all-pdf-oct-engl-2012 by My Mobile

www.mymobile.co.in

oct 15 to nov 14 2012  Rs 75 tm

for a connected lifestyle

æ The Gifting Season Forget sweets and clothes, gift a gadget! P 44

æ Appy Foodies

Apps for those who love their food P 78

æThe

Phablet Wave

Are the tablet-smartphone hybrids the heroes of the future? P 22

æ Tested æ

MapMyIndia CarPad 5, Sony Xperia tipo dual, iBall Andi 5C and more... P 50

Samsung Galaxy Note II

first call

very once in a while there comes a device that proves all the pundits wrong. The tablet was one of them (remember how so many people said it was just a fad) and now it is the turn of the tablet-phone hybrid, or what many people choose to call “phablets.” We had seen large screen phones before the original Galaxy Note, but that was perhaps the first device that tried to bridge the gap between a tablet and a phone, mingling the best of both worlds in a relatively compact form factor. The pundits hemmed and hawed, saying that the device fell between two stools and was neither one nor the other. The consumers thought differently and lined up to purchase it. The result: we have a new member in the mobile device community, one which every one wants a slice of. Is it surprising that our cover story in this issue is about the phablet phenomenon and where it is headed, with a look at some of the major players in the segment? Another trend that has emerged is the arrival of dual SIM smartphones in the market. Not too long ago, a person looking for a smartphone with two SIM connections had very little to choose from. Fast forward to today, when manufacturers are vying with each other to offer the dual SIM consumer better options. We took an eyeful of the market and cherry picked some of the better ones for you. Meanwhile the controversy over cellphones and the radiation they do (or do not) emit; we attempt to take a look at the issue objectively and its consequences. While on the matter of controversy, the maps on the new iPhone seem to have attracted stacks of it, proving just how important navigation is to many smartphone users. Which is why we not only have reviewed MapMyIndia’s CarPad tablet but also looked at Nokia and Google’s mapping solutions in our versus section. With the festive season well and truly underway, we have also taken a glance at various gifting options, varying from media players to speakers - after all, what’s a festival without a slice of tech, gift wrapped especially for you. We hope you will find something to gift and even to hint as a gift for yourself in our line up. Apart from that, the issue with our usual round up of reviews of the latest gadgets and gizmos, ranging from the new Galaxy Note from Samsung to Sony’s latest digital camera and even keyboards for tablets. Also, we have caught up with a number of members of industry to get their thoughts on what’s happening in the world of mobile technology and there is our array of tips and tricks to help you get more out of your device as well. Happy reading and festive greetings from us all at My Mobile as we head into what promises to be a very busy period - a new OS cometh from Microsoft, new devices from Nokia and other manufacturers, the iPhone 5 looms on the Indian horizon (and maybe an iPad mini too)...and so much more. Stay tuned. These are interesting times indeed.

EDITORIAL Pankaj Mohindroo |

Editor-in-Chief

DESIGN Ajit Kumar Parashar | Graphic Designer

C I R C U L A T I ON Lalit Sharma | Sr. Manager – Circulation Amit Prakash | Circulation Manager

A D V I S O R Y BO A R D Prithipal Singh S.C. Khanna S.D. Saxena Rajan Mathews T.R. Dua T.V. Ramachandran Shiv K. Bakhshi Sonu Halan Bhasin Bejon Misra

Edited, published, printed and owned by Pankaj Mohindroo, Published from Flat No. 25, First Floor Shankar Market Connaught Place, New Delhi – 110001. Printed at HT Media Ltd. B-2, Sector 63, Noida. Distributed by Central News Agency Pvt Ltd. Copyright 2005. My Mobile is a registered trademark of My Mobile Infomedia Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form– electronic, mechanical, or otherwise, without prior permission.

Pankaj Mohindroo editor-in-chief

04 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors and omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and the views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged.

Volume VIII Issue IX, october 15, To nOVEMBER 14, 2012

content in focus

lead Story Phablets: will these hybrids be heroes or just a passing fad?

SAR Scramble: The much hyped radiations, norms, and what they really mean for us

Face To Face

Spotlight

S N Rai, co-founder, Lava International reveals his company's plans to move up the price ladder in the smartphone segment Md Imthiaz, founder and director, hoppr, speaks about location based services in general and what makes hoppr special Karthik Kumar, director, Rage Communications, shares his take on the mobile app market and where it is headed

Inactive subscribers: Is it fair to kill relatively inactive connections? ISD restrictions: aimed to protect, but ending up restricting users

30 32

cell clues

versus

Want a dual SIM smartphone? We give you some of the best options

Nokia Maps V/S Google Maps: our take

Spotlight Mobile Doctor

News

Letters

Consumer Forum

Gear Guide

My Guide

28 37 80

47 44

Gifts for festivals: Sweets are passe, gift these gadgets!

08 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

Chief Speak

Pankaj Kedia, country manager, Dolby India, talks on what the Dolby technology is all about and what the future has in store

content cell-ebrity

just in

Micromax A90 and Samsung Champ Neo Duos

The tech side of the new Bhatt, Alia, in Bollywood

sneak peek

A glimpse at the soon to arrive Sony Xperia T and Nokia Lumia 920

& Tricks Apptastic 78 tips Transfer calling credit Making your foodie side appilicious

from phone to phone, via operators

Infographic 2G-3G data consumption trends

etc We take a look at the devices, other than tablets and handsets, that caught our attention

persona Not so well known facts about the amazing Sir Richards Branson

BURN TESTS Idea aurus 985n iBall andi 5c

50 52

Ice xtreme

smartouch ct 01

carpad 5

mts mtag 351

sony xperia tipo dual

samsung note 2 n7100

Total number of pages= 116 (112 + 4 cover)

What they are talking about in the tech world, if not officially

Telco Trivia A look at the iPhone down the ages

The words of those who matter in telecom

Vantage Point

Rohit Dadwal, MD, Asia-Pacific, Mobile Marketing Association

smart apps Find out interesting places around you, tweak videos with minimum fuss - and more appiness besides

10 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

72 109

113 114

they said it

New Tekken and Borderlands games up the action in the gaming world

110 112

rumour mill

Boredom Busters

www.mymobile.co.in

mobile doctor

Please suggest a good smartphone in the price range of Rs 12,000. I am confused between the LG l5, the Nokia Lumia 610 or 710, Samsung Galaxy Ace, and Ace Plus. Also please tell me if LG l5 is a good phone and user friendly and durable? -Mongve Rongpi The phones which you have mentioned come with Windows Phone and Android. OS is the most important thing in the phone because other features depend on it. So I would suggest you go for Android and take Samsung Ace Plus, because you can upgrade it to Android’s latest version Jelly Bean (4.1). You will have a 1 GHz processor which is also an important thing. In LG l5 you will get NFC and a large screen, which doesn’t affect you as much compared to what you are getting with the Ace Plus. I want to purchase a new mobile in the range of Rs 13,000. It should have good social networking options, good sound, camera and battery backup. I am considering the Nokia Lumia 610. Please suggest if it is worth it or if there are better alternatives in the market. -Avinash Mishra You have mentioned a good model, but it comes with Windows Phone. If you look around, most of the people are using Android because its faster and you can run more games and applications. You can go with the Lumia 610, but if you want to try a new flavour you can go with the Samsung Galaxy Ace Duos S6802.

I want to buy a tablet with good performance and with SIM support. Please tell me a good option in the price range of up to Rs 9,500. Please help me. -Pramod Kumar There are some decent models available in the market, iBall Slide 3G-7307 Tablet, Reliance 3G Tab V9A and Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 P3100, but all will cost you more than Rs 13,500. If we look at specifications and performance, then I will suggest you go with Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 P3100. It comes with 1GHz dual core processor, 1 GB RAM, 3.0-megapixel primary camera, HD Recording, Wi-Fi Direct and much more, which gives you a wonderful experience in both voice and data. I have been using a Samsung S5233A for the last six months, and everything is running fine on it as far as features go. My prob-

your software. Hopefully that should solve your problem. For connecting your device to your computer, you could also try downloading the driver from their support website, as per the OS you have on your system. I want to buy a new mobile which has a dual core processor and good GPU. It should also have a front facing camera. Please suggest 2-3 mobiles in the price range of Rs 15,000 to 20,000. -Vijay Jangid You can go with the Samsung Galaxy S Duos S7562 and Sony Xperia U. Both come with 1 GHz processor, 5.0-megapixel camera, 0.3-megapixel secondary camera and much more. If we compare both the models, we will suggest you to go with the Sony Xperia U because it comes with HD recording, 16X digital zoom, video recording at 1280 x 720, 8 GB internal memory, 3G at 14.4 Mbps HSDPA, 5.76 Mbps HSUPA. You will have a better data and multimedia experience. I have bought iPhone 5 from US and would like to know if it can be unlocked in Delhi and by when? I got a handsome deal of Rs 12,000 from US for this phone with 16 GB. -Amit While there are people who claim to be able to unlock the iPhone 5, we are afraid we cannot recommend any of them to you, as none of them can do so in an official capacity. Also, unlocking the phone through these searches will void its warranty and make you forego any official support.

lem is that the mobile does not connect with the computer. Also when I send any text message, it goes to an international number and I end up paying Rs 5 for each SMS. Please tell that what could be the possible problem with the device, and what is to be done to get it corrected? -Dinesh Kahndelwal Both your problems seem to be connected to the phone’s software, so I would suggest you go to a service center and upgrade

14 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

I use a BlackBerry 9790 and want to keep another phone for backup. This phone should have dual SIM support, run on Android and come in the range between Rs 10,000 – 12,000. How is the Karbonn A9? Please suggest some options. -Naveen You can go with the Karbonn A9. It comes with a 1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, 5.0-megapixel camera, and dual SIM (stand by).

It will give you a good experience and most importantly it will fit in your budget too. I want to purchase a good mobile phone which has an excellent operating system with at least 5.0 megapixel camera with LED flash, touchscreen, long lasting battery, high quality music player and other multimedia features and free apps store. I have shortlisted the Nokia Lumia 610 and Nokia C6. Please suggest me some others phones costing around Rs 11,000. -Rajiv Kumar Khuntuly In today’s market, Android is the leading OS so I will suggest you go with an Android, because there you will get lots of free application and games. You can also go with the Karbonn A18, it comes with a 1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, 5.0-megapixel camera with LED flash, dual SIM (Standby), 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen, and 1.3-megapixel front camera. It will give you a good experience and fits in your budget too. I want to a buy tab with all advance features including calling. Budget is not a constraint. Suggest the best option. -JE Vikash If you are looking for a tablet with calling I would suggest you to go with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 P3100. It comes with a 1 GHz dual core processor, 1GB RAM, 3.0-megapixel primary camera and Wi-Fi Direct. n

Is your mobile phone acting strange? Email your queries at team@mymobile.co.in and our mobile doctor Arshdeep Singh will suggest remedies for your ailing device. Disclaimer: The views expressed by Arshdeep Singh are his own and do not necessarily coincide with those of My Mobile.

NEWS bits operators & tariffs Reliance introduces ‘All Share Postpaid Plan’

Reliance Communications has introduced the ‘All Share Postpaid Plan’ for both GSM and CDMA users. It can be availed for Rs 1,497 for three connections. Under the plan, members can share 3000 minutes of Local/STD Voice calls, 3,000 Local/National SMS along with 3GB of 3G Data per month and free calling amongst the members of a group in this plan. The company claims that the plan enables customers to save up to 50 per cent on their postpaid bills every month.

Vodafone introduces SMS service for blood donors

Value Added Services/Applications/ Games Micromax launches free chatting platform Hook Up Micromax launched a free chat application called ‘Hook Up’. The messaging application lets users send and receive messages, and also allows exchanging pictures, music, videos and more. The service will let users send free messages even to non HookUp users.

I&B Ministry launches its official YouTube channel The Indian ministry of Information and Broadcasting has recently started its own YouTube channel. The channel will feature ad campaigns and policies of the Government along with some special films and documentaries. In addition to that, special features from the national broadcaster– Doordarshan will also be available on this channel along with latest news from the ministry itself.

Vodafone India has launched an SMS service that lets its subscribers donate blood with a few quick steps. A user needs to send an SMS ‘BLOOD’ to 55444 and can find a donor or become a donor by replying as per the instructions. Search results are narrowed down to the user’s pin code. The cost of the SMS will be a nominal fee of Rs 1 per SMS.

After Angry Birds, it’s Bad Piggies by Rovio

Airtel unveils unlimited 2G data plan

Google has rolled out an update for its Chrome browser on iOS The update includes optimisations for iOS 6, the new iPhone and the iPod touch. The new update also adds some functionality, miscellaneous bug fixes and performance updates for the new iOS 6 users.

Bharti Airtel has introduced an unlimited mobile data plan of Rs 149 for its 2G prepaid subscribers. The plan comes with 30 days validity time and offers 2GB of 2G Data, beyond which the Mobile Internet speed will be reduced to 40 Kbps.

Tata DOCOMO collaborates with Dell

for broadband plan Service provider Tata DOCOMO and PC maker Dell have announced a partnership to launch a special broadband plan. Under the plan, consumers in India will get a Tata Photon Plus postpaid connection at a special price when buying a Dell notebooks. As per the offer, the first month’s usage will be absolutely free, and the partnership will be subsequently extended to include Tata DOCOMO’s cutting-edge 3G products as well.

16 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

The makers of the cult game Angry Birds, Rovio, are back with a new game called Bad Piggies. The game is based on the pigs of Angry Birds which are in the main role. And unlike Angry Birds, this is a game that is built around construction rather than destruction, as you have to make vehicles for the pigs using basic building blocks. Bad Piggies is available for download on ioS and Android devices.

Google updates Chrome for iO6

Firefox now available for Android tablets Mozilla has released a version of Firefox that is designed for Android tablets. Firefox for Android supports Flash for Honeycomb tablet devices that allows users to interact with Web videos and games on the go. The new release for tablets also includes a new screen option that shows your browsing history, bookmarks, and password. Users can also import bookmarks from their desktop browser using Firefox Sync.

Google Play hits 25 billion downloads The Google Play Store for Android applications has reached the 25 billion downloads mark. The total number of apps available for download from the Google Play store now stands at 6,75,000. With the likes of Microsoft and BlackBerry looking to revamp their app offerings, the coming days promise an appy feast for mobile app addicts.

Fit to Use

`1999/-

Also Available

NEWS bits Policy & Regulations HANDSETS & MORE Apple launches iPhone 5, iPod touch, iPod nano Apple has launched the iPhone 5 and a new range of iPods in the US. The phone is powered by a dual core A6 processor which Apple claims to be among the most powerful in the world, and also features an updated version of the iOS, iOS 6. It also supports 4G LTE and is also 20 per cent lighter than the iPhone 4S, even though it comes with a bigger 4-inch retina display with 1136 x 640 resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio. Apple also unveiled the new iPod touch and iPod nano as well as a new version of iTunes. The new iPod touch comes with a 5 megapixel iSight camera with autofocus and support for 1080p video recording, while the new iPod nano features a 2.5-inch multi-touch display with navigation buttons underneath. The big question that is now occupying most people’s minds is when these devices will be available in other countries, and in India in particular.

