Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 HS and 115 IS hands-on (video)

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 HS and 115 IS handson video" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/canonelph.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">In Japan, they've been coined the IXUS 255 HS and IXUS 132, but folks in the US will probably recognize them as the ELPH 330 HS and 115 IS. By any name, they're Canon's two mid-range point-and-shoots for CP+, and while they were joined by the A2500 during this week's announcements, that latter model didn't seem to make it to the company's booth here in Yokohama. In any case, if you've handled an ELPH model in recent years, you know what to expect here -- Canon's design hasn't changed much, but we're not complaining. The 330 HS includes a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, compared to a 16-megapixel CCD in the slightly smaller 115 IS.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Cosmetically, the biggest difference between the two is the powerful 10x optical zoom lens on the 330 HS, compared to a still-respectable 8x optic on the lower-end model. Both cameras offer the same familiar PowerShot UI, and they look nearly identical with the lens retracted. Zoomed in, however, it's clear which camera is the more capable of the bunch. Both performed very well during our hands-on at Canon's booth, though we'd definitely opt for the 330 HS, which offers a superior sensor and extended lens, not to mention built-in WiFi -- it's definitely worth spending an extra 60 bucks to snag the $230 HS model. Both cameras are set to ship beginning in March, but you can check them out in our walkthrough today, embedded just past the break.</div></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-76ed5939" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/76ed5939/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=76275203&disablebranding=0&view_secret=76275203" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe></div>

Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 HS and 115 IS hands-on (video)

In Japan, they've been coined the IXUS 255 HS and IXUS 132, but folks in the US will probably recognize them as the ELPH 330 HS and 115 ...

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Acer intros Liquid C1 smartphone packing Intel Lexington

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Acer intros Liquid C1 smartphone packing Intel Lexington, low price to match" data-src-height="379" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/acer-lexington-phone.jpg" /></div>Remember that unnamed Acer phone we caught skulking about Intel's CES event? It's been given a proper launch: meet the Liquid C1. True to form, the fully revealed device centers around a Lexington-based, 1.2GHz Atom Z2420 processor. The chip gives the C1 enough grunt to power an 8-megapixel camera with burst shooting while keeping the price in check, at about 9,990 baht ($335) off-contract for the inaugural Thailand release in February. Locals will otherwise get a solid Android 4.0 smartphone with a 4.3-inch display, HSPA+ 3G and a battery that lasts for nine hours of 3G talk. Other countries in southeast Asia are next on the list to get Acer's turn at an Intel-powered handset, although we wouldn't expect to see it everywhere -- Intel's Uday Marty warns <em>ZDNet</em> that the absence of LTE will keep phones like the C1 away from markets where the faster data is commonplace.<br /> </div></div>

Acer intros Liquid C1 smartphone packing Intel Lexington

Remember that unnamed Acer phone we caught skulking about Intel's CES event? It's been given a ...

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Samsung buys five percent stake in stylus-maker Wacom, strikes manufacturing deal

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/10/note2pen3.jpg" /></div>You don't have to look much further than the millions of Galaxy Notes sold to realize that Samsung is serious about the stylus, but the company's now made that commitment clearer than ever by buying a piece of Wacom. It's not the biggest of investments for a company of Samsung's size, but the $58.9 million it's laid out will give it a five percent voting stake in the company, and a further in with what is one of the world's leading stylus makers. According to Wacom, its share of the global pen tablet market stands at a whopping 85 percent, and its sales of its components for use in smartphones and tablets have nearly doubled from 2011 to 2012.<br /> As for where the new cash infusion will be put to use, Wacom says that by March of 2014 the entire net amount raised from the sale of shares will be invested in<span> "product development and </span><span>manufacturing and supply system enhancements for products to be supplied to Samsung </span><span>Electronics," adding that it aims to "</span><span>expand its relationship" with Samsung even further.</span><br /> </div></div>

Samsung buys five percent stake in stylus-maker Wacom, strikes manufacturing deal

You don't have to look much further than the millions of Galaxy Notes sold to realize that Samsung...

