Gregarius » BetaNews.Com » février 14, 2013

BetaNews.Com (11 non lus)

Microsoft reminds us Windows 7 RTM support soon ends

Publié: février 14, 2013, 9:28pm CET par Alan Buckingham

Microsoft has killed off a bunch of products lately, moving forward to new and "improved" platforms, even making changes to company logos. The concept isn't foreign in the tech industry -- everything changes, almost daily. Yesterday Live Mesh died, soon Messenger will follow it to the grave. Today Microsoft reminds us that Windows 7 RTM's days are numbered.

It is not that we didn't know this day was coming -- the company gives plenty of notice about these things. The irony here is that many businesses are just now moving to the platform from XP. Hopefully most had the foresight to move all the way to Windows 7 Service Pack 1, or later. That version of the operating system will enjoy much more life before being shut off. Microsoft's Stephen Rose points out "mainstream support continuing until January 13, 2015, and extended support continuing until January 14, 2020".

However, as for the RTM, or non-SP 1 version, the date is fast approaching -- April 9, 2013. That is just under two months to get your things in order.

This is not to say your computer will suddenly fail to boot that day. It simply means that Microsoft will no longer issue updates and that you could soon become vulnerable to attacks and malware. If you care to risk it then you can continue running the OS for as long as you wish. Heck, you can still install and run Windows 95 if you would like -- I have an install disc I will sell you cheap.

Photo Credit: Adriano Castelli/Shutterstock.com
SugarSync is now sweeter

Publié: février 14, 2013, 6:33pm CET par Nick Peers

Cloud backup provider SugarSync, Inc has announced the release of SugarSync 2.0.1 FINAL for Windows and Mac users. The desktop tool, which provides backup, sync and sharing services through SugarSync’s cloud servers, has been radically revamped for this new release, which first debuted in beta back in November.

The latest release includes a number of major new features and improvements, including SugarSync Drive, more flexible sharing of files and cloud search tools. The new build is joined by SugarSync 4.0.0 for Android, with an iOS update promised soon.

SugarSync 2.0 FINAL starts by revamping the navigation tools for easier access. The new build now splits its functionality across four tabs: Cloud, Sharing, Activity and Search. The Cloud tab provides easy access to the folders being synced between all computers and the cloud, but can be filtered to show only folders synced with specific devices if required.

The Sharing tab reveals another improved feature, whereby users can now more easily share files and folders with others, either through private or public links. The Activity tab provides a summary of the service’s recent actions, while the Search tab provides access to a brand new feature that allows users to search across the cloud for files and folders.

SugarSync 2.0 also promises simplified setup and better folder management, allowing users to add folders to those being synced through drag and drop. Another new feature is the SugarSync Drive, which allows users to access all synchronized folders through a virtual drive – the drive is smart enough to know if folders need to be accessed locally or through the cloud.

Another improvement in this new release is how the app handles photos, with users now given an option to toggle “Gallery View” to view the photos as large thumbnails, plus view photos as a slideshow for showing off to others.

Other recently implemented changes since the first beta release include the ability to manage deleted files, allowing users to selectively permanently erase files in the SugarSync Recycle Bin. Also added was an option to not automatically mount the SugarSync Drive at startup, along with major performance and stability improvements to the SugarSync Drive itself, including new icon overlays to clearly indicate which files are stored on the computer versus those in the cloud.

The new build also debuts a design that is applied consistently across the desktop app, web and new mobiles apps, including the recently released SugarSync 4.0.0 for Android. Other new features in the Android build include a slide-out navigation menu, support for uploading or syncing folders from your device’s SD card and the ability to save files directly from other apps into SugarSync.

This updated design will also appear in the next release of SugarSync for iOS, which SugarSync expects to submit to the Apple store in “a few weeks”.

SugarSync 2.0.1 FINAL is available now as a freeware download for Windows and Mac users. SugarSync 4.0 for Android and SugarSync 3.0 for iOS are also available for free. SugarSync offers a free 5GB storage plan, as well as paid-for plans, with prices starting from $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year for 30GB.

Photo Credit: Picsfive /Shutterstock
Why I love Kindle

Publié: février 14, 2013, 6:16pm CET par Wayne Williams

I had a nice surprise Valentine’s Day gift delivered to my door this morning -- a box of ten copies of my new novel (I Know What You Did Last Supper) courtesy of my publisher and fresh off the press. It seemed weird holding the book. Not just because it’s my first novel (co-authored with a friend), but because I haven’t held an actual book for maybe two years now.

