In reports out of Taiwan, sources say that Apple, Inc. has ordered 70 million bendable OLED panels from Samsung Electronics. An order of this size can only be for the upcoming iPhone 8, expected to be launched in late 2017. The order also suggests that Apple is expecting the iPhone 8 to be a big success.
Samsung
Top Smartphones in 2016? Apple Takes 4 of Top 5

Although many analysts criticize slowing innovation at industry powerhouse Apple, Inc., final results for global smartphone shipments shows Apple with four of the top five models. Not bad for a technology slacker!
See the results for 2016 global smartphone shipments, dominated by Apple models… [Read more…] about Top Smartphones in 2016? Apple Takes 4 of Top 5
Prosecutors Make Their Case to Jail Head of Samsung

Judge Questions Jay Y. Lee in Arrest Warrant Hearing
In a case that has been percolating for weeks but has now come to a boil, special prosecutors in South Korea have gone before a judge to obtain a warrant for the arrest of Samsung Group leader, Jay Y, Lee. Summoned by the court to testify, Lee answered questions in a closed-door session at the court, held today. Lee denied he or his company participated in any wrongdoing.
The judge’s decision is expected very soon.
See more on the legal troubles that Samsung now finds themselves in… [Read more…] about Prosecutors Make Their Case to Jail Head of Samsung
Samsung Chairman Named as Suspect by Prosecutors in Political Probe
After a tough 2016, Samsung was likely looking for a little relief in 2017. They’ll have to keep looking because, as the old saying goes, “When it rains, it pours.” Reuters is reporting that prosecutors in South Korea have summoned Samsung Group leader Jay Y. Lee for questioning in a probe into an influence peddling scheme that may topple the president of the country and offer criminal indictments for some of the players.
Lee has been named as a suspect in the matter.
See more on this widening scandal and the risk to Samsung… [Read more…] about Samsung Chairman Named as Suspect by Prosecutors in Political Probe
Apple Wins Holiday Smartphone Wars
In new research from Flurry Analytics, Apple clearly won the battle for holiday shoppers smartphone dollars. Based on activations of smartphones and tablets during the period of 12/19-12/25, Apple took a healthy 44% bite out of the market…well ahead of second place finisher Samsung (21%), who has struggled in the wake of a battery-blowup scandal. But when compared to last year…some surprises emerge.
See more on this research, released just days after the holiday season… [Read more…] about Apple Wins Holiday Smartphone Wars
Sharp Strikes Again – Terminates LCD Panel Supply to China’s Hisense
Sharp Parent Foxconn Appears to be Playing Global Hard Ball
Just days after we told you about Sharp’s decision to stop supplying LCD panels to global TV leader Samsung – a decision that shocked many in Japan – apparently, they’ve done it again. The Nikkei in Japan is reporting that panel pricing negotiations have apparently broken down between Sharp and China’s Hisense Group with the parties unable to agree on a fair price. As a result, Sharp has notified Hisense it will also stop supplying them with panels in 2017.
The industry is positively buzzing about these power moves by Sharp… [Read more…] about Sharp Strikes Again – Terminates LCD Panel Supply to China’s Hisense
Power Move: Sharp to Terminate LCD Panel Supply to Samsung
‘Samsung Scrambling to Find New Sources’ – Looks to LG
The media in Japan positively exploded this week with the shocking news that Sharp has notified Samsung it will no longer supply the world’s top seller of LCD TVs with the panels they need for their sets. Samsung was Sharp’s largest customer, but in a shocking power move, after negotiations broke down – Sharp said no deal.
Could this be a sign of a new Sharp, now that it’s part of Foxconn? [Read more…] about Power Move: Sharp to Terminate LCD Panel Supply to Samsung
Samsung Will Destroy All 4.3 Million Galaxy Note 7s
Company Makes Painful But Pragmatic Decision
Samsung Electronics is in the process of recalling their recently launched Galaxy Note 7 smartphone that came with the unusual feature of self-immolation included at no additional charge. The company’s initial production run was 2.5 million units. Then, trouble ensued and the company ceased production of that version. This was followed by the production of another 1.8 million “fixed” versions. Now…they are all recalled and the model has been cancelled.
What is Samsung going to do with 4.3 million defective smartphones? Destroy them… [Read more…] about Samsung Will Destroy All 4.3 Million Galaxy Note 7s
Samsung’s Head is in the Clouds; Acquires Joyent
With Samsung’s Backing, Joyent is Poised to Become Major ‘Cloud’ Player
Samsung announced late Wednesday that it has acquired Joyent, a relatively new start-up company that offers cloud computing services, according to a report by Recode. The specifics of the deal were not disclosed, but Joyent management has said it will be joining the Samsung management team.
Why has Samsung acquired a services company? See our thoughts below… [Read more…] about Samsung’s Head is in the Clouds; Acquires Joyent
Legrand & Samsung Partner on IoT Light Switch
IoT Product Launches are Increasing, From Samsung & Others
Several announcements emerged this week from the Samsung Developer Conference being held in San Francisco – an event that has largely represented the launch of the first wave of Samsung’s assault on the Internet of Things (IoT) market. One announcement that caught our eye is the news that Samsung and Legrand have partnered on a new Thread-enabled lighting switch.




