A parts reseller, Eye Lab Factory, has managed to obtain what could be a display panel for the iPad 3, says Macotakara. The part measures about 9.7 inches, and uses a flat cable similar to that connecting the iPad 2's display. It also reportedly supports resolutions up to 2048x1536, the level most commonly anticipated for the iPad 3.
Panasonic compounded the troubles at Japanese electronics firms on Friday after it anticipated a steep $10.2 billion yearly loss for its fiscal 2011, which ends in March. The record drop was blamed near exclusively on the costs of buying Sanyo and its Electric division, including reorganization and write-offs. President Fumio Ohtsubo apologized, but promised corporate reform that could produce a "V-shaped" turnaround in performance.
Speculation that Apple might ship its own TV set as soon as the spring was cast into doubt by an unusual counter-rumor late Thursday. Supposed industry contacts told Digitimes that there weren't any signs Sharp was ready to ship the IGZO displays many believe Apple would be using for the device. Yields of workable displays were also considered a possible problem.
For the second time in a year, Sharp has announced that it will be cutting production of LCDs screens in its Sakai City (Osaka) Japan production facility. Nikkei is reporting [subscription required] that the company plans to reduce its output by one-half. Sharp will continue pushing out the screens at these levels for at least one month, and possibly longer.
KDDI and Okinawa Cellular have announced a new series of designer phones for the Japanese market. The Infobar C02, manufactured by Sharp, comes in three distinct color schemes and incorporates a numeric pad with over-sized keys. The display is an unusually tall, 3.2-inch, 480x854 LCD.
Sharp has unveiled a slew of new devices this week ahead of CES in Las Vegas. The product lineup includes a projector, 20- to 85-inch Aquos televisions and connected services, Blu-ray players, sound bars, shelf speaker systems, and several solar charging products for home installations.
Sprint waited until Sunday to give LightSquared a 30-day extension on the FCC approval it needs to implement the LightSquared deal. Waiting until the day after the deadline expired, Sprint now gave the 4G provider until late January to overcome GPS interference claims. It's not clear LightSquared will necessarily make the deadline given a lack of firm updates.
Apple's rumored 2048x1536 display for the iPad 3 may have been leaked out for the first time in a forum posting on Korea's Naver. The panel is the same physical size as the existing iPad 2 display but has a third data connector, presumably to feed the four times higher resolution. A Korean appearance points to it likely coming from an LG Display or Samsung Mobile Display factory.
The Sharp IGZO displays Apple is rumored to be using for the iPad 3 might still be in short supply. Rumors late Thursday from Digitimes had Taiwan supplier sources saying they could technically make the advanced displays, but that the useful production yields were still a "major concern." The claims echoed views that Sharp was shifting TV production to tablets to help meet targets.
Two new rumors have suggested a major break for Apple's iPad 3 strategy if at all accurate. Tipsters for Digitimes ruled out the 7.85-inch mini iPad and instead pointed to two iPad 3 models: both would have the widely rumored 2048x1536, Sharp-made displays with dual-LED backlights. They would also have quad-core A6 processors and, supposedly, five- and eight-megapixel cameras made by Samsung and Sony respectively.
Seven LCD panel makers, including Samsung, Sharp, and Chimei Innolux, have reached accords to settle claims that they conspired to limit competition and fix prices for their displays used in laptops, monitors and TVs. If approved, the proposed $539 million settlement will resolve several cases pending in the US district court in San Francisco, and affect buyers as indirect victims. Earlier this month, another settlement for $388 million was reached in the same court with "direct" purchasers of the panels, who then put these panels into their own products.
Apple's proper TV set may enter the earliest production phases early next year. Rumors floated Tuesday by Digitimes had the supply chain for the "iTV" producing individual parts before the end of March. The aim was to ship the TV in spring or summer, the sources said, giving Apple a wide berth.