When the Kindle first came out, I resisted it. I’ve loved books since I was child, and couldn’t ever imagine switching to an ebook reader. But then I was given the device as a Christmas present in 2009 and despite all my reservations fell in love with it almost immediately.

Despite my passion for technology I was concerned that I wouldn’t enjoy reading a book on the Kindle as much as reading a real, proper, made-of-paper novel, but it turns out the exact opposite is true. You forget, once you’ve gotten used to how the E Ink display flickers when you "turn" pages, that you’re reading on an alien, electronic device, because your mind concentrates on the words, not the way they’re being delivered. On the message, not the medium.

And there are so many benefits to reading on the Kindle. It’s lightweight yet can store a ridiculous number of books. Big, fat novels which I previously kept putting off reading in favor of smaller, less chunky alternatives, seem less daunting on the Kindle. They don’t take any less time to read, but the length of the book isn’t such a factor when deciding which one to tackle next.

Ebooks are often cheaper too. My novel, which is available in printed form for £7.19 in the UK (as an example), costs just £4.49 in Kindle format ($7.24 in the US). And when you buy a digital book it’s in your hands, on your device, ready to read immediately.

Kindle apps, for devices like my PC, iPad and Android smartphone, also allow me to switch devices but carry on reading where I left off (thanks to Amazon’s Whispersync technology), which is fantastic. Although I still prefer reading on a glare-free E Ink screen where possible.

Another benefit I personally found with my Kindle, which is a second generation model with a keyboard, was that I am able to stick early drafts of my novel on there and read it like a regular book, but also add notes. Previously I’d have had to have printed it out. Numerous times.

Since making the switch to Kindle I’ve persuaded five once die-hard traditional book readers to give it a try, and they’re all now smitten with the device too. And, perhaps most interestingly, all of them say they’re reading more now than ever, which is great news for authors like myself.

Although there are lots of other ebook readers around -- the Nook and the Kobo for instance -- I love my Kindle and see no reason to switch, although I will be trading up to a Kindle Paperwhite very soon, and passing on my beloved old device to another skeptical friend.

So that’s why I love the Kindle. Are you an ebook devotee like me? If not, what’s holding you back and do you think you’ll ever make the switch?
Google should NEVER let Verizon sell another Nexus device

Publié: février 14, 2013, 5:55pm CET par Alan Buckingham

Let me preface this by telling you that I have never had an actual problem with Verizon service -- sort of, but I will elaborate in a bit. The network is fast, works everywhere I go and the customer service is stellar. However, and you knew there had to be a but, Google would be wise to, under no circumstances, let Big Red get its hands on another Nexus device. The wireless company can simply not handle the responsibility.

I know this because I have a Galaxy Nexus from Verizon and it is an endless source of frustration and regret. Trouble started from day one and continues to day....well, today.

Early Days

The device shipped running Android 4.0, otherwise known as Ice Cream Sandwich, and was somewhat broken out of the box. Connection problems were endless and battery life dreadful, thanks to the handset continuously trying to connect to a network that it could not access. I was on the verge of rooting and installing a ROM to fix the issues when Verizon, low and behold, finally rolled out Android 4.1.1 and resolved the problems -- the ones the carrier claimed it did not have when I called complaining. The update that was already months behind schedule.

Those happy days were short-lived -- Google continues to update Android and Nexus HSPA+ devices while Verizon lets languish LTE Galaxy Nexus. In fact the company will not even talk about update plans.

Today

The Verizon version of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is now a full four updates behind. As of this writing I still run version 4.1.1, while Google has rolled out 4.1.2, 4.2, 4.2.1 and, just this week, 4.2.2.

These updates are intended for all Nexus devices. This is the flagship Google Android product, and the company uses it as such, making it the first device to receive every new update. Little did Google know that the wireless company would drag its heels and refuse to do what customers like me expected.

What Now?

At least if I had purchased something like the Motorola Razr I would expect this -- I still wouldn't be happy, but I would be resigned to my fate since Verizon has a history of this behavior. But...I bought a Nexus for a reason and I expect that deal to be fulfilled by the company that sold it to me.

In fact, I have little doubt that Google expected the same as me. Verizon delays embarrass Google -- to have a Nexus device in the market that does not live up to what is promised from these phones and tablets. I seriously urge the Mountain View, Cal-based search giant to never let Verizon again tarnish its reputation.

