Nokia and Bharti Airtel sign contract for network expansion

Press Release
Nokia and Bharti Airtel sign USD 400 million network expansion, managed services contract

Espoo, Finland – Bharti Airtel Limited has awarded Nokia an estimated USD 400 million contract to expand its managed GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks in eight Airtel circles and deploy a pan-Indian WAP solution across its networks.
 
As per the three-year contract, Nokia will provide managed services and expand Airtel networks to cover all towns and cities in the eight telecom circles of Mumbai, Maharashtra & Goa, Gujarat, Bihar (including Jharkhand), Orissa, Kolkata, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh (including Chattisgarh). The network monitoring operations will be carried out from Nokia’s state-of-the-art Global Network Services Center in Chennai.

Sony Ericsson K800 and K790 Cyber-shot silver versions

Sony Ericsson K800 and K790 Cyber-shot silver versions were annouced earlier today

These camera phones ae used by James Bond in the eagerly awaited new Bond movie, Casino Royale. These exclusive new camera phones which will be available for a limited period of three months, enable the world’s most famous secret agent to stay on top of the action with exactly the same sense of style and performance as Sony Ericsson phones bring to everyday life.

via [Sony Ericsson Press Release]

Nokia introduces Wibree

wibree_logo.gif

Nokia has come out with a new wireless connectivity standard called Wibree. Nokia claims that Wibree maintains a data rate of 1Mbps (not as good as Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, which tops out at 2.1Mbps) at a range of up to 30 feet (yes, Class 1 Bluetooth can go up to 100 meters), operates in the 2.4 GHz band, but says that it’s “10 times more energy efficient than Bluetooth,” according to Bob Iannucci, head of Nokia Research Center. Nokia also said that it’s working with Broadcom, CSR, Epson, Nordic Semicondutor and other companies to further develop the standard so that Wibree products can be released by the second quarter of 2007.

Nokia Press Release

Nokia introduces Wibree technology as open industry initiative

A unique radio technology extending local connectivity to small devices

Helsinki, Finland – Nokia today introduced Wibree technology as an open industry initiative extending local connectivity to small devices. This new radio technology developed by Nokia Research Center complements other local connectivity technologies, consuming only a fraction of the power compared to other such radio technologies, enabling smaller and less costly implementations and being easy to integrate with Bluetooth solutions. Wibree is the first open technology offering connectivity between mobile devices or Personal Computers, and small, button cell battery power devices such as watches, wireless keyboards, toys and sports sensors. By extending the role mobile devices can play in consumers’ lives, this technology increases the growth potential in these market segments.
The goal being to have the new technology available to the market as fast as possible, Nokia is defining the Wibree interoperability specification together with a group of leading companies representing semiconductor manufacturers, device vendors and qualification service providers. The technology will be made broadly available to the industry through an open and preferably existing forum enabling wide adoption of the technology. The forum solution is under evaluation and will be defined by the time the specification is finalized. According to the current estimate the first commercial version of the interoperability specification will be available during second quarter of 2007.
The current members of the group defining the specification are: Broadcom Corporation, CSR, Epson and Nordic Semiconductor having licensed the Wibree technology for commercial chip implementation and Suunto and Taiyo Yuden, contributing to the interoperability specification in their respective areas of expertise.
“Wibree technology is an important development that opens up new market opportunities and a whole new range of possibilities for mobile users,” says Dr. Bob Iannucci, head of Nokia Research Center. “Our aim is to establish an industry standard faster than ever before by offering an interoperable solution that can be commercialized and incorporated into products quickly.”

Technical details: Wibree technology complements close range communication with Bluetooth like performance within 0-10 m range and data rate of 1 Mbps. Wibree is optimized for applications requiring extremely low power consumption, small size and low cost. Wibree is implemented either as stand-alone chip or as Bluetooth-Wibree dual-mode chip. The small devices like watches and sports sensors will be based on stand-alone chip whereas Bluetooth devices will take benefit of the dual-mode solution, extending Bluetooth device connectivity to new range of smallest devices. For more information on Wibree see the website http://www.wibree.comRead – Nokia press release
Read – Reuters

via engadget mobile

Nokia 6233 announced

During its annual Capital Market Days event for investors and financial analysts, Nokia today unveiled the Nokia 6233, a classically designed model tailored for business and entertainment. The sleek 110-gram, 81-cc model offers a 2 megapixel camera, a 320 x 240 QVGA color screen, digital music player, stereo speakers and a wide array of features and applications which take advantage of WCDMA services.

