Samsung on Tuesday announced a total halt to production of its troubled Galaxy Note 7 smartphone, citing continued safety concerns over the device exploding.

&quot;We recently readjusted the production volume for a&nbsp;thorough investigation and quality control, but putting consumer safety as top priority, we have reached a final decision to halt production of Galaxy Note 7s,&quot; the company said in a statement.

The world&rsquo;s largest seller of smartphones told its customers to stop using their Galaxy Note 7 smartphones while it investigates reports of fires in the devices.

&quot;Consumers with either an original Galaxy Note 7 or replacement Galaxy Note 7 device should power down and stop using the device,&quot; the company said.

The company, which was banking on its flagship Note 7 to take on competitors like Apple&rsquo;s iPhone 7, hit rock bottom when reports of battery explosion began surfacing.

Samsung then initiated a global recall of at least 2.5 million devices in 10 countries in September. But with even the replacement devices reportedly catching fire Samsung might be heading towards a global scandal.

Top US and Australian carriers had suspended sales or exchange of Note 7s, after there were reports of even the replacement devices exploding.

Samsung&rsquo;s decision to pull Note 7s off the shelves for the second time in two months underscores the South Korean firm&rsquo;s struggles to fix the over-heating issue.

The premium device was launched in August but within weeks of the launch images of charred Note 7s began appearing on social media.

Edward Snyder, managing director of Charter Equity Research, told Reuters it was important to get the Note 7 off the market.

&quot;This has probably killed the Note 7 brand name, who knows if they&rsquo;ll even be allowed to re-release it,&quot; Snyder said.

&quot;By the time they fix the problem they have to go through re-certification and re-qualification and by the time that happens they&rsquo;re going up against the (Galaxy) S8 launch.&rdquo;

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission said Samsung was making the right decision by halting sales and exchanges of the device.

&quot;No one should have to be concerned their phone will endanger them, their family or their property,&quot; CPSC Chairman Elliott Kaye said in a statement.

&quot;While we continue our active investigation into reports of phones overheating and burning in multiple states, consumers should power down and stop using all Galaxy Note 7s. This is the safest course of action.&rdquo;

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

&nbsp;

With replacement devices also reportedly exploding, Samsung tells Note 7 users to switch off devices till further investigation

Samsung on Tuesday announced a total halt to production of its troubled Galaxy Note 7 smartphone, citing continued safety concerns over the device exploding. "We recently readjusted the production volume for a thorough investigation and quality control, but putting consumer safety as top priority, we have reached a final decision to halt production of Galaxy Note 7s," the company said in a statement. The world’s largest seller of smartphones told its customers to stop using their Galaxy Note 7 smartphones while it investigates reports of fires in the devices. "Consumers with either an original Galaxy Note 7 or replacement Galaxy Note 7 device should power down and stop using the device," the company said. The company, which was banking on its flagship Note 7 to take on competitors like Apple’s iPhone 7, hit rock bottom when reports of battery explosion began surfacing. Samsung then initiated a global recall of at least 2.5 million devices in 10 countries in September. But with even the replacement devices reportedly catching fire Samsung might be heading towards a global scandal. Top US and Australian carriers had suspended sales or exchange of Note 7s, after there were reports of even the replacement devices exploding. Samsung’s decision to pull Note 7s off the shelves for the second time in two months underscores the South Korean firm’s struggles to fix the over-heating issue. The premium device was launched in August but within weeks of the launch images of charred Note 7s began appearing on social media. Edward Snyder, managing director of Charter Equity Research, told Reuters it was important to get the Note 7 off the market. "This has probably killed the Note 7 brand name, who knows if they’ll even be allowed to re-release it," Snyder said. "By the time they fix the problem they have to go through re-certification and re-qualification and by the time that happens they’re going up against the (Galaxy) S8 launch.” The US Consumer Product Safety Commission said Samsung was making the right decision by halting sales and exchanges of the device. "No one should have to be concerned their phone will endanger them, their family or their property," CPSC Chairman Elliott Kaye said in a statement. "While we continue our active investigation into reports of phones overheating and burning in multiple states, consumers should power down and stop using all Galaxy Note 7s. This is the safest course of action.” (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Samsung halts production of Note 7 over safety concerns

A Southwest Airlines flight leaving Louisville, Kentucky was evacuated on Wednesday after a passenger&#39;s Samsung phone began emitting smoke.&nbsp;

Flight 994 was evacuated on the runway prior to takeoff after a passenger&#39;s Samsung Galaxy Note 7&mdash;&nbsp;described as a replacement in Samsung&#39;s global recall of the device&mdash;&nbsp;apparently caught fire,&nbsp;the&nbsp;airline said.

