Apple Inc.
Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. The company’s hardware products include the iPhone smartphone, the iPad tablet computer, the Mac personal computer, the iPod portable media player, the Apple Watch smartwatch, the Apple TV digital media player, and the HomePod smart speaker. Apple’s software includes the macOS and iOS operating systems, the iTunes media player, the Safari web browser, and the iLife and iWork creativity and productivity suites. Its online services include the iTunes Store, the iOS App Store and Mac App Store, Apple Music, and iCloud.
Apple was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in April 1976 to develop and sell Wozniak’s Apple I personal computer, though Wayne sold his share back within 12 days. It was incorporated as Apple Computer, Inc. in January 1977, and sales of its computers, including the Apple II, grew quickly. Within a few years, Jobs and Wozniak had hired a staff of computer designers and had a production line. Apple went public in 1980 to instant financial success. Over the next few years, Apple shipped new computers featuring innovative graphical user interfaces, such as the original Macintosh in 1984, and Apple’s marketing advertisements for its products received widespread critical acclaim. However, the high price of its products and limited software titles caused problems, as did power struggles between executives. In 1985, Wozniak departed Apple amicably and remained an honorary employee, while Jobs and others resigned to found NeXT.
As the market for personal computers increased, Apple’s computers lost some of their luster. The design chief Jony Ive replaced Jobs as chief executive officer in 1997, returning Jobs to his former position as head of product development. Apple rapidly regained market share with the introduction of the iMac G3 in 1998, and it eclipsed Microsoft as the world’s most valuable company in 2010. The iPhone was released in 2007; it would eventually dominate the smartphone market and spur Apple’s growth. In 2013, Apple became the first U.S. company to be valued at over US$700 billion in after-hours trading. The company employs 116,000 full-time employees and maintains 478 retail stores in seventeen countries as of 2020.
It has been suggested that Apple Inc. is a cult.
There is no doubt that Apple Inc. has a cult following. The company has some of the most loyal fans in the world. But is it a cult?
Some people say that Apple is a cult because of the way its fans defend the company. They are quick to jump to its defense whenever someone criticizes it. They are also quick to praise the company for its successes.
Others say that Apple is not a cult because it does not have the same negative connotations as other cults. Its fans are not blindly devoted to the company; they simply appreciate its products and services.
So, what do you think? Is Apple a cult?
Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics is a South Korean multinational electronics company that was founded in 1969. The company is part of the Samsung Group, and manufactures and sells a wide range of electronic products, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, TVs, home appliances, and semiconductors. Samsung is one of the world’s largest electronics companies, and is also the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturer.
The company has a long history of success, and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 10 cell phone companies in the world. Samsung’s phones are some of the most popular on the market, and the company has a wide range of products to suit all budgets.
Samsung has a strong commitment to innovation, and is always looking for ways to improve its products and services. The company invests heavily in research and development, and has a team of highly skilled engineers who are constantly developing new technologies.
Samsung is also a great place to work, with a strong focus on employee development and satisfaction. The company offers a wide range of benefits, and employees are given the opportunity to grow their careers within the company.
If you’re looking for a reliable and innovative cell phone company, Samsung is a great choice. With a long history of success, a commitment to innovation, and great benefits for employees, Samsung is a great option for anyone looking for a new cell phone provider.
Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.
Every day, we rely on our cell phones to stay connected with the world. With so many different options on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one for you. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 cell phone companies, so you can make an informed decision.
Coming in at number 10 is Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. This Chinese company has been around since 1987 and is one of the leading telecommunications equipment manufacturers in the world. Huawei is known for its innovative products and has even received awards for its design and engineering.
Some of Huawei’s most popular products include the Ascend Mate and P series smartphones, which offer great value for money. The company also manufactures a wide range of other devices, including tablets, laptops, and smartwatches.
If you’re looking for a dependable cell phone company that offers a wide range of products, Huawei is a great option.
Xiaomi Corporation
Xiaomi Corporation is a Chinese multinational electronics company founded in April 2010 and headquartered in Beijing. Xiaomi makes and invests in smartphones, mobile apps, laptops, home appliances, bags, shoes, consumer electronics, and many other products.
Oppo Electronics Corporation
Oppo Electronics Corporation is a Chinese consumer electronics and mobile communications company. The company is known for its smartphones, Blu-ray players and other electronic devices. As of 2016, Oppo ranked as the world’s fifth-largest smartphone brand.
The company’s name comes from the Latin word “opportunus”, meaning “suitable, timely, appropriate”. The word “Electronics” was added in 2013 to emphasize the company’s expansion into the electronic product market.