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE December 1, 2005

Mixing Business and Pleasure: Nokia 6233 offers 3G performance in a sleek package
nokia 6233New York, NY, US – During its annual Capital Market Days event for investors and financial analysts, Nokia today unveiled the Nokia 6233, a classically designed model tailored for business and entertainment. The sleek 110-gram, 81-cc model offers a 2 megapixel camera, a 320 x 240 QVGA color screen, digital music player, stereo speakers and a wide array of features and applications which take advantage of WCDMA services. Featuring a stainless steel frame and an improved, intuitive menu structure, the Nokia 6233 (WCDMA 2100 / GSM 900/1800/1900) is expected to begin shipping in the 2nd quarter of 2006, and is expected to retail for approximately ?325, before applicable taxes or subsidies.

“Despite being one of our smallest WCDMA phones to date, the Nokia 6233 is no lightweight when it comes to performance,” says Kai Oistamo, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Mobile Phones, Nokia. “The Nokia 6233 builds on the formula that made the Nokia 6230i so popular – a classically-designed, feature-rich device together with an intuitive, easy to use interface. As 3G gains even greater mass-market attraction, we are confident the Nokia 6233 will also be extremly popular with consumers.”

The latest Nokia model phone to feature the Series 40 Platform 3rd Edition, the Nokia 6233 ensures that 3G services and applications can be accessed easily and intuitively. Supporting the latest messaging, browsing, music and video standards, the Nokia 6233 features a brilliant 320 x 240 QVGA display, with an ‘Active Standby Mode’ that gives immediate access to the most-used applications.

With the Nokia 6233, the mobile office is a few keystrokes away. To be sure an appointment is never missed and the phonebook is always up to date, the Nokia 6233 easily synchronizes calendars, contacts, and to-do lists via SyncML. To print your favorite images or to connect with a headset or car kit, the Nokia 6233 offers Bluetooth wireless technology for quick and easy data transfer and connectivity.

Moreover the Nokia 6233 is compatible with the Nokia Mobile Holder CR-56, also announced today. Featuring an integrated antenna for enhanced reception, the Nokia Mobile Holder CR-56 supports connection to Nokia car kits and charges the phone’s battery when placed in the holder.

In addition to having all the latest features to stay connected to work, the Nokia 6233 doesn’t forget how to have fun. With exciting new 3G services, such as streaming multimedia audio and video content, consumers can download the latest business news as well as sports highlights of the game they missed. Consumers on-the-go can quickly upload and download large files – including downloadable games, videos or MP3 or AAC ringtones. Music lovers can connect a pair of headphones and scan through their favorite music albums, thanks to the Nokia 6233’s hotswappable microSD memory card support of up to 2 GB. A Visual Radio client and built-in stereo speakers offering 3-D sound complements the audio experience.

The Nokia 6233 offers more than 4 hours of talk time on GSM networks (more than 3 hours of talk time via WCDMA) and up to 2 weeks of standby time.

About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.

www.nokia.com

Spice Telecom kicks off New Strategic Initiatives

Spice Telecom, the premier telecom service provider today announced that Mr. Prakash Nanani has taken over as the Chief Executive Officer for Punjab and Karnataka circles. Mr. Prakash Nanani unveiled the new Spice logo.

Spice Telecom kicks off New Strategic Initiatives
spice.jpg
Mr. Prakash Nanani takes over as the Chief Executive Officer for Punjab &  Karnataka circles
Spice unveils the new brand logo
Launches first of its kind Lifelong Validity Offer on Mahabuck
 
 Chandigarh, October 28, 2005: Spice Telecom, the premier telecom service provider today announced that Mr. Prakash Nanani has taken over as the Chief Executive Officer for Punjab & Karnataka circles. Mr. Prakash Nanani unveiled the new Spice logo. The new Spice logo shall be common to Spice group companies operating in the ICE (Information, Communication & Entertainment) sector. The new brand identity is derived from the Brand Core Purpose, Brand Vision & Brand Values. Mr. Prakash Nanani also announced the launch of a first-of-its kind ‘Life time validity’ offer on Mahabuck for Spice pre-paid subscribers.
 
