India Launches Full Nationwide Mobile Number Portability

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) has finally, after many delays, been launched across India today. The launch of the nationwide service was staged by Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh making an inaugural call to Shri Kapil Sibal, the Union Minister of Communications & IT from a ported number.

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Service will allow subscribers to retain their existing Mobile Telephone Number even when they switch from one access service provider to another irrespective of mobile technology or from one technology to another technology of the same or any other access service provider within the same service area.

TRAI has put a ceiling of Rs. 19/- on porting charges which the new service provider may collect from the subscriber. Post-paid subscribers before making the porting request, have to make sure that their last bill has been paid failing which the request for change to a new service provider shall be rejected. In the case of pre-paid subscriber any balance amount left will not be carried forward when the number is transferred to the new service provider.

Mobile GPS software: Nokia launches a free navigation service

In these days, it doesn’t matter if you don’t have a good sense of orientation when you are driving. It is enough if you have one of those devices known as satellite navigators at hand. But those gadgets are not cheap at all. Currently, the most inexpensive satellite navigator costs about $100, and the most sophisticated one costs about $400. Besides, if you need additional services such as traffic reports or suggestions about how to avoid traffic congestion, then you have to pay a monthly subscription.

However, all of this might change soon. Satellite navigation is moving more toward the mobile phones market. And now, Nokia has launched a free satnav service, which is called OVI Maps. This service does not even require an Internet connection in order to operate.

In sharp contrast with other similar services, the OVI Maps users won’t have to update the maps themselves or download several updates from Internet. Instead, Nokia stores those maps directly (and automatically) on mobile phones.

Source: here

Did you know the World's First Transparent Mobile

LG's has some really funky technology to showcase. LG has something that we weren’t expecting – the world’s first transparent design phone, the LG-GD900. This phone is highly stylish phones.

The LG-GD900 is expected to make a new fashion statement and it can. When opened, its sliding, translucent keypad illuminates a cool glow that reflects the phone’s sleek and polished silver body.

It also tries to live up to the highest level of technical features expected in a premium caliber handset, including its dedicated Bluetooth headset. The specs have not however, been released just yet.

Android dual-boot could make Nokia N900 jack of two trades

Two open platforms, of course, creating a vortex of pure, unadulterated openness the likes of which the world has never seen. Hacking is par for the course with Nokia's N900, so it comes as no surprise to see that a motivated individual has managed to get his unit set up in a trick dual-boot configuration with Maemo on internal storage and Android on a separate partition loaded from the microSD card. He says it's "proof of concept" for the moment -- but to steal his words, "its [sic] real and it could be spectacular." We couldn't agree more, and as much as Nokia loves its own code, we can't help but think this precisely the sort of tinkering the N900 was made for.

Full story: here

Game Boy Advance USB Drive

The old Game Boy Advance cartridges don’t get used as much as before. Now they find themselves in the backs of closets practically forgotten. Well thankfully one person is giving those old cartridges some use once again. Instead of jamming them into your Game Boy, you’ll be plugging these into the USB port of your computer. Then while it’s not in use it can just hang from your keychain thanks to the built-in keychain ring.

As of now you can find these in 3 different versions. There’s the Mario Vs. Donkey Kong, Super Mario Advance and Metroid Fusion. All except for Super Mario come with 4GB of built-in memory. However, Super Mario actually has 8GB. For those worried about the brand name of their memory, these were created using Kingston memory. The 4GB drives can be purchased for $39.99 through Etsy, whereas the 8GB is priced at $49.99.

For more..here

Imation 32GB Nano Pro flash drive launched in India

The company’s Nano Pro flash drive lineup now upgrades up to 32GB memory capacity. Those looking for larger storage capacity packaged in a small, sleek device, here’s a new creation from Imation.

Imation 32GB Nano Pro Flash Drive is the smallest of the Imation USB drive family and combines a professional design with the performance and storage capacity needed to easily manage and transfer digital files. The miniscule drive is a fusion of a professional design along with performance and storage capacity, required for easier digital file transfers.

Nano Pro Drive’s compact, lightweight and cap-less design allows it to easily slip into the pocket, onto a keychain or even the mobile phone enabling transporting and sharing everyday files extremely easy. It features an all-in-one swivel cap design that protects the drive and makes lost caps a thing of the past. The patented "never-lose" swivel cap, not only never gets lost, but protects the drive too such that the user is assured of complete safety.

Imation Nano Pro Flash Drive is available at Imation India’s authorized channel partners across the country. It is priced as follows: 2GB - Rs. 650, 4GB - Rs. 850, 8GB - Rs.1250, 16 GB - Rs. 2250 and 32GB - Rs. 4500

Sony Ericsson 5MP C903 Cyber-shot phone unveiled in India

Sony Ericsson has unveiled its new C903 Cyber-shot handset in India. This phone has been specifically designed for all those social butterflies who love to stay connected with their loved ones. Apart from this, the handset also boasts of its 5 megapixel Cyber-shot camera. Lately Sony Ericsson had made public its Xperia X2.