Nokia to bring Asha 308 and 309 soon Nokia is planning to add two new members to its Asha family. The Nokia Asha 308 and Asha 309 smartphones will be full touchscreen devices in the affordable category, as disclosed by the company on its official blog. The Asha 308 will be a dual SIM phone whereas the Asha 309 will be a single SIM one. Both phones will feature 3-inch, scratch-resistant, capacitive touchscreens, a 2.0-megapixel camera, built-in speakers and will operate on the Asha Touch operating system.

Sony launches new Android smartphones Sony has launched two Android based smartphones for the Indian market in different price segments. The Xperia tipo and tipo dual are both targeted at the affordable range and both run on Android ICS OS and are priced close to Rs 10,000. The tipo dual is Sony’s first dual SIM smartphone in the country. Another offering is the Sony Xperia Miro, priced at Rs 14,499, which runs on Android ICS, has an 800 MHz processor, 5.0-megapixel camera and 3.5 inch capacitive display. Rounding off the launches is the Xperia SL which has a 4.4-inch screen, 1.7 GHz dual core processor and is priced at Rs 30,990.

Winket launches two Android tablets Winket, a consumer brand of Shyam Networks recently launched two new tablets Ultimate (TWY300) and Wonder (TWY100) for the Indian market. Both the tablets run on Android 4.0 OS and are powered by a 1.5 GHz processor. The company called the tablets “the slimmest, fastest and lightest” and said they were aimed at the youth of the country. The Winket Ultimate is priced at Rs 14,999 and the Wonder at Rs 7,999. The tablets are available at all leading electronic stores.

BSNL launches WishTel IRA ICON tablet The state owned service provider BSNL has collaborated with WishTel IRA to launch a tablet called ICON at Rs 10,500. The device comes with a built-in 3G SIM from BSNL that enables voice, video and data services. It has a 7-inch LCD capacitive display, a 2.0-megapixel rear camera, 4 GB RAM and 4,000 mAh battery.

18 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

Voice service should be free of cost says Kapil Sibal Union telecom minister has never been one to mince words and stirred up a bit of a controversy yet again when he said that in his opinion, voice calls should be free of cost in the country. The minister urged service providers to shift their revenue focus from voice services to data services. “It’s time that industry should decide that revenue should come from data and not from voice. This is the way the Government and industry must move. Talking to each other must not be taxed,” said Sibal on the sidelines of the CII Broadband Summit. He further said that the model adopted by the industry is irrational and asked why a person should pay for talking to another. “It’s not about talking to, but about helping, sharing and empowering each other,” Sibal asserted.

DoT asks telcos to shut 3G service outside their license zones The Department of Telecom has ordered service providers to shut their 3G services in circles where they do not have spectrum. While this is allowed in providing 2G services, it has been termed illegal by DoT in the case of 3G. Airtel, Vodafone and Idea had entered into an inter-circle roaming pact for providing 3G services in circles where they do not have spectrum. Bharti Airtel has challenged DoT’s order and filed an appeal in Delhi High Court.

Techiewood Chitrangada Singh confesses that she is not a tech freak She might have been present at a number of tech product releases, but Bollywood actress, Chitrangada Singh has confessed that she is not a technology freak, although she loves the design and build of the HP ultrabooks. She further added that she does not like to use gadgets and is not much into tech. When asked about the gadgets she does use, she revealed that she used two devices: a BlackBerry and the iPhone. However, she stressed that she mostly used them for e-mails, BBM, work and personal calls, but nothing more than that.

letters

says K Jayaraman, MD and CEO of Hathway Cable and Datacom. n normal cable TV, you pay a fixed monthly charge o your cable operator for the service (even for hose channels which you do not watch at all). On he other hand, the DTH (Direct to Home) service allows users to choose channels as per their choice and need and pay accordingly.

The need for digitisation

n India, almost every home has a television set. Cable television came into existence in 1983 when Doordarshan started its services through cable in rural areas of Rajasthan and subsequently witnessed remendous growth across the country. According o TRAI, the Indian broadcasting and distribution sector has around 550 television channels, 6,000 Multi System Operators (MSOs), up to 60,000 LCOs, 7 DTH/satellite TV operators and several

I have been reading My Mobile magazine from almost six months and by this time it has become my favourite magazine. It contains  IT'S RAINING the right balance of information CELLS about mobile phones and other  gadgets. One thing I found missing in your magazine is that there is  All you can get for Rs 50 not much mention about different  Handset missing phones’ battery. I think battery is  Tested an important aspect so detailed WIN information about a phone’s battery will be an added advantage for readers. Kindly include this. It will make My Mobile a one stop destination for all mobile related information. -Vikram Singh, UP www.mymobile.co.in

SEP 15 to OCT 14 2012  Rs 75

FOR A CONNECTED LIFESTYLE

Nokia, Motorola and Samsung show their hand for the future P 20

Swipe Telecom Launches 3D Tablet P 50

Who said prices are going up? P 44

The art of tracking a lost cell P 82

HTC DESIRE VC

Sony Xperia ion, Nokia Lumia 610, HTC Desire VC, Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 and many more P 47

Enter the

Snapdragon contest

NOKIA LUMIA 610

P 32

Since 2011, I am a regular reader of your magazine. I love reading it as it gives immense information to me. Through this letter, I want to make one request. Kindly include a separate section for tablet PCs in your magazine. Especially tablets that range between Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000, because this is the affordable category by masses and will be appreciated by majority of readers I believe. After feature phones, the trend of smartphones dominated the market and now along with smartphones, the tablet trend is picking up. So I think there should be a dedicated space provided for tablets as well. I hope you will like my suggestion. Kindly include more tablet reviews in the magazine. -Rupesh Suresh Bhoir, Thane Maharashtra I am a regular reader of My Mobile. This morning I went through an article about Fixed Lines? the landline telephone. I found it A very interesting. Before reading this article I had really different views on fixed lines. I, being a 3G user had thought that the fixed lines were out of the market forever. Little did I know about the reliability that is provided by them when it comes to business purpose. I liked the nitty gritties provided in the feature. It is indeed a great article. Keep up the good work. -Abhishek Bana

R.I.P

A couple of decades ago, they were synonymous with telephony. Today, they have been pushed to the backstage by mobile handsets. We take a look at the humble landline and where it is headed Sulabh Puri

66 MYMOBILE SEP 15 to OCT 14 2012

I always admire this magazine for its unique stories and the amount of effort you people put in which reflects clearly in the quality of the content. I simply loved the feature called ‘The art of cellphone tracking.’ It was really very informative and interesting to read. With the rising number of phone snatching crimes these days, it is very important for everyone to know about the basic tips and tricks that can be used to track a lost phone. The feature was very helpful indeed. I am looking forward to read similar interesting articles in the next issue of your magazine. -Deb Mukherjee, Kolkata Truly, the magazine just remains flooded with whole lot of information about mobile world every month. The lead story of the last issue was simply VERSUS mind boggling. In fact it ES TPHHOONNES ARTP SMAR SI SIXXSM 0000 put me in a dilemma as RS6,6,00 <<RS to keep an eye on which N device to buy. Another interesting offering in the last issue which I would like to mention about is the Apple Vs Samsung clash of titans. I admire the deep information provided in the article by the writer. Also the six smartphones under Rs 6,000 is a treat for reader, I must say. Eagerly looking forward to catch hold of the next issue of My Mobile. -Ramandeep Singh, Ludhiana

WWW.MYMOBILE.CO.IN

The days of smartphones costing a bomb are well and truly over. Witness these six smartphones that deliver all the smartphone bang you would want - for less than six thousand rupees a piece. We take a look at this awesome value-for-money half dozen. And let you work out which one’s best Ketan Pratap

ot too long ago, smartphones were supposed to be devices that mimicked most of the functionalities seen on computers. And in many cases, their price tags too. A few years ago, getting a good smartphone for

less than Rs 15,000 was unimaginable. And low end phones were associated with the most basic functionalities like calling and sending text messages. However, with the arrival of new operating systems and technological improvements over the past few years,

Samsung Star 3 Duos (Rs 5,650)

he Samsung Star 3 Duos is the third version of the Star series and is actually a great add to their existing Star lineup. The device gives you the option of keeping two phone connections in a single handset. Keep your entertainment options wide open with the 3 inch display which is decent enough for watching videos and images, a bit cramped for typing. It has a 3.0 megapixel camera. But it misses out on 3G connectivity and comes with Samsung’s proprietory OS, rather than Android.

Pros: Wi-Fi enabled, 3 megapixel camera

Cons: No Android, No 3G

the prices of smartphones have dipped. So much so that today you can go to a store with as little as Rs 6,000 in your pocket and still come out with a decent handset- one which is capable of not only handling basic phone functionalities, but also of enabling you to browse the Web, check mail and social networks and even play the

Micromax A50 Ninja (Rs 4,700)

icromax seems to be betting heavily on low priced Android handsets and has been on a launch spree. One of the most notable of their offerings is the dual SIM A50 Ninja which has a 3.1 inch touchscreen, a 2.0 megapixel camera, and is powered by a 650 MHz processor. The device runs on Android 2.3 and in addition to the usual Android services and apps. Micromax has also thrown in AISHA (Artificial Intelligence Speech Handset Assistant) for voice based commands, giving this device a different dimension. Pros: AISHA speech assistant , 3G connectivity

hen it comes to affordability, Nokia is a name that still rules the roost in India. The latest in this tradition of affordability is the Asha series which combines stacks of functionality with a relatively low price tag. The Nokia Asha 305 sports a 3 inch touch screen and has a 2.0-megapixel camera with 4X zoom. The device comes with 1,110 mAh battery, which gives it a standby time of 528 hours. And forty free EA games to boot. As they say, Nokia is always value for money. We missed Wi-Fi, though.

Pros: Pre-loaded 40 EA games, Good battery life Cons: No Wi-Fi and 3G, Fixed focus camera

Idea iD-918 (Rs 5,750)

dea is one of those operators that is not content to bet on its services but is also trying to attract consumers with budget smartphone offerings. After launching two low cost Android devices, it has now launched the iD-918 which comes packed

odd casual game and more. And if that sounds difficult to believe, just cast a glance at these six handsets which you can get for less than Rs 6,000 in the market today. They may not possess the hype or classy looks of their more pricey counterparts, but they deliver is solid smartphone value for your money.

Nokia Asha 305 (Rs 4,650)

with decent specs and features for its price tag. The handset comes packed in plain black plastic chassis with a white alternative given in the box. It sports a 3.2 inch touch screen and boasts a 3.2 megapixel camera. It also comes with a number of preinstalled apps. It runs on Android 2.3 operating system, which is not the latest but is more than sufficient for most tasks. The phone does stutter sometimes, though. Pros: Decent screen size, Pre-loaded apps

Cons: Touch is not the best, phone hangs sometimes

36 MYMOBILE SEP 15 to OCT 14 2012

Cons: Average fixed focus camera, No Flash support in the browser

SEP 15 to OCT 14 2012 MYMOBILE 37

WWW.MYMOBILE.CO.IN

SPOT LIGHT

lexander Graham Bell did all of us a favour when he created the world’s best communication device of the time, the telephone. Had he not created this communication apparatus, people would still be using “orthodox” methods of communications like pigeons or ravens carrying your message across the lands. His advancement sparked many young minds and a hundred years after he created the telephone, manufacturers like Motorola managed to take it a step further and created the wireless phone. Take a stroll down the memory lane - do you remember the time in early eighties, when your landline had a circular dial on it and whirred every time you dialled a number? You had to rotate the numbered dial to call another number. This process of dialling was quite time consuming, but that did not stop this phone from being immensely popular. It continued to be a rage for almost another decade when it was replaced by a better and lighter phone with a numeric keypad. These phones came in various designs and sizes. We remember there was small transparent one as well, whose small lights lit up as soon as soon as the phone rang. These were soon followed by new-age cordless phones that could be picked up from their charging docks and

will really help me in writing my book on mobiles. -Jagdish Prasad, Ranchi, Jharkhand

be spoken to, even while strolling around the house. And of course, who can forget the fact that one had to wait for months to get a fixed land line connection - something which now can be procured in a matter of days if not hours. And if one wanted to speak with one’s relatives or friends staying in other parts of the country, one would have to wait until nightfall (when the call rates were cheaper) and then dial a STD or ISD number. There were so many procedures to be followed and using the landline was a premium experience that everyone in the house cherished. Children would run to the phone whenever it rang to know who is at the other end and it occupied a prominent place on most executives’ desks. Today with the introduction of cellphones and other online/web forms of communication, the usage of landlines has gone down considerably. Once the most common form of communication, it is now a near-obsolete device that just lies in your house, often unused.

The downfall of wired lines

Evolution can be blamed for the downfall of fixed lines. The stronger replaces those who are weaker. But here a small, and yet much more powerful

CORRIGENDUM: The battery specification of MTech A15 mobile phone was wrongly printed as 1,400 mAh (Page 47, Sep-Oct 2012 issue) instead of 1,800 mAh in tech specs of the device. In the story, 'The Art of Cellphone Tracking', the name of David Hall, regional consumer product marketing manager, Asia Pacific, Norton was mistakenly printed as David Freer, vice president, Asia Pacific and Japan, Norton. The errors were unintentional and are deeply regretted.

SEP 15 to OCT 14 2012 MYMOBILE 67

The magazine is doing a commendable job. I just love reading it and it has become very important for me now. I am also trying to write a book on mobile phones. I request you to kindly bring out My Mobile’s yearly issue too along with monthly issue so that readers like me will stay updated on all the major happenings of the mobile world in the last one year, especially about major launches, handset makers and service providers. I request you to pay attention to my suggestion as it

e the nd hav a s e m n a drea ellpho n c i t y u e o k so st y ab es? can al u craz e it he late ew lin Are yo l to pen a f or news and hands on t ink you hav f th ur tia poten have a nose ve to lay yo em? If you h a dia’s to t u r Do yo ? Do you c orld about sh your CV y Mobile, In w u ne headli and tell the g for you. R r name in M n s ou i gizmo e are look .in to see y w o , in you mymobile.c e. n i @ z team bile maga o m best

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 19

lead story

Phablet

Hybrid Hero!