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Olympus Stylus XZ-10 packs control ring and PEN-like AF, we go hands-on at CP+ (video)

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Olympus Stylus XZ10 packs control ring and PENlike AF, we go handson at CP video" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/olydsc05841.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">We have to say, Olympus has a very compelling point-and-shoot to show off at CP+. The Stylus XZ-10, which launched just this week, includes a small arsenal of features that you wouldn't normally find on a pocketable cam, including incredibly fast autofocus, a control ring around the lens, a dedicated mode dial and a very sharp (920k-dot) 3-inch LCD. The autofocus is the standout here, however -- Olympus describes it as being on-par with its PEN Micro Four Thirds models, and as compacts go, it feels just about as speedy as Sony's RX100. The 5x, 26-130mm lens offers a maximum aperture range of f/1.8-2.7, which should have you covered in most lighting situations. There's a 12-megapixel CMOS chip on board, with sensor-shift image stabilization, and support for 1080/30p video as well.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">The camera itself feels very much like a premium device, and it's attractive to boot. There's no built-in WiFi, which we've been seeing embedded with quite a few pocketable models this year, but you <i>can</i> take advantage of some smartphone sharing and editing features if you add on an optional Toshiba FlashAir card. Sadly, there's still no US pricing to speak of, but Olympus reps here in Japan quoted a retail price of ¥40,000 (about $440), plus tax, when the camera hits stores beginning in February. Take a closer look in our hands-on after the break.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-bbb21e74" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/bbb21e74/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=77422759&disablebranding=0&view_secret=77422759" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe></div>

Olympus Stylus XZ-10 packs control ring and PEN-like AF, we go hands-on at CP+ (video)

We have to say, Olympus has a very compelling point-and-shoot to show off at CP+. The Stylus XZ-10, which launched just this week, includes...

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Which T-Mobile smartphones will support LTE?

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Which T-Mobile smartphones will support LTE?" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/t-mobile-lte-1359591227.jpg" /></div>It's no secret that T-Mobile is on the cusp of lighting up its first LTE network in Las Vegas, but with Kansas City soon to follow -- and ambitions of extending LTE coverage to 100 million Americans by mid-year -- it's time to start factoring this consideration into your next smartphone purchase. While the carrier's HSPA+ 42 network is certainly speedy, there's no point in saddling yourself with a device that's rooted in the past. Want to make sure you're ready for what comes next? Read on for everything you need to know.<br /> As it stands, T-Mobile currently sells three smartphones that'll support its nascent LTE network. The first two are the Galaxy Note II and the Lumia 810 -- both of which must receive a software update to enable the functionality. We recently spoke with T-Mobile about the matter, and while representatives confirmed the pair would be updated, the company isn't ready to discuss a timeline. The third smartphone that's known to support LTE over Band 4 (1700MHz AWS) is the Nexus 4, and while it's completely possible to enable this dormant feature, the phone has yet to receive FCC certification for this purpose. We're cautiously hopeful that the Nexus 4 will be certified for LTE Band 4, but until this happens, operation in this mode is illegal and comes at your own risk.<br /> Beyond this trio, T-Mobile has revealed two forthcoming smartphones that'll support its flavor of LTE: the BlackBerry Z10 and a revised Galaxy S III. Both devices will offer LTE connectivity out of the box, but T-Mobile has yet to nail down a specific release date for either handset. In the case of the BlackBerry Z10, it won't hit store shelves until mid-March at the very earliest.<br /> All things told, the Galaxy Note II, Lumia 810 and Nexus 4 are each worthwhile purchases. If you're looking to buy a T-Mobile smartphone today, we recommend you choose among these three. If you're less than thrilled with the bunch (and you're willing to wait), the BlackBerry Z10 or the retooled Galaxy S III each merit consideration. Beyond that, we've no doubt that T-Mobile has many other juicy, LTE-enabled smartphones in the pipeline. Just remember to shop smart, folks.<br /> </div></div>

Which T-Mobile smartphones will support LTE?

It's no secret that T-Mobile is on the cusp of lighting up its first LTE network in Las Vegas, but...

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LG Spirit 4G arrives on MetroPCS, delivers 4.5-inch display and ICS to the budget-minded crowd

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="LG Spirit 4G arrives on MetroPCS, delivers 45inch display and ICS to the budgetminded crowd" data-src-height="450" data-src-width="243" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/lgspirit4gleadjpg-1359614268.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> We are definitely no strangers to seeing MetroPCS bring well-priced, decently-specced Android handsets to market, and we have a feeling that's something potential and current subscribers certainly appreciate. Because, well, who doesn't like choice? With today's LG Spirit 4G launch, MetroPCS continues to expand its LTE-at-a-bargain ideals, announcing a smartphone that carries some pretty decent specs for being contract-free and costing a mere 269 bucks. Naturally, the 4.5-inch, 960 x 540 display is among the Spirit's main highlights, but there's also an unspecified 1.2GHz, dual-core CPU, a 5-megapixel rear shooter capable of 1080p video, and Ice Cream Sandwich, to boot. The carrier's quick to point out that its newly introduced slab is a follow-up to that LG Motion 4G we saw last year, and that it's compatible with those LTE plans which were unveiled earlier this month. It's worth noting that while the LG Spirit 4G's official MSRP is $269, MetroPCS will have it up for grabs, starting today, at the cheaper price of $199 -- that, of course, after a <em>beloved</em> mail-in rebate and for "a limited time" only. You'll find a couple more press shots after the break, and be sure to hit the source link if you're interested in grabbing one of these for yourself.</div></div>

