PayPal Looks Ahead: Six Predictions for 2014

By David Marcus, President of PayPal

As the President of PayPal, I have a unique opportunity to work with peers and strategise with partners across many industries about solving real problems and delivering exciting new experiences for consumers and retailers. That leads to a pretty privileged view into what’s coming next. I have had some fascinating conversations about how technology is transforming shopping experiences, leading to my prediction of 6 main developments for 2014:

1. Traditional retail fights back
In recent years, technology innovation from companies has disrupted traditional retail by making it easy for consumers to browse in a store and then buy online at the cheapest possible price. It’s a practice called “showrooming” and in-store merchants understandably hate it. This year, retailers will start leveraging and converting their retail footprint into logistical assets to enable shoppers to buy anywhere they want: in-store, on mobile, and on the web, and get fast-delivery, or pick-up in store the same day. Local will be more important than ever – and from our perspective we couldn't be more excited about innovations like PayPal Beacon which will transform the retail environment for your local main street by bringing back opportunities for personalised service all driven by mobile.

2. Mobile will transform commerce forever
Many consumers are just beginning to experience the freedom, flexibility, and fun of mobile payments and shopping, and they’re going to want more. This will lead to a flood of new payment experiences built on technologies such as sensors, geolocation, and the cloud that will soon make standing in a long checkout line and paying with a card seem like something out of the Stone Age.

3. iOS and Android will drive a retail revolution
Last year, I predicted the beginning of the end of the fixed-location cash register in favour of mobile checkout technology. In 2014, I believe the entire retail infrastructure will follow suit. In less than four years since the launch of the iPad, tablets have become a fixture of our everyday lives. This year, they’ll become a standard tool in retail environments too, and merchants will use them for everything from Point of Sale to inventory, fulfilment, customer relationship management, and more.

4. Bitcoin will continue to gain ground (but not as a currency)
Bitcoin will continue to attract more people as a store of value and a speculative investment asset. I predict that the value of Bitcoin still has the potential to double this year, but I believe it will have a hard time becoming mainstream as a currency, due to its expected continued volatility amidst regulation authorities and governments figuring out what to make of the cryptocurrency.

5. The year of disruption . . .
I love disruption - it’s when rules get broken and new ideas are born and tested that things get interesting. This trend has been gathering momentum over the last year or so as smaller players in the payments industry power a wave of startups that use mobile payments to fuel segment-transforming new business models. (Full disclosure: PayPal recently acquired Braintree, which provides the payment technology engine behind disruptive startups like Uber, Airbnb, and OpenTable.)

In 2014, people will be seeing larger payments entities scramble to accelerate the pace of their innovation to catch up to these smaller and more nimble competitors. Meanwhile, smaller players will scramble to achieve the scale and experience needed to compete in a global business. As a result, billions of dollars will be at play in the payment industry, and 2014 will be a year of game-changing disruption.

6. . . . and consolidation in the payments industry
The payments industry has a lot of players, and no doubt there’s a ton of great innovation out there, but a lot of it works better in combination than on its own. Some of today’s bright young firms will never achieve the scale to survive without joining forces with someone bigger. This will lead to a wave of acquisitions in 2014. Meanwhile, new alliances will create intriguing partnerships that span payments, retail, and more. It simply won’t be the same industry in 12 months that it is today.

So that’s where I see payments headed in 2014. Whether you agree or disagree with my thought starters, I think we can all agree that this industry is in the midst of incredible and exciting change right now. It’s going to be an amazing ride over the next 12 months.

MAKING YOUR 2014 RESOLUTION COME TRUE: NEW MOBILE APP MAKES QUITTING SMOKING FUN AND EASY

Smoking cessation coach QUIT PRO now available for Android and iOS

SINGAPORE, 2 January 2014 – At the end of each year, people make resolutions to try and be better, either by starting to do something good or stop doing something harmful. With 2014 just starting, why not resolve to kick a bad habit and usher in a smoke-free new year in a smart(phone) way?

