World’s largest cellphone maker Nokia will launch its unlimited music download service in India soon. Nokia on Thursday launched its unlimited music downloading service in China, in a move to strengthen its position in the world’s biggest mobile market. The unlimited music download offering in China will add further momentum to Nokia’s leadership in the world’s highest growth markets, including Brazil, Russia and Indonesia, the company said in a statement.
“The forthcoming launch of the service in India will add significant scale and differentiation in another critical market,” it added. The service would be available to consumers across China via a broad range of devices and through an extensive nationwide retail network. At launch, consumers can get unlimited music downloads with the purchase of any one of eight devices, to include the Nokia X6 32GB and Nokia X6 16GB, Nokia 5230, Nokia 5330, Nokia 5800w, Nokia 6700s, Nokia E52 and Nokia E72i. Entry level prices will start from 140 Euro, excluding local taxes and subsidies, the statement added.
Today, at Nokia World, the annual destination for people with passion for mobility, Nokia unveiled a combo that can change how people connect with each other and offer new and exciting ways to give everyone, everywhere, the power to make the most of every moment. With today’s news, together with Nokia’s recent announcements – Nokia Money, the Nokia N900, Nokia Booklet 3G, Nokia 5230 and Nokia 5800 Navigation Edition – Nokia expands in new directions for changing the ways people go about their lives.
Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, CEO, Nokia, commented: “Nokia aims at reaching the many, not the few, with our rich portfolio of services. We are doing this through an increasing number of open partnerships with world leaders in many fields. We are proud to lead the charge in smartphones and beyond as manifested in the Nokia N900 and Nokia Booklet 3G, two great examples of how the world is changing and Nokia is driving this change.”
Opening up the next innovative chapter of personal and location-aware internet, Nokia announced lifecasting with Ovi, a partnership with the world’s largest social network, Facebook. Lifecasting with Ovi is the first application to let people publish their location and status updates directly to their Facebook account from the home screen of a mobile device. Lifecasting goes beyond just publishing your status – it is about building deeper and closer connections between people. It triggers new kinds of communication patterns, such as sending messages or status updates or even navigating to a friend or a place.
Lifecasting will premiere on the new Nokia N97 mini, companion to the successful Nokia N97. Designed with a social and style-conscious consumer in mind, the Nokia N97 mini is a smaller mobile computer with stylish stainless steel cues, featuring a tilting 3.2″ touch display, QWERTY keyboard and fully customizable homescreen that makes each Nokia N97 mini as unique as a fingerprint. The Nokia N97 mini delivers a truly personal internet experience in a compact handset based on the iconic design of the Nokia N97.
Jonas Geust, Vice President of Nokia Nseries, commented: “People want to bring their physical and online worlds together via the internet. The Nokia N97 mini is designed for this new social internet and to help navigate people and places. With lifecasting, the Nokia N97 mini and Ovi usher in the next chapter of personal and location-aware internet.”
Lifecasting with Ovi will be available for both the Nokia N97 and Nokia N97 mini via Nokia Beta Labs. The Nokia N97 mini features new software which will be released in October as a free update for the Nokia N97. The new software brings compelling new experiences to both devices, including new homescreen widgets and additional usability improvements including flick scrolling.
The Nokia N97 mini is powered by a new Ovi Maps experience which makes searching, finding and navigating even easier. In addition to global pedestrian navigation, people can access premium content from Lonely Planet, Michelin and Wcities, turning the Nokia N97 mini into the world’s smallest travel companion.
Users can personalise the homescreen of their device even further with thousands of different applications and services available from the Ovi Store. From games, videos and podcasts to productivity tools and web services, Ovi Store is the easiest way to fill the Nokia N97 mini’s homescreen with applications that reflect individual tastes. The Nokia N97 mini is expected to begin shipping in October 2009 for an estimated retail price of EUR 450 before taxes and subsidies.
The Comes With Music story continues with the Nokia X6: Pioneering new ways for the world to experience music, Nokia today announced the launch of the new Nokia X6. Capable of playing up to 35 hours of music, the Nokia X6 is a powerful entertainment device, combining 32GB of on-board memory with a slick 3.2″ finger touch interface.
The ultimate device for music lovers and social butterflies, the Nokia X6 has a 16:9 widescreen optimised for photos, videos and browsing. With direct access to Ovi Store, the Nokia X6 is a hive of activity that brings 20 friends and virtual communities, like Facebook, to your homescreen.
