Espoo, Finland - Almost one in two people around the world now use their mobile device as their main camera, over two thirds predict a music-enabled mobile will replace their MP3 player and nearly half want to connect up their mobile device with their home electronics. According to new research from Nokia, consumers are not only embracing convergence but clamoring for more of it.
With more and more functionality being packed into mobile devices, Nokia Nseries, Nokia's high performance multimedia range, commissioned research in 11 countries around the globe to discover people's views on today's and tomorrow's multitalented mobiles.
The world's growing love affair with mobile devices
Multifunctional mobile devices have already replaced certain gadgets in people's lives. Nearly half of respondents (44%) use their mobile device as their primary camera, with India being home to the most prolific mobile photographers (68%). Globally, seventy two percent now don't use a separate alarm clock and 73% use their mobile as their main watch or clock.
When it comes to surfing the web on the move, over a third (36%) of respondents are browsing on their mobile devices at least once a month. Inevitably, Japan leads the way in mobile internet usage with 37% admitting to going online on their mobile on a daily basis.
With an ever increasing list of features, it's not surprising that people can't imagine life without a mobile: 94% of those questioned plan to have a mobile in the future. People in Brazil love mobiles so much that 100% believe they'll own a mobile device in years to come. In fact, mobiles are so indispensable that over one in five (21%) would be more upset about losing their mobile than their wallet, credit cards and even their wedding ring.
Recording the impact of mobile music
Digital music has completely re-shaped the world's music buying and listening habits: the study found 67% of people around the world now download a percentage of their music and 87% claim their music in-take has increased since owning a digital music device. Germany clocks up the most listening time: 28% admit to listening to 21 hours or more of music every week. And what is the world listening to? Pop (35%), followed by rock (21%), dance (8%) and classical (7%).
Music-enabled mobiles devices are set to be at the heart of future digital music consumption: 67% predict the mobile phone will replace their MP3 player.
A home run by mobiles
According to Nokia's research, the world is embracing the concept of the mobile digital home where mobile devices act as household remote controls, beaming digital content like music and photos to compatible domestic devices. Almost half (42%) of respondents globally want their printer, PC, stereo, TV and mobile device interconnected. It's Saudi Arabia that is set to be the home of the digital home - 72% even want their refrigerator included in this network.
And looking to the future, more than one in two (58%) of those questioned would like to be able to control all their household appliances via their mobile device. This is especially true in India (85%).
Commenting on the findings, Tapio Hedman, senior vice president of marketing, Multimedia, at Nokia, said: "The results strongly demonstrate that people are buying into the idea of convergence - they really do want one device that does it all, from taking quality images, to storing their music collections and operating a digitally connected home. Our goal is to make it easy for people to have all of these experiences with them all the time - in a multimedia computer. "
Results overviews are available on Music, Multimedia Computers and Digital Home.
LG Electronics (LG), a world leader in mobile TV technology, launched the world’s first 3G UMTS(WCDMA) TDMB(Terrestrial Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) handset in Europe. The company provided 400 of its LG-V9000 handsets to BLM (Bavarian Regulatory Authority for Commercial Broadcasting) at the ‘TDMB World Cup Trial Service Conference’, held today at the Literatur Haus in Munich, Germany. The LG-V9000 is the only model which meets BLM’s technology requirements for mobile TV phone. It will be used by members of the World Cup Committee and international media during the World Cup trial service, allowing them to watch digital broadcasts of World Cup matches while on the move.
Mr. James Kim, President & CEO of LG Electronics Europe, said, “Customers will experience UMTS(WCDMA) TDMB technology firsthand with the LG-V9000. This phone can provide the highest-quality World Cup video footage to our European customers, compared to other TDMB products. This model is a testament to LG’s creativity and state-of-the-art technology, which is driven by the pursuit of providing fun and convenience to customers in their everyday lives.”
At the conference, LG also showcased its latest TDMB products including handsets, laptop computers, PDA, and car terminals, in front of industry VIPs. LG’s demonstration showed how TDMB technology in real life. Attending the event were senior executives from BLM, Debitel, MFD, T-Systems, and WorldDAB, as well as the Korean Minister of Information and Communications and researchers from top electronics and telecommunications research institutes in Korea. The LG-V9000 supports GSM (2G), GPRS (2.5G), UMTS(WCDMA) (3G) and TDMB as well, providing the most advanced TV viewing features. With its 2.2-inch wide-swing LCD, users can watch TV programs for up to three hours straight and even record one-hour programs the phone’s large memory capacity. Using LG’s internally developed DMB chip, the V9000 provides a perfect picture on a high-resolution screen and has a 3D surround sound system.