&quot;All customers and crew deplaned calmly and safely via the main cabin door,&quot; it said in a written statement.&nbsp;

There is an ongoing global recall of the South Korean phone-maker&#39;s &quot;phablet&quot;, due to explosions caused by faulty batteries. The company suspended sales of the oversized device and recalled 2.5 million units worldwide last month.

Some 60 per cent of US consumers had swapped their devices for replacements by the end of last month.

Brian Green&mdash;&nbsp;whom US media identified as the man whose phone caused the evacuation of the Southwest flight&mdash;&nbsp;told ABC News that his device was a replacement. The tech news website The Verge reported that he had powered down the phone for takeoff, an account The New York Times confirmed through other eyewitnesses.&nbsp;

The heat damage from the apparent explosion was so severe that a fire official could not independently verify the model of the phone, according to ABC News.&nbsp;

&quot;Until we are able to retrieve the device, we cannot confirm that this incident involves the new Note7,&quot; ABC News quoted Samsung as saying in a statement.

&quot;We are working with the authorities and Southwest now to recover the device and confirm the cause,&quot; the company added. &quot;Once we have examined the device we will have more information to share.&quot;

The unprecedented recall, the first involving Samsung&#39;s flagship smartphone, has struck a blow to the reputation of the South Korean electronics giant, the world&#39;s largest smartphone maker.

(AFP)

Flight 994 deplaned on the runway prior to takeoff after a passenger's Galaxy Note 7 apparently caught fire, the airline says

A Southwest Airlines flight leaving Louisville, Kentucky was evacuated on Wednesday after a passenger's Samsung phone began emitting smoke. Flight 994 was evacuated on the runway prior to takeoff after a passenger's Samsung Galaxy Note 7— described as a replacement in Samsung's global recall of the device— apparently caught fire, the airline said. "All customers and crew deplaned calmly and safely via the main cabin door," it said in a written statement. There is an ongoing global recall of the South Korean phone-maker's "phablet", due to explosions caused by faulty batteries. The company suspended sales of the oversized device and recalled 2.5 million units worldwide last month. Some 60 per cent of US consumers had swapped their devices for replacements by the end of last month. Brian Green— whom US media identified as the man whose phone caused the evacuation of the Southwest flight— told ABC News that his device was a replacement. The tech news website The Verge reported that he had powered down the phone for takeoff, an account The New York Times confirmed through other eyewitnesses. The heat damage from the apparent explosion was so severe that a fire official could not independently verify the model of the phone, according to ABC News. "Until we are able to retrieve the device, we cannot confirm that this incident involves the new Note7," ABC News quoted Samsung as saying in a statement. "We are working with the authorities and Southwest now to recover the device and confirm the cause," the company added. "Once we have examined the device we will have more information to share." The unprecedented recall, the first involving Samsung's flagship smartphone, has struck a blow to the reputation of the South Korean electronics giant, the world's largest smartphone maker. (AFP)

US flight evacuated after Samsung phone fire

Samsung Electronics on Wednesday said that it is in talks with a US watchdog about safety issues with some top-loading machines after reports that some of them have exploded.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The South Korean multinational conglomerate has been warned &nbsp;by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to address the safety problems with washing machines, according to multiple reports.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;We are in active discussions with the CPSC to address potential safety issues related to certain top-load washing machines manufactured between March 2011 and April 2016,&quot; an official statement on Samsung&#39;s website&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;In rare cases, affected units may experience abnormal vibrations that could pose a risk of personal injury or property damage when washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant items.&quot;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Amid global recall of Samsung&#39;s Note 7 smartphones, the reports of washing machine explosions have landed the tech company in fresh trouble.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

According to international news agency Reuters, the world&#39;s top smartphone maker announced a global recall on September 2 of at least 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 smartphones in 10 markets due to faulty batteries causing some phones to catch fire.

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

US Consumer Product Safety Commission warned the tech giant to address the safety problems in the top-loading washing machines

Samsung Electronics on Wednesday said that it is in talks with a US watchdog about safety issues with some top-loading machines after reports that some of them have exploded. The South Korean multinational conglomerate has been warned by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to address the safety problems with washing machines, according to multiple reports. "We are in active discussions with the CPSC to address potential safety issues related to certain top-load washing machines manufactured between March 2011 and April 2016," an official statement on Samsung's website "In rare cases, affected units may experience abnormal vibrations that could pose a risk of personal injury or property damage when washing bedding, bulky or water-resistant items." Amid global recall of Samsung's Note 7 smartphones, the reports of washing machine explosions have landed the tech company in fresh trouble. According to international news agency Reuters, the world's top smartphone maker announced a global recall on September 2 of at least 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 smartphones in 10 markets due to faulty batteries causing some phones to catch fire. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Samsung in talks with US regulator amid complaints of exploding washing machines

Imagine a&nbsp;smartpen that lets you write or draw things on any surface and export the same to your smart device. 
 
