Taste of Barcelona: Highlights from Mobile World Congress 2013

• Ericsson predicts growing subscriptions for LTE; smartphone shipments to exceed 50%; and mobile internet users will exceed fixed internet users by end of 2013
• New solutions for Networked Society focus on superior network quality and performance, improved end-customer experience, and operational excellence
• Ericsson unveils Ericsson Cloud Systems, its cloud-based solution roadmap to deliver better performance, end user experience, and new revenue streams for mobile service providers

At Taste of Barcelona 2013, held on 14 March 2013, Ericsson Malaysia presented a picture of what was unveiled at Mobile World Congress 2013 which included new products, services and solutions to support its customers in network evolution, process transformation and innovation and capturing growth opportunities.
At the briefing, new President of Ericsson Malaysia & Sri Lanka, Todd Ashton said: “Barcelona this year was busier than ever. But cutting through the noise and hundreds of announcements, we shared our key innovations to bring our Networked Society vision to life.”

“Given the demands for better connectivity and user experience, high quality video delivery as well as profitability in the industry, Ericsson identified 5 key drivers in shaping its portfolio strategy. These include Network Performance, Operational Excellence, Customer Experience, Growth Opportunities, and Telecoms & IT Convergence.”

Todd Ashton, President of Ericsson Malaysia & Sri Lanka, and Petra Schirren, Head of Engagement Practice - Mobile Broadband, Ericsson South East Asia & Oceania.

Also presenting at the briefing was Petra Schirren, Head of Engagement Practice - Mobile Broadband, Ericsson South East Asia & Oceania. Schirren said, “We launched the Antenna Integrated Radio (AIR) 32 which enables the smooth and cost-efficient introduction of LTE and HSPA without the need to add additional antennas or remote radio units to sites. Compared with existing AIR products, AIR 32 enables up to 70% higher throughput and up to 25% increased indoor coverage, it also allows multiple active frequencies in a single unit, enabling a 50% reduction of radio equipment.”

Ericsson Unique AIR (Antenna integrated Radio), provides a 3 dB+ advantage that provides operators many economic benefits related to the cost of providing coverage and running the network. Competitor ‘no edge’ networks require additional sites to overcome this advantage. AIR, provide superior radio performance and the compact integration of the radio unit in to antenna. AIR enables the smooth and cost-efficient introduction of LTE and HSPA without the need to add additional antennas or remote radio units to the sites. It improved the look of the sites, reduced Opex for operator and provide up to 70% higher data throughput and up to 25% increased indoor coverage.

At the Mobile World Congress, held in Barcelona, President and CEO of Ericsson, Hans Vestberg said, “By the end of 2013, more than 50% of phone shipments will be smartphones, driven by more affordable models,” predicted Vestberg, noting that users appreciate having apps and data seamlessly available on multiple devices. The cross-communication between machines, people, and content is changing the way we as humans behave, and the way service providers do business. Vestberg foresees that the industry will see more pricing models – tiered, shared, and bundled, as well as further expansion into digital services to find new revenues.

“As we have the internet in our pockets, our virtual and real worlds are coming together. Online interaction enriches our living, working and entertainment and breaks down barriers of time and place. By the end of 2013, there will be more mobile internet users than fixed internet users,” he said, adding another prediction that 2013 will be the year LTE subscriptions exceed 100 million.

With its high speed and capacity, an LTE network can enable delivery of high-quality content, especially video, without buffering.  The launch of LTE Broadcast is Ericsson’s new offering for operators and their media partners to capture new revenues, by providing premium services with guaranteed quality and cost-efficient delivery over LTE. Vestberg announced during the press conference that Verizon Wireless and Telstra are already signed on with the solution.

By the end of Q4 2012, Ericsson had supplied more than 60 live commercial LTE networks on all continents. About 50% of all smartphone traffic on LTE runs through Ericsson networks.

During Mobile World Congress 2013 in Barcelona, Ericsson showcased its combined technology and services leadership for the Information and Communications Technology industry.  Ericsson’s solutions deliver superior network performance in the field, enable complete customer experience management, simplify and automate operations workflows thereby leading to operational excellence.

Ericsson signs 100th Evolved Packet Core contract

• Telstra and Ericsson agree to extend strategic partnership to deliver world-class LTE experience for Telstra users and expand Telstra's LTE network across Australia
• Advanced technology trial and subsequent deployment of LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation in 900MHz and 1800MHz spectrum bands
• LTE heterogeneous network trial and LTE Broadcast trial to further enhance Telstra's network

Telstra and Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) today announced the renewal of their longstanding strategic partnership to deliver a world-class LTE experience for Telstra's users. The renewed contract, announced at the Mobile World Congress, will include an expansion of Telstra's LTE network across Australia, reaching more Australians with improved coverage, capacity and availability.

The partnership also includes the implementation of a program of advanced technology trials - of LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation, LTE heterogeneous networks and LTE Broadcast - to further enhance Telstra's network.

Nearly 1.6 million mobile subscribers have joined Telstra over the past 12 months and data usage on its Next G network is doubling each year.

David Thodey, Chief Executive Officer of Telstra, says: "Telstra is very proud of the work that we are undertaking with Ericsson to ensure Australia remains at the forefront of mobile connectivity. We believe these initiatives are a way of efficiently maintaining our high quality network and meeting sustained, growing customer demand."

By combining spectrum assets for LTE networks - such as the use of the 1800MHz and 900MHz bands - the LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation trial will pave the way for future improvements in capacity and coverage.

Ericsson's coordinated solution for small cells in heterogeneous networks ensures high-quality capacity and connectivity in even the most densely populated city areas. The Telstra trial will examine how small-cell technology can improve the future scalability and densification of its LTE network.

