Apple iPhone 4S pre-orders in Hong Kong sold out within just 10 minutes, analyst Brian White with Ticonderoga Securities said Monday in a note to investors. Pre-orders began last Friday and the phone will officially land in stores this Friday. White estimates that the Chinese market will be key to Apple’s continued growth. The analyst believes Apple’s revenue from “Greater China” — mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan — topped $4.5 billion last quarter, a 270% increase from the same quarter in 2010. That figure was 16% of Apple’s total sales, up from the 2% of sales that Greater China represented in 2009. Apple currently owns and operates six official Apple Stores in China. White reiterated a Buy rating on Apple stock with a price target of $666.

HTC recently surpassed Acer as the most valuable international technology brand in Taiwan, according to Taiwan Economic News. The accolade was awarded to HTC by Taiwan’s External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and the Bureau of Foreign Trade. The company’s brand is now valued at $3.6 billion, up from just $1.37 billion last year. The Taiwan-based phone and tablet maker is followed by Acer ($1.94 billion) and Asus ($1.36 billion). “You have to make an investment, spend time, and stay patient,” HTC CEO Peter Chou advised other companies during the award ceremony, noting that HTC was not afraid to fail. “Even if we failed, the process would help to produce positive results for Taiwan.” HTC expects to ship 13.5 million smartphones during the second half of this year and it is planning to increase its presence in China dramatically. The company on Thursday reported third-quarter revenue of NT$135.8 billion, up 79% from the same quarter of 2010, and net income grew 68% over the same period to NT$18.6 billion.

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Shares of HTC’s stock closed down 3.9% at T$871 on Monday, just three days after the the U.S. International Trade Commission announced that the Taiwanese company was guilty of infringing on two of Apple’s patents. The patents were related to a “system and method for performing an action on a structure in computer-generated data,” and a “real-time signal processing system for serially transmitted data,” but the judge’s ruling is still awaiting the review of a 6-member Commission. “We are highly confident we have a strong case for the ITC appeals process and are fully prepared to defend ourselves using all means possible,” HTC’s general council Grace Lei said on Friday “We strongly believe we have alternate solutions in place for the issues raised by Apple. We look forward to resolving this case, so we can continue creating the most innovative mobile experiences for consumers.” HTC also has an ongoing patent lawsuit against Apple. The Financial Times attributed the sell-off to “investor fears that the legal battle could have wider implications for the competitive balance between Apple and Google Android-based phonemakers like HTC, Samsung, and Motorola.”

[Via 9to5 Mac]

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Apple has initiated a new seven day return policy in Taiwan in accordance with the country’s consumer protection laws, MacRumors reported on Friday. Taiwanese iTunes App Store customers can now receive a full refund on purchased applications within a seven day window after the purchase date. Specifically, Apple’s iTunes App Store, iBookstore, and Mac App Store terms now state:

You may cancel your purchase within seven (7) days from the date of delivery and iTunes will reimburse you for the amount paid, provided you inform iTunes that you have deleted all copies of the product. Upon cancellation you will no longer be licensed to use the product. This right cannot be waived.

Apple doesn’t currently offer that option to customers in the United States. Instead, consumers must approach Apple and request a refund on a specific app. That request will then be reviewed and Apple grants refunds as it sees fit. Google’s competing Android Market allows users to receive a full refund within a 15-minute window after downloading a new application. We’d certainly love to see Apple provide this sort of refund process in the United States, but we’re not holding our breath.

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Apple may have just hit Samsung where it hurts as the two companies continue their ongoing legal battles over patents. Apple, said to be the largest buyer of Samsung components, will not use Samsung to build its next-generation A6 processor, Reuters reports. Instead, Taiwan-based TSMC has reportedly been contracted to build the chip, which is expected to power Apple’s future iPhone and iPad devices. TSMC, the world’s largest contract microchip manufacturer, is said to have already begun test production of Apple’s A6 processor. Samsung currently builds the A5 processor used in Apple’s popular iPad 2 tablet and it owns numerous patents surrounding the chip’s design, including a patent that covers the processor’s the system design and memory packaging. The A5 chip is also expected to be included in Apple’s iPhone 5, which is expected to launch later this year. Should TSMC in fact be manufacturing Apple’s next-generation mobile CPU, it will likely feature a significant redesign in order to avoid potential patent complaints from Samsung.

