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Should Google Android Be Broken Up?

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By Evan Niu, CFA, The Motley Fool

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According to Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, the search giant has clearly won the mobile platform war. That assertion is based in part on the sheer fact that Android is by far the dominant mobile operating system on the planet. That’s indisputable.

Over the past two years, Android doubled its global market share and now powers 70% of all smartphones sold worldwide. That rise is incredible, any way you slice it.

Source: IDC.

The thing is that while Google likes to tout those legitimately impressive headline figures, saying there are now more than 1.3 million Android devices activated every day, the truth is that there are currently so many different distinct Android camps that lumping them all together is somewhat specious where it counts.

Should Android be broken up?

A subtle admission
Google has seemingly acknowledged this. The search giant subtly changed its methodology for measuring version distribution, which resulted in meaningful changes in its reported statistics. The aging Gingerbread fell from 44.2% to 39.8%, while the newest Jelly Bean soared from 16.5% to 25%.

Android version distribution. Source: Google.

The new method now measures the devices that visit the Google Play store instead of including all devices that check in to Google’s servers (i.e., activations). Google says “new data more accurately reflects those users who are most engaged in the Android and Google Play ecosystem.”

Translation: Google wants to emphasize its own Android camp to developers, while minimizing the importance of Amazon.com‘s fork as well as all the Chinese OEM forks out there. Google uses the aggregate figures when they make for good headlines, but it concentrates on its sanctioned Android versions when it matters strategically.

Google doesn’t directly benefit from the different forks out there, and Amazon’s is by far the most successful in tablets. The e-tailer was the No. 3 tablet vendor in the fourth quarter, with 11.5% of the market, and none of those Kindle Fires feed into Google Play. That’s what Amazon’s Appstore for Android is for.

Facebook just launched its Home software suite, which I consider more of a “half-fork,” since Home still feeds into Google Play even though it emphasizes Facebook’s social services over Google’s. From the social network’s perspective, Home is still the right strategy, since Facebook knows better than to compete on a primary platform level.

Even BlackBerry is now piggybacking on Android’s dominance, using ported Android apps to pad its app counts. BlackBerry devices still rely on BlackBerry World for their app fix, and developers have to manually port their apps to the platform to run inside an emulator, so those smartphones were never getting included in Google’s figures. BlackBerry has made some progress getting developers to go native, but the company serves as another example of a third party riding Android’s success with no benefit to Google.

You can’t have one without the other
Device fragmentation has long been cited

From: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/14/should-android-be-broken-up/

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Which States Are the Most Alternative Fuel-Friendly?

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By Tyler Crowe, The Motley Fool

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According to the Energy Information Administration, an alternative-fuel vehicle is any vehicle designed to run primarily on alternative fuels. So a vehicle that’s built to run on 85% ethanol but can also use gasoline is considered an alternative-fuel vehicle, but an electric-gasoline hybrid is not, because the primary fuel source is gasoline. Based on this definition, let’s take a look at the most alternative fuel-friendly states in the nation.

First, a few important notes. While the idea of owning an alternative-fuel vehicle can sound great, the simple truth is that we don’t have the infrastructure to support universal adoption. The gain from paying $1.50 less per gallon by using natural gas instead of diesel can be easily wiped out if you have to go several miles out of the way to get it. The use of certain types of alternative fuels has developed more quickly than in others, and certain fuels have found their niche in different parts of the United States.

Source: Department of Energy.

It’s easier to have an electric vehicle on the coasts …

Source: Department of Energy.

… and an 85% ethanol blend engine in the Midwest …

 

Source: Department of Energy.

… or, in some cases, none of the above.

The rankings are based on percentage of alternative fueled cars versus total cars, the percentage of alternative fueling stations versus total fueling stations, and growth of alternative-fueled cars on the road between 2010 and 2011.