LG Spirit 4G arrives on MetroPCS, delivers 4.5-inch display and ICS to the budget-minded crowd

We are definitely no strangers to seeing MetroPCS bring well-priced, decently-specced Android handset...

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Skulls of the Shogun offers game syncing across Windows, Windows Phone and Xbox (video)

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Skulls of the Shogun brings true game sync across Windows, Windows Phone and Xbox video" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/skulls-of-the-shogun-surface.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Cross-platform game compatibility and syncing aren't anything new, but there have been few if any games that truly make us feel at home when we switch devices. Developer 17-Bit's just-launched <i>Skulls of the Shogun</i> bucks that trend in style as the first game with a unified experience across every one of Microsoft's platforms. Start a game on a Windows 8 or RT PC, Windows Phone or Xbox 360, and cloud saves will carry over with nary a hitch in sight. Turn-based multiplayer works the same way: anyone involved in a match can play from whichever device is convenient, rather than give up a big screen or mobility. We just wish the undead strategy game's prices enjoyed the same level of consistency -- <i>Skulls</i> costs $5 on Windows Phone, $10 on Windows PCs and 1,200 points on the Xbox. Still, we'll bite if it means squeezing in one more round on our Surface.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div> <iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2oB-FMW-Mjo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Skulls of the Shogun offers game syncing across Windows, Windows Phone and Xbox (video)

Cross-platform game compatibility and syncing aren't anything new, but there have been few if any games that truly make us feel at home ...

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Did Google make its latest Android statue out of chrome for a reason?

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Did Google make its latest Android statue out of chrome for a reason" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/chrome-android-lead2.jpg" /></div>When Google staffer Paul Wilcox started throwing pebbles at his girlfriend's office window, he never expected to be confronted by an angry giant Android made out of chrome. But crazy things happen at Mountain View all the time and Wilcox was quick to recover his composure.<br /> "What have you done with my girlfriend?" he cried. And then, "why, of all things, are you made out of chrome?!"<br /> Eventually Wilcox realized it was just a statue, recently put up in the mostly-green robot's honor, and that his girlfriend was safe and well. (Honestly, we just invented the whole girlfriend thing for dramatic effect, and we don't know where she works.) Anyways, the question remains: why this particular metallic finish? Is it to mark the constant updates to the Chrome browser on Android devices? Possibly. Or could it be, as <em>MobileGeeks</em> suggests, some oblique reference to Android apps running in a Chrome browser on some other OS? We don't know, but imagine this: an Android app running in a Chrome browser running as an Android app running in a Chrome browser... Freaky, right?<br /> </div></div>

Did Google make its latest Android statue out of chrome for a reason?

When Google staffer Paul Wilcox started throwing pebbles at his girlfriend's office window, he nev...

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LG Optimus L7 successor leaks in Russia with 4.3-inch display

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="Successor to the budget LG Optimus L7 leaks in Russia with 43inch display, dualSIM ability " data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/lg-optimus-leak2.jpg" /><br /> As entry-level phones go, last year's Optimus L7 had a few pluses on its score sheet -- but equally some serious drawbacks, including a reluctant touchscreen and a shoddy camera module. There's always hope for progress in this business, however, and given that LG already hinted at a new L-series phone in its earnings report, we're inclined to believe a leak that's just come in from Russian site <em>Hi.tech.mail.ru</em>. The pictures show a much softer-edged design with a dedicated SIM-switch button down below, in both black and white. In terms of specs, we're looking at a 2,460mAh battery that is said to last for two days, an 8-megapixel rear camera capable of 720p video and a 1GHz dual-core chip powering Android 4.1 with LG's custom UI on top. The Russian price of 12,990 rubles equates to around $430, which is a lot more than the $300 SIM-free price of the first L7 (not to mention a Nexus 4) -- but then these currency conversions are often wayward.<br /> </div></div>

LG Optimus L7 successor leaks in Russia with 4.3-inch display

As entry-level phones go, last year's Optimus L7 had a few pluses on its score sheet -- but equally some serious drawbacks, includi...

