TECHNO

China's Lenovo sees 34% net profit jump

Chinese computer maker Lenovo Group announced a jump in net profit for the financial year of 34 percent, despite the slowing PC market.

Net profit for the financial year ended March 31 rose to $635.15 million, up from $472.99 million in 2011/2012. Revenue was up 14.5 percent to $33.87 billion.

The world's number two PC maker gained global market share at the expense of US-based industry leader Hewlett-Packard. The company said its share grew 2.6 percent year-on-year to a record high of 15.5 percent.

The company was boosted by strong performances from its mobile internet and digital home sections, as well as growing shipments for its smartphone business.

"The group's PC business continued to achieve strong performance across the board, outperforming markets in all geographic segments," it said in a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange, where it is listed.

Lenovo said the company grew in despite the slowing PC market, which declined eight percent year-on-year. China alone accounted for 43 percent of the company's total revenue.

The company announced in November that it had become the global leader in the consumer and notebook PC market and remained the largest PC company in emerging markets including China.

AFP

Amazon expands Kindle tablet sale to 170 countries

Online retail titan Amazon announced it is expanding sales of its Kindle tablet computers to "over 170 countries and territories around the world," and its Appstore in nearly 200 countries.

The move steps up the offensive of Amazon against rivals like Apple and Google in the market for tablets and content sold for the devices.

"Kindle Fire HD is the number one best-selling item in the world for Amazon since its launch, and we're thrilled to make it available to even more customers around the globe today," said Dave Limp, vice president at Amazon Kindle.

"Not only does Kindle Fire feature advanced hardware, it's also a service. When combined with our content ecosystem, great email and browsing and top-rated customer service, we hope people around the world will agree that Kindle Fire HD is the best tablet for an incredible price." Amazon said Kindle Fire, which start in the US market at $159, will start shipping to the additional countries by June 13. Up to now it had been sold outside the US only in Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Japan.

The company said its Amazon Appstore "is now available to millions of customers in nearly 200 countries," offering games, books, and other content.

Amazon sells apps for Kindle, but also for PCs and other Android phones and devices.

"We think our customers will love the app selection we have to offer and also find features such as Free App of the Day and personalized recommendations very helpful as they discover and explore new apps and games," said Amazon's Mike George.

"By further expanding the distribution of apps to millions of customers around the world, we are continuing to make it easy for customers to enjoy their Amazon apps on Kindle Fire and any Android device." The Appstore was launched in 2011 and prior to Thursday was only in Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, Japan and the United States.

Amazon is competing with the likes of Apple and Google in the market for tablets and also online content and apps. Some reports say Amazon is developing its own smartphone as well.

The Seattle-based firm has not released sales figures but research firm IDC said Amazon is the fourth leading seller of tablets despite limited distribution, with 1.8 million units sold in the first quarter.

Amazon is likely using Kindle to globally expand its power as an online retailer, according to Silicon Valley analyst Rob Enderle. "They are selling digital storefronts," Enderle said of putting Kindle tablets into the hands of people around the world.

AFP

Samsung sells more than 10 mn Galaxy S4 smartphones

South Korea's Samsung Electronics said its latest flagship Galaxy S4 had become its fastest selling smartphone to date, topping 10 million units globally less than a month after its debut.

A company statement said the S4 had already passed the 10-million sales mark following its April 26 launch. It's predecessor, the S3, took 50 days to reach the same threshold.

The world's top handset maker hopes the S4 will expand its presence in high-end markets in the United States and elsewhere, crowding out archrival Apple and its iconic iPhone.

Apple has asked a US federal judge to add the S4 to the list of Samsung devices targeted in a patent lawsuit involving Siri personal assistant software.

"Apple's infringement theories regarding the S4 are identical to Apple's infringement theories against the already accused products," attorney Mark Lyon said in a motion filed Tuesday on behalf of Apple.

The five patents at issue in the case include two associated with Siri voice-commanded personal assistant in iPhones.

The case is one of many legal battles between California-based Apple and Samsung, and the trial is not expected to begin until early next year.

Samsung is believed to have sold about 60 million units of the popular Galaxy S3 model since it debuted in May 2012.

The S4, featuring a high-definition, five-inch (12.7-centimetre) screen and enhanced picture-taking capabilities, comes with a faster chip and is thinner and lighter than its predecessor.

AFP