22 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

www.mymobile.co.in

Hot on the heels of the smartphone and tablet invasion comes a new product that claims to be a blend of these two - the phablet. Initially dismissed by many experts as a passing fad, it now seems to be emerging as a product category in its own right, with manufacturers large and small coming out with these hybrid devices across a wide spectrum of prices. We take a closer look at what threatens to be the phablet phenomenon Harshita Rastogi

n the past few months a new term has been added to technology lexicons around the world - phablet. A blend of ‘phone’ and ‘tablet’, the term represents a new set of devices that combine the calling and texting abilities of conventional handsets with the larger displays that have been mostly the preserve of tabets. A phablet attempts to give you the best of both tablet and phone worlds - the large display of the former and the portability and connectivity options of the latter. And like all new product categories, it too has emerged from a consumer need - tablet users found the devices too large to hold and missed calling facilities, which even when present were not easy to use, while phone users yearned for more display real estate. Phablets are hybrid devices that have emerged in an attempt to address these needs, and try to save the consumer the hassle of carrying two devices. Although there is no standard definition of phablets, the general consensus is to consider them to be devices that are an amalgamation of features of tablets and phones, with screen sizes ranging between 5.0inches to 6.9-inches. In many ways, a phablet is defined by its display - smaller than a tablet but larger than a phone.

in the beginning Until a few years ago, any device with a display in excess of 3.5 inches was considered to be adequate for most users. Apple, however, then added a spin on the whole definition of a portable device with a large display with the introduction of the 9.7-inch sporting iPad, kick starting the tablet revolution. While other manufacturers followed suit with similar devices, there was already a feeling that perhaps a display of 9.7-inches was a tad too big to be handled comfortable on the move. Which is why Samsung experimented with a smaller sized tablet, the original Galaxy Tab, which came with a 7.0-inch

display, and also came with calling functions (someting the iPad never had). Dell it was. however, who perhaps came out with the first phablet of them all - the Streak, which sported a 5.0-inch display and could also be used as a phone. Although it boasted some very impressive hardware and connectivity options, the Dell Streak was undermined by a number of problems. Most people found it too big to be a phone and too small to be a tablet and the fact that it was launched running older version of Android did not help its cause at all. As a consequence, it faded out of the market, but not before reminding people that the gap between

there is no standard definition of phablets, the general consensus is to consider them to be devices that are an amalgamation of features of tablets and phones, with screen sizes ranging between 5.0inches to 6.9-inches. In many ways, a phablet is defined by its display a tablet and a phone could be bridged. However, there was not much action on the phablet front for a while after its launch.

Enter the note The Streak might have been the first phablet to be seen in the Indian market but the one that really captured the public’s imagination was the Galaxy Note that was released by Samsung in 2011. And unlike the Streak, it came with a uber sleek design, terrific hardware, the latest version of Android, and most

importantly, a stylus that added a whole new dimension to the device in terms of functionality. It came with dazzling 5.3-inch SUPER AMOLED display that many considered to be among the best ever seen on a mobile device. Top that off with a host of connectivity options, a very portable form factor, the best camera seen on a large screen device and the ability to be used as a handset (albeit a wide one), and the Note, notwithstanding cynicism from a number of tech quarters, emerged as one of the biggest tech successes of the year. Samsung even used it to mock iPhone users in a high-profile campaign.

The phablet edge Bigger screen: Phablets offer the user a bigger and better display than smartphones. And for those who like to spend more time on their phones on tasks involving consuming content, these phablets are the ideal option without compromising on portability. Tablets come with bigger displays, it is true, but are very difficult to use on the move, a difficulty that is surmounted easily on the smaller phablets. The fact that some phablets (like the Galaxy Note) come with display resolutions that match those of larger screen tablets means that users do not lose out on content quality. Good for content creation: Writing a long mail or text message, or even editing a video or an image without having to sit down is perfectly possible on phablets, thanks to their larger displays. You simply get more space to play with. Double role: There have been tablets with calling abilities but most users feel awkward using them in that capacity, as they are awkward to hold. There is generally no such problem with phablets which in most cases, are slightly bigger than a large smartphone. So you have a device which can serve up a big display and can be used as a phone unobtrusively.

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 23

lead story Portability: It might be larger than most smartphones, but when it comes to tablets, a phablet is a far more portable option in terms of size and weight. It can be slipped into most coat pockets with minimum fuss. Try doing that with an iPad or a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.

Not all roses It is not all hunky dory in the phablet world, however. Notwithstanding the benefits they offer, phablets do come with their set of handicaps. Handy? Not really: The frames of phablets might a whole lot smaller than those of tablets, but they are significantly bigger than those of even the largest smartphones out there. The result: these devices can be a strain to hold for those with less than large hands. In fact, most women struggle to use them one handed. Pocket unfriendly: They might slip into an overcoat pocket, but those using these devices in warmer climes will have no option but to carry them in their hands or in bags, as these are in most cases, far too big for a trouser pocket. Ironically, the ladies have an advantage here, as they can be carried in handbags. Calling blues: Yes, it can be held to oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ear for calls, but the fact that most phablets weigh more than smartphones and are wider to make them far from ideal

The appy side

While phablets have still not really carved a niche for themselves in the mobile computing market, there are indications that they are set to emerge as a product category in their own right for really long phone conversations. Even those using them for short chats run the risk of looking like someone with a toothache! Cost: Most high-end phablets tend to cost as much as high-end phones or tablets, making some users wonder whether it would not be worth spending the same amount to buy a larger display device. This, however, is set to change with a number of low price options emerging in the market. Android territory: All the phablets that have been released so far have been running on Android. There are no options for those who want similar devices running on other platforms, such as BlackBerry, Symbian, Windows Phone, Bada or iOS. Phablets are currently solely Android territory - and this does not seem likely to change, given the plans of most manufacturers.

24 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

Apart from the hardware and form factor, what really makes phablets work are the apps that run on it. While Dell had not experimented much in this regard on the Streak, Samsung threw a spin on the appy side of phablets with the introduction of the S-Pen stylus with its Galaxy Note. It not only allowed users to scribble and make notes on the device, like other styluses do, but also came in handy for a host of other functions like cutting and pasting content, taking screenshots and so on. This opened the doors for a whole new set of applications that could be used with the device. However, as the screens of these devices are of an unusual size, there are not many applications that are optimised to run on these devices. And notwithstanding the popularity of the Note, the future of these devices would depend largely on apps that leverage both their form factor and their functionality. While there are some sketching and note-taking applications that have been designed for these devices, developers are working on other applications as well.

www.mymobile.co.in

However, developing an application that renders perfectly on devices of all sizes and resolutions is a challenge. Hitesh Rawtani, director - engineering & technology, Queppelin, a mobile application development company, told us that there are two major issues with development of application for various screen sizes. Elaborating, he said, “Developing apps for devices depends on the application requirements. For example, in case of a document management application, a single app can be developed for phone, tablets and phablet as the general layout remains same and all platforms resize layouts to fit the screen as well as allow different versions of layout and graphics (low/medium/ high density) based on device sizes. But a game application needs to have a completely different structure for different screen size segments and hence we need to develop separate apps for these segments. Of course,

good code design ensures reuse of existing codes and saves development efforts, as different apps mean additional project cost that includes development, testing, planning, management, etc.” He further added, “There are devices with different screen sizes and resolution on various operating systems. In case of iOS, this is not the case as there is one size for iPhone and one for iPad. But this is an issue on Android, as a lot of devices manufactured by various OEMs with different specifications run on Android. And though we cater to different sizes and resolutions by using percentages instead of pixels in developing the user interface and resizing graphics as per device size on run time, we cannot always ensure that the app will render perfectly on a device until we have tested it. Testing an app on so many devices is one of the biggest challenges.” Munish Kanchan, development director, Nimbuzz, also spoke about the challenges of developing apps for phablet-like devices. “There are a lot of factors to be taken care for when we talk about phablets. The form factor and the aspect ratio changes

and we have to fit our app into that. Touch plays a huge role and the sensitivity of the screen also matters a lot. With phablets and other devices as well, we have to optimise our app to work perfectly on the device and consume less of battery of the device. Also, as most of the phablets come with multi-core processors, we have to make sure that we make use of it and optimise app in such a way that it becomes more power effective,” he pointed out.

The Phablet future While phablets have still not really carved a niche for themselves in the mobile computing market, there are indications that they are set to emerge as a product category in their own right. With the likes of Micromax and iBall offering low-cost devices that fall into the tablet-phone hybrid category at prices that are much lower than the likes of the Note series, it seems that phablets could be well set to go mainstream. As per the claims made by Samsung, the Galaxy Note sold five million units within five months of its launch - figures that most smartphone manufacturers would kill to get. Now imagine the kind of interest - and sales - devices that offer similar functions at lower prices could generate. The Galaxy Note has well and truly opened the door for phablets to enter

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 25

lead story

came with every connectivity option that you would expect in a high-end smartphone as well as a very good 8.0-megapixel camera. And then there was the matter of the innovative stylus or S-Pen as Samsung chose to brand it, which was capable of not only making notes and sketches but a number of other functions too. It has since been updated to Android 4.0 and is expected to be upgraded further to Android 4.1. Making sure all this works smoothly is a dual core processor and a 2500 mAh Li-ion battery. Price: Rs 28,000.

the mobile market and the coming days are likely to see a number of innovations in the segment in terms of functions, form factors, interface and of course, applications. As of now, just about every major manufacturer has got plans for phablets. While players like iBall and Micromax are likely to slog it out in the value for money section of the market, HTC and LG are likely to spare for the higher end, and Samsung has already released the Note 2. In fact, there are some rumours that even Apple and Amazon are considering tabletphone hybrids. Love them or hate them if you want, but you cannot deny that the age of the phablet has well and truly arrived.

PHAMOUs PHIVE

Samsung Galaxy Note N7000: The Note was introduced in the market after Dell had failed to impress people with the Streak despite its unique screen size. The Galaxy Note, however, carved its own niche with a 5.3-inch display, an impressive set of features and applications. With dimensions measuring 146.9 x 83 x 9.7 mm and a weight of 178 grammes, the device looked uber stylish in white and silver. Its centerpiece was a

SUPER AMOLED capacitive touchscreen that delivered a brilliant viewing experience. It also

26 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

Samsung Galaxy Note II N7100: After the success of the original Galaxy Note, Samsung has recently released the Note II with a massive 5.5 inch SUPER AMOLED display. The device is capable of playing full HD video and

www.mymobile.co.in

processor, 5.0-megapixel rear camera and a VGA camera in front, and comes with 4 GB of internal memory, expandable up to 32 GB using a memory card. The Canvas runs on a 2,000 mAh Li-ion battery, and in a unique spin, supports dual SIM connectivity. It comes with dimensions of 142.2 x 72.6 x 11.9 mm and is rather light in weight at 168 grammes. Its price is light too. Price: Rs 9,990.

iBall Andi 5C: This device is truly inspired by the Samsung Galaxy Note in terms of screen size and even shape and design. The Andi 5C comes with a 1GHz cortex A9 processor, and in keeping with its name, a 5.0-inch IPS display. It features a 5.0-

incoming phablet! LG Optimus VU: Expected to be released shortly in India, the VU will come with a 5.0inch IPS display and be powered by a 1.5 GHz dual core processor, and will also come with a 8.0-megapixel camera, 1 GB RAM and 32 GB of storage. The device was launched with Android 2.3.4, or Gingerbread, but is expected to hit the Indian

sports a 1280 x 720 resolution. And no, it is not as bulky as it sounds with dimensions of 151.1 x 80.5 x 9.4 mm and tips the scales at 183 grammes, a little more than its predecessor. It has a smarter and leaner body, ships with the latest version of Android (Jelly Bean) and is now powered by a quad core processor that is among the most powerful seen in mobile device territory. Other features include dual cameras - 8.0megapixel at the back, 1.2-megapixel at the front, external storage support of up to 64 GB and connectivity options that include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3G and even NFC. The battery is bigger too at 3,100mAh, and should ensure that this device keeps running merrily for a while. Price: Rs 39,990. Micromax A 100 Canvas: Micromax has been known for launching feature rich devices at surprisingly low price points and the A100 Canvas is a prime example of this ability. Blurring the line between smartphones and tablets, the Micromax A100 is the first offering by Micromax to feature a 5.0-inch display. Running on the Ice Cream Sandwich version of Android, the device carries a 1 GHz

Spice Mi500 Stellar Horizon: The first phablet by Spice, the Spice Stellar Horizon is yet another offering in the 5.0-inch display category. On board are a number of features including Android v4.0.3 and a 1 GHz dual core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. The dual SIM phablet has a 5.0megapixel rear camera and a VGA front camera. It features 4 GB of internal storage with support for upto 32 GB using an expansion card. The battery is lightweight at 2,150 mAh, but at this price, not many will complain. Price: Rs 11,999.

megapixel auto focus camera and also a 0.3megapixel front facing camera. The phablet also supports dual SIM connectivity, along with 3G, WI-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS. It runs on Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and packs in 2,300 mAh battery. In terms of storage, it comes with 4 GB of internal storage which can be expanded up to 32 GB using an external storage card. Price: Rs 12,499

market with an updated version of the OS (we are hoping for Jelly Bean but it is likely to be Ice Cream Sandwich). It is likely to be released at a price in the vicinity of Rs 30,000. n harshita@mymobile.co.in

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 27

fa c e t o fa c e

“Smartphones are Going to Rule the Indian Market” Lava made waves when it launched the XOLO smartphone in association with Intel this year. The company is now looking to score with the next wave of XOLO smartphones, and going international with its new smartphone line-up. We met SN Rai, cofounder and director of LAVA International, to talk about the company’s plans Danish Khan

What is Lava’s strategy for the coming years? Any new products in the pipeline? The entire focus of Lava has now shifted to the smartphone segment and our interest is to launch more smartphones. Our new smartphone range will not be low range. We are bringing solutions that will be in the range of Rs 10,00015,000. By December, we will launch three smartphones in the market and by March next year the number will go to seven. Given the competition in the market, don’t you think that this number is on the smaller side? Introducing numerous models in any specific segment is not an appreciable strategy, as it could create inventory challenges. Some domestic players in India have launched a range of smartphones, but only a few are available in the market. In the feature phone segment, a company could have multiple offerings in the same range, but the same strategy cannot be applied to the smartphone segment. A majority of users still buy feature phones. Is it wise to shift focus completely to smartphones? There is no growth in the feature phone segment. If you refer to import data of past five months, you will see a decline in feature phone segment, whereas smartphone imports are surging. At present, China has around 70 per cent smartphone penetration. India too will see the same growth in the coming two years, mainly supported by 3G growth and VAS services. Will all your upcoming smartphones run on Intel processors? A majority of them will be running on Intel processors. The company will also be launching smartphones on Qualcomm Snapdragon and M-Tek processors. Usage of Chinese processors in our smartphones will be lesser because they are not made for high-end processing and multitasking. The biggest advantage of an Intel processor would be seen on the Windows Phone 8 platform, due to deep integration. In our view, Intel will have complete understanding of both Windows and ARM architectures, which will lead to massive uptake. What are your plans for the Intel-based XOLO smartphones? Lava will launch a new XOLO smartphone in October and two more in December. The latest XOLO line-up will have processors spanning speeds up to 2.4 GHz. At present, LAVA’s smartphone possess 10 per cent of the market share in the $200 price segment, and a 4 per cent market share in $400 price segment. Lava also plans to go international with its XOLO and upcoming smartphone line-ups. What are your plans for tablets? We already have one tablet in our kitty, and we are going to launch one more seven-inch tablet in October, which will probably be the world’s slimmest tablet. The tablet will come with a high price tag, due to its slim architecture. We have also manufactured tablets for MTS, though we haven’t approached any other operator, given the chipset shortage in the international market. We will approach more service providers once the supply chain improves in coming days. n

28 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

danish@mymobile.co.in

consumer forum Complaint 1 I have submitted my Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro handset on 16-August-2012 at the Accel Care Centre, Ranchi vide WO #SE31247811057. However, I have not received any information on when it will be returned to me. I went to their service centre to get a tentative date for the return of the handset – to my utter surprise, they asked me to call up their toll free number for this. My point here is that if I am visiting their service centre – is not their responsibility to provide me with this information? Why should I call up the toll free number? Even their website does not have proper information about the status of the set. For the last ten days, it has been showing that it is under repair. It is high time the companies like Sony understood that we are talking about mobiles here – which is a basic necessity of modern life and not a routine consumer electronics item. -Shaunak Basu Consumer’s Reply The company has assured that they have delivered my phone. I should receive it in a few days’ time.

check the status, but no further action has been taken after that.