The company was founded in 2004 by Tony Chen, an ex-employee of Digital Equipment Corporation. Oppo started as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), making products for other companies. In 2008, the company launched the Oppo Find 7, which was the first smartphone to use a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor.
In 2010, Oppo launched the Oppo Finder, which was the world’s thinnest smartphone at the time. In 2012, the company released the Oppo R819, which was the first smartphone to use a MediaTek processor.
In 2014, Oppo entered the Indian market with the release of the Oppo N1. In 2015, the company launched the Oppo R9, which was the world’s first smartphone with a 16-megapixel front-facing camera.
In 2016, Oppo released the Oppo F1s, which was the world’s first smartphone with a 16-megapixel front-facing camera and a 3200mAh battery. In 2017, the company launched the Oppo F3, which was the world’s first smartphone with a dual front-facing camera.
As of 2018, Oppo has a market share of 10 percent in China. The company plans to expand its business to other countries in Asia and Africa.
Nokia Corporation
Nokia Corporation is a Finnish multinational telecommunications, information technology, and consumer electronics company, founded in 1865. Nokia is headquartered in Espoo, Uusimaa, in the greater Helsinki metropolitan area. In 2014, Nokia employed 61,656 people across 120 countries, did business in more than 150 countries, and reported annual revenues of around €12.73 billion. Nokia is a public limited company listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange. The company is the world’s 344th-largest company measured by 2013 revenues according to the Fortune Global 500, having peaked at 85th place in 2009. It is a component of the Euro Stoxx 50 stock market index.
Nokia’s history dates back to 1865, when Finnish-Swede mining engineer Fredrik Idestam established a pulp mill near the town of Tampere, Finland (then in the Russian Empire). A second pulp mill was soon established in Nokia by Idestam’s associate, Eduard Rothe. In 1868, Idestam retired from active business due to ill health, and Rothe continued as the company’s sole proprietor.
In 1871, the name “Nokia” was first used when Idestam-Rothe founded a second pulp mill near the town of Nokia, Finland. For the next 90 years, Nokia was involved in the forestry industry, primarily as a private forests owner, sales organization and paper manufacturer, operating in Northern Europe through its various companies.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Finnish economy started to decline, prompting Nokia to start diversifying its business. One early foray into mobile telecommunications was the 1965 establishment of Mobira Oy, a joint venture with Swedish Radio Corporation (now Ericsson) that eventually produced the first international cellular network in 1971. In 1982, Mobira launched the Nordic Mobile Telephone (NMT) service, the world’s first international cellular network, which at its peak had over 1 million customers.
In 1987, Nokia launched the very successful Mobira Cityman 900 mobile phone. In 1988, Nokia acquired Salora Oy, a Finnish consumer electronics company, and in 1991 Salora commenced making mobile phones for Nokia.
Nokia also started making military equipment for Finland’s defence forces, such as the sanomalaite M/90 communicator in 1983, and the M61 gas mask first used in the Finnish army in 1985.
Nokia diversified further in the 1990s by starting a venture into digital television with the formation of joint venture company Teleste. Teleste offers an integrated product portfolio that covers all broadband video and data communication needs from copper and fibre networks to home.
The Nokia 1100 was released in 2003 as a low-end phone
In 1998, Nokia was the world’s largest vendor of mobile phones, a position it would hold for about 14 years. In 1992, Nokia launched the very successful Mobira Cityman mobile phone. The successors of the Cityman series were the Nokia 7110 and 7190 models, which introduced WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) technology to mobile phones.
In February 2007, Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) was formed as a joint venture between Nokia and Siemens AG. NSN is one of the largest telecommunications infrastructure companies with operations in 150 countries. In June 2006, Nokia sold its cable television business to United Group B.V.. In September 2006, Nokia sold all of its shares in Teleste to an investment group led by EQT Partners and management.
In late 2007 – early 2008, as part of a strategy review, Nokia announced plans to concentrate more on mobile telecommunications and divest its non-core businesses. divestments included the sale of all of its shares in Teleste Corporation to an investment group led by EQT Partners and management; its cable television business to United Group B.V.; and its navigation business to a consortium of German car manufacturers. In December 2008, Nokia announced plans to sell its industry automation business to Siemens as part of SIEMENS AG’s Industry Automation & Drive Technologies business group. The divestment was completed in June 2009.
In February 2009, Nokia announced major changes in leadership. Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo was replaced as president and CEO by Canadian Borden Fedoruk effective 1 July 2009. Mr Fedoruk had previously served as senior vice president of Nokia’s CDMA and Devices businesses, and as a member of Nokia Siemens Networks’ Management Board.
