for about one quarter of Infineon's sales revenue. ###
>> Analyst: Nokia's Modem Move Hints At Intel-Infineon Done Deal
Peter Clarke
EE Times (London)
07/07/2010
he move by Nokia to dispose of its wireless modem operations to Renesas has surprised Didier Scemama, head of European Technology Research with Royal Bank of Scotland.
Given that Nokia has been progressively getting out of hardware design the sale itself is not the surprise. But in a note to clients Scemama said that, given the recent close cooperation between Intel and Nokia on chipsets and in efforts such as the MeeGo operating system, Renesas was a surprise buyer and the price of $200 million seems low.
"We thought Intel would have been a natural buyer of this asset. Our view is that either the relationship with Nokia on the chipset side could be terminated — which seems unlikely at this stage — or that Intel plans to acquire another company to give it access to a leading protocol stack. The most obvious candidate remains Infineon," Scemama said. "We wonder why Intel would pass on the opportunity to acquire Nokia's modem capabilities without having signed an agreement to buy Infineon's wireless division — especially at such a modest price."
Intel is rumored to have acquired Comsys Mobile Communication and Signal Processing Ltd. (Herzelia, Israel) for $30 million in late May. However, Comsys expertise seems to be in 2G and WiMax and the purchase may simply show Intel picking up skilled engineers based in Israel. "Comsys' 80 employees will join Intel's major wireless R&D centers in Haifa and Petah Tikva," according to Will Strauss, president of market research firm Forward Concepts, in an e-mail newsletter.
The Nokia deal is a boost for Renesas and also significant for Intel, Infineon, STMicroelectronics, ST-Ericsson and Imagination Technologies Group plc, Scemama said. Renesas is the leading 3G chipset supplier in Japan but has struggled to sell its platforms outside Japan. A long-term deal to work with and supply Nokia, still the world's leading handset supplier, allows Renesas to break out of Japan even as it is strengthening its position there.
The deal is positive for Imagination because it has strong ties to Renesas, but negative for STMicroelectronics, because of increased competition for its ST-Ericsson subsidiary, Scemama said. ###
- Eric -
2.5G Technology Drives Baseband Chip Sales In 1Q - iSuppli (Original Link)
The complete original iSuppli PR with graphic is here ...
http://3nfl.sl.pt
Broadcom QoQ growth was impressive.
- Eric -
Initial Symbian^3 Product Development Kit (PDK 3.0.0) Available. ...
The final full release of the S^3 PDK after debuging is expected to ship in October,
>> Developers Get a Crack At First Complete Symbian^3 Product Development Kit
Tim Conneally
Beta News
July 7, 2010
http://3ng1.sl.pt
Today, just shy of a month after the first functionally complete version of Symbian^3 was released, the first complete Symbian^3 Product Development Kit (PDK 3.0.0) is available for download, including the full build of the platform and complete source code under the Eclipse Public License.
PDK 3.0.0 contains all of the APIs of Symbian^3, and is the first release to support a full UI ROM execution on ARMv5 platforms.
"S^3 represents a major step forward in the Symbian platform, providing a greatly improved user experience, multiple personalised homescreens, an exciting and advanced multimedia experience including HDMI support, the introduction of Next Generation Graphics, better data networking and much, much more! ###
- Eric -
T'Other Eric's Next Call, and Samsung Electronics ...
"Nokia, you gotta get pragmatist Eric Schmidt to get you guys straightened out."
-- Michael Tan, GC, technology enthusiast, and CNET Asia Blogalyst Extraordinaire --
http://asia.cnet.com/blogs/rehashplus/post.htm?id=63019643&scid=hm_bl#about
Yo Clarkie,
<< I could not agree more with this guyIf Nokia would just go android they might have a chance. ... Maybe Eric should call this guy to explain to him that Nokia is the most innovative, best managed, blah, blah... >>
Let's let Eric -- Eric Schmidt that is -- call Anssi, and explain to him why Nokia Mobile Solutions should become a member of OHA, join Google's Android ecosystem, and become a member of their value chain. It should only take them about 18 months to ready their 1st Android based smartphone and silkscreen Google on the back. That's about what it took Samsung, but the delayed Galaxy S series is looking right nice and their anticipated Symbian^3 releases should be interesting.
If Eric can't convince him, maybe you should ring him up yourself give him your blah, blah, and explain why Mobile Solutions' (mobile device and) software strategy is flawed. I'm incapable of doing that because I simply don't see many if any flaws in it but I'm fully cognizant of the necessity to execute it convincingly with little slippage. If you are familiar with Anssi's track record at Nokia you know that if anyone can lead, motivate, and execute ... t'is he, and the two other EVP's and members of Nokia's Group Executive Board reporting directly to him are no slouches either.
Samsung in Q2 and H2 ...
Speaking of Samsung Electronics which is looking at exceptional and record quarterly profits in Q2 based on "high demand for flat screens, and buoyant chip prices" -- in the sprit of 'what have you done for me lately' they are raising analysts's concerns because of a potential decline in profitability in H2. Of particular interest to those here should be the comments on mobile phones in the text below ...
