WSJ: Microsoft's next generation of Surface tablets includes a 7-inch version

Wonder what a Nexus 7 / Kindle Fire / iPad Mini fighter from Microsoft would look like? You may find out soon, as the Wall Street Journal has just posted a "breaking news" alert that it's heard Microsoft is developing a new lineup of Surface tablets (which it's confirmed before) including a 7-inch version, which it expects to take into mass production later this year. We've seen hints of smaller tablets already, with recent Windows 8 policy changes allowing devices featuring lower-res screens. It's filled out a few other details now, crediting the info to unnamed sources familiar with its product plans who claim Microsoft realized it needed something to compete with the smaller competition (shocker). The report ends with a footnote on the rumored Microsoft-branded phone, which is said to still be in testing but component suppliers are not sure if it will actually come to market. While we wait for further updates, consider this your opportunity to make suggestions on what should change in Redmond's second assault on slates.

Source: Wall Street Journal (Twitter), Wall Street Journal

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By: Unknown On 9:34 AM

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Apple iPhone is the choice of Generation Y in the U.S.; Samsung is on top overall

According to the latest data from Forrester Research, in the United States, Generation Y is the leading age group behind purchases of the Apple iPhone. Forrester says that 29% of this generation uses Apple iPhone as their main handset. Samsung handsets rank second, with 20% of the Generation Y people choosing them. This is the most technologically aware generation - 72% of them own a smartphone and 25% have a tablet; nearly all in the group send SMS messages and 70% of them use their smartphone to check the news, read email, grab sports scores and visit social networking sites. Gen Z is the next largest group buying the Apple iPhone at 24% followed by the 22% in Gen Z.

Overall in the U.S., Korean based Samsung has a leading 24% of the U.S. Smartphone market followed by Apple with 18% and, quite shockingly, LG also with 18%. The difference is that while Apple attracts younger buyers, an amazing 22% of Golden Generation responders, aged 65 and up, said they have an LG smartphone (versus 6% for Apple and 27% for Samsung in the category). Would you be proud to see granny sportin' an LG Optimus G?

Motorola is fourth with 12% of the U.S.smartphone market and was, along with Samsung, the most consistent performer across the time-line. The Motorola DROID RAZR series has a model with a 3300mAh battery and even the non-MAXX Motorola DROID RAZR HD offers a 2530mAh battery that should last at least a whole day. Motorola makes its phones like tanks, which help attract the older users who are more prone to drop their handset on the floor. HTC rounds out the top 5 with 8% of the U.S.smartphone market. BlackBerry and Nokia  and tied for sixth place with each owning 5% each.

source: ForresterResearch, ReadWrite via TUAW

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By: Dilusha On 11:05 AM

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