Complaint 3 I am holding an Airtel number in Coimbatore. A few days back my number was blocked saying that my name is not right on the

We will speak to the consumer and figure out if he has any issues. Consumer’s Reply I had shifted to a postpaid connection after I got no help from Airtel. However, after My Mobile’s intervention, I recently got a call from an official in Airtel Customer Care. He has assured that they will be more careful about this in future and there will be no delay from their end.

Complaint 4 I had purchased a Vodafone Net Cruise mobile Internet USB stick from a dealer in Kolkata. When requested for a copy of address proof and photo, I gave it instantly but after the day of purchase he asked me for another copy. When I asked him why was it required, he told that he had been asked by Vodafone to do so. I had no problems with this until a person from Vodafone called me up after a week and told me that my copy of address proof wasn't sufficient and that I should bring

Complaint 2 I am a regular reader of your magazine. I am facing some problems with Airtel and was wondering if you could help me. I am using a postpaid connection, in which I am facing major network issues. I contacted Airtel but their nodal officer wasn't helpful. There was a survey at my place and the person who conducted it said the area had a network issue but now the company is denying it - sometimes they say it’s the defence area so they can't help me. However, an Airtel executive has told me that there is in fact a tower issue and the company is not likely to help me because of the cost involved. Airtel however continues to charge me for its services and recently even charged me for an itemised bill which I had not even asked for. -Ankit jain Consumer’s Reply The company people called up to

address proof documentation and asked me to submit proof of address. I have submitted my address proof to the Sai Baba Colony office and have contacted customer care, and was told that my name and address proof will be rectified. However, I am now getting an SMS from their end telling me to re-submit my proof. Needless to say, this is very irritating - I even have taken a small video of me submitting my documents to their office. I am a businessman, and not some terrorist. Please help me out on this issue. -Pranesh Rao Airtel's Reply

another copy of a different document. I told him that I didn't have any other document supporting the address proof except my PAN card. He told me that in that case he would activate the Net Cruise in his name. I agreed. I recharged the 1051 unlimited plan from a dealer but when I did not receive the balance, I asked him about it and was told to contact customer care. When I called 1800-120-1111, no one took my call. I want an answer from Vodafone, and if possible please ask them to return my hard earned money. Deepneil Samaddar Consumer's Reply I have received the money.

Thanks to My Mobile for their help.

Complaint 5 5. (Follow up to the complaint against Micromax published in the last issue, this reader was offered a replacement to his cellphone. Unfortunately, his problem seems to be persisiting.) In the last week of September I was called by the Cell Q Service centre in Bhandup, and Mr.Firoz told me my original handset Q5C was not traceable and if only that if I wanted, they could give me a C114 model handset which is a basic cheap handset. I had no choice but to accept the basic handset and surrender my original job sheet. I feel cheated. Rajesh Punwani Micromax’s reply We have spoken to the customer. He will be visiting the customer care centre.

Complaint 6 I purchased a Samsung Champ Delux Duos handset on February 27. It started having problems immediately like rebooting automatically whenever any call used to come and a few other issues. I have taken it once to Samsung Care, who took a week or two to repair it and then returned it to me. After some time, it started having the same problems. -Badriprasad Dandekar Consumer’s reply The problem has been resolved and we have received a replacement for the handset. n

Are you being harassed by a celco that doesn’t hear your plea? Email your issues to consumer-forum@my mobile.co.in and we will take up your cause with the concerned company. Kindly mention your contact number at the end of the Email so that we can get in touch with you. Whenever possible, also provide us complete details of the correspondence with the celco.

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 29

spot light

Inactive subscriber disconnection: Boon or Bane? T

The decision to quash inactive connections has left people with mixed feelings. While consumers are not too happy, telcos feel that this will help them improve their services. We take a look at both sides of the picture Danish Khan

he Indian telecom market is thriving with deep untapped business potential for all players in the telecom ecosystem, be it a telco, VAS player, cellular phone vendor or telecom equipment maker. It has also been touted as the most consumerfriendly industry across the world because of aggressive competition that has led to lower tariff rates for the consumers. So far, our industry has been touting that it is growing rapidly, citing the surging numbers of wireless subscribers in the country. Till June this year, the wireless subscriber base stood at 954 million. However the growth encountered a temporary stop with telcos slashing their inactive subscriber base from the past two months (July-August). Incidentally, no major telco has announced this officially apart from Reliance Communication, which has recently disconnected 20 million of its inactive subscrib-

30 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

ers. This move by several telcos has severely affected the wireless subscriber base, which now stands at 913.49 million. According to telecom service providers, a user who has not used their connection for the past sixty days will be considered as an inactive subscriber. TRAIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest report suggests that out of the total 913.49 million wireless subscribers, 698.06 million are active - approximately 76.42 percent of the total wireless subscriber base reported by the service providers. Many telecom operators have been slowly but consistently cleaning up their subscriber base to reduce the number of low or non-paying customers. According to TRAI data, the VLR (VLR subscribers are those whose phones are switched on and being used) of Vodafone increased from 77.7 per cent in January 2011 to 89.2 per cent in July, whereas VLR of Bharti Airtel and Idea reached 90.46 percent and

www.mymobile.co.in

92.80 per cent respectively, and that of Tata Teleservices’ rose from about 50 per cent to about 61.7 per cent in the same period. This suggests that they have constantly been removing their inactive subscribers.

Disconnect for better service?

For telecom companies, inactive subscribers are at the lowest end of the ARPU (average revenue per user) chart, which means these subscribers bring nothing to the company in terms of revenues. For companies like Airtel or Vodafone whose ARPU are less than Rs 200, these inactive subscribers provide way less than the mentioned ARPU. By slashing their inactive subscriber base, telecom companies can move ahead with a consumer base that brings more ARPUs to them. According to data released by COAI for August 2012, India’s GSM subscriber base plunged by 7.1 million subscribers. Out of the 7.1 million lost subscribers, market incumbents like Airtel, Vodafone, and Idea Cellular lost over 5 million subscribers in August. All these market leaders account for more than 68 per cent of the total GSM market, which possesses

a base of 671.95 million subscribers. Industry analysts believe that the approach by operators will be beneficial for both the operators and subscribers. While the operators will be focusing on improving their ARPUs by retaining loyal customers, it is expected that the quality of service (QoS) per user will also improve, as operators previously were more focused on increasing their subscriber base instead of providing better quality of service. Interestingly, the move of slashing the inactive subscriber base has also been supported by the Department of Telecom. The DoT has asked operators to clear their database of unused numbers as there is a crisis of supply in numbers. The dearth of new numbers is also forcing operators to disconnect all inactive users and allot their numbers to new users coming to them. A directive of Department of Telecommunications, effective November this year, will also make the process of acquiring

TRAI’s latest report suggests that out of the total 913.49 million wireless subscribers, 698.06 million are active Approximately 76.42 per cent of the total wireless subscriber base reported by the service providers new connections stricter. The directive will also limit the sale of activated SIMs on retailers’ part and impose firm penalties on telcos for non-compliance. Industry experts reckon that the plunge in the subscriber base is not serious. According to them, this is seen in all emerging open economies where telecom service providers fiercely compete with each other. Mahesh Uppal, telecom analyst and director at Comfirst India said, “Telcos have rampantly been floating more number of SIMs in the industry for the spectrum issue. With more SIMs issued in the industry, operators could have claimed more spectrum from the government to accommodate new and present customer needs. However, retaining an inactive subscriber base is not fruitful for the telcos because

the spectrum will be given through auction.” He added that there is no sense in keeping an inactive subscriber on the network if they are not generating revenue for the operator. Thus the move of disconnecting them will only impact the telco positively.

The consumer effect

While the move of disconnecting inactive subscriber base helps telecom operators, customers find the move a bit harsh, given the fact that a number of users have multiple SIMs. Some consumers keep alternate connections with the regular one only for call receiving purposes. Additionally, people who travel frequently to other states keep multiple SIMs so that when they move outside their hometown, they need not to buy a SIM again. Similarly, consumers living in areas where recharge coupons are not available possess multiple SIMs. Needless to say, it is very difficult for a consumer to keep all their SIMs active. And the directive from DoT and compliance by all telcos is likely to see them lose some of their connections, which at times are a necessity for them. Mahesh Uppal however points out that they have no one to blame but themselves in these cases. “Multiple SIMs are like valuable resources,” he says. “If consumers want to keep them alive, they should be using them frequently, else it would be injustice to telcos who have paid for it.” In the end, no consumer will really be complaining if the service they receive improves. And with telcos set to get more revenue per subscriber, this could be a classic case of disconnecting to gain. n danish@mymobile.co.in

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 31

spot light

ISD on RequestA Fair Solution?

ost people take the international calling facility on their prepaid SIM connections for granted, but that could change. As per the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), now telcos have to ensure that no ISD facility is activated on a prepaid SIM without the explicit consent of the consumer. As per the regulator: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Inform all prepaid subscribers having ISD facility, through SMS within 10 days of the date of issue of this direction, that ISD facility of the subscribers shall be discontinued after sixty days. If such subscribers want to continue with ISD facility, they should give their explicit consent for availing such facility within 60 days of the receipt of the SMS.â&#x20AC;? The regulator came up with such a directive in order to curb the menace of calls from international telephone numbers on prepaid numbers in India that inform them about winning prizes and prompting consumers to call a particular number to claim the prize money. TRAI says that after considering various options for addressing the problem, it felt that certain unscrupulous parties are exploiting the ISD facility provided on prepaid cellular numbers. Therefore, to protect the subscribers from unintended deduction of amount from their pre-paid account, it issued the directive.

The days of getting a prepaid SIM connection with ISD activated by default could well and truly be over, as per a TRAI directive. Now, you would need to specify that you need the service. Is that good or bad? Heena Jatav

A viable solution? No, says the industry Although the TRAI is the regulatory body of the telecom sector of the country, some of its decisions and directives of late have been subjected to criticism. These include the SMS ban and the largely ineffective DND. Critics say that such regulations certainly do not appear to favour consumers. Would stopping ISD on prepaid numbers and making it available only on the consent of the user, curb the menace of missed calls and spam messages from international numbers?

32 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

www.mymobile.co.in

Many think that disconnecting consumers from international calls seems to be a rather stiff price to pay for this security. The Cellular Operators Authority of India (COAI), a body that represents the GSM industry is less than pleased about TRAI’s directive. “We have said that there should be a pre announcement before making any international calls in which consumers can get notification by default prior to making any call abroad and then consumers will decide whether to make a call or not. We believe that’s a better option and suggested it, but unfortunately TRAI

did not take that call,” said Rajan Mathews, director general of COAI. The body has filed a petition with the Telecom Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) challenging TRAI’s directive to operators. “One should not forget that the impact is only on .06 percent of whole prepaid subscribers. Hopefully TDSAT will go with this pre announcement suggestion and will not disrupt the consumer’s freedom,” says Mathews. While the suggestion made by COAI seems sensible, we feel that if operators can install VAS services without the consumer’s consent, then they certainly can trace the spam numbers from which prepaid consumers are getting these calls and block them. Surely that would be simpler.

It would have been just as sensible to generate awareness among consumers through television, newspaper and radio advertisements, educating them about the problem and advising them not to respond to such calls and messages

Yes, say the analysts

But Mahesh Uppal, telecom analyst and director at Comfirst feels that the move is not a

bad idea and it would be nice if such services depend on the consumer’s consent. “I believe consumers must have a right to choose whatever services they want to use and no services should be chosen on their behalf without their consent,” he said. He further added- “In my view TRAI’s job is to ensure that people are getting what they have asked for and also not being forced to take things what they didn’t ask for.” Deepak Kumar, telecom market analyst and founder of BusinessandMarket.net, says the move could work but feels that the regulator and service providers should go hand in hand to find more effective ways to tackle the issue. “It may not be the best solution but can still be an interim one in the want of a better measure. Meanwhile, TRAI and industry will need to work together to discover effective ways of actively initiating international calls and educating subscribers on the steps,” he points out.

Alternative measures

The consumers themselves have mixed feelings about the whole matter. Some feel that a better solution could have been worked out. “I think it will add another round of formalities for consumers which will be time consuming. It doesn’t make a sense to me at least,” said Shikha Kapoor, a working professional from New Delhi. Others point out that the regulator could have tracked the numbers from which these calls or spam messages were coming and could take an appropriate action against them. The regulator could also discuss the issue with service providers overseas to arrive at a viable solution. “Involving channel partners, including the recharge agents, could be a simple yet feasible way forward, if planned and implemented well,” Kumar says. It would have been just as sensible to generate awareness among consumers through television, newspaper and radio advertisements, educating them about the problem and advising them not to respond to such calls and messages. Mathews agrees. “I think there are better ways to tackle the problem and this pre call announcement that we have suggested is absolutely effective way to get it done,” he insists. There are 913.49 million wireless subscribers in India and among them almost 90 per cent are prepaid subscribers. Only few of them receive these spam calls and messages and even fewer respond to them. We wonder if it is then fair that so many should be inconvenienced for the sins of a few, especially when alternative solutions could have been worked out. n heena@mymobile.co.in

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 33

in focus

Enter norms, exit mobile radiation W

Mobile radiations are in the eye of a storm. There are those who firmly believe that they wreak havoc, others dismissing these claims as pure myths. Is your handset emitting radiation that could kill you? We take a closer look at the issue, check what the new radiation norms say and discover how the mobile industry is reacting to it all Heena Jatav

34 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

hat is the amount of radiation a mobile phone emits, and how do these radiations affect human beings are topics of discussion these days. The wireless telecom subscribers in India have grown significantly in recent times, resulting in far more handsets being sold and more mobile transmission towers being set up as well. And as the usage of mobile phones and tablets has increased so has the concern among users regarding the impact these could have on usersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; health. Many studies on national and international levels have been conducted to understand the harmful effects of radiations from mobile phones and towers on the human body and it is commonly believed that these rays can

harm human beings extensively. Keeping this in mind, the Government of India has adopted the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines to safeguard public health. Telecom companies need to adhere to the new prescribed limits for emission of radiations from mobile phones and telecom towers.

