FRAMINGHAM, MA – Worldwide smartphone shipments are expected to surpass 1 billion units in 2013, representing 39.3% growth over 2012, IDC said. Despite a number of mature markets nearing smartphone saturation, the demand for low-cost computing in emerging markets continues to drive the smartphone market forward, the research firm stated.

MANIEMA PROVINCE, DRC -- Changes in local trade following the agreement to mine conflict-free metals in the Democratic Republic of Congo have had many positive impacts on the community, according to the promoters of a new mining traceability program.

SON, THE NETHERLANDS – Neways Electronics plans to terminate production activities at its subsidiary in Kassel, Germany, after a major fire in September brought all production at the site to a halt. The EMS company said that after an evaluation of its options, there's no alternative other than to terminate Neways Electronics Production's production activities.

HUDSON, NH – Contract assembler Altronics Manufacturing plans to increase its factory size by about 50% in order to accommodate system assembly and box build, the company told a local paper.