The Phree, a smartpen that&nbsp;uses a 3D laser technology patented by US-based parent company OTM Technologies, was successfully crowdfunded in 2015, and since then it has been able to secure a good position in the stylus market. 
 
WION Edge interviewed&nbsp;Co-CEO of OTM Technologies Dr Opher Kinrot to understand how a crowdfunding campaign helped the product stand out. Excerpts: 
 
When did the initial idea for Phree come up? 
 
When we developed our optical tracking technology &ndash; OTM (Optical Translation Measurement) &ndash; one of the first ideas that came to mind was using it to develop a digital pen that can be used anywhere. We have been using digital devices &ndash; computers, mobile phones&ndash; all our lives. Making the user interface natural and intuitive is something that is on our minds constantly. 
 
How is the product technologically superior? 
 
Phree is enabled by our OTM optical tracking sensor. This is the only sensor that gives accurate high-resolution motion tracking on any surface in three dimensions. The motion tracking during multi-stroke input &ndash; while crossing the &lsquo;t&rsquo; and dotting the &lsquo;i&rsquo; &ndash; allows natural use of Phree, similar to using a pencil pen. &nbsp; 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/car-20160906045443.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Phree Pen enables the user to write on any surface.
</div>
 
Is the technology patented? 
 
Yes. The OTM technology is patented worldwide by a host of patents, some already granted. 
 
&ldquo;Who wants a stylus?&rdquo; Steve Jobs mockingly asked while introducing the iPhone in 2007. However, your campaign has proved otherwise. How do you feel about it? 
 
Steve Jobs was right in 2007, and the success of the iPhone, iPad and touch interface shows it. 
 
However, our fingers have limitations, in the same way that you cannot compare &lsquo;finger painting&rsquo; with fine details of a paintbrush and pencil. The dexterity one achieves by holding a tool with three fingers is unparalleled. 
 
Apple themselves have recognised the need and came out with Apple Pencil in September 2015, only three months after the completion of our crowdfunding <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1958554063/phree-make-the-world-your-paper">Kickstarter campaign</a>. 
 
How do you differentiate your product from the other products in the market? 
 
No other product in the market provides what Phree does &ndash; writing anywhere and on any surface. The best styluses by Microsoft (Surface), Samsung (Note) and Apple (Pencil) work only on screens. In addition, Phree works with multiple devices. You can switch from your mobile phone to tablet, laptop and TV. 
 
What should consumers know about stylus technology and other competitors before deciding to buy a stylus? 
 
Consumers need to look at their usage scenarios, both &#39;where&#39; and &#39;when&#39; they want to use a stylus, whether their main use is on the go or in the office, sitting near their table or in meetings, with a single device or using multiple devices, etc. Phree is the only solution that lets you use a stylus anywhere and with any device - not limited by the screen size or location. 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/dsc00106_2_ph-20160906050142.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
The usage of Phree Pen is not limited by location or screen size.
</div>
 
Are there any more plans for the future to make Phree stand out? 
 
Phree will bring further usability with emerging virtual and augmented reality headsets, where touch input does not exist and there is no other accurate input device at present. 
 
At what price point are you currently selling your product?&nbsp; 
 
We have pre-orders at $198. Once we start shipping, the price will go up to around $230. 
 
We feel this product is geared more towards the professional user rather than the general user. What are your thoughts? 
 
We see professionals as part of the first users of Phree &ndash; including architects, designers, lawyers, doctors &ndash; people who gain by the ability to easily and quickly markup documents. We also see Phree as being geared to the general user like students and creatives for annotating notes in class, jotting down an idea anywhere and free sketching on the go. General users especially benefit in countries where keyboard use is limiting the input with many characters in the alphabet. Examples of languages that will greatly benefit from handwriting input with Phree are Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Arabic, etc. 
 
Do you feel this product has more potential and can have a next generation? If so, what all changes will be made? 
 
This product has the potential to become the preferred input method for VR/AR &ndash; the &lsquo;mouse&rsquo; for virtual reality interaction. In addition, there is a large potential in education and of course as a mobile input device turning the mobile phone into a work station. Future versions may be specifically geared to these markets. 
 
(WION Edge with inputs from Karanveer Singh Arora, Ashna Mishra)&nbsp;

Phree Pen lets the users write anywhere and on any surface with the help of 3D laser technology.