In the third trial for 2013, for the LTE Broadcast solution, Ericsson will deploy Evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (eMBMS) technology into Telstra's live network. As part of the trial, premium video and file-based content will be broadcast over the LTE network to test how video and other content can be more efficiently delivered through application of dynamic offload, particularly in dense consumption scenarios.

Ericsson President and CEO Hans Vestberg says: "Under this agreement, Ericsson continues as Telstra's prime vendor of 3G and 4G RAN technology. The trials for Telstra will provide insights applicable not only on the Australian market but also globally. For example, the heterogeneous networks trial will be of interest to operators around the world who want to ensure capacity and connectivity in densely populated city areas. And the LTE Broadcast trial will show how Ericsson technology can deliver media content efficiently over LTE."

The agreement includes provision of hardware, software, customer service, construction services and the innovative technology trials.

During Mobile World Congress 2013 in Barcelona, Ericsson showcases its combined technology and services leadership for the ICT industry. Our solutions deliver superior network performance in the field, enable complete customer experience management, and simplify and automate operations workflows - thereby leading to operational excellence. We show how the Networked Society comes to life - what it will mean for the industry and how it will enable our customers to capture growth opportunities.

Lenovo Announces New Android Tablets

Series includes new functionality and various configurations, tailored for distinct customer segments

BARCELONA – February 27, 2013: Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) today announced a line-up of new Android tablets, offering configurations and form factors to match consumer needs for both ultra-portable tablets and multimedia performers. The portfolio, which also boasts unique connectivity features, will be available starting in the second quarter 2013.

The range starts with two new A-series tablets, seven-inch devices, designed for optimal mobility while still packing a performance punch. The A1000 is ideal for first-time tablet buyers and features enhanced audio, while the A3000 offers quad-core processing for speedy performance whether for gaming or web-browsing. Alongside these models, Lenovo also announced the new 10-inch S6000, which offers extended I/O options, a large, vibrant screen and a super-slim profile that looks sophisticated and elegant, whether the user is web-surfing in the coffee shop or enjoying movies and games at home.

“Lenovo’s latest Android tablet family is designed to meet the demands of a wide range of customers, particularly young, active users who are always on the go, and have adopted the seven-inch form factor as their own. With these latest additions to our tablet portfolio, we’ve created devices that address these customers’ needs, as well as devices for more demanding gamers and multimedia users,” said Chen Wenhui, vice president Lenovo and GM Mobile BU, “We believe that our Android family of tablets will appeal to customers across the world as we’ve built our products to be highly accessible and flexible to serve multiple needs and budgets.”

S6000, Mobile “Home Entertainment” Center
As tablets have continued their march into the mainstream, increasing demands with regards to larger screen devices have raised the bar for tablet makers. Lenovo has responded with the S6000, a sleek and powerful option for customers looking for a device that switches seamlessly from entertainment to social media and beyond. Powered by the MTK 8389/8125 1.2 GHz quad-core processor, the S6000 shines as a multimedia and gaming tablet fronted by a 10.1-inch IPS 1280X800 display with a wide, 178-degree viewing angle, micro HDMI port and digital microphone. The S6000 also offers a number of additions to optimize its performance as a connectivity tool for social networkers including optional HSPA+ and a substantial battery that allows for more than 8 hours of continuous WiFi web browsing. Even with these specifications though, the S6000 does not lose track of style and convenience; it is all tied together in a super slim (8.6mm) and light (560g) frame that feels good and helps you look good.

A3000, Full Performance in a Compact Package
In today’s connected world, devices must be mobile, without skimping on performance. The A3000 bristles with specifications typically found in a much larger device, all packed into a seven-inch form factor that is thin and light. Powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core, MTK processor, the A3000 optimizes the user experience for games, video, photo-sharing and web-browsing, offering seamlessly fluid navigation and highly responsive performance. The benefits of the seven-inch form factor are not ignored on the A3000 either. The tablet, which sports an IPS 1024x600 screen, weighs in at less than 340g and is only 11mm thick, but can still hold a wealth of content with an extensive memory, which can be extended to 64GB with the external micro-SD card. Optional 3G HSPA+ support ensures you stay connected when you’re on the go with Lenovo’s ultra-portable tablet.

A1000, Pocket Studio with Dolby®
The A1000 delivers an audio experience normally reserved for more expensive tablets in a seven-inch device. With Dolby Digital Plus integrated into the device and large, front-facing speakers that ensure the sound is directed at the users’ ears rather than the floor, the A1000 is perfect for music lovers and those seeking a “pocket studio” for either music or movies. The A1000 runs Android Jelly Bean 4.1 on a 1.2GHz dual-core processor and has on-board storage of up to 16GB, extendable to 32GB with a micro-SD slot, so users can load content up and take it to the gym, the office or anywhere else they want to experience high-quality sights and sounds. It also comes in either black or white, allowing users to customize their Lenovo pocket studio to their lifestyle.

Lenovo Mobile Access
All the new Android tablets come with Lenovo Mobile Access, a unique service that allows users to connect instantly “out of the box”. When customers first power up their Lenovo device, they will see an icon indicating Lenovo as their access provider. Without having to set up a special data plan, they can immediately start browsing web pages, accessing their email and sharing content with friends using HSPA+ 3G access or through WiFi according to their specific configuration. When the initial Lenovo Mobile Access service expires users will be prompted with the option to easily renew their plan or select an alternative service.

Pricing and Availability2
The newest Android tablets will be available worldwide from Q2, 2013. In-country pricing will be announced closer to the local availability date. Configuration and model of each tablet in the range is competitively priced to ensure maximum accessibility to a premium user experience for all customers.

