Samsung's mobile phone sales decline

29 April 2014 Last updated at 02:02 There have been some concerns recently over a slowdown in Samsung's growth Samsung Electronics has reported a 4% fall in sales at its mobile phone unit.

Revenues in the sector fell to 33.4 trillion won ($32.3bn; £23.3bn) in the January-to-March period.

But the South Korean company said operating profit for its mobile phone unit rose 18% from the previous three months, in part due to "positive impact from adjustments of one-off expenses".

Samsung is the world's biggest mobile phone maker and handsets account for the bulk of the firm's profits.

The figures came as the electronics giant reported a net profit of 7.57 trillion won (£4.4bn; $7.5bn) for the first quarter, up from 7.3 trillion won (£4.2bn; $7bn) in the previous three months.

Maturing market? The success of its Galaxy range of smartphones has been one of the biggest drivers of Samsung's growth in recent years.

It helped the company dislodge Nokia as the world's biggest phone maker in 2012.

However, competition in the sector has been increasing, forcing manufacturers to lower their prices and hurting their profitability.

At the same time, demand for smartphones in developed markets - which have been key drivers of growth of the sector so far - has also begun to slow.

"This is further evidence that the global market for smartphones is maturing and as the pace of growth which firms such as Samsung have enjoyed in recent years is slowing," said Andrew Milroy, an analyst with consulting firm Frost & Sullivan.

He added that "the company will have to look at introducing lower cost models in emerging markets to sustain the business."

For its part, Samsung has been looking to tap into the emerging markets by launching low cost handsets there.

However, it has been facing increased competition on that front as well, especially from Chinese firms such as Xiaomi, Huawei and ZTE.

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Reminder: Mobile Phone Category Changes on eBay.co.uk

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Find Cheap Gas on Oregon Coast - Or Anywhere - Via Mobile Phone

Covering 180 miles of Oregon coast travel: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Waldport, Yachats & Florence.

05/24/07

Find Cheap Gas on Oregon Coast - Or Anywhere - Via Mobile Phone

(Cupertino, Calif) – Earlier this week, Mobio Networks announced that it has launched Cheap Gas, a free widget designed to let users instantly locate the cheapest gas stations from their mobile phone. Mobio released its new widget as part of the GetMobio mobile lifestyle portal, a collection of mobile applications that are fun, simple and useful for everyday use.

STARFISH POINT Newport - Offers only the finest in luxury condominium lodging. Every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach.
All units boast two bedrooms, two bathrooms, designer kitchens, wireless broadband Internet, fireplaces, Jacuzzi’s and private decks. Friendly staff dedicated to high quality and superb customer service. 140 NW 48th Street, Newport. (541) 265-3751. (800) 870-7795. http://www.starfishpoint.com/

The feature is available anywhere in the U.S. But for Oregonians heading to the Oregon coast and up and down Highway 101. This release happens just in time for the Memorial Day Weekend rush to the coast, or anywhere else in Oregon where tourism is the resounding center of attraction.

A PR representative for Mobio told BeachConnection.net the feature will include plenty of gas stations along Oregon’s coast.

“Our goal is to focus on those use cases where mobile technology can add real, everyday value to the user,” said Marcia Kadanoff, VP Marketing of Mobio. “Naturally one of the most compelling cases is a scenario where the mobile phone user can actually save money by quickly referencing content on the mobile phone. With gas prices skyrocketing across the US, we hope that Mobio’s Cheap Gas will be a helpful tool for people who want to spend their hard earned cash on something other than filling up their vehicles. It’s a simple, convenient way to avoid overpaying at the pump this summer for everyone from the busy commuter to families getting away on vacation.”

Example of Mobio's Cheap Gas appearance (courtesy Mobio)Mobio’s Cheap Gas widget allows users to find the lowest cost gas station near any location and even to filter search results by brand. That means that if a user prefers to fuel up at a specific chain, then they can set your preferences to always display their favorite stations first on the list. Once you tell your cellphone your street address, Cheap Gas pinpoints the most relevant results and displays a map for those stations located on the next corner – not merely within your zip code or somewhere within the city limits.

Arch Cape Property Services. Dozens of homes in that dreamy, rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the sea.
All homes are immaculate and smoke free; some pet friendly (with a fee). Some with broadband, indoor or outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces, decks, and fire pits or barbecues. Call about tempting winter specials that go until March (not valid holidays, however). http://www.archcaperentals.com/ 866-436-1607.

