South Africa’s Cell C has introduced its own branded handset for using its HSPA+ network in the 900MHz band.
The Cell C F250 features a MP3 player, Java applications and games, a 2 megapixel camera and a video recorder, 15 MB on-board memory and an integrated web browser with pre-loaded shortcuts to Facebook and YouTube.
Furthermore, the customers will receive 200MB of data, 50 on-net minutes and 100 SMS when they activate the Cell C Welcome pack Sim Card. The F250 mobile phone is available at all the operator’s retail outlets for US$72.24.
MTN Nigeria has signed a strategic data bundle deal with Samsung Mobile. As per the agreement, a number of Samsung phones will be loaded with exclusive MTN bundle that offers special free downloads, voice/video calls and a free MTN SIM card.
According to Samsung Handheld Director Fady Khatib, the phones involved in the bundle offer were equipped with Google Android operating system and Google mobile services, including Gtalk, Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps and application store. The phones are also equipped with Samsung Integrated messaging solution, which supports multiple emails, IM and personal information management solutions.
He added that each phone comes with a 12-month warranty and after sales support. The trio of Samsung Galaxy 5, Samsung Galaxy S and Samsung Galaxy Tab are the three devices that will be loaded with the MTN data bundle.
He stated that the new Samsung Galaxy 5 was 3G compatible phone and it was pre-loaded with social networking applications such as Facebook and Twitter, among others. It also comes with an exclusive MTN Bundle of 750MB of free data downloads and is valid for three months. The retail price for this bundle offer is US$205.66.
MTS in partnership with Vodafone and Opera Software has announced the launch of a new customized version of Opera Mini for MTS subscribers.
According to MTS, using MTS Internet with Opera Mini, MTS customers will be able to add up to 30 of their preferred pages to a Speed Dial screen and quickly load them with a quick tap function. This unique capability surpasses the standard version of the Opera Mini that allows customizing up to nine websites. In the coming months, the new browser will also enable the use of a wide range of widgets for YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Omlet directly on the phone.
According to MTS Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Mikhail Gerchuk, they are pleased that their partnership with Vodafone brings them the opportunity to offer unique services to their subscribers. The Opera Mini browser is very popular in Russia with more than four million MTS customers a month using it to surf the Internet. The launch of the new browser moves their partnership with Opera to the next level. With the customized Opera Mini’s added capability, they can turn a budget handset model with limited functions into a very capable Internet browsing device. They are confident that their subscribers will get a richer and more convenient mobile Internet experience with the MTS Internet with Opera Mini.
More than 70% of Russians use Opera Mini to access the Internet from mobile phones (based on StatCounter stats provider data). Opera uses compression technology that reduces traffic by up to 90% of the initial volume, enabling mobile operators to optimize investments in infrastructure and use network capacity more efficiently. The technology also allows for the download of web pages up to six times faster than a regular browser on a mobile phone, thereby significantly reducing costs for mobile Internet users.
Virgin Mobile has launched the feature-rich LG Optimus V mobile phone which perfectly blends together interesting features and mesmerizing attributes.
Individuals can watch their most liked movies and videos on the vibrant 3.2-inch touchscreen display. Social buffs can enhance their mobile experience with various social apps like YouTube and Google Talk. The LG Optimus V also shows off social networking apps, Microsoft Outlook Exchange e-mail, advanced messaging capabilities and Swype technology.
According to Bob Stohrer, Vice President-Marketing, Virgin Mobile USA, more than 44% of smartphones purchased in the third quarter of 2010 was Android based with the iPhone coming in second. With LG Optimus V on Android, Virgin Mobile customers who crave constant connectivity get a highly functional device with a high-resolution 3.2 touch screen paired with an affordable monthly plan and no annual contract.
According to Tim O’Brien, Vice President of LG marketing, users get the best of both worlds with LG Optimus V. Bringing an easy-to-use blend of applications and sleek design, LG Optimus V delivers the features users want with the efficient performance capabilities they deserve.
Mobile buffs can benefit from the Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk plans which start at $25 per month for 300 minutes of voice and offer unlimited messaging, IM, email, social networking and web access. The $40 plan puts forth 1,200 minutes of voice whereas the $60 plan offers unlimited voice minutes each month.
The 3G and Wi-Fi capable device comes along with a 3.2MP camera, thereby enabling photo enthusiasts to capture crisp images. The phone is packed in Virgin Mobile’s new handset packaging that touts to be more eco-friendly. Owners can entertain themselves while on-the-go with interesting apps from the Android Market.
The LG Optimus V can be purchased from Radio Shack and the official website for $149.99. It is expected to be available via other retailers throughout this month.
