Samsung outspent Apple in ads last year

BREAKTHROUGH IN THE SECOND KOREAN WAR: Here’s an interesting tidbit—and a not surprising one if you watch a lot of TV. The Wall Street Journal reports that Samsung outspent Apple in smartphone advertising last year $401 million to $333 million. The Korean company initiated this marketing blitz after bring outspent by Apple three to one in 2011. This outlay has paid off, as the deluge of spots for the Galaxy line has played a major role in establishing the well-designed phone as the first serious challenger to the iPhone. "They understand how to build a strong product...and have been willing to invest to drive their success," T-Mobile marketing head Michael Sievert told the WSJ. Samsung ended the year with a leading 30.3% share of the worldwide smartphone market, up from 19% at the end of 2011, according to IDC. Meanwhile, despite strong sales, Apple's share of the smartphone market was essentially flat, as the company held on to the # 2 spot with 19.1%, up from 18.8% in 2011. (3/13a)