Imagine a smartpen that lets you write or draw things on any surface and export the same to your smart device. The Phree, a smartpen that uses a 3D laser technology patented by US-based parent company OTM Technologies, was successfully crowdfunded in 2015, and since then it has been able to secure a good position in the stylus market. WION Edge interviewed Co-CEO of OTM Technologies Dr Opher Kinrot to understand how a crowdfunding campaign helped the product stand out. Excerpts: When did the initial idea for Phree come up? When we developed our optical tracking technology – OTM (Optical Translation Measurement) – one of the first ideas that came to mind was using it to develop a digital pen that can be used anywhere. We have been using digital devices – computers, mobile phones– all our lives. Making the user interface natural and intuitive is something that is on our minds constantly. How is the product technologically superior? Phree is enabled by our OTM optical tracking sensor. This is the only sensor that gives accurate high-resolution motion tracking on any surface in three dimensions. The motion tracking during multi-stroke input – while crossing the ‘t’ and dotting the ‘i’ – allows natural use of Phree, similar to using a pencil pen. Phree Pen enables the user to write on any surface. Is the technology patented? Yes. The OTM technology is patented worldwide by a host of patents, some already granted. “Who wants a stylus?” Steve Jobs mockingly asked while introducing the iPhone in 2007. However, your campaign has proved otherwise. How do you feel about it? Steve Jobs was right in 2007, and the success of the iPhone, iPad and touch interface shows it. However, our fingers have limitations, in the same way that you cannot compare ‘finger painting’ with fine details of a paintbrush and pencil. The dexterity one achieves by holding a tool with three fingers is unparalleled. Apple themselves have recognised the need and came out with Apple Pencil in September 2015, only three months after the completion of our crowdfunding Kickstarter campaign. How do you differentiate your product from the other products in the market? No other product in the market provides what Phree does – writing anywhere and on any surface. The best styluses by Microsoft (Surface), Samsung (Note) and Apple (Pencil) work only on screens. In addition, Phree works with multiple devices. You can switch from your mobile phone to tablet, laptop and TV. What should consumers know about stylus technology and other competitors before deciding to buy a stylus? Consumers need to look at their usage scenarios, both 'where' and 'when' they want to use a stylus, whether their main use is on the go or in the office, sitting near their table or in meetings, with a single device or using multiple devices, etc. Phree is the only solution that lets you use a stylus anywhere and with any device - not limited by the screen size or location. The usage of Phree Pen is not limited by location or screen size. Are there any more plans for the future to make Phree stand out? Phree will bring further usability with emerging virtual and augmented reality headsets, where touch input does not exist and there is no other accurate input device at present. At what price point are you currently selling your product? We have pre-orders at $198. Once we start shipping, the price will go up to around $230. We feel this product is geared more towards the professional user rather than the general user. What are your thoughts? We see professionals as part of the first users of Phree – including architects, designers, lawyers, doctors – people who gain by the ability to easily and quickly markup documents. We also see Phree as being geared to the general user like students and creatives for annotating notes in class, jotting down an idea anywhere and free sketching on the go. General users especially benefit in countries where keyboard use is limiting the input with many characters in the alphabet. Examples of languages that will greatly benefit from handwriting input with Phree are Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Arabic, etc. Do you feel this product has more potential and can have a next generation? If so, what all changes will be made? This product has the potential to become the preferred input method for VR/AR – the ‘mouse’ for virtual reality interaction. In addition, there is a large potential in education and of course as a mobile input device turning the mobile phone into a work station. Future versions may be specifically geared to these markets. (WION Edge with inputs from Karanveer Singh Arora, Ashna Mishra)

A smartpen that lets you write on any surface

Samsung has decided&nbsp;to replace or refund about 1 million Galaxy Note 7 in the United States, after a flurry of reports of battery explosions. 
 
The recall is a costly proposition for the Korean tech giant that was banking on the Galaxy Note 7 to take on rivals like Apple.&nbsp; 
 
Samsung has received 92 reports of batteries overheating in the United States, including 26 cases of burns and 55 cases of property damage, the company said as it announced the recall in cooperation with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). 
 
The new Note 7 replacement devices will be available at most retail locations in the United States no later than September 21, Samsung announced on Thursday.&nbsp; 
 
Earlier this month, Samsung said it would recall all Note 7 smartphones equipped with batteries it found to be fire-prone and halted their sales in 10 markets, denting a revival of the firm&#39;s mobile business. 
 
The CPSC said on Thursday that consumers should immediately power down and stop using the recalled Galaxy Note 7 devices. 
 
The county&#39;s &nbsp;aviation authority had issued orders of switching off Note 7 devices onboard. 
 
Around 2.5 million of the premium devices worldwide need to be recalled, Samsung said. According to analysts, the &nbsp;recall could cost Samsung nearly $5 billion in lost revenue this year. 
 
