Studio Press

comScore Networks, a leader in the measurement and analysis of consumer behavior and attitudes, today released an analysis of the online research and purchase behavior of consumers in the wireless phone market. comScore revealed that consumers were most likely to research newly released and “trendy” models, with the Motorola RAZR V3C topping the list during the first quarter of 2006. Other models securing spots on the most researched list include the Palm Treo 650, the Palm Treo 700W, and the Motorola Pebl.

The Motorola Q is the latest phone to be released, with Verizon Wireless positioned as sole provider of this model for a limited time. As a measure of interest in the model, comScore found that the Motorola Q product page on the Verizon Wireless Web site received slightly more than 100,000 unique visitors in the second half of May, 2006.

Price is a Driving Factor When Purchasing a Phone

comScore also analyzed trends in ordering cell phones online, among new and existing customers, at major carrier and wireless sites in the first quarter of 2006. Not surprisingly, low-cost – or no-cost – models topped the list. The Sony Ericsson Z520A, available through Cingular, was the most frequently ordered model, with more than two-thirds of these phones provided at no cost to the customer. The Nokia 6101 (T-Mobile) and 6102 (Cingular) phones ranked second during the first quarter of 2006. More than two-thirds of the Nokia 6101/6102 phones were also provided at no cost to the customer.

“Consumers are researching the latest wireless phones online in great numbers, by either visiting product pages or conducting searches for specific models at the leading engines,” said Brian Jurutka, director of marketing solutions at comScore. “The top 10 models sold accounted for nearly half of all phones ordered by consumers at major wireless sites in the first quarter – with Motorola capturing the highest share at 38 percent.”

Nokia announced today that it has started deliveries of the Nokia 6233 phone, a classically designed 3G model tailored for work and entertainment. In a true case where business meets pleasure, this feature-rich device is ideal for eventful days at work or more relaxed days at home.

This sleek 110-gram model offers a 2 megapixel camera, a large QVGA color screen, a digital music player, stereo speakers and a broad range of features and applications which take full advantage of WCDMA services.

"The Nokia 6233 brings the many benefits that 3G offers to a broader range of consumers," says Aage Snorgaard, Senior Vice President, Broad Appeal, Mobile Phones, Nokia. "This feature filled phone balances performance with a classic and sophisticated design to suit all occasions. As 3G gains even greater mass-market attraction, we are confident this product will be extremely 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.

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 their favorite teams.

The Nokia 6233 has a talk time of up to 3 hours and a standby time of up to 2 weeks and is expected to retail for approximately 325 EUR before applicable taxes or subsidies.

The rise in call minutes, SMS traffic and demand for data services during the World Cup is expected to boost cellular companies' (celcos) earnings in the second quarter this year.

But can the World Cup be the catalyst for boosting 3G (third generation) take-up rate in the country for Celcom (M) Bhd and Maxis Communications Bhd? As at end-March, Celcom had over 60,000 3G subscribers while rival Maxis had 50,000.

Some industry experts do not think so but the two celcos are gung-ho that a boost in the 3G take-up can be expected.

Maxis, in an e-mail response to queries from StarBiz, said: “Based on the compelling content offered and the widespread interest in World Cup, we do expect an increase in 3G take-up.’’

Celcom said: “The World Cup would definitely help boost demand for 3G.’’

Celcom’s rationale is that people can use 3G to watch replays of goals and latest news or results and that should improve the take-up rate.

It added that from a technological point of view, 3G was much better as it provided the subscriber with visuals and better content than 2G, which was only available in text form.

But Celcom said its “subscribers do not need to be a 3G user to enjoy the content that it is providing for the World Cup.’’ It claimed to offer “fantastic content for all our customers, be they 2G, 2.5G or 3G (users). We are offering World Cup updates, competitions, quizzes and lots more, just so that our subscribers' World Cup experience will be more memorable.’’

Maxis is the main local broadcast sponsor of the FIFA 2006 World Cup, for which it is spending RM60mil. It also has content for its 2G users. “Our 2G customers have much to look for during the World Cup tournament. Apart from content that requires video streaming, all other content is available via 2G,’’ it said.

Maxis had expected the SMS volume to hit two million and had predicted a modest 5% growth in traffic volume but would not offer revenue projections or any figures for the 3G take-up rate.

Industry experts are of the view that many mobile users will not switch to 3G just because of the World Cup, as live matches are available on television. “There will be a small rise in 3G subscriber base,’’ said an industry expert.

A research house, in a report, had predicted that the World Cup fever factor would lift call minutes, SMS traffic volumes and demand for data, which would be a positive earnings catalyst in the second quarter for both domestic and international operations of the celcos.

“We expect a myriad of issues to dominate the operating landscape in the second quarter, with focus largely on respective celcos defending market and expanding overseas ventures that remain in the growth stages of the telco cycle.

“With Telekom Malaysia Bhd (Celcom’s parent) and Maxis' ventures in Indonesia and India taking a sizeable amount of resources, both financially as well as operationally, we anticipate a quarter of mild gains from overseas earnings in the second quarter,’’ the report said.

It added that the starter kit price war had dissipated and the focus was now shifting to products/service offerings as key differentiation factor.

“While the ongoing price war is likely to persist, starter kit prices are not expected to drop any further as it would only encourage marginal users and advocate higher churn rates. We see pricing competition develop at the product/service level rather than the barrier to entry level,’’ the report said.