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Taiwan’s minister of the Counsel of Labor Affairs (CLA) on Thursday announced her intentions to raise the nation’s basic wage for public workers by over 3%. CLA minister Jennifer Wang remarked that despite a 3.47% increase to Taiwan’s basic wage last year, the planned 3% pay hike for public workers should be increased further still. Wang argues that the country’s base pay was too low to begin with, so another 3% hike will not be sufficient for those earning a minimum wage. As of January 1st of this year, basic pay for public workers was increased from NT$17,280 to NT$17,880, or approximately $619 each month. The CLA minister’s comments came following Lawmaker Ho Tsai-feng’s note that the minimum wage should be raised by $2,330 each month, the average increase across all public workers at the currently slated 3% rate. This would bring Taiwan’s monthly minimum wage to NT$20,110, or $696.

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It’s no wonder why Foxconn is considering moving some facilities outside Taiwan and China and into other countries like Brazil. Beyond the potential tax benefits for the manufacturer and its clients, China and Taiwan are finally beginning to address problems surrounding the working conditions its citizens have endured in recent history. Forced wage increases and other recent moves such as Taipei City’s decision on Tuesday to slash the maximum monthly working hours from 312 to 260 for some laborers threaten to spill over into other regions and industries. For Foxconn and parent company Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd. — which just revealed March revenue of NT$214.9 billion ($7.39 billion USD), up 41% over February — the financial impact of these moves on the bottom line could be massive. It will be interesting to see how Chinese President Hu Jintao receives Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff as they discuss shifting billions of dollars out of China and into Brazil.

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Apple has reportedly placed a new order for 30 million display panels per year from leading display manufacturer AU Optronic. The unconfirmed report from Taiwan Economic News suggests Apple paid a huge 300-400% premium to lock in the order, which could see AU Optronics produce up to 100,000 iPad 2 displays each day. The order accounts for about half of the global tablet market, the report claims. Apple had sourced its 9.7-inch iPad 2 displays from LGD and Samsung and some manufacturing took place in Japan, which could be part of the reason for Apple’s willingness to pay a premium to a new supplier. It is also unclear if the move is a response to light leakage problems many have reported with Apple’s current iPad 2 displays.

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While this isn’t the most comprehensive global-roaming agreement you will ever see, it’s a start. Via a short press release, the U.S.’s third largest wireless provider — Sprint — has announced a global-roaming deal that will allow its WiMAX customers to operate on the Digicel and Global Mobile networks in Jamaica and Taiwan respectively. Sprint users traveling to the aforementioned areas with WiMAX-enabled devices will be able to purchase an unlimited, 24-hour data pass for $14.99.

“Over the years, we’ve built a robust ecosystem of partners that dwarves any other 4G ecosystem available today and as the first U.S. wireless carrier to launch international 4G roaming we’ve clearly demonstrated our leadership,” said Todd Rowley, the company’s vice-president of 4G.

While $14.99 per day seems a bit steep, the pricing is actually quite reasonable. AT&T’s closest offering to a an unlimited international data-bucket is its 200MB monthly plan (daily or weekly plans are not available), which retails for $199.99 — 5 days of unlimited WiMAX data at $14.99 per day would cost just $74.95. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Sprint Becomes First National Wireless Carrier in U.S. to Offer International 4G Roaming

4G Customers Traveling Abroad to Select Areas in Jamaica and Taiwan Can Now Roam on 4G Networks Offered by Digicel and Global Mobile

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), January 31, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE:S) today announced that customers traveling abroad now have roaming access to 4G networks offered by Digicel in Jamaica and Global Mobile in Taiwan. Select Sprint 4G devices that operate with the Sprint SmartViewSM Connection Manager will automatically detect the Digicel and Global Mobile networks, giving customers the option to connect and roam with an unlimited, 24-hour daypass for $14.99 excluding surcharges and taxes.

“Sprint has partnered with Digicel and Global Mobile to further enhance the global 4G ecosystem with services that empower travelers on the go,” said Todd Rowley, vice president-Sprint 4G. “Over the years, we’ve built a robust ecosystem of partners that dwarves any other 4G ecosystem available today and as the first U.S. wireless carrier to launch international 4G roaming we’ve clearly demonstrated our leadership.”

The Sprint SmartView Connection Manager allows users to create a high-speed Internet connection for their computer anywhere on the Sprint 3G or 4G networks and now on compatible international 4G networks with a 4G-enabled Mobile Broadband Device, such as the Sprint 3G/4G U600 USB Modem. Sprint customers traveling to Jamaica and Taiwan will be able to access the Digicel and Global Mobile 4G networks for mobile downloads, video-chat capabilities and turbo-charged Web browsing at 4G speeds.

“Digicel is proud to have the first and only 4G network in Jamaica,” said Mark Linehan, CEO, Digicel Jamaica. “We look forward to welcoming Sprint customers and are positive that they will delight in roaming with Jamaica’s fastest wireless broadband.”