LG also launched the LG-U900, the world’s first commercially available UMTS(WCDMA) DVB-H phone through Hutchison in April, 2006. With its success, LG has earned a reputation as the leader in mobile TV technology, developing handsets compatible with all mobile TV standards.
Building upon its successful global PC Card business, Sony Ericsson today announces the quad band GC86 EDGE PC Card - a successor to the GC85 PC Card. The GC86 features an integrated antenna and offers an optimal combination of performance, design and cost effectiveness for entry level PC laptop users. It will be available globally in Q3 2006.
“We are seeing rapid growth in demand for EDGE as developing countries begin to catch up in terms of wireless data.” Said Jon Brännström, Vice President Mobile Computing EMEA & Asia “Mobility is now a fact of business life. Access to e-mail and the internet on the move is essential – it’s no longer acceptable to be disconnected when traveling. The GC86 is designed to offer an entry level solution for either Windows or Mac users.”
GC86 PC Card has a sleek integrated antenna, with minimal extension. When connected to GSM/EDGE networks, users can enjoy data speeds three times faster than GPRS, i.e. connection speeds up to 247kbps. For enhanced connectivity an optional external antenna is also available. The Wireless Manager PC software for the GC86 is easy to install, and it takes less than a couple of minutes. The user interface is intuitive and includes new launch buttons for browsing and e-mails, an SMS application along with contacts and phone book capabilities.
High quality customer support is available globally via local language call centres.
GC86 is compatible with a wide range of common business applications including Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes, Netscape, CRM, SAP, Siebel and Messenger. Installation support includes customisation options that allow corporate IT managers to implement pre-loaded settings that provide one click VPN connection. Data security is assured with EDGE/GPRS encryption technology and the SIM card authenticates with the network preventing unauthorised access. GC86 is compatible with all leading VPNs, enabling secure passage through corporate firewalls.
The GC86 is a quad band EDGE Card that offers global connectivity, falling back on the GPRS/CSD network when needed.
GC86 – Features at a glance:
General
· PC Card, 32-bit Cardbus, Type II
· Size - 85.6 long x 54.0 wide x 5.0 mm high
· Antenna extension -15.4 long x 55.0 wide x 10.5 mm high
· Antenna Connector - MMCX connector
· Weight 42g
· OS support: Windows 2000® (SP4), XP (Pro, Home, Tablet), Mac OS X
Services
· EDGE: 247.4kbps (DL)/ 123.7kbps (UL)
· GPRS: (CS4) 85.6 kbps (DL) / 42.8kbps (UL)
· GPRS: (CS2) 53.6kbps/ 26.8kbps (DL/UL)
· CSD: 9.6kbps & 14.4kbps (DL/UL)
Frequency bands
· EDGE/GPRS/CSD 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
First it was letters and e-mail. Now, conmen are using SMS.
In the latest scam, Malaysians received SMSes in Chinese informing them that they had won hundreds and thousands of US dollars in a lucky draw.
The message reads:
“How are you? The Zhong Mei Guo Ji Mao Yi Ji Tuan is having a lucky draw in conjunction with the launch of its new product. Congratulations! Your phone number has been chosen and you have won US$198,000. Please call 008675581611153 in Shenzen, China, to claim your prize.”
The “lucky” winners who called the number in China would be told that they had two options – either fly to Shenzhen and pay US$600 (RM2,190) as “government processing fee” to claim their prize or bank the money into an account.
A 27-year-old law student in Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park was among those who received such an SMS saying she had won US$198,000 (RM722,700).
She ignored the message.
The Star then called the number in China. A woman who answered said that the “winning” numbers were computer-generated and the winners came from many countries.
However, when pressed for her name and details of her company, she began to get evasive. She even scolded the caller and hung up.
A check revealed that the company was a computer printer ink manufacturer in Shenzhen.
Federal police commercial crimes director Commissioner Datuk Ramli Yusuff said, so far, no police report had been lodged over the matter.
“We advise the public to be very careful when solicited by these people and not just blindly make decisions,” he said.