Avicii's 'X You' track unleashes the power of networked, social entertainment

• DJ/producer and artist Avicii curated nearly 13,000 submissions from more than 4,000 people in 140 countries, then created the final song in his studio 
• Ericsson is participating in the project as an example of new business models and collaborative environment in the Networked Society
• The song is now available at www.aviciixyou.com

Illustrating the full effect of a collaborative, networked society, the DJ, producer and artist Avicii has released the crowd-sourced song, created out of the world's largest music collaboration of its sort. The collaboration is in partnership with Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC), At Night Management, and Universal Music Sweden.

The Avicii x You project ran for nearly seven weeks and hosted online submissions of musical snippets from more than 4,000 artists from around the world. Avicii selected weekly semi finalists and fans voted for the final sounds and beats, which Avicii used to create a finished track in his studio in Los Angeles. Sounds on the site have been played almost a million times.

The project demonstrates the full transformation of the music industry in a Networked Society.  Until now, the entertainment industry has relied on the fundamental assets of mobility, broadband and cloud for distribution and consumption. This project shows the relevance of those assets also in creation and production.

At the world premiere event at Mobile World Congress 2013 in Barcelona, Ericsson President and CEO Hans Vestberg presented the project.  He said: "I am excited to see the possibilities and the creativity come alive into one song crafted by Avicii and all the fans. It starts a flow of thinking for all industries to re-invent the way they collaborate across time and borders. Music is one of the first industries being transformed by networking, collaboration and new technologies. We now see TV, publishing and the whole entertainment industry going down the same path."

Social technologies are now a central part of everyday life and work. Crowdsourcing is a strong trend which leads to change in organizations and enables new ideas to turn into products, according to Ericsson's ConsumerLab insights.

Onstage, Avicii said: "I think it's cool that people will be able to hear this track on the radio and know that they've all been part of creating it. Five years ago, this would not have been possible and now we have the whole world collaborating. Imagine what will happen in five, ten years from now when everyone everywhere is connected."

Per Sundin, Managing Director of Universal Music Sweden, says: "I am proud to be a part of the Avicii x You project, a project that shows what we can do by working together and using the technologies to push the boundaries in our industry. It will be very interesting to continue to follow this project as we release the track."

During Mobile World Congress 2013 in Barcelona, Ericsson showcases its combined technology and services leadership for the Information and Communications Technology industry. Our solutions deliver superior network performance in the field, enable complete customer experience management, simplify and automate operations workflows thereby leading to operational excellence. We show how the Networked Society comes to life - what it will mean for the industry and how it will enable our customers to capture growth opportunities.

LG ANNOUNCES FOUR OPTIMUS SERIES DEVICES AT MWC

February 26, 2013 – LG Electronics (LG) will unveil a smartphone lineup at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain that focuses on a four-tier strategy. The four strategic Optimus series devices – G, Vu:, F and LII – all feature LG’s next generation core technologies. These new models combine outstanding hardware, world-class high definition displays and a user-centric user experience (UX) with each series emphasizing a different facet of the company’s smartphone expertise.

With an initial target to sell 10 million smartphone each quarter and double sales of LTE devices in 2013, this is LG’s most ambitious smartphone strategy to date. Flagship models from the G and Vu: series will target the premium segment while the F and L series will be positioned as more mass audience smartphones for 4G LTE and the 3G markets, respectively.

LG Optimus G Series — Flagship Super phones Featuring World-class Hardware
Since the launch of LG’s Optimus G last September, the immensely popular flagship product has received a number of awards and favorable reviews thanks to its high quality display, advanced 4G LTE technology, superb design and innovative UX. Development of the Optimus G was the result of close collaboration with sister companies LG Chem, LG Display and LG Innotek.

The Optimus G is the first smartphone in the world to employ Qualcomm’s powerful Snapdragon™ S4 Pro Quad-Core processor. And LG’s True HD IPS Plus display and Ze-rogap Touch technology deliver vibrant, high quality images and superior touch responsiveness. In addition to its unmatched hardware, stylish design and a beautiful screen, the Optimus G also incorporates user-friendly UX features, such as QSlide, QuickMemo and Live Zooming. Originally launched in key target LTE markets, the LG Optimus G is making its debut in over 50 countries. The newest addition to LG’s Optimus G series, the Optimus G Pro, was recently introduced to the Korean public. The Optimus G Pro is a 4G LTE-equipped smartphone with a 5.5-inch Full HD IPS display and compelling new UX features such as Dual Recording and Virtual Reality (VR) Panorama.

LG Optimus Vu: Series — Large Screens for Enhanced Viewing Experience
A new hybrid LTE device that combines the portability of a smartphone with the viewing experience of a tablet, LG’s Optimus Vu: is equipped with a 5-inch, 4:3 aspect ratio display that is ideal for viewing documents, e-books, multimedia content and browsing the internet. With the recent addition of the Optimus Vu: 2 in the Korean market, there are now two devices in Vu: Series that deliver a unique mobile user experience with UX features such as Vu: Talk and QRemote.

LG Optimus F Series — 4G LTE Smartphone for Everyone
LG’s Optimus F Series is the ideal 4G LTE smartphones for just about everyone. Both the Optimus F5 and Optimus F7 were specifically designed for consumers making the transition from 3G to 4G LTE networks. The launch of Optimus F Series this year will enable LG to expand its footprint rapidly in the burgeoning 4G LTE market. LG Optimus F will deliver to new 4G customers the speed of LTE and a range of useful UX features without the high entry fee demanded by most 4G smartphones. The
Optimus F5 and Optimus F7 will be showcased at LG’s MWC booth.