For now, I feel as though I must follow the urging of my colleague Mihaita Bamburic and finally give in and root my device. It is likely the only way I will ever see an update at this point. I also need to take a serious look at the Nexus 4 and T-Mobile. Happy Valentines Day, Verizon, but we soon will be breaking up.

Photo Credit: Joe Wilcox
Tech toys I love more than my wife (but don't tell her)

Publié: février 14, 2013, 5:42pm CET par Joe Wilcox

Valentine's Day is all about romance, but whom -- or what -- do you really love? The stereotypical geek fawns over his or her gadgets and spends hours on PC (smartphone or tablet) instead of being with family or friends. Surely that describes you, and me, for that matter.

On this day of Cupid's arrows, I confess where they struck gadgets and other goodies and bound us in everlasting love. Take my wife, please, but leave my tech toys. She'll understand -- ah, right?

I present the list in no order of importance, because I love them all. These are products that bring joy, or at least satisfaction, and are used often -- some many times per day. I encourage you to share your own list in comments. Oh, and for anyone wondering, Chromebook isn't among my first loves.

Nexus 7. The little tablet is my go-to-device. I spent my Christmas money on the 32GB model with HSPA+ radio, which updated to Android 4.2.2 yesterday. Size and performance are perfect for me so much that I may soon sell my Nexus 10. The larger tablet never clicked. I type faster on the smaller slate than any other device, which surely says something about opposable thumbs. Data costs just $10 a month on my AT&T shared plan.

Google's tablet is so loved, so often used, I bought the official ASUS dock, which arrived this week. Now Nexus 7 is close by while I work. We're in love.

Fuji FinePix X100. I love this digital camera -- the only one I have next to my phone (Google Nexus 4). The X100 is compact, packs a full APS-C sensor, shoots silently and produces phenomenal photos. I backed away from using the DigiCam because of Chromebook, which isn't good enough for serious photo management. Now that I'm testing Microsoft Surface Pro, X100 and I have renewed our vows. I'm in love again.

Another geek stereotype is they own cats. No story about tech toy love would be complete without a kitty photo. I shot the one above of our puss Neko using X100 last night.

Google Now/voice search. Life changing is how I describe them. Google Now proactively tells me what I need to know and voice search finds what I ask. Both are amazing. Presentation matters here. The card motif works well and consolidates the basic info that is most relevant. Apple's Siri simply can't compete. Google Now/voice search is Android's killer app. I can never go back.

Grado RS1i. These pricey ($700) open-ear headphones are amazing -- a constant source of joy when used -- and that is often. I've used noise-cancelling models that shut out the world, but none produce sound like this. I can hear the faintest symbol, and the soundstage is simply amazing. There's something to be said for using wood in the enclosure or for the impedance (32 ohms) or frequency response (12-30 kHz). I love my Grados.

Nexus Q. The entertainment sphere isn't sold in stores, which is too bad. Google distributed the device during its developer conference last year only to sideline the product later. I love mine and am hooked on using phone as remote and captivated by the stunning sound and HD video. I watched "Skyfall" last night on Nexus Q. Sure, the device has some quirky habits, but they make it all the more interesting.

Surface Pro. Microsoft's tablet is newfound love that I can't promise will last, in part because of bickering. The slate doesn't easily share the Touch Cover keys, which I keep missing when typing -- not sure why. Otherwise, Surface Pro is joy to use, and touch is liberating. The screen is bright and crisp, and Modern UI's visuals are stunning. But I wonder if she is the pretty airhead and whether this relationship is long-term sustainable. I sure hope so.

Netflix. The service is my longest-lasting for anything techie, and we nearly broke up more than a few times. I signed up for Netflix 14 years ago this month, long before most anyone had heard about the service. I watched my first DVD on a Powerbook G3, back when only Apple offered the players on laptops. Now I'm a streaming-only customer. Last week, because of original series "House of Cards", I fell in love with Netflix again.

Photo Credit: Joe Wilcox
Spot the difference -- identify changes in seemingly identical images using DiffImg

Publié: février 14, 2013, 2:12pm CET par Mike Williams

If you regularly edit images it's likely you'll occasionally find yourself with multiple copies of the same picture, and wonder how (or even if) they might be different. And that can be a surprisingly difficult question to answer.

Checking the file size might be a good place to start, of course (if they’re the same format, anyway). And visually comparing the pictures could help. But if you need to know for sure then you may want to try DiffImg, a simple tool which can highlight the pixel differences between any two images of the same size.