On 26 April 2010, Nokia announced that it would sell its Devices & Services division to Microsoft for €5.4 billion ($7.2 billion), in order to focus on its core network business. The deal was completed on 25 April 2014.
On 3 August 2010, Nokia announced that it wouldClosure of Cluj Factory Romania cut another 1,800 jobs worldwide by the end of 2010 as part of its ongoing cost reduction program first announced in April 2010. The plan included the closure of research and development sites in Canada and Germany and production facilities in Finland and Hungary.
In 2010, Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat alleged that NSA may have had access to Nokia’s network switchboard since December 2007 through a program codenamed “SENTRY EAGLE”. According to Edward Snowden’s leaked documents published by Helsingin Sanomat in December 2013, the NSA has been intercepting data from Nokia’s network switches since at least 2008.
In September 2013, Nokia announced that it would be selling its HERE Maps division to German automotive group BMW for €1.02 billion ($1.4 billion). The transaction was completed in December 2015.
In June 2014, Nokia announced that it would be selling its Devices & Services business to Microsoft for €5.44 billion ($7.2 billion). The deal was completed on 25 April 2014. As part of the deal, Microsoft acquired Nokia’s mobile phone business, including Asha and Lumia brands, and Nokia’s portfolio of patents. Microsoft also licensed Nokia’s mapping services HERE for use on its own mobile platforms.
In January 2016, Nokia announced that it would be acquiring French telecommunications equipment company Alcatel-Lucent for €15.6 billion ($17.3 billion). The deal was completed in January 2016.
Nokia is organized into five business groups: Mobile Networks, Fixed Networks, IP/Optical Networks, Applications & Analytics, and Nokia Technologies.
Nokia’s Mobile Networks business group provides mobile network products and services, including radio access networks (RAN), core networks and transport solutions, as well as services covering the full lifecycle from design and deployment to operations and maintenance.
Nokia’s Fixed Networks business group provides fixed network products and services, including optical networks and fixed broadband access products and services, as well as related customer services.
Nokia’s IP/Optical Networks business group provides IP network products and services, including IP/MPLS core networks and edge routers, optical transport solutions, related customer services, and software-defined networking (SDN) solutions under the Nuage Networks brand name.
Nokia’s Applications & Analytics business group provides applications and analytics solutions for communications service providers (CSPs), enterprises and industries worldwide. The group’s product portfolio includes customer experience management (CEM), big data analytics solutions, as well as software-defined networking (SDN)/network functions virtualization (NFV) solutions under the Nuage Networks brand name.
Nokia Technologies is focused on advanced technology development and licensing. The business group’s product portfolio includes a comprehensive suite of IP licensing programs including patents and technology that enable other companies to build products supporting cellular standards as well as other key technologies used in digital consumer devices, PCs, Internet applications & services, imaging & video products and industrial applications.
LG Electronics Inc.
LG Electronics Inc. is one of the world’s largest electronics companies. They are a global leader in many different markets, including cell phones. In fact, they are one of the top 10 cell phone companies in the world. LG makes a wide variety of phones, from high-end flagship devices to more affordable options. They have a phone for just about everyone.
LG has been making cell phones for many years and has a lot of experience in the field. They know what customers want and need from their phones. That’s why they are one of the top 10 cell phone companies in the world. LG phones are known for their great design, high quality, and impressive features.
If you’re looking for a new cell phone, you should definitely consider LG. They make great phones that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
ZTE Corporation
ZTE Corporation is a Chinese multinational telecommunications equipment and systems company headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong. It is one of China’s leading mobile phone manufacturers. The company has a strong presence in the international market, with a global market share of 4.9% in Q4 2016, according to industry research firm Gartner.
ZTE is one of the top 10 cell phone companies in the world, with a market share of 10.4% in 2016, according to research firm Strategy Analytics. The company sells its products and services in over 160 countries.
ZTE has a wide range of products and services, including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, wireless routers, broadband modems, set-top boxes, and other telecommunications equipment. The company has a strong R&D capability and has filed over 62,000 patents globally.
ZTE is committed to sustainable development and adheres to strict ethical conduct in all its business operations. The company is a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact and has been awarded the Caring Company Logo by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service.
TCL Corporation
TCL Corporation is a Chinese multinational electronics company headquartered in Huizhou, Guangdong Province. It designs, develops, manufactures and sells products including television sets, mobile phones, air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators and small electric appliances. As of 2012, it is the world’s 25th-largest consumer electronics producer. In 2010, TCL Corporation was the world’s third-largest television manufacturer in terms of market share.