LG Optimus LII Series — Continuation of Unique Design Heritage
The Optimus LII Series incorporates the refined sensibilities of LG’s L-Style design philosophy. Each 3G phone’s subtle yet bold aesthetics are representative of LG’s unmistakable design DNA. Surpassing the beauty of the first L Series, the Optimus LII Series were developed around four new design elements: Seamless Layout, Laser Cut Contour, Radiant Rear Design and a home button with Smart LED Lighting. The Optimus L3II, Optimus L5II and Optimus L7II will all be on display at MWC.

Creative and Friendly UX — Intelligent Features That Go Beyond Hardware
LG continues to develop the most advanced UX in order to provide unrivaled user-centric features in the era of LTE technology and large, high-resolution displays. The company’s four new smartphone series include an array of advanced UX features that were designed to take maximum advantage of the hardware specific to these devices.

First unveiled on LG’s Optimus G, QSlide provides the ability to display two full-sized windows simultaneously, enabling users to perform a greater combination of tasks with increased efficiency. The recently upgraded version of QSlide allows for the opening of two apps at the same time in full screen mode and changes the size, position and transparency of QSlide windows as needed. Video, browser, memo, calendar and calculator functions are all compatible with LG’s true multitasking UX. Dual Recording and Virtual Reality (VR) Panorama are two of the newest additions to LG’s UX specifically designed to take advantage of the latest Full HD display technologies to enhance the users’ mobile viewing experience.

World's first complete solution for broadcast video over LTE networks

• New end-to-end LTE broadcast solution will revolutionize video delivery in mobile networks and address growing consumer demand for TV Anywhere services
• Enables operators to efficiently launch media services over LTE with Ericsson's unique combination of three new standards: eMBMS, HEVC and MPEG DASH
• Verizon Wireless to introduce LTE Broadcast for entertainment and sporting events beginning in 2014
• Leading mobile network operator Telstra to commence trials on its live network in 2013

As consumers demand access to their media content on all of their devices, TV and video traffic is set to dominate networks and grow from 40 percent to 90 percent of mobile traffic within the next 3-4 years. The result is increasing pressure on operators to enable their customers to enjoy the TV Anywhere experience, while at the same time managing network costs and efficiency.

Leading network operators are already seeing the potential that LTE brings. With its high speed and capacity, an LTE network can enable the delivery of high-quality video content to anyone, anywhere, anytime, without buffering. To respond to the growing need for video over LTE, Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) is launching an exclusive end-to-end solution.

Ericsson's new LTE broadcast solution lifts the video experience to a new level, offering the highest-quality video content for popular events with guaranteed delivery. It enables operators and their media partners to provide premium services with guaranteed quality and cost-efficient delivery over LTE, bringing with it new sources of revenue.

Parissa Pandkhou, Director - Advanced Solutions, Verizon says "Verizon plans to introduce Ericsson LTE Broadcast to give sports fans a whole new experience while watching a game. We see new opportunities in this technology for sports, concerts and even distance learning and college classes."

Australian operator Telstra's Executive Director for Networks and Access Technology, Mike Wright confirmed that Telstra will partner with Ericsson on a live network trial of LTE Broadcast technology in the second half of 2013.

"The trial will show how we can improve the delivery of video to customers who want to enjoy the video content on the move. The key for this solution is the greater network efficiency it will provide, ensuring we will be able to meet a critical business imperative of giving our technology savvy customers the services they want. Working closely with a world leading technology company like Ericsson means we can really make a difference."

Peggy Johnson, Executive Vice President, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and President, Global Market Development, says: "We see a clear demand for the efficient delivery of video over mobile networks. To meet these needs, we are excited to be working with Ericsson to offer a cutting-edge solution for high-quality live and non-real-time media services over LTE broadcast-enabled networks."

Ulf Ewaldsson, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Ericsson says: "Ericsson is in a unique position to deliver LTE Broadcast. We are the only vendor that can blend insight on consumer habits, deep mobile networks expertise and twenty years of video compression technology leadership to help operators maximize the revenue opportunity represented by this rapid evolution in media consumption."

The LTE Broadcast solution consists of three new technology standards:
HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) - the new video compression standard promises to half the bandwidth required to transport video content compare to today's leading implementation of MPEG-4 AVC.

MPEG DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH)) - simplifies and standardizes the adaptive delivery of video to consumer devices, ensuring a better quality of service, greater efficiency and opening opportunities for monetization eMBMS (Evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service) - a 3GPP standard that enables mobile networks to offer broadcast/multicast services dynamically to offload issues of popular content in dense consumption scenarios, reducing the cost of service delivery over the radio network and for backhaul.

Ericsson's ConsumerLab research shows that 67 percent of consumers use mobile devices (tablet, laptop or smartphone) for consumption of TV services. Furthermore the research shows that over 50% of TV consumption on smartphone happens outside of the home (on mobile networks). The new video over LTE solution meets the needs for greater efficiency in the delivery of content to all devices and greater personalization of TV experiences.

Ericsson will showcase the complete solution at Mobile World Congress 2013 in collaboration with Verizon, Telstra and Qualcomm. Please visit us at Ericsson booth in Hall 2, Mobile World Congress 2013 in Barcelona, Feb 25 - 28, 2013. More information about Ericsson activities at the event can be found here: http://www.ericsson.com/mwc2013/

Samsung HomeSync Creates Connected Media Experience for the Whole Family

Provides home cloud for storing, sharing and streaming content
across multiple devices
Barcelona, Spain – February 25, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd., a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced Samsung HomeSync, a home hub solution that a shared storage fit for a family, the best entertainment experience on a big screen TV, and a new way of enjoying your HDTV through a familiar and smarter Android user experience.

Shared Storage for a Family
HomeSync’s 1TB drive can help you sync to multiple devices, providing shared or private storage for all your content. It supports eight separate accounts to cover a whole family, and allows each user to upload and download content from multiple devices and instantly share with other family members. File encryption and user-specific ID and password ensure content in a user’s private area remains separate from the shared area in HomeSync.

