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Datawind launches 4 new tablets on ICS, UbiSlate 7Ri, UbiSlate 7R+, UbiSlate 7Ci and UbiSlate 7C+

Datawind has launched four new tablets in the market in the 7 inch size. The tabs run on Google’s Android 4.0.3 ICS operating system, and are all powered by 1GHz Cortex A8 processors, coupled with 512MB of RAM. The four tablets modelled The UbiSlate 7Ri, UbiSlate 7R+, UbiSlate 7Ci, UbiSlate 7C+ models will be all available at prices ranging from INR Rs. 2,999 to Rs. 4,499.

Model No	UbiSlate 7Ri	UbiSlate 7R+	UbiSlate 7Ci	UbiSlate 7C+
Type	Tablet	Smartphone Tablet	Tablet	Smartphone Tablet
Touch Panel	Resistive	Resistive	Capacitive	Capacitive
Processor	Cortex A8; 1GHz	Cortex A8; 1GHz	Cortex A8; 1GHz	Cortex A8; 1GHz
RAM	512MB	512MB	512MB	512MB
Display and resolution:	7” display with 800×480 pixel resolution	7” display with 800×480 pixel resolution	7” display with 800×480 pixel resolution	7” display with 800×480 pixel resolution
Flash Storage	4GB	4GB	4GB	4GB
Android OS	4.0.3	4.0.3	4.0.3	4.0.3
Camera	Front – VGA	Front – VGA	Front – VGA	Front – VGA
Sensor	G-Sensor	G-Sensor	G-Sensor	G-Sensor
Ports	Micro SD & Mini-USB	Micro SD & Mini-USB	Micro SD & Mini-USB	Micro SD & Mini-USB
Network	Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi & GPRS	Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi & GPRS
Power and Battery Life	Up to 180 minutes on battery. AC adapter 200-240 volt range	3200 mAh battery (claims to offer up to 3-4 hours of backup)	Up to 180 minutes on battery. AC adapter 200-240 volt range	3200 mAh battery (claims to offer up to 3-4 hours of backup)
Audio	Audio out: 3.5mm jack / Audio in: 3.5mm jack	Audio out: 3.5mm jack / Audio in: 3.5mm jack	Audio out: 3.5mm jack / Audio in: 3.5mm jack	Audio out: 3.5mm jack / Audio in: 3.5mm jack
Storage	External 2GB to 32GB supported

[quote]The new range of Ubislate Tablets is packed with anytime anywhere Low-Cost Internet connectivity, UbiSurfer browser based on 18 international patents that can deliver internet access on traditional GPRS networks and a powerful combination of content and applications raising the bar in terms of meeting customers’ mobility needs. These tablets are of the gold standard when it comes to low – cost tablet cum Smart phone space being offered at an exciting price to our customers,” said Mr. Suneet Singh Tuli, CEO, Datawind Pvt. Ltd.[/quote]

As their order process in the past the company has put the tablets on pre order, which may put off most of their buyers. The initial order process for the UbiSlate 7 was very disorganised , and we don’t expect a better process this time, even though demand will be much lower.

September 17, 2012

Volvo Launches the new Sporty V40 R-Design

The R-Design is a 2013 model design of the company’s Volvo V40 and has just been announced. It has Regular 254PS petrol and 115PS diesel engines, The engines have also been taken from the V40 Line.

R-Design has a lowered chassis that was developed with Swedish racing driver Robert Dahlgren in the Volvo Polestar Black R team. The sporty outlook is further attributed by an ironstone rear diffuser, silk-metal finished details and twin exhaust tailpipes.

The R-Design package is available with any of the Volvo V40 engine choices in Europe, from a modestly-powered 115-hp turbodiesel all the way up to a 2.5-liter turbocharged I-5 producing 254 hp.

Volvo expects the new V40 R-Design to account for 10 percent of the V40’s sales.

September 17, 2012
FujiFilm XF1 Digital Camera costs US $ 500, has manual controls (PR)
FujiFilm is not really taking on the camera market seriously, with their recent launches of XE1 and various lenses. The new XE1 adds to this lineup, with an exterior coating of black, red or tan faux leather.