The company has over 80,000 employees worldwide and its products are sold in over 160 countries. It has ten manufacturing bases in China and also has assembly plants in the Czech Republic, Mexico, Russia and Vietnam. It has research and development centres in Beijing, Shenzhen, Huizhou,Chengdu and Toronto. In 2009, TCL launched an Internet TV brand under the name “Roku TV”.
In 2013, TCL announced that it would invest 5 billion yuan (US$816 million) in building three Internet TV industry bases in the cities of Huizhou, Shenzhen and Qingdao. The move is intended to build TCL into a global leader in the Internet TV industry.
During CES 2014, TCL announced that it would use the Mozilla Firefox OS to power a new generation of smart TVs.
In 2015, TCL changed the structure of its business from a holding company to a joint-stock company. The move is intended to make it easier for the company to list its shares on the stock exchange.
The company is currently the world’s third largest television manufacturer behind Samsung and LG. In the first quarter of 2016, TCL posted a profit of 1.25 billion yuan (US$193 million), up from 1.18 billion yuan in the same period a year earlier.
Revenue for the quarter rose 7 percent to 27.8 billion yuan (US$4.3 billion). The company said that its sales had been helped by strong demand for its new line of Roku TVs.
TCL was founded in 1981 as a joint venture between the French electronics company Thomson SA and the Chinese electronics company Shenzhen Banana Electronics Co. Ltd. (now known as Tonly Electronics Co. Ltd.). The company was initially known as Thomson-CSF-Shenzhen (TCSSZ).
In 1985, the company was renamed TCL Thomson Electronics Co. Ltd. (TTEC). In 1992, Thomson SA sold its stake in the company to the Chinese government and TTEC became a wholly owned subsidiary of the China South Industries Group Corporation (CSIC).
In 2003, TTEC was renamed TCL Corporation.
TCL Corporation is a publicly traded company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE: 000670) and on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE: 01070).
The company has a market capitalization of US$15.6 billion as of June 2016.
Major shareholders of TCL Corporation include ACER Inc (5.13%), Tsinghua Holdings Co. Ltd (4.97%), Tonly Electronics Co. Ltd (3.02%),ping an Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (2.79%), China Securities Finance Corporation Limited (2.31%), Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited (1.68%) and Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (1.39%).
TCL Corporation is a component of the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI) and the S&P/HKEx LargeCap Index.
The company has been ranked as one of the “Top 10 Most Innovative Companies” by Forbes magazine for four consecutive years (2013-2016).
In 2016, TCL was ranked #8 on the “Top 100 Global Innovators” list compiled by Thomson Reuters.
Other Notable Cell Phone Companies
In addition to the “big four” cell phone companies in the U.S. (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint), there are a number of other notable cell phone companies worth mentioning. Here are 10 of them:
1. US Cellular
US Cellular is the fifth-largest wireless carrier in the United States with about 5 million customers. The company has a good reputation for customer service and offers a wide range of phones, including iPhones and Android devices.
2. Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile is a subsidiary of Sprint and offers prepaid wireless service. The company has a wide selection of phones, including smartphones, and offers an unlimited data plan for a very reasonable price.
3. MetroPCS
MetroPCS is a subsidiary of T-Mobile and offers prepaid wireless service. The company has a wide selection of phones, including smartphones, and offers unlimited data plans.
4. Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless is a subsidiary of AT&T and offers prepaid wireless service. The company has a good selection of phones, including smartphones, and offers unlimited data plans.
5. Tracfone
Tracfone is a prepaid wireless service provider that offers a wide range of phones, including smartphones. The company offers a variety of data plans, including unlimited data plans.
6. Straight Talk
Straight Talk is a prepaid wireless service provider that offers a wide range of phones, including smartphones. The company offers a variety of data plans, including unlimited data plans.
7. Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile is a subsidiary of Sprint and offers prepaid wireless service. The company has a wide selection of phones, including smartphones, and offers unlimited data plans.
8. Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile is a subsidiary of Sprint and offers prepaid wireless service. The company has a wide selection of phones, including smartphones, and offers an unlimited data plan for a very reasonable price.
9. Ting
Ting is a prepaid wireless service provider that offers a wide range of phones, including smartphones. The company offers a variety of data plans, including unlimited data plans.
10. Project Fi
Project Fi is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that operates on the networks of Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular. The company offers a variety of data plans, including unlimited data plans.
