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Acer Iconia A501 coming to India this month

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Back in the month of May Acer had announced the launch of its tablet devices based on both and Windows platforms in India. Now Acer is all set to revamp its tablet range with the launch of a new Android device in the Indian market.

An Acer India spokesperson confirmed to The Mobile Indian that the company is set to launch a new tablet &#151 Acer Iconia Tab A501 this September in India.

The Tab A501 will be an upgrade to the existing A500. It will have and cellular data connectivity, which was not available in the earlier Acer Iconia Tab A500.

Iconia A501 is identical to A500 in terms of technical specifications. It runs on Nvidia’s Tegra 2 dual core clocked at 1 GHz with a 1 DDR2 RAM. The A501 will be available in two different memory sizes of 16 GB and 32 GB. The tablet will have a 5 rear camera for video and imagery while its frontal 2 megapixel camera will be for video conferencing.

The 10.1 inch display of the A501 will be capable of the same 800 x 1280 pixel as its predecessor, but it might also include the new ten point multi touch input technology which was included by Acer in the version of the Iconia Tab launched sometime back.

There is a huge possibility that the A501 might come preinstalled with Android Honeycomb 3.2. Otherwise, users can upgrade the tablet to Honeycomb 3.2.

The 3G enabled tablet will cost the users somewhere between Rs 27,000 to Rs 30,000 for the 16 GB version.

India moves closer to 4G

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Qualcomm, in collaboration with Huawei, ZTE, Quanta and BandRich, today announced the launch of TDD multi-mode devices which will support HSPA, LTE and EVDO networks in multiple frequencies.

The devices, which were displayed during an event in New Delhi, include data dongles, routers and tablets. The four companies that announced the products are both consumer brands as well as ODMs (original device manufactures).

This may pave the way for the roll out of networks in India.The Government of India auctioned 4G spectrum in the country in June 2010 but other than BSNL, which launched high-speed 4G networks in some places using WiMax technology, no other operator has done anything in this regard.

One reason behind this is the lack of devices supporting LTE TDD multi-mode technology, which is preferred by operators because it offers backward compatibility with both GSM and CDMA networks. This means that if there is no LTE network these devices will switch to a 3G or 2G network, whichever is available.

Announcing the launch, Avneesh Agrawal, president of Qualcomm India and South Asia, said, “The announcement of multi-mode LTE TDD devices today is a significant milestone for the commercialisation and deployment of LTE in concert with 3G for Indian BWA operators.”

While both ZTE and Huawei sell devices under their own brand name as well as by licensing to other companies, two new brands in India, Bandrich and Quanta, sell devices through licensing, and they manufacture for other brands. There will likely be several other brands coming to market as soon as networks start rolling out.

Indian handset brand Beetel of the Bharti group has already stated that it will launch LTE tablets based on around Diwali this year. Other manufacturers have also expressed their readiness to launch the device when the network starts being rolled-out.

Reliance Infotel, which is the sole winner of pan India 4G spectrum, is expected to begin the roll-out by Diwali. However, the company is still tight lipped about its plans.

Sony Android Walkman unveiled

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The Walkman brand has faced quite a tough time in the market due to iPod’s onslaught. In a bid to reverse this, Sony has now come out with an Android based Walkman phone. A prototype of the phone, called the Walkman Mobile Entertainment Player, was showcased by the company during the ongoing IFA consumer electronics event in Berlin, Germany.

“This is our first try to make convergence between Android products and our own technology,” said Toshimichi Nagashima, general manager of digital music player product planning at Sony.

Toshimichi added: “After reviewing the customers’ acceptance, we’ll decide how to expand this kind of product. We have some confidence for this product.”

The phone will have access to Sony’s Music Unlimited service, and a separate Walkman button which works even when the phone is locked, allowing users to access music more easily. The videos on the device can be viewed on DLNA devices as well. The Sony Android Walkman also allows users to access the usual Android apps, which is a first for a Walkman phone.

However, its form factor is slightly on the large side; a smaller pocket friendly device would have been sweeter. During the unveiling, the Sony official was unclear about when the device will be launched in the market.

