Verizon to announce their first Windows Phone 7 device - HTC Trophy

Verizon  is expected to announce their first Windows Phone 7 device - HTC Trophy. Though Windows Phone 7 devices have been around for some time now but none of them were available through Verizon till now. Very recently Sprint had started to offer HTC Arrive, which was the first CDMA based Windows Phone 7 device and now Verizon is expected to offer its HTC Trophy from as early as February 28 and will begin shipping from late March. It’s noteworthy that the GSM Version of the HTC Trophy has already been around for some time and is available in India. The CDMA version is expected to come in with almost the same features but a different radio frequency band. It would be great if this CDMA based device comes to India as well and being amongst the first Windows Phone 7 devices to be offered through Reliance Communications, Tata Indicom or MTS.

Don’t buy Verizon Apple iPhone 4 – Consumer Report

Consumer reports have yet again denied to give a buy rating to the verizon’s version of Apple iphone, It’s noteworthy, that when Apple had debuted its iPhone 4, then tooConsumer Reports had denied to give it a buy rating citing and had recommended that one will have to buy a bumper to mitigate any signal loss on the device and thus forcing Appleto launch its free bumper program for limited period of time. 
However, it was expected that the CDMA version of Apple iPhone 4 would be free from this problem. Till now none of the consumers have complained in regards to the widespread call drops on Verizon network but this could also be due to the fact that Verizon network has previously received above-average reliability scores from readers of Consumer Reports. And just like the AT&T iPhone, using a bumper may help in eliminating the problem

HTC announced their first Global CDMA mobile - HTC Merge

HTC has announced the launch of Merge, their first global CDMA android device with slider QWERTY. This phone will be powered by Froyo and like all HTC devices, will have Sense UI on top of android. We do not have much information on hardware specification. Merge build quality looks top notch with probably, aluminum unit-body shell, has a 3.8” capacitive display with multi-touch, a 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus, 720p video recording. Given that this is a world phone, we think that this would probably make its way into Indian CDMA market as a carried independent device. Launch of this phone in the market will be in Spring 2011 to all USA carriers and the price is not known yet.

"HTC prides itself on creating unique solutions that meet the needs of different customers, and with features like a full keyboard and global 3G roaming, the HTC Merge smartphone is the perfect example of this commitment," said Jason Mackenzie, president, HTC Americas. "Combining the functionality of Android with the HTC Sense experience, the HTC Merge is the perfect device for those customers who are looking for a reliable mobile experience with the features and functionality of a smart-phone, whether it's at home or travelling around the world."

SSTL gets into the NLD segment

Seems like Sistema-Shyam Teleservices (SSTL) will soon be making a foray into the national long distance segment. The company has already applied for licence in this segment and has got the necessary approvals from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board. SSTL is a joint venture between Russia's Sistema and Shyam Group of India.

SSTL had applied for FIPB approval in December last year, since the nod is a pre-requisite to get a NLD license from Department of Telecom and the clearance has just come in now. With the help of the NLD licence SSTL will be able to become a full-fledged communication services provider. And now it will also be in a position to offer competitive STD rates to its customer base.

HTC and Motorola find themselves in a legal tangle

Seems like mobile handset markers are forever try to battle one copy right infringement or another and now it’s the turn of HTC to face some music. The Taiwanese smartphone maker had very recently launched a new Facebook device and named it ChaCha. However the search engine giant, which happens to share the same name is not too pleased with the development and has decided to take HTC to court for alleged copyright infringement.

At the same time, Motorola too is facing something similar as it faces trademark infringement from a money transfer company known as Xoom Corporation. It’s a little surprising that though Motorola Xoom was launched at the CES in January, the lawsuit was filed just a day prior to the tablet started to retail. So, it may well be the case of a small company looking at some cheap publicity or fast bucks. That may be it, the early reviews for this Android HoneyComb have been quite encouraging.

