Here is how Samsung regained market leadership title from Xiaomi in Q2 2018

After falling short of Xiaomi's market share in last two quarters, Samsung regained the lead spot by capturing 29% market share, one per cent more than that of Xiaomi in the second quarter of 2018

South Korean electronics giant Samsung has toppled Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi as the leading smartphone brand in India, according to the Hong Kong-based Counterpoint report. After falling short of Xiaomi’s market share in last two quarters, Samsung regained the lead spot by capturing 29 per cent market share, one per cent more than Xiaomi’s 28 per cent market share in the second quarter of 2018.

“The success of Samsung during the quarter can be attributed to its refreshed J-series; it launched more models than any other brand across multiple price points during the quarter. These new launches have some of the most popular and sought-after features like dual cameras, 18.5:9 aspect ratio display and facial unlock. Additionally, the strong offline distribution and aggressive marketing campaign around its J-series helped Samsung to gain not only market share but also mindshare during the quarter,” said Karn Chauhan, a research analyst at Counterpoint.

ALSO READ: Apple's iPhones trail Samsung, Google devices in internet speeds

The report also highlights that Apple managed to capture only a mere one per cent market share during the quarter, its lowest in recent history. The OnePlus, on the other hand, became the fastest growing premium smartphone brand with the growth of a whopping 284 per cent in the quarter. It also became the top premium smartphone brand in more than Rs 30,000 segment.

Here are the key highlights of the report:

• In the smartphone segment, Samsung regained its lead in Q2 2018 with 29 per cent market share -- thanks to strong performance of models such as the Galaxy J6, Galaxy J2 2018 and Galaxy J4 focusing on the budget segment.
• Xiaomi recorded its highest ever shipments in India during the same quarter.
• Vivo shipments increased sequentially driven by new launches, celebrity endorsement and aggressive campaign around IPL 2018.Its V9 model became its most popular V-series smartphone ever.
• During the quarter, OPPO launched its sub-brand Realme in a bid to increase its online presence. Realme, which debuted in partnership with Amazon, quickly managed to grab 1 per cent market share of the total smartphone market due to strong-perceived value-for-money, unique industrial design and positive customer feedback for its initial model.
• OnePlus (284 per cent), Honor (188 per cent) and Xiaomi (112 per cent) were the fastest growing smartphone brands during the quarter. Honor continues to retain its share among top five brands while OnePlus led the premium (more than Rs 30,000) segment for the first time ever.

Article Source : BS

Samsung to bring Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ in India on Tuesday

Although prices are yet to be announced, Galaxy S9 may cost around $720 and S9+ nearly $840

The much-awaited Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ -- unveiled at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2018 last month -- are set to be launched in India on March 6.

Pre-bookings for the Samsung flagship devices began in the country on February 26.

Pre-booking for the 64GB variant of Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ -- available in black, blue and purple colours -- was done for an advance payment of Rs 2,000. The 256GB variant of both the devices will be available only in black.

In the US, Galaxy S9 is priced at $720 (about Rs 47,000) and S9+ at $840 (nearly Rs 54,000).

Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ will go on sale globally on March 16.

Although prices are yet to be announced, Galaxy S9 may cost around $720 and S9+ nearly $840.

In terms of specifications, Galaxy S9 and S9+ are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor.

The S9 houses 4GB RAM whereas the S9+ has 6GB RAM. The S9 comes with 3,000mAh battery while the S9+ houses 3,500mAh battery.

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ cameras have a "Super Speed Dual Pixel" sensor with dedicated processing power and memory to take high-quality pictures.

Samsung's "Dual Aperture" (F1.5 / F2.4) -- the world's first such feature in any smartphone -- automatically lets in more light when it's dark and less light when it's too bright, taking photos that are crisp and clear.

The "Super Slow-mo" video captures 960 frames per second. The "Slow-mo" videos can also be turned into GIFs.

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ also offer automatic "Motion Detection", a feature that detects movement in the frame and automatically begins to record -- all users have to do is set up the shot.

The devices now support expandable memory of up to 400GB with a Micro-SD Card.

Foldable iPhone coming! Apple partners LG for OLED smartphone screens

The foldable iPhone panel production could start from 2020

As Samsung plans to launch a bendable smartphone "Galaxy X" in 2018, Apple has reportedly begun work on a foldable iPhone with LG Display.

According to a report in the Korean website The Investor, Apple has decided to go with LG and not Samsung (Samsung OLED displays are the best in the industry) owing to the fear that specifications could be leaked as Samsung is its arch rival.

"According to The Bell, LG Display recently created a task force to develop a foldable OLED screen for the new iPhone model," the report said on Thursday.

The Foldable iPhone panel production could start from 2020.