Quit Pro is a mobile-based app that helps monitor an individual’s journey and progression towards their goal of quitting smoking. This week, Singapore-based mobile apps factory Bitsmedia introduced the Android version one year after launching in the Apple Store.

Since being launched first for iOS a year ago, Quit Pro has already helped more than 130,000 smokers kick the habit:  “Great app to help you quit smoking and track your progress. Would highly recommend it for anyone who is trying to quit”, shared one user.
   
Screenshots from the Quit Pro app: Smart, easy to follow and helpful
Through its user-friendly interface, Quit Pro helps to easily track and tabulate information about when smokers crave for a cigarette, along with what moods or emotional triggers might lead to smoking.

Quit Pro also has a social feature that allows sharing your progress with friends, monitoring either how long a person has quit for or how much money has been saved not buying cigarettes.

Another Quit Pro user commented: “This app has helped me a lot! When I have a craving I look at my counter & think ok I've made it this long I can make it 5 more minutes! I'm 9 days in with no relapse! My family has been great too!”

Other features of Quit Pro include identifying places that users smoke most at and also highlighting the benefits that quitting smoking has in terms of financial and health impact. You can find out more about the functionalities of Quit Pro on http://www.quit-pro.com/video

Quit Pro is available on Google Play and Apple App Store for free with an optional premium version to access additional content. Bitsmedia will give 5% of the proceeds of this app to cancer research.

DiGi makes it easy for customers to own the brand new iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c

SHAH ALAM, 31 October 2013 – In conjunction with the launch of the much anticipated iPhone 5s, the most forward-thinking smartphone in the world, and iPhone 5c, the most colorful iPhone yet, DiGi is offering its customers a special introductory price for the 16 GB models at RM965 and RM630 respectively. This offer is bundled with the iDiGi 138 plan.

Both iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c are available at all participating DiGi outlets as well as from DiGi Store Online (shop.digi.com.my), where home deliveries can be arranged with their SIM card fully activated.

(L-R) Praveen Rajan, Head of Products-Internet & Services for DiGi and Jason Ooi, first #DiGiFASTLINE iPhone 5S customer.

iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c come equipped with iOS 7, featuring a stunning new user interface and design that makes it feel more alive with an elegant colour palette, distinct, functional layers and subtle motion. Both devices comes with hundreds of great new features, including Control Centre, Notification Centre, improved Multitasking, AirDrop®, enhanced Photos, Safari®, and Siri®.

"DiGi is thrilled to bring the latest smartphones in town to our customers today. Malaysians are fast becoming avid users of the Internet and we believe the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c with its new innovative functionalities will further enhance our customers’ online experience,” said Praveen Rajan, Head of Products – Internet & Services for DiGi.

(L-R) Praveen Rajan, Head of Products-Internet & Services for DiGi and Wong Carmen, first walk-in iPhone 5S customer.

The first 100 customers, who queued at each of the five DiGi Stores for the Midnight Sale, were offered a special promotion of RM99 for iPhone 5c 16GB which comes with the iDiGi 138 plan. The five DiGi stores are in SS2 in Petaling Jaya, Taman Molek in Johor Bahru, Api-Api in Kota Kinabalu, Jalan Kulas Tengah in Kuching and Pulau Tikus in Pulau Pinang

Leading up to the launch, DiGi ran a unique virtual queue, the #DiGiFastline.  DiGi invited customers nationwide to spread the word on its iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c promotions via Facebook and Twitter. The 250 most active advocates between midnight of 28th October and midnight of 29th October received a special pass to queue in the fast track lane, making it easy and faster for them to get their hands on the latest iPhone models.

For full pricing and availability details for iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c in Malaysia from DiGi, please visit: digi.my/iphone

For more information on iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, please visit: www.apple.com/iphone

BBM Welcomes Over 20 Million New Active Users in the First Week

BBM Community Grows to More Than 80 Million Active Users Across BlackBerry, Android and iPhone Devices Globally

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – After the amazing launch of BBM™ on Android® and iPhone® devices, with more than 10 million downloads in the first 24 hours, BBM has now ended its first week with more than 80 million monthly active users*, including over 20 million new users on Android and iPhone devices.