Videocon now offers 1000 Videocon minutes and 100 Videocon sms/day in RC 59

Videocon mobile was very much in news since past few months because of the various exciting offers they had in their kitty but Videocon has started to show signs of truncating the party of those fellow subscribers who have taken Videocon because of the low cost services it offers. This may come as a surprise to those who were using "Truly Unlimited" calling plan costing Rs. 59 (which used to offer unlimited calls and sms to local videocon numbers) as videocon has stopped giving unlimited calling recently and introduced a not so great offer which gives 1000 Videocon minutes and 100 videocon sms/day valid for 30 days. Looks like Videocon used to sing songs of "Truly Unlimited" calling just to lure customers and now that they have a bunch of subcribers, they have snipped the "Truly Unlimited" plan. 
Just for the record, Videocon started offering all local and std calls at 25 paise/min with a monthly recharge  of Rs. 17 or Rs. 25 (depending on ur circle) few months back and within two months they introduced a fair usage policy to the above scheme where only the first 1000 minutes of the month are charged at 25 paise after which calls are charged at 35 paise/min.

We wont be much surprised if they curtail their "Truly Unlimited" internet plan as well in near future.
The On-net calling plan of uninor which offers 2000 local uninor minutes in Rs. 37 is lot better than the revised RC 59 plan of Videocon.

Aircel 3G now in Guwahati and Bhubaneshwar

After marking its presence in Chennai, Bangalore, Lucknow,  Kolkata and Patna, today Aircel announced the launch of its 3G services in the state of Assam and Orissa. Aircel 3G services are now available in Assam and Orissa. 

Plans are same as are available in other circles where Aircel launched its 3G services already.

Aircel 3G Plans :
The base rate for Aircle 3G is 3 paise per 10KB. Aircel will offer 4 bundled plans including Voice, SMS as well as 3G data on Aircel at an all inclusive price  of Rs.132, Rs. 252, Rs. 502 & Rs.802, aircel will offer 75MB, 150MB, 350MB & 1024MB data respectively for a month. In addition to this, Aircel will offer a data plan at Rs. 92 for 100 MB.

Aircel also announced introductory offer. To know more about it visit aircel.com

Lava Mobile launched QWERTY B8

Strengthening its position in the QWERTY segment, LAVA Mobiles, has launched its LAVA B8 device. This new device claims to have all features that a business phone should have – Push mail, Wi-Fi, Touch pad, along with long Battery. According to the company, this device will appeal more to professionals and young entrepreneurs, who always want to remain connected.

According to Sunil Raina, Chief Marketing Officer, LAVA International Ltd. said, “The launch of Lava B8 fulfills the need of a large segment of businessmen and professionals to remain connected at all times through its unique combination of features like Push mail, Wi-Fi & Track Pad. Through our customer insight driven innovations we constantly attempt to bridge the customer need gap in keeping with our core value of empowering people”.

Lava B8 can have up to 10 Email accounts (both personal and proffestional) configured on it. Other features of this device include 2.3 inch High resolution screen, 3.2MP digital camera with LED flash, MP3/MP4 Compatibility, 16 GB expandable memory and A2DP Bluetooth. Just like most of the Indian-Chinese device being introduced this one too is a Dual SIM but also has a Auto Call recorder. And it has been attractively priced at Rs. 5299.

HTC Arrive: World's first CDMA Windows Phone 7 device

Sprint, one of the largest CDMA network provider in the USA has announced release date for world’s first CDMA compatible windows phone 7 device, named HTC Arrive. HTC Arrive, known popularly as HTC 7 Pro (GSM variant in Europe) will be available on sale from 20th of March for $199.99 on a two year contract to customers in USA.

Key Specifications:

• 3.6” display with 480x800 pixel resolution
• Landspace hardkey QWERTY slide out keypad
• 1GHz Scorpion processor, Adreno 200 GPU (qualcomm snapdragon QSD8250)
• 576MB RAM, 512MB ROM, 16 GB user memory
• 802.11b/g/n
• 5 MP camera with autofocus and LED flash, 720p video recording
• 1500mAh battery
• 117.5x59x15.5 mm
• 185 gms weight
• Sprint TV and movies, Sprint Zonet

Global Android Activations Visualized - Oct '08 - Jan '11

Android is getting popular rapidly, evident by the video recently uploaded by Android Developers on Youtube. The video shows Android's growth in different geographical reasons between October '08 to January '11. The video is a treat for all Android fans, though some music in the background would have made it better, but still its amazing to watch. If you are an Android Fan, watch it now, no its not a request its an order.