The incident follows a similar report last August, when a local lawyer was conned out of almost RM100,000 after receiving a letter telling her that she had won RM3mil in the El Gordo Spanish lottery. -theStar
Although relatively small, the WiMAX equipment market surged in the first quarter of 2006, with revenue jumping 48%, to $68.3 million, according to Infonetics Research’s quarterly WiMAX and Outdoor Mesh Network Equipment report. Annual revenue is forecast to reach $1.7 billion by 2009.
Strong annual growth will continue over the next few years, driven by media gateways and softswitches, with the total next gen voice market hitting new highs each year until it reaches $6.2 billion in 2009.
Phenomenal growth in residential and SOHO VoIP subscribers is forecast as well. Worldwide, the number of subscribers is expected to nearly double between 2005 and 2006 to 47.3 million, and will continue to skyrocket through 2009. In 2006, there will be:
1Q06 Highlights
62% of total WiMAX revenue comes from CPE, 38% from base stations; by 2009 this shifts to 79% and 21% respectively Worldwide outdoor wireless mesh access node revenue increased 22% to $46 million and unit shipments increased 25% 30% of WiMAX equipment comes from EMEA, 26% from North America, 26% from Asia Pacific, and 18% from CALA; deployments in EMEA are mostly in Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, indicating that the strong early market for WiMAX is in developing countries Infonetics’ report tracks WiMAX base stations, WiMAX CPE, and outdoor wireless mesh network access nodes. Market forecasts are updated quarterly and cover worldwide, North America, EMEA, Asia Pacific, and CALA. The service tracks Alvarion, Aperto Networks, BelAir Networks, Firetide, Motorola, Nortel, Redline Communications, Siemens, Skypilot, Soma Networks, Strix Systems, Tropos Networks and others.
The first of six Hotlink World Cup parties nationwide kicked off on Saturday as the countdown to the start of the World Cup Finals this Friday continues.
The Hotlink Germany ‘06 Kick Off Party saw thousands congregating at the A-Famosa Resort here on Saturday.
With a line-up of local and international DJs and artistes, there was plenty of music of the progressive club kind for the partygoers, who were also treated to a light display with a World Cup theme as well as a fireworks display.
The party kicked off with an opening set of club music provided by Kuala Lumpur’s own Bass Agents, before international DJs and artistes from Germany and Britain took over.
“We wanted to create an environment with a World Cup atmosphere by bringing something of a carnival to the fans,” Maxis senior manager for Hotlink Lai Shu Wei said.
World Cup parties by Hotlink will continue in Kota Kinabalu on June 17, Penang on June 24, Kuantan and Kuching on July 1, and end in Kuala Lumpur on July 9, the day of the final. -theStar
Computex Taipei 2006 is scheduled to inaugurate on Tuesday June 6th for 5 days and GIGA-BYTE Communications (hereafter as GBC) is proud to present its latest mobile phones g-Cam、g-Smart、g-Smart i、g-Smart V100.
With a built-in multiple standard TV tuner for terrestrial broadcasting in both g-Smart and g-Smart i, GBC is pronouncing a whole new scenario for mobile TV enjoyment. Exceedingly there are more and more Smartphone users who are constantly traveling across borders, with the unique feature of “TV Roaming” provided only by GBC users are being able to check out the local TV broadcasting in most of the countries where they travel to.
With the new sliding design concept of g-Smart, with its easy digit keys to allow users on dialing in the simplest way, g-Smart is the First TV Roaming PDA mobile phone ever developed in the world. Users will be able to retain the full feature of PDA phone, while in the same time keep it as a real easy-to-use phone.
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The newly released g-Smart i, especially breaks the old-fashion impressions of a PDA phone being large and heavy, it has already won over consumer’s preference with its trendy and light design. Other than its powerful mobile office functions, it has great multimedia features and built-in 2.1 Mega pixels digital camera, enabling Flash and supports portraits, sequence, digital zoom and multiple image effects. g-Smart i offers a 2.4 inc 260,000 color TFT/LCD touch screen. Users may listen to FM radio and watch terrestrial TV by plugging either earphone or external antenna. It also provides digital voice recording function, allowing simultaneous voice recording of user’s favorite FM or TV program.
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Privacy is obviously what modern people will cherish the most. Equipped with added-value features of various Background Noise Simulation, g-Smart i provides a handy cover up for people who do not wish to disclose their actual location in their own convenience. In addition, Phone Conversation Recording, Answer Machine , Black List, etc. With the variety of offers, users may set up different scenarios according to their needs. Also, as it supports Bluetooth wireless earphone, users may enjoy an outstanding, stereo wireless music.