SPECS Include
- 2/3 inch 12-megapixel sensor
- Retractable, manual zoom, 25-100mm f/1.8 – f/4.9 lens
- Optically stabilisation
- 1080p 30fps video
- 3-inch 460,000 dot LCD
- ISO range is 100 – 12,800
- Pop-up flash
- Jog dial with a full manual setting
- Price US $500
- Shipping next month
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FUJIFILM Unveils the Head-Turning XF1 Digital Camera
New XF1 has a bold design, advanced technology and amazing F1.8 lens that brings excitement back to compact cameras

VALHALLA, N.Y., Sep 17, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced a new, distinctive premium digital camera that blends advanced technology with an unforgettable design to its flagship X-Series line, the FUJIFILM XF1. With its perfectly matched lens and sensor, careful attention to detail on appearance and design, and accessible technology, the XF1 extends the X-Series range to a much wider audience.

The FUJIFILM XF1 combines an amazingly fast and newly developed FUJINON F1.8 wide angle lens with 4x manual zoom with a large 2/3-inch 12 Megapixel EXR CMOS sensor that delivers extraordinary image quality, all in a remarkable design that is unlike any other camera.

The compact FUJIFILM XF1 will be available in three luxurious designs: a dimpled synthetic black leather, a smooth synthetic tan leather and an elegant synthetic red leather. Each new XF1 will begin shipping in October 2012.

“The FUJIFILM X-Series is known by photographers for their outstanding image quality, precision build and stellar performance,” said Go Miyazaki, president and chief operating officer, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “And the FUJIFILM XF1 lives up to that reputation, while adding a new level of portability and style with its unique retractable F1.8 manual zoom lens along with lightweight and durable aluminum body covered in synthetic leather for a bold, retro look.”

First class lens for razor-sharp results

The FUJIFILM XF1 features a newly-developed, high-definition FUJINON 25mm wide angle F1.8 lens (25mm-100mm) with 4x manual zoom lens that consists of 7 glass lens elements in 6 groups, including 4 aspherical glass lens elements and 3 extra-low dispersion lens elements. The FUJINON lens as has new HT-EBC (High-Transmittance EBC) coating on all lens surfaces that dramatically reduces flare for crystal clear images, as well as optical image stabilization to eliminate camera shake without compromising resolution around the edges of the image.

The XF1 also incorporates Optical Image Stabilization, which shifts one group of four elements to minimize camera shake without compromising resolution around the edges of the image, a common problem with conventional stabilization systems. With this extraordinary lens, the XF1 can shoot in low light without boosting sensitivity, keeping noise to a minimum, by using high shutter speeds to prevent camera shake and stop subject motion – all without the need for flash.

The XF1 is also capable of Macro photography at ranges as close as 3 cm, and can capture images with a beautiful “Bokeh” depth of field effect (for crisp subjects set against out-of-focus backgrounds) by taking advantage of the XF1’s fast lens and six diaphragm blades.

Fast AF in dark scenes with EXR processor

With its EXR CMOS sensor and EXR processor, the FUJIFILM XF1 offers fast Auto Focus no matter what you are shooting, even in dark settings. The speedy read time of the CMOS sensor, coupled with the high-speed EXR processor, accelerates all operations; quick response, start-up in just 0.55 seconds, focus acquisition in as little as 0.16 seconds, and a minimum shot-to-shot time of just 0.8 seconds. Additionally, the EXR processor offers high-speed processing for hassle-free HD movie recording and burst-mode photography.

Manual feel with all-new GUI

The FUJIFILM XF1 has an all new on-screen menu dial that allows users to gain full control of the camera’s extensive manual shooting controls. The on-screen menu dial is fully customizable, and allows for quick setting adjustments and selections. The programmable E-Fn button can be assigned up to six functions, allowing for smooth manual control via the bright, 3.0-inch (460k dot premium clear) LCD monitor. The XF1 also features a programmable function button for fast one-click setting access.

