Smartphones Up, Samsung Up, Nokia Down

Nokia smart phone sales take a bath. Again.

It's a classic Good News/Bad News quarterly report from Gartner.

Overall sales of mobile phones hit 419.1 million units, down 2% from this time last year -- the first 1Q drop in three years. Analysts say this reflects fewer products launched in the Asia-Pacific region, in particular during the traditional gift-giving season.

Meanwhile, the elite smartphones sector saw continued growth, rising 44.7% year-on-year to 144.4 million units. Android models accounted for 56.1% of smartphone sales, allowing top licensee Samsung to end Nokia's 14-year reign as world's #1 phone maker.

Google's Android Army Seems Unstoppable

They look like me...but they are not...me.

In spite of big numbers posted by Apple, Android smart phones outpaced iPhone during 1Q2012, more than doubling Google's market-share in some countries.

Meanwhile, Windows Phone has made some long-promised gains, the most notable being in Germany (6% share, + 3 pts.). Microsoft's mobile platform now sits at 3-4% share in the United States, France, Italy and Great Britain (United Kingdom).

Here's a quick sampling of the significant numbers...

T-Mobile Doubles Your Fun Next Week

When T-Mobile offers a deal like this, jump on it.

In the market for a new phone?

How about two phones, one for you and one for a special someone? Let's say you're a happy T-Mobile customer whose contract is nearly up and you need a second line. Or maybe your current plan is with a 'top 3' US mobile carrier, but for some reason -- your meds ran out?* -- you'd like to sign with T-Mobile...and add another line?

MobilePhonesFan suggests you think, uh, twice. A hot deal's coming up, next weekend...

Verizon Skips HTC 'One'-Series Phones ...for Now

At CTIA, HTC said Verizon Wireless won't sell HTC's 'One'-series phones, as "currently announced".

MobilePhonesFan would like to point out the extra-careful wording...

White HTC One X, Looking Kinda Blue...

MobilePhonesFan's argument against matte-finish plastic.

Ok, this won't take long so listen up...

Remember when you first saw your pristinely new, white HTC One X?

Well, this is your pristinely new, white HTC One X ...on bluejeans dye.

Any questions? A matte finish is a terrible thing to waste.


via: Reddit

Use Wireless Earphone with HTC One X ...as a Remote Shutter?

Turn up the vol...er, smile!

Yep, that's the volume control for a pair of standard bluetooth earphones used as a remote shutter control for HTC's One X Android smartphone.

Let that sink in, for a second.

After pairing the two devices, you can manipulate the headset's volume switch to actuate the phone's camera. Not only is this a very cool trick, but MobilePhonesFan would like to point out that it also offers practical applications, like for security. Or stalking.