New details have suggested that LightSquared might run out of money by mid-2012. A copy of the 4G provider's financial statement obtained by Reuters showed that it was worried it couldn't stay a "going concern" past the spring without extra finances. LightSquared has lost $427 million so far this year
Samsung and Sharp have both managed to buck downward trends in flat-panel TV sales thanks a surge in demand in the US. Samsung, the world’s leading TV manufacturer revealed that its TV sales reached a record 5.7 million units sold in November. Meanwhile, Sharp says it expects to reach sales of over 1 million large-screen TVs in the year to March 31, in the 60-inches or above category.
Sharp, Samsung, and six others making LCD panels used in computers and TVs have agreed to settle several class action suits alleging price fixing. The vendors will pay a total of $388 million to resolve eight separate cases before a Northern District of California District Court judge in San Francisco. As part of the deal, all the companies avoid having to admit any wrongdoing.
Sharp has introduced a new smartphone camera sensor, which it claims to be the industry's thinnest CMOS component to offer optical image stabilization. The module features backside illumination to improve low-light performance, with an f/2.5 aperture and autofocus capabilities, all packed into a module that measures just 5.47mm thick.
Talk of four-inch iOS devices gained incidental support through a rumor emerging Saturday. Contradicting talk of LG, Samsung, and Sharp being involved, Macotakara claimed that two of the three companies forming the Japan Display alliance, Hitachi and Sony, were already producing both iPad 3 LCDs and four-inch LCDs for a "new iOS device." The unnamed Asian contact didn't mention what device it was for, or whether this was full-scale production.
Repeated talk of Sharp making iPad 3 LCDs was backed up by leaks on Friday. The tip to the Wall Street Journal supported talk that Sharp's repurposed TV plant in Kameyama was switching over at least partly to handle Apple's demands. Possibly confirming Apple's mysterious major investment, they said that Apple itself had paid to help get the manufacturing started.
Japenese provider NTT DoCoMo has just officially announced that the Sharp SH-01D will ship on December 2. The Android 2.3-powered smartphone is waterproof and gets a 4.5-inch LCD with a 720x1280 resolution. The Aquos-branded screen uses a parallax barrier design for glasses-free 3D images.
(Updated with info on Apple investment in Sharp) Apple is forecast to begin commercial production of a TV set in February, at a Sharp plant in Japan, according to Jefferies analyst Peter Misek. In particular Apple is said to be partnering with Sharp for LCDs, and starting production at the latter company's Gen 10 Sakai plant in Osaka. The TV is said to be in position for a mid-2012 launch.
An analyst has confirmed that the QXGA 2048x1536 9.7-inch iPad 3 display is in production, according to CNET. Richard Shim of DisplaySearch also said, as previously rumored, that Apple is taking shipments from Samsung, Sharp and LG to ensure sufficient production yield for a planned early 2012 launch. Also in the cards is the possibility of the rumored 7-inch iPad mini.
Apple's iPad 3 screen plans have already seen it take millions of the displays, according to claims from the part chain made late Thursday. LG, Samsung, and new partner Sharp reportedly shipped one million of the new screens in October, with two million due to have reached assembly plants by the end of November. TPK and Wintek, which primarily make touchscreen layers, may be shipping a million units combined each month, starting as soon as this week but no later than December.
Apple may be cutting back on iPad 2 shipments as it gears up to introduce a new supplier for iPad 3 LCDs, according to new rumors from the parts chain. LCD contractors were said by Digitimes to be making "inventory adjustments" by about 850,000 of the tablet's screens. In October, LG Display had cut its production by 500,000, while Chi Mei Innolux had cut its small output in half from 700,000 to 350,000.
The NFC Forum has added some high profile vendors its ranks. Recently, Sharp, ZTE, and HTC joined the non-profit organization that advances the use of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. Other notable participants include Barclaycard and Isis, the mobile payment joint venture between Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T.
Apple quietly slipped through two key moves in sync with the iPhone 4S on Tuesday. Moving far faster than rumors, it planned to bring the new iPhone to KDDI on the same October 14 release day as SoftBank. The move both ends SoftBank's three-year exclusive on the iPhone in Japan and is the first known CDMA iPhone outside of the US.