During its first week, BBM was the top free overall app in 35 countries in Google Play™ and in 107 countries in the App StoreSM, and continues to maintain a strong position in key markets such as Canada, the US, the UK, Indonesia and much of the Middle East, to name a few.

“It is great to see so many people downloading BBM, but the true measurement for us is engagement – the connections being made and the conversations in which our BBM community engages. The power of BBM has always been the active, real conversations and interaction that our customers enjoy,” said Andrew Bocking, Executive Vice President of BBM at BlackBerry. “From here on out, we will focus on active users of BBM and will no longer focus on simple download numbers.”

With the BBM community now at more than 80 million active users around the globe, users are connecting on the private social network like never before. This past weekend, BlackBerry® (NASDAQ: BBRY; TSX: BB) was able to remove the virtual line-up so that Android and iPhone users can now immediately download, sign in and start using BBM without having to wait.

BBM users are enjoying the immediacy and control that BBM offers as they chat with their new contacts – either one-to-one, in multi-person chats or as part of a BBM Group. The delivered and read statuses, as well as the message-in-progress alert, keep people engaged and active in conversations on BBM.  BBM users can also share files such as photos, and voice notes, as well as update their statuses with ease. BBM Groups allows photo, calendar, chat and file sharing for up to 30 people in a user-generated community.

Every BBM user has a unique PIN that helps maintains their privacy, so users never have to give out their phone number or email address to a new or casual contact. BlackBerry ID connects with a person’s PIN, BBM contact list and services to make device switching quick and easy.

The BBM experience will continue to evolve.  In the coming months, BlackBerry will deliver BBM Video calling, BBM Voice calling and BBM Channels – a new community building service to connect BBM users even more broadly – to Android and iPhone users.

Android and iPhone device users can download BBM by visiting BBM.com.

2013 So Far: Java Exploits Jump, Android Malware Emerges Outside App Stores

~F-Secure’s Latest Threat Report, out now, covers all the latest hot topics in online security~

Kuala Lumpur, 24 September 2013 – A continued rise in exploit-based attacks, particularly against Java, and an increasing sophistication in mobile threats characterized the first half of 2013, which saw its share of interesting developments in the world of digital security. According to F-Secure’s new Threat Report H1 2013, being published today, nearly 60% of F-Secure’s top ten detections in the first half of 2013 were exploits.

Exploits: the most common attack vector

The high percentage of exploits detected by F-Secure is a good thing, according to Sean Sullivan, Security Advisor at F-Secure Labs. “The fact that the majority of our top ten detections are blocking exploits rather than dealing with payloads – that means we’re doing a good job of making sure the malware itself doesn’t even get the chance to enter the machine,” he says.

Su Gim sharing 2013 Threat Report Statistic.

Users in the US saw the most vulnerability-related attacks, with 78 out of every 1000 users encountering an exploit attempt. Germany and Belgium followed with 60 out of 1000 encountering exploit attempts. Java-targeted exploits lead the pack of exploits as a whole, making up almost half of the top ten detections, up from a third the previous half-year.

Exploits are programs, but they are simply another vehicle for getting malware onto a machine, like an infected USB drive or email. Usually attacking via malicious or compromised websites, they take advantage of flaws in the code of a computer’s installed applications to access the computer and infect it with malware that can spy on the user, steal passwords or other sensitive data, or allow cybercriminals to take control of the machine.

Mobile malware: not just in app stores anymore 

358 new families and variants of Android malware were discovered by F-Secure Labs in H1, nearly doubling the total number the Labs has ever discovered to 793. Symbian followed with 16 new families and variants. No new families or variants were discovered other mobile platforms.

Android malware isn’t just distributed by app stores anymore, either. The first half of 2013 saw distribution by malvertising and by drive-by downloads while visiting a compromised site. Malvertising, or advertisements that lead users to malicious products, is increasingly being used to distribute mobile malware, due in part to its wide reach. And while still less sophisticated on a mobile than on a PC, drive-by downloads are expected to continue as an attack vector. Mobile drive-bys use a notification message asking if the user wants to install the app, making them more obvious than PC drive-bys, with the option to circumvent them.