Launch the program and it’ll ask you to select the pictures you’d like to compare. DiffImg can open a good range of formats (BMP, GIF, ICO, JPG, MNG, PBM, PGM, PNG, PPM, TGA, TIFF, XBM, and XPM files), and in theory at least you can add support for others via Qt plugins (see "Infos" in the settings dialog).

Once you’ve specified your images, DiffImg will spend a few seconds analyzing them, before displaying a pixel mask which highlights any differences. Interpreting this can be tricky as there are several viewing options, but if you select "Difference Image" and "Display Difference Image" on the toolbar (the 6th and 8th icon -- they have tooltips if you’re unsure) then it should be fairly easy to understand what’s happening.

If DiffImg simply displays a blank grey pane then that means it’s found no differences, so there’s nothing to display -- your two images are the same.

When an image has been edited in some specific areas then you’ll see those modified pixels only. If you’ve used a "remove red-eye" option, say, you’ll see a group of pixels around the eye area. (If you’re not sure where those pixels are, toggle between "Display Modified Image" and "Display Difference Image" to see their position on the full picture).

But if you’ve also saved the second image using lossy compression, like JPEG, then this will affect a much wider area, and you’ll see red pixels representing an error, yellow when the error is greater than average.

Some of this can appear quite complex. There are lots of statistics describing any image differences, for instance. You can apparently set an "acceptable" level of difference which won’t be highlighted, and even choose a new method for calculating any differences (options are by channel, by channel mean, or by image lightness). And understanding the impact of all of this isn’t helped by the lack of any Help file.

You don’t have to get into that level of detail, though. And once you’ve figured out the basics then DiffImg works well, making it easy to compare images and spot any differences between them.

Photo Credit: chaoss/Shutterstock
Cloud aggregator KiteDesk exits beta, adds iOS app

Publié: février 14, 2013, 1:32pm CET par Wayne Williams

The vast majority of us use multiple cloud services for email, social media, and file storage, which means having to regularly switch between different websites or apps to access our data. KiteDesk aims to solve that problem by aggregating information from all of the popular cloud services into a single application.

Aimed at busy consumers and professionals, the service presents email messages, social media posts, contacts, calendar events, and files from the likes of Google, Yahoo, Twitter, Facebook and Dropbox, in a single stream and lets you search for, share, and comment on content.

As well as displaying all of the aggregated data in a scrollable list, KiteDesk lets you create on-the-fly contextual cross-service streams by source, user, tags, or search words. So you can view everything emailed, posted, or shared by a particular friend or work colleague, for example.

KiteDesk also provides users with a unified inbox (containing messages from your email and social media accounts), contacts database, events list and a file cabinet for content stored in different cloud lockers.

The service originally launched in October 2012, and as well as losing its beta tag today has rolled out a new iOS app with an Android version planned for the future.

Speaking about the launch, Jack Kennedy, co-founder and CEO at KiteDesk commented: "We are excited to announce availability of both our web and native iOS applications which work in concert to act as your Personal Cloud information manager on any device. With the addition of Yahoo and Facebook integration and more services like LinkedIn underway, we believe that KiteDesk will offer a tremendous value proposition to our users who are looking for a more integrated cloud experience".
Nitro’s PDF tools gain extra features and improved stability

Publié: février 14, 2013, 1:27pm CET par Nick Peers

Nitro PDF Pty Ltd has launched two major updates for its flagship PDF reader and authoring products. Nitro Reader 3.5 is its powerful freeware PDF reader app, also boasting PDF creation and limited editing and form-filling tools. Nitro Pro 8.5 is Nitro’s flagship PDF authoring product.

The headline new feature in this update is Nitro Pro 8.5’s ability to convert PDF files to Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 (PPTX) format as well as Word and Excel. Also added to both Nitro Pro 8.5 and Nitro Reader 3.5 are support for XML Forms Architecture (XFA) documents and the promise of vastly improved printing of images and text in PDF documents.

Nitro Pro 8.5, the paid-for version of Nitro, adds one major new feature to its arsenal: the ability to convert PDF files into Microsoft PowerPoint documents. At the present time, documents must be converted into PPTX format, which requires PowerPoint 2007 or later, but Nitro promises the conversion is highly accurate, preserving the original text, images and layout. This new feature adds to the program’s existing capabilities converting PDFs to both Word and Excel, the latter option having been tweaked extensively in the Nitro Pro 8.1.1.3 update released in December.