5. California: Alternative vehicles, 0.62%; fueling stations, 18.36%; alternative-vehicle growth, 22.17%.

California has by far the most alternative-fueled vehicles by raw numbers, but the sheer size of the population means it will have to settle for fifth place. It should come as no surprise that California is near the top of the list. Its gas prices are some of the highest in the country, and some of the fastest-developing ideas in alternative fuel transportation are happening there. Aside from building one of the more successful electric cars to date, Tesla Motors and Solar City are collaborating on solar supercharger stations for Tesla vehicles. The facilities are expected to add a 150-mile charge to a car in 30 minutes, and the charge will be free. The first stations are being rolled out in — you guessed it — California, and the company plans to add stations nationwide in the next couple of years.

4. Hawaii: Alternative vehicles, 0.66%; fueling stations, 30.64%; alternative-vehicle growth, 23.4%.

Hawaiians have perpetually been saddled with high gas prices, and it doesn’t look like things are going to get any better. Tesoro intends to shut down its facility in the island state, leaving Chevron as the only game in town. That, combined with the high costs to ship crude there, has gas prices well north of $4.00 a gallon. As gasoline prices remain high in Hawaii, don’t be surprised if more and more drivers make the switch to alternative fuels 

3. Maryland; Alternative vehicles, 0.74%; fueling stations,

From: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/13/which-states-are-the-most-alternative-fuel-friendl/

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Facebook Enhances Status Updates

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By Chris Neiger, The Motley Fool

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According to its website, Facebook is rolling out new enhancements to its status update feature.

Facebook said in an online statement that, “Starting this week, people can express what they’re watching, reading, listening to, eating, drinking or how they’re feeling in status updates.” Facebook gave an example of users who designate which movie they’re watching in the status update will then have the movie posted to the movie section of their timeline, and the movie’s Facebook page will appear in the status update.

To clarify any privacy concerns Facebook said, “These updates, and the stories added to your timeline, respect the privacy settings you choose for your post.”

The new feature will become available to additional U.S. users over the coming weeks.

The article Facebook Enhances Status Updates originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Chris Neiger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends and owns shares of Facebook. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Are Mobile Ad Prices Set to Skyrocket?

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By Steve Heller, The Motley Fool

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According to Credit Suisse, user behavior between tablets and PC is strikingly similar, yet tablet ad prices remain 20% to 40% below what PC ad prices command. As marketers continue to embrace mobile advertising more wholeheartedly, it could mean a boom in mobile advertising prices across the board. In this video, Motley Fool contributor Steve Heller discusses why Google is in the best position to benefit from a mobile ad spending boom.

As one of the most dominant Internet companies ever, Google has made a habit of driving strong returns for its shareholders. However, like many other web companies, it’s also struggling to adapt to an increasingly mobile world. Despite gaining an enviable lead with its Android operating system, the market isn’t sold. That’s why it’s more important than ever to understand each piece of Google’s sprawling empire. In The Motley Fool‘s new premium research report on Google, we break down the risks and potential rewards for Google investors. Simply click here now to unlock your copy of this invaluable resource.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Will Wal-Mart Be the Death of Near-Field Communications?

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By Rich Duprey, The Motley Fool

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According to a recent Harris Interactive survey, most consumers feel smartphone payments will eventually replace credit and debit cards and cash for most purchases but it’s likely not going to happen within the next five years.

That bodes well for the long-term outlook for chip makers like NXP Semiconductors and Skyworks Solutions , which are leaders in the field of near-field communications, or NFC. That’s the technology that allows mobile devices to securely communicate with a payment terminal. Wave your NFC-enabled smartphone in front of an NFC-enabled terminal and you can easily make a payment.

Objects are closer than they appear
The interest expressed in the survey is part of the reason behind why NXP feels 2013 is the year that NFC technology takes off. Google has been in the forefront of the issue through its Wallet mobile payment system and Android smartphones like Samsung’s Galaxy have been equipped with NFC chips to take advantage of it wherever it’s available. Indeed, Samsung recently partnered with Visa to provide an NFC platform that financial institutions can trust.