Mobile radiation damage: myth or reality? Radio waves around us have been increasing at a rapid pace, thanks to the increasing use of wireless equipment. They cannot be felt or seen but are present just like air in the atmosphere. Electromagnetic radiations that are emitted by mobile towers and cellphones too are radio

www.mymobile.co.in

waves. They can be natural in the form of ultra violet radiations from Sun and man-made in the form of mobile radio communication, radio and television broadcasting, etc. A mobile phone emits electromagnetic radiations to transmit information to the base station and to receive information. A commonly believed myth among people is that these radiations can cause cancer among its users and can also burn ear tissues. But according to a handbook on Mobile Communications - Radio Waves and Safety Guide, released by the Department of Telecom, the radiations emitted by the mobile phoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s antenna are not sufficient to cause any significant heating of tissues in the ear or head of a user, although a rise in skin temperature may occur as a result of placing the mobile phone too close to the ear or head for a long time. The report also states that the research focusing on mobile telephony over the last two decades has shown no conclusive/convincing evidence that the radio signals from mobile phones can have

adverse health effects. However, the government has adopted some precautionary principles in this regard.

The official line

The Government of India has passed SAR regulations for mobile phones. SAR or Specific Absorption Rate is a rate at which Radio Frequency Energy is absorbed in the human body over a given time. Every mobile handset has its specific SAR value that shows the maximum possible exposure to RF energy. The SAR limit prescribed for mobile phones by the Government of India is 1.6 Watt/KG averaged over one gram of human tissue. And according to new norms that came into effect from September 1, 2012, handset manufacturers have to comply with the new prescribed limit.

Not only this, the information on SAR values i.e. which phone emits what amount of radiation, shall be made available to the consumers at the time of purchase and displayed on the handset too. The Government also recommended that the emission standards of mobile towers be lowered to 1/10th of the present ICNIRP standards which are considered to be the safest in the world with over 90 per cent of the countries having adopted them. Telecom service providers also need to establish Base Transmitting Stations (BTS) at suitable locations. By suitable locations, the Government means that towers should be set up at a place where the general public should not get affected. Telecom service providers will also need to obtain site clearance from the Standing Advisory Committee on Frequency Allocation (SACFA) of DoT for every site before installing mobile towers.

Benefits for consumers and environment The guidelines set for mobile phoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SAR

limits and mobile towers should go a long way towards safeguarding public health. The SAR value information that will be available with mobile handset will help consumers in finding out just how radiation the handset emits and factor this into their purchase. At present there are only a handful of mobile companies that declare the SAR information their handsets emit. With the rising concern among users about mobile phone safety, such information is a move in the right direction. Similarly, setting up of telecom towers at suitable locations would bring relief to many civil societies and resident welfare associations who have been opposing their installation in residential areas. Such a move would not only

Some important guidelines for setting up mobile towers: n

Installation of base station antennas in narrow lanes should be avoided in order to reduce the risk caused by earthquake or wind related disaster.

Installation of base station antennas within the premises of schools and hospitals may be avoided because children and patients may be more susceptible to electro-magnetic fields.

Access to base station antenna site to be prohibited for general public by suitable means such as wire fencing, locking of the door to the roof, etc.

Sign boards and warning signs are to be provided at base station antenna sites to alert common public.

Consent from the owner is required.

No permission for installation of cell site / base station to be granted on buildings which are structurally unsafe.

Mobile manufacturer checklist: n

Mobile SAR level should be maintained at 1.6 Watt/Kg, averaged over 1 gm of tissue by September 2013.

Only the mobile handsets with revised SAR value of 1.6Watt/Kg would be permitted to be manufactured or imported in India.

SAR level shall be displayed on the handset.

The information on SAR values shall be made available to the consumer at the point of sale/ purchase too.

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 35

in focus reassure those who believe that these towers emit radiations that are dangerous to human and animal health, but will also generally benefit the environment by restricting excessive construction, especially in residential areas.

Will the industry comply?

But norms are of little use if they are not obeyed and complied with. According to Rajan S Mathews, director, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), an industry body that represents GSM cellular operators, despite there being no scientific evidence stating any increased health

benefit from the proposed directive, the industry has gone an extra mile to ensure compliance with the same. “Being sensitive to the concerns of the people, the industry voluntarily undertook proactive measures and underwent a massive transition in its network infrastructure which was redesigned significantly to meet the prescribed norms,” he revealed. Mathews also said that with the process of telecom tower rearrangement, consumers are likely to face some network issues in the time to come. “In the short term, customers may even face some degradation of service

Mobile phone user checklist n

Hold the cellphone as far away from the body as possible.

Whenever possible, talk via headset or Bluetooth headset.

Do not press the handset against your head and ear.

Try to limit the length of mobile calls.

Prefer text over voice calls wherever possible.

Avoid talking on the phone when facing weak signals. If the radio signal is weak, a mobile phone will increase its transmission power.

Metal and water are good conductors of radio waves so avoid using a mobile phone while wearing metal-framed glasses or with wet hair.

Let the call connect before putting the handset next to your ear.

(blocked calls, congestion, dropped calls, no coverage, etc.) due to the change in parameters for the towers reengineered to meet the revised norms. These will be largely in urban areas such as Delhi and Mumbai, etc. ” he elaborated. On handset front, Pankaj Mohindroo, President, Indian Cellular Association, which represents the interest of mobile manufacturers says, “Certainly new phones, i.e., those which are now coming out or will come out in the future have to be based on the new norms. Old phone’s designs continue to be on ethnic norms but new ones will be on new prescribed SAR limits. Companies are doing their best and are compliant to these norms.” These regulations are being implemented stringently by the authorities as well. The committee constituted by Department of Telecom has initiated action against some operators and visited some BTS tower sites in Mumbai as a part of random verification of compliance of new EMF standards by telecom operators. Also, if a site fails to meet the EMR criterion on testing, there is provision of levying a penalty of Rs 5 lakh per BTS per service provider. With such regulations steadily coming into effect, mobile consumers in the country seem to be set for a relatively radiation-free future. n heena@mymobile.co.in

36 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

fa c e t o fa c e

“hoppr goes beyond location information” The location-based service model might not have worked very well in India, but that has not deterred those who have invested in them. We caught up with Md. Imthiaz, founder and CEO at hoppr to discuss what his service has to offer and what the future has in store for similar services Heena Jatav What exactly is hoppr? hoppr is a location-based service (LBS) that is device dependent as we believe that for LBS, to reach critical mass in emerging markets, the only real way is to integrate with telecom networks to deliver an experience consistent across all consumers. There are a few location-based services that have been launched in the country in the last couple of years but those were mainly information oriented. hoppr goes beyond location information and integrates a social and commercial aspect to the service for consumers so that they have a great mobile experience around them always. How this service model work? What does the consumer have to do to access the service? The hoppr service can be used on any mobile device through a simple SMS. To activate hoppr, one has to SMS “hop” to 56660 which is a one-time registration. Users have to send just a simple SMS “place name” to 56660. This will not only locate the consumer’s geo location but also provide them with information on different relevant offers

and coupons available around them. In case a consumer cannot check in to a place using the name of the place, they can look out for hoppr stickers or posters nearby which will provide them with keywords for places to check in to. By connecting their Facebook accounts to the hoppr application, users can also share their check ins on their Facebook wall with a simple reply after every check in. Is hoppr a free service or are there any charges for checking in? hoppr is a free of cost service. The SMS for checking in to a place is free of cost across all six operators: Airtel, Vodafone, Idea, Aircel, Reliance and Tata Docomo. Most of the coupons are action based, i.e., a user can get a coupon for a place by checking in to it. A lot of discounted coupons carry a small fee, which is a similar concept to what online mobile recharge sites offer, and hence is a tested concept. This is a very new and different concept. What were the thoughts behind introducing such a service in India? Indians still use mobiles to make a call or send an SMS. hoppr wants to communicate to them through a simple SMS that sends them relevant information and offers available near their location. In India only three per cent of mobile phones are GPS-enabled and therefore being a network dependent location-based service lets us reach out to a wider audience in India. We are trying to connect consumers with brands and build ourselves a mobile service company. In how many cities is this service available in India? Currently we have tied up with 4,000 outlets with a focus on five cities – Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Chennai. We aim to expand to 15 cities in the next two months and reach out to 100,000 merchants/locations in two years. n heena@mymobile.co.in

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 37

cell clues

Double the fun Once a rarity, dual SIM smartphones seem to be the rage now, with a number of manufacturers entering the fray. We cherry pick some of the best options available in the Indian market Ketan Pratap

ot too long ago, dual SIM smartphones were a rarity. They did exist in the marketplace but were few and far between, and often came with stiff price tags. Dual SIM device users were supposed to inhabit the bottom of the pyramid, preferring low prices and basic functionality. The scene is markedly different today. It seems to be raining dual SIM smartphones in the Indian market today with both Indian as well as global manufacturers spar-

ring for a share of what has the potential of being one of the largest dual SIM smartphone markets in the world. Be it Spice, Karbonn or Micromax or HTC, Samsung or Nokia, the battle for the Indian dual SIM smartphone market is very much on. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, unlike in the past, these devices are not coming with prohibitive price tags - many of them are firmly in four digit price territory. Driving this change are a number of facts: consumers who prefer being on more than one network, different tariff plans from opera-

tors, the need for different connections for oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal and professional lives, and last but not least, the arrival of the smartphone revolution, which has resulted in smartphones becoming more accessible in financial terms to the masses. Today, smartphones capable of handling multiple SIMs are available across almost all price categories, with more on the way. For those who are feeling spoilt for choice, here is our pick of the best dual smartphones in different price segments in the country.

Below Rs 5,000 Nokia Asha 305 (Rs 4,650)

Spice Mi-280 (Rs 4,600)

pice has been making waves with its range of affordable Android devices. The Spice Mi-280 is a prime example. It is not the best when it comes to looks, but sports a 2.8 inch capacitive TFT touchscreen with a resolution of 320x240. It runs on the Android 2.3 or Gingerbread operating system - true, it is not the latest but is more than sufficient for most tasks. Being a dual SIM device, it supports GSM+GSM with dual standby. It has 134 MB of internal memory which can be expanded up to 32 GB using a memory card. It is

ver the years, Nokia has built a reputation for coming out with solid, sturdy devices rather than flashy ones. The latest in this tradition is the Asha series which is generating a lot of buzz for combining functionality and affordability. The Asha 305 is the first phone in the Asha range to come with full touch functionality. It is a dual SIM device that supports GSM+GSM with dual standby and boasts a 3.0 inch display with 240 x 320 resolution, and a 2.0megapixel camera. It runs on a version of the Symbian series 40 operating software that has been optimised for touch. It packs a 1,110 mAh battery that gives it a standby time of 528 hours and talktime of up to 14 hours. The company is offering a 2GB microSD card along with the phone, preloaded with 40 EA games. Pros: Good battery life, 40 EA games Cons: No Wi-Fi, no 3G

The Nokia Asha 305 brings with it the comfort, solidity and familiarity of Nokia. Go for it if you seek solidity rather than style.

38 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

www.mymobile.co.in

Below Rs 10,000 Karbonn A9 (Rs 9,350)

arbonn seems to be targeting the price conscious Indian market with a vengeance. The brand was known until now for some very good value for money phones in the low price segment. But this time Karbonn enters the realm of budget Android devices with its latest offering, A9 that can handle multitasking with ease and comes with a clean design. The device runs on Android 2.3 or Gingerbread and is powered by 1 GHz Qualcomm processor that gives it the right amount of power. It boasts a 3.8-inch WVGA TFT touchscreen which is good for multimedia. It comes with a 5.0 megapixel rear camera accompanied by a flash and a VGA camera upfront. The A9 packs under the hood a 1,600 mAh battery that gives it a standby time of 200 hours. Other features include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 3G. Pros: Relatively affordable, 1GHz processor Cons: Sub standard build quality, older version of Android

The Karbonn A9 packs number of features that suits the needs of a price conscious market. Go for it if you are looking budget smartphone device.

powered by a 600 MHz processor and has 256MB RAM. The Mi-280 comes with a 3.2-megapixel rear camera and a VGA front camera. It packs a 1,000 mAh battery that gives it a standby time of up to 144 hours. The handset comes with a number of multimedia functions like FM Radio, music player and even a video player. Not bad for the price. Pros: Affordable Android device, supports 3G and Wi-Fi Cons: Design could have been better, lags in performance

The Spice Mi-280 gives you the smell of Gingerbread. Go for it if you want an affordable Android with dual SIM and camera functionality.

Micromax A100 Superfone Canvas (Rs 9,550)

f late, Micromax has been on a launching spree, coming out with a number of dual SIM Android devices. The latest to join its portfolio is the A100, the Superfone Canvas. The A100 boasts a huge 5.0 inch display with a resolution of 800x480 (a bit low for a device of this size), and seems targeted at the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Phabletâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; loving crowd. It runs on Android 4.0 or Ice Cream Sandwich which is recent enough as knowing that there are very few devices running Jelly Bean in the country. On the processor front, the A100 is powered by a 1GHz processor and comes with 512 MB RAM. It comes with 4 GB internal memory which can be expanded up to 32 GB through a microSD card that is hot swappable in the device. On the camera front, the A100 comes with a 5.0-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and a front VGA camera. The 2,000 mAh battery gives it a standby time of 180 hours and up to 5 hours of talktime. Pros: Smooth performer, big screen delight Cons: Unimpressive camera, display resolution The Micromax A100 Superfone Canvas has a large *screen that gives it a phablet look. Go for it because no other company currently matches its specs in this price range.

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 39

Cell Clues Below Rs 15,000 Samsung Ace Duos (Rs 12,100)

xpanding its Galaxy series smartphones series is something Samsung is particularly good at. The company’s Galaxy Ace Duos has been a dominant name in this price segment. The Ace Duos comes in two variants, both with dual SIM functionality: GSM+GSM and GSM+CDMA. Presently, the CDMA option of Ace Duos is the only device in this segment that offers CDMA. Both the handsets differ slightly in their tech specs. The CDMA version is powered by an 800 MHz

processor while the GSM version come s with 832 MHz processor. Both run on Android 2.3 or Gingerbread with the company’s TouchWiz user interface on top. The display size also remains same in both variants. On the camera front, the GSM version device sports a 5.0-megapixel camera, while the CDMA version comes with a 3.15-megapixel one. While the CDMA version of Ace Duos gets a 1,650 mAh battery, the GSM version loads a 1,300 mAh battery. Both the handsets differ on price too: the CDMA version costs Rs 13,750 while the GSM version costs Rs 12,000.