Uninor brings a Musical Blood Donation Camp - Rush Of Blood II

Uninor today announced their tie up with the Bombay Rock Association and NGO Youth for People to present Uninor Rush of Blood II, a unique blood donation camp to be held at Inorbit Mall, Malad on 25th February 2011. As part of this event, a rock concert has also been organized where well known brands like Something Relevant, Airport, The False Positives and Traveling River Band would be performing. People wishing to donate blood can walk into the mall and show their support to the cause.

Uninor Rush of Blood II is a concept developed by Youth for People and The Bombay Rock Association, to promote Blood Donating among the youth. The blood donation camp and will start at 12 noon and end at 10 pm. Uninor employees will actively participate and donate their blood.

Speaking on the eve of Uninor Rush of Blood II, Mr. Upanga Dutta, Chief Marketing Officer – Mumbai Circle, Uninor said, “At Uninor we have always believed in being innovative and Uninor Rush of Blood II is an extension of that commitment. Music is inherent in our Indian culture and through this event we are giving the people of Mumbai a superlative musical experience even as we spread the crucial message of blood donation and its importance amongst today’s youth. Our product unlimited music is all about bringing music alive on people’s phones and this blood donation camp cum rock concert is one part of the many onground promotions we have planned across Mumbai.”

According to Sujeet Ramanna, President, The Bombay Rock Association: 'As one of the aims of Bombay Rock Association is to use music as a means to highlight issues and causes, Uninor Rush of Blood II is a manifestation of that thought - using music as a way of directing attention to the critical cause of Blood Donation in the country. We are very proud that Uninor decided to partner with us to bring the second edition of Rush of Blood to Mumbai.’

Bands that would be performing live are:

Idea Unites 6 World Cup Champions to Keep Cricket Clean

Idea Cellular is all set to get on the cricket bandwagon as it comes out with its new campaign ‘Keep Cricket Clean’. As a part of this campaign Idea will be airing a series of Television advertisements featuring 6 World Champions - Clive Lloyd, Kapil Dev, Allan Border, Imran Khan, Arjuna Ranatunga and Steve Waugh – who will talk candidly about innovative ways to ‘Keep Cricket Clean’. Along with this Idea will also give a chance to Cricket enthusiasts all across the country to connect with these Cricket legends and be a part of this campaign.

According to Anupama Ahluwalia, Senior Vice President – Marketing, Idea Cellular, “Cricket is a passion in India and fans like to enjoy the sport in its utmost purity and true spirit. With the new campaign, Idea will spread the message of ‘Keep Cricket Clean’ to build a strong connect with millions of Cricket fans across the country, during this Cricket season”.

Tata Docomo offers calls to Tata network across India at 1 paise/6 sec (10 paise/min)

Tata Docomo, the GSM wing of Tata Teleservices has introduced an offer wherein all local and std calls made to Tata Network (Tata Docomo, Tata Indicom and Virgin CDMA/GSM) are charged at 1 paise/6 seconds with a special recharge of Rs. 24 valid for 30 days. This is a very good offer considering the price  it comes for and the benefit it gives as no operator is offering such tariff for STD On-net calls. The benefit is applicable only in home network and not while roaming.

Pre-sales of LG Optimus Pad kicks off in Japan

The 3D Optimus Pad from LG, which made at the recently concluded Mobile World Congress, will be available in the Japanese market starting March 15, 2011 through NTT DOCOMO. LG Optimus Pad is a Honeycomb based tablet powered by 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor. Also, LG has tried to move away from the concept of 7-inch and 10 inch tablet by having a 8.9 inch screen for this one and us offering native 1280x768 resolution.