(WION with inputs from Reuters)

Analysts say the Note 7 recall will cost Samsung $5 billion in lost revenue this year

Samsung has decided to replace or refund about 1 million Galaxy Note 7 in the United States, after a flurry of reports of battery explosions. The recall is a costly proposition for the Korean tech giant that was banking on the Galaxy Note 7 to take on rivals like Apple. Samsung has received 92 reports of batteries overheating in the United States, including 26 cases of burns and 55 cases of property damage, the company said as it announced the recall in cooperation with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The new Note 7 replacement devices will be available at most retail locations in the United States no later than September 21, Samsung announced on Thursday. Earlier this month, Samsung said it would recall all Note 7 smartphones equipped with batteries it found to be fire-prone and halted their sales in 10 markets, denting a revival of the firm's mobile business. The CPSC said on Thursday that consumers should immediately power down and stop using the recalled Galaxy Note 7 devices. The county's aviation authority had issued orders of switching off Note 7 devices onboard. Around 2.5 million of the premium devices worldwide need to be recalled, Samsung said. According to analysts, the recall could cost Samsung nearly $5 billion in lost revenue this year. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Samsung to replace or refund 1 million Galaxy Note 7 devices in US

Samsung has said it will suspend sales of its latest smartphone Galaxy Note 7 as reports of exploding batteries threatens its reputation. 
 
The tech giant is planning a global recall of the phone, according to Yonhap news agency.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;We have received several reports of battery explosion on the Note 7 that was officially launched on August 19...and it has been confirmed that it was a battery cell problem,&quot; Koh Dong-Jin told reporters.
Yonhap news agency&nbsp;had cited an unnamed source and&nbsp;said&nbsp;Samsung&nbsp;is likely to replace the batteries on Galaxy Note 7 smartphones through a recall.
Samsung has so far sold one million units of the Note 7 in countries including South Korea and the US.&nbsp; 
 
Twenty four of them have been confirmed to have faulty batteries, Koh said, adding he was &quot;deeply sorry&quot; over the incident.&nbsp; 
 
Several users have posted photos and videos on social media showing the charred Note 7 with part of its 5.7-inch touchscreen burnt and melted, saying it suddenly caught fire.&nbsp; 
 
The blow to Samsung comes ahead of Apple&#39;s September 7 launch event, where the US-based company is expected to unveil the next generation of iPhones.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Samsung has so far sold one million units of the Note 7 in countries including South Korea and the US

Samsung has said it will suspend sales of its latest smartphone Galaxy Note 7 as reports of exploding batteries threatens its reputation. The tech giant is planning a global recall of the phone, according to Yonhap news agency. "We have received several reports of battery explosion on the Note 7 that was officially launched on August 19...and it has been confirmed that it was a battery cell problem," Koh Dong-Jin told reporters. Yonhap news agency had cited an unnamed source and said Samsung is likely to replace the batteries on Galaxy Note 7 smartphones through a recall. Samsung has so far sold one million units of the Note 7 in countries including South Korea and the US. Twenty four of them have been confirmed to have faulty batteries, Koh said, adding he was "deeply sorry" over the incident. Several users have posted photos and videos on social media showing the charred Note 7 with part of its 5.7-inch touchscreen burnt and melted, saying it suddenly caught fire. The blow to Samsung comes ahead of Apple's September 7 launch event, where the US-based company is expected to unveil the next generation of iPhones. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Samsung suspends Galaxy Note 7 sales, plans global recall over battery explosions

Samsung has delayed its premier smartphone's shipments to South Korea due to quality control problems

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd is down to a two-week low on Thursday over concerns of mobile earnings after it delayed shipments of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone and reports of exploding batteries. Late on Wednesday the tech biggie announced the delays for quality control testing and also said Galaxy note shipments to South Korea’s top three mobile carriers had been stopped for the time being, crushing investor hope for strong second-half mobile earnings. Quality control problems, if confirmed, could be a major blow to the world's top smartphone maker, which was banking on the Galaxy Note 7 to defend sales momentum against the new Apple Inc phones expected to be unveiled on September 7. "Apple is supposed to show off the iPhone 7 next week and this issue (with Samsung) has emerged, so the current state of things do not look good," HDC Asset Management fund manager Park Jung-hoon said. Though a components pick-up will buttress overall profits, Park said mobile operating profit might decline by up to 200 billion won for July-September. The mobile division accounted for about 54 per cent of Samsung Electronics’ January-June operating profit of 14.8 trillion won ($1 = 1,120.8100 won). Hyundai Securities said in a report released that the Galaxy Note 7's problems should be resolved within a "few weeks". (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Delayed shipments of Galaxy Note 7 amid 'battery explosions' threaten Samsung

Microsoft Corp said it would cut about 2,850 more jobs over the next 12 months, taking its total planned job cuts to up to 4,700, or about 4 per cent of its workforce. 
 