Stels, an Android trojan that serves multiple purposes from building up botnets to stealing mobile Transaction Authentication Numbers (mTANs) as a banking trojan, uses methods that are usually characteristic of Windows malware, such as spam as a distribution method. This serves as evidence that Android malware is advancing closer to reaching the highly developed level of Windows threats.

APT threats, Bitcoin mining, and Mac malware

APT threats have become a major talked-about threat to the data security of organizations and industries, and now F-Secure Labs has constructed a rough overall picture of the kind of victims APT attackers are targeting. For details on that study of 100 documents used in targeted APT attacks, plus a look at the very lucrative practice of Bitcoin mining and the latest in Mac malware, phishing and more, check out the complete Threat Report H1 2013 .

Sophos Mobile Control Delivers Immediate Support for the Apple iOS 7

Leading Mobile Device Management Solution Enforces BYOD Initiatives

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, September 11, 2013  – Sophos announced today that its award winning mobile device management and security platform, Sophos Mobile Control (SMC), will immediately support iOS 7, Apple’s  latest mobile operating system, which has just been announced.

Sophos Mobile Control is ideal for small- and medium-sized businesses looking for a simple, secure way to enable employees to use mobile devices such as iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows Phones, to get work done.

In addition to delivering  iOS 7 support, Sophos announced an update for customers to manage the  new business-focused features of Apple’s latest version from the easy-to-use Sophos web-based console, deployed either on-premise or as Software as a Service (SaaS).

According to Gartner, Apple iOS 7 includes more enterprise enhancements than any release since iOS 4.0 introduced mobile device management APIs. Version 3.6 of Sophos Mobile Control enables enterprises of all sizes to protect corporate data, with many new enhancements, including:

·         Separation of company and personal data
·         Per app VPN
·         A new volume purchasing program (VPP)
·         Remote configuration of apps

“Sophos Mobile Control allows us to easily manage our existing devices while simultaneously adding new devices safely into our organization,” said Jeri Sample, IT Manager, Meadville Medical Center, an outstanding community medical center in Meadville, Pennsylvania. “It is important for us to keep patient data secure. With accelerated deployment, ease of management, and complete visibility, SMC makes Sophos the right choice on behalf of our staff and our patients.”

“Mobile devices in the workplace are the rule, not the exception,” said John Shaw, Vice President for end user security products at Sophos. “Sophos Mobile Control provides simple to deploy mobile device management and security that will keep employees happy and productive, minimize the workload for IT, and give managers confidence that the company’s data is protected. We think iOS7 is a huge step forward in enabling personal devices to be used securely at work, and are delighted to be extending the benefits to our partners and customers. ”

To learn more about Sophos Mobile Control, please visit http://www.sophos.com/mobile.

Sime Darby Industrial Released Caterpillar’s Remote Equipment Monitoring Capabilities in Malaysia

Rolled out mobile application for remote control over fleet site operations for Malaysian Construction Players

Kuala Lumpur, 25 June 2013 - Caterpillar Inc. (‘Caterpillar’), the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, today launches its VisionLink™ 2.7 for Malaysian construction players to remotely monitor their fleet and equipments site operations.

In Malaysia and Brunei, Sime Darby Industrial Sdn. Bhd. is the exclusive distributor of Caterpillar heavy machinery and associated products including Product Support, Finance and Insurance under the Tractors Malaysia dealership.

Being the 50th largest Caterpillar dealer in the world, Sime Darby Industrial operates the largest Caterpillar dealership network in the Asia-Pacific region, with over 100 branches covering more than 20 countries.

To Support the Mobility Trends under Malaysian Construction Industry

Yoong Kee Sin, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Sime Darby Industrial Sdn. Bhd. shares, “The new launched VisionLink™ 2.7 mobile application is in line with our company’s strategy to empower customers further in their usage of Caterpillar’s equipment and machinery in a construction market that is undergoing a mobility trend.

