The iPhone XR led the way, accounting for three percent of sales during this period. In fact, Counterpoint says that with the exception of its launch quarter (Q3 2018), it’s been the top smartphone globally in every quarter so far. Apple also made an appearance in the number five spot, with its iPhone 11 accounting for 1.6% of sales.
Samsung put in a strong performance too, with its Galaxy A10 in second place (2.6%) and the most popular Android phone in Q3 2019. This wasn’t the only Samsung device in the top ten, with the Galaxy A50 (third) and Galaxy A20 (seventh) raking in the sales too. It all suggests that the firm’s decision to refocus on the budget segment is paying off, with the Galaxy A10 being the cheapest device in its new A series.
Oppo was another surprise performer in this quarter, with the Oppo A9 in fourth place, the Oppo A5 in sixth place, and the Oppo A5s in eighth position.
It’s interesting to note that the Huawei P30 was the only Android flagship in the top ten (and the only Huawei phone), with the likes of Samsung and Oppo only bringing budget wares to the table. Counterpoint has an explanation for the poor Android flagship representation.
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The tracking firm says the combined sales of the top ten models increased 9% year on year compared to the combined sales of Q3 2018’s top ten phones. But the combined revenue fell 30% year on year, as people opted for budget phones over flagship phones. Furthermore, the tracking firm says there were five flagship phones in the top ten a year ago, compared to just three now.
The trend towards budget phones isn’t surprising either, as a flood of traditionally premium features make their way to cheaper phones. Between triple cameras (or even quad shooters), in-display fingerprint sensors, and OLED screens, you could even argue that 2019 was the most impressive year yet for cheap phones. Things are only going to pick up steam in 2020, as 5G dips below the flagship segment for the first time.
MONTREAL – Lightspeed Commerce Inc. says it is conducting a review of its business and operations including talks relating to a range of potential strategic alternatives.
The Montreal-based payments technology company made the comments after reports concerning a potential transaction involving the company.
Lightspeed says it periodically undertakes a review of its business and operations with a view of realizing its full potential.
A strategic review is often seen by investors as a prelude to a sale by a company.
Lightspeed says its board of directors is committed to acting in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders.
Company founder Dax Dasilva returned to the role of chief executive officer earlier this year and has been working to return the company to profitability.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 26, 2024.
OTTAWA – Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says there is a lot of uncertainty around how artificial intelligence could affect the economy moving forward, including the labour market and price growth.
In a speech in Toronto at the Economics of Artificial Intelligence Conference, the governor said Friday that the central bank is approaching the issue cautiously to get a better understanding of how AI could affect its job of keeping inflation low and stable.
“Be wary of anyone who claims to know where AI will take us. There is too much uncertainty to be confident,” Macklem said in prepared remarks.
“We don’t know how quickly AI will continue to advance. And we don’t know the timing and extent of its economic and social impacts.”
The governor said AI has the potential of increasing labour productivity, which would raise living standards and grow the economy without boosting inflation.
In the short-term, he said investment in AI is adding to demand and could be inflationary.
However, Macklem also highlighted more pessimistic scenarios, where AI could destroy more jobs than it creates or lead to less competition rather than more.
The governor called on academics and businesses to work together to shed more light on the potential effects of AI on the economy.
“When you enter a dark room, you don’t go charging in. You cautiously feel your way around. And you try to find the light switch. That is what we are doing. What we central bankers need is more light,” he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2024.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
