LG announced the swiveling dual screen WING smartphone, but before turning to phone itself, this report focuses on LG’s Explorer Project strategy and the challenges of new form factors. [Updated 9/29/20 with initial pricing/availability]
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With the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition, Samsung hits the $700 price point that consumers need, keeps the flagship features consumers want, and cuts costs in ways that most will not mind.
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Samsung released pricing and more details on features; we cover the context, what has changed, competition, and market success factors.
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Techsponential has previously written about Microsoft’s platforms strategy with Duo; this report provides analysis on Surface Duo’s interface, use cases, and market impact after multiple discussions with Microsoft and two full weeks of hands-on experience.
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Motorola is back with an updated razr, adding 5G and doubling down on its key feature differentiation, the exterior display. While Samsung took an early lead in the vertical folding phone market, the razr is doing exactly what Motorola needs it to do: expanding consumer awareness and driving carrier wins.
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Samsung’s wearables are competitive and give the company ways to monetize its smartphone installed base, even if consumers are not ready to upgrade their phones yet. This report covers the Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Watch3, including extensive hands-on with both.
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Microsoft designed the Surface Duo’s hardware and software to work in concert to improve mobile productivity. While the Duo is based on Android 10, it is a showcase for Microsoft365, which is a software platform independent of Windows. The price is high and it won’t appeal to everyone, but you can’t fault Microsoft for creating a me-too product.
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Conventional wisdom says that premium Android tablets make no sense, but my first impressions of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S7+ far exceeded expectations. The hardware is beautiful, and, with the right use cases, the software works well, too.
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At its first virtual Unpacked event, Samsung introduced two new Notes and updated both its folding phones (plus tablets and wearables). This report focuses on how the new phones fit into Samsung’s market segmentation.
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Canalys reports that Huawei is the leading smartphone seller in the world as of Q2 2020, but its designation on the U.S. Entity List means that this may not last. However, Huawei clearly isn’t collapsing like Windows Phone, either, so what’s going on?
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T-Mobile’s discounted multi-line plan has limitations, but it is competitive. The device add-on, however, is a minefield of fine print and gotchas that runs counter to T-Mobile’s brand.
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Scam Shield is constructed out of parts that have previously been announced, and, in some cases, are not at all unique to T-Mobile. However, the act of putting them together as a package and marketing them as free to consumers is brilliant.
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Panasonic has dabbled with small Android Toughbook tablets, but is committing to the category with the 10.1” Toughbook A3. Pros: flexible hardware, a commitment to support, and the Android Enterprise Recommended designation; Cons: high price points, strong competition from Samsung.
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On paper, the iPhone SE looks impossible to compete with: it has a faster processor than any Android phone at a price of just $400. However, there are also compromises. After testing a review unit for several weeks, this report provides a clearer idea of where it fits in the market, how it will help Apple in different geographies, and how rivals can compete with it.
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This report explains why the U.S. has never had a mid-tier smartphone market, how that is changing, and provides recommendations for smartphone vendors, carriers, and retailers to thrive in a challenging environment. [updated May 14, 2020 with additional recommendations]
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Sonos has been on an apology tour after announcing that it will be breaking software compatibility with some of its older products, which begs the question: why do it? One reason is Dolby Atmos.
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Microsoft updated three Surface products, is finally bringing Surface Earbuds to market, and announced two new docking solutions. The changes to the Surface Go 2 are the most significant, with both design and spec updates that make it a serious mobility option, not just an “on-paper” iPad competitor.
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As the Covid-19 contagion spreads, companies are taking different approaches to launching new products in a rapidly changing environment. This report covers best - and worst - practices.
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Samsung’s mobile enterprise division has been targeting an under-served sweet spot in the SMB/enterprise market with purpose-built devices that are fairly priced and just rugged enough. Samsung’s Galaxy XCover Pro is a slim, rugged smartphone aimed at improving productivity for front-line workers while keeping their IT managers and accountants happy.
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As smartphone flagship pricing has broken $1,000, OnePlus continues to chase the latest specs at a discount – however, while its phones remain relative bargains, they are still priced out of reach for more consumers. Offsetting this is a marked expansion in the U.S., where OnePlus now has distribution at two of the three national carriers.
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