Newly developed hardware design

The FUJIFILM XF1’s new hardware design introduces a fresh way to carry, turn on and use the travel-ready digital camera. There are three modes for users to choose from when using the XF1:

— “Travel Mode” for a compact fit with the lens retracted and camera fully powered down

— “Standby Mode” with lens extended but in power saving mode for quick startups

— “Shooting Mode” for when you are actively photographing

Getting started is as easy as 1 – 2 – 3. From “Travel Mode,” turn the zoom ring to either move into “Standby Mode,” or bypass and move directly into “Shooting mode.” And beyond just powering the camera, the manual zoom lens provides a very fast and precise 4x optical zoom range plus 2x intelligent digital zoom for a total of 8x zoom.

Fujifilm XF1 key features list:

— Pocketable, premium, camera available in 3 stunning colors (Black, Tan, Red)

— 12 MP 2/3″ EXR-CMOS sensor with EXR-Auto

— Fast processing and response times

— Manual 4x FUJINON optical zoom (25-100mm equivalent to 35mm on a 35mm camera) and up to a total 8x zoom using the Intelligent Digital Zoom

— F1.8 (wide) – F4.9 (telephoto)

— Optical Image Stabilization

— Full manual controls

— A bright, sharp, 3.0-inch/460K dot premium clear LCD monitor

— ISO 100 – 12,800 (ISO 4000, 5000, 6400 M Mode or Smaller, ISO 12,800 S Mode)

— Macro shooting to 3cm

— Motion Panorama 360 for seamless panoramic shots in a snap

— Artistic effects including 6 “Advanced filters” with 11 patterns and 5 “Film simulation modes” for additional creative expression, plus an individual shutter 3D shooting option to create a 3D effect from 2 x 2D shots

— In-camera RAW converter

— Full HD movie recording with the ability to zoom and to take photographs during movie recording. Now also with Automatic Scene Recognition for even better results when videoing

— A range of retro style coordinating cases will be available to complement the XF1

— Approximately 300 shots per battery charge

Pricing and Availability

The FUJIFILM XF1 will be available in October 2012 for $499.95 in black, tan and red.

NOTE: For complete camera specifications, please go to: http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/

About Fujifilm

FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation, consists of five operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division sells consumer and commercial photographic products and services including film, one-time-use cameras, online photo services and fulfillment, digital printing equipment and service. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras. The Motion Picture Division provides motion picture film, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides binoculars, and optical lenses for closed circuit television, videography, cinematography, broadcast and industrial markets. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. markets a range of Fujifilm products and services. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmusa.com/northamerica , or go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss .

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 10 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2011, and in the year ended March 31, 2012, had global revenues of $27.8 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com .

* At an exchange rate of 79 yen to the dollar.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

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September 17, 2012
Nokia Says Lumia Marketing was “Poor Judgement”

Nokia found itself in a mess after they unveiled their new flagship Windows Phone 8 Lumia 920 a couple weeks back. The reason being was from a video they approved that promoted the OIS (optical image stabilization) features in the 920. If you remember, the video showed a girl riding a bike and the pleasant moments were all captured on camera by a friend, who was led to believe to be using the 920. However, the reflection in a window proved otherwise and revealed that the video was actually shot with a DSLR, not “the latest innovation from PureView technology.”

In a written statement, a Nokia spokeswoman said the findings from the internal investigation “confirmed that poor judgment was exercised in the use of the [marketing] materials.” She added that Nokia has taken “appropriate action” as a result of the findings, but declined to elaborate on the steps it has taken.

Nokia has yet to detail when the phones will become available, where to buy them or what they will cost.

September 15, 2012
Apple iPhone 5 16GB costs nearly $168USD to build

The iPhone 5 is going to be another huge success for Apple. This is a foregone conclusion. The company sold nearly 30 million iPhones last quarter, and that number is expected to grow with the introduction of the iPhone 5.