The company said in May it would cut 1,850 jobs in its smartphone business, most of them in Finland. 
 
Microsoft bought Finland-based handset maker Nokia in 2014 in an ill-fated attempt to take on market leaders Apple Inc and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd. 
 
Chief executive Satya Nadella, who took the helm just two months before the deal closed, has since focussed on restructuring the struggling phone business. 
 
Microsoft had about 114,000 full-time employees as of June 30. 
 
(Reuters)

The total planned job cuts amount to 4% of Microsoft's workforce. The company said in May it would cut 1,850 jobs in its smartphone business

Microsoft Corp said it would cut about 2,850 more jobs over the next 12 months, taking its total planned job cuts to up to 4,700, or about 4 per cent of its workforce. The company said in May it would cut 1,850 jobs in its smartphone business, most of them in Finland. Microsoft bought Finland-based handset maker Nokia in 2014 in an ill-fated attempt to take on market leaders Apple Inc and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd. Chief executive Satya Nadella, who took the helm just two months before the deal closed, has since focussed on restructuring the struggling phone business. Microsoft had about 114,000 full-time employees as of June 30. (Reuters)

Microsoft to cut 2,850 more jobs over next year

&nbsp;Tech giant Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said on Friday it sued Huawei Technologies Co Ltd for patent infringements through multiple courts in China, escalating a legal conflict between the smartphone rivals. 
 
The suits mark the latest salvo in a fight between the world&#39;s Number one and Number three smartphone makers, who compete fiercely across the world in an industry that researcher IHS says is worth $332 billion this year. 
 
The South Korean firm sued Huawei in a Beijing court about two weeks ago for allegedly infringing six of its patents, a spokeswoman said. She did not elaborate on the types of patents or the other Chinese courts involved. 
 
&quot;Despite our best efforts to resolve this matter amicably, it has regrettably become necessary to take legal action in order to defend our intellectual property,&quot; Samsung told Reuters in a statement. 
 
Shenzhen-based Huawei Technologies - also one of the world&#39;s largest telecom equipment manufacturers - said in a statement it had not received a &quot;formal complaint&quot; but would defend itself as necessary. 
 
&quot;In the absence of a negotiated settlement, litigation is often an efficient way to resolve&quot; intellectual property rights disputes, it said. 
 
Huawei sued Samsung in the United States and China in May, accusing its rival of infringement on patents for fourth-generation (4G) cellular communications technology, operating systems and user interface software. 
 
Chinese technology companies have often been on the receiving end of such lawsuits, so Huawei&#39;s US litigation marked something of a reversal of roles, reflecting its growing clout in the global telecommunications and smartphone markets. 
 
CIMB analyst Lee Do-hoon said neither company was likely to be motivated by monetary compensation from the legal battle. 
 
Huawei could be angling to boost its reputation by taking on the top smartphone player, he said, while Samsung&#39;s suit might be a manoeuvre to force Huawei to settle its claims as soon as possible. 
 
&quot;If you look at the patent battle with Apple and Samsung ... it ultimately created a lot of benefits for Samsung in a kind of an advertisement,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;Huawei might also be trying to create some noise marketing for itself,&quot; he said, adding he expected the two firms to eventually reach a deal such as a cross-licensing agreement. 
 
Huawei became the first Chinese handset vendor to ship more than 100 million smartphones in a year in 2015 when a 44 per cent jump in its shipments defied a market slowdown. 
 
(Reuters)

Huawei, one of the world's largest telecom equipment manufacturers, said it did not receive any formal complaint

Tech giant Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said on Friday it sued Huawei Technologies Co Ltd for patent infringements through multiple courts in China, escalating a legal conflict between the smartphone rivals. The suits mark the latest salvo in a fight between the world's Number one and Number three smartphone makers, who compete fiercely across the world in an industry that researcher IHS says is worth $332 billion this year. The South Korean firm sued Huawei in a Beijing court about two weeks ago for allegedly infringing six of its patents, a spokeswoman said. She did not elaborate on the types of patents or the other Chinese courts involved. "Despite our best efforts to resolve this matter amicably, it has regrettably become necessary to take legal action in order to defend our intellectual property," Samsung told Reuters in a statement. Shenzhen-based Huawei Technologies - also one of the world's largest telecom equipment manufacturers - said in a statement it had not received a "formal complaint" but would defend itself as necessary. "In the absence of a negotiated settlement, litigation is often an efficient way to resolve" intellectual property rights disputes, it said. Huawei sued Samsung in the United States and China in May, accusing its rival of infringement on patents for fourth-generation (4G) cellular communications technology, operating systems and user interface software. Chinese technology companies have often been on the receiving end of such lawsuits, so Huawei's US litigation marked something of a reversal of roles, reflecting its growing clout in the global telecommunications and smartphone markets. CIMB analyst Lee Do-hoon said neither company was likely to be motivated by monetary compensation from the legal battle. Huawei could be angling to boost its reputation by taking on the top smartphone player, he said, while Samsung's suit might be a manoeuvre to force Huawei to settle its claims as soon as possible. "If you look at the patent battle with Apple and Samsung ... it ultimately created a lot of benefits for Samsung in a kind of an advertisement," he said. "Huawei might also be trying to create some noise marketing for itself," he said, adding he expected the two firms to eventually reach a deal such as a cross-licensing agreement. Huawei became the first Chinese handset vendor to ship more than 100 million smartphones in a year in 2015 when a 44 per cent jump in its shipments defied a market slowdown. (Reuters)