The C903 promises to keep users connected to their loved ones with the help of a standby Facebook application. This Facebook application allows users to update their status, pictures as well as receive updates about the status of their friends. The handset allows users to upload video and images to social networking sites like YouTube.

The phone is priced at Rs. 18850.

Sony Ericsson unfurls Xperia X2

Bringing to users the best in class email and multimedia experience is the latest creation from Sony Ericsson, the Xperia X2. With prime importance given to all day and night communication, this latest Windows Mobile 6.5 phone effortlessly synchronizes the user’s mail and calendar and lets user open/edit Microsoft Office Mobile documents.

Gain access to the most frequently used phone activities with the unique SlideView feature incorporated in the Xperia X2. The SlideView offers an overview of the missed calls, e-mails, text messages and so on.

The Xperia X2 does not create boundaries by providing- 14 preloaded panels along with 16 more that can be downloaded.

Bell Mobility launches Palm Pre in Canada

The Palm Pre is the latest smartphone proclaimed by Bell Mobility.

The latest technology is exclusively available at Bell Stores and retail partner locations across Canada. This new product is based on Palm’s new webOS platform, getting several mobile phone applications together in a distinctive multi-tasking environment. It comes integrated with renowned social networking tools and search functions.

For facilitating users, the technology lets user use multiple mobile phone applications such as Internet browsing, sending or receiving text messages, emailing and listening to music at the same time. It ensures that users appreciate this overwhelming experience provided by the service. The device does not involve any complicated features so consumers can easily experience these functions with natural finger gestures. Besides, when the consumer does not intend to use any feature in particular, it can be easily turned off by simply flicking it off the top of the screen.

“Bell is only the second carrier in the world to offer the award-winning Palm Pre, which is getting rave reviews for its uniquely attractive design and revolutionary Palm webOS mobile platform. We’ve seen exceptionally strong advance interest in Palm Pre and have worked closely with Palm to ensure we have sufficient stock on hand to satisfy demand,” explained Wade Oosterman, President of Bell Mobility and Chief Brand Officer for Bell.

The innovative rounded ergonomic design brings enormous comfort to the user and fits in user’s hand or pocket very properly. It is quite smooth and comfortable to carry and use which probably makes it appealing. The Palm Pre offers a physical keyboard that slides out from beneath a large touchscreen thereby delivering faster access to any content either on device or web.

Palm webOS also comes equipped with Palm Synergy which brings the user’s information into one logical view. This facility ensures that people do not get tensed about tracking multiple calendars, contacts, email accounts and messaging applications. Its attractive Synergy feature takes the information out of a client’s Outlook, Google and Facebook accounts which also includes Facebook profile pictures into the contacts application.

The recently launched product offers a universal and extensive search allowing users to find what they need with ease. They only have to slide open the keyboard, start typing for getting quick and instant results. These results are made available from the device apps, contracts and famous Internet sites such as Google, Google Maps, Wikipedia and Twitter.

Palm Pre from Bell Mobility is now available for $199.99 (approx. Rs. 9,703) with a three year contract and for $599.95 (approx. Rs. 29,109) without any contract with minimum 500MB data plan.

(via techgadgets.in)

Sharp plans to launch palm-sized NetWalker

Sharp Japan announces the NetWalker PC-Z1 Smartbook in the land of the Rising Sun. The PC-Z1 joins the NetWalker line of smartbook line as one of the first model in the line-up to run the Ubuntu OS. It sports a 5-inch touchscreen display and packs the power of an ARM Cortex-A8-based Freescale i.MX515 800MHz processor, 512MB of memory and 4GB flash memory plus a microSDHC card slot to expand on the 4GB.

Features of the Sharp NetWalker PC-Z1 Smartbook includes QWERTY keyboard, integrated left and right mouse buttons, WiFi 802.11b/g connectivity and runs Ubuntu 9.04 ARM edition Linux OS.

The Sharp NetWalker PC-Z1 Smartbook is schedule for launch on September 25th and will be available in late October in the colors of White and Black.

The Sharp NetWalker is a palm-sized device that weighs around 409g. It features a battery that promises to provide a usage time of about 10 hours. The Sharp NetWalker is also known as the PC-Z1. This device allows users to send and receive e-mails and also create documents. It lets users download entertainment content like dictionaries, novella and comics.

HTC Mega specifications leaked

The specifications of the rumored HTC Mega have been leaked reports Engadget.
Rumors suggest a September or October release date. An unusual suggestion is that the phone will ship with Windows Mobile 6.1, and not v6.5 as should soon become standard.