>> Samsung Profit to Slow on Europe after Record Q2
Miyoung Kim
Reuters (Seoul, Korea)
July 7, 2010
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUKTOE65K05V20100707?type=companyNews
• Estimates Q2 profit at 5.0 trln won vs 4.8 trln consensus
• Q2 sales seen at 37 trln won vs 38.4 trln won consensus
• Profit to peak in Q3; Europe, smartphone woes weigh-analysts
• Shares drop 0.9 pct after trailing mkt over past 3 months
Samsung Electronics, will struggle to replicate its record quarterly profits in the second half of the year as a fragile European economy cuts into demand for flat screens, and buoyant chip prices are set to ease.
Samsung, three times bigger than rivals such as Sony Corp and Nokia (NOK1V.HE) by market value, is leading its competitors in earnings recovery in a robust consumer electronics market. Its emerging smartphone business is however far lagging behind Apple Inc's smash hit iPhone.
Samsung has already outlined a record 18 trillion won ($14.7 billion) spending plan to turn up the heat against hometown rivals including LG Display and Hynix Semiconductor.
"Profits will peak out in the third quarter and then gradually decrease from the fourth quarter," said Jay Kim, analyst at Mirae Asset Securities.
"There are a few risk factors that could hit earnings, such as a slow recovery in the smartphone business, a potential
Shares in Samsung, Asia's most valuable technology firm worth $92 billion, have fallen 11 percent over the past three months from a record high of 875,000 won, lagging the local market's 2.4 percent drop. By 0350 GMT, the stock fell 0.9 percent in a weak broader market .
Samsung expects record results in the current quarter but analysts estimate profits will fall by 20 percent in the fourth quarter on rising supply. For 2010, analysts estimate the firm's operating profit to rise 70 percent on average to a record 18.5 trillion won.
Sluggish demand from Europe and a nearly 10 percent tumble in the euro will probably lead Samsung to report its mobile phone unit's profit nearly halved in the second quarter from the preceding quarter, analysts said.
Europe is estimated to make up 30-40 percent of Samsung's TV and handset sales.
"The second half could be a problem and that's because demand in Europe might slow and hurt sales of memory chips and (flat screen) panels," said Michael On, manager director of Beyond Asset Management in Taipei. "Its profits in the second half won't be as good as the first half."
The phone business, one of Samsung's weakest performing units, is also likely to see a slow profit recovery as it ramps up marketing spend to increase its share of the smartphone market after delayed product roll-outs.
Samsung, the world's largest maker of flat screen and TVs and also the No.2 producer of mobile phones, is launching the Galaxy S, its answer to the latest version of iPhone 4, globally with around 100 carriers including the top five U.S. carriers.
The company's spending plan underscores an aggressive push toward new technology by Lee Kun-hee, who returned as Samsung chairman in March and has orchestrated its successful foray into the chip business since the early 1980s.
Lee, 68, has repeatedly warned most businesses and products that represent Samsung today would disappear from the market in 10 years and the company needed to start again.
SK Securities analyst Hwang Yoo-shik said: "European demand for finished goods is decreasing, which could hurt earnings, but it must be kept in mind that more than half of Samsung's profitability comes from component products such as chips, for which demand is still strong."
Sales of liquid crystal display flat screen panels also remain strong thanks to robust demand from TV producers betting on healthy demand growth during this summer's World Cup.
Last week, a senior Samsung official said he expects the firm's flat-screen TV sales target to be around 45-50 million units from the previous 39 million to reflect strong demand for premium products such as 3D TVs and LED-backlit LCD TVs.
Samsung estimated its April-June operating profit at a median 5.0 trillion won ($4.09 billion) in a range of 4.8-5.2 trillion won, higher than a consensus forecast of 4.8 trillion won by 22 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
The quarterly profit would beat the previous record of 4.41 trillion won reported in the preceding quarter and almost double from 2.67 trillion won a year ago.
The South Korean firm, the first major global technology firm to flag second quarter estimates, reports official quarterly results later this month.
Samsung expects sales at the midpoint of a 36 trillion and 38 trillion won range, slightly below market expectations of 38 trillion won. It did not provide a detailed guidance breakdown for each division. ###
Cheers,
- Eric -
Renesas Electronics (Semiconductors) ...
Gam,
<< NEC, Hitachi and Mitsubishi are all licensees of IDCC: >>
Are or were, but their subscriber equipment businesses (which is what I believe InterDigital licensed) are not part of Renesaa Electronics -- only their semiconductor business are, and Mitsubishi has been out of handsets for a couple years. Mitsubishi NEC and Hitachi are large multinational businesses without a semiconductor division of their own anymore and NEC's handset business is now merged (or about to be) with Casio's and Hitachi's
- Eric -
Silverlight on Symbian ...
>> Microsoft's Flash Challenger Silverlight Hits Symbian
Windows phones still waiting
Gavin Clarke in San Francisco
The Register
6th July 2010
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/07/06/microsoft_silverlight_symbian/
Microsoft's Flash challenger Silverlight has landed on Symbian handsets from Nokia ahead of full Silverlight on Windows phones.
The company's browser-based media player is now available from Nokia's Ovi store for fifth-edition Nokia S60 devices such as Nokia 5800 XpressMusic and N97. Nokia claims there are more than 20 million users of the fifth-generation S60 devices.
Silverlight on Nokia's handsets potentially lets you view video and listen to music inside the browser.
Nokia called the port a "challenge" but said it: "Lays the foundation for bringing Silverlight to any other mobile platforms in future."
The release comes four months after the Silverlight for Symbian beta was released and puts Nokia devices ahead of Windows phones in terms of running the full Silverlight.