Entertainment on a Big Screen
The HomeSync brings the best of Android gaming, movies, TV shows and streaming content direct into your living room. It allows you to stream content from your Galaxy device wirelessly to the TV – letting you watch, see and use all your home videos, photos and apps, and all at a full HD 1080p.

Giving any HDTV new Smarts
Users can enjoy the full and familiar Android experience with HomeSync’s Jelly Bean media player and access to Play Store and all of your apps.  HomeSync also enables new ways to interact with your content via the control modes enabled wirelessly on the phone.

HomeSync will be available from April 2013 in select countries and continue to expand globally.

HomeSync specifications

Component		Description
CPU		1.7GHz Dual Core
Memory		1GB DDR3 + 8GB eMMC + 1TB HDD
Connectivity	LAN	Gigabit Ethernet
	WiFi	802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz & a/n 5GHz HT40 2x2 MIMO Channel Bonding
	Bluetooth	V4.0
Interface	USB 3.0	External USB I/F Connection (x2)
	Micro USB	PC Connection 11pin mUSB (x1)
	HDMI out	Support (HDMI1.4)
	Optical Audio	Audio Amp. Connection
Codec	Video	H.264, H.263, MPEG4, VC-1, Sorenson Spark, WMV7/8, MP43, VP8, DivX
	Audio	MP3, AAC LC/AAC+/eAAC+, WMA 9std/10pro/Lossless, FLAC, Vorbis, AMR-NB/WB, Wav, Mid, AC-3
DRM		HDCP 1.3/2.1, Playready, Widevide, Trustzone

Samsung Introduces Video Discovery Service at Mobile World Congress

Service enables consumers to find and play content from multiple providers through a Samsung mobile device, Smart TV or both

SEOUL, Korea – February 25, 2013 – At the annual Mobile World Congress, Samsung will introduce Video Discovery, a service that provides consumers with a faster and easier way to find and enjoy live TV and video content. Complete with personalized recommendations and the ability to search across multiple content providers, the service can be used from upcoming Samsung mobile devices, Smart TVs, or both.

Video Discovery vastly simplifies the content search process by integrating and relaying real-time program information from multiple content sources including traditional live TV, video-on-demand or online content services such as YouTube. Over time, it also offers personal recommendations based on the user’s viewing and preference history.

“Video Discovery lets you search and watch content from across our provider partners, whether within your preferred subscriptions or on-demand” said Dr. Won-Pyo Hong, President and Head of Media Solution Center. “The service also features personalized recommendation technology that enables consumers to “teach” the service their own personal preferences. The more you engage with the service, the more relevant the returned recommendations for TV, movies and other on-demand entertainment. It could not be simpler.”

The service can be used to find and view content on Samsung SMART TVs and supported mobile devices; or to seamlessly transfer or mirror content between connected devices. Video Discovery also transforms a connected tablet into a universal remote control, allowing users to conduct live TV and on-demand program searches directly from the mobile device and view selections on their Samsung SMART TV.

Video Discovery will initially aggregate content from Netflix and Blockbuster in the US and Acetrax, Wuaki, MovieMax, FilmIn, Chili, Pathé and SF Anytime in the European Countries.

Video Discovery features include:
ㆍ Universal Remote Control: Connects to all major media devices including cable, satellite, home stereos, DVD and Blu-Ray players, so users no longer need multiple remote controls to manage their content choices
ㆍ Personalized Recommendations: Enables discovery of the most relevant content through personal recommendations
ㆍ One stop Search: Enables users to find films, TV shows and on-demand video from popular sources in a single search
ㆍ Cross-Device Experience: Allows users to project content from a smartphone, tablet to a TV, or vice-versa
ㆍ Social Sharing: Users can share what they’re watching with friends and see what they have watched through Samsung Video Discovery.

The Video Discovery service will launch in the first quarter of 2013 in Korea, the US and 14 European countries including UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain on all series of Samsung 2013 SMART TV and will launch in the second quarter of 2013 in the US, Korea and 14 European countries including UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain on mobile devices.

Ericsson: eyes on enabling GROWTH at Mobile World Congress 2013

• New solutions for Networked Society focus on superior network quality and performance, improved end-customer experience, and operational excellence
• Vestberg predicts growing subscriptions for LTE; smartphone shipments to exceed 50%; and mobile internet users will exceed fixed internet users
• Announced partnership with SAP to bring cloud-based machine-to-machine solutions via operators to huge mobile enterprise market

At Mobile World Congress 2013, held in Barcelona February 25–28, Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) presents a full picture of new products, services and solutions to support its customers in network evolution, process transformation and innovation and capturing growth opportunities.

During its annual press conference at Mobile World Congress, President and CEO Hans Vestberg said: “Our heritage has been to lead the industry through its technology and business transformations. Our journey has taken us with customers from fixed to mobile, then bringing services, and now extending to process transformation across other industries.”

A new partnership with enterprise software powerhouse SAP was announced. The two companies will jointly market and sell cloud-based, machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions and services to enterprises via operators around the globe.  The solutions will be based on a combined software-as-a-service (SaaS) offering from Ericsson and SAP within M2M.

Better connectivity and consumer demands are together driving continuous innovation in the industry. Vestberg identified main trends for 2013 that add up to more possibilities everywhere with increased intelligence in devices, along with the drive to transform networks, processes, and OSS and BSS systems. At the foundation is a continued desire from consumers for superior network quality and performance.
 
“By the end of 2013, more than 50% of phone shipments will be smartphones, driven by more affordable models,” predicted Vestberg, noting that users appreciate having apps and data seamlessly available on multiple devices. The cross-communication between machines, people, and content is changing the way we as humans behave, and the way service providers do business. Vestberg foresees that the industry will see more pricing models – tiered, shared, and bundled, as well as further expansion into digital services to find new revenues.