Pros: Decent price for the specs (both variants), the only CDMA option in this segment Cons: No front camera, old version of Android

The Samsung Galaxy Ace Duos packs in decent specs at this point. Go for it if you want a smartphone that offers GSM+CDMA support. The CDMA varaint is availble at Rs 13,800

Micromax A90 Superfone Pixel (Rs 12,950)

icromax recently expanded its Superfone series and added the A90 to its portfolio. On paper, the device offers a lot at a very low price tag. It comes with a Gorilla Glass 4.3 inch Super AMOLED screen, which is a rarity in this price segment. The dual SIM device is powered by 1 GHz processor and 512 MB RAM. It runs on Ice Cream Sandwich which is again, more than acceptable at this price. The 4 GB onboard storage space is expandable up to 32 GB through microSD card. The back panel comes with an 8.0 megapixel camera with auto focus and LED flash that records videos at 720p. There is also a secondary VGA camera for video calling. The device comes preloaded with Micromax’s voice-assistant AISHA (Artificial Intelligence Speech Handset Assistant), which some consider to be a budget alternative to Apple’s much-hyped SIRI, and is again a bonus at this price. The 1,600 mAh battery gives it a standby time of 174 hours. Pros: Super AMOLED display, build quality Cons: Lags in performance, phone hangs sometimes

The Micromax A90 Superfone Pixel has one of the most impressive spec sheets in this segment. Go for it if you want a dual SIM with a super display.

40 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

www.mymobile.co.in

More than Rs 15,000 HTC Desire V (Rs 20,600) & VC (Rs 21,800)

ual SIM users have had very limited options when it comes to powerful, high-end devices, but that could change with the arrival of devices like the HTC Desire V and Desire VC. The Desire V is the company’s first dual SIM offering (GSM+GSM) while the Desire VC is the first device to support both GSM and CDMA functionality. The Desire V and VC have almost similar specs. Both devices run on Android 4.0 or Ice Cream Sandwich and come with HTC’s Sense 4.0 user interface. The handsets are powered by a 1 GHz Qulacomm Snapdragon processor with 512 MB RAM. On the camera front too, both sport a 5.0-megapixel camera with LED flash. The internal memory is 4 GB that can be expanded up to 32 GB via microSD card. The Desire V and VC both come with 1,650 mAh battery. Pros: Large 4.0 inch display, appealing design Cons: No front camera, slightly overpriced

The HTC Desire V and VC both are packed with a number of high-end features. Go for them if you want dual SIM smartphones that are up there with the best in terms of performance.

Samsung Galaxy S Duos (Rs 17,600)

fter throwing down the gauntlet to the might of iPhone and selling millions of units in its single SIM avatar, the Galaxy S now has gone dual SIM. The device has similar looks to the company’s flagship device, the Galaxy S III. Good looks and the ICS operating system are two major features of the Galaxy S Duos. It sports a 4.0 inch WVGA display (alas, not the AMOLED that made the Galaxy S famous) and runs on Android 4.0. The device is powered by 1 GHz single-core Cortex A5 processor with 512MB RAM. It comes with 4 GB of internal memory that can be expanded up to 32 GB through a microSD card. And on the camera front, it comes with a 5.0 megapixel camera with LED flash. Other features include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, FM Radio with RDS and SWYPE text input. The device comes with a 1,500 mAh battery. No, we don’t think it has quite the same magic as its single SIM predecessor, but it definitely cuts an impressive figure in the high-end dual SIM smartphone space. Pros: ICS OS, 4.0-inch large display Cons: Single core, ordinary camera quality

The Samsung Galaxy S Duos continues the proud legacy of the Galaxy S series. Go for it if you need a high-end dual SIM smartphone with muscle. n

ketan@mymobile.co.in

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 41

chief speak

“Our Success is Built on the Success of Our

Partners”

For millions of people all over the world, the word “Dolby” is synonymous with high quality music. We caught up with Pankaj Kedia, country manager, Dolby Laboratories India, to find out what the company has in store for our ears in the days to come Sulabh Puri To the uninitiated, what is Dolby all about? Dolby Laboratories develops and delivers innovative products and technologies that are used throughout the entertainment industry to produce a more immersive and enjoyable experience. Over the years, Dolby has introduced innovations that have significantly improved audio entertainment, starting with noise reduction for the recording and cinema industries and surround sound for cinema and home entertainment. Today, Dolby technologies are standard in a wide range of entertainment platforms and devices. Our technologies are used in virtually all DVD, Blu-ray players and home theatre systems; increasingly in digital televisions, set top boxes, portable media devices, PC/ laptops, smartphones and in a wide array of consumer electronic products. Movie theatres and broadcasters around the world use Dolby’s products. Many people do not know that Dolby is a feature present in home theatre systems, laptops and now phones? How are you promoting the brand? We do not directly

42 MYMOBILE Oct 15 to nov 14 2012

advertise; however experience is the key to our positioning. As a licensing company, our success is built on the success of our partners. We have been in India for a very long time in the cinema industry on the content creation side and also on the playback side as well. We are now focusing on broadcast, PC/Laptop and the mobile industry in India. We work very closely with our partners to promote the benefits of Dolby technologies in India. The new range of Acer devices launched is a great example of how they have put the Dolby branding upfront on their devices. Also we are doing a lot of work with retail outlets to set up experience demos so that consumers can experience the benefit Dolby Surround Sound can bring to their devices and content. Which companies use Dolby technology in their products? In India, we are already working with many of the world’s leading companies to deliver some of the world’s most innovative and best-selling products. In the DTH market, we are currently working with Airtel, Sun Direct and Tata Sky to

deliver high-definition sound for broadcast. Talking about channels, we work very closely with the STAR Network for their asliHD channels. Nokia, LG and HTC are using Dolby technology to power the sound of their phones. In the PC market our technologies are found in operating systems such as Windows Vista and Windows 7 PCs from Sony, Toshiba, Acer and HP; soundcards from ASUS and software from Cyberlink, Magix and Roxio. You said Dolby is working with TV channels who give HD content. What is the role of Dolby there? We are working with leading broadcast networks to enable them to produce and distribute their content with Dolby Surround Sound. One example is Star TV, which is one of the the leading broadcast network, whose content/channels have the highest viewership in India. We have been working closely with Star TV and providing them with strong technical support, so that they are able to create/produce their HD content in 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound and distribute this content over DTH (Direct-to-Home)/Satellite TV operators

www.mymobile.co.in

such as Airtel, TATA Sky, and Sun Direct. Today consumers seek better sound from home entertainment. Whether one desires cinema-like experiences, immersion in a favourite soap opera or the visceral experience of attending sporting and live events, Dolby is working with all the leading broadcast networks to enable them to deliver this. The key ingredient behind the sound of asliHD channels for Star TV is Dolby Digital Plus, a technology designed especially for HD entertainment. Dolby Digital Plus also gives Star the flexibility and scalability to deliver highquality surround sound with less bandwidth so Star can focus on building a great service for its customers. Other leading broadcast networks that we are working with and who are delivering their HD content with Dolby Surround Sound are Colors and History Channel from Network 18, Sun TV and Sun Music HD, Discovery Channel and National Geographic. On the phone front, will we see Dolby

in mobile brands other than Nokia? The inclusion of Dolby technologies in products like the Nokia smartphones brings an extra dimension to the capabilities of the phone, transforming it into an HD mobile entertainment device. We are excited to work closely with the leading brand as our partners in India, and will continue to make superior entertainment available to consumers on all 5 screens â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cinema, TV, PC, mobile, tablet . What about gaming? Any plans/promotions we can see in the near future in this field? We have been working with leading gaming companies and console manufacturers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo. Dolby technologies are present across their gaming consoles. Apart from these, we are also working with gaming headset manufacturers like Sony, Sharkoon, Astro and Tritton. Most of the games available on these consoles also support playback of surround sound audio.

What is the current road map for Dolby in India? India is a market of strategic importance to Dolby. Given the tremendous opportunity for digital entertainment companies in this market, Dolby is firmly committed to enabling the success of customers and partners in India. We really work at three stages, beginning with content creation to content distribution and finally content playback. This approach can help best ensure consumers get the best experience in the simplest, most efficient manner. The big theme is in terms of digitisation of the distribution platforms and improved content delivery that creates market for content and brings a monetisation model for the content owner. The consumer wins because they can now enjoy new types of experiences on more devices and in more ways than before. While we have been present in the cinema industry for more than 40 years now, we are now also focusing on the broadcast, PC/Laptops and the mobile phone partnerships. n sulabh@mymobile.co.in

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 43

spot light

t is that time of the year when seldom a week passes without a festival or special occasion of some sort. The air is thick with the aroma of sweets and a sense of celebration. It is also that time of the year when one gives gifts to those who matter. Conventionally, this has been food and clothing territory, with the odd kitchen accessory thrown in, but in an increasingly digital age, where just about everyone is on Facebook and Twitter, and where one gets more greetings by e-mail and SMS than in person, we think that the era of gifting gadgets has well and truly arrived. Mind you, choosing the perfect tech gift is not an easy task. There are a number of factors that have to be kept in mind, not least of all is the costbenefit equation, especially at that time of the year when one can go overboard shopping. So to help you fix upon the perfect gadget gift, we have divided them across five categories, and given options in each.

For Mobile Entertainment Seekers Budget: Rs 8,000-15,000

This Festive Season, Gift a

Gadget! For Shutterbugs Budget: Rs 4,500-15,000

44 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

If capturing moments for those sweet and sour reminisces later is your belovedsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cup of tea, we suggest you gift them something that either helps them capture those moments or view them later. For those who want to capture every moment, we suggest you to consider a camera, preferably one that comes with advanced options like face detection, self timer, subject prediction and with a powerful wide angle optical zoom (anything more than 8X). And for those who prefer displaying and seeing their pictures, a good digital photo frame is the perfect option, preferably if it comes with lots of storage capacity and an easy navigation system. Our pick: Camera: Canon PowerShot SX160 IS, Nikon Coolpix S6400 Digital Photo Frame: Sony DPF HD 800, Philips SPF 1237

www.mymobile.co.in

If you have a family member who seeks good music, videos, or more options on the go, you can keep smartphones and tablets as a gift option for them. This conventional yet unconventional gift is a big package of entertainment in all forms and is likely to appeal to all age groups. Just make sure that the tablet or smartphone that you choose in this category comes packed with the kind of content that the receiver would like - for instance, every Nokia Lumia comes packed with a year’s unlimited music downloads, letting you download whatever catches your ear’s fancy provided it is available on the Nokia Music Store. Our pick: Smartphones- Nokia Lumia 610, Micromax A90 Tablets- Micromax Funbook Pro, Reliance CDMA tab

Sweets and clothes might be traditional but are getting increasingly passe. Why not try to break the mould this festive season and gift the ones you love a gadget? We take a look at some tech gifting options. Ketan Pratap

For the Tech Poser Budget: Rs 6,000-20,000

This category is apt for those who wish to have their hands on the latest device creating a buzz in the gadget market, to flaunt as much as to use. They love products that are in the news and whicy look good, so that they can be shown off. If you have friends in these “tech poser” ranks, then we suggest that you hand them gadgets that have a high design quotient and flauntability appeal. The new iPod nano (which is expected to hit the stores before Diwali) and the Sony Smartwatch are excellent options. If it looks good and is digital, it will be loved. A word of advice - just make sure it works well too. Our Pick: Apple iPod nano, Sony SmartWatch

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 45

spot light For Professional colleagues Budget: Rs 10,000-39,000

Even those who work non-stop pause for festivals. And then go right back to work. Well, for those with whom the bond you share is of a professional nature, there are a host of gadgets to be given. Executives on the move would love navigation devices, and even more so if they can handle tasks other than simple direction-giving - hey, who does not like the odd spot of music and video? Those who like nothing better than getting up to speed with the latest on the corporate reading list, would love an e-book reader, especially with an inbuilt access to an online book store, letting them buy and browse books as per their needs. And of course, we are yet to meet a professional who would not adore a phablet, which bridges the gap between a phone and a tablet, giving them the best of both worlds, and which is the rage these days. Our Pick: Navigation device: MapMyIndia CarPad 5 E-book reader: Kindle Touch (Wi-Fi) Phablet: Micromax A100 Canvas, Samsung Galaxy Note, Samsung Galaxy Note II

For family Budget: Rs 5,000-45,000 Last but not least, there is your own family to be showered with gifts. And it is here that picking something techie becomes quite a task, as there are people belonging to different generations with different tastes and preferences, many of whom might not be fans of the gadget and gizmo brigade. Fortunately, there is something for everyone in every age group, provided one is ready to go the extra mile to discover what it is. Elders would love a back massaging belt or chair, which helps to relieve the pain in their aching joints. Notebooks are a popular

option for those just into college or professional life. Speakers are an all time favourite and even necessity to youngsters. And if all else fails, well, there is nothing quite like a DVD player to help everyone get their fix of Bollywood or Hollywood Our Pick: Laptop- Dell Inspiron 14R Portable speaker- Nokia 360 wireless speakers, Logitech Miniboombox Portable DVD Player- LG DP561B, Philips PD7030

ketan@mymobile.co.in

46 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

versus

Maps

Who is the better navigator? T hanks to the quality - or lack of it - in the latest update to Appleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iOS operating system, maps have been occupying centrestage. With PND providers also joining the ranks of phone app developers, the market has become more competitive and consumers more demanding. Apple dumped Google maps recently and has launched their own maps, which has not gone down well with most users. Nokia and Google on the other hand, continue to go strong, with excellent map and navigation apps on their Lumia and Android devices. Both come with stacks of features, including offline navigation (which lets you find your way around even without a mobile connection), voice navigation, traffic information and much more. And best of all, both these services are available free of cost. Overall we found Nokia Maps to have

Google Maps

Nokia Maps

Operating system support Android, BlackBerry, Windows, Symbian (iOS by end 2012)

Windows Phone, Symbian

Can one view the maps offline without internet?

Yes, but with restrictions and all devices are not supported

Yes

Does it support augmented reality?

Yes, through Google Earth

Yes, through Nokia City lens

How many mobile devices support Google Maps?

More than 100

About two dozen

Turn by Turn Navigation Available in 39 countries

Available in more than 110 countries

Can one see public transport as well?

Yes in more than 500 cities

Are traffic updates and Over 47 countries supported Only 26 countries supported details available too? through Google Now through My Commute Can I see cities in 3D?

Yes

Voice Search?

Yes

Voice Navigation?

