The Nokia 5630 XpressMusic with Say and Play function

  It’s been a while since Nokia has been in the news but that could also be because of LG’s KM900 and Samsung’s plethora of handsets making their way to MWC. Nokia has in fact announced an addition to their music range of handsets – the 5630XpressMusic.

This candy-bar styled, rather simplistic looking handset runs on a Symbian OS with an S60 UI and is equipped with -

•       3 megapixel camera AF camera (LED flash)

•          2.2-inch TFT LCD (240 x 320 pixels)

•          N-Gage Gaming

•          MicroSD card support (up to 16GB)

•         3.5mm earphone socket

•          Wi-Fi

•          EDGE/GPRS, 3G (HSDPA)

•          Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0

•          FM radio with RDS

Apart from these, the 5630 will also feature Nokia’s 'Say and Play' function that will let users simply speak the name of the song or artist and the handset will locate and play the track. This handset is also bundled with Nokia’s 'Comes with Music' tag where it’s available already.

The Nokia 5630 XpressMusic’s new tweaked homescreen shows the Contacts Bar that allows direct access to up to 20 friends or business contacts straight from there and provides a full communication history with these contacts including recent emails, messages, phone logs and photos shared. A shortcuts bar at the bottom of the homescreen also gives quick access to the most frequently used applications including music, radio, Web, N-Gage and photos. This is all very similar to the 5800’s but in a more confined space of course.

The Nokia 5630 XpressMusic should start making its way to shelves by the second quarter of this year with a price tag of about Rs 12, 575 (200 EURO) exclusive of subsidies and taxes and a bundled 4GB microSD card.

Nokia brings the internet to emerging markets

 The Nokia 2730 classic, 2720 fold and 7020 each come internet-ready, and work with Nokia Life Tools.

Nokia brings the Internet in emerging markets closer to reality with the announcement of three new mobile phones that open the door to information, entertainment, family and friends. The Nokia 2730 classic, Nokia 2720 fold and Nokia 7020 each come Internet-ready, and work with Nokia's range of emerging market services such as Nokia Life Tools and Ovi Mail, creating solutions that help people get ahead.

"The power of the internet is undeniable," says Alex Lambeek, Vice President at Nokia. "We've seen mobile technologies catalyze the growth of the informal sector across the world, empowering local entrepreneurs and having an immediate and lasting impact on people's lives. Services like Nokia Life Tools and Ovi Mail, combined with the mobile phones we're launching today, bring powerful solutions that can be the gateway to knowledge, entertainment and people, without the need for a PC."

According to extensive Nokia consumer research, nearly half of emerging market customers state that they would rather connect to the Internet over a mobile phone than a PC. As a result, Nokia has developed locally relevant solutions that consist of affordable mobile phones and applications, designed and built from the ground up to meet the specific needs of customers in the developing world. Lambeek continues, "Whilst many people are still primarily using voice and text, the Internet does offer a whole new range of opportunities."

Nokia Life Tools is a service that enables people to make better informed decisions, find timely and relevant information, access learning opportunities and enjoy entertainment regardless of time or place. In a pilot study in India, results showed that the services had high appeal for livelihood and life improvement services. Another service aimed at the developing world is Ovi Mail, which has the potential to be the first digital identity for many people in emerging markets. Unlike most other email services, an Ovi Mail account can be created and used directly on a Nokia device without ever having to use a PC. Since the launch of the beta service in December 2008, around 90 per cent of the accounts have been created on a Nokia phone.

Nokia 2730 classic
Competetively priced and equipped at EUR 80, the Nokia 2730 classic is Nokia's most affordable 3G phone offering faster access to the internet and a richer browsing experience. With the steady spread of 3G data networks across the developing world, the Nokia 2730 classic is ideal for staying connected with friends and family, and sharing one's life with others. The Nokia 2730 classic is expected to start shipping in the third quarter of 2009.

Nokia 2720 fold
The Nokia 2720 fold is a compact fold phone with an exciting mirror-effect design, which helps people stay organized with easy access to email, calendar, Internet connectivity and file sharing applications. Email can be activated by completing a simple three step set-up process, and in select markets will be offered with Nokia Life Tools. The Nokia 2720 fold is expected to begin shipping in the third quarter of 2009 for an estimated retail price of EUR 55 before subsidies and taxes.

