The first phone launched at CES 2022 is Samsung’s Galaxy S21 FE — the successor to 2020’s badly needed S20 FE. Samsung is pitching it as a good value, and, in the U.S., it is.
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Sometimes, simple demos are the best. Verizon flew a handful of press, influencers, and analysts to downtown Los Angeles last week to test its upcoming C-Band network.
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At its annual Snapdragon Summit, Qualcomm announced three new silicon platforms for smartphones, computing, and handheld gaming. Some of the efforts will hit more headwinds than others.
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Last week was a big week for silicon: Qualcomm held its Investor Day in New York City reassuring its investors that it is diversifying, and MediaTek launched an assault on the high end of the smartphone market (among other things) at its Executive Summit in Laguna Beach, CA.
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Amazon updated many of its core device brands with new products (Kindle, Echo, Ring, Blink, Halo), entered adjacent markets (thermostats, televisions), and created entirely new product categories (kids connected activity devices, home robots). It’s a lot.
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Last week, Facebook announced that it is renaming the company Meta, and the hot takes have been scorching – and many are simply wrong.
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Analysis and competitive response recommendations for Apple’s new Music tier; colorful HomePod mini; third-generation AirPods; and high end MacBook Pros.
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Microsoft is removing Surface business results from its quarterly reports, but Surface remains strategically important. The fall Surface Event included solid updates to several products, continued exploration of innovative new form factors, and extremely important work on accessibility and the environment.
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Apple’s annual fall device update offered up few surprises, but adding noticeable, useful updates to best-selling products is generally a winning formula for Apple. In the U.S., carriers are heavily subsidizing the new iPhones – including giving them away free over time with trade-ins.
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Samsung is steadily removing objections to foldables with its third generation Z Flip and Z Fold; it is launching well-priced Galaxy Watch4 with new Google software and new Samsung silicon, and the Galaxy Buds2 have a winning balance between comfort, performance, and price.
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Windows 11 is coming, and this report provides analysis on its market impact, key features, and implications for consumers, enterprises, and OEMs.
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Late last month, three news items from China caught my eye that reflect how geopolitics are shaping the state of mobile devices today. I also attended an online discussion on deglobalization that provided some context for what’s going on.
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There’s plenty of news coverage on Apple’s Spring Loaded event and even more hot takes produced within minutes of the event’s end. This report assumes the reader knows the product news and focuses on key analysis.
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BBK is remaking OnePlus as a more traditional smartphone brand, driven by sanctions on Huawei and BBK’s desire to take advantage of U.S. distribution.
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Microsoft is updating the Surface Laptop and announcing new accessories aimed at post-pandemic hybrid work needs: USB wired and wireless headsets, a wired speaker for conference calls, and a 1080p webcam.
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Samsung’s Galaxy A series were competitive when they were announced for Europe and Asia, despite strong Chinese competition. The U.S. variants are even better positioned - and have less competition.
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After years of staggering losses, LG is quitting phones. The U.S. is the market where this will have the biggest impact, and Samsung is the biggest beneficiary. Other possible winners include TCL, Motorola, and OnePlus.
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The mid-tier Galaxy A-series phones are Samsung’s best-selling products. Samsung is focusing this year’s updates on design, display, camera, and battery – the top features that actually drive consumer purchase decisions.
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Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Pro take the in-ear design of the Galaxy Buds Plus, the tiny wireless charging case of the Galaxy Buds Live, and adds ANC and a slew of other features for $200.
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[Updated Jan 19, 2021 from summary to full report] The Galaxy S21 features a wide range of improvements to the camera, display, and processor at competitive price points for mainstream consumers and early adopters alike.
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