LightSquared landed a key deal Monday for Sharp to supply devices. Carriers using LightSquared's LTE-based 4G network will have optimized smartphones and tablets. The newcomer didn't mention which devices, but Android hardware such as the seven-inch Galapagos tablet and high-end smartphones like the Aquos 104SH are candidates.
Sharp has announced its latest flagship Android smartphone, the Aquos 104SH. The 104SH is an extremely thin (8.7mm/0.34in.) handset and features a 4.5in., 720 x 1020 HD touchscreen. It will use the same Texas Instruments OMAP 4460 processor as the Google Nexus Prime, a 1.5GHz dual-core CPU that has been optimized for the next release of Android, version 3.2 "Ice Cream Sandwich." The main camera is a 12 megapixel CMOS sensor that can shoot full HD video at 30 FPS. The auxiliary camera has a 3 megapixel CMOS sensor. It will ship with a 2GB MicroSDHC memory card.
Sharp's has just revealed the 80-inch LC-80LE632U, which it claims is the largest LED-lit LCD TV commercially available. It sports a 1080p resolution and is labeled as a Smart TV with both Wi-Fi as well as access to apps such as Netflix, CinemaNow and Vudu. Sharp is quick to point out the TV has more than double the screen area of a 55-inch TV.
Japanese carrier KDDI has announced its winter lineup for the last quarter of 2012. The second largest wireless provider in Japan will be offering six Android phones, two feature phones and a new tablet. In a unique touch, most of these phones offer waterproof protection.
KDDI will soon end SoftBank's lock as the only Japanese iPhone carrier, sources claimed late Wednesday. The new provider would open up to sales of the iPhone 5 under its Au service sometime early 2012, the Nikkei said. It could theoretically start earlier, but it would need more time to prepare.
Largely unknown patent holder LVL Patent Group late last week quietly sued much of the US cellphone business and beyond for alleged patent violations (below). It claims that the iPhone, many Android devices, Symbian, and basic feature phones as well as their carriers violate one or more of a group of four generic patents, including data transaction servers and devices for entering transactions. Most of the patents were issued in or before 2000, but one of the device patents was only live on September 13, two days before the lawsuit was filed.
Sharp on Thursday checked its ambitions in the tablet arena with word that it was dropping its original two Galapagos tablets. Both the 5.5-inch and 10.8-inch models will exit the market at the end of September, about 10 months after they went on sale. Only the seven-inch A01SH launched last month will stay on sale.
Sharp appears to be expanding its launch plans for the FX Plus handset, a budget Android offering that takes inspiration from the company's Sidekick messaging phone. Walmart was the first retailer to sell the device, however it is now set to arrive at many of AT&T's other outlets.
Sharp has unveiled a new Aquos smartphone, the SH8298U, which will be initially offered to customers at Japanese carrier SoftBank. The device is focused on 3D capabilities, built around a 4.2-inch glasses-free display with qHD resolution. Users can also capture 3D video and stills from a dual-camera configuration with two eight-megapixel sensors.
Sharp Japan just introduced a new 70-inch Aquos LCD TV, the LC-70XS, for its home market. The set sports an above average 15,000,000:1 contrast ratio with according brightness and is LED-backlit. Its 240Hz panel displays 1080p content and can also show 3D images with active shutter glasses.
LG, Philips and Sharp have formed an alliance to develop a shared set of standards for their respective Smart TV apps. The group is using common standards such as HTML5, CE-HTML and HbbTV to introduce the first beta version of a common Software Development Kit (SDK). The aim of the project is to allow developers create a single app that run on a TV from any of the three companies.
Sony, Hitachi, and Toshiba on Wednesday confirmed an alliance to work together on mobile LCDs. The deal, helped by $2.6 billion in government funds, will see them share production on displays for smartphones and tablets. They plan to research more advanced displays as well, such as OLEDs
Sharp has launched its 7-inch Galapagos A01SH tablet in Japan. The Wi-Fi-only version of the tablet has a Tegra 2 processor and 1GB RAM. It also has Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, GPS, a 5-megapixel rear camera with flash and a 2-megapixel front camera. It runs Android 3.2.
