This Morning: Apple’s Tops in the U.S., RIM Rebounds, OCZ Reports

Here are some things going on this morning in your world of tech:

Apple (AAPL) is the largest mobile phone vendor in the U.S. — that’s right, all mobile phones, not just smartphones — shipping 17.7 million units in Q4, for 34% market share, according to a report this morning from research firm Strategy Analytics.

Apple’s shipments rose 38%, year over year, well above the 4% growth of the total mobile phone market in the U.S., the firm believes. And Apple passed Samsung Electronics (005930KS), which had held the top spot in the year earlier quarter, and which saw just 24% growth. LG was in third place.

Research firm�NPD this morning reports that in just the�smartphone segment, Apple held onto its top-place slot, with 39% share to Samsung’s 30% share. Google‘s (GOOG) Motorola was third place with 7%.

Apple shares are down $2.49, or half a percent, at $452.95.

This coming Monday, you’ll be able to buy and sell shares of the company formerly known as Research in Motion (RIMM) under a new ticker symbol, “BBRY” in the U.S., and “BB” in Canada, as the company will be-relisted in accordance with its name-change to BlackBerry, which still has to go to a shareholder vote, later this year.

RIM stock is rebounding from selling earlier this week, rising 23 cents, or 1.7%, to $13.21. The stock got a thumbs up today from Peter Misek of Jefferies & Co., who thinks people are overlooking RIM’s software opportunities, focusing too much on sales prospects for the new BlackBerrys. He reiterates a Buy rating on the shares and a $19.50 price target.

Shares of audio processing technology vendor Audience (ADNC) continue the amazing surge they began last night, following a much-better-than-expected Q4 outlook. The stock is up $2.95, or 24%, at $15.15. The stock got two upgrades, that I can see, from Credit Suisse and from Deutsche Bank, although those are upgrades to Hold from Sell.

Solid-state drive maker OCZ Technology (OCZ) this morning disclosed fiscal Q2 revenue and Q3 revenue, from August and November of last year, which had gone unreported as it conducts a restructuring of its business.

The company said the move was “an effort to further communicate with key constituents of the Company.” The company had revenue of $65 million to $85 million both in the Q2 ended last August and in the November quarter. Although those levels are substantially below the $92 million and $104 million the Street had been estimating, CEO Ralph Schmitt said the company should be able to increase revenue by 20% to 30% in the fiscal year that begins in March.

OCZ shares are down 19 cents, or 8%, at $2.06.