GIGA-BYTE Communications has been in close cooperation with Microsoft to introduce in the market new PDA phones g-Smart and g-Smart i with the newest Windows Mobile 5.0 platform. This outstanding PDA phone with the latest Operation System provides some unique advantages which made it a hot product with active and passionate comments when launched in the market.
Furthermore, GIGA-BYTE is the 1st manufacturer to support MSFP push E-mail technology. By using the newest Windows Mobile 5.0 AKU 2.3 Operation System and the Exchange Server 2003 SP2 technology, business community has another choice for instant push mail requirement.
In terms of Feature phones, g-Cam with 7 Mega pixels is an welcoming surprise to everyone’s eyes, it has not only 5 Mega pixel CCD objective, it offers multiple photography mode, built-in flash, etc. It’s exceptional full screen hand-writing and user-friendly design is the great convenience for users. g-Cam also supports printing through USB cable. Users may print its pictures directly with printer connection as well as playing pictures with TV connection, sharing lively images among friends and family with no fuss.
Also, the g-Smart V100 is scheduled to be launched in July, this built-in GPS phone is aimed to be your best friend for your leisure and your best guide if you ever get lost. It has started the cooperation with TaipeiWalker, to provide consumers the newest and the most enriching entertainment information.
Since the introduction of first mobile phone on July 2005, Gigabyte Communications is working relentlessly to create unique mobile phones with innovative concepts and human-natured technologies, it has created 3-axis sensor JAVA games and every single mobile, has its unique and independent style. Such as g-X5, with the absolute invisibility function, the first English-Chinese Dictionary mobile: g-re, 7M pixels camera mobile: g-Cam and fashion minded PDA phone: g-Smart, etc., all have been applauded with broad echoes from the public. Furthermore, GBC has launched a series of Cartoon Character Mobiles such as Doraemon, Snoopy, Barbie, and Keroro, distributing happiness among those young-hearted consumers.
GBC is to continue with innovation and creativity as to lead the consumers to the future with wireless technology.
All 3G operators in Malaysia will have to enter into interoperability agreements to secure a wider subscriber base, Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific ICT Practice Telecoms Research head Teyew Sin Siew said.
Teyew said Malaysia’s current 3G operators Maxis Communications Bhd and Celcom (Malaysia) Bhd used only the WCDMA (wideband code division multiple access) technology; thus there should not be any technical interoperability problem.
He said 3G operators here had realised the importance of interoperability from the experience gained from SMS.
“All operators (Maxis, Celcom, MiTV Corporation Sdn Bhd and Time dotCom Bhd) will need to interoperate as the subscribers are not in isolation.
“Each network should be able to talk to each other (in terms of 3G); it is more of commercial (issues) rather than technical,” he said in a recent email reply to FinancialDaily .
He said Maxis-Celcom’s video calling interoperability was a good example that the country was moving in the right direction towards full interoperability.
“However, I do not see roaming between each other happening in the medium term; in fact, I haven’t seen any country doing that yet,” he said.
Teyew added that broadband phones (the 015 number) was one area that had not seen interoperability, whereby broadband phone subscribers could only call each other from the same network.
“We believe that the regulator is in the midst of settling this issue,” he said.
Citing a research by Frost & Sullivan, he said the emerging partnership interoperability in 3G sector would help spur the adoption of 3G services in the Asia Pacific region.
He said the research expected 3G subscribers to reach about 120,000 by year-end, led by the established Japan and South Korea markets, riding on more affordable handset, lowering price for bundled offers, increasing interoperability and thus wider coverage, and more media partnerships in securing contents for 3G.
He said on the Asia Pacific front, China, India and the Philippines would soon join the 3G list of licensees, with a mass roll-out expected only beyond 2007.
Countries in the Asia Pacific region which have issued 3G licenses to various operators are Japan, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
He said Thailand had held back its 3G licensing and it remained a question mark whether the country would join the 3G parade in the near future.-theedgedaily
Samsung Electronics has released the SGH-Z400 to cater the needs of today’s global consumers. SGH-Z400 is the 3G handset designed for the multi-tasking professionals. Equipped with top-of-the-line features, the Z400 is today’s perfect 3G partner.
Experience the hyper-connectivity of 3G with the Z400’s all-access to breaking news, recent stock figures, and the latest music videos or movie trailers. People can enjoy crisp video telephony, simultaneous use of multiple applications, and superior quality voice services. In today’s complex world of business, connectivity is a key: Samsung’s Z400 gives first-class service and blinding speed connection.
