Here is my collection of relevant trend for smart phones in 2019 (links to source on quetes::
Market: It seems that crazy growth times in smart phone markets are over at least for some time. Without Chinese brands, growth in the smart phone markets in 2018 would have been dramatically negative. Smartphone Shipments Expected to Rebound in 2019 article says that shipments of smartphones, the mainstay of the electronics industry, are expected to rebound, returning to low-single-digit growth in 2019, according to market research firm International Data Corp. (IDC). Shipments are expected to grow 2.6% in 2019 after falling by 3% to 1.42 billion units in 2018. It is expected that emerging markets, 5G, and new product form factors will help revive the smartphone market. Effect of the US-China trade-war is hard to define.
Faster mobile: Mobile networks are getting faster in many countries. Mobile networks are killing Wi-Fi for speed around the world. Average data speeds on mobile networks now outpace customer’s Wi-Fi connection, on average, in 33 countries. That’s the The State of Wifi vs Mobile Network Experience as 5G Arrives.
5G: It’s a bit tricky — after all, plenty of publications are going to claim 2019 as “The Year of 5G,” but they’re all jumping the gun. It is true that 5G is coming this year to some locations with some devices,but the number of devices and where you can use them is pretty limited. OnePlus and LG have committed to a handset and Samsung has since committed to two. You have to wait to 2020 for larger scale deployment and good device selection. It seems that Apple Will Wait Until at Least 2020 to Release a 5G iPhone. If you jump to 5G train, you’re going to be paying a hefty premium for a feature you barely use. So far, 5G is a mixed bag of blessings and curses. More on that at my 5G trends posting.
New chipsets: The Snapdragon 855 Brings 5G to Mobile Devices. Mediatek Helio P90 aims just below flagship handsets to China.
Duopoly market: Smart phone market is 2019 is practically duopoly with Android and iOS operating systems. Android is far and away the dominant operating system, with a global market share of about 77 percent (or more). US market is becoming a smartphone duopoly where Apple and Samsung dominate, while others are left behind. US Android market is consolidating, with companies such as Motorola and LG losing ground to Samsung. Other Android makers have marginal single-digit share. On other markets especially Chinese manufacturers are growing and there are many competing manufacturers.
Smart phones first to web: According to Ofcom, the PC has lost its place as the first device and platform for web browsing in UK. Almost half of the web browses the web with a smart phone, which places a requirement on all online services from shops to news sites.
Interchangeable devices: As the cloud becomes more secure and reliable, we’ll increasingly store less and less on the phone itself,at least on those markets with fast, cheap and reliable connections. In theory this could make our devices much more interchangeable.
More accurate positioning: IEEE 802.11mc (better known as Wi-Fi round-trip time, or RTT), which can increase accuracy to 1m while providing vertical (Z-axis) location information that has been long awaiting a solution. Wi-Fi RTT operates according to the Fine Timing Measurement (FTM) protocol within the IEEE 802.11-2016 standard that uses a variety of techniques to pinpoint the location of someone’s smartphone or tablet. Wi-Fi Alliance® calls the capability a “Wi-Fi Certified Location.”
Waterproofing: Waterproof products are a trend in the industry because users want to be able to take their devices with them wherever they go. The iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Huawei’s high-end phones, and other mobile phones tout their water resistance as one of the attributes that consumers want. Such smart phones will need waterproof connectors and preferably only a one connector or less to waterproof. Waterproof USB Type-C connectors are emerging as the go-to solution for today’s consumer products. USB Type-C connectors with IPX8 waterproofing performance are becoming the new standard for a wide range of products because they deliver go-anywhere reliability, fast charging, and fast data transfers.
Phones without connectors: Phones are already doing away with ports (most notably, the headphone jack). In fact, all ports may soon be a thing of the past on some phones.