LG has reportedly completed its own foldable OLED panel prototype and has been upgrading the durability and the yield rate.

The company recently started its first OLED production for phones at its E5 plant in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province.

Apple is also considering investing in LG to speed up OLED production.

Meanwhile, Samsung is exclusively supplying panels for the latest iPhone X -- the first OLED iPhone.

"Amid Samsung's near monopoly in mobile OLED production, Apple has been strengthening its partnership with LG Display, its long-time LCD partner," the report added.

In 2017, Samsung will hold approximately 89 per cent of the AMOLED (active matrix OLED) display panel market, analysts at UBI Research said recently.

Currently, some smartphones that feature OLED screens are iPhone X, Samsung Galaxy S8, Samsung Galaxy S8+, Samsung Galaxy Note 8, OnePlus 5, LG V30 and Vivo X9s.

The Samsung "Galaxy X" is likely to make an appearance during the CES consumer technology show in January.

IIT Kharagpur bags 200-plus pre-placement offers in top MNCs

The placement season will begin on December 1, later this year

IIT Kharagpur students have bagged over 200 pre-placement offers for the first time in top multi-national corporations, including some based abroad.

Companies like Goldman Sachs, Samsung, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Adobe Systems and Wipro have offered more than ten PPOs each, the institute said in a release on Wednesday.

The placement season will begin on December 1, later this year.

Offers have been pouring for the final year students as an outcome of internships which the students went for during the summer recess.

Also Read : BPSC 2017: Common Combined Prelim Exam Results Declared

"This is an encouraging sign for us that companies recognise our students' hard work and motivation during the internship," said Debasis Deb, Professor in-charge of the Career Development Centre at IIT Kharagpur.

According to him, several factors like versatility, wide choices in course curriculum available through flexible academic programmes, dedicated and experienced faculty strength and a strong presence of the alumni across most of recruiting organisations resulted in the huge number of PPOs.

IIT Kharagpur has also received over 200 internship offers for the pre-final year students for the summer of 2018.

The institute authorities expect to cross the tallies of past years in internship offers for the academic year 2017-18, the release said.

India rise to 101 in FIFA rankings, best ever since 1996

India have jumped 31 places from its last rank of 132nd in the previous month

The Indian football team achieved its best-ever FIFA ranking in over two decades as it jumped to 101 in the latest list released on Thursday.

This is the team's best-ever ranking since May 1996 - it was ranked 101 then also.

India have jumped 31 places from its last rank of 132nd in the previous month.

Following a couple of wins in recent times, India are now ranked 11th in Asia.

The highest FIFA ranking achieved by India ever is 94, which was attained in February 1996. India were ranked 99 in November 1993 and 100 in October 1993, December 1993 and April 1996.

The last couple of years had been fruitful for India as they won 11 of their 13 matches, including an unofficial game against Bhutan, while scoring a total of 31 goals.

India recently posted a 1-0 victory over Myanmar in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers — their first-ever in Myanmar in over 64 years.

Before that India's first win in an away encounter in over a decade came when they beat Cambodia 3-2 in an International Friendly.

The 4-1 win at home for India last year against Puerto Rico was also commendable.

"It has been a difficult road. Bringing in new blood and creating competition for places in the team has been a process, and I'm pleased we are moving in the right direction," India coach Stephen Constantine said. (more)

• Apple takes on Samsung, iPhone 8 to start at $850-900
• Microsoft Windows 10 update: New privacy tools to offer more transparency
• Google Launches Google Play Music subscription in India at Rs 89 per month

25th Oct 2016 Trending News

After Note 7 fiasco, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge explodes in US: Report

After the Note 7 fiasco, a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge owner in the US has claimed that the device which he received as a replacement for the Note 7 exploded while charging.

According to the PhoneArena website, the person went to a popular US wireless carrier's store with a damagedSamsung Galaxy S7 edge -- the highest-selling device from the South Korean tech giant.(more)

57 defaulters owe banks a whopping Rs 85,000 cr: RBI to SC

Only 57 borrowers have defaulted on bank loans worth a whopping Rs 85,000 crore. The Supreme Court said this after perusing a report submitted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) about persons who have taken loans worth over Rs 500 crore and defaulted and asked the central bank why their names should not be made public.(more)

Why was Cyrus Mistry sacked? Top possible reasons for his exit

 

Ratan Tata, patriarch of one of India's most influential families, will take over as interim chairman of Tata Sons after the salt-to-software conglomerate's board ousted Cyrus Mistry, who had sought to shake up the firm's management.

Tata, who had stepped down as chairman and was replaced by Mistry in late 2012, will head the group for four months while the company seeks a replacement.(more)

Cyrus Mistry's exit: Should you buy or sell Tata Group shares?