Microsoft has released a version of Silverlight Mobile for handsets running CE, but not Windows Phone 6.5. Silverlight for Windows Embedded lets you build applications using just C++ instead of the full option of using managed code, among other differences. Full Silverlight is expected with Windows Phone 7.0 in October.
Silveright, meanwhile, is currently available on Windows server and desktop operating systems, PowerPC and Intel versions of Mac, and — thanks to Miguel de Icaza's Moonlight project — Linux and Unix.
Separately, meanwhile, erstwhile DRM hacker Jon Lech Johansen — AKA DVD Jon — has turned his fire on Google's Android marketplace that challenges Ovi along with Apple's AppStore.
DVD Jon criticized Google for exercising too little curation of content in the Android Marketplace, permitting things like spam ringtones to crowd out genuine apps, and applications promoting illegal music downloads of music that are damaging companies such as Spotify, MOG, and Amazon's MP3 service which are trying to build legitimate businesses.
DVD Jon is behind doubleTwist, building a universal music player for Android, Blackberry, Palm, Sony PSP, Mac, and other platforms. ® ###
>> Microsoft Delivers Silverlight for Symbian
Darryl K. Taft
eWeek
2010-07-06
http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Application-Development/Microsoft-Delivers-Silverlight-for-Symbian-102767/
Microsoft has announced the general availability of its Silverlight technology for the Symbian operating system running on Nokia 5th generation devices.
Microsoft has announced the general availability of its Silverlight technology for the Symbian operating system.
In a July 6 blog post, Microsoft’s Silverlight team announced that Silverlight, the software giant’s cross-browser, cross-platform implementation of the .NET Framework for building media experiences and rich interactive applications for the Web on desktop computers, is also available for Nokia S60 5th Edition devices such as Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, Nokia N97 and Nokia N97 Mini.
Microsoft is making the Silverlight tools available for Symbian developers via the Nokia Ovi Store. Microsoft initially announced plans to deliver Silverlight for Symbian in 2008 and later released a beta of the technology in March 2010.
Silverlight includes a runtime that is optimized to display content on memory-constrained devices. Silverlight support for Nokia S60 5th Edition devices includes the ability to view Silverlight applications in the mobile browser, as well as tools to build Silverlight applications that target devices.
Microsoft said developers can create Silverlight-based applications for devices by using Expression Blend 2, Visual Web Developer 2008 Express with SP1, or Visual Studio 2008 SP1 with Silverlight Tools for Visual Studio 2008 SP1. Also, application deployment on IIS is supported in this release. The installable executable file enables users to run Silverlight applications on the Nokia S60 5th Edition platform. The executable file includes the Silverlight runtime for Nokia S60 5th Edition emulator, sample applications, and developer documentation.
Microsoft’s Silverlight team said: We want to take this opportunity to highlight some of the incredible features in this product ...
• Media: Hardware assisted Media playback of H.264 content. This gives a great media viewing experience using full hardware decode and hardware post processing.
• IIS Smooth Streaming: Enables users to access live and on demand media content streamed using IIS Smooth Streaming including multiple bit rate switching.
• Rich UI: Developers get access to the Silverlight V2 surface area to create Rich Interactive Web Applications.
• .NET Programmability: .NET Compact Framework class libraries and runtime.
In addition, Microsoft officials said this release marks the first time that Silverlight is shipping on a non-Microsoft mobile device platform, and the challenge of bringing Silverlight to Nokia 5th edition devices lays the foundation for bringing Silverlight to any other mobile platforms in future. Also, consumer ready popular Silverlight apps like Bing, HSN, and Billboard Live were developed in support of this port. And encoding presets are included by default in the in Expression Encoder 4 for Silverlight for Symbian media scenarios.
The Silverlight for Symbian Developer Tools are available here ...
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=8aa02314-2c4e-46e3-93d1-4e3a2084e269
###
- Eric -
Android 3.x
Note that while Nokia is approaching the broad range of smartphones and larger more powerful smart devices with 2 different software platforms (Symbian and MeeGo -- and with both also utilizingh WebKit) with a single development framework (Qt) and tool chain, there is speculation will split Android in two to cover the broad range ...
"With all this emphasis on high end devices, there is also speculation that Google will create two variants of Gingerbread, one specifically for handsets with 1GHz processors and above, or for mobile internet products like tablets."
>> Android 3.0 and 2GHz Phones Should Arrive this Year
Google targets significant user experience shift, but no Nexus Two
Caroline Gabriel
Rethink Wireless
5 July, 2010
No sooner has Android 2.1, or Froyo, started to appear on selected smartphones, than the next major release, 3.0 or Gingerbread, was apparently leaked. Google denied many of the leaks, but several things are clear - the upgrade will be unveiled before year end, and this time it will have the spotlight to itself, rather than having to compete for attention with a new Apple IOS. But while the Google branded Nexus One was the first handset to get Froyo, there will be no Nexus Two. Following the failure of the original model to gain mass uptake and disrupt the cellco model, Google CEO Eric Schmidt has indicated there will be no second attempt to create a new smartphone channel.
Schmidt said in an interview with UK newspaper The Daily Telegraph that the Nexus One project was a tactic to boost the Android OS, not designed to make Google into a major handset maker. Apparently forgetting all the talk, at the time, of creating a new, open distribution model to rival that of the carriers, Schmidt commented: "The idea a year and a half ago was to do the Nexus One to try to move the phone platform hardware business forward. It clearly did. It was so successful, we didn't have to do a second one. I called up the board and said 'Okay, it worked. Congratulations - we're stopping'."