Bendable and foldable phones: Samsung’s Galaxy F (for foldable) is the first flexible phone that offers the benefits of a tablet and a smartphone in one device. Small enough to fit in your pocket, it unfolds to work more like a tablet when you need it. There are also other manufacturers that have showed foldable smart phones. The Royole is fascinating, but its execution leaves something to be desired. Of course these designs are going to come at a major premium.
Wireless charging: No Need to Wait for the “Best” Wireless-Charging Solution—Qi Is It article says that there are now more than 360 companies (including Apple) supporting Qi and no other competitors, it’s game over. Qi is the go-to solution for most of the industry.
Security: Android 9 Brings Significant Security Advancements, Google Says. The latest Android iteration brings along a great deal of security improvements, including better encryption and authentication. The Android Keystore provides application developers with a set of cryptographic tools that are designed to secure their users’ data.
Smaller card standards: NM Card (Nano Memory Card) has been launched and used by Huawei. The NM card is 45 percent smaller than MicroSD. The capacity of the NM card, the reading speed and, in fact, the price, are already at the level of MicroSD cards. If you think NanoSIM is the last physical SIM card size, then the NM card has a good seam to get to the standard position. Huawei works with JEDEC to standardize the NM card.
eSIM: The term “eSIM” simply means an embedded SIM card. eSIM is backed by the GSMA. It seems certain that future smartphones will adopt electronic SIM cards – essentially removing the need to have a physical SIM card (and SIM slot). California based Apple has turned to eSIM. Google Pixel 2 and 3 series phones also support eSIM. eSIM needs to be supported by the network or carrier and enabled by them and not all networks supoort eSIM as yet. More carriers to support Pixel 3 eSIM as Google helping build more eSIM Android phones.
Notched displays: There will be more phones with notch in the front to accommodate the front camera and sensors in order to maintain a full-screen profile. Practically everyone has embraced the cutout in an attempt to go edge to edge.
Camera under display: Two smartphone-makers have unveiled handsets featuring a “hole-punch” selfie camera, which is is intended to be less obtrusive than a “notch” – as popularised by Apple and later by many Android smartphone manufacturers.
Sensors under display: Biometric identification in electronics is gaining momentum, and in smartphones, the latest trend is to plant a fingerprint sensor underneath the screen. Qualcomm announces 3D Sonic Sensor, a new under-display fingerprint sensor for smartphones that uses sound waves to map fingerprints.
Touch-free technology: All major phone manufacturers are researching “in-air gesturing technology” that would let you control your phone without actually touching it.
Better cameras: Huawei debuts Honor View 20 with a 48MP rear camera. Smartphone cameras are pretty good across the board these days, so one of the simple solutions has been simply adding more to the equation. For example Nokia 9 Pureview has five camera sensors and LG has patented a camera with up to 16 lenses. In addition to adding more cameras, Companies will also be investing a fair deal in software to help bring better shots to existing components (a little AI and ML can go a long way on image processing).
433 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
Inside China’s Silicon Valley: From copycats to innovation
https://edition.cnn.com/2018/11/22/tech/china-tech-innovation-shenzhen/index.html?utm_source=fbbusiness&utm_medium=social&utm_term=video&utm_content=2018-12-30T07%3A00%3A06
At the Huaqiangbei Market in Shenzhen, you can build a smartphone from scratch in a couple of hours.
Spread over several floors and covering hundreds of thousands of square feet, the market is home to vendors selling the parts that make up your standard phone — cameras, motherboards, frames, screens and so on.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Light is expanding from smartphone cameras to self-driving cars
https://techcrunch.com/2019/02/26/light-is-expanding-from-smartphone-cameras-to-self-driving-cars/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Mikey Campbell / AppleInsider:
Strategy Analytics: Apple shipped 22.5M Apple Watch units in 2018, accounting for about half of global smartwatch shipments — Fresh statistics from research firm Strategy Analytics show Apple retained its position as the clear leader in the smartwatch sector, with Apple Watch capturing 51 percent …
Apple shipped 9.2M Apple Watch units in Q4 2018 to capture half of market, report says
http://appleinsider.com/articles/19/02/27/apple-shipped-92m-apple-watch-units-in-q4-2018-to-capture-half-of-market
Tomi Engdahl says:
Chris Velazco / Engadget:
Motorola confirms it is working on a foldable smartphone; it will likely be a revival of the Razr brand that will launch this summer — By now, it’s not much of a secret that Motorola is working on a folding phone of its own: A patent for such a device surfaced late last year …
Motorola confirms its foldable phone is coming
https://www.engadget.com/2019/02/27/motorola-confirms-its-foldable-phone-is-coming/
A company exec says Motorola has “no intention of coming later than everybody else in the market.”
