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Analysts consult Captain Obvious, expect tough quarters ahead for mobile makers
Enough already, alright? After hearing analysts suggest that the current economic situation would likely hurt handset sales at large, we've now got yet another poll telling us more of the same. After contacting a number of so-called gurus for their input on the situation, 8 out of 22 expected the market to contract next year, meaning that the mobile market could shrink for the first time since the tech crash in 2001; a month ago, just 1 out of 23 analysts polled felt this way. Granted, most still expect Q4 to grow compared to Q3 as individuals splurge during the holiday season, but things may not be so pretty in the new year. Here's an idea: let's make every phone at least as costly as the Softbank 823SH Tiffany -- those seem to be selling like gangbusters.[Via mocoNews, image courtesy of CrashOnMyHead]
Huawei postpones auction for major stake in mobile devices unit
It seems as if Huawei would rather hold tight to its mobile devices unit than sell it for less than it's worth, as evidenced by the sudden postponement of its auction last week. The Chinese telecom giant had cranked up the auction back in May in an attempt to generate cash and guidance for "navigating the North American market," but given the current economic situation, it reckons it's better off waiting for more prosperous times given that it's not in dire need of additional cash flow at the moment. We suspect Kenny Rogers said it best, and apparently, Huawei really does know when to hold 'em.[Via mocoNews]
Economic madness could hurt handset sales, sales of everything else
Ready for your daily dose of "Thanks, Captain Obvious"? A recent Reuters report is suggesting that the mayhem on Wall Street could really pose a threat to handset makers, with RIM in particular at risk. The logic goes something like this: lots of finance workers probably use BlackBerries, and if their jobs suddenly evaporate, so will their handsets. In truth, all handset makers are going to have a tougher time moving handsets (particularly second, third or fourth handsets) with spending on the decline, and it's said that operators have already started to combat the issue by "shifting their subsidy dollars to more expensive phone models." RIM's co-chief executive Jim Balsille seems a tad less worried, stating: "No matter how much economic challenge there is, how many people do you know that have given up their mobile?" Well played, Jim.[Image courtesy of DemInvest]
