Sony buys out Ericsson phone business
Sony to buy Ericsson's part of mobile venture Sony Ericsson
Sony Corp. will pay Ericsson about $1.5 billion for its half of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, which makes a variety of mobile devices.
Sony is ending a 10-year mobile-phone joint venture with Ericsson, buying out its business partner's 50 per cent stake for €1.05 billion, or about AU$1.39 billion.
Through the deal, which had been rumoured earlier this month, Sony Ericsson will become a wholly-owned Sony subsidiary, Sony said today. In addition, Sony will assume ownership for mobile phone patents and get other patent rights through a cross-licence deal with Ericsson.
Consumers can expect a tighter integration between Sony's phones and the other main devices in the company's "four-screen strategy", said Sony chief executive Howard Stringer in a statement.
"We can more rapidly and more widely offer consumers smartphones, laptops, tablets and televisions that seamlessly connect with one another and open up new worlds of online entertainment," Stringer said.
The partnership linked Sony's electronics experience with Ericsson's telecommunications technology. Sony Ericsson, late to recognise the rise of a new generation of smartphones, now is a fervent Android partner with its Xperia line.
The two companies will continue to be partners through a new effort, though. Sony and Ericsson are "setting up a wireless connectivity initiative ... to drive and develop the market's adoption of connectivity across multiple platforms", Sony said.
The patent deal, while not a surprise, could be helpful for Sony. A storm of patent-infringement suits sweeping the mobile marketplace right now, perhaps most notably pitting Apple, with iOS, against Samsung, a major user of Google's Android operating system.
Of this aspect of the partnership, Sony said, "The transaction also provides Sony with a broad intellectual property cross-licensing agreement covering all products and services of Sony as well as ownership of five essential patent families relating to wireless handset technology."
Asha: A new family of smarter mobile phones
Asha: A new family of smarter mobile phones
Nokia continues its mission to deliver high quality, stylish devices that provide the best access to social networks, the Internet and information, and offer the best overall experience and value proposition for the next billion mobile phone users. These consumers want access to innovations such as easy-to-use dual-SIM, local services and content, and third-party apps, all with a superior user experience for which Nokia mobile phones are known.
These devices comprise the new Asha family of Nokia mobile phones. Derived from Hindi - meaning 'hope' - Asha signifies Nokia's focus on positive user experiences and connecting millions of people to new opportunities that help them reach their aspirations.
The Asha mobile phone family includes:
Nokia Asha 303
The Nokia Asha 303 is a stunning phone designed with sophisticated materials and metallic finishes. It combines a large 2.6" capacitive touch screen with a high quality QWERTY keypad. The Nokia Asha 303 is built with Internet and social networks ease in mind.
The device harnesses a powerful 1Ghz engine, 3G and WLAN to deliver a fast Internet experience. Social networks, email and IM are at the center of the experience, easily accessible from the homescreen. The Nokia Asha 303 is powered by the cloud-based Nokia Browser, which by compressing the web by up to 90%, provides higher speeds and a more affordable access to the Internet.
Entertainment and applications are also a core part of the Nokia Asha 303 offering. Angry Birds Lite, the popular mobile game, comes preinstalled, together with support for other globally relevant applications such as Facebook Chat, Whatsapp messaging and the latest release of Nokia Maps for Series 40 (in selected markets). The price will vary from market to market and operator to operator. The estimated retail price for the Nokia Asha 303 will be approximately 115 EUR, excluding taxes and subsidies. It is expected to start shipping in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Nokia Asha 300
The beautifully designed Nokia Asha 300 is a touch device which also offers the convenience of a keypad. The Nokia Asha 300 has a powerful 1GHz processor and 3G to deliver a faster Internet and social networking experience. The Nokia Browser allows for fast, affordable and localized Internet access by compressing web pages by up to 90%.
Users have fast access to messaging, email and instant messaging from the home screen and can swipe to access apps, music or games from the Nokia Store. The Nokia Asha 300 also arrives preloaded with the popular Angry Birds game.
