Technology innovation took center stage at the Mobile World Congress, but phone companies might be better off if revenue-generating innovation had grabbed the spotlight. Wireless firms face stagnant revenue growth and declining profit margins, says research firm Strategy Analytics, despite a giant leap in smartphone and tablet capabilities. Apple’s (AAPL) iPhones have driven wireless subscriber growth. And Internet leaders Google (GOOGL),
P roduction of Apple’s (AAPL) rumored big-screen iPad has been pushed back until September, dashing hopes for a new device near term to reinvigorate the company’s lackluster tablet sales. The 12.9-inch tablet, dubbed the iPad Pro, has been delayed because of issues with the supply of a new type of display panel, according to media reports. Apple was expected to begin production of the iPad Pro this quarter, Bloomberg reported. Current iPads only have Apple’s proprietary Lightning port for charging and accessories. An industry-standard USB 3.0 port would allow iPad Pro users to transfer data to and from other devices and provide new back-up capabilities. Apple also is considering adding ports to connect a keyboard and mouse, the Journal said. Other media reports have speculated that the iPad Pro could use a stylus pen for more accurate digital inking, drawing and other applications. The iPad Pro will use Oxide LCD display…
Apple (AAPL) reported its best-ever December quarter in smartphone unit shipments, up 49% from the year-earlier period, passing Samsung as the leader, says market tracker Gartner. Samsung unit shipments in Q4 fell 12%, reports Gartner. For the market overall, smartphone shipments in Q4 rose 30% to 367.5 million units. In Q4, Apple had a 20.4% share of the market, with Samsung at 19.9%. In Q3, Samsung led with 24.4% to Apple’s 12.7%. Apple