Tomi Engdahl says:
http://www.etn.fi/index.php/13-news/9150-ensimmainen-teratavun-microsd-kortti-alypuhelimeen
Samsung esitteli viime kuussa tekniikan, jolla älypuhelimeen saa jopa teratavun verran sulautettua muistia. Joidenkin mielestä tämä käytännössä tappaa muistikortit puhelimista, mutta Micron vastaa nyt markkinoiden ensimmäisellä teratavun microSD-kortilla.
C200-kortilla hyödynnetään ensimmäistä kertaa 96 metallointikerroksen NAND-tekniikkaa, jossa yhteen soluun saadaan tallennettua neljä databittiä.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Tom Warren / The Verge:
Microsoft now lets Microsoft 365 users on Android take a picture of a printed data table and automatically convert it into an editable Excel spreadsheet — Microsoft uses AI to boost Excel features — Microsoft is adding a very useful feature to its Excel mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Microsoft Excel will now let you snap a picture of a spreadsheet and import it
https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/1/18246429/microsoft-excel-covert-photos-data-tables-editable-table-ai-feature
Microsoft uses AI to boost Excel features
Tomi Engdahl says:
Dan Seifert / The Verge:
Samsung Galaxy S10+ review: great display and a versatile camera but the in-screen fingerprint scanner is unreliable and hole-punch design is worse than a notch
Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus review: the anti-iPhone
The 10th Galaxy S phone feels familiar, but is still excellent
https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/1/18245446/samsung-galaxy-s10-plus-android-phone-review-price-specs-features
Tomi Engdahl says:
Galaxy S10 ships with screen protector as others may block fingerprint sensor
https://www.zdnet.com/article/galaxy-s10-ships-with-screen-protector-as-others-may-block-fingerprint-sensor/
Samsung wants Galaxy S10 buyers to only use its own screen protectors, which cost $30 but the first one’s free.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Here’s how to securely wipe your Android smartphone for resale
https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-to-securely-wipe-your-android-smartphone-for-resale/
Got your eye on a new Android smartphone? Here’s how to wipe your existing smartphone so you can sell it or pass it on to a family member or friend without giving them all your data as well.
Tomi Engdahl says:
MWC in Barcelona: A Study in Contrast
https://www.eetimes.com/author.asp?section_id=36&doc_id=1334392
The watchword is “now” (again)
Ever since MWC’s early days as 3GSM, the next generation of mobility was heralded as “just around the corner.” Its eventual arrival always seemed sort of anti-climactic because there was another corner (3.5G, 4G, 4.5G, etc.) way up ahead, and the previous “G” was not “now” but “then.”
According to Keysight, 5G standards are “rapidly evolving,” but as new use cases emerge, the industry realizes there is more “stuff to be defined.” 5G’s Release 15 (R15) “late drop freeze” — originally scheduled this month — will be delayed by at least three months. R16, extensions to R15, will cover specifications for Cellular-V2X and mission-critical ultra-latency applications such as remote surgery. R16 will be frozen in 2020.