As part of the Caterpillar’s Cat® Product Link™ solution, the VisionLink® 2.7 provides an optimized mobile web application that allows construction players to remotely monitor the data from the fleet site operations and assets. The mobile application is currently available on iOS, BlackBerry, Android/Chrome and Windows operating systems.

Note: Cat® Product Link™ is a robust remote monitoring and asset management solution, enabling powerful tools that transform data from an entire fleet into the essential information required to boost productivity, reduce costs and manage risks in contraction management and operation.

VisionLink® 2.7’s introductory functionality enables viewing the assets location on a map, track scheduled services, viewing fault codes and open alerts, and accessing idle, working and runtime through a smartphone. Leveraging the existing onboard payload systems for wheel loaders and off-highway trucks, its new productivity functionality can remotely monitor information such as total payload moved per day, total payload per hour and per unit of fuel.

Jeff Fitch, sales and marketing manager of Caterpillar Construction Technology and Solutions Asia Pacific, also added, “As a world leading construction equipment brand, Caterpillar constantly improving our asset monitoring and management systems to empower our customers in the thriving construction and quarrying industries.”

卡特彼勒推出远程监控功能设备

卡特彼勒在马来西亚市场推出旗舰平台远程移动控制应用程序

吉隆坡，2013年6月25日 讯 - 卡特彼勒公司（“卡特彼勒，Caterpillar Inc。”），世界领先的建筑和采矿设备制造商，今天推出其VisionLink®2.7，让马来西亚建筑业者可以远程监控自己的旗舰设备的现场操作。

作为卡特彼勒公司的Cat® Product Link™ 解决方案的一部分， VisionLink®2.7提供了一个具有高度直观的用户界面的移动网络应用程序，远程监控整个舰队的数据，也可放大在个别资产以进行详细观察。该移动应用程序目前可用于iOS，黑莓，Android/ Chrome和Windows等操作系统。

注：Cat® Product Link™是一个监控和资产管理解决方案，用于转换舰队操作数据成所需的基本信息，以提高生产力，降低成本和操作风险管理。

据卡特彼勒工程科技和解决方案亚太区销售和营销经理，杰夫·惠誉 （Jeff Fitch）表示，卡特彼勒在马来西亚的客户在资产的管理层面有极严格的标准。

“他们了解信息的准确度和及时性能如何提高其设备的利用率，及最终增强其盈利能力。”

新功能提供更高的操作效率

VisionLink®2.7的入门的功能可以查看资产在地图上的位置，跟踪服务进度，查看故障代码和开放的警报，并通过智能手机彻查空档，工作和运行。

利用现有轮式装载机和非公路卡车的机载有效载荷系统，它还能提供新的生产力，远程监控信息，如有每天，每小时，和每单位燃料的有效载荷总。

此外，VisionLink®设有每日，每周和每月的报告表功能，通过电子邮件传递所需资料于决策者。

“作为国际领先的建筑设备品牌，卡特彼勒不断改良其资产监控和管理系统，以协助我们的客户在建筑和采石业蓬勃发展。”

HP Introduces SureSupply App for Simplified Supplies Selectability and Ordering

Instant access to the right Original HP printing supplies from your iOS® or Android™ device 1,3,4

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June  13, 2013 — HP today introduced the HP SureSupply app, the easiest way for customers to select and shop for Original HP Ink and Toner cartridges directly from their iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Android device.

The HP SureSupply app also allows customers to monitor ink and toner levels, find the right cartridges, compare prices and purchase new supplies online or in-store, while on-the-go. 1,2,3,4

"We know our customers want technologies and solutions that make their lives easier," said Kim Dae-Hwan, Country General Manager, Printing and Personal Systems Group. "The HP SureSupply app does just that, giving customers access to the information they need, when they need it. With SureSupply, it's easy to keep relevant product and cartridge and printer information in one place and choose to order directly from your smartphone or tablet."

Meeting customers where they are
The HP SureSupply program allows customers to easily order Original HP cartridges online or through a phone call.