A real step change in Android performance with release 3.0 would do far more than another Nexus to wrongfoot Apple and push Google's agenda. Froyo has already made significant progress, especially in apps performance terms, but still has a way to go in some areas such as enterprise functionality and security. Some of these issues will be addressed by Gingerbread, according to reports, but it will also represent a more radical reworking of the platform, directly related to key Google objectives like pushing an open cloud/browser model, and extending its brand and services into new markets.
So Gingerbread might well incorporate its long expected mobile music service, which would challenge iTunes but focus on a cloud-based streaming model more heavily than on downloads. And the OS may promote another key Google objective, to unify the user experience around its own brands and interfaces, reducing the multiple overlays that vendors and operators are creating - Motorola Motoblur, HTC Sense, China Mobile oPhone and others, which are creating fears of fragmentation. Google could try to make a user experience that outperforms these variants, or even bar third party UIs, though this would be tough in an open source platform.
There are already leaks of Gingerbread phones, too, some of them boasting 2GHz apps processors. This year's superphones are driven by gigahertz processors, such as Qualcomm's Snapdragon and Samsung's Hummingbird, and Motorola has already hinted at a 2GHz upgrade. Now HTC is also said to be readying a 2GHz device, codenamed Sabor, and due to run Android 3.0. According to blog Android Guys, it will launch in time for the holiday season, and if Gingerbread is not ready, it will temporarily run Froyo or an interim update, Android 2.5. Details are sparse, but rumors center on a 10-megapixel camera and a launch with Sprint, which might point to a WiMAX radio.
Samsung has been emulating HTC's superphone strategy recently with its Galaxy S family, so it is no surprise the Korean giant is also said to be working on a 2GHz top end and a new range to follow Galaxy S. The new phone, due to launch in the first quarter of 2011 and codenamed i9200, is reported to have a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen with 720 x 1280 resolution, 2GHz Hummingbird, 1Gb of RAM, 32Gb of storage and 8-megapixel camera.
With all this emphasis on high end devices, there is also speculation that Google will create two variants of Gingerbread, one specifically for handsets with 1GHz processors and above, or for mobile internet products like tablets. Microsoft has already adopted this approach for Windows Phone 7, which will have three reference designs targeted at different phone categories. ###
- Eric -
The Symbian Transition ...
gat,
<< I thought Symbian was on it's way out? (or just on the high end smart phones? not the lower end?) >>
It wasn't, never was, and it isn't (except in the minds of many members of the pulp press promoting Google's & OHA's Android which is maturing right nicely and gaining considerable traction). Symbian has instead been transitioned from a proprietary open platform to a non-proprietary community based open source platform. That transition has been completed and there is a brief but hopefully reasonably comprehensive overview of the transition here if you or others are interested ...
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=51976230
The final major step of the transition is the complete overhaul of the UI/UX with a new runtime (Qt) and cross platform development framework and tool chain. That's Symbian^4 and we should see devices based on it at about this time next year.
<< ... Symbian was on it's way out? (or just on the high end smart phones? not the lower end?) >>
Nokia, who is now a user of Symbian and one of many contributors to the Symbian Foundation's software code is no longer its proprietor. They have made it clear for some time that Symbian is their platform of choice for its broad range of mass market smartphones from the lower end (with MSRPs down to ~€100) to the upper mid-range of mobile devices with MSRPs of up to ~€450 and their higher end "mobile computers" would be based on their desktop Mobile Linux platform (fka Maemo and now MeeGo) optimized for 3.5" to 5" displays while their smartphones will likely top out at ~4" but that their will be some overlap ...
The 2nd revision of Nokia's software platform strategy (little changed from the original published last year but updated to accommodate the Maemo to (Maemo + Moblin) MeeGo shift is here ...
http://www.nokia.com/NOKIA_COM_1/Technology/pdf/Nokia_software_strategy_white_paper.pdf
Other OEMs creating mobile devices on the Symbian platform may chose to base higher end devices using more powerful processors and larger displays on it, but their is definitely a trend towards basing them on mobile Linux (Android, various LiMo implementations, MeeGo, etc.).
The new DOCOMO applications platform being developed by, Renesas Electronics, Fujitsu, NEC, Panasonic Mobile Communications and Sharp is interesting in that it will overlay both Linux platforms and Symbian much as MOAP does today but in separate overlays like MOAP (S) which already overlays Symbian^2 open source devices ...
http://www.nec.co.jp/press/en/1004/2605.html
Cheers,
- Eric -
The InterDigatal 2.5G stack (???)
Data,
<< InterDigital has developed second generation GSM/GPRS/EDGE (2G) and [***] communications technology that is compliant with [***]. >>
They may have done that but (and correct me if I am wrong) the "second generation GSM/GPRS/EDGE " stack in the SlimChip was licensed (to be sublicensed) from Infineon based on exiating Comneon and/or Agere/LSI IP and development and at least initially Infineon used a separate 2nd stack housed in in a single package in the the XG608 and XG208 (fka S-Gold 3) for 3GSM handsets from Apple, Samsung, and possibly LG.