So how much profit does Apple make on each iPhone? We know that last quarter, with sales of 26 million iPhones the product line brought in approximately $16 billion in direct revenue, around 46% of the company’s entire take-home for the quarter. About $167.50, according to TechInsights. The company’s research found that the display costs $18, the camera costs $10, the processor is priced around $28, and a variety of other parts costs between $4.00 and $38.

The biggest expenditure for Apple is the A6 chip, which costs $28; the Qualcomm baseband chip costs $25. That upgraded Retina display only costs Apple $18 to manufacture, only $3 more than the previous 3.5-inch part. While these are still estimates based on what TechInsights knows about the supply chain, it’s clear that Apple’s sizeable margin is no less than it was a year ago with the iPhone 4S.

The Apple iPhone 5 comes in either white and silver or black and slate. Its prices start at $199 for 16GB (with a two-year service contract). The iPhone 5 will be available in the US for a suggested retail price of $199 for the 16GB model, $299 for the 32GB model and $399 for the 64GB model.

If each phone nets Cupertino $482, or somewhere close to it, you begin to understand why Apple has $100 billion sitting around in the bank, and is one of the fastest-growing companies in the world despite its size.

It sure doesn’t look like the cost of the iPhone has risen drastically, so where is that extra revenue going? Straight to the bank.

September 15, 2012
GoDaddy Apologizes By Offering 30% Discount on Registration

GoDaddy apologized to customers whose websites were knocked offline Monday.

In an email, the company said it was offering one free month of service, 30% off, to its customers, including those who pay for web hosting.

[quote]”We let you down and we know it,” GoDaddy Chief Executive Scott Wagner said in the email. “I cannot express how sorry I am to those of you who were inconvenienced.”[/quote]

To get the credit, users have to click on a button within the email and must do so within seven days. It also doesn’t appear the email was sent to every GoDaddy customer.

GoDaddy, which hosts more than 5 million sites, suffered an outage Monday morning that began kicking offline many of the sites the company hosts as well as some of its web services. It wasn’t until Monday afternoon that GoDaddy put out a tweet saying most sites were back online.

Initially, hackers associated with the online activist group Anonymous took credit for the hack, but GoDaddy debunked those claims Tuesday, saying the outage was caused by internal problems.

September 15, 2012
Sonata Announces TouchScreen Wristwatch

Titan’s Sonata has announced the launch of its the first ever touch screen watch that does away with most of the physical push buttons on the digital watch.

The touch screen watch is a multi-function sports watch with a high water resistance and comes packed with features such as light, stop-watch, multiple time display, day, date, alarm, and is available in three vibrant colours.

The watch is part of Sonata’s Super Fibre Ocean Series and is available at an introductory price of Rs 1,499.

September 14, 2012
UCWeb’s International Users Exceeds 60 Million

China based web browser company, UCWeb, claims that its market share in India has grown more than 20%. The company has said that its market share in India has grown from 12% to over 23%, in the first half of 2012. Note that UCWeb opened its first office in India in September 2012.

The company also claims that it now has 60 million users outside of China. UCWeb said that it has achieved a worldwide user base of over 300 million in a period of 8 years since its existence. It is also releasing a new international version of its browser.

UC Browser’s current version is available in 7 different languages, and according to the company is available in 150 countries and regions.

To celebrate its 8^th anniversary, UCWeb will be conducting a series of contests on its official Facebook page and give away prizes for participating users. The winners will not only be receiving prizes, but will also have their picture placed on the theme page of the new upcoming international version due soon.

Check out the Press Release below :

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UCWeb’s International Users Exceeds 60 Million

New Delhi, India (August 13, 2012) -UCWeb Inc. (UCWeb), the leading provider of mobile internet technology and application services, today announced that its users outside of China has reached 60 million. UC Browser, a mobile browser company headquartered out of China has achieved a worldwide user base of over 300 million in a period of 8 years since its existence, thus becoming the world’s largest mobile browser by user base. In addition, the company will also be releasing its new international version.