Tomi Engdahl says:
http://www.etn.fi/index.php/13-news/9166-kaytettyja-puhelimia-myydaan-yha-enemman
Tomi Engdahl says:
http://www.etn.fi/index.php/13-news/9164-ranteeseen-4-tuumainen-taipuvanayttoinen-kannykka
Nubia Alpha on varustettu 4-tuumaisella taipuvalla OLED-näytöllä, joka on samalla markkinoiden tähän asti suurin puettavien laitteiden näyttö. Laite tukee Bluetooth-, wifi- ja 4G-yhteyksiä eSIM-piirin kautta. Sillä voi lähettää SMS-viestejä, soittaa puheluita ja selata nettiä ilman erillistä älypuhelinta.
Tomi Engdahl says:
MWC: Yhä kalliimpia puhelimia markkinoille, jotka eivät kasva
http://www.etn.fi/index.php/13-news/9128-mwc-yha-kalliimpia-puhelimia-markkinoille-jotka-eivat-kasva
Tomi Engdahl says:
http://www.etn.fi/index.php/13-news/9126-eilinen-oli-hieno-paiva-nokia-palasi-alypuhelinmarkkinoille
Tomi Engdahl says:
Visual Studio vahvistaa: Windows 10 kuolee mobiilissa
http://etn.fi/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9105&via=n&datum=2019-02-19_15:38:59&mottagare=30929
Jos se nyt oli jollekin vielä epäselvää, Microsoft on itse vahvistanut sovelluskehityksen päättyneen Windows 10 Mobile -alustalle. Yhtiö aikoo keväällä tuoda käyttöön 2019-version Visual Studiosta, mutta vanhalle omalle mobiilialustalle sillä ei voi enää sovelluksia kehittää.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Yli miljardi eSIM-turvasirua
http://etn.fi/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9102&via=n&datum=2019-02-19_15:38:59&mottagare=30929
STMicroelectronics kertoo myyneensä yli miljardia ST33-turvapiiriä markkinoille. Kyse on miro-ohjaimesta, jolla taataan esimerkiksi mobiilimaksamisen turvallisuus NFC-yhteyksissä tai käyttäjän autentikointi nopeasti yleistyvissä eSIM-älypuhelimissa.
Tomi Engdahl says:
If the USB port damaged, you need to buy a new motherboard. If the fingerprint sensor damaged, you need to get a new screen.
Well played Samsung
Galaxy S10 teardown reveals Samsung shameful USB-C port soldering
https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-galaxy-s10-teardown-962758/
Popular DIY YouTuber Jerry Rig Everything just posted the Samsung Galaxy S10 teardown video. While it’s a little painful to watch such an expensive device run through JRE’s torture, the teardown does reveal some interesting aspects of the latest Samsung superphone.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Helmikuun kännykkämyynti ja 5G-uutuudet
https://www.uusiteknologia.fi/2019/03/01/elisa-huawei-ykkosena-kuluttajille-ja-nokia-yrityksille/
Tomi Engdahl says:
http://www.etn.fi/index.php/13-news/9182-kannykoissa-siirrytaan-ddr5-muisteihin
Tomi Engdahl says:
Mishaal Rahman / XDA Developers:
An early look at Google’s work on a new IdentityCredential API for Android, which may allow for digital driver’s licenses and pave the way for digital passports
Google is working on securely storing Digital Driver’s Licenses in Android
https://www.xda-developers.com/google-android-digital-drivers-license/
Tomi Engdahl says:
MediaTek is working on a 7nm 5G-capable chip that’s more powerful than the Helio P90
https://www.xda-developers.com/mediatek-7nm-5g-capable-chip-helio-p90/
When it comes to flagship SoCs, the Android side of the market is dominated by the likes of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon, Samsung’s Exynos and Huawei’s HiSilicon Kirin SoCs. MediaTek is not really the preferred name for cutting edge features, as it chooses to focus more on the entry level, budget and mid-range segments. But that does not stop the Taiwanese semi-conductor giant to play catch-up on specifications and still continue to provide a value package.
In an interview with Android Authority, MediaTek’s Vice President of Corporate Sales and Business Development, Mr. Finbarr Moynihan has confirmed that it is working on a 7nm, 5G capable chipset, with an announcement expected this year. This SoC will be positioned “towards the higher end” of the market, and will be more capable than the Helio P90 SoC that is built on a 12m process.