“As we have the internet in our pockets, our virtual and real worlds are coming together. Online interaction enriches our living, working and entertainment and breaks down barriers of time and place. By the end of 2013, there will be more mobile internet users than fixed internet users,” he said, adding another prediction that 2013 will be the year LTE subscriptions exceed 100 million.

With its high speed and capacity, an LTE network can enable delivery of high-quality content, especially video, without buffering.  The launch of LTE Broadcast is Ericsson’s new offering for operators and their media partners to capture new revenues, by providing premium services with guaranteed quality and cost-efficient delivery over LTE. Vestberg announced during the press conference that Verizon Wireless and Telstra are already signed on with the solution.

By the end of Q4 2012, Ericsson had supplied more than 60 live commercial LTE networks on all continents. About 50% of all smartphone traffic on LTE runs through Ericsson networks.

An additional proof point of LTE leadership is that Ericsson is supporting Telefónica’s live demonstrations in Barcelona of several complex technologies and behaviors: 4G handover to Wi-Fi, voice over LTE (VoLTE), and integration across several vendors and technology standards.  “This really proves our commitment to our customer, where Telefónica is one of the world’s largest operators with a strategy to meet the growing demands of their subscribers,” commented Vestberg.

Vestberg continued: “Thanks to daily work that our customers entrust us with around the world, we continue to evolve our combined offerings. All our focus is on providing the right technology, services and solutions to our customers so that we together can shape the Networked Society.”

During Mobile World Congress 2013 in Barcelona, Ericsson showcases its combined technology and services leadership for the Information and Communications Technology industry.  Ericsson’s solutions deliver superior network performance in the field, enable complete customer experience management, simplify and automate operations workflows thereby leading to operational excellence.

Intel Accelerates Mobile Computing Push

• Launches dual-core Intel® Atom™ Processor-based platform (formerly "Clover Trail+") aimed at performance and mainstream smartphone market segments, and providing double the compute performance and 3x graphics capabilities1 with competitive battery life. Product to also debut in Android* tablets.  
• Reveals one of the world’s smallest2 and lowest-power multimode-multiband LTE solutions for global roaming in one SKU with envelope tracking and antenna tuning. Shipping single mode now with multimode shipments beginning first half of 2013.
• Demonstrates continued momentum in emerging markets with Intel® Atom™ Z2420 processor, including new smartphone engagement with Etisalat* in Egypt. ASUS* to also debut a new Android* tablet based on the Atom Z2420 processor.
• Announces support from leading ODMs for next-generation quad-core Atom SoC (“Bay Trail”), scheduled to be available for holiday 2013.
• Extends mobile device enabling efforts to tablets, followed by phones.

MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS, Barcelona, Spain, Feb. 25, 2013 – Intel Corporation today announced a range of new products, ecosystem and enabling efforts that will further accelerate the company’s presence in mobile and help usher in new devices and richer experiences with Intel Inside®.

The announcements include a new dual-core Atom™ SoC ("Clover Trail+") platform for smartphones and Android* tablets, and the company’s first global, multimode-multiband LTE solution that will ship in the first half of this year. Other disclosures included “Bay Trail” momentum, mobile device enabling efforts, and continued smartphone momentum in emerging markets with the Intel® Atom™ Z2420 processor-based platform.

 “Today’s announcements build on Intel’s growing device portfolio across a range of mobile market segments,” said Hermann Eul, Intel vice president and co-general manager of the Mobile and Communications Group. “In less than a year's time we have worked closely with our customers to bring Intel-based smartphones to market in more than 20 countries around the world, and have also delivered an industry-leading low-power Atom™ SoC tablet solution running Windows* 8, and shipping with leading OEM customers today. Looking forward, we will build upon this foundation and work closely with our ecosystem partners, across operating systems, to deliver the best mobile products and experiences for consumers with Intel Inside.”

New, Efficient Atom™ SoC Platform
Intel’s new Atom™ processor platform ("Clover Trail+") and smartphone reference design delivers industry-leading performance with low-power and long battery life that rivals today’s most popular Android* phones. The product brings Intel’s classic product strengths, including high performance that lets you enjoy smooth Web browsing,  vibrant, glitch-free, full HD movies, and an Android* applications experience that launches fast and runs great.

The platform’s 32nm dual core Intel® Atom™ Processors -- Z2580, Z2560, Z2520 -- are available in speeds up to 2.0 GHz, 1.6 GHz and 1.2GHz, respectively. The processor also features support for Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology, supporting four simultaneous application threads and further enhancing the overall efficiency of the Atom cores.

The integrated platform also includes an Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator engine with a graphics core supporting up to 533MHz with boost mode, and delivering up to three times the graphics performance1 for rich 3-D visuals, lifelike gaming and smooth, full 1080P hardware-accelerated video encode and decode at 30fps.
 “Our second-generation product delivers double the compute performance and up to three times the graphics capabilities1, all while maintaining competitive low power,” Eul said. “As we transition to 22nm Atom SoCs later this year, we will take full advantage of the broad spectrum of capabilities enabled by our design, architecture, 22nm tri-gate transistor technology, and leading-edge manufacturing to further accelerate our position.”

The new Atom platform also brings advanced imaging capabilities, including support for two cameras, with a primary camera sensor up to 16 megapixels. The imaging system also enables panorama capture, a 15 frame-per-second burst mode for 8 megapixel photos, real-time facial detection and recognition, and mobile HDR image capture with de-ghosting for clearer pictures in flight.