The Nokia Asha 300 comes with a 5 megapixel camera, a music player, FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity and can handle memory cards up to 32GB. The price will vary by market and operator. The estimated retail price for the Nokia Asha 300 will be approximately 85 EUR, excluding taxes and subsidies. It is expected to start shipping in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Nokia Asha 200
The Nokia Asha 200 is Nokia's latest dual SIM phone with Easy Swap functionality, allowing consumers to easily change their second SIM without switching the device off.
It is a fun and colorful QWERTY phone designed to meet the needs of young, urban consumers who want to constantly stay in touch. The Nokia Asha 200 features integrated social networking, email and IM, adding RenRen, Orkut and Flickr support. Nokia Asha 200 makes it possible to carry thousands of songs with support for 32 GB memory cards and providing a battery for an amazing 52-hour playback time. The price will vary by market and operator. The estimated retail price for the Nokia Asha 200 will be approximately 60 EUR, excluding taxes and subsidies. It is expected to start shipping in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Nokia Maps: location services designed to make every day better
With an aim to continuously improve its location-based offering, Nokia showcased the latest versions of Nokia Maps and Nokia Drive for Windows Phone. These and other map-related applications introduced at Nokia World aim to make Nokia Maps relevant for commuters and to find interesting places in the city where people live. In addition to its world-class, free walk-and-drive navigation for more than 100 countries worldwide, the Nokia Public Transport application tracks public transportation directly on a mobile device in more than 430 cities worldwide, including up-to-the-minute updates on bus and train routes for 45 cities. Nokia also introduced Nokia Pulse, which allows location-tagged updates and photos to be sent privately, adding location to conversations with the people that matter most. Nokia also showcased Nokia Live View, which turns the phone's camera view finder into a reality augmenting tool. With Nokia Live View, a phone can be pointed to a building or street and the names of the places become superimposed over them, offering one click access to detailed information about businesses, restaurant or attractions. All the applications announced today are available at Nokia's Beta Labs (betala00bs.nokia.com)
The first Nokia Lumia smartphones
The first Nokia Lumia smartphones
First two smartphones based on Windows Phone introduce a range of new experiences designed to make everyday moments more amazing.
Nokia Lumia 800
The stunningly social Nokia Lumia 800 features head-turning design, vivid colors (cyan, magenta and black) and the best social and Internet performance, with one-touch social network access, easy grouping of contacts, integrated communication threads and Internet Explorer 9. It features a 3.7 inch AMOLED ClearBlack curved display blending seamlessly into the reduced body design, and a 1.4 GHz processor with hardware acceleration and a graphics processor. The Nokia Lumia 800 contains an instant-share camera experience based on leading Carl Zeiss optics, HD video playback, 16GB of internal user memory and 25GB of free SkyDrive storage for storing images and music. The estimated retail price for the Nokia Lumia 800 will be approximately 420 EUR, excluding taxes and subsidies.
Nokia Lumia 710
The purposely built, no-nonsense Nokia Lumia 710 can be personalized with exchangeable back covers and thousands of apps to bring the Lumia experience to more people around the world. The Nokia Lumia 710 is designed for instant social & image sharing, and the best browsing experience with IE9. It is available in black and white with black, white, cyan, fuchsia and yellow back covers. With the same 1.4 GHz processor, hardware acceleration and graphics processor as the Nokia Lumia 800, the Nokia Lumia 710 delivers high performance at an affordable price. The estimated retail price for the Nokia Lumia 710 will be approximately 270 EUR, excluding taxes and subsidies.
Both smartphones include signature Nokia experiences optimized for Windows Phone, including Nokia Drive, which delivers a full-fledged personal navigation device (PND) with free, turn-by-turn navigation and dedicated in-car-user-interface; and Nokia Music introducing MixRadio, a free, global, mobile music-streaming application that delivers hundreds of channels of locally-relevant music. In an update delivered later this year, Nokia Lumia users will also gain the ability to create personalized channels from a global catalogue of millions of tracks. Also integrated in Nokia Music is Gigfinder, providing the ability to search for live local music for a complete end-to-end music experience, as well as the ability to share discoveries on social networks and buy concert tickets also coming in the Nokia Music software update delivered later this year.