Mega is identified as a low-end WM 6.5 smartphone featuring similar specifications, but half the ROM, and a 2.8-inch QVGA touchscreen. The camera is likewise reduced to a three-megapixel fixed-focus model, and network support is scaled back to GSM, EDGE and HSDPA. Little is known about the Tachi, except that it may be unlikely to arrive in the US.

Specifications are said to include a larger 3.6-inch WVGA touchscreen, as well as "world phone" support through GSM and CDMA receivers. Driving the device is a 528MHz processor, paired with 256MB of RAM and 512MB of ROM; GPS and a five-megapixel autofocus camera should carry over from other Diamond 2s.

The zoom-strip from the Diamond2 and Pro2 is also present, and inside HTC’s old favorite, the Qualcomm MSM7225 528MHz processor, does duty with 256MB ROM and 256MB RAM.

LG Arena hits one million sales mark

The LG Arena handset also known as the KM900 has crossed the one million sales mark in just five months. The Arena was officially unveiled in February at the Mobile World Congress. The LG-KM900 was launched in India in June.

The sales of the phone have rapidly increased after its commercial launch in April. Attaining this milestone in five months has put the sales of the Arena way ahead of the LG Viewty phone. The Viewty has crossed the eight million mark since its launch in October 2007.

LG KM900 Arena has got online pre order of 1 million as of date as per information. This shows that LG KM900 will perform very well and will surely be at par with the other success stories of LG like LG Chocolate, Viewty and Shine, whose sale crossed 1o million mark.

Its highlights include: a 3 inch WVGA touchscreen display, 3D S-Class UI, 8MP camera, GPS, Wi-Fi and 8GB of internal memory. It has a standard battery stand by time upto 300 hours and talk time upto 3 hours 50 minutes.  The phone does not have infrared port. The phone has bluetooth and USB port.

Disney releases Netpal netbook

Kids need not wait to lay their hands on the netbook specially designed for them, Disney and Asus have finally released the Disney Netpal for children. The netbook is available in Magic Blue and Princess Pink version and can be pre-ordered from ToysRUs.

Both Asus and Disney have designed the Disney Netpal by keeping in mind the parental concerns and children’s requirements. Reportedly, the netbook offers ‘intuitive and fun applications’ along with ‘robust safety features’ which enable children to safely browse the web.

The Netpal is based on Eee PC that comes equipped with a 8.9-inch LCD display, a Wi-Fi connectivity, an Intel Atom processor, and a Microsoft Windows XP OS with a customized interface featuring themes such as Mickey Mouse, Cars, Toy Story and WALL-E. You can choose from a 16GB SSD or a 160GB hard drive, while color choices include pink with floral designs or blue with Mickey Mouse icons.

Netpal model is priced at $350 and should be available in July 2009.

LG unveils the new LG Chocolate phone

LG Electronics officially announced the launch of the new LG Chocolate phone namely the LG-BL40 that is the fourth handset of the Black Label Series.

This phone boasts of a 4.0-inch wide screen HD LCD which is designed with curved tempered glass and is encased in a glossy black finish. It exhibits a pixel resolution of 800 x 345 for high-end viewing quality. The wide screen with aspect ratio 21:9 modifies it making it a class apart from other screen designs. The enlarged screen provides users with an efficient and convenient mobile environment.

Kingston launches world's first 256GB flash drive, calls it DataTraveler 300.

Kingston today released the world's largest capacity USB memory stick: a flash drive with 256GB worth of storage.

According to Kingston, the Kingston DataTraveler 300 is available for sale in the UK, although product searches for both the device's name and part number - DT300/256GB - are at this point failing to turn up any live vendors.

Kingston DataTraveler 300The 70.68x16.9x21.99mm Kingston DataTraveler 300 includes the Password Traveler security software for Windows and enjoys claimed transfer rates of up to 20 MB/sec read and 10 MB/sec write, according to Kingston.

With a five-year manufacture warranty, the robust Kingston DataTraveler 300 has a capless design and enjoys 24-hour a day tech support, so the biggest danger to your data may be losing such a small device. And that would be a costly mistake: the Kingston DataTraveler 300 will sell for £665 inc VAT. At £2.60 per GB, this is considerably more expensive than an average USB memory device.

According to Kingston the DataTraveler 300 is enhanced for Windows Readyboost to give Windows Vista systems a performance boost.

Nokia N86 comes to US

Nokia is all set to launch the N86 handset in the US. The Nokia N86 was officially unveiled in February this year and was launched in India earlier this month.

The main highlight of the phone is the 8 megapixel camera with dual LED flash and Carl Zeiss optics. This 8MP camera will allow users to capture crisp and clear images. The clicked images can be viewed on its 2.6-inch AMOLED screen.

