iPhone Launched in Thailand with Poor 3G Network

The iPhone 3G has arrived in Thailand with the mobile operator True Move. According to the website iPhones Talk, Apple reportedly negotiated for some time to get the phone into the country. Despite its potential appeal in the Thai market, there is speculation surrounding how many Thai users will be able to take full advantage of the iPhone 3G's rich features due to spotty 3G coverage and lack of education about the phone's advantages, in addition to the lack of heavy data related usage there.

Given its price tag, another question arises: Does the iPhone make sense for consumers and operators in countries where voice calls dominate mobile use, and data/Wi-Fi usage isn't very high?

Due to a decision made by leading Thai mobile operators last year the country has scaled down their investment on 3G network upgrades, which could result in a large group of iPhone users without a fast, native network on which to use their gadget. According to Reuters India, however, True Move expects to launch 3G mobile services in Bangkok this coming April.

Kodak Zi6 Pocket Video Camera Review

We got our hands on Kodak's new Zi6 pocket high definition video camera and here is a quick review:

I think I can safely say when you look back in the future to the late 2000s, you’ll agree that it was the You Tube era. Whether it’s captured from your cellphone or video camera, not even an hour later its on You Tube or Vimeo. Kodak is making it even easier to record your footage and get it up on You Tube with the Kodak Zi6 and we where lucky enough to get a chance to put it through its paces.



Design:
The version of the Kodak Zi6 we got to review is pink, appropriate we think. The Kodak Zi6 is also available in black for those that may not dig pink as much. The design is very compact and light to hold. It’s not bulky at all and can easily slip into your jacket pocket or pocket book. The front of the device has a bright 2.4 color LCD screen and controls to either take a still picture or record video. However in bright sunlight the display is hard to see. The center of the unit has a joystick which we will get into more detail later on. On the left side of the device are two inputs one for AV the other for HD component. Kodak also provides the cables for both which is a nice touch. On the left side you will also find the USB 2.0 connector hiding. On the right side of the device there is the slot cover that is hiding the SD slot, battery cover, and a switch to enable normal or extreme closeups for images. The top of the Zi6 is the switch to turn the device on. The back of the Zi6 has the lens, a button to eject the USB connector, and the speaker. Everything is really placed in strategic places that make accessing them very easy and add to the simplicity and compactness of the device.



Setup:
This is a very simple device that doesn’t require any crazy manuals or DVDs to watch to figure out how to work it. The first thing that needed to be done was to charge the rechargeable batteries that are included with the device. I think its nice enough of Kodak to include double AA batteries regardless of them being rechargeable. It’s suggested to charge them for 12 hours before using to be able to take advantage of the full capacity of the batteries. However, you can use regular Duracell Double AA’s as well. Once they are done charging pop it into the device and slide the power button on the top of the device to turn it on. It could be a bit tough for those who have long nails. Even for myself I was having a little trouble turning it on comfortably. But once it’s on you’ll know because it will make a cute little chime like noise. The LCD display will then brighten up with whatever image you have in front of you.



Interface:
The interface of the Zi6 is really simple to use and you really will have no problem just picking this
up and recording in seconds. The first thing you will have to do is decide what you want to do first.
You have two options, take stills or record video. As I said earlier the center of the Zi6 has a control resembling a joystick. When pressed, it works as the record button in video mode or as a shutter in digital still mode. There are three different video modes - VGA, HD (720p) and HD with 60fps. In video mode, press it again and it will stop recording the footage. The same joystick can be used to zoom in or or out when taking a still or video. The zoom goes about 2X which isn’t bad for this size of a camera, however images tend to lose their quality when you use the zoom - undoubtedly because it’s a digital zoom and not an optical zoom.

Overall, the interface is a breeze to use. I was able to record video in seconds and take stills just the same. I was also able to delete any images I didn’t want just as quickly. I just pressed the garbage can button on the front of the device after I selected the image I wanted gone and it was deleted. The joystick also works as a directional in preview mode to look at stills or video you have taken. I’m so used to complex Nikon cameras, that it was actually a refreshing change to try something simple that didn’t require much thought to use.