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Nokia confirms Windows Phone 7.8 coming to the UK today

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Nokia 620 priced at 14999 in the UK, arrives on February 6th" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/lumia620colors.jpg" /></div>Brits who ground their fingers to stumps hammering their Lumia's update button will finally be able to rest, as Nokia UK has confirmed that Windows 7.8 is rolling out today. The company has also revealed O2's pricing for the Lumia 620, the handset that'll bring Windows Phone 8 to the cash-strapped masses. It's available from today on the oxygen-themed network, setting you back £149.99 or free on contracts priced over £18.50. Normally, the interchangeable back plates would cost around £20, but O2 is offering buyers a choice of a yellow, orange, green, white or cyan model for free.<br /> You'll also be able to pick up the quirky handset from ThreeUK and Virgin Media today, although neither has opened up about pricing just yet. Vodafone has announced that it'll launch the phone on February 6th with a choice of white or black covers, while EE has yet to commit to carrying the handset. If you saw removable covers and hoped that the 620 would benefit from the same wireless charging plates we saw in the 820, we've got some bad news -- Nokia has said it's not likely to happen.<br /> </div></div>

Nokia confirms Windows Phone 7.8 coming to the UK today

Brits who ground their fingers to stumps hammering their Lumia's update button will finally be abl...

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Toyota signs deal to get Nokia's Here Local Search on its in-car navigation units from 2014

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Toyota signs deal to get Nokias Here Local Search on its incar navigation units from 2014" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/elop-navigation.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Nokia's position in the smartphone market may be precarious (if improving), but its Location and Commerce (read: mapping) division has developed quite the reputation. Toyota is the latest big car manufacturer to pay cash to get Nokia's Here Local Search installed on Mr. Toyoda's in-car infotainment units. The Japanese giant is planning to have the software baked into its vehicles in Europe, Russia and the Middle East by early 2014. At the same time, the duo have agreed to work together on how best they can develop Here's navigation potential even further.</div><div class="open" dir="ltr" id="pr_box" style="text-align: left;"> <div id="pr_box_button">Hide Press Release</div><div id="pr_text"> <strong>HERE Platform from Nokia Powers Toyota Motor Europe's Next Generation of Navigation and Infotainment Systems</strong><br /> <br /> Toyota is the Latest Major Automotive Brand to Leverage Best-in-Class Nokia Mapping Technology using its Local Search for Automotive<br /> <strong>Espoo, Finland - Nokia today</strong> announced that Toyota Motor Europe is the latest automotive brand to select the HERE platform's Nokia Local Search for Automotive to power its next generation Touch & Go navigation and infotainment systems. Nokia Local Search for Automotive is a specifically designed solution developed to fulfill the requirements of the automotive industry.<br /> By leveraging Nokia Local Search for Automotive, Toyota drivers will have fast and easy online access to the latest high-quality industry mapping information and community-generated content - including millions of ratings, reviews and images fed directly into their cars.<br /> The introduction of this service demonstrates how Nokia's HERE business is continuing to extend its industry-leading portfolio of products to meet the needs of its automotive customers.<br /> "The ability to deliver comprehensive and driver-relevant content tailored to automotive requirements makes the Nokia Location Platform an interesting proposition," said Derek Williams, General Manager, Telematics & Multimedia, Toyota Motor Europe. "It is an excellent basis for creative location-centric concepts and we are delighted to bring this technology to our customers. Nokia Local Search for Automotive is expected to be commercially available in Toyota systems from early 2014 in Europe, Russia and the Middle East."<br /> Moving forward, Toyota Motor Europe will collaborate with Nokia to study more services that leverage the Nokia Location Platform, including best-in-class content. Nokia is currently the leading company providing end-to-end mapping, navigation and location solutions for the automotive industry.<br /> "Nokia and Toyota share the same vision of what the in-vehicle location experience should be - immersive, always on. Today's announcement underlines Nokia's commitment to providing fresh content and services to the auto industry so it can deliver innovative consumer solutions," said Eric Fumat, Vice President Sales & Business Development EMEA, Nokia Location & Commerce.<br /> </div></div></div>

Toyota signs deal to get Nokia's Here Local Search on its in-car navigation units from 2014

Nokia's position in the smartphone market may be precarious (if improving), but its Location and ...