Samsung summons China's Huawei for patent infringements

Samsung Electronics on Thursday flagged its biggest operating profit in more than two years, boosted by cost-cutting efforts and solid sales of its latest flagship smartphone. 
 
In an earnings estimate, the South Korean electronics giant - also the world&#39;s top handset maker - predicted an operating profit of 8.1 trillion Won ($7 billion) for April to June, up 17 per cent from 6.9 trillion Won a year back. 
 
It is the biggest operating profit since the first quarter of 2014 and beat estimates of 7.4 trillion Won among analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News. 
 
Analysts attributed the better-than-expected figures to the firm&#39;s aggressive cost-cutting efforts and brisk sales of the Galaxy S7 - the latest version of its high-end flagship smartphone.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Samsung&#39;s mobile unit is believed to have performed well thanks to robust sales of Galaxy S7s as well as an overhaul of its low and mid-end handset line-up,&quot; said Peter Lee, analyst at NH Investment &amp; Securities. 
 
He estimated the firm had sold more than 16 million units of the S7, introduced in March ahead of new launches by competitors including Apple. 
 
Samsung&#39;s mobile business accounts for a lion&#39;s share of the firm&#39;s overall profit, which has been increasingly squeezed by competition both from Apple&#39;s iPhone in the high-end market and by lower-end devices from Chinese rivals like Huawei. 
 
Samsung&#39;s aggressive cost-cutting in marketing played a key role in the strong profit forecast, Greg Roh of HMC Investment said, warning of more competition from Apple later this year. 
 
&quot;With Apple releasing new products in the latter half of the year... I think (Samsung&#39;s) earnings may drop in the second half of this year,&quot; he said.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)

Estimated earnings predicted an operating profit of $7 billion for April to June, 2016

Samsung Electronics on Thursday flagged its biggest operating profit in more than two years, boosted by cost-cutting efforts and solid sales of its latest flagship smartphone. In an earnings estimate, the South Korean electronics giant - also the world's top handset maker - predicted an operating profit of 8.1 trillion Won ($7 billion) for April to June, up 17 per cent from 6.9 trillion Won a year back. It is the biggest operating profit since the first quarter of 2014 and beat estimates of 7.4 trillion Won among analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News. Analysts attributed the better-than-expected figures to the firm's aggressive cost-cutting efforts and brisk sales of the Galaxy S7 - the latest version of its high-end flagship smartphone. "Samsung's mobile unit is believed to have performed well thanks to robust sales of Galaxy S7s as well as an overhaul of its low and mid-end handset line-up," said Peter Lee, analyst at NH Investment & Securities. He estimated the firm had sold more than 16 million units of the S7, introduced in March ahead of new launches by competitors including Apple. Samsung's mobile business accounts for a lion's share of the firm's overall profit, which has been increasingly squeezed by competition both from Apple's iPhone in the high-end market and by lower-end devices from Chinese rivals like Huawei. Samsung's aggressive cost-cutting in marketing played a key role in the strong profit forecast, Greg Roh of HMC Investment said, warning of more competition from Apple later this year. "With Apple releasing new products in the latter half of the year... I think (Samsung's) earnings may drop in the second half of this year," he said. (AFP)

Samsung's operating profit jumps 17% due to S7 sales and cost-cutting

Trailing its rivals after misplaced bets on wireless technology standards, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd aims to become a global top-three player in 5G mobile networks by moving quickly in markets like the United States, an executive said. 
 
The world&#39;s top smartphone maker ranks well behind peers such as Nokia Corp, Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and Ericsson in the networks business, after backing CDMA and WiMax wireless technologies that never caught on globally. 
 
The South Korean giant now sees an opportunity to catch up by moving fast and early on 5G, the wireless technology that telecom equipment makers are rushing to develop as the next-generation standard. 
 