Edit: Just realized I somehow responded to an April post you made. Best I catch up. <ggg>
Cheers,
- Eric -
Licensing LTE ...
rmarchma,
<< Eric re LTE specific licensees you said: "None are yet licensed for LTE by InterDigital for InterDigital's self-declared essential LTE OFDMA/OFDMA IPR,so far as I know (update me if any are please)" Pantech's license specificly lists LTE as one of the licensed standards as follows from the 10K >>
Yes. My statement refered to the seven top tier OEMs listed in the 1st sentence of my paragraph (although I did tack on an 'and others') ...
"In actuality HTC, LGE, Motorola, Nokia, RIM, Samsung, Sony Ericsson et al will all be using 3GPP compliant (albeit pre-standard in the early going) LTE."
<< I believe that Merritt has stated in a CC that if IDCC's existing licensees are licensed for 3G, then this would also cover any LTE products sold by a 3G licensee, as long as the LTE product was dual-mode with a licensed 3G standard. >>
That would be pretty much industry standard and new (or renewing) licenses would be written (rewritten) to cover that. We won't be seing 3GPP R'10 LTE-Advanced (the ITU IMT-Advanced 4G candidate) commercially for some time and 3GPP R'8, and R'9 LTE are 3G technologies, but that still warrants a rewrite and LTE-Advanced (covered in the Pantech license evidently) would normally be included.
Cheers,
- Eric -
Nokia's Wireless Modems Business to Renesas
>> Renesas Electronics to Acquire Nokia's Wireless Modem Business; Companies to Form Strategic Business Alliance for Modem Technology Development
Nokia & Renesas Press Releaase
Espoo, Finland and Tokyo, Japan
July 06, 2010
http://www.nokia.com/press/press-releases/showpressrelease?newsid=1429777
Renesas Electronics Corporation, a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, and Nokia Corporation, the world leader in mobile communications, today announced that they are deepening their collaboration by forming a strategic business alliance to develop modem technologies for HSPA+/LTE (Evolved High-Speed Packet Access / Long-Term Evolution) and its evolution.
As part of this alliance, the companies have entered into an agreement whereby Renesas Electronics is to acquire Nokia's wireless modem business for approximately USD 200 million. The alliance is planned to be enhanced by long-term joint research cooperation on future radio technologies.
The planned transfer of Nokia's wireless modem business enables Renesas Electronics to maximize the value of Nokia's technology assets and engineering expertise in delivering advanced mobile platform solutions to the market by combining them with Renesas Electronics' market-proven multimedia processing and RF technologies. Together with Renesas Electronics' robust line-up of application processors, RF transceiver ICs, high power amplifiers, and power management devices, the wireless modem technologies enable Renesas Electronics to deliver a complete mobile platform solution to the market.
The wireless modem business to be transferred to Renesas Electronics includes Nokia's wireless modem technologies for LTE, HSPA and GSM standards, which have been used for billions of handsets in the global market over the years. Further, Nokia transfers Renesas Electronics certain patents related to the transferred technology asset. The planned transfer would also include approximately 1,100 Nokia R&D professionals, the vast majority of whom are located in Finland, India, the UK and Denmark.
The planned transfer is expected to further strengthen Renesas Electronics' position as one of the leading chipset vendors in the 3G and LTE market that is capable of providing one-stop mobile platform solutions, supporting an extensive range of modem protocols from GSM to LTE, and integrating advanced multimedia and computer processing capabilities.
"The agreement with Nokia demonstrates our long-standing commitment to shape the future of advanced mobile platforms and will serve as an important step for us to become a leading mobile platform vendor in the global market. Our collaboration with Nokia will enable consumers to enjoy true mobile cloud computing experiences through our advanced high-speed mobile devices," said Yasushi Akao, President of Renesas Electronics Corporation. "In line with our ongoing efforts to strengthen our business structure, the transferring wireless modem technology and the innovation power and expertise of Nokia's employees will perfectly complement our core competences and serve as the key driving forces in growing our mobile business in the global market."
"Wireless modems are an integral part of today's chipset solutions, and we believe that Renesas Electronics, as one of the key chipset vendors in the market, is in an ideal position to further develop this offering. The alliance enables us to continue to focus on our own core businesses, connecting people to what matters to them with our mobile products and solutions," says Kai Oistamo, Executive Vice President, Nokia.
Renesas Electronics has licensed the Nokia modem since 2009 and the two companies have been working together to develop an industry-leading HSPA+/LTE platform. "I believe that the integration of the world class Nokia wireless modem into Renesas Electronics' strong multimedia processing and RF capabilities, places Renesas Electronics in a strong position in HSPA+/LTE chipsets," says Oistamo.
In order to implement the planned business transfer, Nokia will start the appropriate personnel consultation process with its personnel representatives according to each applicable jurisdiction's labor law requirements. The transfer is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, and is estimated to take place during the fourth quarter 2010.
About Renesas Electronics Corporation
Renesas Electronics Corporation, the world's number one supplier of microcontrollers, is a premiere supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions including microcontrollers, SoC solutions and a broad-range of analog and power devices. Business operations began as Renesas Electronics in April 2010 through the integration of NEC Electronics Corporation (TSE:6723) and Renesas Technology Corp., with operations spanning research, development, design and manufacturing for a wide range of applications. Headquartered in Japan, Renesas Electronics has subsidiaries in 20 countries worldwide. More information can be found at http://www.renesas.com ###
- Eric -
Symbian Foundation Turned Two ...
... a few weeks ago.
The Transition of Symbian ...
... from a proprietary open OS to a fully open source platform was a massive undertaking. Symbian Foundation celebrated its 2nd Anniversary on June 24, 2010, and it has met all publicly set targets to date.