Yes, but is in Beta stages

Yes

Menu and UI

Easy to use Very easy to use

the edge over Google Maps. However, Google Maps are supported by more devices, whereas Nokia Maps are supported by a lesser number - and all of them made by Nokia. Both have almost accurate maps with a huge list of points of interest. Google Maps are also familiar territory for people who have already used the service on their computers. Voice search is another interesting feature in both of them and its accuracy is spectacular on Nokia, but varies from device to device for Google. The mapping force is currently with Nokia, but Google is gaining. And neither has a price tag. n sulabh@mymobile.co.in

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 47

sj un seta ki np e e k Micromax A90 Budget

AMOLED delight

fter carving a niche for itself in the lower end of the smartphone market, Micromax now seems to be settings its sights a bit higher. The manufacturer had recently released a dual core device in the price range of Rs 15,000, and now has followed it up with the A90, which was announced earlier but has only now made it to the market. The biggest attraction of the device is the 4.3-inch AMOLED capacitive screen of 480 x 800 resolution. And at 10.6 mm, it is definitely on the slimmer side. It runs on Android 4.0.3 or Ice Cream Sandwich, and is powered by a 1GHz processor. The device comes with a 8.0-megapixel camera and internal storage of 4 GB, which can be expanded using a memory card of up to 32 GB. On the connectivity front, it comes with connectivity options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and well, this being a Micromax, there is support for two SIM connections as well. Other features include FM radio and GPS support. The devices come with a Li-ion 1,600 mAh battery. Of course, we are saving the best for the last â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the device is available for as little as Rs 12,950, making it a very decent option for those seeking an Android phone with a dazzling display without spending too much. n

Samsung Champ Neo Duos Affordable dual Sim deal

amsung has launched yet another affordable dual SIM touchscreen phone in the market, the Champ Neo Duos. Priced at Rs 3,290, the device comes with support for two GSM SIMs, which are hot swappable. The phone has a 2.4inch TFT touchscreen with 262K colour support â&#x20AC;&#x201C; some might consider that to be a bit on the smaller side, but it is acceptable in this price segment. The phone comes with 20 MB inbuilt memory onboard, which can be expanded by using a memory card of up to 32 GB. On the connectivity front, the Samsung Champ Neo Duos supports GPRS, Bluetooth and microUSB 2.0. When it comes to multimedia, the Champ Neo Duos comes with a VGA camera and a media player which supports all popular media formats. Thanks to its 1,000 mAh battery, the company claims that the device gives up to 14 hours of talktime and up to 550 hours standby time on a 2G network. The phone also comes with a number of applications installed on it, including Facebook, Twitter, ChatOn, Yahoo!, MSN and Gmail. It is unlikely to send tech pundits into ecstasies with its tech specs and hardware but for the consumer looking for nothing more than a phone that works, this is indeed a very good deal. n team@mymobile.co.in

48 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

sneak peek Sony Xperia T Xperia gets its Mr T

ony has thrown its not-inconsiderable weight behind its Xperia range of handsets to bring back its smartphone glory days. Recent times have seen a number of devices being released in the Xperia series and the latest to join the range is the Sony Xperia T. The device comes with a large 4.6-inch scratch resistant touchscreen powered by the mobile BRAVIA engine, a recipe for a visual delight. It is powered by a 1.5 GHz dual core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, runs Android Ice Cream Sandwich and comes with 1 GB RAM. One of the highlights of the device is that it is the first major smartphone from Sony to feature a 13.0-megapixel camera, which incidentally comes with 6X digital zoom, LED flash, and a bevvy of features like face detection, touch to focus, geo-tagging, image stabilisation and 3D sweep panorama. There is also a 1.3-megapixel front camera for video chat fans. The Xperia T comes with 16 GB internal memory expandable up to 32 GB through microSD card, and is choc-a-bloc with connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HSDPA, HSUPA and NFC. Last but not least, the Xperia T is PlayStation certified so be ready for an impressive and immersive gaming experience. n

Nokia Lumia 920 Windows Phone 8 comes to the Lumia

he Lumia range showcases Nokiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to Windows Phone as its operating system of choice for high-end smartphones. And it is now all set to get a whole new dimension with the introduction of Windows Phone 8, a change which many feel could help the company turn the tide in the smartphone market. And the first device in the Lumia stable to run Windows Phone 8 will be the Lumia 920. It comes with a 4.5-inch Corning Gorilla Glass display with PureMotion HD, which is one of the largest we have seen on a Nokia handset for a while. The specs are impressive too - the phone is powered by a 1.5 GHz dual core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, comes with 1 GB RAM, and has 32 GB of non-expandable storage. Photography will be handled by an 8.7megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics with dual LED flash and PureView technology. Video calling is made possible thanks to a 1.3-megapixel secondary camera, while connectivity options range from HSDPA and HSUPA to Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth. Making sure all this keeps ticking over smoothly for a while is a 2,000 mAh battery. The device is expected to hit the Indian market in late October. n

team@mymobile.co.in

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 49

burn test Idea Aurus 985N Big screen,

dual SIM

1 2

dea seems to be betting heavily on its selfbranded range of handsets, which deliver a number of features at a relatively low price. And the latest to join this brigade is the Aurus, which throws in a large 3.5 inch display at an affordable price. But is it really worth it?

Looks: Nothing unusual The device has been manufactured by Alcatel and the company has clearly stuck to a â&#x20AC;&#x153;keep it simpleâ&#x20AC;? formula. The front of the device is all about the 3.5 inch display (large for this price segment) with one hard key below it, accompanied by three touch keys for Menu, Search and Back functions. A front facing camera is

placed on top of the panel, the volume rocker is on the right of the device, and a dedicated camera key with the charging slot on the left. The screen/power on/off button and 3.5 mm audio jack are placed on top of the device, and the back comes with a matte finish, housing the camera and speaker. No, we do not expect it to stop traffic or turn heads, but it is by no means an eyesore either and does not look too bad for a budget device.

Hardware: All about screen The hardware highlight of the Idea Aurus is its 3.5 inch capacitive touchscreen with 320 x 480 pixels resolution (the same as the iPhone

50 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

3GS) which we feel is a good offering at this price point. Powering it is a 800 MHz processor that handles most tasks well. The phone supports up to 32 GB of storage and comes with a 4 GB memory card in the pack, which again is a decent option considering its segment. In terms of connectivity, the phone comes with dual SIM support, with support for both 2G and 3G networks on one SIM and just 2G on another. That apart, it comes with Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth. Ensuring that all this keeps ticking over is a 1,300 mAh battery, which however, delivers average back up - you need to recharge it at least once a day if you are a moderate user and if you are a power

www.mymobile.co.in

steady rather than a spectacular performer. The audio quality of the device was decent in both earphone and loudspeaker mode, and the handset also comes with a number of audio tweaking effects like party shuffle, shuffle all, bass boost, virtualizer, preset reverb and equalizer. For those who prefer their music “live”, there is an FM radio onboard and FM’s reception was good. The large display is great for viewing videos and we were able to play 720p HD videos with a degree of ease on the device. The 5.0-megapixel camera of the device is however disappointing on both the stills and video front, which is quite a bit of a let down as the relatively large display makes it easy for one to edit and tweak images and in some cases, even videos (processor speed permitting).

Cons

Pros 

3.5 inch display



Old Android version



Dual SIM, one with 3G



Average camera



Preloaded apps



Display could have been of a higher resolution

highlights

1 3. 5 inch capacitive display

User Experience: Value for money

tech specs

Comfortable camera key on left hand side

The Idea Aurus is a decent option for those who are looking for a smartphone with a relatively large display and are on a tight budget. The display could have been of a higher resolution and the camera could have been better, but when one thinks of the price of the device, the Aurus does deliver decent bang for one’s buck, with a decent Internet experience and very good audio quality, with preloaded apps thrown in for good measure. As it stands, the Aurus delivers a decent viewing experience of websites and videos within a decent build and at a very reasonable price, when you consider the competition in the market.

Size | NA Weight | NA Memory | 512MB, microSD

Battery | Li-ion 1300 mAh

Impressive audio quality

Screen | 262,144 colours Talktime/Standby | up to 3.5 hours/ up to 200 hours

4 The phone has front facing camera for the video calling

GPRS/3G | Yes/Yes Bluetooth/ WiFi | Yes/Yes Phonebook Capacity | Shared

Conclusion

Camera | 5.0 megapixel

Frequency | GSM 850/900/1800/1900 4 GB microSD card with sales pack

Others | Video calling, Idea mall, Idea TV

Price: Rs 7,190 user, then straying too far from a power outlet would not be wise.

Software: Good (?) old Android The Idea Aurus runs on Android 2.3, which is a bit of a disappointment in these times when a number of budget devices come with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). Although the user interface of the device is nothing unusual, it does provide a fair bit in terms of functionality. It comes with five homescreens which can be customised with shortcuts and widgets as per one’s need and choice. There are three

The Idea Aurus 985N is priced at Rs 7,190, and is a good option if you are looking for a budget large screen, dual SIM smartphone. Those looking for alternatives can consider the Samsung Galaxy Lite Duos for Rs 6,990 and Micromax Ninja 4 A87 which costs Rs 5,999. n team@mymobile.co.in

verdict

touch keys on screen for main menu access, calling and messaging. Idea has preloaded the phone with a number of apps like Idea Fresh, Idea Mall, Idea TV, Currency Converter, Nimbuzz, Shazam and even an anti-virus software link which needs to be installed free of cost (an excellent idea, we think. Pun intended) Browsing the Web on the device is a pleasant experience, thanks mainly to the large display, although the relatively low resolution makes some fonts look jagged.

Multimedia: Decent, not exceptional On the multimedia front, the Idea Aurus is a

Looks

Features

ease of use

perfoRmance

value for money

overall

78%

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 51

burn test iBall Andi 5C The dual SIM phablet!

145 mm

83 mm

highlights 5.0 inches screen is delightfully big

5.0 megapixel camera with flash takes decent pictures

52 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

Very impressive sound quality

The keys are well in reach

The dual SIM support is an added advantage

www.mymobile.co.in

Pros 

5.0-inch display is a treat



Low price tag



Big 2,300 mAh battery

Cons 

Heavy to carry



A bit thick



Screen resolution could have been better

Price: Rs 12,999

on’t get fooled by its more than passing resemblance to the Samsung Galaxy Note. The iBall Andi 5C might sport a large display, but is a very different beast from the device that kicked off the Phablet revolution (check our cover story for more). It comes with dual SIM support and a much more wallet-friendly price. But is that enough to make it compelling?

Looks: Note-worthy First smartphones got pocket-friendly, then it was the turn of the tablets and now, it seems that even hybrid devices (or “phablets” as

many choose to call them) are getting more affordable. The device is solidly built and comes with a 5.0 inch large IPS display but ends up looking bulky because of the large bezel around the display - lesser of it could have resulted in a device that looked less wide and tall, and a lot more palm-friendly. It has two touch keys and one hard button on the front, which is dominated by the large display. The back features a criss-crossed texture on which is placed a camera with flash and speaker. The power/ screen on/off button is given on the right side and volume rockers are placed on the left. The charging slot and 3.5 mm audio jack are placed on the top. Yes, the device does have a passing resemblance to the Galaxy Note, but it is uncomfortably thick and a bit heavy (at 216 grammes, this is no featherweight), especially for those with smaller palms. But all in all, we found the iBall Andi 5C to be a reasonably good looking device.

Hardware: On expected (budget) lines The iBall Andi 5C runs on a 1 GHz Cortex processor and comes with 512 MB RAM, which is pretty much par for the course for its price tag. It has 4 GB of storage that can be expanded to 32 GB with the help of a microSD card. The device performed most basic tasks with a degree of ease, which was a good sign. On the connectivity front, the device supports 3G and also comes with Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth and GPS. The display is great for viewing but we wish that it has a larger resolution than 480 x 800, which is decent but not exceptional, given the sheer size of the display.

Software: Who wants ICS, then? The phone runs on Android 4.0.3, Ice Cream Sandwich, which is fast becoming the OS of preference in budget segment smart devices. iBall has resisted the impulse to change the interface so what one gets the stock ICS UI which we do not mind one bit. On board are the usual Google services (Search, Mail, Maps, et al) and there are shortcuts for the dialer, contacts, main menu, messages and the browser on the homescreen, which can be customised. The homescreen has shortcuts for wallpaper, app management and system settings and a back key. In between them is a home key that shows recent apps. As far as applications are concerned, iBall has kept the phone simple and plain with no preloaded apps except Google location based service apps. Internet browsing was good, thanks to the large display which made viewing Web pages a pleasure.

Multimedia: Hitting the right... Notes The multimedia performance of the phone was decent enough. The sound quality of the device is extremely good, on both loudspeaker and earphones. One can also tweak audio, thanks to the presence of a number of effects including equalizer, bass boost, 3D effect and preset reverb. For videos, the device comes with a default video player as well as MX video player in the device. Much to our surprise, the device was not capable of playing full HD videos but played 720p videos easily. In the camera department, the iBall Andi 5C comes with a 5.0-megapixel primary camera with LED flash. The quality of the shots taken with the device was middling and not exceptional. And the same applied to the video recording experience too. The device also sports a 0.3 megapixel front camera for video calling.

User Experience: We are delighted Our experience with iBall Andi 5C was a pleasant surprise. Yes, we would have liked a higher resolution display and perhaps a lighter and sleeker device, but even with those reservations, we cannot help but like what iBall has served up on a relatively low price tag. And one of the reasons for the weight of the device is the 2,300 mAh battery, which serves a very decent back-up. And having dual SIM support is an added advantage. Its score on quadrant is 2289 which is not bad at all.

Conclusion The iBall Andi 5C is priced at Rs 12,999. In our opinion, it is a decent device for all those seeking a large screen smartphone at an affordable price. One can also consider the Micromax A100, which boasts a 5.0 inch display and is available for Rs 9,550. n team@mymobile.co.in

verdict 8

Looks Features

ease of use

perfoRmance

value for money

overall

78%

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 53

burn test 118 m

ICE Xtreme And another

budget tablet

tech specs Size | 195 x 118 x 11mm Weight | 375 grams Memory | 16GB, No Battery | Li-ion 4700 mAh

Frequency | -

highlights

Others | Pre-loaded business, entertainment and gaming apps

Price: Rs 6,999

t has been raining affordable tablets in the Indian market in recent times, with a number of manufacturers trying to woo consumers with their value for money offerings. And the latest to join the list is ICE X Electronics, which has launched the ICE Xtreme tablet, that runs on Android ICS and comes with a low price tag. But what marks it out from the competition, which includes tablets from players like Micromax, HCL, Karbonn?

Looks: Nothing new It might be called ICE, but as far as the looks

3 The tab runs on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)

go, there is nothing very cool about the tablet. It has the same design that many other entrylevel tablets have. The front has no physical buttons and has a 2.0-megapixel camera on the right, while the back houses the speakers. On the right are the connectivity ports, and there are a lot of them - HDMI, charging, USB and mini USB, 3.5 mm audio jack and a memory card slot. On top of the device are three physical buttons for power/unlock, back and option. Surprisingly, there is no volume control button or rocker, which forces one to depend on the soft keys below the screen. All in all, the ICE

54 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

The tab comes with a leather case

Xtreme looks average and will not turn heads standard fare in the budget tablet segment.

Hardware: Budget serving The tablet is powered by an Allwinner A10 1.5 GHz processor with 1 GB DDR3 RAM and works well enough, being a smooth operator in handling apps and browsing the Web. The touch experience was not great but was more than reasonable, although we would have liked a display with a higher resolution than the 800x480 sported by it. The 2.0 megapixel front camera is staple fare for the category, and con-

195 mm

www.mymobile.co.in

Notable among these is an in house app, Teacher X that offers premium educational content.

Multimedia: Just about fine

The multimedia experience on the tab was decent, although we would have preferred the speakers to be louder (the bundled headphones are not the greatest either). Movies run well and most popular video formats are supported. Files can be transferred from a PC to the tablet quickly and without too much trouble - a blessing for those who like to download content on their computers and view it on the move. The 2.0-megapixel camera takes good enough pictures, but nothing to write home about. There is an option to watch videos in 3D, but we could not figure out how it worked, which seemed to defeat the very purpose of its existence.