Banks will be able to load payment account information to a secure chip embedded in Samsung devices using Visa’s mobile provisioning service linked to Samsung’s service that creates secure data storage domains for card issuers.

Notably, however, Apple has yet to jump into the fray. Although many watchers had anticipated the iPhone 5 to include an NFC chip, it was not to be, even though it had acquired such capabilities through its AuthenTec acquisition last year. And with Skyworks already a chip supplier for the iPhone, should Apple decide it needs to be a part of the NFC revolution, it has ready access to a key player in the field.

Scanning the horizon
Yet retail king Wal-Mart may be leading the way in killing off the chances of NFC gaining a real foothold. Rather than investing in the expensive new terminal upgrades that would be required to make NFC in its stores a reality, it’s rolling out an iPhone app called Scan & Go that allows consumers to scan and bag their purchases while shopping and simply scan a quick-response pixilated QR code square at the checkout terminal to complete the purchase.

While that may be a means for it to ultimately save money on cashier salaries, it could provide the pathway for other retailers to follow. Wal-Mart is expanding the test program to 200 stores in 14 markets, and though the app is only available for the iPhone, it’s easy to see that (depending upon its success) it could eventually roll out to all 14,000 stores and be available across all smartphone platforms.

Stop & Shop supermarkets have offered a similar app for both iPhones and Android devices for several years, but Wal-Mart’s entry could be the thing that brings it mainstream. Because near-field communications has taken longer than expected to get up and running, just as widespread adoption looks to be within …read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

IDC: Tablets to Outsell Desktops This Year, Laptops Next

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By Tim Beyers, The Motley Fool

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According to researcher IDC, tablet sales improved 78.4% worldwide in 2012 and are on track to improve 48.7% this year to 190 million units sold.

In data released this week, the firm also predicts that tablets will be the fastest-growing device category between now and 2017, outselling desktop PCs this year and laptops beginning in 2014. Overall, IDC expects the market for connected devices to grow 8.5% annually over the next five years, and that’s despite slowing growth in PC sales.

“In emerging markets, consumer spending typically starts with mobile phones and, in many cases, moves to tablets before PCs,” said Megha Saini, research analyst for IDC‘s Worldwide Smart Connected Device Tracker, in a press release. “The pressure on the PC market is significantly increasing and we can see longer replacement cycles coming into effect very soon and that, too, will put downward pressure on PC sales.”

Other key findings and predictions from the report:

  • Worldwide, Apple claimed 20.3% of connected device shipments — and 30.7% of revenue — in the fourth quarter. Samsung was the volume leader and ranked second in revenue share.

  • Emerging markets led growth last year. Overall shipments rose 41.3% in 2012 while tablet shipments more than doubled. Smartphone sales improved 69.7% in emerging markets.

  • The worldwide market for connected devices grew 29.7% in 2012 and will advance 21.2% this year. By 2017, IDC predicts the total market will surpass 2.2 million devices sold, resulting in $814.3 billion in revenue.

link

The article IDC: Tablets to Outsell Desktops This Year, Laptops Next originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Tim Beyers is a member of the 
Motley Fool Rule Breakers
stock-picking team and the Motley Fool Supernova Odyssey I mission. He owned shares of Apple at the time of publication. Check out Tim’s web home and portfolio holdings or connect with him on Google+, Tumblr, or Twitter, where he goes by @milehighfool. You can also get his insights delivered directly to your RSS reader.The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple. Motley Fool newsletter services have recommended buying shares of Apple. Motley Fool newsletter services have recommended creating a covered bull call spread position in Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days.

Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Why Yandex Is a Buy Now

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By Tim Beyers, The Motley Fool

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According to a new comScore report, Russia grew its base of Internet users by 15% last year and now accounts for 15% of Europe‘s roughly 400 million active online audience. That’s excellent news for Yandex , the region’s largest search engine.