Sony announces two Android tablets

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Sony announces two Android tablets

As reported by The Mobile Indian in July, Sony has launched two tablets which will be available in the market by the end of this year.

Sony has renamed both the devices and now the larger of them, S1, will be known as Sony Tablet S and the smaller foldable tablet will be known as Sony Tablet P.

Sony S is a 9.4 inch device with a curved top, much like a folded magazine, which makes it easy to handle for long hours. Tablet P is a dual screen device aimed particularly at people looking for both mobility and usability. Both tablets use Nvidia Tegra 2 processors and run a customised version of Honeycomb operating system.

Both devices run on Android &#151 Android 3.1 on Sony Tablet S; while Sony Tablet P is equipped with Android 3.2. Both also feature the PlayStation suite, which will enable them to download and run PS certified content. There is not much difference between the two tablets as far as functionality and hardware go.

“These devices truly represent the best of everything Sony has to offer,” said Mike Lucas, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Networked Technology and Services Division. “From hardware to software and services, Sony Tablet devices embody all our innovations rolled into one.”

The tablets P and S will come with integrated support for Sony’s Qriocity service that allows streaming of multimedia content to various Sony devices like Bravia, PlayStation etc. Along with that, both tablets will also be Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) certified, which will help users play multimedia content from the tablet on a DLNA capable display such as a TV. Tablet S will be compatible with a Sony remote control that will work on a number of Sony devices as well.

The Sony Tablet S device is available in 16 and 32 GB versions and will be sold at Sony Stores including online and at other authorised retailers nationwide from this year end for about $500 or approximately Rs 23,000 and $600 or Rs 27,500.

Whereas the Sony Tablet P is still awaiting a final launch date and price tag, it is expected that both the tablets will go on sale by the end of this year.

High speed Tata Photon unveiled

The Mobile Indian Network
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Tata Teleservices (TTL) has unveiled Tata Photon on Rev.B, which will provide high-speed mobile access at up to 14.7 across the country on the CDMA platform.

A Tata Teleservices’ spokesperson informed The Mobile Indian that the product will be available from the third week of September in 27 major metros and cities across the country. Details on its pricing will be available just before the product is released.

Notably, MTS on Wednesday has also launched its EVDO Rev B network, which is an improved version of the CDMA network and provides speeds of up to 9.8 Mbps.

Commenting on the launch, Deepak Gulati, executive president of the mobility business at Tata Teleservices, said, “Tata Photon on Rev.B will provide our customers with unfettered mobile broadband access and enable them to experience super-fast speeds on their laptops, PCs and other devices.”

In a press release, the company said that the Rev.B solution will help it provide high speed internet and since it is based on the CDMA platform, users can also enjoy seamless in-building coverage.

MTS Android 2.3 tablet

Sandeep Budki
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MTS, a mobile operator that is part of Sistema Shyam TeleServices Limited (SSTL), will launch an 2.3 based tablet for Indian consumers in the next three months.

Vsevolod Rozanov, president and chief executive officer of MTS India said to The Mobile Indian, “We will be launching an Android 2.3 based tablet by year end for the Indian market.”

He didn’t elaborate on the tablet’s specifications or its manufacturer but said, “We will have tablets for both premium and price sensitive customers.”

While there are many GSM tablets in the market there are not many that run on CDMA.

It may be recalled that around five months ago MTS started focusing on offering its subscribers high end smartphones bundled with its network. It started with HTC Pulse, a CDMA Android smartphone bundled with free calls, data and SMSes in India.

The smartphone, worth Rs 18,000, is available almost free for its existing as well as new customers, who just need to sign up for a monthly rental of Rs 1,500 with a commitment of 12 months to get the device.

Users get 1,500 minutes of along with 1,500 free SMSes and free data usage of 1,500 every month for twelve months.

Apart from that MTS, a couple of days ago, unveiled two Android smartphones – MTS MTAG 3.1 manufactured by Huawei and MTS Livewire manufactured by ZTE, both in the sub-Rs 5,000 category.

Both phones incorporate Snapdragon S1 processors. Running on CDMA EV-DO Rev A technology, MTS MTAG 3.1 and MTS Livewire support high quality voice and net enabled data services. These phones will be available in the market from the third week of September.