To celebrate its 8^th anniversary, UCWeb will be conducting a series of contests on its official Facebook page and give away prizes for participating users. The winners will not only be receiving prizes, but will also have their picture placed on the theme page of the new upcoming international version due soon.

Founded in 2004, UCWeb was the pioneer company to adopt Cloud Computing Framework on to its mobile browser. Its flagship product, UC Browser, is now available on more than 3,000 different models of cell phones from over 200 cell phone manufacturers across all major operating systems. In June 2011, the company released its U3 kernel. With U3, UC Browser brings users faster, more convenient and more secure web surfing experience.

With the first international version of UC Browser released in 2009, UCWeb has been dedicating a huge amount of effort in its international business group. Currently, it is available in 7 different languages spread across more than 150 countries and regions. UCWeb has now surpassed 10% market share in 6 different countries, including India. UCWeb has opened its first office in India outside China in September 2012 and its market share in India has grown more than 20%. According to Stat counter, in the first half of 2012, UC Browser’s market share in India has grown from 12% to over 23%.

About UCWeb Inc.

UCWeb Inc. (UCWeb) is a leading provider of mobile internet software technology and application services. Since its inception in 2004, UCWeb’s mission has been to provide better mobile internet experience to billions of uses around the world.

Additional information about UCWeb can be found at:

Official Website: http://www.ucweb.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ucmob

Twitter: http://twitter.com/UCBrowser

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/ucwebvideo

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September 14, 2012
Amzer Announces Shatter Proof Screen Protector

Amzer today introduced the next level of device protection with the arrival of AMZER ShatterProof Screen Protector. It’s extreme grade protection makes the device shatter and shock proof. ShatterProof has a unique shock dissipative function which uses the physics concept of dissipation.

It is super thin urethane film at only 0.2 mm thick and is certified by the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) having passed D1004 Tear Strength, D2240 Hardness and D4329 UV Light Discoloration Tests. The protector is scratch resistant, stress resistant, drop resistant and a has special self healing capability with dissipative functioning embodied – it is virtually indestructible.

[quote]“With ShatterProof protection, Amzer has proven itself yet again – as the leader of the accessory market, a leader which believes in innovation – we have created a revolutionary product to provide foolproof protection without adding any bulk to the beautiful devices, all this at a very nominal price! When we say Amzer accessories are inspired by real life, we mean it – we proved it.” emphatically says Amzer CEO – Pinakin Dinesh.[/quote]

Check out the Press Release Below :

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Amzer announces the next level of device protection – AMZER ShatterProof Screen Protector

HOUSTON—September 13, 2012—Amzer today introduced the next level of device protection with the arrival of AMZER ShatterProof Screen Protector. The AMZER ShatterProof Screen Protector is a revolutionary product innovated to provide the best protection to the next-generation of wireless devices. AMZER ShatterProof Screen Protector’s extreme grade protection making the device shatter and shock proof. ShatterProof has a unique shock dissipative function – unlike any other product in it’s category – ShatterProof uses the physics concept of dissipation, dissipation embodies the concept of a dynamical system where important mechanical modes, such as waves or oscillations, lose energy over time. ShatterProof does exactly the same to protect devices from drops and shocks, drops and stress which wireless devices usually don’t survive – which is why the name ShatterProof.

AMZER ShatterProof Screen Protector is super thin urethane film at only 0.2 mm thick, ShatterProof is certified by the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) having passed D1004 Tear Strength, D2240 Hardness and D4329 UV Light Discoloration Tests. The protector is scratch resistant, stress resistant, drop resistant and a has special self healing capability with dissipative functioning embodied – it is virtually indestructible. “With ShatterProof protection, Amzer has proven itself yet again – as the leader of the accessory market, a leader which believes in innovation – we have created a revolutionary product to provide foolproof protection without adding any bulk to the beautiful devices, all this at a very nominal price! When we say Amzer accessories are inspired by real life, we mean it – we proved it.” emphatically says Amzer CEO – Pinakin Dinesh.