The platform is also equipped with Intel® Identity Protection Technology (Intel IPT), helping to enable strong, two-factor authentication for protecting cloud services such as remote banking, e-commerce, online gaming and social networking from unauthorized access. Since Intel IPT is embedded at chip-level, unlike hardware or phone-based tokens, it can enable more secure, yet user-friendly cloud access protection. Intel is working with partners including Feitian*, Garanti Bank*, MasterCard*, McAfee*, SecureKey* Technologies Inc., Symantec*, Vasco Data Security International* Inc. and Visa* Inc. to incorporate this technology into their services.

With WUXGA display support of 1900x1200, the platform will also enable larger-screen Android* tablet designs. It also includes support for Android* 4.2 (Jelly Bean), Intel Wireless Display Technology, HSPA+ at 42Mbps with the Intel® XMM 6360 slim modem solution, and the new industry-standard UltraVioletTM Common File Format.

Customers announcing support for "Clover Trail+" platform for phones and tablets include ASUS*, Lenovo*, and ZTE*.

Debuting at CES last month, the Lenovo* IdeaPhone K900* is based on the Intel® Atom™ processor Z2580 and delivers rich video, graphics and Web content at fantastic speeds. The IdeaPhone is 6.9mm thin and also features the world’s first 5.5-inch full high-definition 400+ PPI screen for increased clarity of text and images. The K900 will be the first product to market based on the Atom processor Z2580. Lenovo plans to introduce the smartphone in the second quarter of 2013 in China, followed soon by select international markets.

Building on the Atom processor platform ("Clover Trail+"), Intel also highlighted its forthcoming 22nm smartphone Atom™ SoC ("Merrifield"). The product is based on Intel’s leading-edge 22nm process and an entirely new Atom microarchitecture that will help enable increased smartphone performance, power efficiency and battery life.

Long-Term Evolution (4G LTE)
Intel’s strategy is to deliver a leading low-power, global modem solution that works across multiple bands, modes, regions and devices.

The Intel XMM 7160 is one of the world’s smallest2 and lowest-power multimode-multiband LTE solutions (LTE / DC-HSPA+ / EDGE), supporting multiple devices including smartphones, tablets and Ultrabooks™.  The 7160 global modem supports 15 LTE bands simultaneously, more than any other in-market solution. It also includes a highly configurable RF architecture running real time algorithms for envelope tracking and antenna tuning that enables cost-efficient multiband configurations, extended battery life, and global roaming in a single SKU.

 “The 7160 is a well-timed and highly competitive 4G LTE solution that we expect will meet the growing needs of the emerging global 4G market,” Eul said. “Independent analysts have shown our solution to be world class and I’m confident that our offerings will lead Intel into new multi-comm solutions. With LTE connections projected to double over the next 12 months to more than 120 million connections, we believe our solution will give developers and service providers a single competitive offering while delivering to consumers the best global 4G experience. Building on this, Intel will also accelerate the delivery of new advanced features to be timed with future advanced 4G network deployments.”

Intel is currently shipping its single mode 4G LTE data solution and will begin multimode shipments later in the first half of this year. The company is also optimizing its LTE solutions concurrently with its SoC roadmap to ensure the delivery of leading-edge low-power combined solutions to the marketplace.

Intel® Atom™ Platform Z2420 
As Intel expands its geographic presence, the company sees tremendous opportunity in delivering rich Intel-based mobile experiences to consumers across emerging markets.

As part of its strategy to take advantage of the fast growing market for value smartphones in emerging markets, which some analysts expect to reach 500 million units by 2015, Intel highlighted continuing momentum with the Intel Atom Processor Z2420 platform (formerly "Lexington"). Since it was first announced at CES, Acer* (Thailand, Malaysia), Lava* (India) and Safaricom* (Kenya) have all announced new handsets.

Etisalat Misr*, a leading telco operator based in Egypt and a subsidiary of Etisalat group UAE, in collaboration with Intel today announced plans for the Etisalat E-20 Smartphone with Intel Inside®. Set to debut in Egypt in April, the Intel-based handset will be the first in the Middle East and North Africa region, and the second introduction in Africa to-date, building on the recent launch of Safaricom* in Kenya.
Demonstrating the flexibility of the Atom SoC platform to accommodate a range of device and market segment needs, ASUS* later today will announce a new Android* tablet based on the Intel® Atom™ Processor Z2420.

Tablets with Intel Inside®
Building on the device momentum and industry-leading power-efficiency of the award-winning Atom processor Z2760, Intel’s first quad-core Atom SoC ("Bay Trail"), will be the most powerful Atom processor to-date -- doubling the computing performance of Intel’s current- generation tablet offering and providing the ecosystem with a strong technology foundation and feature set from which to innovate. The "Bay Trail" platform, scheduled to be available for holiday 2013, is already up and running on Windows* and Android* and will help enable new experiences in designs as thin as 8mm that have all-day battery life and weeks of standby.

Intel is currently working with Compal*, ECS*, Pegatron*, Quanta* and Wistron* to accelerate "Bay Trail" tablets to the market. Intel is also extending its work with leading OEM partners globally, building on the strong foundation of  Intel Atom processor Z2760-based tablet designs in market from Acer*, ASUS*, Dell*, Fujitsu*, HP*, Lenovo*, LG Electronics and Samsung*.

Enabling Mobile Devices with Intel Inside®
Intel today announced an expansion of its ecosystem enabling efforts to deliver new device and market innovations across a range of Windows*- and Android*-based mobile devices.

Intel platform and enabling programs have been the foundation of OEM and ODM innovation for decades. The new program will focus on accelerating time to market for leading-edge mobile devices based on Intel® architecture with top OEMs and ODMs. The program will focus first on tablets, followed by phones, providing pre-qualified solutions with simplified building blocks to scale designs quickly for mature and emerging markets. The Atom Processor Z2760 and the company’s forthcoming 22nm Atom SoC, codenamed "Bay Trail," will be the starting foundation for the effort.