During the unveiling of these devices, Rozanov said, “I am immensely pleased to announce the launch of MTS MTAG 3.1 and MTS Livewire smartphones, incorporating Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S1 processors. This initiative has been designed to take the power of Android to the masses. Launched in the sub-Rs 5,000 category, these are the most affordable Android smartphones in India.”

MTS is also gearing up to attract high end mobile and tablet users on its CDMA network, which is a better choice for data users.

Let’s have a look at the possible CDMA devices in India that might come bundled with an MTS connection:

Samsung Galaxy Tab

Galaxy Tab is currently one of the most popular Android tablets in the market. It has no major competitors yet and has already sold more than a million units across the globe and has also found many buyers in India.

A CDMA version of the device has reportedly been spotted, and if the news is true, MTS will almost certainly look at bringing it to India. Galaxy Tab has already established a brand identity in India.

Motorola Stingray

Stingray is rumoured to be equipped with a 1.3 GHz and the latest Google Android 3.0 OS.

Motorola Stingray will carry a 10 inch screen, and on the network front it will reportedly work on CDMA Rev A, the same technology that MTS uses.

HTC EVO View CDMA tablet

HTC had some time back announced its CDMA tablet. This is an Android 2.4 Gingerbread device with a 1.5 GHz processor. It has a 5 camera which can record images and HD video at 720p. It also has a 1.3 megapixel secondary camera for video calling and video chat. In the past we have seen MTS partner with HTC for an Android smartphone – HTC Pulse.

Huawei and ZTE

Chinese players ZTE and Huawei are strong in the CDMA space thanks to China Mobile being a CDMA operator. Although they don’t have CDMA tablets right now it would not be hard for them to make one for MTS. Also, as mentioned above, they recently joined hands with MTS for a low cost Android phone.

Your tablet as a smartphone

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Beetel recently launched its first tablet in India, Beetel Magiq, which comes with a 7 inch screen, 2.2 and a 1 GHz processor. It also supports a SIM card and voice calling through mobile networks. And, it is not the only tablet to support a SIM: Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 and Reliance tab also support SIM cards and voice calling.

These devices, though, are not smartphones despite having everything that smartphones have with the added advantage of a bigger screen. Can they then be used as smartphones?

Well, technically speaking they can but for the size, which makes these devices too cumbersome for holding up to one’s ear. But then who is stopping us from re-inventing the way we talk &#151 at least technology isn’t. All these tablets come with functionality and Bluetooth handsfree sets that offer good ergonomics and voice clarity are now available for less than Rs 1,000.

But why should we change our habits? The first reason that comes to mind is that using a tablet for calling will definitely cut down on the number of devices we carry &#151 there would be no need to take a smartphone along because the tablet would be enough.

The second reason is that calling is just one of the things we use smartphones for – accessing and composing mails, navigation, gaming, watching videos and photos, and surfing the net are in fact the primary reasons why we buy smartphones.

For these tasks a tablet is much better because of its big screen. Most smartphones come with 3.5 to 4 inch screens, compared to the 7 inch display of the tablet.

Moreover, if you make a lot of video calls, a tablet is a much better choice. Even for voice calls a tablet has a better microphone in case a group wants to use it (the microphone used in tablets are designed to receive voice from all directions same as laptop mics; while smartphones have microphones for single users as they prevent ambient noise from disturbing the conversation. So, for group calling or conferencing, tablets are better devices.

People might argue that tablets are more expensive than smartphones, but this is not true. Consider Beetel Magiq, which costs Rs 9,000. At that price you will at best get a 3.2 inch smartphone running Android 2.2 on a 600 processor. And Beetel beats these devices on all counts except that it doesn’t have a capacitive screen.

Go a notch higher and there is the Reliance 3G tab which outdoes its smartphone competitors both in specs and in price. Even the higher end Galaxy Tab 7, at Rs 24,000, competes well with smartphones like Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, HTC Incredible S, and even its own stable mate Galaxy S in terms of price and specifications.

The negative aspects of using a tablet that doubles as a phone are that it would then be necessary to carry the device around wherever one goes. Another reason is that there are a limited number of tablets that can connect to mobile networks so there’s a lack of choice.