&quot;We plan to move quickly and want to be at least among the top three with 5G,&quot; Kim Young-ky, Samsung&#39;s network business chief, told Reuters in an interview. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s important to get in early.&quot; 
 
5G wireless networks could offer data speeds ten times faster than 4G technology, enabling futuristic products such as self-driving cars and smart-gadgets that tech firms expect to become ubiquitous in the homes of tomorrow. 
 
Major network firms are targeting the United States as it moves rapidly ahead with plans to open spectrum for 5G wireless applications. Some U.S. officials expect to see the first large-scale commercial deployments by 2020. 
 
South Korea and Japan are also racing to deploy 5G hoping the next-generation standard will boost economic activity. South Korean carrier KT Corp aims to offer trial 5G services during the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. 
 
LOFTY AMBITIONS 
 
Samsung is targetting more than 10 trillion Won (US$ 8.6 billion) in annual sales of 5G equipment by 2022, a spokeswoman said. 
 
This would be a big step up for a networks business that generated less than 3 trillion Won in revenue last year, compared with 100.5 trillion Won in mobile device sales. 
 
Crucial to its plans is a partnership with New York-based Verizon Communications Inc to commercialise the technology. Other firms working with Verizon on 5G include Nokia, Ericsson, Qualcomm and Intel Corp. 
 
Verizon conducts field tests this year and aims to begin deploying 5G trials on home broadband services in 2017 in the United States, likely the first 5G application commercially available before a broader mobile network standard is agreed. 
 
As the industry is yet to decide on a 5G mobile standard, Samsung plans to start by selling equipment such as base transceiver stations and home receivers for fixed wireless broadband access. 
 
&quot;Even in Manhattan there are many areas in which it&#39;s difficult to get access to wireline broadband services,&quot; Kim said. 
 
The fixed wireless broadband market alone could be worth tens of billions of dollars, he said. 
 
Yet some analysts said it could be difficult for Samsung to convince carriers to increase orders at the expense of more established players. 
 
&quot;The network equipment business is a B2B business where the barrier to entry is high,&quot; Alpha Asset Management fund manager C.J. Heo said. 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp; 
 
($1 = 1,161.0000 Won) 
 
&nbsp;

It ranks well behind its peers in the networks business, having backed CDMA and WiMax wireless technologies that never caught on globally

Trailing its rivals after misplaced bets on wireless technology standards, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd aims to become a global top-three player in 5G mobile networks by moving quickly in markets like the United States, an executive said. The world's top smartphone maker ranks well behind peers such as Nokia Corp, Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and Ericsson in the networks business, after backing CDMA and WiMax wireless technologies that never caught on globally. The South Korean giant now sees an opportunity to catch up by moving fast and early on 5G, the wireless technology that telecom equipment makers are rushing to develop as the next-generation standard. "We plan to move quickly and want to be at least among the top three with 5G," Kim Young-ky, Samsung's network business chief, told Reuters in an interview. "It's important to get in early." 5G wireless networks could offer data speeds ten times faster than 4G technology, enabling futuristic products such as self-driving cars and smart-gadgets that tech firms expect to become ubiquitous in the homes of tomorrow. Major network firms are targeting the United States as it moves rapidly ahead with plans to open spectrum for 5G wireless applications. Some U.S. officials expect to see the first large-scale commercial deployments by 2020. South Korea and Japan are also racing to deploy 5G hoping the next-generation standard will boost economic activity. South Korean carrier KT Corp aims to offer trial 5G services during the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. LOFTY AMBITIONS Samsung is targetting more than 10 trillion Won (US$ 8.6 billion) in annual sales of 5G equipment by 2022, a spokeswoman said. This would be a big step up for a networks business that generated less than 3 trillion Won in revenue last year, compared with 100.5 trillion Won in mobile device sales. Crucial to its plans is a partnership with New York-based Verizon Communications Inc to commercialise the technology. Other firms working with Verizon on 5G include Nokia, Ericsson, Qualcomm and Intel Corp. Verizon conducts field tests this year and aims to begin deploying 5G trials on home broadband services in 2017 in the United States, likely the first 5G application commercially available before a broader mobile network standard is agreed. As the industry is yet to decide on a 5G mobile standard, Samsung plans to start by selling equipment such as base transceiver stations and home receivers for fixed wireless broadband access. "Even in Manhattan there are many areas in which it's difficult to get access to wireline broadband services," Kim said. The fixed wireless broadband market alone could be worth tens of billions of dollars, he said. Yet some analysts said it could be difficult for Samsung to convince carriers to increase orders at the expense of more established players. "The network equipment business is a B2B business where the barrier to entry is high," Alpha Asset Management fund manager C.J. Heo said. (Reuters) ($1 = 1,161.0000 Won)

Samsung aims for top-three spot in 5G mobile networks

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