“We are excited to be Sprint’s first 4G roaming partner in Asia and looking forward to extending this alliance to our partners around the world,” said Rosemary W. Ho, CEO of Global Mobile. “As the leading 4G broadband operator in Taiwan, Global Mobile is committed to bring the most innovative service such as carrier-grade VOIP and mobile TV to our customers. I want to welcome our international roaming customers to experience the same innovative quadruple play service offering enjoyed by our customers.”

Sprint 4G can be found in 71 markets1 across the United States, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Sprint is delivering the power of 4G as the majority shareholder of Clearwire, the independent company that is building the WiMAX network. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.

Sixteen WiMAX operators from around the world convened in Taipei this week to draft an international roaming agreement for their 4G networks. The WiMAX Forum Global Operator Summit, as it is being called, had just shy of seventy representatives working on the deal. Global roaming is projected to be a $67 billion business by 2015.

“The WiMAX Forum Global Operator Summit was created to specifically address overcoming both business and consumer perceptions that data roaming is expensive, and to explore ways to help operators grow revenue,” said Ron Resnick, president of the WiMAX Forum. “WiMAX has an established ecosystem with nearly 600 deployments around the world. The opportunity for operators to offer their customers roaming is there, and it is an excellent way for operators to add another viable revenue stream and earn returns on their 4G network investments.”

Representatives from both Sprint Nextel and Clearwire attended the event. Full press release is after the break.

WiMAX™ Operators Gather to Draft Global Roaming Agreements

During the First WiMAX Forum Global Operator Summit in Taiwan, Operators Collaborated on Roaming Framework, Efforts

TAIPEI, Taiwan–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sixteen WiMAX operators from across the globe gathered in Taipei this week to draft roaming agreements and bring consumers one step closer to true global roaming on 4G networks. The first WiMAX Forum Global Operator Summit served as an interactive working event for all service providers to gain a concrete understanding of the opportunity for roaming and how to build a best-in-class framework for execution.

Global roaming continues to be one of the biggest challenges and opportunities for operators in the near and long-term. According to Informa Telecoms & Media, global roaming revenues are expected to grow by 86 percent over the next five years to reach USD $67 billion in 2015.

“The WiMAX Forum Global Operator Summit was created to specifically address overcoming both business and consumer perceptions that data roaming is expensive, and to explore ways to help operators grow revenue,” said Ron Resnick, president and chairman of the WiMAX Forum. “WiMAX has an established ecosystem with nearly 600 deployments around the world. The opportunity for operators to offer their customers roaming is there, and it is an excellent way for operators to add another viable revenue stream and earn returns on their 4G network investments.”

Nearly 70 representatives attended working sessions and collaborated to overcome industry obstacles, including: Accton Wireless Broadband, Aicent, ADT-BV, Alepo, Apacewave, Aptilo, AT4 Wireless, Banglalion, BridgeWater Systems, BSNL, Bureau Veritas ADT, Clearwire, Elite Core – India, Encodex Telesystems, FarEasTone, Gemtek, Global Mobile, Greenpacket, ID-WIBB, Indochina Telecom, Intel, ITRI, KT Telecom, LG Electronics, Media Tek Inc., Mformation, Motorola, M-Skylink Telecom, Packet One International, Planet Online Laos, Samsung, Sprint, Syniverse, Tatung InfoComm Co. Ltd., TTC, UQ Communications, VeeTime, Wi-Tribe and YTL Communications.

The WiMAX Forum Operator Summit event team included representatives from Sprint Nextel, Packet One Networks and ITRI of Taiwan. Summit sponsors included: Aicent, Aptilo Networks, Gemtek, Global Mobile Corporation, Green Packet and Vee Telecom.

For more information on WiMAX Forum initiatives, please visit http://www.WiMAXForum.org.

Today, Sprint announced a new, 4G international-roaming agreement it signed with Jamaican carrier Digicel and Taiwanese carrier Global Mobile. The new agreement will allow select Sprint devices — currently the Sierra Wireless 250U and Sprint U600 — to operate on the aforementioned networks while traveling abroad.

“With these agreements, Sprint is kicking down the door to 4G international roaming and taking a first step toward allowing people to enjoy 4G service wherever they are around the globe,” said Matt Carter, Sprint’s 4G chief. “We’ve taken the 4G leadership position in the U.S. and are now proud to partner with visionaries Digicel and Global Mobile to solidify our international leadership role.”

Users who want to connect to the Digicel or Global Mobile network will have to do so utilizing Sprint’s SmartView Connection Manager software. The software will provide one-click activation, GPS services, Sprint Wi-Fi network locations, and custom enterprise configurations.