Software:
So you have all these great images and you want to get them off. So one would think since this has a USB connector you could just plug it in like an external hard drive and just pull the images or videos off of it. WRONG! One of the more trickier parts of the Zi6 is the software. One draw back was that if you have a Mac unfortunately you are out of luck. Even though the Zi6 has a USB connector and it will be picked up on the Mac, you need the software that’s included to really take advantage of the You Tube feature, and that only works on the PC. Since the Zi6 works for both Mac and PC you would think software for both systems would be included, but nope. ARCSOFT Media Impression Software is included for you to pull off the images or videos. I don’t like being forced to use software to view items on a device especially video or pictures but there is really no way around it. A good thing is the software is pre-loaded onto the Zi6, once you press the eject button for the USB connector and plug it into your computer it will automatically detect the device
and will start installing the media software. If for some reason the software on the Zi6 gets corrupted or erased you can use the included ARCSOFT CD as back-up.

Installation was pretty painless and once it’s done all your images and videos will become visible for you to export to your computer or convert to a You Tube video, which is one of the main features of this device. Just select the video you want to upload and the software takes care of the rest by uploading it and compressing it to your You Tube account. The software can also be used as a media player to view the videos as well. The software, like the device, is very user friendly, but I was put off by the fact I could only use this method to pull my stuff off the camera or even view it in some cases. I tried using Windows Media Player and it froze when trying to view the videos even after I exported them to my computer, so the only standalone player I got to work was Quicktime since the videos are done in .MOV format which worked out just fine on my Mac.



Performance:
I am really impressed with the overall quality of the pictures and videos for this pricepoint. The Kodak Zi6 can snap 3 megapixel shots which are on par with a better camera phone in well lit conditions (see gallery for sample shots). However, it’s strong suit is its video recording features. The HD video quality is not too far off from my fancy $1300 Nikon D90 in bright lighting conditions. However in low light conditions the Zi6 performs pretty poorly and produced very noisy images - that is pretty much expected though since there is no built-in light. The one thing I hope they improve on in future generations is the stabilization. There is none and because the unit is so lightweight you really need it. I have a steady hand but just the slightest movement makes a video shake and on playback made me want to puke. SO be cautious when recording, don’t move your hand too much and let the action happen in front of you, unless you are filming the sequel to the Blair Witch Project. Luckily the Zi6 has a tripod mount so that you can use a tripod with it as well to compensate for the lack of image stabilization.

Conclusion:
The Kodak Zi6 is really easy to use. Even your grandparents could use this device and be pretty savvy with it. The fact the videos are recorded in HD is a really nice touch, which is something the Zi6’s main competitor - the Flip Mino can’t do. The design is simple and does the job. It’s also lightweight and easily portable. The Kodak Zi6 retails for $179.95, which makes it have the same price tag as its competitor the Flip Mino. However the Flip Mino is limited to 640×480 videos, making the Zi6 a much better value because of its HD capabilities. You’ll be hard pressed to find other HD recording devices under the $200 mark that don’t produce just junk. Overall, the Zi6 is a great gift for that budding Spielberg in your home.

The Good: Great video and image quality in well lit conditions, simple to use, convenient design.

The Bad: Desperately needs some sort of image stabilization and should have included some Mac compatible software.

Motorola Phones: Mobile Phones With A Difference

In today's time, the youths quite surprisingly, outnumber the other age groups, specially in regard to the usage of mobile phones. Teens and youngsters can be rarely seen without a mobile phone these days. Mobiles phones have become a necessity for them. But they don't select any handset for them at random. Their taste demands, cool and attractive in looks along with funky features such as a good camera, music player qualities and great storage capacity. However, among the youngsters, the Motorola is the favourite brand without any second thoughts.

The Motorola handsets appeal a huge number of youngsters because of their smart and trendy looks and equally smart features. It's not that only youngsters who are attracted towards the Motorola mobile phones, even the adults drool over them. Of late, the latest Motorola handsets, which have become the eye candies for the mobile phone lovers are the Motorola Jewel and Motorola Rokr E8. Both these handsets come enhanced with unique styling and plethora of features.

The Motorola Jewel mobile phone, has been provided with superb styling. This handset is rightly named jewel because of its stupendous and glittering looks. The fine and clear finishing, further makes the appearance of this gadget very similar to a precious jewel. This device comes in a flip design with 90 x 48 x 16 mm dimensions. This gadget is also pretty easy to carry as it is light weight i.e., of 95 grams. The users are privileged with a smart external screen displays time, caller name, new message etc. This device also has some wonderful imaging features. The gadget is provided with 2 mega pixels camera supported by outstanding features like 8x digital zoom, multi shot, landscape mode and quality video recording. Quite interestingly, this widget is also capable of providing musical entertainment.