Tomi Engdahl says:
APKTool 2.4 is now available for decoding Android apps
https://www.xda-developers.com/apktool-2-4-release/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Smartphone Amp Delivers Enriched Sound, Power Savings in Tiny Package
https://www.electronicdesign.com/power/smartphone-amp-delivers-enriched-sound-power-savings-tiny-package?NL=ED-003&Issue=ED-003_20190308_ED-003_924&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_1_b&utm_rid=CPG05000002750211&utm_campaign=23879&utm_medium=email&elq2=3ffad62eff704e17a6254874c306c1dc
By merging DSP-driven algorithms, Class H dc-rail boost, Class D audio amplifier, smart battery management, and other features, this amp provides high-performance, highly efficient audio for smartphones in a tiny package.
The Cirrus Logic CS35L41 smart power amplifier targets this growing trend with enriched audio clarity and loudness plus advanced power management
Tomi Engdahl says:
Huawei caught faking photos again, this time for the upcoming P30 Pro
It’s just unfortunate, really
https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/11/18260213/huawei-fake-photos-p30-pro-camera-ad-dslr
Tomi Engdahl says:
Behold a New Samsung Foldable Form Factor: The Wristband Phone
https://www.tomsguide.com/us/samsung-foldable-wristband-phone,news-29618.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
http://www.etn.fi/index.php/13-news/9210-ala-yrita-tata-kotona-samsungin-lippulaiva-on-lahes-mahdoton-korjata
Tomi Engdahl says:
Google’s new voice recognition system works instantly and offline (if you have a Pixel)
https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/12/googles-new-voice-recognition-system-works-instantly-and-offline-if-you-have-a-pixel/
Tomi Engdahl says:
When do you go native?
The hardest decision in app development is often the very first one
https://techcrunch.com/2019/02/14/when-do-you-go-native/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Emil Protalinski / VentureBeat:
Google debuts the first preview of Android Q to devs, available on all Pixel devices, with granular privacy settings, better support for foldable devices, more — Google today launched Android Q Beta 1, available for download now at google.com/android/beta.
Google launches Android Q Beta 1
https://venturebeat.com/2019/03/13/google-launches-android-q-beta-1/
Google today launched Android Q Beta 1, available for download now at google.com/android/beta. The first beta includes a preview SDK for developers with system images for the Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, and the official Android Emulator.
This is the fourth year running that Google has released the first developer preview of the next Android version in March — Android N (later named Android Nougat), Android O (Android Oreo), and Android P (Android Pie)
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to install the Android Q beta on a Google Pixel
Available now for all Pixel phones
https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/13/18264398/android-q-beta-how-to-install-pixel-2-3-xl
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.uusiteknologia.fi/2019/03/14/nokian-uutuus-kameramessuille/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Nokia 9 PureView Disassembly Teardown Repair Guide. Well Sealed!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03ekj09FiJg&feature=youtu.be
Tomi Engdahl says:
Daydreaming in VR: How Lenovo Developed the Mirage Solo
A behind-the-scenes look at how Lenovo created its Mirage Solo standalone VR headset.
https://www.designnews.com/design-hardware-software/daydreaming-vr-how-lenovo-developed-mirage-solo/195441194760403?ADTRK=UBM&elq_mid=7784&elq_cid=876648
Tomi Engdahl says:
Huawei has built an Android alternative in case US tensions increase
https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/14/huawei-has-built-an-android-alternative-in-case-us-tensions-increase/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Zac Hall / 9to5Mac:
Apple announces WWDC 2019 will be held June 3-7 at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose — Apple has officially announced dates and opened registration for its annual developer conference where it will likely unveil iOS 13, macOS 10.15, watchOS 6, and tvOS 13.