AMZER ShatterProof Screen Protector is currently available for the Apple iPhone 5, Apple iPhone 4S/4, Samsung Galaxy SIII and Samsung Galaxy Note, Apple iPod Touch 5th generation, Apple iPod nano 7th generation – other popular devices shall be added to the ShatterProof lineup. AMZER ShatterProof Screen Protector is available on Amzer Stores as well as leading Amzer re-sellers like Amazon, Walmart and Newegg. Suggested retail price (MSRP) for AMZER ShatterProof Screen Protector is US$ 29.95. The entire range of ShatterProof screen protectors can be seen at amzer.com/ShatterProof

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September 14, 2012
Epson Launches Android Powered Mobile Viewer

Epson has announced the launch in India of its wearable display device – the Epson Moverio BT-100 see-through mobile viewer, which operates on the Google Android 2.2 Froyo platform. According to Epson, the “revolutionary mobile entertainment viewer lets you experience larger than life movies, images and more with crystal clarity.”

The Epson Moverio BT-100 projects an 80-inch perceived ‘floating’ display 5 metres away from the user and it can be used for for web browsing, playing games, watching videos and interacting with content privately. The device also allows the user to see what’s around with its see-through ability.

Specs highlights for the BT-100 include six hours of battery life, Dolby mobile surround sound, the ability to run apps like YouTube, which has a huge reservoir of 3D content. It has 1GB of internal memory, and supports 32GB microSDHC cards. The user-interface is controlled by a touch-enabled trackpad and navigation buttons.

It is priced at Rs. 42,900 and will be available in major retail outlets in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore & Hyderabad.

September 14, 2012
Apple iPhone Pre Orders begin in Several Countries, But Asia left out! “Pending Agency Approval”

Apple Pre Orders have begun and sold out in Several Countries like US, UK and Canada. But Apple’s fate in the ever-growing Asian market seems to be on attack. Apparently due to an approval process that Apple failed to comply with on time, the iPhone 5 cannot go for sale just as yet.

Apple Singapore’s iPhone 5 Pre-Order states : “Pending Agency Approval.”

The IDC requires paperwork weeks before a electronic item can go on sale, especially in countries like Japan and Singapore (sort of like FCC does in the US and its territories).

While the Pre Order page is missing on Apple Japan and Hong Kong Pages, Singapore does not allow going past capacity selection.

Apple iPhone 5 sales are strong otherwise as pre order shipping times have slipped from Sept 21st to “2-3 weeks”.

September 14, 2012
Breaking: Micromax will Launch Dual Core versions of A90 and two other phones : Mediatek

Major chipset manufacturer Mediatek recently released a press release, and has unknowingly confirmed that Micromax is working on dual core versions of the Superfone Pixel A90 and two other units.

[quote]Micromax will introduce the dual core version of its Superphone A90 along with two other models based on MediaTek dual core platform MT6577, expected to launch later this month. [/quote]

The new MT6577 features a dual 1GHz Cortex™-A9 application processor from ARM, a PowerVR™ Series5 SGX GPU (graphics processing unit) from Imagination Technologies, 3G/HSPA modem, and runs the latest Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich” (ICS) operating system. The platform also integrates a dual-core application processor architecture.

MT6577 can support an 8MP camera, up-to 1080p Full-HD video playback and the ability to support high-resolution displays up to 720p (1280×720) resolution. The platform also supports dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth4.0, GPS and FM, by pre-integrating 4-in-1 connectivity combo.

Our assumption is that atleast one of the “other two phones” mentioned is an upgraded dual core version of the Superfone Canvas A100. While we are trying to get an official word from Micromax, you can read the full PR below.