 
 Mr. Prakash Nanani takes over as the Chief Executive Officer, Spice Telecom

Mr. Prakash Nanani, has taken over as the CEO, he confirmed the news of the exit of Distacom from the mobile service venture. The Honk Kong based Distacom, the foreign shareholder has sold its stake in the B.K.Modi promoted Spice Telecom, to Ashmore Investment Management Ltd., a financial investor and the Deutsche Bank Group.

Mr. Nanani also stated that Mr. Navin Kaul, former Chief Operating Officer, Punjab circle, has taken over as the Chief Operating Officer, Karnataka circle.

Speaking at the occasion Mr. Nanani, stated that “Spice being the oldest cellular operator in this region, has always remained focused and committed towards developing state-of-the-art telecommunication infrastructure and Spice Telecom is also in the process of consolidating and investing in various disciplines, like network and technology upgradation, increase in infrastructure and resources and also enhancement of the brand image.”

New Spice Logo

Spice is owned by Mcorp Global, the holding company for the brand. Mcorp Global is focusing on the ICE sector and in this direction has been building on the strength of its subsidiaries that have been in operation in this sector, like Spice Telecom & Spice Mobile. The group has also made recent forays into certain specific market segments of the ICE sector, like Spice Malls & Multiplexes. The group believes that it will gain from having a common brand for the ICE sector, as it would be able to gain from the economies of scale in branding & marketing. A common consumer brand shall also foster greater consumer awareness for the brand and in time lead to greater trust in the brand.

The Spice logo is depicted in Orange, Purple, Green, Blue & Yellow colours. The colors of the brand logo depicts specific values that are synonymous to Spice Telecom: Orange – Vibrancy, Purple – Innovation, Green – Freshness, Blue – Trust & Yellow – Fun.

The new Spice brand identity is derived from the Brand Core Purpose, Brand Vision & Brand Values. The strategy for the brand is captured concisely by these:

Brand Core Purpose: To always be the first to provide user-friendly and innovative solutions for young minds in the ICE space

Brand Vision: To be the most preferred choice for energetic young minds
for ICE products and services by 2011

Brand Values: Fun, Innovative, Vibrant, Empathy, Trust, Speed of Response

The new Spice identity shall be shared by a group of companies namely: Spice Telecom (GSM service provider), Spice Mobile Phone (Mobile Handset), Spice Mega Malls & Multiplexes (Commercial Property (Development & Management), Spice Films (Film Production), Spice Onshore Telecom BPO and Spice IT Peripherals (Printers & Computer Hardware). The new Spice logo will ensure that a common identity is created that is synergistic and relevant to all the companies. All these companies shall work in tandem to provide consumer delight.

First of its kind offer – Life time Validity on Maha Buck

Spice today announced the launch a first of its kind offer in India for Spice Megatalk pre-paid subscribers termed as the ‘Maha Buck’ offer. Maha Buck provides
Spice Megatalk subscribers Life time validity on a recharge of Rs. 3300.

The details of Spice Maha Buck Voucher are as follows:

MRP of Maha Recharge: Rs.3+300/-

Talktime on Maha Recharge: Rs.500/-

Validity on Maha Recharge: Life Long

Subscriber who avail this offer cannot have zero balance for consecutive 90 days, and will have to be on the Megatalk tariff plan.

 
  About Spice Telecom
 
  Spice is Punjab’s premier mobile phone service provider and is the first cellular operator in India to be ISO 9001-2000 certified for its entire operations. Spice has an extensive network across more than 205 cities and towns in the state, covering 95% of Punjab’s urban area. In addition, it also covers more than 3250 km of roads and highways in Punjab including connectivity on the National Highway and GT Road. Spice subscribers can roam on national and international networks. In fact, Spice has the highest International roaming coverage involving tie-ups with over 414 International operators across 199 countries.
 