This handset has been powered with music related features such as music player, music library,
auto pause control and touch sensitive music keys. For network availability, this handset has quad band technology which enables it to access four different 2G network spectrum. This device can also connect you to high speed internet with the help of GPRS and EDGE technologies. The Motorola Jewel also has some other fantastic utility features which makes it a pretty useful device.

On the other hand, the Motorola Rokr E8 model is a state of the art music phone. This gadget has the potential to deliver crystal clear audio quality to the music lovers. This device even has the FM radio option along with music player and high end music management softwares. The gadget can also store large number of tracks with the help of external memory. The external memory can be expanded up to 4 giga bytes with the help of a microSD card. The mobile phone also has an embedded 2 mega pixels camera. The embedded camera comes complimented with extra features such as 8x digital zoom, camera setting and camera modes to capture best shots. For transferring music files, picture etc., this phone is provided with Bluetooth and USB port. The Motorola Rokr E8 handset is has been designed with perfection. This device has touch sensitive keypads and a navigation scroll wheel which would definitely add spice to your connectivity options. The widget has dimensions of 115 x 53 x 10.6mm and weighs 100 grams.

Both Motorola Jewel and Motorola Rokr E8 handsets have their own unique features and unique style. The choice is up to the users to select the one which would perfectly suit their requirements. Last but not the least, it would prove to be a tough decision to select anyone as both these motorola phones have qualities which are highly admired.

"3-High" Functionality of Cellphones to Drive Market Growth in 2009: TRi

Topology Research Institute (TRi), the largest private market researcher and consultancy in Taiwan, predicts a certain downturn in the growth of cellphone sales in the first-half of 2009, with the market growth expected to slow to sub-double-digit levels.

TRi suggests cellphone and parts suppliers in Taiwan pay more attention to the smartphone sector.

One ray of optimism lies in the "three highs" functionality of cellphones, including high dependence, high integration, and high-speed Internet accessibility, with such features not only helping potential buyers of cellphones to defy any psychological barriers blocking purchase willingness amid the global economic fallout, TRi says, but also becoming the few warm underlying flows to churn chilly currents ahead.

High Dependence

For many in this generation of global e-connectedness, TRi points out, having a cellphone is perhaps even more critical than packing one`s keys, wallets or purses-becoming virtually an addiction in an age where massive migration of laborers and social uncertainties often exasperate loneliness, with cellphones being an electronic security blanket more than a communication device; not to mention that mobile phones are often the only available telephone in areas with sparse telecom infrastructure: The penetration of cellphones exceeds 51% in developing nations and 94% in developed markets.

TRi also says that cellphones differ from other consumer electronics in the high degree of dependence on the former: where high-dependence translates into high levels of personalization, meaning one user is often driven to own at least one or few mobile phones that are personalized with unique IDs and settings. Such dependence differs from ownership of typical home appliances where users generally do not mind sharing a toaster, iron with family and friends. TRi, however, does not psycho-analyze such market trends. For example, huge numbers of multi-phone owners could rely on such easily portable devices as affordable toys, a distraction that offers personal interaction that seems to be important for innumerable users whose lives are otherwise devoid of "substance;" while cellphone ownership, especially in emerging markets, is very likely a truly-affordable status symbol.

The handset is also, somewhat unsurprisingly, the last-abandoned electronic product, with all telecom providers locking subscribers with "deals that literally cannot be refused": users generally can buy costly cellphones at irresistible prices when they agree to sign two-year contracts in highly competitive markets, a strategy that is an excellent buffer in this global economic downturn, TRi says.

Citing a mainland Chinese example, TRi says that new cellphone subscribers increased about 8.6 million from January to August this year, compared with 7.75 million in the second half of 2007, despite the serious economic impact from the snow storms in February and global financial storm that began in mid-2008. The market researcher says that the cellphone market in China clearly seems unfazed amid the overall global downturn.

"One Price Buys Multi-functionality"

The market consultancy also attributes the upbeat market outlook to the "one price buys multi-functionality" characteristic of cellphones.