Cheap Gas is available by downloading GetMobio, a free service that consists of over 50 dynamic applications, widgets and RSS feeds. The GetMobio lifestyle portal features collections of Web service mash-ups that include nightclubs, restaurants, movies and local events.

In January, Mobio was selected from thousands of innovators to launch its GetMobio mobile lifestyle portal at the DEMO 2007 conference. Following the launch, Business 2.0 Magazine called Mobio one of the hottest start-ups to watch in its “Next Net 25” of 2007 and IDC named Mobio one of its “10 Emerging Wireless Entertainment Players to Watch in 2007.” In April, LAPTOP Magazine called Mobio one of “Ten Companies to Watch in 2007.”

Mobio’s applications are designed to be used with very few clicks and no or minimal data entry, and are created for the most popular and widely available mobile phones on the market, such as the Motorola RAZR and Samsung BLADE. By simply entering their information once, users can personalize their experience across all GetMobio collections to create a more intuitive, seamless interaction. Visit www.getmobio.com to download the GetMobio lifestyle portal from the Web or http://getmobio.com/now on your mobile phone.

Mobio makes over 50 dynamic mobile applications and widgets that work together and are based on mash-ups of web services. Based in Silicon Valley, the company’s mission is to make compelling applications that are fun, simple and useful enough to merit everyday use on popular mobile phones. Around the globe, people use Mobio’s applications to locate the hottest bars, call a cab and book a table at the latest restaurants – all with very few clicks and minimal or no data entry. For more information, visit www.getmobio.com.

A1 Beach Rentals, Lincoln City. Perfect for large family vacations all the way down to a getaway lodging for two - with over 25 vacation rental homes to choose from. A breathtaking collection of craftsman or traditional beachfront homes, or oceanview houses – from one to seven bedrooms. In various areas of Lincoln City and overlooking the beach, with some in Depoe Bay. All kinds of amenities are available, like hot tubs, decks, BBQ, rock fireplaces, beamed ceilings and more. Some are new, some are historic charmers. Lincoln City, Oregon. 1-(503)-232-5984. www.a1beachrentals.com.

D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the start. All rooms beachfront and up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach: the D River. Each room comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some w/ gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players; movies to rent come with free popcorn. Heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates orspecial occasion packages. http://www.dsandsmotel.com/. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925.

Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside

Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites, 1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people. Rent entire property for 20-26. Close to beach, river and Broadway St.
Suites are designed for two adults; vacation rental units for families. All units have kitchen and many have fireplace, deck and jetted tub. Comfy robes, slippers, luxury bath amenities, quality linens and more. 741 S. Downing St., Seaside. 800-738-6691. http://www.seasidesuites.com/

Lincoln City Vacation Homes Something for everyone: smaller homes with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All are either oceanfront or just a few steps away – all with a low bank access and fantastic views. Most are in the Nelscott area; one is close to the casino. You’ll find a variety of goodies: fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, dishwashers, Jacuzzis, washer/dryers, hot tubs, cable TV, VCR, barbecues; there’s a loft in one, and another sprawling home has two apartments. Pets allowed in some homes – ask first. Each comes with complete kitchens. Most have seventh night free. Prices range from winter $85 to summer $230 per night. http://www.getaway2thecoast.com/. 541-994-8778.

DIVE INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES

THE TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years a favorite of Seaside visitors. 51 oceanfront condos, individually owned and decorated. Suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bed family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. Oceanview cottages sleep anywhere from two to eight, w/ two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens. Heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds w/ picnic tables - all at quiet southern end of Seaside. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.com.

Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com

Inn At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. Lincoln City’s only resort hotel built right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms - nestled against a rugged cliffside overlooking a soft, sandy beach. Dine in penthouse restaurant and bar, for casual meal or candlelight dinner. An array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest favorites, including decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from bedrooms to studios to 1-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators to full kitchens. Also, wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise room and year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game room and easy beach access. Full-service conference/meeting rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive wedding possibilities. 4009 SW Highway 101, Lincoln City. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.com

Inn at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms. Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly. Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. http://www.atcannonbeach.com/.

The Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun (nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies. 888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. http://www.theoceanlodge.com/

RELATED STORIES

Prepare for Freaky, Creepy Mole Crabs on Oregon Coast Beaches The little critters make the tideline bubble and feel really weird as they run across your feet

Watching Transformations of Oregon Coast Beaches Seasons change and so do beaches, revealing different sides and a variety of eye-popping sights

Structures Found on Oregon Beach May Be 80,000 Years Old - They are the remnants of a forest apparently 80,000 years old, found at Hug Point

Day or Night Mysteries and Merriment on Oregon Coast It's more than just nightlife that comes to life, but the beaches offer major opportunities

Gearing Up for Summer Camping on Oregon's Coast There are dozens of campsites, providing exceptional opportunities for beachcombing and recreation

CONTACT BEACH CONNECTION

ASTORIA
Where the Columbia meets the Pacific, Land of Lewis & Clark and loads of atmosphere & history

SEASIDE
The Promenade, Tillamook Head, family fun & broad, sandy beaches

CANNON BEACH
A mysterious lighthouse, upscale yet earthy, a huge monolith, fine eateries & an art mecca

NEHALEM BAY
Manzanita's beaches, Nehalem and Wheeler's quirky beauty; laid back Rockaway

TILLAMOOK BAY
Garibaldi, Barview, Bay City, Tillamook & an oceanfront ghost town

THREE CAPES LOOP
The hidden secret of the coast: Cape Meares, a lighthouse, Oceanside, Netarts and Pacific City

DEPOE BAY
A spouting horn downtown, freaky hidden cliffs and whales, whales, whalesNEWPORT
Time-tripping Nye Beach, a bustling bayfront, marine science-central and two lighthouses
YACHATS
Constantly dramatic wave action, a mix of the rugged & upscale
FLORENCE
A lighthouse, ancient bayfront and miles and miles of fluffy dunes

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Personalize your PC and phone

Tired of boring desktop themes and a blah ringtone? There are many options available in the Windows operating system to customize your PC and phone. Start with Windows 7 themes, or download free ringtones for your cell phone. You can even find emoticons for instant messaging, backgrounds for your Windows desktop, and clip art and photos to customize your folders.

Quick note on security
Some of these options are already available to you on your computer or phone. And you can download countless others—for free or for purchase. But before you even consider downloading a file, make sure that your antivirus software is up to date and that a firewall is installed and enabled (turned on). If you don’t have antivirus software, download Microsoft Security Essentials—high-quality, hassle-free antivirus protection, available at no cost. More information to help keep your computer secure is available at Microsoft Online Safety & Security Center.

Here are a few of the ways you can make a statement with your PC and phone.

Make your Windows desktop pop by changing the background (sometimes called wallpaper), changing themes, customizing your folder icons, adding useful gadgets (for Windows 7 and Windows Vista), and changing your screen saver. But what are these things? Here are some definitions:

Theme: A combination of elements that define the background, colors, sounds, and screen of Windows on your PC. You can use one of several preexisting themes that come with Windows, or you can create your own.

Here’s how to change your Windows theme:

Select a new theme—or create your own from the Control Panel.

Background: The image (or wallpaper) on your Windows desktop. Your background will automatically change if you select a new Windows theme, but if you’d like to change just the background (and not all the other components that a theme would alter), you can either choose from the many standard backgrounds supplied by the Windows operating system or you can create your own. You can do this with any image—a picture of your latest camping trip, a slide show of your pets, or a stock image from the clip art and photos category of the Microsoft Office Downloads Marketplace.

Here’s how to change your desktop:

The Windows operating system comes with several background choices.

Screen saver: An image that appears when your screen is not in use. All Windows operating systems supply several screen savers that you can choose from. If none of these are what you are looking for, you can also create your own from a photo or download and install a custom screen saver from a trusted source.

Here’s how to change your screen saver:

Only download screen savers from a trusted source.

Gadgets: Desktop tools that provide information, such as clocks, updated news headlines, or calendars. With gadgets, you can get the information you need without closing windows or your browser. Learn more about gadgets and download new gadgets.

The Gadget Gallery in Windows 7 offers many choices.

Learn more about personalizing your Windows desktop:

Quick tip: Change the look of the folders on your desktop. Each folder on your desktop (or in Documents or My Documents) is represented by an icon. You can easily replace them with different icons. Here's how to change the icons and folder views on your desktop:

Right-click the folder or shortcut that needs a new icon, and then click Properties.

Do one of the following:

To change the icon for a shortcut, click the Shortcut tab.

To change the icon for a folder, click the Customize tab.

Click Change Icon, and then choose the new icon that you want to use.

Right-click the folder that you want to change, and go to Properties.

Select the Customize tab.

Under Folder Icons, click Change Icon. You can select from the list of Windows icons that come with your operating system or choose an icon that you have downloaded.

To do the latter, go to Browse, and locate the folder that contains your downloaded icons.

Click the icon that you want, click Open, and then click OK.

This will bring you back to the Site Images Properties box. From here, click Apply, and then click OK.