Apple opens WWDC 2019 registration, kicks off June 3 in San Jose
https://9to5mac.com/2019/03/14/wwdc-2019-registration-details/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Tom Warren / The Verge:
Microsoft launches a new cross-platform mobile SDK that allows game developers to add Xbox Live features to iOS or Android games — Microsoft also open to Xbox Live on the PS4 or Switch — Microsoft is bringing its Xbox Live network to iOS and Android devices.
Microsoft announces Xbox Live for any iOS or Android game
Microsoft also open to Xbox Live on the PS4 or Switch
https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/14/18265214/microsoft-xbox-live-ios-android-games-support-features
Tomi Engdahl says:
Dean Takahashi / VentureBeat:
Valve announces an early beta of Steam Link Anywhere, a Steam Link extension that allows users to connect to their computers and play games from anywhere — Ahead of the Game Developers Conference, Valve is adding a couple of new features for its Steam digital game distribution platform.
Valve launches Steam Link Anywhere and better networking features
https://venturebeat.com/2019/03/14/valve-launches-steam-link-anywhere-and-better-networking-features/
Ahead of the Game Developers Conference next week in San Francisco, Valve is adding a couple of new features for its Steam digital game distribution platform. One of them seems quite intriguing: Steam Link Anywhere. And the second one, Steam Networking Sockets applications programming interface (API) promises that online gamers will be able to play multiplayer games faster and over more secure connections.
Steam Link Anywhere is an extension of the Steam Link functionality that allows you to connect to your computer and play games from anywhere. It is now available in early beta. The service is available free of charge to all Steam users through the Steam Link hardware or the Steam Link app, and can be used to connect to any computer running Steam, Valve said..
The Steam Link Anywhere feature will be automatically rolled out to Steam Link hardware customers with beta firmware, the Android Steam Link beta app, and the Raspberry Pi Steam Link app.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Aamir Siddiqui / XDA Developers:
Samsung says it has begun mass production of 10nm 12GB LPDDR4X DRAM chip for smartphones, targets 34.1 GBps data transfer rates — Just a few years ago, smartphones launching with 1GB RAM were deemed to be sufficient for mobile computing needs. After all, we had access to much more computing power …
Samsung begins mass production of 12GB LPDDR4X DRAM chips for smartphones
https://www.xda-developers.com/samsung-12gb-lpddr4x-ram-mass-production/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Li Tao / South China Morning Post:
Huawei says it has developed its own OS for both smartphones and computers in case those developed by US companies are no longer available — Huawei Technologies, the largest smartphone vendor in China, said it has developed its own operating systems (OS) for both smartphones and computers …
Huawei confirms it has built its own operating system just in case US tensions disrupt use of Google’s Android
https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3001685/huawei-confirms-it-has-built-its-own-operating-system-just-case-us
A previous US ban on Chinese telecoms equipment maker ZTE from using American products and services served as a reality check for China’s technology ambitions
Huawei says it would only use its own OS in “extenuating circumstances”
Tomi Engdahl says:
http://www.etn.fi/index.php/13-news/9219-google-ei-vain-onnistu-laitevalmistajana
Tomi Engdahl says:
Nokia 9 PureView Disassembly Teardown Repair Guide. Well Sealed!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03ekj09FiJg&feature=youtu.be
Disassembly Teardown Repair Guide For The Nokia 9 PureView. The back is well sealed with water resistant adhesive and is not easy to remove. Overall its repairable but will take you time and patience.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Many Security Apps on Google Play Inefficient, Fake: Study
https://www.securityweek.com/many-security-apps-google-play-inefficient-fake-study
Antivirus testing firm AV-Comparatives has analyzed 250 security applications for Android offered on Google Play and found that many of them either fail to detect threats or they are simply fake.
Overall, 70 products blocked over 80% of the malware samples and 80 products blocked over 30% with no false positives — AV-Comparatives considers antiviruses that block less than 30% as being ineffective or unsafe.