Now iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android users4 can download the HP SureSupply app for:
• Finding Cartridges – Always have HP cartridge and printer details at hand to save time. Recently used and networked printer details are saved so cartridge information is instantly available. 1
• Receiving Low Ink Alerts – The ability to check cartridge levels and receive automatic alerts when cartridges are low allow customers to print without surprises. 1, 3
• Easy Purchasing – Compare prices and purchase cartridges online from HP and other retailers. 2

The HP SureSupply app is an updated application, formerly branded eSupplies, and now available for free from the App Store5 and the Android Market.

(1) Requires an Internet connection to an HP web-enabled or networked printer and mobile device. Airprint and other device/printer connections may require wireless access point. Separately purchased data plans and service agreements may apply. Wireless performance is dependent upon physical environment and distance from access point. Wireless operations are compatible with 2.4 GHz routers only.

(2) Retailer availability and participation may vary by country.

(3) Mobile device and printer must be connected to the same network to access approximate cartridge levels. iOS devices must have app open to receive alerts. 

(4) Supports the following devices running iOS 4.3 or later: iPad® (all models), iPhone® (3GS or later), iPod touch® (3rd generation or later). iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple® Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Compatible with Android 2.0 and later devices. Android is a trademark of Google, Inc. 

(5) The App Store is a service mark of Apple® Inc. 

Citrix Enterprise Cloud Report Reveals

Most commonly blacklisted app: Angry Birds, Facebook, YouTube.
Whitelisted apps: Evernote, Google Chrome
iOS preferred Mobile Platform across Industries

Kuala Lumpur, April 3, 2013 - The Enterprise Cloud report released on 20 March by Citrix showed that organizations are becoming more aggressive on app blacklisting, with 18 percent of them deploying this policy in the fourth quarter of 2012, an increase of 11 percent from the prior quarter.

The most commonly blacklisted apps were:
• Angry Birds
• Facebook
• Dropbox
• YouTube

While the most commonly whitelisted apps were:
• Evernote
• NitroDesk
• TouchDown
• Google Chrome
• Adobe Reader

Skype was the only app that made it to both the blacklist and whitelist.

The report was based on aggregate data from Citrix customers who have deployed enterprise mobility management in the cloud.

The report also revealed that:
• iOS is the preferred mobile platform for vertical industries in which mobile users engage customers one-on-one, such as in retail or restaurants.
• The largest adopters include the energy, legal and insurance industries.

About 75 percent of Citrix’s customers in Asia Pacific, including Japan, in Q4 2012, enrolled iOS as the mobile platform of choice, higher than the global average of 58 percent. The global share of enrolled iOS mobile platforms rose two percent to 58 percent in Q4 2012, extending its lead from the previous quarter.

Autodesk Introduces Socialcam 5.0 for iOS

Greatly evolved user experience includes new filters and themes, HD video, and HDR  

MALAYSIA, March 12, 2013 — Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) introduced Socialcam 5.0 for iOS, delivering the next generation of mobile video sharing. Major new features on the iOS platform include a complete redesign of visual effects, 720p HD video, video High Dynamic Range (HDR), and a new icon for Socialcam. 

Developed in collaboration with Autodesk’s expert professional video effects teams, the new 720p HD video and video HDR with one click real-time mapping and color correction enables Socialcam—with more than 20 million downloads—to continue to break through barriers to mobile video adoption by making it easy to express creativity and individuality wherever inspiration strikes—anytime, anywhere, and on any device.

“We’re particularly excited about this update to Socialcam, as it starts to deliver on our promise to expose aspects of our award-winning visual effects software to everyone through the Socialcam community,” said Samir Hanna, vice president, Autodesk Consumer Group. “We believe there is a huge opportunity in the video sharing market and anticipate that we’ll all share videos the way we share photos today. Being on the forefront of this trend allows Autodesk to better serve its consumer and professional customers alike.”