Other changes in these latest builds apply equally to Nitro Reader 3.5 as well as Nitro Pro 8.5. First, there’s added support for XML Forms Architecture, allowing users to not just view, but also fill out and save dynamic XFA forms.

The update also promises to simplify the use of portable document and collection portfolios through the use of the Attachments pane for easy access to key documents.

The update also resolves a couple of notable issues with both apps. The first sees several significant updates being applied to Nitro’s Web Browser plugin, with the promise of better stability and improved document rendering of PDF files through supported web browsers. The second resolution promises to deliver better performance and PDF rendering across many areas of Nitro Reader 3.5 and Nitro Pro 8.5.

These latest improvements build on others introduced since Nitro Pro 8 and Nitro Reader 3 were released last September, including the ability to use pre-defined scanner configurations when using the Create PDF from scanner option (Nitro Pro only), and Remember Last Location and Google Search improvements (both apps).

Nitro Reader 3.5 32-bit and Nitro Reader 3.5 64-bit are both freeware downloads for PCs running Windows XP or later. Nitro Pro 8.5 32-bit and Nitro Pro 8.5 64-bit are available as free trial downloads, while the full version can be purchased for just $95.99 from the Downloadcrew Software Store, a saving of 20 percent on the MSRP.

Photo Credit: cybrain/Shutterstock
InfoRapid KnowledgeBase Builder lets you create interactive mind maps

Publié: février 14, 2013, 1:17pm CET par Mike Williams

When you’re having problems understanding an idea, or conveying it to someone else, then building a mind map can often help. Just the process of defining the core concepts and showing how they’re related will often make things very much clearer.

If you’re familiar with the basics then creating a map doesn’t require very much, of course -- a pen and paper will probably do. But if you’re a beginner to this kind of outlining approach then a little software-based assistance should help to make things clearer, and while it has some problems, InfoRapid KnowledgeBase Builder is an interesting place to get started.

The program is a relatively small download (under 5MB), for instance. It’s free for personal use. And there’s no adware, no installation hassles, in fact no installation at all: just unzip the download somewhere and you’re ready to begin.

KnowledgeBase Builder launches with a sample mind map covering the process of troubleshooting a web server. And at first this just looks like a more attractive flowchart, with questions like "Is it out of memory?" and "Is it a software failure?", and yes/ no arrows leading from these to some other step. But actually this is just the start.

The example map looks basic, yes, but this is only because the initial view is hiding its complexity from you. If you click one of the questions on the map -- "Is it out of memory?", say -- then the program will zoom in on that point, display an extra question, and other issues which you might want to consider ("Is the CPU overloaded?"). Clicking new questions will do the same thing, and the whole map quickly becomes an interactive tool, leading you through the process to help figure out whatever you might need to do.

Not every mind map requires this dynamic approach, of course, but if you’d prefer a more static view then that’s possible, too. Just keep clicking "More Details" at the top of the map pane and KnowledgeBase Builder will expand the map, showing more and more information, until it’s all visible (subject to your screen size, anyway).

If the example map doesn’t interest you, however it’s displayed, then KnowledgeBase Builder has something else you can try. Click File > New, then Tools > Generate Site Map, point the program at www.google.com, and in a few seconds you’ll have a map showing the initial pages on the Google site. This can be excellent way to visualise site structure, especially as it’s so dynamic: you can click on a page, move to it, see all the pages available from that link, and more.

And, of course, once you understand how this all works then you can begin to enter the objects and relationships necessary to build maps of your own. Although this may take quite some time; there are lots of options here, and vanishingly little help.

One major issue with all of this is there’s no way to export your maps in a standard format that others can view them immediately (you can save the details in a CSV file, but that probably won’t help you very much).

Still, you can show people a map on your own system. And as the KnowledgeBase Builder is just a single executable, you could always zip up your own database with a copy of the program if you need others to see it. Plus the maps look so good that even just printed copies may be useful. So, while there limitations here, if you’ve any interest in this kind of tool then InfoRapid KnowledgeBase Builder definitely deserves a closer look.

Photo Credit: Creativa/Shutterstock
Get your phones ready -- The Brit Awards to be Shazam-enabled

Publié: février 14, 2013, 9:42am CET par Wayne Williams

British broadcaster ITV has agreed to a deal with Shazam -- the popular music identification service -- allowing viewers of this year’s The Brits music awards to access exclusive content during the live broadcast -- a UK first.