The new Z400 represents a perfect combination of style and class. At mere 19.2mm, the Z400 is the result of Samsung’s ability to produce a full-featured 3G slide-up that is slim enough to fit nicely and comfortably in the palm of the user’s hand or back pocket. The semi-automatic sliding action lets users easily slide up and down with just one effortless touch. Sleek in silver with well-contoured casing, the Z400 embodies strength, simplicity, and style.
The Z400 is a superlative business companion that lets customers view Excel, PPT and Word, as well as HTML, PDF and Text files on the move. The Z400 is also able to be the music companion with Bluetooth stereo headset support for listening with freedom. User memory with a fully expandable microSD memory card slot provides enough space to save and store your documents, photos, and music. Boasting a 2 megapixel camera with 4x Digital Zoom, the Z400 lets users instantly capture those special moments or record the moments in high quality color video and with sound.
“Samsung is committed to producing mobile handsets with state-of-the-art technologies and world-class designs. The SGH-Z400 is a mobile with the right combination of both characteristics.” said Kitae Lee, president of Samsung’s Telecommunication Network Business. “ Sophisticated yet simple, and a pleasure to use, Samsung’s Z400 is the perfect companion for your 3G world.” The SGH-Z400 will be launched in Europe in June.
Maxis Communications Berhad has spelt out its long term growth strategies of developing its overseas operations, and accelerating the rollout of a range of mobile data and infotainment offerings.
Announcing this today at a press conference after Maxis’ 19th Annual General Meeting, Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor said subsidiaries, Aircel Limited (“Aircel”) of India and PT Natrindo Telepon Seluler (“NTS”) of Indonesia afford Maxis the opportunity to build strong footholds in two of the world’s most attractive high growth, low mobile penetration markets while diversifying its market base.
“We intend to be a regional communications leader of choice, and are on track to realize our vision. We now have close to 11 million customers across the region, with Aircel contributing 2.6 million subscribers to the Group. To capitalize on the growth opportunities, we will, this year, invest some RM4.1 billion in capital expenditure in all three countries,” he also said.
Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Jamaludin Ibrahim added, “India’s subscriber growth potential is tremendous, with the number of customers expected to grow from over 75 million in 2005 to at least 175 million by 2008. This robust growth is reflected in Aircel’s financial results and saw thecompany contributing a pre-tax profit of RM16 million to the Group in Q1 2006 when we included Aircel’s results for the first time.”
He added, “Given the strong subscriber growth in the circles in the past few months, we are planning to invest about RM1.7 billion in capital expenditure this year to support the existing and additional circles targeted.” The capital for these investments will be raised at Aircel’s level.
At the same time, Indonesia’s market potential continued to be revised upwards, with the number of new subscribers expected to increase from over 52 million in 2005 to at least 107 million by 2008.
“NTS is deploying its network in Jakarta and other key regions on the Jawa island, and expects to launch its commercial mobile services by year end,” he said.
On the domestic front, Jamaludin said that one of Maxis’ main growth drivers is mobile data including infotainment services enabled by 2G and 3G.
In 2005, mobile data revenue passed the RM1 billion mark to RM1.04 billion, up 32% from the previous year and accounted for 17.2% of the total mobile revenue. The trend continued in Q1 2006 where mobile data revenue was up 31% to RM314 million, representing 19.4% of total mobile revenue compared to 15.8% in the preceding year.
3G is one of the key components which is expected to boost the growth of mobile data. He said, “We now have more than 85,000 active 3G users, and expect 3G adoption to reach an inflexion point by 2008. So far, the indications are positive, signalling that 3G is likely to hit critical mass then, driven by the declining prices of 3G phones, the rising consumer awareness and the increasingly compelling content”.
Maxis’ extensive offerings comprised more than 50,000 full songs and caller ringtones on an intelligent music portal, 8 live TV channels, 24 video-on-demand and video-alert channels, more than 1,200 games, exclusive sports services provided by ESPN STAR Sports and exclusive World Cup content, including video clips of all the 64 games.
“To further boost customer adoption of 3G, we will be accelerating the deployment of our 3G network in Klang Valley, Penang and Johor Bahru especially in high data usage areas,” he elaborated.
“Our growth initiatives are very timely in view of the maturing local market which is expected to reach a mobile penetration rate beyond 80% by year end. The contributions from our overseas operations and mobile data will continue to drive our growth and enable us to continuously add value to our shareholders,” he added.