3D Modeling for the Masses Debuts with Autodesk 123D Design

App Enables 3D Modeling via iPad, Mac, PC or Web Browser

MALAYSIA, Nov. 21, 2012 — Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) introduced Autodesk 123D Design, a free* 3D modeling tool that allows users to create a digital model and then 3D print or fabricate their idea whether on the iPad, Mac, PC or via their web browser. Autodesk 123D Design uses natural interactions for creation and editing, allowing makers to easily design things without learning complex CAD concepts.

“For the first time ever, users can create sophisticated, precise 3D models of real objects on their iPad, Mac, PC or via their web browser. People said this couldn’t be done on iPad, and we’re happy to prove them wrong,” said Samir Hanna, vice president of Consumer Products, Autodesk. “We believe that everyone is creative, and we intend to put easy to use design software in the hands of millions of people so they can create real objects, have fun doing it and then fabricate the things they want and need, just the way they want them.”

Eliminate the Dreaded Blank Canvas and Start Designing Fast
Autodesk 123D Design helps users get their projects started by providing base shapes and example models that help move past a blank screen and into the design quickly. Using natural interactions to add objects to the canvas and assemble parts together, users can enjoy the design process and create amazing 3D-printable designs.

123D Design also includes pre-set kits, such as “Robots” or “Houses” that are a fun way to experiment with design ideas or become more familiar with design concepts. More kits are available online from the 123D web site.

Freedom to Choose How and Where to Design and Make
123D Design is available on web, mobile and desktop, so users have the freedom to choose how and where they will make something. 123D Design also lets users go from design to 3D print with just a few taps or clicks.

Part of the Autodesk 123D family of apps, 123D Design allows users to take advantage of a connected group of Autodesk software, fabrication services for 3D printing and laser cutting, and a community of like-minded makers focused on making a wide variety of projects using 3D design and personal fabrication. 123D Design, 123D Make, 123D Catch, and 123D Sculpt are directly connected across platforms and products through “My Projects,” cloud storage for all 123D design projects, where users can save and access the things they’ve made, or objects other people have made and shared with the community. The 123D community is home to thousands of models shared by nearly 300,000 members from around the world, and it is growing every day.

The Autodesk 123D family of apps provides users with the ability to capture, design and make their ideas, and connect with other makers around the world for support or inspiration. Users can try Autodesk apps, services and communities to experiment and experience the creative process.

The Autodesk 123D Design App is available for free* from the App Store on iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore. The Mac version of 123D Design is available for free* from the Mac App Store.

Gartner Says Worldwide Sales of Mobile Phones Declined 2.3 Percent in Second Quarter of 2012; Smartphone Sales Increased 42.7 Percent

Android Extended Lead While Apple iOS Market Share Growth Paused

Kuala Lumpur, 16 August 2012 — Worldwide sales of mobile phones to end users reached 419 million units in the second quarter of 2012, a 2.3 percent decline from the second quarter of 2011, according to Gartner, Inc. Smartphone sales accounted for 36.7 percent of total mobile phone sales and grew 42.7 percent in the second quarter of 2012.

"Demand slowed further in the second quarter of 2012," said Anshul Gupta, principal research analyst at Gartner. "The challenging economic environment and users postponing upgrades to take advantage of high-profile device launches and promotions available later in the year slowed demand across markets. Demand of feature phones continued to decline, significantly weakening the overall mobile phone market.

"High-profile smartphone launches from key manufacturers such as the anticipated Apple iPhone 5, along with Chinese manufacturers pushing 3G and preparing for major device launches in the second half of 2012, will drive the smartphone market upward. However, feature phones will continue to see pressure," Mr. Gupta said.

In the second quarter of 2012, Samsung's mobile phone sales remained very strong — up 29.5 percent from the second quarter of 2011 (see Table 1), and managed to extend its lead over both Apple and Nokia quarter on quarter. This quarter's growth was driven by record sales of Galaxy smartphones, meaning smartphones now account for 50.4 percent of all Samsung mobile devices, or 45.6 million units. Demand for the new Galaxy S3 was particularly strong, exceeding Samsung's own expectations, with a reported 10 million units reached in the two months after its release. The Galaxy S3 was the best-selling Android product in the quarter and could have been higher but for product shortages.