Jo Harlow, Vice President, Nokia, commented: “The Nokia X6 and Comes With Music is a powerful combination, enabling music fans to download all the music they could ever want – quickly, easily and for free. We’re giving people convenient access to and ownership of a vast music library and an exciting new touchscreen device to play their music on.”
The new Nokia X3 also joins Nokia’s music portfolio. The Nokia X3 is designed for music lovers and is the first Series 40 Ovi Store-enabled device. The Nokia X3 is a sleek and compact music device that comes with stereo speakers, built-in FM radio, and a 3.2 megapixel camera.
To make the most of the entertainment experience, Nokia introduced the Nokia Mini Speaker MD-9, a pocket-size speaker for big sound, and the Nokia Bluetooth Stereo Headset BH-505, an ergonomic and lightweight neckband headset for great music and call audio quality also in noisy environments.
The Nokia X6 has an estimated retail price of EUR 450, with the Nokia X3 retailing for an estimated EUR 115. Prices are before taxes and subsidies, and both devices will ship during the fourth quarter of 2009.
The rumors says that the newer generation of iPods, specifically the new Touch that is apparently on the way will be able to provide users with a little more than just audio video and surfing. Even the reports have stated that ‘well-connected’ sources have information that the new iPod Touch would come equipped with a camera and a microphone as well.
iPod is a Wi-Fi enabled device and thus PMP could make it an upgrade by adding communication via voice and image to the media device. With the combo of the microphone and Wi-Fi, the camera Skype calling could be enabled.
Most likely other manufacturers will follow the suit. There are chances that the camera may be used as a stand alone obviously for taking pictures and the same reports are also suggesting that the microphone could make voice commands a reality for the iPod Touch, making it that much more akin to the new iPhone 3GS.
Creative Technology Ltd. today introduced the Creative EP-630 and Creative EP-650 in-ear earphones in new vibrant colours. Widely popular, more than 3 million units of Creative EP-630 earphones were shipped worldwide in 2008. Inspired by the ocean, the new Creative EP-630 colour series earphones now come in exciting colours such as Pacific Blue, Atlantic Green, Mediterranean Red, Arctic White and Pearl Black. For a sophisticated look, the Creative EP-650 earphones come in Mercury Abyss, a premium chrome finishing.
Offering an unsurpassed music listening experience, the Creative EP-630 and Creative EP-650 earphones are specially designed to deliver optimum performance with any music genre. Powered by quality 9mm Neodymium magnet transducer, the Creative EP-630 and Creative EP-650 earphones offer high-quality audio reproduction with extraordinary bass that is ideal for digital music playback.
Complete with the gold-plated 1.2m Oxygen-Free Copper cable that provides uninterrupted transmission of music from the player to earphones, enjoy pristine audio and hear the music in greater clarity.
Designed with soft and ergonomic silicone in-ear earbuds, the Creative EP-630 and Creative EP-650 earphones provide excellent noise-isolation. Pick the perfect fit from the additional pairs of alternate sized earbuds that are included.
Pricing and Availability- The Creative EP-630 earphones are currently available at the online store at sg.store.creative.com in Singapore at the suggested retail price of S$45.00 while the Creative EP-650 earphones will be available from mid July onwards at the suggested retail price of S$59.00.
The Creative EP-630 earphones will be available at The CREATIVE Stores at International Business Park and Marina Square and authorised dealers in Singapore from mid June 2009 onwards and at the PC Show from 11 – 14 June 2009 while the Creative EP-650 earphones will be available from end July 2009 onwards.
Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the release of the DataTraveler 200 (DT200), the world’s first 128GB USB Flash drive. The large capacity along with password protection gives users the flexibility to carry critical data with them at all times in a very small form factor.
“The new DT200’s robust storage capability lets consumers store complete libraries of music, photos and videos. It is also a great tool for business users who carry around large databases or files,” said Andrew Ewing, USB business manager, Kingston. “The password protection helps safeguard data and requires no admin rights, making the DT200 a terrific solution for the home or office.”
The Kingston DataTraveler 200 features a capless design to protect the USB connector when not in use and is enhanced for Windows ReadyBoost™. It is available in 32-, 64- and 128GB capacities. The 128GB drive is build-to-order only. Customers who wish to purchase it can place an order through normal channels (e.g., e-tailers or resellers).