“Apart from the apps on their respective whitelists, the risky ‘AV apps’ block almost all other apps, regardless of whether they were installed from the official Google Play Store or not. Some of them do not even bother to add their own packages to their whitelists, causing them to report their own app.”
https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/android-test-2019-250-apps/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Kännykässä pian oletuksena 128 gigatavua tallennustilaa
http://www.etn.fi/index.php/13-news/9154-kannykassa-pian-oletuksena-128-gigatavua-tallennustilaa
Tomi Engdahl says:
U.S. judge rules Qualcomm owes Apple nearly $1 billion rebate payment
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-apple-qualcomm/u-s-judge-rules-qualcomm-owes-apple-nearly-1-billion-rebate-payment-idUSKCN1QV3EV
A U.S. federal judge has issued a preliminary ruling that Qualcomm Inc owes Apple Inc nearly $1 billion in patent royalty rebate payments, though the decision is unlikely to result in Qualcomm writing a check to Apple because of other developments in the dispute.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Google filed a folding phone patent application, too
https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/15/google-filed-a-folding-phone-patent-application-too/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Ryan Whitwam / Android Police:
Nokia 9 PureView review: the five-camera array produces great images but is very slow, often losing photos and the in-display fingerprint sensor is atrocious
The Nokia 9 PureView is a good phone ruined by serious problems
https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/03/18/the-nokia-9-pureview-is-a-good-phone-ruined-by-serious-problems/
The HMD-backed resurgence of Nokia in the smartphone market has been a real treat to watch. After years of watching Microsoft bungle its Nokia acquisition, the Nokia name is again emblazoned on excellent smartphone products. However, most Nokia phones have been toward the budget end of the spectrum. They’ve been good for the money, but the Nokia 9 PureView is a true flagship with high-end specs, a wild five-camera setup, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. All that, and it’s a few hundred dollars less than competing phones.
The in-display fingerprint sensor is atrocious. It is neither fast nor accurate. The camera processing speed is also a constant aggravation. Almost everything else—the software, build quality, photo quality, and so on—all live up to expectations.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Android Q Brings New Privacy and Security Features
https://www.securityweek.com/android-q-brings-new-privacy-and-security-features
Building on previously introduced features such as file-based encryption, lockdown mode, encrypted backups, Google Play Protect, and more, Android Q brings more control over location access, improved transparency, and better data security (many of the enhancements are part of Google’s Project Strobe).
In Android Q, for example, apps still need to ask for permission to get location, but users can set different permission levels, such as never, only when the app is in use (running), or all the time (when in the background).
“To maintain a good user experience, design your app to gracefully handle when your app doesn’t have background location permission or when it doesn’t have any access to location,” Google tells application developers.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Apple infringed three Qualcomm patents, jury finds
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-apple-qualcomm/apple-infringed-three-qualcomm-patents-jury-finds-idUSKCN1QW2KB
Mobile phone chip supplier Qualcomm Inc on Friday won a legal victory against iPhone maker Apple Inc, with a jury in federal court in San Diego finding that Apple owes Qualcomm about $31 million for infringing three of its patents.
Tomi Engdahl says:
http://www.etn.fi/index.php/13-news/9234-mita-metalleja-alypuhelimessa-on-tutkijat-laittoivat-laitteen-tehosekoittimeen
Tulosten mukaan puhelin sisältää 33 grammaa rautaa, 13 grammaa piitä ja 7 grammaa kromia. Lisäksi puhelimessa käytetään pienempiä määriä erilaisia muita metalleja.
Nämä muut pitoisuudet ovatkin sitten haitallisempia. Volframia oli 900 milligrammaa, kobalttia ja molybdeeniä 70 milligrammaa, neodyymiä 160 milligrammaa ja praseodyymiä 30 milligrammaa. Hopeaa älypuhelimessa oli 90 milligrammaa ja kultaa 36 milligrammaa.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Huaweilla on varalla oma käyttöjärjestelmä
http://www.etn.fi/index.php/13-news/9231-huaweilla-on-varalla-oma-kayttojarjestelma