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MediaTek Set to Break Price Barrier for Mid-Entry Smartphones with MT6577 Powered Handsets from Micromax & Spice

The Dual Core, Android 4.0, 3G Smartphone Platform helps handset manufacturers in providing consumer the superior application and browsing experience at affordable price

New Delhi, 10 September 2012 – MediaTek Inc., a leading fabless semiconductor company for wireless communications and digital multimedia solutions, today announced that the first handsets powered by its dual-core MT6577 smartphone platform are ready to hit the Indian market. Micromax and Spice have selected the MT6577 to power their upcoming handsets. Spice plans to launch Mi 500, and Micromax will introduce the dual core version of its Superphone A90 along with two other models based on MediaTek dual core platform MT6577, expected to launch later this month.

The MT6577 features a dual 1GHz Cortex™-A9 application processor from ARM, a PowerVR™ Series5 SGX GPU (graphics processing unit) from Imagination Technologies, MediaTek’s proven 3G/HSPA modem, and runs the latest Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich” (ICS) operating system. The platform integrates a dual-core application processor architecture widely deployed in the majority of today’s premium smartphones.

The MT6577 platform will help commence a new era in entry level smartphones by providing features which were so far available only in very expensive and high-end mobile phones, thereby further democratizing smartphones. The MT6577 can support rich multimedia experiences with an 8MP camera, up-to 1080p Full-HD video playback and the ability to support high-resolution displays up to 720p (1280×720) resolution. The platform also supports dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth4.0, GPS and FM, by pre-integrating MediaTek’s leading 4-in-1 connectivity combo.

Developed specifically for the fastest growing sub-$200 smartphone segment, the MT6577 platform will help bring unprecedented levels of user experience by boosting the application and browser performance of these handsets by upto 40%, compared to single-core platforms.

Dual-core processors account for more than 20% of the smartphone chip shipments in 2011 and should see growth over the next two years, becoming more prevalent in entry-level smartphones by 2013, according to market research firm Strategy Analytics.

“MediaTek believes that the budget-friendly smartphones powered by the MT6577 will surge the next growth of entry level smartphones industry in India. This platform promises lucrative prospects to developers and their customers by providing features such as improved user interactivity, mobile connectivity and rich multi-media experience at affordable prices,” said Grant Kuo, Managing Director, MediaTek India.

Finbarr Moynihan, General Manager – Business Development, MediaTek said, “The Indian market witnessed a dramatic increase of 87% in smartphone sales last year, with 150 models launched by more than 30 vendors. Some of the MT6577 capabilities such as the increased application and browser performance and advanced multimedia features will bridge the performance gap between entry level and high-end smartphones, thereby changing the market dynamics of the Indian smartphone industry.”

Quoting the findings of the information company, IHS, he said, “Smartphone shipments in 2013 are forecast to account for 54% of the total cell phone market, it will be the first time when smartphones will make up more than half of all shipments. Price-efficient platforms from MediaTek, like the MT6577, have resulted in growing sales of mid and entry smartphones over the past few years. We hope to continue driving sales of mid and entry smartphones in the coming year while democratizing their availability to Indian consumers.”

Elaborating on how MediaTek’s MT6577 is helping them provide unparalleled experience to their users, Mr Dilip Modi, Co-Founder, Si2i Mobility, said “MediaTek has invariably been at the forefront of introducing superior quality and easily adaptable products at incredibly affordable prices. Thanks to low-cost superior technology that is now available, we see a growing base of Indians switching from basic feature phones to advanced and rich multimedia smart phones. We believe that our upcoming mobile handset(s) powered by MediaTek’s MT6577 will help us bring the market to an inflection point in terms of mid and entry smart phone prices, and set in motion a new era of telecom revolution for the knowledge economy.”

Says Mr Deepak Mehrotra, CEO, Micromax, “We at Micromax understand and respect the value driven choice of our customers. We believe that the new MediaTek platform will allow us to take pocket-friendly innovation to a whole new level by providing exceptional communication and multimedia experiences to customers from all across India.”

MediaTek’s other HSPA smartphone platforms – the MT6573 and MT6575 – have been extremely well-received by customers and consumers worldwide, and are currently shipping with major international brands such as Lenovo and TCL/Alcatel among other top tier OEMs.