When this tablet hits the retails space in Japan, it will be pre-loaded with applications custom-made for local tastes, including BeeTV which offers a wide selection of entertainment contents tailored for DOCOMO customers. It also includes the 2Dfacto application that allows users to access a wide selection of e-books and comics.

Commenting on the launch, Kyu-hong Lee, Vice President and CEO of LG Electronics Japan  said “Japanese consumers are among the fastest early adopters and we plan to move very aggressively here with our advanced mobile smart products in 2011.”  It will be interesting to watch out how this new tablet from LG’s stable fairs against the native tablet from Toshiba, which too has showcased a glasses-free 3D android tablet.

Zoozoos set to enter office space

Vodafone Essar has announced that it plans to now foray into the leased landline and business solutions space. Vodafone, which offers these services in other parts of the world including its home turf in UK is now planning to use its expertise in this domain and customize it according to the Indian needs. Though enterprise segment is a more lucrative segment but there’s already many established players like Bharti Airtel, Reliance Communications, BSNL and Tata Communications vying for a greater share of consumer pie and it will not be as easy for Vodafone Essar to establish itself.

However, this telecom service provider is quite confident as of now and says that “it has nothing to lose” and has already given indications of price wars now entering into this segment as well. Being bullish about its new plans Vodafone Essar is hoping that by the end ofMarch of 2016 its enterprise business will be accounting for almost 20% of its revenue.

Firefox Mobile 4 beta 5 for Android 2.1 and higher

Mozilla Firefox has released Firefox Mobile 4 beta 5 for Android 2.1 and higher and MeeGo. Surprisingly, this new version will not be adding too many improvements or features to this mobile browser but will provide speed improvements in start-up speed, page load speed, and JavaScript rendering speed

Mozilla Firefox browser for the mobiles was earlier codename ‘Fennec’ and its alpha version hit the Android Market August 2010 followed by the beta version in October. There has been already some traction that this browser has been seeing on the mobile space and the added speed improvements may help it attract some new customer.

However, these new subscribers may not come from Apple iPhone and iPad users, who will have to be contend with the Firefox Home for iOS for now. And even users of other platforms will expect Mozilla to have more and frequent beta updates before a final tested-and-approved version is released and the final version to be competitive with the Opera’s, IE and Safari’s of the world.

Aircel announces launch of 3G services in Kolkata

Aircel today announced the launch of its 3G services in Kolkata. It’s noteworthy that BSNL, MTNL, Tata DoCoMo, Airtel and RCOM are already offering 3G services and nowAircel too has entered the arena with a big bang!

Commenting on the launch, Gurdeep Singh, COO,Aircel, said, “We have been working very hard in getting this right and have taken every step with deliberation. This is reflected in our success in the years leading up to 2010. 3G is a natural next step. We are excited about 3G, as we see it as something that will begin to transform our lives in many ways. The youth comprise over 50 percent of the country’s population and are among active internet users and also avid users of Facebook, YouTube and other social networking sites. The launch of 3G services on Aircel will address the high speed digital needs of the consumers thus unleashing the power of the Internet further creating opportunities for education, employment, engagement and entertainment which will empower the consumers and impact their Lifestyle.”

Aircel has always strived to be national brand with the local connect, which is able to touch the cords of each target segment in a special way and is confident to do the same through its 3G services. It feels that it will be able to offer something to all segments be the youth, housewives, professionals, children or even the elderly. The reason as to whyAircel is so confident about its 3G plans is because it realizes that the true essence of 3G does not lie in just broadening the pie but by offering its consumers enriched content that they need and will be useful to them.

Additionally, the company which pioneered the concept of pocket internet has now come out with some dynamic bundled plans for the students, executives, and heavy users addressing that it feels will help them cater all their needs enabling them with Voice, SMS as well as 3G data on Aircel. At an all inclusive price of Rs.132, Rs. 252, Rs. 502 & Rs.802 the consumers will be able to enjoy 75MB, 150MB, 350MB & 1024MB data respectively for a month with inbuilt voice & SMS. Apart from that Aircel also has stand alone data plans which ensure high speed experience at Rs. 92 for 100 MB.