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IDC: iPad loses a little marketshare

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="IDC iPad loses a little marketshare, still dominates global tablet sales in Q4 2012" data-src-height="324" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/ipads-1359617185.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> While Samsung continues to claim the top spot in smartphone sales, Apple is doing the same with tablets. According to IDC, the iPad (in all its shapes) is still the most popular tablet -- by a long way. Apple claimed a 43.6 percent market share for the last quarter, shipping 22.9 million tablets. The iOS tablets lost 6.8 percent of the market share during the quarter, although this loss is substantially less than what IDC monitored earlier this year. Since the same period last year, that's an increase of 48.1 percent Apple tablets shipped, while total tablet numbers increased 74.3 percent in total. Samsung sidles into second place with all those different screen sizes shipping 7.9 million units and claiming a 15.1 percent market share -- since Q4 2011 that's a huge 263 percent year-on-year increase. Amazon (11.5 percent marketshare) ASUS (5.8 percent) and Barnes and Noble (1.9 percent) round out the top five, while other manufacturers were still able to claim 22.1 percent of total tablet sales -- presumably including Microsoft's Surface, whose effect was described as "muted". The full table of sales and marketshare is right after the break.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> (<strong>Update</strong>: IDC has released some corrected figures. We've adjusted our write-up above.)</div><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="IDC iPad loses a little marketshare, still dominates global tablet sales in Q4 2012" data-src-height="403" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/idctqbleq42012.jpg" /></div><div class="open" dir="ltr" id="pr_box" style="text-align: left;"> <div id="pr_box_button">Hide Press Release</div><div id="pr_text"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Tablet Shipments Soar to Record Levels During Strong Holiday Quarter, According to IDC</strong></div>31 Jan 2013<br /> FRAMINGHAM, Mass., January 31, 2013 – Worldwide tablet shipments outpaced predictions reaching a record total of 52.5 million units worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2012 (4Q12), according to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Tablet Tracker. The tablet market grew 75.3% year over year in 4Q12 (up from 29.9 million units in 4Q11) and increased 74.3% from the previous quarter's total of 30.1 million units. Lower average selling prices (ASPs), a wide range of new product offerings, and increased holiday spending all acted as catalysts to push the already climbing tablet market to record levels.<br /> "We expected a very strong fourth quarter, and the market didn't disappoint," said Tom Mainelli, research director, Tablets, at IDC. "New product launches from the category's top vendors, as well as new entrant Microsoft, led to a surge in consumer interest and very robust shipments totals during the holiday season. The record-breaking quarter stands in stark contrast to the PC market, which saw shipments decline during the quarter for the first time in more than five years."<br /> Apple's iPad once again led the market, and the firm's shipment total of 22.9 million units was exactly in line with IDC's forecast for the period. A strong iPad mini launch, plus availability of the fourth generation full-sized iPad, led to solid 48.1% shipment growth over the same quarter last year. However, strong competition in the market led to Apple's market share declining for a second quarter in a row (down to 43.6% from 46.4% last quarter). Number two vendor Samsung experienced 263% year-on-year growth, shipping nearly 8 million combined Android and Windows 8 tablets during the quarter to grab 15.1% of the market, its same market share total from the previous quarter.<br /> Amongst the other top 5 vendors, Amazon and Barnes & Noble both saw their market share increase sharply as new products gained traction during the holiday season. Amazon shipped more than 6 million tablets during the quarter, increasing its share to 11.5%, up from 8.3% the previous quarter, with year-over year growth of 26.8%; Barnes & Noble shipped close to a million units, increasing its share to 1.9%, up from 0.7%, despite a year-over-year growth rate of -27.7%. Meanwhile, number four Asus saw its share slip from 7.8% to 5.8% despite continued strong shipments of its Google-branded Nexus 7 tablet and the highest year-over-year increase in the top five at 402.5%. Microsoft entered the market during the quarter with its Surface with Windows RT tablet, but failed to reach the top five after shipping just shy of 900,000 units into the channel.<br /> "There is no question that Microsoft is in this tablet race to compete for the long haul. However, devices based upon its new Windows 8 and Windows RT operating systems failed to gain much ground during their launch quarter, and reaction to the company's Surface with Windows RT tablet was muted at best," said Ryan Reith, program manager, Mobile Device Trackers at IDC. "We believe that Microsoft and its partners need to quickly adjust to the market realities of smaller screens and lower prices. In the long run, consumers may grow to believe that high-end computing tablets with desktop operating systems are worth a higher premium than other tablets, but until then ASPs on Windows 8 and Windows RT devices need to come down to drive higher volumes."<br /> </div></div></div>

IDC: iPad loses a little marketshare

While Samsung continues to claim the top spot in smartphone sales, Apple is doing the same with table...

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