Completing the ultimate mobile audio offering, Nokia also introduced the on-ear Nokia Purity HD Stereo Headset by Monster and the in-ear Nokia Purity Stereo Headset by Monster, co-designed and co-developed by Monster, a recognized leader in high performance audio. Both products provide a fresh listening experience and are the first output of the exclusive long-term partnership between Nokia and Monster, intended to introduce a range of premium audio accessories to reflect the outstanding quality and bold style of the Lumia range.
The new Nokia Lumia 800 is now available in select countries for pre-order on www.nokia.com and is scheduled to roll-out across France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK in November, with 31 leading operators and retailers providing unprecedented marketing support in those first six countries. It is scheduled to be available in Hong Kong, India, Russia, Singapore and Taiwan before the end of the year, and in further markets in early 2012.
The Nokia Lumia 710 is scheduled to be available first in Hong Kong, India, Russia, Singapore and Taiwan toward the end of the year alongside the Nokia Lumia 800, before becoming available in further markets in early 2012.
Nokia also announced its plans to introduce a portfolio of products into the US in early 2012 and into mainland China in the first half of 2012. In addition to the existing products, which include coverage for WCDMA and HSPA, Nokia also plans LTE and CDMA products to address specific local market requirements.
Nokia announcements today – new range of WINDOWS phones
Nokia announcements today - new range of WINDOWS phones, the Lumia 800 and 710, as well as some new Mobile Phones, the Asha range.
The Windows Phone products are due in Australia in early 2012, however the new 300, 303 and 200 are all due as early as mid- NOVEMBER!
Nokia showcases bold portfolio of new phones, services and accessories at Nokia World
Signals new dawn with the launch of Nokia Lumia 800 and Nokia Lumia 710, the first Nokia smartphones powered by Windows Phone
Introduces a range of stylish, smart mobile phones, superior Nokia Maps, partnership for co-branded accessories with Monster, and more
London, UK - At Nokia World, the company's annual event for customers, partners and developers, Nokia demonstrated clear progress on its strategy by unveiling a bold portfolio of innovative phones, services and accessories, including the first smartphones in its Windows Phone-based Nokia Lumia range. The stunningly social Nokia Lumia 800 brings content to life with head-turning design, Nokia's best social and Internet experience, familiar Nokia elements, such as leading imaging capabilities and new signature experiences. The colorful and affordable Nokia Lumia 710 is a no-nonsense smartphone that brings the Lumia experience to more people around the world.
Nokia also launched four new mobile phones which feature stylish design, a rich social experience and location-aware technology. The Nokia Asha 300, Nokia Asha 303, Nokia Asha 200 and Nokia Asha 201 blur the line between smartphones and feature phones, offering QWERTY and touch screen experiences, combined with fast and easy access to the Internet, integrated social networking, messaging and world-class applications from the Nokia Store.
"Eight months ago, we shared our new strategy and today we are demonstrating clear progress of this strategy in action. We're driving innovation throughout our entire portfolio, from new smartphone experiences to ever smarter mobile phones," said Stephen Elop, Nokia President and CEO. "From the Nokia Lumia 800 to the Nokia Asha 201, we are bringing compelling new products to the market faster than ever before. I'm incredibly proud of these new devices - and the people of Nokia who have made this happen."
"Since Nokia's major strategic shift only eight months ago, the company has found a new energy. It has provided substantial improvements to Symbian, managed to differentiate on Windows Phone and it continues to build on its strong portfolio in mobile phones," says Pete Cunningham, Principal Analyst, Canalys. "Nokia is delivering on its pledges, and is clearly demonstrating its path to future success."
Apple iPad 2 review – faster, thinner and lighter
Apple iPad 2 review: The iPad 2 is faster, thinner and lighter than its predecessor and now has dual cameras, but flaws remain
Apple's iPad 2 tablet is finally here. A successor to the original iPad, which created a completely new category of devices and sold almost 15 million units worldwide, the iPad 2 is faster, thinner and lighter than its predecessor and now has dual cameras. If you liked the original iPad, you'll love the iPad 2, but for current iPad owners the second generation iPad isn't a necessary upgrade.
iPad 2: Design and display
The Apple iPad 2 is thinner and lighter than the original model. Apple says its 8.8mm width makes it 33 per cent thinner than the first iPad, and the 613g weight makes it 15 per cent lighter than its predecessor. The new size and weight makes the iPad 2 much more comfortable to hold and carry around, and it feels incredibly well constructed. The iPad 2 is now available in black and white models — three with Wi-Fi and another three with Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity. Both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi+3G models of the iPad 2 are available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions.