Tata Group stocks, such as Tata Motors, TCS, Tata Steel, Tata Communications, Tata Metaliks, Titan Company and Tata Chemicals reacted sharply in early deals, and lost 1% - 3% a day after Cyrus Mistry was removed as the chairman of the Group. However, Tata Motors and Titan recovered some lost ground as trade progressed. By comparison, the benchmark indices – the S&P BSE Sensex and the Nifty 50 were trading 0.2% lower.(more)

Akhilesh vs Mulayam: Why the SP infighting is bad news for BJP

The split in the Samajwadi Party (SP), which increasingly looks imminent, is bad news for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), not just for the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls but also for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

With the Congress weakened, the BJP effort has been to dent the support base as well as credibility of regional political parties that have the potential to form the nucleus of a strong third front in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. (more)

Click here : Live blog: This is a conspiracy by BJP, says Gayatri Prajapati

Over 5.7 million watched a Facebook live link, waiting for Samsung Note 7 to explode

Ever since Samsung Galaxy Note 7 burst into flames, the company has been struggling to restore confidence and trust in the firms products despite the unreleting attack from users who bought t'he smartphone. The blitzkrieg is even more severe on social media. On Monday, Dose, a viral content website, decided to test whether Note 7 catches fire or not by charging it for four hours and broadcasting it live on its Facebook page. Although many waited eagerly to see the premium phone explode, it did not burst into flames. The video has garnered more than 58k shares and 5.7 million views till now.

Watch this Video.

Problems started for Samsung when reports about Galaxy Note 7 catching fire trickled in. The company tried to address the issue by replacing it with new phones but with similar complaints about the new phones emerging, the company said it was stopping the production and killing the product.

According to a report in Reuters, Samsung India issued an apology to customers in India who pre-ordered the Galaxy Note7. To make it up to them, the company is now offering them an "exclusive"Samsung Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge, with a Samsung Gear VR and a Samsung Level U stereo wireless headset at no additional cost.

Research firm CMR had said Samsung's smartphone shipment to India may fall short by 4 million units in 2016, hit by global recall and halt in production of its flagship Note 7 smartphone. This translates to Rs 6,457 crore in terms of revenues for the company. According to projected growth,Samsung was expected to touch revenues of Rs 45,446 crore in CY 2016, an increase of 46 per cent compared to previous calendar year.Read more.

Samsung launches Z2 at Rs 4,590 to woo feature phone users to switch to smartphone

Samsung launches Z2 at Rs 4,590 to woo feature phone users to switch to smartphone

Samsung has launched a new 4G handset 'Z2', priced at Rs 4,590, to woo feature phone users to switch to smartphones.

The device, which is also aimed at first time smartphone buyers, is powered by Samsung's own Tizen operating system.

"About 55 crore people in the country are still using feature phones and about 10 million feature phones get sold each month. With Z2, we want to help people transition to smartphones," Samsung India Vice President Mobile Business Manu Sharma told PTI.

He added that the Z2 is the most affordable 4G-VoLTE device in Samsung's current portfolio.

The handset, which will go on sale offline and through Paytm (online) from August 29, will come bundled with Reliance Jio's free voice and data service for 90 days.

This is the third handset powered by Tizen OS. The first smartphone, Z1 in January last year, followed by Z3 in October.(more)

Galaxy S7 edge: An all-round performer

The tension is hard to describe. It's like the feeling you had the day the results were to be declared. You'd already done everything you should have done and there's no way you could change anything.

The delay in getting review units for the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge just added to the tension. I had liked what I saw at the preview; they'd brought back water-proofing and a microSD slot, both significant misses in the Samsung Galaxy S6.

LeEco's 3D Helmet: Joining the VR bandwagon

Virtual reality (VR) is becoming increasingly popular but choices in India are very limited. Joining the bandwagon is LeEco's 3D Helmet. The Helmet can be paired with any smartphone as long as it has a USB Type-C port which gives it an advantage over the Samsung Gear VR headset, as the latter only supports four phones.

A standalone VR headset, the Helmet has its own 5.5-inch 2K display unlike the Samsung Gear VR and has a 70-degree field of view. The headset has adjustable straps at the top and on the side which provides for a snug fit.

The great showdown of smartphones in weeks

While a fleet of flagship smartphones are being launched in the yearly extravaganza of mobile devices at Barcelona, site of the Mobile World Congress (MWC), Indian subsidiaries of major handset makers are gearing for their launches.

Global and Indian smartphone leader Samsung, China’sGionee and Lenovo are preparing to introduce flagship devices within weeks of their global launch at MWC 2016 in the past four days. According to sources, others such as Xiaomi, LG and Intex are no less behind.