sneijers-blog

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LG: ready to give Apple and Samsung a run for their money?

Over the past two years, LG Electronics has watched its South Korean rival Samsung Electronics storm ahead in the mobile phone sector as its own market share dwindled. This week has brought a couple of upbeat developments that suggest the company is making some headway at the top end of the smartphone sector. But has it really turned the corner [Source]?

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Samsung’s profits rocket 76 percent, but growth is slowing

Samsung, in case you didn’t know, is really good at selling smartphones [Source]. Over 60 percent of its record $52.6 billion Q4 2012 revenue came from sales of phones like the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note 2. Net profit rose 76 percent in the quarter to $6.6 billion. Samsung’s overall revenue was also given a bump thanks to good numbers from its chips and television businesses [Source].

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Hyundai’s Chung Taps Lady Gaga in Shaking Up Korea Inc.

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China-Japan-S Korea: trade triangulation

Can it really happen? Investors are wondering whether South Korea, Japan and China are serious about a proposed trilateral trade pact as their trade ministers prepare to meet in Phnom Penh on Tuesday to discuss launching negotiations. Political tensions will inevitably rear their ugly heads.

All three countries, with a combined output of one fifth of the global economy, say they want a trade pact to revitalise the regional economy.

Trade between the three countries rose more than five times to $684bn last year from $130bn in 1999, with China becoming the largest export market for Japan and South Korea.

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Samsung: playing tough with Apple

Who needs whom the most? Of the many battles being waged between Apple and Samsung, that over the supply relationship is perhaps the most intriguing. Apple is trying to move away from the South Korean company for its component sourcing. But Samsung appears ready to apply pressure, too.

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Samsung sees record profits on smartphone sales

Samsung Electronics has estimated record profits in the three months to September, led by strong sales of its Galaxy smartphones.

The South Korean company said it expects operating profits of 8.1 trillion won ($7.3bn; £4.5bn), nearly double last year's figure. The estimates beat analyst expectations sending Samsung shares 1.5% higher.

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Samsung adds iPhone 5 to its patent battle with Apple

Samsung has added Apple's latest handset to a US patent lawsuit claiming the iPhone 5 infringes eight of its technologies.

The disputed innovations include a way to synchronise photos, music and video files across several devices, and a method to capture and send video over the internet.

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Samsung launches Galaxy Note 2 in S. Korea

Samsung debuted the Galaxy Note 2 at a trade show in Berlin last month. The phablet, a cross between a smartphone and a tablet computer, features larger displays than smartphones but are more portable than tablets.

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S Korea: reasons to be cheerful

At a time when the prospect of sovereign debt downgrades is striking fear into many of its G20 peers, South Korea can boast upgrades from all three major rating agencies in as many weeks.

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K-pop conquers US, ‘Gangnam Style’

It’s the most recent dance sensation to sweep the nation. We’re talking, of course, about the viral pop hit “Gangnam Style” by Psy.

Out-of-nowhere dance songs are not anything new to US audiences (Macarena anybody?), but “Gangnam Style” breaks an important barrier – the separation of K-pop, Korea’s pop music industry, and US audiences. It also demonstrates the shift in the music industry away from radio play and album sales and toward social networks and digital downloads.

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Samsung topples Apple in brand image

Samsung Electronics lost its recent court battle against Apple in San Jose and was ordered to pay a staggering $1.05 billion but ironically, recent polls show that the Korean firm has overtaken its U.S. rival in brand image.

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Samsung beefing up camera business

Samsung Electronics is seeking a major breakthrough in its stalling camera business. A top company executive is currently in the German city of Cologne to participate in the world’s biggest photo and imaging trade show.

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‘P&G Korea responds faster to demands’

Procter & Gamble Korea’s new chief executive Lee Sue-kyung said on Tuesday that her company will respond faster to market demands and changes from now on.

“P&G has suffered several times in the past in competition with Korean companies, which are very quick in both information gathering and action,” Lee said in a press conference.

“Agility is one of the three most important virtues required at P&G, along with strategic thinking and leadership skills. The ability to swiftly cope with market situations is very important for us.”

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LG to launch flagship Optimus G next week

LG Electronics unveiled plans Tuesday to roll out its new flagship smartphone Optimus G in the local market next week through the nation’s three mobile carriers.

The firm also said the 4.7-inch display gadget ― running on fourth-generation Long Term Evolution networks as well as third-generation networks ― will be launched in Japan next month and in the U.S. and other Asian markets in November.

The Optimus G, which was dubbed LG’s new flagship smartphone by the company’s mobile chief Park Jong-seok, is considered the handset that will decide the fate of its mobile unit.

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South Korea announces fresh stimulus for businesses

South Korea has unveiled a fresh stimulus plan, its second in four days, in an attempt to revive growth in its economy.

Its central bank will inject 1.5tn won ($1.3bn; £825m) into banks, which will use it to provide low-interest rate loans to small businesses.

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Korea Telecom goes digital with social contributions

With its expertise in telecommunications, KT is moving to minimize the digital divide within the country, going forward with several social contribution projects.

The nation’s top fixed-line service provider’s projects include its organization called IT Supporters, Olleh Smart Academy, and giving out smart devices serviced by the firm to underprivileged families.

The company also takes part in joint programs with other corporations such as the “Dream Together” project that supports low-income families as well as volunteering and scholarship programs.

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Samsung’s legal move in focus after iPhone 5 unpack