Nokia 7020
A fashionable fold phone that uses light, color and metal finishes to convey personal style, you will never miss a thing with the stardust effect when you get a call or message, or tap twice to have the cover light up. Connect to social networks, and share pictures taken with the 2 mega pixel camera and shown on the bright display. The Nokia 7020 is expected to beging shipping in the fourth quarter of 2009 for an estimated retail price of EUR 90 before subsidies and taxes.

Spark Mobiles announces its foray into the Indian market

The Spark mobile phones with built in sensors, water and shock proof body.

Spark Mobiles, part of UAE based Spark Group of Companies announced their foray into the Indian market while also appointing multi-lingual actor R. Madhavan as the official brand ambassador for its new range of mobile handsets which will be launched before the end of calendar year 2009 in India. Targeted for the Indian consumers, the handsets will be aimed at consumers across all segments.

Spark Mobile phones are virtually indestructible under demanding conditions. It is water proof and not merely water resistant. It is shock proof and its toughness has been tested by four wheel drive over. What’s more, all Spark mobile handsets will have a One Month battery standby time. If that’s not enough, the battery would be manually re-chargeable. This in addition to high end multimedia, web and advanced music features.

“Spark mobiles have been designed from the bottoms up in the sense that consumers needs have dictated the features and design as opposed to trying to give them what we have designed, which is the norm unfortunately. Moreover, the company is aggressive in appointing distributors all over the country in a bid to maximise its penetration and has taken into due consideration opportunities presented by the rural masses, who need rugged handsets which can work without electricity and even without networks in a three kilometer radius due to the PTT (push to Talk) technology. Spark is out to create records in volumes and penetration from day one of the product launch and is confident of takingthe Indian market by storm and setting new benchmarks in the mobile handset industry”, said Ms Elaine.

The mobiles will be categorized into three, based upon features to cater to every Indian consumers needs. While the toughness is the central theme which runs through all the categories, the lowest priced is the basic model, which would be followed by the feature packed medium range along with the high end set which will be positioned as a life style product.

Currently, the handsets marketed in the country will be manufactured in the United Arab Emirates, where Spark has its production and R & D facilities. “An integral part of the company’s vision is to set up a manufacturing base in India too, to cater to the subcontinent’s demands”, said Ms. Elaine.

Bandra-Worli Sealink game coming soon to the iPhone

 Bandra-Worli Sealink game coming soon to the iPhone.

Game developer company, Spiel Studios Pvt. Ltd. will soon be releasing the country's first, Indian-centric iPhone game called 'The Sealink', which features our very own Bandra-Worli Sealink.

The Sealink will be a 3D racing game, where the player will be able to drive his favourite car on the Mumbai Sea-link. The game has been built completely in-house with collaborative efforts by Indian and International team members.

The game uses motion-controlled sensing technology with multi-touch support to give the player complete control of the game. The game has been built using the latest OpenGL ES 2.0 library to give the player the best 3D experience possible on an iPhone.

Karbonn Mobiles enters CDMA segment in India

 The Karbonn Mobiles is spreading its reach with its entry into the CDMA mobile phones' segment .

 With the crackdown on Chinese mobile phones, local handset manufacturers are looking at taking over the vacated spot. Karbonn Mobiles is one of them and is spreading its reach with its entry into the CDMA mobile phones' segment with the launch of five new devices for the Indian market, in the price range of Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 6,000.

The company aims to capture a market share of 7% - 10% in India in the multimedia phone segment in the current fiscal.

Pradeep Jain, Managing Director, Jaina Group said, “The response to the launch of the Karbonn Mobiles has been tremendous making Karbonn the fastest growingmobile phones brand in India in a short span of 6 months. As a company we are committed to bringing in the latest devices for the Indian consumers at competitive prices.  Today also marks our foray into the CDMA segment with the launch of five new devices.”

Karbonn Mobiles has already made an investment of US$5 million for product development and its marketing and sales operations in India. This is one of the largest investments by any indigenous entity in India in a short span of six months in themobile phones segment. The company is aiming for revenues in excess of Rs. 1,000 crore from its operations in the current fiscal year.

Karbonn Mobiles has also won the title sponsorship rights for the ongoing five matches one day series between India and Sri Lanka called "Karbonn Mobiles Cup".

LG Launches Chocolate BL40 3G Mobile Phone In India

LG Electronics a worldwide technology and design leader in mobile communications, today unveiled new sleek and stylish LG Chocolate BL40 the high end 3G GSM mobile phone in India

The LG Chocolate BL40 has a HD LCD screen that is four inches with a resolution of 800 X 345.The 5 mega pixel high end camera with a Schinder-Kreuznach lens and inbuilt flash and auto focus  is testimony to LGs emphasis on ensuring quality of image within its camera equipment. It is 3G HSDPA and Wi-Fi enabled and also with an FM Radio. The basic advantage this phone provides is users need not whorl horizontally while browsing the net since you can see the contents of the entire web page. The Mobile Internet experience can be much faster with 7.2 HSDPA. It boasts of upgraded UI with 3D graphics.