CNN’S ‘NEWS STREAM’ LIVE FROM BARCELONA FOR MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS 2013

Airs nightly at 9pm HKT/ 1pm GMT from Monday Feb.25th to Thursday Feb.28th

Mobile phones have transformed the world. They can run our personal lives and change the way we work, but what’s next? What are the next must-have handsets and features? In four days of special coverage starting Monday February 25th, CNN International’s technology-powered news program ‘News Stream’ will be hosted live from Barcelona by Kristie Lu Stout, taking viewers to explore new mobile and tech horizons at the world’s premier mobile industry event, Mobile World Congress 2013.

Throughout the week, Kristie hears from CEOs, analysts and developers from the biggest players including Google, Microsoft, Nokia and BlackBerry to discover what the next big thing will be – and the new features we won’t be able to live without. ‘News Stream’ will also go beyond the show floor as Kristie tries to make her way through the city of Barcelona using only mobile apps. And she’ll talk technology with one of the world’s most famous football clubs, FC Barcelona, and ask how they use technology to connect with fans across the globe.

‘News Stream’ will also take a special look at mobile design, in hardware and software. The show will look at how Android’s look and feel has evolved during its rapid rise and what the market-leading OS will look like in the future. Kristie will look at the race to build bigger and bigger handsets and ask the question: How big is too big?

A Taste of Barcelona:Key Highlights from Ericsson at the Mobile World Congress 2012

The Networked Society is Ericsson's vision of everyone and anything that can benefit from being connected will be connected. We already see this happening in a big way today, from deploying connected remote health monitoring devices, to providing low-cost cloud-based computing; from tracking freight vessels and containers in the high seas, to empowering the unbanked population with mobile payments with their phones. This vision of shaping the Networked Society drives our portfolio and our daily activities within Ericsson, and naturally, this is embedded within our messages at the Mobile World Congress 2012.

We believe that the Networked Society is the next phase of our societal development. Just like how the steam combustion engine paved the way for the industrial revolution, three key ingredients are paving the way for the Networked Society - mobility, broadband and the cloud. These three enablers will transform the way we live, the way society interacts, and the way business is conducted; and we see that the world is demanding and consuming various aspects of these at an amazing pace.(From L to right) Steven Tai (Head of Strategy & Marketing, Ericsson Malaysia & Sri Lanka), Janne Laitala (President of Ericsson Malaysia & Sri Lanka) and Dr Timothy Senathirajah (Technology Strategy Director, Strategic Program Practice, Ericsson South East Asia & Oceania).

Mobile communications is now ubiquitous with six billion connections. Broadband subscribers have exceeded the one billion mark and are consuming more than double the bandwidth every year. Cloud services and applications are being developed and adopted faster than we ever imagined. However, we still have a long way to go. For the Networked Society vision to be achieved, we need to ensure that all three key elements - mobility, broadband and the cloud are truly ubiquitous; that is, available, affordable and accessible.

In Malaysia, we shared our vision with the Malaysian government. We were an active member of the PEMANDU Economic Transformation Programme’s Communications, Content & Infrastructure National Key Economic Area (CCI NKEA) lab, and even appointed as a lab leader. The members of the lab agreed with our vision, and it shaped the ten Entry Point Projects (EPP) of the CCI NKEA. From the Connecting 1Malaysia EPP to ensure all Malaysians are connected to each other and the various commercial and government services in the nation, to the Smart Network EPP, ensuring that communication and broadband services are truly accessible and affordable. Today, we see many initiatives driven by PEMANDU, the government and the private sector in making those EPPs a reality such as the 1Malaysia Bestari Net project for the E-Learning EPP to ensure a sustainable and comprehensive approach to Smart Schools, to the incorporation of Konsortium Rangkaian Serantau for the Regional Networks EPP to reduce the cost of IP transit.

Yet, we still have much to achieve.

At the Mobile World Congress 2012, Ericsson made many announcements, discussed various solutions, and demonstrated many proof points to achieve the Networked Society vision. We continued our dialogue with industry members around the three main themes - mobility, broadband and the cloud; and on how we can make these elements truly ubiquitous. For instance, we announced our involvement, participation and commitment to the OpenStack Forum, to ensure we have a truly open but yet interoperable approach to developing cloud infrastructure, applications and content. We also announced the launch of Mobile Cloud Accelerator and its deployment with Telkomsel of Indonesia, in cooperation with Akamai Technologies, to ensure the instantaneous delivery of time-critical content. We demonstrated our Capacitive Coupling, our latest development in using the human body to connect devices and transfer data. We also demonstrated end-to-end live data calls with speeds of 150 megabits per second over LTE Advanced, ensuring greater capacity for the future given the scarcity of spectrum; and many more.

We grouped our discussion points around the four key pain points of the industry - customer experience, the cloud, business innovation, and business efficiencies. This created deep discussions, share insights and co-create solutions to current and future issues and problems that the industry is facing. We talked about smarter network solutions required to deliver better customer experience in the Networked Society, and how to ensure the sustainability of the industry; how telecommunication service providers can enable more efficient and effective cloud services; how to reinvent mobile broadband and offer new and relevant services to consumers and enterprises.

Weeks after the Mobile World Congress 2012, we have been taking these same discussions with a greater audience, outside the 67,000 visitors that attended. With our Taste of Barcelona initiatives, we have been sharing these discussions with customers, industry partners, government agencies and the media. We strive to reach and engage an even larger audience with our Technology for Good social media pages to collaborate in shaping the Networked Society. We hope you will visit our sites as well, and join us in making the Networked Society a reality.