TRi says that an economic recession compromises spending willingness that drives consumers to delete various tech products from shopping lists. Multifunctional cell phones, in effect are many tech gadgets in one as defined by TRi, bear increasingly appealing marketability for being simultaneously digital camera, audio/video players, game console, portable navigation device (PND), PDA, or even a micro-computer.

Backing such observations, TRi cites the market changes in India: In 2008, sales of phones with built-in digital camera are rising in India, adding that in 2009 the "one price buys multi-functionality" feature of cellphones will help to significantly drive replacement purchases in that huge market and other developing nations.

While the resolution of camera-integrated cellphones continues to be upgraded, TRi forecasts that more than one billion music-enabled handsets will be shipped in 2009, for a penetration of 69.5%.

The market consultancy also says that smartphones with the highest degree of integration will be a promising product category in 2009, with such product expected to retain 30%-plus shipment growths.

New Business Model

Another important feature, according to TRi, that will help to further drive the development of cellphone market in 2009 is High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA). Such high-speed wireless data- transmission service has been gaining increasing popularity in some mature markets, as telecom carriers actively promote such value-added service by providing flat-rate incentives and bundled handheld devices such as Apple`s iPhone and HTC Diamond smartphones.

In the emerging business arena, TRi points out a potentially practical service to be offered by telecom carriers, who can tap into detailed subscriber data to offer personalized value-added services. One excellent example is LBS (location-based services) or a voice-activated Q&A service: a user merely asks routine questions as "where is the nearest diner" on-the-road to get convenient answers.

TRi also says that advancing 3.5G mobile service and software architectures have also been speeding the development of multimedia value-added services, with Microsoft, Apple, Google, Sony, Nokia, HTC, and Motorola all likely taking part.

Alongside the growing sophistication of the above-mentioned mobile phone functions are new challenges placed upon OE parts suppliers, who are required to develop components for lighter, thinner handsets, with newcomers boasting price, technology advantages expected to replace older, less-competitive players.

TRi suggests handset and parts makers in Taiwan focus on tapping the business potential of smartphones in 2009. The consultancy forecasts a shipment decrease of six million code division multiple access (CDMA) 2G and 2.5G handsets in 2009, as well as an increase of 48 million GSM/FPRS/EDGE models and 60 million 3G, 3.5G (WCDMA, CDMA 2000) models. Overall the research firm says cellphone shipment in 2009 is expected to grow 7.4%, or about 100 million units to reach 1.45 billion units.

Phone of the month: Sony Ericsson C905

My Mobile is India’s leading B2C telecom magazine bringing information related to the mobile industry to its readers. It has adjudged ‘Sony Ericsson C905’, as the “phone of the month” for the month of December 15 to January 14, 2008-09.

MY MOBILE, India’s leading mobile magazine, known for covering the latest in mobile technology, gizmos and gadgets has adjudged ‘Sony Ericsson C905’, as the ’phone of the month’ for the month of December 15 to January 14, 2008-09. This is 8.1-megapixel camera phone with a great set of multimedia features. The phone also comes with built-in Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver with A-GPS support, Wi-Fi, accelerometer, music player, FM radio, etc. Sony Ericsson C905 is available in the market for Rs 31,500.

Evaluation criterion

The phone is tested for its technical prowess and user experience and is ranked on the basis of five parameters ie, looks, features, ease-of-use, performance and value for money.

The other mobile phones reviewed along with ‘Sony Ericsson C905’ were Spice S580, Motorola W388, Nokia N85, Asus P552w, HTC Touch Viva, Samsung M3510 Beat, LG KP 115, to name a few.
Tech Specs of ‘Sony Ericsson C905’:

* Size: 104x49x18mm
* Weight: 136 grams
* Memory: 160 MB, Memory Stick Micro
* Battery: Li-Po 930mAh
* Screen: 262,144 colours
* Talktime/ Standby: up to to nine hours/ up to 380 hours
* Bluetooth
* 8.1 mega pixel camera
* 850/900/1800/1900

About My Mobile

My Mobile is India’s leading business to consumer (B2C) telecom magazine bringing information related to the mobile industry to its readers. The magazine caters to the interest of Indian mobile users and also analysis the impact of global developments within the mobile industry. It is a complete reference guide for individual seeking information on headsets, mobile services, value added services and related mobile accessories.