The process commenced on June 24 2008 with Nokia announcing its intention to buy out its fellow Symbian Ltd. proprietors (Ericsson, Sony Ericsson, Panasonic, Siemens, and Samsung) and subsequently absorb its OS development engineers.
http://www.nokia.com/press/press-releases/archive/archiveshowpressrelease?newsid=1230415
Nokia's announced plan was to integrate the Symbian OS and its 3 separate application development platforms (S60, UIQ and MOAP-S) into a single OS and development framework, form Symbian Foundation (SF), and take the integrated OS open source. The acquisition of Symbian Ltd. by Nokia was completed on December 2, 2008 and Symbian employees became Nokia employees in February 2009. In January 2009 Nokia announced its intention to acquire Trolltech and its Qt cross development platform along with its software engineering staff to augment its OS development capabilities and it completed that acquisition one year ago.
Year One Symbian Foundation Milestones ...
Mobile leaders to unify the Symbian software platform and set the future of mobile free: Foundation to be established to provide royalty-free open platform and accelerate innovation
http://www.symbian.org/news-and-media/2008/06/24/mobile-leaders-unify-symbian-software-platform
• On June 24 2008 the Symbian Foundation whose objective was to make the Symbian platform available in royalty free open source by June 2010 was founded by Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, and NTT DoCoMo along with AT&T, LG, Samsung, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments, and Vodafone. Symbian's initial board of directors was comprised of the following 8 companies: AT&T Mobility, NTT DOCOMO, Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, ST Microelectronics NV, Texas Instruments. and Vodafone Group.
• By mid-October 2008 over 50 companies had confirmed commitment to the open source Symbian initiative including 8 device manufacturers, 7 semiconductor companies, 9 mobile network operators, 27 services and software companies and 1 financial services provider and Lee Williams had been named Executive Director for the Symbian Foundation.
• The transfer of relevant Symbian Software Ltd. leases for Symbian Foundation offices in the UK (London), US (Foster City), Japan (Tokyo), and Finland (Helsinki), as well as trademarks and domain names from Nokia to the Symbian Foundation was completed in April 2009. and in the same month the Foundation announced the launch of its public beta website which included a full developer offering which including platform release information, council charters, wikis, forums as well as access to the SDK, code repository, tools, documentation, wiki, bugtracker and forums.
Year Two Symbian Foundation Milestones ...
• In July 2009 Symbian Foundation announced its 'Symbian Horizon' application publishing program: With Symbian Horizon, "developers will receive assistance in building applications for Symbian devices and in placing those applications in the many global stores which reach Symbian customers, and will receive promotional assistance for bringing those applications to end users. Upon general availability, companies and developers participating in Symbian Horizon will gain access to a variety of services that support the development, distribution, and marketing of mobile applications. From application certification and in-store presence, to language translation services and marketing programs – Symbian Horizon works with developers to create a single point of management and distribution to the largest group of mobile consumers worldwide." The service went live in Late October 2009.
• In September 2009 "China Mobile Communications Corporation (CMCC), the world's largest mobile network operator, and the Symbian Foundation announced an agreement to collaborate on a series of key initiatives to improve the mobile ecosystem in China and to stimulate the development of the market for CCMC's locally developed 3G network standard, TD-SCDMA. The partnership also marks Symbian's Chinese website launch, broader focus on the Chinese market and China Mobile’s determination to support the Symbian Foundation."
• In October 2009, nine months ahead of schedule the Symbian Foundation announced the release of the Symbian platform microkernel (EKA2) and supporting development kit under the Eclipse Public License (EPL), bringing to 16 out of a total 134 platform packages that have now been released into open source since the code was first made available on the Symbian Foundation servers in April 2009. "Symbian's real-time microkernel – comprising robust, fully multi-tasking architecture - manages all system resources and frameworks necessary for the co-existence of the processes and applications that make up the complete system."
• In late October 2009 The Symbian Foundation added two significant additions to its board of directors (BOD). Qualcomm Innovation Center, Inc. (QuIC). a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, joined the Foundation and was appointed to the SF BOD and they plans to support SF with active participation on the BOD and each of the four councils that govern the development of the Symbian platform. Fujitsu Limited was also appointed to the SF BOD. QuIC and Fujitsu join wireless operators AT&T, Vodafone and NTT DOCOMO; silicon providers ST Microelectronics NV and Texas Instruments; and handset manufacturers Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Nokia on the Symbian Foundation board.
• In December 2009 SF announced that the Symbian platform 1 (S^1) would be used in nine new FOMA 3G handsets recently announced by NTT DOCOMO, with four from Fujitsu and five from Sharp.
• On February 4, 2010 the "Symbian Foundation completed the open source release of the source code for the world’s most widely-used smartphone platform. The Symbian platform, which has been developed over more than 10 years and has shipped in more than 330 million devices around the world, is now completely open and the source code is available for free. The transition of this market-leading platform from proprietary code to open source is the largest in software history. The move has been completed four months ahead of schedule and provides the basis for unlimited mobile development based on innovation and openness. Any individual or organization can now take, use and modify the code for any purpose, whether that be for a mobile device or for something else entirely. ... All 108 packages containing the source code of the Symbian platform can now be downloaded from Symbian’s developer web site under the terms of the Eclipse Public License and other open source licenses. Also available for download are the complete development kits for creating applications (the Symbian Developer Kit) and mobile devices (the Product Development Kit). These kits are compatible with Symbian^3, the very latest version of the platform, which is now fully open source and will be “feature complete” during Q1 of this year."
http://www.symbian.org/news-and-media/2010/02/04/symbian-completes-biggest-open-source-migration-project-ever
• By March Symbian Foundation had expanded its office locations to China (Beijing) and South Korea (Seoul) to supplement those in the UK (London), US (Foster City), Japan (Tokyo), Finland (Helsinki), China (Beijing) and South Korea (Seoul).