However, for users who tend to carry around more than one device, a 7 inch tablet might work wonders as one of those devices.

Toshiba to show off slim Android Honeycomb tablet at IFA

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Toshiba is planning to unveil yet another 3.x Honeycomb running slim tablet at the IFA 2011 event that starts on September 3 in Berlin, Germany. The new Toshiba tablet will be slim like the iPad and will have a brush metal finish on the back panel. Notebook Italia grabbed few press images of the tablet and gave a sneak peek to the next tablet from Toshiba.

Toshiba Thrive though being amazing on the paper in terms of hardware specifications, has struggled enough alongside the competitors like the Apple iPad, Motorola XOOM, Samsung Galaxy Tab and number of others. From the images, it is obvious that the tablet will run Android 3.x Honeycomb version. The side shot exposes the physical connection ports which include &#151 micro USB, micro HDMI and micro reader.

The Thrive successor appears to be slimmer than the thrive tablet and might give competition to all existing league of Android 3.x Honeycomb tablets. The images suggest it may carry the same 10.1-inch display size and more goodies would be amazing rather than the weight loss (slimmer outlook).

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S announced

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Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S announced

Sony Ericsson has unveiled a faster version of the sleek Xperia Arc device – the Xperia Arc S, during an event in Berlin.

The Arc S shares the same sleek design as the Xperia Arc but with a faster Qualcomm MSM8255T Snapdragon with a 1.4 GHz processor. Whereas the upgrade for the new device gives it the much needed muscle for better performance.

Sony Ericsson has also included its much appreciated 3D sweep panorama image capture feature to the Xperia Arc S, which enables this device to capture 3D images without dual cameras.

Based on the latest Gingerbread platform, Xperia Arc S also features the same 4.2 inch backlit display with a native of 480 x 854 pixels as the Xperia Arc.

Powered by the Mobile BRAVIA engine, it delivers better visuals and video performance as compared to other devices. The Xperia S also get an 8.1 camera with video capability featuring Sony’s exclusive Exmor R image sensor that enhances still images and videos even in low light conditions.

Nikolaus Scheurer, head of product marketing at Sony Ericsson said: “Xperia Arc S is the fastest and most entertaining Xperia to date and it clearly demonstrates how the Xperia family are the best smartphones to experience great entertainment services such as Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited of Sony.”

In select countries, Xperia S smartphone users will be able to enjoy “Music Unlimited” and “Video Unlimited” services of Sony. The Music Unlimited service offers free access to a global catalogue of over 10 million unique songs with access to users personal music library and ad free radio channels. While, the Video Unlimited provides users free access to the latest Hollywood blockbusters, all-time classics, and TV shows from all major studios.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S will be available for the Indian customers by the end of this year, while more details about the pricing of this device will be revealed by Sony Ericsson at a later stage.

Dolphin browser is now available for iPhone

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MoboTap, the mobile technology development company, has introduced a new version of its popular Dolphin designed to work on the iPhone and iPad. The free Internet browser was first launched for the operating system. The Dolphin browser for Android was launched in March 2010 whereas the company signed a deal with Softbank Japan to develop a social browser for it.

The Dolphin browser simplifies navigation with the use of tabs as well as two sidebars. The browser also uses speed dial feature so the users can easily access their favourite websites along with a smart address bar which auto-completes the URL when users are entering it.

“Dolphin Gesture allow users to create personal symbols to access websites they use the most with just one stroke.” said Yongzhi Yang, MoboTap’s chief executive officer. ‘We spent months redesigning Dolphin Browser from the ground up for the iPhone and we’re excited to bring this new experience to millions more.”

Another notable feature of the browser is Webzine which gives thumbnails of webpages. In the touch gestures feature of the browser, the browser responds to predefined gestures with certain actions &#151 for example, when the users draw the letter V on the screen, the browser takes them to the bottom of the webpage. Users just have to touch the finger button at the bottom to access the touch gesture box in the browser. Sometimes, these features appear so convenient in the mobile browser it is difficult to fathom how missed including these features.

Just like the desktop browser, users also have the option to open new tabs in the dolphin browser. Users also have the option to go to the desktop mode of a webpage when they don’t want to view the mobile configured version of the webpages of that site.

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