The LG Chocolate features 4.0-inch wide screen HD LCD with an 800 by 345 pixel resolution which is brilliant viewing quality. The Mobile sports a superior quality5 mega pixel camera with Schinder-Kreuznach lens and flash. LG BL40 presents 21:9 aspect ratio for a panoramic, cinema-like quality and optimal mobile computing experience.

LG Chocolate BL40 mobile phone users will experience a breathtakingly convenient and efficient mobile environment with the enlarged mobile handset screen. Browsing the Internet on 2G and 3G is made unbelievably easy because with 800 pixels there is no need to whorl horizontally to read entire web pages. The 4.0-inch display also features a Dual Screen UI that can efficiently display two different types of content simultaneously.

The wide HD LCD Real VGA screen presents a vibrant range of natural colors, letting photos to appear sharper, videos more true-to-life, games naturally vivid and documents more readable.

Some other specifications of the LG BL40 mobile phone include Wi-Fi connectivity and FM transmitter. Ostensibly, the LG handset supports 7.2 HSDPA offering faster email and internet functionalities.

LG Chocolate BL40 will retail in India at Rs.30,000.

LG Electronics India, the India arm of the Korean giant LG Electronics has brought LG Mobile – Cash Bhi Aish Bhi Offer this festive season all you have to do is buy an LG Mobile and you will be provided with a scratch card.

They are providing a lifetime offer of winning away two prizes simultaneously within a single scratch card. The scratch card has two scratch areas where you can win a guaranteed cash back of upto Rs.1000 and along with it a chance of winning HONDA CITY(1.5 SMT), 82cm LG LCDs(Model Number:- 32LG80FR), 53cm LG Slim TVs(Model Number:- 21FJ8RG3), 2.1 Channel LG DVD Players(Model Number:- DV 235).

Offer Details:To take the market by storm by its innovative range of products and create an excitement among the consumer this festive season,LG Mobile has come up with LG MOBILE-“CASH BHI AISH BHI OFFER” with many mega prizes and HONDA CITY CAR as bumper prize. This festive season from 18th September 2009 to 20th October 2009 every LG Mobile GSM handset buyer will get a scratch card which will have two designated scratch units.

The scratch card needs to be peeled/scratched off at the designated areas by the customer in the presence of a Dealer or its Authorized Representatives at the Dealer premises.

1st Scratch Unit:

Customers will win guaranteed cash back of up to Rs. 1000/-, which will be given to the consumer to the retailer on the spot.

2nd Scratch Unit:

Customers get a chance to win either of the following bumper prizes: HONDA CITY(1.5 SMT), 82cm LG LCDs(Model Number:- 32LG80FR), 53cm LG Slim TVs(Model Number:- 21FJ8RG3),, 2.1 Channel LG DVD Players(Model Number:- DV 235).

The above mentioned bumper prizes are not assured and will be available only on few lucky scratch cards. In case the card does not carry any bumper prize, LG Mobile will donate Re. 1 to CRY (Child Rights and You) on behalf of the customer for ensuring underprivileged children their right to childhood. Regarding CRY (Child Rights and You) donation, a customer doesn’t have to pay anything. LG MOBILE will donate the amount on behalf of the customer.

Sony Ercisson Xperia X2 mobile phone launch delayed

The Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 which was supposed to be launched in the UK market in the year end, has been delayed. The mobile phone was supposed to be an exclusive Vodafone product.

THE ISSUES bugging Sony Ericsson Satio, which caused the smartphone to be withdrawn from Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4U outlets across UK, have been reported the reasons why the latest offering from the mobile phone producer, Sony Ericsson Xperia X2, has been delayed from its year end release.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia X2, a high end model was due to be launched in UK market with an exclusive Vodafone deal. The mobile phone is a successor to the X1 model and reportedly has a 3. 2 inch display, a QWERTY keyboard, a panel based interface, eight megapixel camera and Windows Mobile 6.5 interface.

While the Vodafone website has now stressed that the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 would be launched in January, the mobile phone would miss out on big shopping avenues like Christmas and New year. Further, as the mobile phone company has planned to launch Android based Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 in February next year, this would threaten sales of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2.