• On April 27 2010 Nokia announced that they had chosen the Symbian^3 (S^3) platform to power its new Nokia N8 device, becoming the first device manufacturer to showcase S^3, Symbian’s first platform release following the transition to fully open source in February.
• In mid-May 2010 NTT DOCOMO unveiled several new FOMA models and the open source Symbian^2 (S^2) platform (with the FOMA proprietary overlay) is being used in four of the them -- with 3 models from Fujitsu and one from Sharp -- and these models offer a range of advanced features including a 13.2 megapixel camera, full HD video recording and playback, Wi-Fi access point capability and one with a waterproof body. The Fujitsu F-07B which shipped commercially in Japam on May 21 became the world’s first device based on the open source Symbian^2 platform in the market.
• Today over 180 companies are members of the Symbian Foundation and as the significant release of Symbian^4 nears the list is growing rapidly ...
http://www.symbian.org/members/member-directory
The membership directory linked above can be sorted by the industry sector the member represents.
--> In addition to SF BOD members ATt&T Mobility, NTT DOCOMO, and Vodafone, other Network Operators include China Mobile, T-Mobile International, Orange (France Telecom), SoftBank Mobile, and Telecom Italia Mobile.
--> In addition to SF BOD members Qualcomm QuIC, Samsung, ST-Ericsson, and Texas Instruments. semiconductor manufacturers include ARM, Atheros, Broadcom, Cypress Marvell, Micron, Numonyx B.V. and Renesas.
--> In addition to SF BOD members Fujitsu (soon to be Fujitsu/Toshiba Mobile), Nokia, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson, mobile device OEMs include Huawei, Logic Wireless (Bold), Sharp, and ZTE, while ODMs who will manufacture devices on an ODM to OEM basis include Compal, Foxconn, Murata Manufacturing, and Yulong Telecommunication (Coolpad).
Symbian Today ...
All Symbian devices delivering today are Nokia proprietary or have an NTT DoCoMo FOMA proprietary layer on top of the initial S^2 Symbian Foundation (SF) open-source release. Currently shipping product (outside Japan) is based on Symbian OS v9.3 with S60 3rd Edition with Feature Pack 2 (S60 FP2) or Symbian ^1 (Symbian OS v9.4 with S60 5th Edition -- S60 5E -- for Touch UI with or without physical keyboard. S^2 was the 1st SF fully integrated open-source release but most OEMs skipped it (although Nokia, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson backported most of its new features and functionality).
The 1st fully open-source community based release is S^3, and the single announced S^3 device is Nokia's N8. The non-beta full release S^3 SDK is currently not scheduled to ship until October and we'll likely see commercial product on shelves from Nokia and others before its formal release to developers but they aren't sitting idle because there are several new Symbian developer offerings including tool chain components and the evolution of processes coming on stream as we speak.
Symbian Tomorrow ...
While Symbian is now fully open source which was no small accomplishment in the time frame it took to transition it, the transition is still ongoing, but SF has met all of their ambitious targets so far, and if they continue to meet them we'll see commercial Symbian^4 devices in H2 2011 or earlier with launches prior to that and probably around mid-February at Mobile World Congress.
Symbian^4 will completely replace the dated and overly complex Symbian Avkon UI and substitute Orbit and Direct UI. It will be the foundation for all future Symbian releases beyond (S^5, S^6, etc.). Qt will become the primary Symbian runtime and also replaces native Symbian C++ (a non-standard C++ implementation) as the primary SDK coding tool and runtime (although there are several others including Java ME, Adobe Flash Lite, OpenC/C++, Python and a full web toolkit). Synbian^4 will institute a binary code break but the benefits of that break greatly outweigh the inconvenience because the 2 serious knock offs on the Symbian OS of today - the UI, runtime and tool chain -- will be significantly diminished.
More on the transition to follow and linked back to this post ...
- Eric -
Spreadtrum Communications (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
Gb.
<< According to Olddog, Spreadtrum is located in the Cayman Islands. Do they have affiliates in ASIA? >>
It is not located in the Caymans. It is incorporated there.
Spreadtrum Communications, Inc. is a Chinese company headquartered in Shanghai. It is the "Asian" company InterDigital referred to in its Feb. 28, 2008 PR.
Spreadtrum was founded in April 2001, with R&D centers and branch offices both in the U.S. (San Diego) and in China (Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen) with a representative office in Korea. It trades on Nasdaq as SPRD.They are a fabless semiconductor manufacturer and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacture (TSM) probably is (one of) their fab(s).
You can reference their SEC 20-F SEC filing which lists its Shanghai headquarters on the face page on the Spreadtrum web site ...
http://www.spreadtrum.com/eng/
Edit: Whoops! I see Rev already clarified.
- Eric -
3GPP's Migration to 3G LTE and 4G LTE Advanced ...