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September 14, 2012
NIIT partners Microsoft to offer new programs in Cloud and emerging technologies

Technology trainer NIIT inked a strategic alliance with Microsoft Corporation to develop cloud-ready professionals, to take on assignments in the global IT industry. Under this alliance NIIT will offer new programs in cloud and emerging technologies in association with Microsoft.

This initiative will allow students to look at the next generation opportunities in the field of cloud computing, cloud services, and apps development. Further, the benefit of Microsoft Certification integrated with NIIT programs will be made available to students both in the retail and academic space, by NIIT.

[ET]

September 13, 2012
Motorola Atrix HD Receives Major OTA Update For Battery, Wi-Fi Improvements, But Not Jelly Bean
Motorola has announced a new software update for the Atrix HD, and while there’s no Jelly Bean to be found quite yet, there are a number of improvements that users ought to appreciate. Included in the update are things like enhancements to Wi-Fi connectivity, optimized battery performance and improved low light performance in the camera. The full changelog from Moto is available at the bottom of this post.

There are also a bunch of apps updated to their latest versions, including Google Chrome, Google+, GMaps, Gmail, and Street View, while the number of pre-loaded software will be increased with Quickoffice, Smart Wi-Fi, and YPmobile.

The OTA update should have already started rolling out to Atrix HD owners, but if you haven’t got yet a prompt message to download the new software package, go ahead to “Settings” – “About Phone” – “System Updates”, and perform a manual check.

[toggle_box title=Change Log” width=”Width of toggle box”]

Improved Features
- Wi-Fi: Improvements in WI-FI to allow for stronger connections in more places.
- Battery: Optimized Battery performance and metering for longer battery life
- Camera:
  - The camera changes include improvements for low light performance, reduced blurriness, and better color accuracy.
  - Bar code scanning applications like AT&T code scanner will have a higher rate of accuracy on 1st scan.
- Games/Apps:
  - Optimized EA/Gameloft games performance.
  - With Spotify Market Application, when skipping to the next song, the player will no longer pause.
- Streaming: Optimized playback of Widevine streaming content which does not impact most of the streaming content available today.
- Live Wallpaper:
  - Removed Not Supported Live Wallpaper 1) Color Bands, 2) Forest 3)Triangulations.
  - Software update will revert to Factory default Wallpaper if one of the above three is user selected prior to the update.
- Location: Corrected functionality for Fixed pictures being Geo Tagged when settings has it disabled.
- New and Updated Apps: Added latest versions of AT&T apps (Smart Wi-Fi, YPmobile), Pre Loaded apps (Quickoffice), and Google apps (Chrome, Google+, Maps, Gmail, Play Store, Street View).
- Security: Implemented Latest Google Security Patches.
[/toggle_box]
September 13, 2012
Nintendo Says Wii U Will Launch On November 18

Nintendo’s upcoming Wii U gaming console will start at $300 and go on sale in the U.S. on Nov. 18, in time for the holidays, the company said Thursday.

A “deluxe” version will sell for $350. It will be black instead of white and include extra features such as more memory, a charging stand and the game “Nintendo Land.”

Nintendo Co. has been trying to drum up excitement for the Wii U, which is the first major gaming console to launch since 2006. The device has a touch-screen controller called the Wii U GamePad. It also plays games made for the original Wii.

Nintendo said the latest game in its wildly popular Mario franchise, “New Super Mario Bros. U,” will be available when the new console launches. It will include new ways to play that use the GamePad. It will also offer new challenges for advanced Mario players, such as trying to complete a level without touching the ground. “Mario” and other classic games have long been Nintendo’s main draw.

The company also announced new entertainment features for the console. Called “Nintendo TVii,” the service collects all the ways users have to watch movies, TV shows and sports. This includes pay-TV accounts along with services such as Hulu and Netflix. The GamePad works as a fancy remote controller and will let viewers browse shows they can watch.

TVii “brings all of your services to one place,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, president and chief operating officer of Nintendo of America.

So if you like the TV show “Modern Family,” for example, it will pull in the show’s episodes from every available source.

[Washington Post]

September 13, 2012