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Taiwan Fines Apple for iPhone Price-Plan Meddling

Apple Inc. has been fined 20 million New Taiwan dollars and ordered to stop interfering with mobile service providers and handset distributors’ pricing.

Acer Seeks to Regroup With New CEO, Job Cuts

The slowdown in traditional PC sales claims another victim.

PlayPhone Adds SingTel to Its Roster, Betting on “Not Yet Mature” Emerging Markets

And it’s a safe bet, too. Just don’t expect a whole lot of change overnight.

News Byte

Samsung Fined Over HTC Smear Campaign

Taiwan’s Fair Trade Commission has slapped Samsung with a fine for the astroturf smear campaigns it has waged against some of its rivals. On Thursday, the agency levied a $341,037 fine against Samsung’s Taiwanese subsidiary for hiring students to post fake online reviews criticizing HTC devices. A pittance, considering Samsung’s $4 billion marketing budget, but certainly a PR blow. The company said it’s reviewing the decision and will “take all necessary steps” to protect its reputation.

News Byte

iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c Headed to 50 New Markets by November 1

Apple’s newest iPhones will arrive at market in more than 50 countries by Nov. 1. On Oct. 25, the flagship iPhone 5s and its sibling, the iPhone 5c, will go on sale in 35 new markets, including Austria, Ireland, Italy, Russia, Spain and Taiwan. A week later, on Nov. 1, the devices will begin shipping in an additional 35 countries. Among them: India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. You’ll find a full list of the markets Apple has targeted for the next wave of iPhone releases here.

Voices

Spotify Extends Reach in Asia With Taiwan Rollout

The music-streaming service also starts in Turkey, Greece and Argentina.

HTC Confirms Job Cuts at U.S. Operations

About 30 workers were cut as part of the action, a source tells AllThingsD.
HTC-store-taiwan-380x285

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HTC Developing Smartphone Operating System

HTC Corp. is developing a mobile software system specifically for Chinese consumers, people familiar with the project say, as part of a big China bet that the Taiwanese smartphone maker hopes will help revive sliding sales.

HTC Looks to Robert Downey Jr. to Rehab Its Image

The Taiwanese phone maker, which saw its star rapidly rise and then come crashing back to earth, is tapping an actor who knows a thing or two about turning things around.
Robert Downey Jr. HTC

Has Apple Hit a Wall in China?

Foxconn’s Firefox OS Hiring Spree

How Hard Will Weak PC Sales Hit Intel?