The iPad 2 features the original model's same, single-button front fascia and a similar brushed metal rear, but the back is now flatter so it sits stable when placed on a desk or table. The edges of the iPad 2 curve as they meet the front edge of the device. The speaker grille on the back of the iPad 2 is larger than the original iPad's, but sound quality is similar.
The iPad 2's screen is identical to the original model. It sports a 9.7in IPS display with a resolution of 1024x768. Though the iPad 2 screen is no slouch, and still looks good, we would have appreciated a slight upgrade here. The iPad 2 display is also very difficult to see in direct sunlight, which is an issue on a device that has been designed for portability and travel.
iPad 2: Software and performance
If you have used the original iPad, the iPad 2 isn't much different: it still runs Apple's iOS4 operating system, offers a familiar swipeable home screen enhanced by folders, and has a consistent Apple UI look and feel extending across all of the standard applications. The iPad 2 also benefits from a well-populated App Store, and has excellent multimedia capabilities — it is a great device for viewing photos, watching videos and listening to music.
The biggest change from a usability perspective is speed — the iPad 2 feels much snappier when conducting even basic operations than the original model. The driving force behind this speed increase is a new Apple-designed dual-core processor called the A5, and a RAM increase from 256MB to 512MB. Apple claims the A5 processor doubles the speed of the iPad 2 and makes graphics processing up to nine times faster. During our testing, opening and closing apps, switching between running apps, sending an e-mail and using the Safari Web browser all occurred noticeably swifter than on the original iPad.
Though the iPad 2 remains the slickest and easiest tablet to use on the market, Apple's closed platform means it doesn't offer much flexibility. There remains no easy way of storing files on the iPad 2, the intrusive notifications pop-ups are annoying and clunky, and there is no SD card reader (unless you purchase an optional dongle). There also remains no way to view Flash videos through the browser.
iPad 2: other features
Along with its revamped design, the Apple iPad 2 now comes with two cameras: One on the front of the tablet, the other rear-facing. The rear camera records 720p HD video, and takes still photographs, but both cameras have low specifications — the front camera is VGA, while the rear camera is just 0.7 megapixels. Unsurprisingly, both cameras take poor quality still photographs, and while video quality through the rear camera is passable, it still lacks the vibrancy and quality that you should expect from a device in this price range. The best use of both cameras Apple's FaceTime video chat application, which debuted on the iPhone 4 but even then, the front camera is grainy and lacklustre.
The iPad 2 is capable of 1080p Full HD HDMI output, but only if you purchase an optional Apple digital AV adapter that plugs into the standard Apple dock connector, and then into a television or monitor. Incidentally, the new digital AV adapter also works with the original iPad, though it outputs in 720p rather than the 1080p the iPad 2 is capable of.
Apple has also released a new cover for the iPad 2 called the 'Smart Cover'. Described by Steve Jobs as "not a case," the Smart Cover has a magnetic flap that clips onto the side of the iPad 2, and automatically wakes and puts the iPad 2 to sleep depending on whether it is open or closed. It also folds into a stand, and comes in 10 colours, including five in Italian leather. It is a handy accessory and the magnets are a typical example of Apple thinking outside the box, but the Smart Cover is overpriced, and doesn't protect the back of the iPad 2.
The iPad 2 has the same impressive 10-hour battery life as the original iPad, but we were able to achieve almost 11 hours in many instances, depending on the applications we used.
Blackberry Torch 9860 Review- Lighting the way in mobile communications
The Blackberry Torch 9860 brings the Blackberry mobile phone into the touch phone era. Unlike the many Blackberry mobile phone’s before it, the Blackberry Torch 9860 has done away with the traditional physical keyboard and traded it up for a bigger better screen, with a touchphone keypad that boasts amazing performance and a stylish look as well!
