Global mobile phone sales now in decline
Despite some vendors seeing record smartphone sales, worldwide sales of mobile phones declined 2% year-over-year to 419.1 million units in the first quarter of 2012, according to research firm Gartner. The decline represents the first of its kind since the second quarter of 2009. “Global sales of mobile devices declined more than expected due to a slowdown in demand from the Asia/Pacific region,” said Anshul Gupta, principal research analyst at Gartner. “The first quarter, traditionally the strongest quarter for Asia – which is driven by Chinese New Year, saw a lack of new product launches from leading manufacturers, and users delayed upgrades in the hope of better smartphone deals arriving later in the year.” In the smartphone market, Android accounted for more
Gadgets: iPad as Etch A Sketch
ABC News' gadget roundup this week features the nostalgically fun Etch A Sketch case for the iPad, a USB battery fuel cell charger for smartphones, and HP's newest Spectre XT ultrabook. Click through for more exciting gadget picks this week.
Poll: Half of Americans call Facebook a fad
Half of Americans think Facebook is a passing fad, according to the results of a new Associated Press-CNBC poll. And, in the run-up to the social network's initial public offering of stock, half of Americans also say the social network's expected asking price is too high.
Ad execs say jury still out on Facebook as medium
NEW YORK/LONDON (Reuters) - General Motors Inc's decision to stop advertising on Facebook may be a wake-up call for the No. 1 social network, but Top advertising executives say it's far too early to know if the site will take off as an advertising platform. "There's a lot of potential but it's not a slam-dunk," said Martin Sorrell, chief executive of WPP Plc, the world's largest advertising agency. "Showing the impact of branding on Facebook is going to take a long time," he added. Facebook is due to begin trading on Nasdaq on Friday in an initial public offering that will raise about $15. ...
Grad Gift Ideas for Class of 2012
ABC’s Tech Contributor Andrea Smith (@abcandrea) has a round-up of today’s latest gadgets for those ready to take on the world post-graduation.
Fab.com Shares What Facebook Friends Are Buying
Ecommerce shop Fab.com is an industry game changer, deeply integrating social media into its unique way of selling tech gadgets, tailored dresses, innovative kitchenware and extraordinary home decor.
