Posts Tagged ‘3G’
Nokia Siemens, India’s First to Manufacture 3G Products Locally
The 3G race started off with a bang, and it’s about time. It seems like the first one to start manufacturing 3G mobile communications infrastructure is Nokia Siemens Networks, at their Chennai facility. They’re the first in the country to manufacture 3G products locally.
“India is not just a high-growth market but also an innovation hub for us. Our manufacturing operations in India reflect our unwavering focus on the country and enhance our proximity to our customers,” said Urs Pennanen, head of the India region at Nokia Siemens Networks. “With 3G licenses underway and the country taking huge strides in telecommunications, operators require a local manufacturing partner. This is definitely the right time and place to begin 3G manufacturing for India.”
The first batch of LTE-ready 3G base stations rolled out of the Chennai facility last week. Nokia Siemens Networks will initially manufacture radio frequency modules and system modules, ramping up production for both these products by almost three-fold towards the latter half of the year. In addition, the company plans to commence production of transport modules and next-generation microwave radios from the second half of 2010, as well as increase its 3G manufacturing headcount from 75 to 210 by the third quarter 2010. The company has set up 3G test labs in the country and has trained 3200 Indian field engineers to support 3G roll-outs.
“While the products manufactured here are intended for both local and global markets, the demands of the Indian market will be given priority in the manufacturing decisions,” said Herbert Merz, head of operations for Nokia Siemens Networks. “With 3G manufacturing capabilities in the country, we will be able to facilitate a faster time to market of 3G services for our customers since all key elements, including production, distribution, logistics and remote delivery, will be taken care of locally.”
Furthermore, the company’s Global Network Solutions Centers (GNSC’s) in Noida and Chennai are fully equipped to manage 3G networks remotely. These GNSCs already serve 27 3G operators globally, maintaining, operating and optimizing their networks, which support millions of subscribers across the globe.
Let the speed come forth and let 3G reign… BSNL, MTNL, Nokia Siemens we thank you, better late then never.
iPad to Hit US Shelves April 3
Announced earlier this year, the Apple iPad will now be available in the US on Saturday, April 3 – the Wi-Fi model that is and late April will see the availability of the Wi-Fi + 3G model. In addition, all models of iPad will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April, which is also when international pricing will be announced. The iPad will be shipped to additional countries (yes that includes us) later this year.
From March 12, US customers can pre-order both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G models from Apple’s online store or reserve a Wi-Fi model to pick up on Saturday, April 3, at an Apple retail store.
“iPad is something completely new,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We’re excited for customers to get their hands on this magical and revolutionary product and connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before.”
iPad will be available for a suggested retail price of $499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB, $699 for 64GB.
The Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available for a suggested retail price of $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB and $829 for 64GB.
The iBooks app for iPad including Apple’s iBookstore will be available as a free download from the App Store in the US on April 3, with additional countries added later this year.
LG’s Watch Phone Makes Its Way to India
First talked about in 2008 , LG has finally brought its Watch Phone to the country.
This mobile phone and watch rolled into one snazzy device allows convenient communication coupled with a Bluetooth headset. LG has used materials and stylistic elements found in watches from top manufacturers to ensure that users will be comfortable wearing it for any occasion.
The Watch Phone has a curved tempered glass face, high quality metal casing and is a mere 13.9mm thick. It also packs in 3G Video Telephony (VT) service and GSM Network capabilities.
Priced at Rs. 49,900 it features 7.2 Mbps 3G HSDPA compatibility, enabling high-speed data transmission and video phone calls using the built-in camera.
Skype Available for Nokia Smartphones on Ovi
Skype and Nokia have jointly announced the release of Skype for Symbian, a Skype client for Nokia smartphones based on the Symbian platform. Skype for Symbian will allow Nokia smartphone users worldwide to use Skype on the move, over either a WiFi or mobile data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G). It is now downloadable for free from the Ovi Store.
“With Symbian’s global reach, Skype is that much closer to becoming the ubiquitous real-time communications platform for hundreds of millions of Symbian-based mobile users.”
Skype for Symbian enables Nokia smartphone users to:
•Make free Skype-to-Skype calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world*
•Save money on calls and texts (SMS) to phones abroad.
•Send and receive instant messages to and from individuals or groups
•Share pictures, videos and other files.
•Receive calls to their existing online number
•See when Skype contacts are online and available to call or IM
•Easily import names and numbers from the phone’s address book
Skype for Symbian will run on any Nokia smartphone using Symbian ^1, the latest version of the Symbian platform. Skype will soon introduce this client to Symbian mobile devices from other manufacturers, including Sony Ericsson.
The initial Skype for Symbian application is compatible with the following Nokia touchscreen models: Nokia N97, Nokia N97 mini, Nokia X6, Nokia 5800 XpressMusic and Nokia 5530 and the following non-touch devices: Nokia E72, Nokia E71, Nokia E90, Nokia E63, Nokia E66, Nokia E51, Nokia N96, Nokia N95, Nokia N95 8Gb, Nokia N85, Nokia N82, Nokia N81, Nokia N81 8 Gb, Nokia N79, Nokia N78, Nokia 6220 classic, Nokia 6210 Navigator, Nokia 5320.
Samsung Dual SIM Phone Loaded with Features
Samsung has unveiled its latest dual SIM phone, the B7722 – a device that can be called a first of its kind because it happens to be the first dual SIM handset to feature fairly high-end specifications.
Until now, only low to mid-range handsets came with dual SIM options. The B7722 has broken a tradition of sorts and comes with a decent spec sheet – along with dual SIM capabilities.
The phone is a 3G ready GSM handset complete with support for Class 12 GPRS (4+1/3+2/2+3/1+4 slots) 32 – 48 kbps, Class 12 EDGE and as mentioned earlier – 3G. Pertinent to note is that only one SIM card slot supports 3G networks. The phone is a touchscreen device with a 3.2 inch display. It has a decent 5 megapixel camera. Video recording is supported but only at QVGA resolutions (30 fps). There is an LED flash at the rear that aids in low light photography. It also supports stereo FM radio with RDS and FM recording.
The B7722 has a Li-Ion 1200 mAhbattery that can provide up to 420 hours of standby time and a talk time of up to 12 h 50 min. The phone supports memory expansion using microSD cards.
The phone is expected to first reach Europe before coming to India. It’s price is expected to hover around the Rs. 23,000 mark in India – which, according to us, is on the higher side.