In the second quarter of 2012, consumer demand for the Apple iPhone weakened as sales fell 12.6 percent from the first quarter of 2012, but grew 47.4 percent year on year. Depending on the exact launch date of the new iPhone, Apple might experience another weaker-than-usual quarter in the third quarter of 2012, while Apple will be ready to take advantage of the strong holiday sales in North America and Western Europe that have historically remained immune to economic pressure.

"Samsung and Apple continued to dominate the smartphone market, together taking about half the market share, and widening the gap to other manufacturers. No other smartphone vendors had share close to 10 percent," Mr. Anshul said. "In the race to be top smartphone manufacturer in 2012, Samsung has consistently increased its lead over Apple, and its open OS market share increased to one-and-a-half times that of Apple in the second quarter of 2012."

Table 1

Worldwide Mobile Device Sales to End Users by Vendor in 2Q12 (Thousands of Units)

Company	2Q12 Units	2Q12 Market Share (%)	2Q11 Units	2Q11 Market Share (%)
Samsung	90,432.1	21.6	69,827.6	16.3
Nokia	83,420.1	19.9	97,869.3	22.8
Apple	28,935.0	6.9	19,628.8	4.6
ZTE	17,936.4	4.3	13,070.2	3.0
LG Electronics	14,345.4	3.4	24,420.8	5.7
Huawei Device	10,894.2	2.6	9,026.1	2.1
TCL Communications	9,355.7	2.2	7,938.9	1.9
HTC	9,301.2	2.2	11,016.1	2.6
Motorola	9,163.2	2.2	10,221.4	2.4
Research In Motion	7,991.2	1.9	12,652.3	3.0
Others	137,233.4	32.8	152,989.70	35.7
Total	419,007.90	100.0	428,661.15	100.0

Source: Gartner (August 2012)

Nokia's mobile phone sales declined 14.8 percent in the second quarter of 2012. Nokia is battling fiercely with white-box and new emerging device manufacturers to defend its feature phones sales. Nokia succeeded, to a certain extent, in winning feature phone market share as its sales grew quarter-on-quarter. While posting sequential growth in the feature phone market, Nokia's Lumia devices continue to struggle to find a place in consumers' minds as a replacement for Android.

"Declining smartphone sales is worsening Nokia's overall position, as it had already lost the No. 1 position to Samsung in the previous quarter and is facing reduced profitability due to continuous declining sales of premium smartphones," said Mr. Gupta.

In the smartphone OS market, Android extended its lead with an increase of 20.7 percentage points in market share in the second quarter of 2012 (see Table 2). While Apple's iOS market share slightly grew year over year (0.6 percent), it declined 3.7 percentage points quarter on quarter, as users postponed their upgrade decisions in most markets ahead of the upcoming launch of the iPhone 5.

Gartner analysts said the arrival of the iPhone 5 should provide the greatest upgrade opportunity yet as the expected new design with a larger screen and likely other stylistic changes to the form factor will certainly make a strong case for iPhone 4 users to upgrade.

Table 2

Worldwide Mobile Device Sales to End Users by Operating System in 2Q12 (Thousands of Units)

Operating System	2Q12 Units	2Q12 Market Share (%)	2Q11 Units	2Q11 Market Share (%)
Android	98,529.3	64.1	46,775.9	43.4
iOS	28,935.0	18.8	19,628.8	18.2
Symbian	9,071.5	5.9	23,853.2	22.1
Research In Motion	7,991.2	5.2	12,652.3	11.7
Bada	4,208.8	2.7	2,055.8	1.9
Microsoft	4,087.0	2.7	1,723.8	1.6
Others	863.3	0.6	1,050.6	1.0
Total	153,686.1	100.0	107,740.4	100.0

Source: Gartner (August 2012)

Additional information can be found in the Gartner report "Market Share: Mobile Devices, Worldwide, 2Q12." The report is available on Gartner's website at http://www.gartner.com/resId=2117915.