By using Shazam to tag the show between 8pm and 10:15pm on February 20, viewers will get access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content from performers and guest presenters.

Making the announcement, David Jones, EVP Marketing for Shazam said: "We are excited that our first live Shazam-enabled program in the UK is one of the biggest nights of the year for the music industry, the BRIT Awards. People who know and love us for music will now get to experience all the great features we now bring to television".

The Shazam app, which is typically used to identify recorded music by sampling a few seconds of content and looking it up in its ten million strong song database, is available for a range of platforms including iOS devices, Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone.
There is little room for a third smartphone platform

Publié: février 14, 2013, 2:25am CET par Joe Wilcox

"We're No. 3!" will be BlackBerry's and Microsoft's rallying cry this year. Android and iOS so dominate the smartphone market, the best -- and quite honestly dismal -- hope is third; distant at that. Combined, based on actual phone sales, Android and iOS had 90.1 percent share during fourth quarter, up from 74.9 percent a year earlier, according to Gartner. BlackBerry and Windows Phone are neck-and-neck, with lowly 3.5 percent and 3 percent standings, respectively.

Upstarts want third place, too. Anshul Gupta, Gartner principal research analyst, explains: "2013 will be the year of the rise of the third ecosystem as the battle between the new BlackBerry10 and Widows Phone intensifies. As carriers and vendors feel the pressure of the strong Android’s growth, alternative operating systems such as Tizen, Firefox, Ubuntu and Jolla will try and carve out an opportunity by positioning themselves as profitable alternatives".

Looked at differently, BlackBerry and Windows Phone combined-share was less in fourth quarter (6.5 percent) than a year earlier (10.6 percent). That said, while starting from a small base, Microsoft's platform shows promise, with sales up 124.2 percent year over year.

Individual vendor performance tells the story differently. Apple and Samsung combined smartphone sales share rose to 52 percent from 46.4 percent during the quarter.

It's a free-for-all. "There is no manufacturer that can firmly lay claim to the No. 3 spot in global smartphone sales", Gupta says. "The success of Apple and Samsung is based on the strength of their brands as much as their actual products. Their direct competitors, including those with comparable products, struggle to achieve the same brand appreciation among consumers, who, in a tough economic environment, go for cheaper products over brand".

Samsung and Apple smartphone unit sales rose by 85.3 percent and 22.6 percent, respectively. The fruit-logo company accounts for all iOS, "with Samsung commanding over 42.5 percent of the Android market globally", Gupta says, "and the next vendor at just 6 percent share. The Android brand is being overshadowed by Samsung's brand with the Galaxy name nearly a synonym for Android phones in consumers' mind share".

Samsung's success is mixed for Android as a platform. The South Korean company, and not Google, largely controls customers' experience via TouchWiz UI and other features. That can further fragment Android. On the other hand, consumers generally identify with uber-brands, like Samsung or Galaxy S III rather than Android 4.2.

Samsung's Android lift takes a bite out of Apple. For the second straight quarter, iOS lost smartphone sales share, year over year. Apple's mobile operating system dropped to 20.9 percent from 23.6 percent during Q4. Meanwhile, Android leaped again, from 51.3 percent to 69.7 percent share. But unit sales jumped more than share suggests: 144.7 million from 77.1 million.

Unlike most other analyst firms, Gartner measures actual sales to end users, not shipments into the channel. So there is no room for Apple apologists to argue about some disparity between the phone maker's stated sales and those from others. Like competitors, Apple calls shipments sales. The company reported 47.8 million in Q4. Gartner says actual sales were 43.6 million, or 4.2 million less than the number the company gave last month. So while iPhone 5 still had a big launch quarter, sales missed analyst consensus (50 million) by wider margin.

In the broader phone market, Apple share rose to 9.2 percent from 7.4 percent for the quarter and to 7.5 percent from 5 percent for all 2012. The company maintained its third-place ranking for Q4 and the year. Market-leader Samsung grew share to 22.7 percent from 19.6 percent for fourth quarter and to 22 percent from 17.7 percent for all 2012.

More broadly, worldwide mobile phone sales dipped about two percent for the quarter and year, to 1.75 billion and 472.1 million, respectively. Smartphone sales surged 38.3 percent in Q4, to 207.7 million. Meanwhile, feature phone sales fell 19 percent to 264.4 million. At this pace, smartphone sales should surpass feature phones within a couple quarters. Respective share in Q4: 44 percent and 56 percent.

Photo Credit: David Andrew Larsen/Shutterstock