Nokia N80 Announced

Nokia today introduced the Nokia N80, the first ever handset to enable seamless home media networking between compatible TVs, audio systems and PCs.

Nokia Nseries enters the digital home with Nokia N80
November 02, 2005

Optimized for both work and play, the small WLAN-enabled Nokia N80 is the world’s first UPnP handset

Nokia Mobility Conference 2005, Barcelona, Spain/Espoo, Finland – Nokia today introduced the Nokia N80, the first ever handset to enable seamless home media networking between compatible TVs, audio systems and PCs. The Nokia N80 reflects and harmonizes work and personal life through leading on-the-go productivity tools, multimedia entertainment and mobile photography in a design that communicates success. Weighing only 134 grams, the compact yet feature-rich 3G multimedia device is packed with performance, providing fast internet access and convenient intuitive browsing as well as the possibility to send and receive emails at Wireless LAN (WLAN) speeds.

nokia n80

“A multimedia computer that genuinely enriches people’s lives with connected, mobile multimedia experiences, the Nokia N80 is the size of a stack of business cards,” said Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President, Multimedia, Nokia. “The technological leadership of Nokia Nseries comes together in the Nokia N80, offering people a new, unparalleled experience of enjoying media in the living room by just using the Nokia N80. Comprising the functionality of a highly advanced multimedia computer, the Nokia N80 empowers people to pursue professional goals and personal passions with equal fervor.”

Multimedia connectivity in the Digital Home

With simple to use yet advanced UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) technology*, the pioneering Nokia N80 can be used to tap into the digital home network, acting almost as a remote control, enabling secure and convenient access to compatible PCs, audio equipment and TVs.** Consequently, images and video stored on the Nokia N80 or a compatible PC can be viewed wirelessly on the living room TV, while listening to music stored on the device through the living room audio system. Printing is now faster too, as Nokia N80 users can print wirelessly to any compatible UPnP-enabled home printer or printing kiosk.

Advanced, high speed internet in your pocket

Nokia N80 is the first quadband handset designed to work on 3G (WCDMA 1900 or 2100), WLAN, EDGE and four GSM bands (850/900/1800/1900), enabling broadband access from virtually anywhere on the planet. Incorporating the latest productivity functions in addition to 3G and EDGE data connectivity, people can use the Nokia N80 at more than 136,000*** public WLAN hotspots around the world to access the internet and send large emails or upload high quality images to an online service. Additionally, the Nokia N80 supports the new Nokia Web Browser with Mini Map, featuring a semi-transparent zoomed-out overall view of the web page, enabling users to intuitively navigate to all corners as well as see the web site as it was originally designed. With the experience further heightened by the device’s superior high definition display (352 x 416 pixels, up to 262,144 colors), which incorporates 90% more pixels than QVGA displays commonly found on smartphones and PDAs, the Nokia N80 also incorporates MPEG4 AVC decoding support for high quality video streaming.

High quality photos and videos in just a snap

With great ergonomics for image capture, the Nokia N80 is also an excellent mobile photography device for capturing, collecting and sharing moments and memories. In addition to incorporating a 3 megapixel camera with capture key for fast and stable camera activation, full-screen landscape capture utilizing the entire available high definition display, and a dedicated close-up mode switch, the Nokia N80 also features CIF video capture with inbuilt video stabilization. Moreover, the Nokia N80 incorporates large internal memory of up to 40 MB, which can be further expanded with a hot swap miniSD card of up to 2 GB, allowing users to store up to 1000 high quality images on the device.

Your choice of music on the go

Supporting a wide range of digital music formats, the Nokia N80 boasts a digital music player as well as stereo FM radio and support for Visual Radio****, which provides listeners with a richly interactive information channel, including information on the song and artist currently playing. Furthermore, thanks to the integrated UPnP technology, transferring music between the Nokia N80 and a compatible PC is easier than ever. Alternatively, users can transfer their favorite music via USB 2.0 by simply dragging and dropping from a compatible PC onto the device. As a result of its powerful music features, the Nokia N80 qualifies as a part of the Nokia XpressMusic device range. The XpressMusic feature brand makes it easy for consumers to identify Nokia products that provide a superior mobile music experience.