Gb,
<< IFX,NXP and Spreadtrum. I also believe those 3 companies will be[if not already] making chips with IDCC's LTE IPR inside. >>
NXP will not be making chips with "IDCC's LTE IPR" since they are out of the mobile wireless business. ST-Ericsson (which purchased NXP's wireless business and associated IP) won't be either since any NXP based chipsets are being phased out and protocol stacks rewriten.
I don't know whether Spreadtrum or Infineon will be using any LTE IP from InterDigital in their baseband ASSPs although the protocol stack for Infineon will be supplied by their wholly owned subsidiary Comneon but possibly in conjunction with Nokia and under license from Nokia.
Comneon's latest announced protocol stack supporting 3GPP R'7 GSM, GPRS, EDGE and EDGE Evolution as well as FDD WCDMA with HSDPA, HSUPA and HSPA+.(but not LTE) is here ...
http://www.comneon.com/CDA/news-detail,27,0,newsid-1079,en.html
http://www.comneon.com/CDA/protocol_stack,268,0,,en.html
We do know that Infineon and Nokia are collaborating on LTE ICs ...
http://www.infineon.com/cms/en/corporate/press/news/releases/2009/INFXX200911-013.html
As for Broadcom (referenced earlier) Nokia will likely be supplying the protocol stack under license to them for some if not all of both their baseband 3G WCDMA/HSPA/HSPA/HSPA+ standard catalogue ASSPs and custom ASICs. There have been broad hints that Nokia's N8 Symbian^3 smartphone utilizes a Broadcom ASIC or ASSP but that hasn't been confirmed. Same applies to ST-Ericsson, but the majority of their standard catalogue ASSPs with integrated Nomadik A-processor will likely use a protocol stack supplied primarily by Ericsson EMP although it may rely on some
I don't really know how much 3GSM WCDMA/HSPA/HSPA+ baseband business Infineon has secured from Samsung whose primary supplier is Qualcomm. I don't think its much but I could be wrong and someone here may have a better handle on that.. Several analysts covering Broadcom have stated recently that Broadcom will increasingly benefit from Samsung design wins going forward.
<< And as we all know..IDCC'S LTE is just an updated[sped up] version of 3G called 3GPP.>>
3GPP's LTE is not JUST an updated 'sped up' version of 3G. LTE introduces completely different radio transmission technologies based on OFDM/OFDMA for the downlink and SC-FDMA (aka DFTS-OFDM) for the uplink rather than the CDMA and CDM/TDM technologies employed in 3GPP's FDD WCDMA, UTRA TDD HCR or TD-SCDMA with their HSPA or HSPA+ extensions. It also uses different defined channel bandwidths from 1.25 MHz to 20 MHz rather than fixed 5 MHz carrier channels. Like its predecessor 3G technologies it will be utilized with both FDD and TDD implementations. 3GPP R'8 introduces SAE/LTE. LTE-Advanced will be introduced in R'10 and will be an ITU IMT-Advanced 4G candidate.
An excellent 240 page overview of 3GPP's migration path to SAE/LTE and 4G LTE Advanced is here ...
http://www.3gamericas.org/documents/3GPP_Rel-9_Beyond%20Feb%202010.pdf
The most definitive (but not necessarily most up to date) source on the subject is "LTE for UMTS - OFDMA and SC-FDMA Based Radio Access" edited by Harri Holma, and Antti Toskala of Nokia Siemens Networks ...
http://3lzm.sl.pt
More on Antti Toskala and LTE development here on Rev's board ...
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=51451766
Enjoy the 4th holiday. Great weather here and 50 miles north at Donald Ross's Aronimik CC course in Newtown Square just south of KoP which is hosting the PGA's AT&T National golf tournament which televises great in HD.
Cheers,
- Eric -
3GPP's LTE ...
Gb,
<< If I was a betting man..I think Sammy will be using IDCC's LTE >>
IDCC's LTE?? Wazzat? There is no such bloody thing. Nor is their Qualcomm's LTE, Nokia's LTE, Ericsson's LTE, LTE is NOT a proprietary technology.
In actuality HTC, LGE, Motorola, Nokia, RIM, Samsung, Sony Ericsson et al will all be using 3GPP compliant (albeit pre-standard in the early going) LTE. All have made contributions to the development of the technology -- some considerably more than others -- and its governing open committee based interoperability standards and like InterDigital have made declarations of essential IPR for LTE. When declaring some use a rifle and some use a shotgun. None are yet licensed for LTE by InterDigital for InterDigital's self-declared essential LTE OFDMA/OFDMA IPR,so far as I know (update me if any are please) and just what percentage of Interdigital's declaration's will stand up if challenged is anybody's guess.
If I was a betting man I would bet that Samsung will challenge, or alternatively be involved in protracted negotiation that could well extend beyond the expiration of their current 3G (CDMA/WCDMA but not OFDMA) contract term. I also doubt that Nokia will settle with InterDigital for a short term (5 year term) license that doesn't include SAE/LTE, and will be looking for a considerably longer term agreement.
<< Samsung [could be using QCOM?] has said it would unveil its first dual-mode CDMA 1X-LTE handset this year for MetroPCS. >>
Everybody providing multi-mode LTE/1xRTT or LTE/1xRTT/1xEV-DO handsets for Verizon and other CDMA200 networks in North America and elsewhere implementing SAE/LTE overlays will likely be using Qualcomm 3GPP/3GPP2 compliant mobile station modems (MSMs).
Cheers,
- Eric -