Latest research reveals that global tablet shipments reached 10 million units in the fourth quarter of 2010. Apple maintained first position, while Android soared and captured a record 22% global share.
According to sources, Global tablet shipments grew 120% sequentially to reach 9.7 million units in Q4 2010. Apple maintained first position. Apple recorded an impressive 75% global market share during the fourth quarter, but it has slipped from a peak of 95% in Q3 2010 due to rising competition from Android.
Android tablet volumes experienced 2000% sequential growth and its global market share soared to a record 22% in Q4 2010. The Samsung Galaxy Tab was the main driver of Android’s success, as the model was launched in dozens of countries and promoted heavily by Samsung. Tablet makers like Android because of its perceived low cost and an accompanying range of compelling media services such as YouTube and Google Maps.
They also expect Android to increase share of the global tablet market during the first half of 2011. Several models from major vendors are scheduled to hit retail stores, such as the Motorola Xoom. The growing base of tablets will make Android a more attractive platform for media developers in the United States and worldwide.
France Telecom SA is reportedly in discussions with DailyMotion SA to acquire as much as half of the online video provider.
According to sources, France’s largest phone company may announce the beginning of exclusive negotiations to buy a third to one half of DailyMotion on Jan. 25.
In 2009, French sovereign-wealth fund FSI, one of France Telecom’s largest investors, put US$10.2 million into DailyMotion, a rival to Google Inc.’s YouTube.
France Telecom Chief Executive Officer Stephane Richard is targeting new services to win a piece of the market dominated by Google, Apple Inc. and Facebook Inc.
As per his previous statements, he complained large online traffic generators such as YouTube make money using phone networks without contributing to their upkeep. He proposed a system of billing by data usage.
According to the company, Investing in DailyMotion would give France Telecom advertising revenue like that earned by YouTube. DailyMotion attracted 93 million monthly visitors as of October.
Sources added that France Telecom may begin a two step investment process that could lead to another investor also taking a stake in DailyMotion.
Google Inc. has stated that co-founder Larry Page would replace Eric Schmidt as chief executive in a surprising management reshuffle announced with the Internet company’s fourth-quarter earnings, which jumped 29%.
According to the company, the moves, effective April 4, were made to streamline decision-making and create clearer lines of responsibility and accountability at the top of the company.
Page takes the reins at a time when Google is striking out in multiple directions with its small businesses, from its online video site YouTube to its large push in mobile advertising with Android. The investments, which drew their share of skeptics, are beginning to take hold even as its core search and advertising business continues to hum.
As part of the change, Schmidt will no longer be responsible for the day-to-day operations. Instead, he will become executive chairman, focusing on deals, partnerships, customers and broader business relationships. He also will continue to act as an adviser to Page and co-founder Sergey Brin, who will devote his energy to strategic projects.
Speaking to investors, Schmidt stated that he doesn’t anticipate a material change in the company’s strategic direction.
According to Google spokesman Gabriel Stricker, Schmidt hadn’t felt overburdened and remained the company’s public face. Over the past year, Eric has been as engaged and publicly visible as ever.
New survey has revealed that the iPad is still a ways off from becoming a fourth screen and creating new revenue streams for content providers. A survey of 205 iPad owners and users, the report found early adopters are not demonstrating unique behaviors: six of the seven top reported activities are familiar ones, like web surfing and email.
The report also found that 76% of owners use the iPad at least five days a week, while 55% of owners use the device everyday.
But these users are bringing the free Internet mindset to the iPad, and only a small portion of users is willing to pay for content. This is a trend worth watching, as the iPad’s advertising-supported media model is different from that of any other medium, since iPad users must register with iTunes, providing much personally identifiable information through a pay wall. At the same time, Apple’s iAd advertising product can be purchased only through Apple, creating an entirely different advertising ecosystem that industry analysts are watching closely.
Early-adopters are currently treating the iPad as an Internet appliance. Media companies and other content creators cannot assume that iPod behaviors – purchasing content for the device – will be immediately transferred to the iPad. In early-adopter group, it was seen that iPad users prefer an ad-supported model over a pay model to gain access to content. At this point, a pay-for-content model would appeal only to a niche group of consumers.
Ironically, users who watch TV episodes or movies on their iPads most often learn about them from branded apps created by services like YouTube, Netflix and SlingBox. Word-of-mouth, typically the most common information source, came in second in the survey, just ahead of TV network apps, with iTunes mentioned less.
The study also shows that 70% of iPad owners/users have read an e-book on the device; 61% electronic magazine or journal; and 51% have watched network TV programs. Yet only 13% of iPad owner/users would be willing to pay extra for an iPad-friendly version of a magazine or TV show they already pay for in its standard format (such as a cable or magazine subscription).