You can personalize your Windows Media Player windows with custom skins, visualizations, and plug-ins. You may wonder what these are. Here are some definitions that might help:

Skins: Provide a distinctive look to Windows Media Player when you’re in skin mode. You can change skins any time by using the Skin Chooser. To open the Skin Chooser, select the View tab, and then select Skin chooser. Learn more about skins.

You can change Windows Media Player skins at any time with the Skin Chooser.

Visualizations: Colorful patterns and shapes that synchronize with the music you’re playing in Windows Media Player. Several visualizations are included with Windows Media Player, but you can download more to suit your mood. Visualizations are only visible when you are listening to music and in the Now playing mode. Learn more about how to view and change visualizations.

Visualizations synchronize colors and shapes with your music.

You can also get plug-ins for Windows Media Player that provide audio effects, such as patented SRS audio technologies to customize your sound or technologies to add features—such as three-dimensional surround sound and headphone optimization—or enhanced DVD playback capability. Learn more about plug-ins.

The next time you're instant messaging, insert an emoticon—a graphic that expresses the way that you really feel. Don't just pick the standard happy face when a bolt of lightning, a hug, or a wilted rose better reflects your mood. There's a comprehensive list of ways to create these emoticons with your keyboard on Windows Live Messenger.

Quick tip: Add new emoticons to illustrate your Windows Live Messenger conversations. Create personalized emoticons from your own images to add to your instant messaging conversations. A good place to go for images is the Office Downloads Marketplace clip art category.

Here’s how to add new emoticons:

Open Windows Live Messenger.

Click Tools, and then click Emoticons.

Click Create.

Select Find Image, and then navigate to the folder where you saved your downloaded images (any image you have will work).

Enter a keyboard shortcut/code for this particular emoticon. (Choose a shortcut that will be easy to remember.)

Click OK.

Open Windows Live Messenger.

Click Tools, and then click Emoticons.

Click Create.

Select Find Image, and then navigate to the folder where you saved your downloaded images (any image you have will work).

Enter a keyboard shortcut/code for this particular emoticon. (Choose a shortcut that will be easy to remember.)

Open Windows Live Messenger.

Click Tools, and then click Emoticons.

Click Create.

Select Find Image, and then navigate to the folder where you saved your downloaded images (any image you have will work).

Enter a keyboard shortcut/code for this particular emoticon. (Choose a shortcut that will be easy to remember.)

You can also find lots of fun animated emoticons on the web at sites like Messenger Freak or Free Smileys.

Now that you’ve done some work to personalize your PC, check out some of the ways you can customize your Windows Phone. Visit the Windows Phone Apps page to download games, useful apps like Adobe Reader and The Weather Channel, and programs for your favorite social networking sites.

You can also go to Windows Phone Marketplace for everything mobile: wallpapers, reference sources, news and information apps, games and entertainment, and, of course, ringtones—the feature that really makes your phone unique. From the Windows Phone Marketplace page, you can also find other Windows Phone resources, such as Help and Community. Jamster and Phonezoo are also great sources for ringtones and other phone applications.

Windows Phone Marketplace has many popular apps to download.

You can find even more downloads for your specific Windows Phone operating system:

Phone firms back common chargers

30 December 2010 Last updated at 11:16 The common chargers should start appearing in early 2011, said the Commission. Keeping a smartphone fully powered could soon be easier as manufacturers back common standards for chargers.

Technical specifications for chargers drawn up by the European Commission have won the backing of 14 phone firms.

Firms that have pledged to make chargers to the common standard include Nokia, Research In Motion, Apple and Samsung.

The first chargers produced to the specifications are expected to be available in early 2011.

The common chargers will be based around micro-USB technology and could see the end of proprietary power ports on handsets.

The process to create common chargers began in June 2009 when the Commission won pledges from phone firms to back any standards it drew up.

Following that agreement it started work on the specifications that have now been completed and sent out to handset makers.

The EU said many Europeans wanted to be able to use chargers for different smartphones and resented the inconvenience incompatible chargers caused.

Also, it said in a statement, eliminating the need to get a new charger when a phone was replaced had environmental benefits as it reduced the need to dispose of an old, but probably fully functional, charger.

The specifications only cover chargers for smartphones because, said the Commission, these are likely to be the most widely used type of phone in Europe within the next two years.

Antonio Tajani, European Commissioner for industry and entrepreneurship, welcomed the publication of the standards and said: "Now it is time for industry to show its commitment to sell mobile phones for the new charger."

The Commission is also talking to regulators with a view to getting the European specifications adopted worldwide.

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