iPhone Continues to be The Most Sold SmartPhone in The U.S.

Apple's iOS mobile operating system remained the top-selling smartphone platform in the U.S. in the final quarter of 2012, continuing its reign over Google's Android, according to new data from Kantar Worldpanel ComTech.

During the 12-week period ending on Dec. 23, iOS nabbed 51.2 percent of U.S. market sales, while second-place Android took around 44.8 percent. Microsoft's Windows Phone came in third with 2.6 percent.

"Apple's continual improvement is thanks to both the iPhone 5 and older models attracting various customer groups, from repeat Apple buyers, first time smartphone buyers, and those coming from other smartphone brands," Kantar Worldpanel ComTech analyst Mary-Ann Parlato said in a statement.

Overall, 36 percent of iOS sales during the quarter came from consumers who switched to the iPhone from another smartphone brand, largely Android. The percentage of those saying goodbye to Android for Apple over the last year rose to 19 percent from just 9 percent in 2011.

Another 35 percent of iOS sales during the quarter came from those who upgraded from an older iPhone model, while 30 percent came from individuals who were purchasing to their first smartphone, according to Kantar Worldpanel ComTech.

The data comes from Kantar Worldpanel ComTech USA's consumer panel, which conducts more than 250,000 interviews per year in the United States. The report focused on sales rather than market share.

Meanwhile, AT&T maintained its lead as the top smartphone carrier in the U.S., according to Kantar Worldpanel ComTech. AT&T nabbed 33 percent of smartphone sales during the quarter, narrowly edging out Verizon, which captured 32 percent. Third-place Sprint declined during the period with 14.8 percent of smartphone sales.

AT&T continued to leverage its large Apple base, with 55 percent of its iOS sales stemming from users upgrading to a newer iPhone model, while the majority of Verizon's iOS sales came from its massive feature phone base. [PCMag]

You can follow me on Twitter, add me to your circles on Google+ or Subscribe to me on FaceBook or YouTube. You can also check my Website and Blog to keep yourself updated with what is happening in the ever changing world of technology

Microsoft Surface Pro Will be Released in The U.S. And Canada February The 9th From $899

It’s about damn time.

Microsoft announced the Surface product family on June 18th. After eight months of waiting, Microsoft announced that on February 9, the fully-capable, Windows 8-packing, Intel-powered, actually-really-novel Surface 8 Pro will finally hit stores in the U.S. and Canada.

The Surface Pro is the big daddy in the Surface family. Unlike the $499 Surface with Windows RT, the $899 Surface Pro runs standard Windows 8. The device is powered by hardware that wouldn’t be out-of-place in an Ultrabook. In short, the Surface Pro is a legit machine.

Microsoft built the Surface Pro to be the reference standard for Windows 8 tablets. Redmond really didn’t have many options. It was either build a device internally or rely on its tradition partners of HP, Dell or the rest. One look at the Surface’s competitors and it’s clear Microsoft choose wisely.

The Surface was a massive surprise when Microsoft introduced it at a large event in LA last summer. But it probably shocked OEMs the most. Microsoft suddenly went from partner to serious competitor overnight.

It’s a bit hyperbolic to say the Surface will dominate the Windows 8 tablet market. Don’t count HP or Samsung out just yet. Even if the sales numbers don’t outpace those of competitors’ offerings, the Surface has succeeded in getting people to notice Windows 8 tablets. And now that the Surface Pro is about to launch, the party can finally begin.

I wasn’t a fan of the Surface RT. When I reviewed it 3 months ago, I dismissed it due to lack of compatible applications and questionable design decision regarding the Touch Covers. But now, after using it extensively, especially the last few weeks, I find myself constantly frustrated at its poor computing performance. Windows 8 is capable of so much, but the Surface RT, with its ARM-based CPU, just barely handles the system. The Surface Pro should counter most of my criticisms. I’m a Windows guy. I want to love the Surface Pro — I just hope Logitech makes a Surface keyboard similar to the Ultrathin iPad Keyboard Cover.

Look for the Surface Pro starting on Feb. 9 in Canada and U.S. It will be available at all Microsoft stores, microsoftstore.com, Staples and Best Buy in the U.S. and Future Shop in Canada. The 64 GB will run $899 with the 128 GB priced at $999. Both models ship with the Surface Pen. Touch Covers and the Type Cover will run an additional $119 and $129, respectively.

Oh, and there are new Surface accessories including three limited edition Touch Covers and a special mouse because, you know, every tablet should have a mouse. At least we can finally get excited about the Surface, which is a good feeling for those who are pulling for Windows 8. [TechCrunch]

You can follow me on Twitter, add me to your circles on Google+ or Subscribe to me on FaceBook or YouTube. You can also check my Website and Blog to keep yourself updated with what is happening in the ever changing world of technology

FaceBook Launches Free Calling For All iPhone Users in The US

In early January, Facebook began testing free calling over Wi-Fi and cellular data for all Messenger for iPhone users in Canada, and said that a US launch could be coming soon. Apparently, the test went well — a new free calling button has appeared in the app. Facebook has confirmed to The Verge that the feature began rolling out to US users today, and requires no update through the App Store. To make a call to another Messenger for iPhone user, all you need to do is open a conversation with that person, tap the "i" button in the top-right corner, and tap Free Call.

                       US Users Can Now Make Calls Over Their Data Connection Or Wi-Fi

What this means is that if you live in the US, you can now call other Facebook users for free over Wi-Fi or using your phone's data connection while you're on the go. When you call someone, a push notification appears on their screen that says "Ellis Hamburger is calling," for example. The feature is especially critical for people with bad cell service at work or at home, and for those who want to conserve cell phone minutes. It's also a huge step for Facebook — which with a single feature emerges as one of the largest communities of VoIP users in the world. Yes, competitors Viber, Vonage, and Skype have had the feature for some time, but all have much smaller user bases.

Facebook has had a partnership with Skype for video calling inside Facebook's website since summer 2011, but Messenger still notably lacks video calling. Facebook offered no more details or information about an international rollout, VoIP calling through its Messenger for Android app, or VoIP calling through its website, but we'd bet these things are coming soon. [The Verge]

You can follow me on Twitter, add me to your circles on Google+ or Subscribe to me on FaceBook or YouTube. You can also check my Website and Blog to keep yourself updated with what is happening in the ever changing world of technology