Unfortunately, the “pricing and launch details of the agreements are still to be determined.” Hit the jump for the full press release.

Sprint Inks International 4G Roaming Agreements With Digicel and Global Mobile to Establish Global Ecosystem

4G Customers Traveling Abroad Will Soon be Able to Roam on 4G Networks in Jamaica and Taiwan

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sprint (NYSE:S) today announced that it has signed international 4G roaming agreements with Digicel in Jamaica and Global Mobile in Taiwan, leveraging the global ecosystem for 4G services to enable travelers on the go. Select Sprint devices that operate with the Sprint SmartViewSM Connection Manager will automatically detect the Digicel and Global Mobile networks, giving customers the option to connect and roam with an unlimited 24 hour Daypass. Pricing and launch details of the agreements are still to be determined.

“The response to our Digicel 4G broadband service – launched in August this year – has been phenomenal, and customers across the island are enjoying the benefits of Jamaica’s fastest wireless broadband”
“With these agreements, Sprint is kicking down the door to 4G international roaming and taking a first step toward allowing people to enjoy 4G service wherever they are around the globe,” said Matt Carter, president-Sprint 4G. “We’ve taken the 4G leadership position in the U.S. and are now proud to partner with visionaries Digicel and Global Mobile to solidify our international leadership role.”

The Sprint SmartView Connection Manager allows users to create a high-speed Internet connection for their computer anywhere on the Sprint 3G or 4G networks or on compatible international networks with a Mobile Broadband Device, such as the Sprint 3G/4G USB Modem 250U by Sierra Wireless or Sprint 3G/4G U600 USB Modem. Sprint customers traveling to Jamaica and Taiwan will be able to access the Digicel and Global Mobile 4G networks for mobile downloads, video chat capabilities and turbo-charged Web browsing at 4G speeds.

Sprint SmartView features:

• One-click activation for supported devices
• GPS features and services are available at the touch of a button for GPS-capable devices
• Easy connections to Sprint Wi-Fi networks around the globe, available on a pay-as-you-go basis
• Access to Sprint support services and tools via the Application section
• Enterprise custom configuration available – business customers, please contact your Sprint account manager for details

“The response to our Digicel 4G broadband service – launched in August this year – has been phenomenal, and customers across the island are enjoying the benefits of Jamaica’s fastest wireless broadband,” said Mark Linehan, CEO of Digicel Jamaica. “We are happy to welcome Sprint’s customers to Jamaica and trust they will enjoy the roaming experience delivered by Digicel’s mobile and broadband networks as much as they enjoy all that Jamaica has to offer.”

“We are honored to be a part of this global collaboration,” said Rosemary W. Ho, CEO of Global Mobile. “This agreement represents another major milestone in asserting Global Mobile as the leading 4G broadband operator in Taiwan. I want to welcome our international roaming customers to experience the same innovative quadruple play service offering enjoyed by our customers. I look forward to expanding this partnership to other operators around the world and to making ‘Worldwide Interoperability’ a reality.”

Sprint 4G can be found in 68 markets1 across the United States, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City and Washington, D.C. Sprint 4G plans to light up several new major markets, including San Francisco and Denver, by the end of this month.

Sprint is delivering the power of 4G as the majority shareholder of Clearwire, the independent company that is building the WiMAX network. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.

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This morning, we saw blueprints of what the HTC HD7 would look like. This afternoon, we get to see the handset in real images. Taiwanese forum mobile01.com has posted several images of the HD7 Windows Phone 7 device. The handset has the very familiar HTC form, kickstand (albeit not where we were expecting), and super-thin bezel. We’ve got a few more shots of the device after the break.

[Via WMPowerUser]

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For those BlackBerry users who refuse to sport black after Memorial Day, salvation is on the way. A white BlackBerry 9700, complete with a black track-button-nose, is currently visible on RIM’s Thai website. The addition of white to the Bold 9700 family is no surprise, as RIM debuted a pale version of the Bold 9000 several months after launch. Here at BGR, we are huge fans of Cheetos®, and for that reason alone, a white anything is out of the question. How about you? Does a white 9700 with a black nose pique anyone’s interests?

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Prospective iPad owners can probably stop panicking as Asian component suppliers have come forward to confirm that their supplies are on schedule, and Foxconn should have the resources to manufacture up to 700,000 iPads in March and one million units in April. The suppliers expect that the iPad launch will go smoothly as planned and the rumored delay and shortage put forth by analyst Peter Misek of Canaccord Adams can be filed in the “not likely to happen” category. Anyone’s hopes renewed now that the current intelligence points to a successful and robust iPad launch? As always, Digitimes to the rescue.

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