Maxis had 40% share of Malaysia’s cellular market as at end-March, followed by Celcom with 35%, and DiGi at 25%. -theStar

Sony Electronics today introduced the VAIO® UX Micro PC, placing full-size computer performance in a pocket-sized package.

Weighing just over a pound, the new PC has a Microsoft® XP Professional operating system and an Intel® Core™ Solo Ultra Low Voltage CPU for fast processing and long battery life.

The UX model also features a 4.5-inch wide SVGA screen with XBRITE™ technology for viewing that slides up to expose an integrated keyboard. This allows you to access familiar applications easily in the same way you would on a full-sized computer.

The pocket-sized PC also comes equipped with a stylus and Sony’s VAIO touch launcher for quick access to functions frequently used such as Internet access, e-mail, various computer applications, games and music. Just push the launcher button located on the side of the unit.

“This model is an achievement in ingenious design,” said Mike Abary, vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics in the U.S. “With this pocket PC, you can have the same functionality as your office or home PC in a device that fits in the palm of your hand.”

Keeping travelers connected, the new computer incorporates Sony’s SmartWi™ technology, so you can toggle between wireless WWAN, LAN and Bluetooth® technology for convenient access to the Internet and e-mail.

WLAN is also available for Wi-Fi connections at home, office or hotspots; Bluetooth ® technology for peripherals; or WWAN for access to Cingular’s nationwide EDGE network, which allows you to connect to the Internet virtually anywhere there is cellular coverage.

The UX model also incorporates two built-in cameras -- one in front for VoIP communication for on-the-go video conferencing and another located on the back for taking photos. A VGA adapter is included to connect the PC to a projector, making it easy to share presentations and spreadsheets with a group.

Security is also a top priority. The VAIO UX PC comes equipped with an integrated biometrics fingerprint sensor, so you do not have to remember passwords. Incorporated G-Sensor™ shock protection has been added to protect the unit’s hard drive and reduces the risk of data loss should it be dropped.

For added convenience, a docking station with three 2.0 USB ports, Ethernet, VGA, iLink® IEEE-1394 interface and an AV output comes with the unit, making it easy to connect to peripherals like a full-sized keyboard, display and speakers when back in the office or at home.

Live mobile TV broadcasts will be aired to Nokia N92 mobile devices, and other DVB-H enabled devices, in a pilot project run by the German mobile network operators E-Plus, O2, T-Mobile and Vodafone this summer. The pilot started in Berlin, Hamburg, Hanover and Munich and will run until August 31 except Munich where the pilot ends on July 31, 2006. The pilot gives access to live broadcasts on mobile devices during the football championships where guests of E-Plus, O2, T-Mobile and Vodafone will be able to enjoy live TV programs.

"Nokia is extremely happy to be part of this DVB-H pilot during the football championships by offering the Nokia N92 devices. Nokia has been part of numerous DVB-H pilots around the world and this pilot is a very important milestone in moving closer to the commercial mobile TV phase" said Harri Männistö, director, Multimedia, Nokia. "We are confident that live mobile TV will be an exciting new service for consumers, and we are looking forward to seeing the market developing fast."

During the pilot project 14 TV channels (ARD, ZDF, Nord3, BR, RBB, RTL, Sat.1, ProSieben, n-tv, N24, VOX, MTV Music, Eurosport and a regional channel) and six radio channels are accessible live on the Nokia N92.

The mobile TV pilot is based on DVB-CBMS open standards, which is supported by a number of handset and mobile TV platform manufacturers, including Nokia.

The Nokia N92 offers easy access to live TV programs without having to sit in front of a television set. Using a Nokia N92 device, one can set reminders to watch their favorite TV programs, create personal channel lists and subscribe to TV channel packages. The outstanding new form factor offers a highly ergonomic user-experience. The usability is further enhanced by the large 2.8" anti-glare QVGA screen with 16 million colors and the dedicated media keys that deliver a rich viewing experience.

The Nokia N92, which is based on S60 3rd Edition and Symbian OS, is planned to be commercially available in mid 2006 in Europe, Africa and Asia, in countries where DVB-H services are available, with an estimated, unsubsidized sales price of approximately 600 euros.

Strategy Analytics' on-going research into 3G subscriber tracking shows that more than 100 million people around the globe are now using WCDMA and CDMA2000 1x EV-DO 3G technology on their mobile phones, according to "Global 3G Subscribers Hit 100 Million Mark in June," published today. 3G-user momentum is ramping up with a strong operator push complementing a rich portfolio of handsets.

The number of 3G subscribers is growing fast - faster than the growth of GSM subscribers in the early 1990s. Strategy Analytics predicts reaching 106 million 3G users by the end of Q2, with the total number of 3G users worldwide hitting the magic 100 million mark for this populist technology in early June 2006.

Sara Harris, Senior Industry Analyst, and author of this Insight commented, "Reaching the 100 million subscriber mark is a significant milestone for 3G, proving that it is finally beginning to come into its own. Much of this success is due to the strong pushes by influential carriers like NTT DoCoMo, Hutchison 3G and SK Telecom, and more recently Vodafone and Verizon Wireless, who have worked hard to drive 3G uptake among their subscribers."

David Kerr, Vice President of the Global Wireless Practice added, "Western Europe has overtaken Japan as 3G leader over the first half of 2006. However, the US market is set to grow rapidly in 2007, when Cingular rolls-out its HSDPA coverage in an attempt to catch up to the first mover advantages enjoyed by Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel, companies which have benefited from Qualcomm leadership in EV-DO."