Hi there,

Smartphone supremacy has been a two-horse race for as long as analysts have been measuring such things. But with prices soaring as yet more power gets squeezed into handsets, consumers are seeking better value, and finding it in Huawei, ousting Apple from second spot and challenging Samsung for top dog status in IDC’s latest rankings.

Of course, new shipments only tell part of the story: They don’t take into account the secondary market, where a plethora of devices find a second home (and I for one will admit to opting for a refurbished smartphone recently, rather than forking out for a new one). It's here that Apple owners are winning. Still, the latest figures make it clear that Huawei's ambitions span both consumer and wholesale telecommunication markets. 5G bans or not, the company is a global force, and that is a good thing.

In other news:

ATO leads the way in crypto tax crack-down
The dark patterns that define dirty tactics in online data collection
Video image analysis gains viability
Wall climbing robots get investors marching

We also take a look at how data and analytics are driving Mercedes F1’s performance – with five championships under their belt, who's to argue?

Lastly, if a software project is in your sights, tune in to Modern Software Project Management, next week. With Eric Kimberling on the panel, it promises to be a cracker.

Enjoy the read,

Heather Wright
Editor
editor@istart.co.nz

TELECOMMUNICATION

Huawei takes big bite out of plunging Apple market share

Chaos reigns in the smartphone market with Huawei up, Apple down and Samsung fighting to hold onto its market lead…

On the surface it looks like a market in decline: According to IDC, smartphone shipment volumes are down 6.6 percent this quarter in the sixth consecutive quarter of decline.

“This new ranking of Samsung, Huawei, and Apple is very likely what we’ll see when 2019 is all said and done.”

[Read more]

CRYPTOCURRENCY

ATO issues warning to crypto tax evaders

But can the transactions really be unravelled?…

The ATO has sent out a warning to those using cryptocurrency to avoid taxes, urging those making ‘errors or omissions’ to fess up now to avoid penalties.

“Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are an enabler of existing risks for the ATO.”

[Read more]

DATA ECONOMY

When psychology meets technology

Use of ‘dark patterns’ under new scrutiny…

Dark patterns might sound like a sinister master plan from the likes of Dr Evil, but we all know it’s happening.

Users searching for the privacy friendly option, if it exists at all, often must click through a much longer process.

[Read more]

ANALYTICS

Analyse this: Video analytics opening new insights

From retail to robotic analysts on the prowl...

From analysing shoppers behaviour to monitoring safety at warehouses or detecting flaws in manufacturers' products, video analytics is staking its claim as a viable option for businesses.

The case for video analytics becomes even more powerful when combined with other technologies.

[Read more]

DISRUPTION

Wall-climbing robots take on hazardous inspections

Climbing robots might have a sci-fi feel, but they’re just as real as the $8.8m in funding just secured by makers, Invert Robotics…

Invert Robotics has a lot to celebrate with its recent big fundraising win.

“Our robots go where other robots cannot and people should not.”

[Read more]

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Mercedes F1 gets into data slipstream

In the razor edge of F1 motor racing data and analytics are making the difference…

Five-time FIA Formula One World Champions Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport are no strangers to success.

We’re looking for all the hidden signals that can be the first sign of something that may cause a problem later on.

[Read more]

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