The Blackberry Torch 9860 at a Glance
Want to know what you get for your buck with the Blackberry Torch 9860? In addition to a great looking phone that boasts the traditional Blackberry mobile phone interface and ecosystem, some of the other great features users enjoy include:
- High-resolution 800x480 WVGA pixel color display- All-touch screen
- Easy to use optical trackpad for web browsing
- Covered by Wi-Fi
- Built-in GPS functionality- Includes BlackBerry® Maps
- A diverse variety of audio formats, video formats and picture formats
- 768 MB RAM memory, 4 GB eMMC
- Expandable memory up to 32 GB with a microSD memory card
- Up to 6.8 hours talk time
- Up to 13.5 days standby time
- Music playback: Up to 44 hours
- Video playback: Up to 6.6 hours
What people are saying about the Blackberry Torch 9860
The Blackberry Torch 9860 is most highly respected for it’s great hardware and display clarity. The 3.7in LCD display with a 800x480pixel resolution, gives it a pixel density of 253ppi which ensures the imagery is bright, colorful, detailed and smooth. The larger screen size also makes it superior to other phones it competes with for web browsing and reading long emails.
As far as hardware goes, it’s 1.2GHz processor and 768MB of RAM make operation almost instantaneous, web browsing remarkably fast and gaming a joy. The 5MP rear camera has an LED flash with zero shutter lag, continuous auto focus, face detection, image stabilization and more, while it also handles 720p video recording with ease.
You can also personalise your Blackberry mobile phone by downloading games, social networking apps, themes, business apps and more from BlackBerry App World. There’s also great opportunities to simplify your life and business commitments by synchonising your BlackBerry smartphone with your computer using Blackberry computer software and business software.
On the whole, the Blackberry Torch 9860 is a great investment in your personal communications as well as you life. The Blackberry Torch 9860 is every bit of technical hardware and software you need to get through each day!
See the world in 3D with the HTC Evo 3D X515e
A few years ago the HTC mobile phone was almost unheard of in Australia, but now we’ve caught on, HTC is now a part of everyday Australian tech talk and with good reason too. They now boast some of the world’s finest smartphones and the HTC Evo 3D X515e is certainly no exception!
Key features of the HTC Evo 3D X515e
- The HTC Evo 3D X515e is powered by Android™ 2.3 with HTC Sense 3.0
- Users enjoy the use of 3D and 2D HD video recording (720p)
- The 1.2GHz Snapdragon dual-core processor means faster processing and fast efficient access to the internet, apps and other functions
- There’s a generous 4.3” 3D qHD capacitive touch screen making it easier to see everything and making it more user friendly for bigger hands
- The dual 5 mega-pixel color camera with auto-focus and dual LED flash means you have a great phone and camera in one- no carrying a separate camera for happy snaps
- The HTC Evo 3D X515e is HD Voice compatible
- It boasts 1GB internal storage and 1GB RAM
- It supports up to 32GB microSD card, keeping up with all of the other leading smartphones on the market
- It also has all of the key features of a great smart phone including Wi-Fi, FM radio, bluetooth and MP3 player
Why we like the HTC Evo 3D X515e
The 3D ofcourse!
The HTC Evo 3D X515e is one of few 3D mobile phones on the market. And for that, it certainly sets itself apart from the rest- including other HTC mobile phone’s. The simple to use 3D function allows you to watch movies in 3D, take 3D pictures and capture your own 3D video. Best of all, unlike so much of our 3D technology- you can do all this without the need for 3D glasses! The combination of the HTC Evo 3D X515e’s dual 5 MP cameras, giant 4.3” QHD screen for a viewfinder, and intuitive camera button, makes making 3D movies and taking 3D photographs a simple joy!
Need more than 3D?
If the 3D function impresses you but you need to be sure about the rest of the phones functionality before you commit to purchasing one, we know you won’t be disappointed with it’s other great features.
The HTC Evo 3D X515e boasts a super fast 1.2Ghz Qualcomm® Snapdragon® dual-core processor that runs on 4G. This makes downloading, posting, commenting, watching and playing more efficient and enjoyable than ever before.
The phone is also equipped for wireless streaming adding to it’s convenience and great usability. Not only can you Wirelessly stream photos, music and videos to your home entertainment system from phone, the HTC Evo 3D X515e can also connect with up to 8 devices wirelessly so that they can share in its internet access!
With apps galore and a sleek look- the HTC Evo 3D X515e is the HTC mobile phone to have in 2011 and beyond! Experience it for yourself today to see what we mean!
Nokia 500 – Nokia’s first 1GHz Symbian smartphone
The Nokia 500 has just been announced as Nokia latest Symbian Anna smartphone. The new phone is based on the Nokia C5-03 specs-wise but refreshes some of the key features, retaining the reportedly affordable price tag.
The Nokia 500 has a 3.2-inch capacitive screen with 640 x 360 pixel resolution and there's a 5 megapixel camera on the back. Connectivity is covered by 14.4Mbps HSDPA and 5.8Mbps HSUPA speeds, Wi-Fi (no N support here), GPS, a charging microUSB port and a 3.5mm standard audio jack. There's 2GB of internal memory and a microSD slot for adding more storage.
The Nokia 500 comes with exchangeable back covers in different colors (two extra supplied with the phone). Much like with the Nokia N79 back in the day, the Nokia 500 changes its wallpaper automatically to match the color of the back cover you put on it.
Google confirms Nexus S will get Ice Cream Sandwich
Google confirms Nexus S will get Ice Cream Sandwich -- for real this time (Gingerbread devices, too)
Okay, so we've already seen Ice Cream Sandwich running on the Nexus S, but that was decidedly... unofficial. We've just heard straight from Google's Gabe Cohen that the Nexus S will definitely be getting ICS. In fact, both he and Matias Duarte think most Gingerbread devices will see an upgrade, saying: "Currently in the process for releasing Ice Cream Sandwich for Nexus S. Theoretically should work for any 2.3 device." It's hardly a surprise and there's no specific word on timing just yet, but hopefully it won't take long to move that vanilla Android device up to something with a breaded exterior.
Update: We also asked about whether the Nexus One is getting some ICS love, but there's no clear plan just yet.
Nokia 700 Reviews – Slim and beautiful
Nokia 700 Slim and beautiful
The most compact smartphone yet
You won't believe how light this ultra slim touch-screen phone feels. Nokia 700 not only fits comfortably into your palm, but also slips discreetly into your pocket or purse. From front to back it's simply beautiful – brushed metal cover on one side and reflective glass on the other. Plus you get stunning picture quality on the ClearBlack AMOLED display, even if you're outdoors.
Home screens designed by you
Everything you need in one place
This is where it all happens. A fresh, new look with up to six home screens bringing everything important right to you, including friends, Facebook posts, music and much more. And you decide how they look. Change wallpapers and add shortcuts for your favourite apps. You can also add great new email and radio widgets - mini apps you control right from the home screen.
NFC built in
Tap, share and pair.
NFC offers an easy way to share and connect wirelessly. All you do is touch another NFC-enabled phone to share a great photo or video with a friend. You can also use NFC to connect phones and play fun multiplayer games like Angry Birds Magic. Or connect instantly to any accessories supporting NFC, like the Nokia Play 360° speaker. Just one tap and you're paired.
Email and social networks
Always up to date
Staying in touch should always be this easy. Everything you need is ready straight out of the box – all easy to access. A new email widget means you can browse your inbox directly on the home screen – tap an email to read it and then reply. And with the social network widget, you can scroll feeds and stay up to date without needing to open an app.
Apps and HD games
The best apps around
Many of the best apps around come preloaded on your Nokia 700, like an app for Facebook and Twitter and apps for business, maps, email and more. But this is only the beginning. At Store there are apps for everything, from travel to messaging to the latest games - with more and more added every day. Apps that make life a bit better, a bit easier or just a bit more fun.
Free map and navigation
Find and share new places.
With Nokia Maps you always know exactly what's happening around you. Instantly find the best of everything in your city - cafes, shops, hotels and much more. Millions of places reviewed and rated worldwide, with expert tips from Trip Advisor and Lonely Planet. And best of all, Nokia 700 comes with free lifetime walk and drive navigation including turn-by-turn voice guidance.
An eco-friendly smartphone
Small, but big on environment
A little thing can make a big difference. Nokia 700 is the most eco-friendly Nokia smartphone ever – from its high-quality sustainable materials to its efficient use of energy. Many features work together to reduce power consumption, like the energy-efficient OLED display and the fast and eco-friendly Nokia Fast Charger AC-15 that comes with your Nokia 700.