The Nokia N80, which is based on S60 3rd Edition and Symbian OS, is planned to be commercially available in the first quarter of 2006 with an estimated, unsubsidized sales price of approximately 500 euros.

*UPnP technology, a standard required for an interoperable network in the digital home, enables automatic discovery and remote control of devices, including networked devices and services, such as network-attached PCs and printers, internet gateways, and consumer electronics equipment. UPnP is independent of any particular operating system, programming language, or physical medium (e.g. it can be deployed on top of any IP bearer – WLAN, Ethernet cable, etc).

**Current TVs and stereo systems can be Digital Home enabled with a media link device.

***IDC, Worldwide Hotspot 2004-2008 Forecast and Analysis document number 32697 from December 2004.

****To check the availability and cost of the service, contact your network operator or service provider.

About Nokia Nseries

Nokia Nseries is a range of high performance multimedia devices that delivers unparalleled mobile multimedia experiences by combining the latest technologies with stylish design and ease of use. With Nokia Nseries products, consumers can use a single device to enjoy entertainment, access information and to capture and share pictures and videos, whenever and wherever they want.

About Nokia

Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.

Nokia brings Bluetooth technology to a pair of new CDMA handsets 2855 and 6165

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE October 26, 2005

Nokia brings Bluetooth technology to a pair of new fold-style CDMA handsets

New mid-tier Nokia 2855 and 6165 phones combine today’s most wanted features with a stylish fold design
 
Florianopolis, Brazil – Addressing the needs of customers seeking a compact, stylish CDMA handset with Bluetooth technology, Nokia today introduced the mid-range Nokia 2855 and 6165 phones. Each weighing under 4 ounces, both the Nokia 2855 and Nokia 6165 phones are compatible with a wide range of popular Bluetooth technology enabled accessories such as wireless headsets and car kits as well as other Bluetooth technology enabled devices including laptop PC’s and even new automobiles. Besides Bluetooth technology, both the Nokia 2855 and 6165 phones feature support for downloadable Java or BREW applications, streaming audio and video content and customizable MIDI ringtones. Both the Nokia 2855 and 6165 phones are expected to be available during the first half of 2006.
 
"With the Nokia 2855 and 6165 phones, Nokia is filling a gap for Bluetooth technology enabled CDMA handsets at a mid range price point," said Larry Paulson, vice president of product marketing for Nokia’s CDMA business group. "Along with the Bluetooth technology, consumers will be attracted by the hallmark Nokia design and will appreciate the ease of use delivered by the signature Nokia user interface, while operators will be drawn by the ability to deliver value-added services like applications, messaging and ringtones."
 
Nokia 2855 phone
 
Featuring a bold color palette including metallic-finish indigo or cabernet, the Nokia 2855 phone is Nokia’s most affordable Bluetooth technology enabled CDMA handset. The large 128 x 160 pixel 262K color main display is perfect for viewing MMS messages and enjoying the customizable themes that make the Nokia 2855 phone unique for each owner. For maximum productivity on the go, the Nokia 2855 phone features an extensive phonebook with room for up to 500 entries – each allowing for 5 phone numbers, e-mail address, web address and a notes field per entry. Additional features of the Nokia 2855 phone include:
 
– Integrated handsfree speakerphone
– Voice memo recorder and voice dialing
– High-fidelity MP3/AAC ringtone support
 
Nokia 6165 phone
 
The Nokia 6165 phone shares the strong feature set of the Nokia 2855 phone, and builds upon it by adding a full one-megapixel camera with flash and built-in infrared technology to provide support for all major types of connectivity – Bluetooth, USB cable, and infrared. Support for location-based services allow the Nokia 6165 phone to take advantage of mobile applications that take advantage of positioning information for accessing information on nearby points of interest, directions and more. Other unique features of the Nokia 6165 phone include:
 
– Support for capturing, sending and viewing video
– Classic design with bright chrome accents
– Streaming video
 
 
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com