The DT200 is backed by a five-year warranty and 24/7 tech support.
DataTraveler 200 Product Features and Specifications:
Capacities: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB Dimensions: 2.77″ x 0.49″ x 0.89″ (70.39mm x 12.52mm x 22.78mm) Operating Temperature: 32° F to 140° F (0° C to 60° C) Storage Temperature: -4° F to 185° F (-20° C to 85° C) Simple: just plug into a USB port Practical: durable, capless design Guaranteed: five-year warranty Safeguarded: includes Password Traveler security software for Windows Enhanced: for Windows ReadyBoost on Vista-based systems
In India, Transcend has launched its new digital music player named MP860. Transcend MP860 digital music player features 2.4-inch QVGA TFT display, microSD/microSDHC card expansion slot, FM radio with 20 station presets, built-in microphone with direct line-in recording and eleven different equalizer effects. Playback of the music can be done without earphones with the help of the integrated speaker while the sing-along feature comes with synchronized lyrics display.
“Indian people have an insatiable appetite for music and they want it to be available to them all the time. As such, Transcend, keeps improving upon its digital music players range and we have launched our new MP860 player in the Indian market. The new MP860 player features an elegant design with a carefully crafted shape and a smooth finish making it look real stylish.
It is comfortable to hold and has a pleasant tactile feel. Currently available in two capacities, 4GB (Black) and 8GB (White), Transcend’s versatile MP860 is a definite must-have digital music player and can fulfill the portable entertainment needs of consumers in all segments,” says Austin Huang, Regional Head, Sales, SAARC & APAC, Transcend.
MP860 digital music player supports MP3, WMA, WAV, WMA-DRM10 as well as FLAC and OGG file formats. The eleven equalizer effects contain the user-customizable options that tailor the sound output to suit the users’ specific music styles and tastes. MPEG4 SP (XVID) and FLV movies on the player’s 2.4 inch screen can be played by the users.
Numerous photos, music and videos can be shared with the help of the microSD/microSDHC expansion slot along with 8GB internal memory. Moreover, music can be recorded from the external devices like the CD player with the help of the in-line feature.
Page-by-page text file reader, power-saving screen savers, auto-shutoff function, internal rechargeable Li-Polymer battery, USB 2.0 port and karaoke-style synchronized lyrics display along with support for 13 different languages are the other features of this media player. User-friendly navigation buttons and intuitive interface is also supported by it.
Transcend MP860 digital music has a two year warranty and comes with 4GB and 8GB capacities is available for Rs.5500 and Rs.6500 respectively.
Interface for easy one-hand navigation. The concept of this innovative interface is to offer the flexibility of arranging your desktop the way you want it and to give you direct access to the applications you use most: one-touch phone calls, global weather and time zones with vivid 3D animation, jukebox music, interactive photo albums, and Bookmarks for direct access to the most visit websites.
In addition, Acers exclusive virtual Easy Keyboard makes composing emails and messages easier than everwhile on the move.
Pre-installed Google mobile services: Google Search, Google Maps, and YouTube, F900 provides one-touch access to the web applications. Also equipped with a location solution, you’ll be able to see where you are and find directions, even when you’re not using the GPS. The Acer F900 is currently on show at the Acer booth (L617a) at Computex 2009.
Sony aims to consolidate your music collection under the GIGA Juke HDD Hi-Fi system, where the NAS-SC500PK is able to pump out a respectable 100W of power alongside a 160GB hard drive to store all your favorite tunes that are easily accessible.
This system is able to support up to five client players simultaneously, featuring a redesigned woofer that ought to make you watch your action movies through it all over again a sense of awe and wonder. As for the GIGA Juke NAS-E300HD, you get 60W of juice and half the storage capacity. Both models will be equipped with the WM-PORT dock that plays nice with the OLED Sony Walkman which was released some time ago.
There’s still nothing official about the BlackBerry Curve 8520, but we’re hearing that the new RIM smartphone will be released by T-Mobile USA sometime in the fourth quarter of 2009. The source of this rumor, BGR, says that a price for the 8520 was not given, but it should be on the affordable side anyway.
Well, a low price point won’t be a surprise given the features of the new smartphone, which include a QVGA display, Wi-Fi, a 2MP camera, Bluetooth 2.0 and quad-band GSM connectivity with EDGE. The BlackBerry Curve 8520 also has dedicated music keys and a new optical trackball which, apparently, is just plain awesome.
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