In the following video, Tim Beyers of Motley Fool Rule Breakers and Motley Fool Supernova says the size of the opportunity demands a richer valuation than this stock currently possesses. Please watch, and then let us know in the comments box below whether you agree or disagree.

Regardless of your short-term view on Europe in the wake of the Cyprus blow-up, it can pay to look abroad, where right now there may be opportunity in Yandex peer Baidu (aka the “Chinese Google”). Our brand-new premium report breaks down the dominant Chinese search provider’s strengths and weaknesses. Just click here to access it now.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

How Apple Raising Its Dividend Could Hurt Investors

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By Andrew Tonner, The Motley Fool

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According to a recent survey of analysts by Bloomberg, Apple could potentially give investors a very attractive dividend raise this year, by possibly as much as 56%, to a 3.7% yield. While this sounds fantastic and there is no question that Apple could afford the move, in this video Motley Fool tech and telecom analyst Andrew Tonner raises some concern. In his view, once such a precedent is set, giving anything less the next time there is a dividend increase could cause disappointment — and a sell-off. Could a dividend increase of this size be a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

There’s no doubt that Apple is at the center of technology’s largest revolution ever, and that longtime shareholders have been handsomely rewarded with over 1,000% gains. However, after the company’s major backslide recently, there is a debate raging as to whether Apple remains a buy. The Motley Fool‘s senior technology analyst and managing bureau chief, Eric Bleeker, is prepared to fill you in on both reasons to buy and reasons to sell Apple, and what opportunities are left for the company (and your portfolio) going forward. To get instant access to his latest thinking on Apple, simply click here now.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

How Emotional Investing Decisions Are Costing You a Fortune

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By Dan Caplinger

Bull Market

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According to one old adage, making money in stocks is simple: Just buy low and sell high. Unfortunately, most people do the exact opposite — buy high and sell low — and pay dearly for it.

Investment research firm Morningstar has spent the past several years looking at both the reported returns that mutual funds generate and the actual returns that typical investors earn in their accounts. At first glance, you’d think those numbers should be the same. But because investors can add or withdraw money from mutual-fund accounts at any time, their timing on buying or selling fund shares factors heavily into how much total profit they earn.

The results of Morningstar’s research were surprisingly negative for investors. Over the past 10 years, investor returns have lagged behind fund returns for every single one of the asset classes that Morningstar looked at:

  • For U.S. stocks, the difference in average annual return was more than a full percentage point, which equates to a difference of $2,000 in lost returns on an initial investment of $10,000.
  • The disparity for international stocks was much worse, with a 3-percentage-point annual difference resulting in total underperformance of $6,500 on a $10,000 initial investment.

Why Investors Miss Out

These differences reveal just how big a role emotion plays in investing.

When the stock market is in the middle of a big bull-market rally, as it has been for the past four years, investors get increasingly greedy and look jealously at the past returns that stocks have produced recently — perhaps gains that they missed because they sat on the sidelines waiting for the waves to get less choppy.

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As a result, they tend to pile in after those high returns have already happened. We’ve seen that phenomenon again recently; with stocks approaching record highs, purchases of mutual funds in January hit a record of more than $80 billion, with nearly half of that going into stock funds.

Meanwhile, when the stock market falls, Morningstar notes that fear and anger replace greed and jealousy. Those emotions drive investors to sell off their investments even after they’ve already lost huge portions of their value, locking in permanent losses that become next to impossible to recover from.

3 Keys to Rule Your Emotions

It’s tough not to let your emotions influence your investing decisions. But there are some steps you can take to minimize their impact and keep you from losing money in the long run.

1. Make investing a regular habit rather than a knee-jerk response to changing market conditions. If you set up automatic purchases to invest a certain fixed amount of money on a regular basis, regardless of whether the stock market is up or down, then you won’t need to pay as much attention to fluctuations in the markets. Moreover, because of the benefits of dollar-cost averaging, your investment will …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance