Michael Kan - Author

Stories by Michael Kan

Apple pushing iPhone 4 in China to gain market share

As rumors of Apple's budget iPhone continue to circulate, the U.S. tech giant has been pushing sales of its older iPhone 4 model in China as a way to grab market share in the nation's mid-tier market, according to research firm IDC.

By Michael Kan | 17 June, 2013 17:28

Tags: Apple, consumer electronics, china mobile, smartphones

Local developer aims to bring mobile apps to Myanmar

How do you build a blockbuster app in Myanmar, one of Asia's poorest countries? You go and ask a fortune teller for help, according to 25-year-old Htoo Myint Naung, a local developer.

By Michael Kan | 14 June, 2013 13:46

Tags: mobile applications, consumer electronics, smartphones, mobile, Technomation

Decades-old bets in Myanmar's tech industry finally reap rewards

It may have taken almost two decades, but Tun Thura Thet's investment in one of Asia's poorest countries is finally paying off.

By Michael Kan | 14 June, 2013 07:54

Tags: distribution, regulation, smartphones, hardware systems, desktop pcs, laptops, government, internet, trade, consumer electronics, Google, Microsoft

Myanmar braces for mobile phone boom as Internet access trickles in

In Yangon, Myanmar, giant Samsung billboards hang overhead as dozens of handset shops line the crowded city streets and advertise the latest smartphones. Just a few years ago, you wouldn't have seen such a sight, said Soe Nyi Nyi, a local tech entrepreneur.

By Michael Kan | 14 June, 2013 07:27

Tags: Huawei Technologies, telecommunication, consumer electronics, htc, regulation, smartphones, Samsung Electronics, government, internet

Amazon launches Kindle tablet and e-reader in China

After remaining quiet on the hardware front for years, Amazon.com's China business has finally brought the company's Kindle tablet and Kindle e-reader to the country.

By Michael Kan | 07 June, 2013 11:10

Tags: consumer electronics, amazon.com, hardware systems, tablets, e-readers, Android tablets

$US99 Android PC maker hopes to set off industry change

At $US99, the mini PC developed by thin-client expert Young Song is meant to be affordable. In fact, the price is so low, most consumers won't hesitate to buy one, he said.

By Michael Kan | 05 June, 2013 13:36

Tags: computex, mobile applications, ZeroDesktop, Android OS, hardware systems, desktop pcs, mobile

Hands-on with Acer's 8-inch Windows 8 tablet, Iconia W3 (+8 photos)

After months on the market, Windows 8 tablets have yet to rack up the sales Microsoft and PC vendors were originally hoping for. But on Monday Taiwanese PC maker Acer showed off what could be the first of many Windows 8 tablets to come in smaller screen sizes, following the success of Apple's iPad mini and Google's Nexus 7.

By Michael Kan | 03 June, 2013 14:29

Tags: computex, hardware systems, tablets, acer

Foxconn developing 5 Firefox OS devices, could include tablet

Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer, has become the latest company to back Mozilla's Firefox OS and is developing more than five devices running the mobile operating system for its customers.

By Michael Kan | 03 June, 2013 09:43

Tags: computex, business issues, consumer electronics, Foxconn Technology Group, smartphones, Mobile OSes, mobile, mozilla

14-year-old worker found dead at possible Asus supplier in China

A 14-year-old worker has been found dead after working at an electronics factory in China that may make products for Asus, another potential case of underage labor abuse in the country.

By Michael Kan | 31 May, 2013 14:05

Tags: Electronics manufacturing, Health and safety, asus, environment

Foxconn's Hon Hai sets up new research center in Sharp's backyard

Foxconn's Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. has set up a new research center devoted to display and touch technologies in Japan that could end up hiring staff away from Sharp.

By Michael Kan | 31 May, 2013 10:08

Tags: business issues, Foxconn Technology Group, sharp, Components, investments, displays

Bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox requires account verification after Liberty Reserve shutdown

Mt. Gox is requiring all users to verify their accounts in order to make non-bitcoin currency deposits and withdrawals, less than a week after U.S. authorities said they shut down online payment processor Liberty Reserve for alleged money laundering.

By Michael Kan | 31 May, 2013 07:01

Tags: services, Mt. Gox, legal, Computing services, finance, industry verticals

Microsoft eyes enterprise market with new services center in China

Microsoft is expanding its enterprise services in China with a new Global Service Delivery Center in the country, the second of its kind in the world, the company said Wednesday.

By Michael Kan | 30 May, 2013 13:54

Tags: services, Microsoft

IDC: Server market revenue down 7.7 per cent in Q1

Server revenue worldwide was down 7.7 per cent year-over-year in the first quarter, as weak economic conditions and server consolidation by customers slowed sales, according to research firm IDC.

By Michael Kan | 30 May, 2013 04:11

Tags: Dell, servers, IDC, IBM, hardware systems, Hewlett-Packard

MediaTek launches quad-core tablet chip

Taiwan's MediaTek has launched a new quad-core ARM processor for tablets that is slated to be used in an upcoming IdeaTab device from Lenovo.

By Michael Kan | 29 May, 2013 10:29

Tags: MediaTek, hardware systems, Components, tablets, processors, Android tablets

Taiwan faces resistance over SOPA-like anti-piracy proposal

A proposal in Taiwan to enforce copyright laws by blocking access to top piracy sites is facing concerns that the measures could impinge on Internet freedoms on the island.

By Michael Kan | 28 May, 2013 14:09

Tags: regulation, intellectual property, legal, government