Industry contacts divulged early Wednesday that Apple was investing $1 billion into a Sharp LCD plant. The proposed deal would guarantee a steady supply of screens for iPads and iPhones, Reuters said. It would combine with a now supposedly corroborated investment in Toshiba to the same ends.
A rumor late Monday conveniently pushed back the iPad 3 out of a questionable 2011 release window. Apple was supposedly due to ship the tablet in limited numbers in 2011 but has cancelled all orders until 2012. Tips to Digitimes claimed that it was due to poor production yields of the 2048x1536 display, which makes it too expensive at Sharp and just isn't enough to meet goals at LG and Samsung.
Sharp took advantage of its rights to Pioneer's Elite name by launching its own range of Elite TVs. Now using LCDs, the 60-inch Pro-60X5FD and 70-inch Pro-70X5FD both have a unique scanning backlight effect that goes beyond 240Hz; the company claims an equivalent to about 720Hz. Both have an Intelligent Variable Contrast system that purportedly goes beyond usual dynamic contrast to tune the brightness and the backlight for maximum effect.
Sharp and EAccess picked Wednesday to unveil their tablet running Android 3. The seven-inch Galapagos A01SH runs off of Android 3.2 to get a true tablet-native OS in a smaller size. While its 1024x600 display isn't as exotic as the 5.5- and 10.8-inch slates, it will come bundled with a 42Mbps 3G mobile router to hop online.
Walmart has spoiled some of AT&T's plans by pre-announcing the Sharp FX Plus. The Android phone owes a clear debt to the Sidekick that Sharp once made and has the same concept of a slider where the display, not the body, slides out to reveal a QWERTY keyboard. Sharp keeps it simpler than the Sidekick 4G with a 3.2-inch display, a three-megapixel camera, and a mix of 512MB of internal storage with a bundled 2GB microSD card.
Apple, Amazon, Nokia, Research in Motion and several other companies are all violating patents related to GPRS networking, a new lawsuit alleges. The plaintiff is GPNE, a company based in Honolulu, Hawaii. GPRS is the basic data platform associated with modern GSM phone networks. 3G, in the form of HSPA, represents an additional layer.
The latest Sharp Galapagos tablet has passed though the FCC certification process. The new 7-inch tablet fits between a 5.5-inch and a 10.8-inch in Sharp’s Android tablet range. The only details to emerge from the FCC testing reveal, unsurprisingly, that it is equipped with an 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi radio.
Android is holding on to its place as the most popular platform in Japan, comScore determined on Thursday. Google's platform more than doubled its user base in the country between December and March to hit 4.6 million devices, overtaking the iPhone in the process. Apple also saw its base go up but budged by just over 100,000 phones to reach 3.9 million.
Sharp appears to be readying another Android-based handset, which carries the model number SH8188U. Leaked images posted on Unwired View show a slate design, without a QWERTY keyboard or other hardware buttons. The display is said to offer WVGA resolution and fills most of the facade, however the corner-to-corner measurement remains unclear.
Retail store PC Richard & Son Inc. has sued Toshiba and Sharp, along with 13 other LCD makers for allegedly conspiring to fix prices of the screens, BusinessWeek reported on Friday. The complaint, filed in Brooklyn, New York, states that the companies met or communicated to agree to LCD product prices and how many each would produce since 1996. The suit was also filed by ABC Appliance and Marta Cooperative of America.
Sharp claimed a world's first for Android on Friday with a clamshell phone. Superficially, the Aquos Hybrid 007SH resembles a classic Japanese keitai (cellphone) design with its long, rectangular flip design and dialpad but runs a full version of Android 2.3 and takes touch input through its 3.4-inch, 480x800 swiveling screen. The device has dedicated Android navigation buttons but follows many of the rules of feature phones with D-pad input and shortcuts, down to dial pad text entry if they like.
Sharp has teamed up with Japanese broadcaster NHK on a prototype 85-inch LCD set that is the first to support a native 7680x4320 resolution. The much denser image lets it receive NHK's recently tested Super Hi-Vision broadcasts without losing any detail. Super Hi-Vision offers 16 times the resolution of 1080p HDTV, and NHK plans on sending out trial broadcasts in 2020.
