Verizon iPhone to Curb Android Sales, but How Much?

Most high-tech analysts in the free world agree the CMDA-based Verizon iPhone 4 will impede both AT&T's iPhone sales and the growth of Google Android handsets on Verizon Wireless' network.

Few agree, however, on just how much Android will be affected. EWEEK found some analysts who have some insight into the Verizon iPhone speculation.

Gleacher Co. analyst Mark Mckechnie, who estimated Verizon accounted for 7 million of the 14 million Motorola Android phones shipped in 2010, said that number will likely fall to 5 million through 2011.

That's quite a hit, but not catastrophic, particularly one when one considers Samsung sold 10 million Galaxy S Android units in just half a year. Remember that HTC, Sony, LG and others also make Android models for all four U.S. carriers.

Many analysts expect Verizon to ship 9 million to 15 million iPhone 4s this year, minus the benefit of a full year of sales because the device won't hit stores until Feb. 10.

Yankee Group analyst Carl Howe is going with 16.5 million Verizon iPhone 4s sold in 2011. However, Howe also believes that despite the cachet of Apple and its iPhone, Android will weather the Verizon iPhone storm well on sheer diversity of handsets.

"Android provides a lot of choices that Apple doesn't," Howe told eWEEK. "Want a hard keyboard? You're not going to be buying an iPhone. Want a 4G device? Not available on the Apple platform today. There are still lots of ways to differentiate other than with the OS."

Forrester Research analyst Charles Golvin takes a slightly dimmer view of Android's prospects as a result of the Verizon iPhone coming to the market

Golvin believes that the majority of Verizon's iPhone sales will be to its existing customers, some of whom may be trading in their Blackberry or Droid to get an iPhone.

"It's also reasonable to assume that a high percentage of those who will migrate from Sprint, T-Mobile, and smaller carriers are already carrying a phone running another smartphone platform," Golvin said. "All told, this means that Android will see some actual losses in share as well as lost sales opportunities."

"You may have some customers who will switch from an Android phone to an iPhone but we will also have many who are perfectly satisfied with the device they are using. One of the advantages we have is our stores will be stocked with both so customers can not only look but touch before making their decision."

Yankee's Howe added that there's room for Apple, Android, RIM platforms, if not more, such as Microsoft Windows Phone 7.

via eweek

Windows Phone 7 custom ROM released for HTC HD 2

In the October of 2009, HTC unraveled its HD 2 that integrated the company’s very own Sense user interface. The device was initially shipped with the Windows Phone 6.5 platform. HTC HD 2 owners, who’ve long wanted to upgrade themselves and try out the all-new WP7, have dulcet news in store for them.

PocketNow reveals that the Windows Phone 7 port for the HTC HD2 is now available. Developed by the Dark Forces Team, the work on the custom ROM is said to be complete and ready for release. With this, users might be able to taste the goodness of the latest Microsoft operating system.

A crack restoring the above inabilities has been posted on the xda developers forum. A video is also uploaded in order to help handset owners download the crack and make full use of WP7.

via mobiletor

Windows deal 'milestone' for Arm

Windows running on chips designed by UK firm Arm marks a "milestone" for the firm says its boss.

Microsoft demonstrated a full version of Windows running on Arm chips at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Arm boss Warren East said the demonstration grew out of a long-standing relationship between the two firms.

He said it was part of a broader strategy to grow the number of places in which Arm-derived chips are used.    read more at bbc

Free Windows Azure Webinars in January 2011

Illustrative examples of this are three new webinars that the Redmond company will offer in January 2011. 


Customers looking to embrace the Cloud that feel they might need some extra guidance or just some convincing should attend the webinars focused on Windows Azure. 

Covering the benefits, best practices and implications of embracing Windows Azure, the webinars will be available completely free of charge.  read more at softpedia