Other features have been included in the package as well, such as the Share Online client that comes pre-installed on the device and allows for images and videos to be shared with only one click on favorite social network sites. There are also the over-the-air uploads that need to be mentioned, as well as the Ovi Share support, preloaded Ovi services, including Ovi Maps, N-Gage and Ovi Files, and others more, just as anyone would expect from an Nseries device.

As for the hardware specs of the phone, we can count an AMOLED 2.6-inch QVGA display, delivering a 240 x 320-pixel resolution along with support for up to 16 million colors, assisted GPS (A-GPS), TV-out support, a microUSB connector, Bluetooth 2.0 and Wi-Fi connectivity, a 3.5 mm stereo headphone plug, 8GB of internal memory and a microSD memory card slot that offers users the possibility to add up to 16GB of external storage space into the equation.

The Nokia N86 8MP seems to be a great device for the US market, which joins other 8MP behemoths that are available in the country, including the Sony Ericsson C905a that went live on AT&T's airwaves only three days ago. What this device has to offer to users includes a camera that sports dual LED flash, video light, variable diaphragm and Carl Zeiss Tessar optics. In addition, the phone also comes with the Symbian S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2 operating system, in a dual sliding form factor.

Belkin outs six new KVM switches in India

Belkin has unveiled six new KVM switches for controlling multiple systems without the use of additional computer peripherals.

It is said to be apt for places with space constraints as users can connect multiple systems with one KVM switch. It comes along with a wired/wireless remote which enables sharing a keyboard, display, mouse and audio speakers between two computers.

While traditional KVMs are battle-tested only for a server room, the Belkin offering hands over the control of managing multiple computers to home consumers. Belkin KVM for home users come equipped with wired/wireless remote with which they can easily share a display, keyboard, mouse and audio speakers between two computers, with just a click.

Belkin has classified these KVM switches into three categories: the entry level, mid level and high-end KVMs switches. The entry-level switches include the two-port PS/2 switch. Two-port flip wireless KVM switch and two-port flip USB KVM switch. All the flip switches have a stylish appearance with colored coated cable and a wired/ wireless remote for easy switching. The entry-level switches are for SOHO users who would like to elevate the number of computers at home or in office.

T-Mobile unveils Samsung Highlight touchscreen mobile phone

T-Mobile has affirmed the availability of its new full touch-screen phone. Called as the Samsung Highlight, this novel handset has a sleek profile. It also provides speedy web browsing over T-Mobile’s 3G network. The Highlight offers a host of multimedia features including a 3 megapixel camera with 3x digital zoom, music player, video capture and a microSD slot for up to 16GB of optional removable memory.

Through T-Mobile web2go, the device delivers complete web access. It also provides a personalized home page for easy one-click access to favorite Web sites, fast search results with Yahoo OneSearch, access to live news feeds with the web2go widget.

The new T-Mobile Samsung Highlight should be available in two colors, Fire (orange) and Ice (teal) for $150 when linked to a two-year contract, a rebate and a data plan.

Super Talent unveils Windows 7 compatible flash drive

Super Talent has introduced the Luxio drives. These drives are currently offered in 64GB and 128GB storage capacities.

These Luxio drives are compatible with Windows7 platform. They feature the AES-256 as their standard hardware encryption format.

Measuring 77mm x 21mm x 10mm, the 128GB Luxio is smaller compared to most of the 64GB drives available in the market. This dainty drive is capable of storing up to 40,000 six-megapixel images or up to 32,000 songs in MP3 format. Both 64GB and 128GB drives are compatible with USB 1.1 and USB 2.0.

With the capacity up to 64GB, the XPG Xupreme 200X flash drive is the perfect blend of high performance and simple flash drive to improve your digital lifestyle, and maximize your storage.

Features:

• High Performance up to 30 MB/sec read speed
• Compatible with Microsoft® Windows® 7
• Certified for Microsoft® Windows Vista™
• Support Windows® ReadyBoost™
• Support USB 2.0, backward compatible with USB 1.1
• Dashing, durable, lightweight Aluminum casing
• Hot Plug and Play
• Color: Dark metallic grey

Specification:

• Capacity: 8GB/16GB/32GB/64GB
• Dimension: 66.0*19.0*10.0 mm (LxWxH)
• Weight: 15g

Telefonica and NTT DoCoMo announce Toshiba TG01 Windows Mobile handset

Telefonica and NTT DoCoMo have planned to introduce Toshiba TG01 Windows Mobile handset in Spanish and Japanese markets, respectively. NTT Docomo will include the handset in its DoCoMo PRO series T-01A.

TG01 is a 9.9mm slim handset that bundles up 4.1-inch WVGA touchscreen display, microSD slot expandable up to 32GB, custom Tosh 3D GUI, 10.2 Mbps HSDPA, GPS and supports WiFi 802.11b/g.