User Experience: Satisfactory

Cons

Pros

The menu button is on the top right side of the screen

Our experience of using the ICE Xtreme tab was good, barring the odd lag in launching apps and the occassionaly laggy touch response. Browsing the net was good and in general, the tablet worked smoothly. We tested it on Quadrant and it scored 2,144, which is a decent enough score at this price point. Battery life was acceptable as well - we were able to get through a day of relatively modest usage on a single charge, although we dare say that heavy use would necessitate more frequent charges.



1.5 GHz processor



No Bluetooth



HDMI support

Conclusion



No rear camera



Preloaded apps



Poor sound quality

The ICE Xtreme tablet is priced at Rs 6,999. It is a decent performer but faces stiff competition from a number of players. Alternatives include the Micromax Funbook that costs around Rs 6,400, Zen’s Ultratab A100 for Rs 5,999, and if one is willing to spend a bit more, the HCL ME tab U1 that is priced at Rs 7,999. n

5 4

The connectivity ports are given on the right panel

It comes with a 2.0 megapixel front facing camera

team@mymobile.co.in

verdict Looks

nectivity options include Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, mini USB, HDMI (with support for full HD 3D) as well as support for 2G and 3G via an external dongle. It comes with 16 GB storage space that includes an internal memory of 8 GB and memory card based memory, which can be expanded up to 32 GB.

Software: Whiff of ICS The device runs on Android 4.0 or Ice Cream Sandwich, which seems to be the OS of choice in tablets in this category. The interface is user-friendly with the locked screen com-

ing with various options that include camera launcher, unlocking the screen, and access to the most used apps on the device. There are six touch icons on the lower left side of the screen for back, home, recently used apps, volume adjustment keys and the option to open system settings. A touch menu icon is also placed on the top right side of the display. The browser supports multi-touch and comes with full Flash support. The tablet also comes preloaded with videos and apps - something we love, as it allows one to get busy with it right away, without going into download mode.

Features

ease of use

perfoRmance

value for money

overall

66%

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 55

burn test

SmarTouch CT 01 Yet

115 mm

another tablet joins the budget fray!

Pros  Support for full HD

video

 Decent Internet

browsing

 Support for 3D 191 mm



No Bluetooth



No rear camera



Low battery life

highlights

Cons

he low-cost or budget tablet market in India has been mushrooming of late with a number of manufacturers, both domestic and international, coming out with sub-Rs 6k Android tablets. And the latest to join the bandwagon is the Android ICSSmartouch CT 01 from Fujezone. But does it offer enough features to stand apart from the competition in its segment?

Looks: Familiar, very familiar Well the tablet does not offer anything extraordinary in terms of looks. It comes with a front camera on the right side with no physical buttons on the front panel. There is a mini-USB

The device has front facing 1.3megapixel camera for video calling

port on the right side of this tablet, joined by the charging port, 3.5 mm headphone jack, volume controller and the power button. The SD card/TF card port is placed below the volume controller and speakers can be found on the back of the tablet. The plastic back cover with texture allows tight grip over the device. In a nutshell, the tablet is similar to other tablets available in the market in the same price range with average looks. If it is flauntability that you are looking for, then this is not the tablet for you, as it looks modest rather than sensational.

Hardware: Standard stuff The 1.2 GHz A8 processor and 512 MB RAM

56 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

3 Right panel has mini USB for data connectivity

makes the tablet run all relatively light applications smoothly, though things get slow when one is running multiple applications together. The touch experience of five point multitouchscreen is average, and as we mentioned before, it does start to suffer when one gets into multi-tasking mode. The 1.3-megapixel front facing camera comes with all the basic features that one would expect in this segment without doing anything extra noteworthy. On the connectivity front, the tablet offer Wi-Fi support, external 2G/3G connectivity via dongles and mini USB. The tablet comes with 4GB inbuilt memory, which can be extended to 32 GB via SD/TF card. There is also a G sensor

www.mymobile.co.in

3 bundled headphones are not too great, with the bass and treble sounds not mixing well. The tablet supports all major video formats and clips/movies downloaded on the tablet run decently. The 1.3 megapixel camera takes average snaps with limited enhancing options, even though some people might say that photography in tablets has not really taken off. There’s an inbuilt 3D feature too, although that requires installing some drivers, which might trouble new users. Honestly, we are not too convinced about the viability of 3D on devices that do not really have the hardware muscle to deliver a compelling experience.

1 2

tech specs Size | 191 x 115 x 13 mm Weight | 316 grams Memory | 4GB, microSD Battery | Li-ion 3000 mAh

User experience: Fitting

Screen | 16 million colours

Our experience of the Smartouch CT 01 falls into the average category. It takes time to bootup and slows down when one or more apps are active, affecting the touch response at times. The multimedia and Internet browsing experiences are, however, above average. The tablet works fine as long as one uses relatively light applications (no heavy duty gaming please) and does not get too often into multi-tasking mode. The 3000 mAh battery drains fast, which is a major concern in our opinion. All of which makes it pretty much the standard budget tablet - great for those who want a spot of browsing on the move, but not really for anything more stressful than that.

Conclusion

Space, Fruit Ninja

Price: Rs 6,190 The tablet runs on Android Operating 4.0 ICS

It has pre loaded apps like Angry Birds Space and Fruit Ninja

CT 01 supports 3D content but requires drivers installation

The Fujezone Smartouch CT 01 tablet is priced at Rs 6,190, which is a bit high for the specifications it packs in. Tablets from Micromax and Zen offer more features in the same price category. Micromax Funbook is priced at Rs 6,400 and Zen’s Ultratab A100 is available for Rs 5,999. Our conclusion therefore is that the Smartouch CT 01 tablet is a decent performer in the budget category but is definitely on the more expensive side. n team@mymobile.co.in

verdict embedded in it, which comes to the fore when using games that involve tilting the device.

Software: ICS serving The Smartouch CT 01 runs on the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system, which is pervasive in all the tablets in the market. The user interface of the device is not customised by the company and offers a basic entrance into the tablet menu. Just like most other ICS tablets, the user interface of Smartouch CT 01 offers six touch icons on the lower placed panel, including back, home, recently used apps, volume adjustment keys and the option to open system settings.

Additionally, a touch menu icon is given on the top right of the tablet display. The tablet comes with full Flash and 3D support, and comes preloaded with games like Angry Birds Space and Fruit Ninja. It also comes preloaded with some utility applications, including an e-book reader. So you can get started with the tablet even without going into download mode for a while.

Multimedia: Above average In terms of multimedia, the device offers a satisfactory experience with Full HD (1080P). However, the sound quality doesn’t complement the Full HD experience. In addition, the

Looks

Features

ease of use

perfoRmance

value for money

overall

68%

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 57

burn test MapMyIndia CarPad 5 Calling and

97 mm

navigating phablet!

145 mm

tech specs

Pros

Size | 145 x 97 x 13.5mm Weight | 230 grams Memory | 4GB, microSD Battery | Li-ion 2,000 mAh



Touch interface is smooth



Sound quality on loudspeakers is good



Navigation apps come pre-installed

Screen | 16 million colours Talktime/Standby | NA GPRS/3G | Yes/Yes

Cons

Bluetooth/ WiFi | Yes/Yes Phonebook Capacity | Shared



Difficult to hold one-handed

Frequency | GSM 850/900/1800/1900



No camera

Others | BookMyShow, Cleartrip,



Old version of Android (Gingerbread)

Camera | No

and Facebook

Price: Rs 17,990

58 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

www.mymobile.co.in

highlights 1 There is SIM support given in the device

Looks: Sturdy, not “handy”

The touch experience of the device is good

fter having stuck mainly to PND devices, MapMyIndia has recently ventured into new territory with Android based navigation tablets, and now has got into phablet territory with the recently launched CarPad 5. The device comes with the usual array of navigation apps, but is also a full fledged Android device and a phone. How well does it wear all these hats is the big question?

The 5.0-inch screen is decent to use

4 The volume is loud and clear

The CarPad 5 comes with decent looks for a navigation device with its all-black chassis and a rubbery back along with the side panel making it comfortable to grip. That said, this is not a device that will fit into most hands, as it is definitely on the wider and thicker side. Though the company has tried to give its side panels a curvy shape to make the phablet easier to hold, the stark fact is that those with small hands will struggle to hold this in one hand. The front of the device has a 5.0-inch touchscreen that is surrounded by a wide bezel. The lower side of the panel has icons for Back, Menu and Home key indicating soft keys placed on screen. The Back icon, when seen on home screen works for calling and back as well.

Hardware: Old fashioned

5 Device comes pre-loaded with multiple apps

The CarPad 5 comes with calling capability and 3G support, giving it an edge over other PNDs. Being a MapMyIndia product, it comes with the company’s mapping and navigation solutions, and is powered by a 1 GHz Samsung processor. The large 5.0-inch display offers a good viewing experience, although its clarity does get affected in sunlight. There is a 3.5mm jack port, SIM slot, charging slot and TF card port given on the top and on the sides are the power on/off, volume rocker and function keys. In addition to the usual accessories, the CarPad 5 comes with a car charger and navigation software loaded in a SDcard. Considering that it is multipurpose, three-in-one device, we were not able to figure out why the device comes sans earphones - incidentally, voice clarity on calls on loudspeaker is not good. Also, as it does not has a front speaker grill, one cannot hold it close to one’s ear like a conventional phone.

Software: loaded with maps Like its predecessor, the CarPad 5 is being introduced with Android v2.3.4, i.e. Gingerbread, which we feel is a little old fashioned considering that a number of new devices in the market come with newer versions of Android. There are a plenty of maps in the device, replete with information and features like voice navigation and 3D interface. Apart from mapping apps, the device comes with pre-installed apps like Zomato.com, Burp, BookMyShow, Cleartrip, and Facebook. The

user interface of the device is plain vanilla, with no major tweaks.

Multimedia: Musical affair In terms of multimedia, the CarPad has a music player for entertainment. The quality of music is impressive on loudspeaker, and is loud enough for you to use it in a car, in case you wish not to use the car’s music player - is that the reason why the device does not come with headphones? Clicking pictures is not an option as the CarPad comes minus a camera, something that phablet users will miss, given the powerful options on other large screen devices. There is, however, a picture gallery in the device for viewing pictures as well as videos. Speaking of videos, the CarPad plays HD videos very well indeed.

User Experience: A mixed bag Our experience with the CarPad was a blend of the good and bad. While we liked the device as a navigator, it could not compete with other large screen phone/tablet hybrids in terms of tablet and phone functionality. Its performance on the calling front was average. Battery life also could have been a whole lot better - it lasts for a fair amount of time as long as you use it for navigation, but get into multi-tasking mode, and you will see it draining rather fast. We must confess being surprised at the fact that the device does not even come with a front facing camera, as it supports 3G.

Conclusion Priced at Rs 17,990 the CarPad 5 is good for navigation, but does not do enough on the phone and tablet fronts. The Quadrant score of the device is 1114 which is much lower than other devices in the same segment. If you are looking for a tablet with navigation, however, it would do better to go for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 which comes for around Rs 19,250 and has better specs and a new version of Android. n team@mymobile.co.in

verdict Looks

6 8

Features ease of use

perfoRmance

value for money

overall

72%

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 59

burn test MTS Mtag 351

116 mm

Budget CDMA Smartie!

highlights 1

Interesting and impressive back panel

2 VGA camera that enables video calling

62.2 mm

tech specs

Pros

Size | 116 x 62.2 x 12.15 mm

Capacitive touch of the phone works well

Weight | 131.5 grams Memory | 512MB, No Battery | Li-ion 1300 mAh



Striking looks



Preloaded apps



3.5 inch capactive display

Cons

Screen | 262,144 colours

4 Notable voice clarity

Talktime/Standby | up to5 hours/up to 200 hours



Older version of Android



Battery backup not impressive

GPRS/3G | Yes/Yes



Average music quality

Bluetooth/ WiFi | Yes/Yes Phonebook Capacity | Shared Camera | 3.0 megapixel

5 Number of apps comes Preloaded with the device

Frequency | CDMA 1x 800MHz Others | MTS TV, MTS Video Bite

Price: Rs 7,499

TS might be better known for its CDMA plans and USB dongles, but the company has also been making inroads into the budget smartphone market with a number of offerings. And the latest of these is the Android-driven Mtag 351. How does it stack up against the competition?

Looks: We like The MTS Mtag 351 hits the right notes as far as appearance goes, in our opinion. The 3.5 inch display of the phone dominates its front and there is one hard button for the Home key as well as three touch buttons for Menu, Search and Back below it. To our surprise,

60 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

the power/screen on/off button is provided on the lower part of the left side of the phone - a very odd location for it, as usually the power button is found either on the top or on the right side of most devices. The volume rocker is placed on the right side, while the charging slot and 3.5 mm jack are given on the top of the device. The back of the unit looked extremely classy with a bluish black shade. Housed in it is a camera with flash, and a speaker grill, is placed at the back, with the MTS and Google logos for good measure. All in all, we like the subtle yet classy look of the Mtag 351.

Hardware: Not too bad The phone comes with a 3.5 inch capacitive

www.mymobile.co.in

Multimedia: Average joe On the multimedia front, the Mtag 351 does a steady job. It has 3.0-megapixel camera with flash that takes pictures of adequate quality. The camera comes with settings like white balance, exposure limit and zoom to enhance picture quality. It also has a VGA front camera for video calling. On the audio front, the Mtag 351 emerged with credit with average sound quality on both loudspeaker and earplug mode. The music player comes with party shuffle and shuffle all options, although we would have ideally liked more tweaks. On board is also an FM radio with good reception, although you will need to connect the headphones to be able to use it. On the video front, the phone ran 720p videos with ease but was not that comfortable when it came to handling 1080p ones. All of which makes it a decent option for music and video lovers who do not demand too much from their mobile device.

User Experience: Not satisfied

We liked the overall performance of MTS Mtag 351, although the 1,300 mAh battery did not turn in a good performance - power users would do well not to wander too far from charging points. That apart, the display ensured that we got a good viewing experience, be it of videos or websites. Ideally we would have liked a newer version of Android on the device, but even with Android 2.3 under the hood, we did not have too many complaints. Gingerbread remains very functional, especially when backed up by apps.

Conclusion

touch display with 320x480 (HVGA) resolution, which serves up a decent viewing as well as touch experience. Powering it is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 MHz processor, with 256 MB RAM. It handled most basic tasks and games at a decent clip, although the going got tough as the graphics got closer to highdef territory. It comes with 128 MB of storage that can be expanded up to 32 GB with the help of microSD card - a 2 GB card comes with the device. For connectivity, the handset offers 2G/3G on CDMA, EVDO, Wi- Fi, A-GPS and Bluetooth.

Software: Apps galore The MTS Mtag 351 runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS, which is now beginning to show signs of ageing. However, the phoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unlock system is quite different from the routine and offers three options: home, message

and calling. It comes with three customized home screen panels, with the option to add more. The Calling, Contacts, Menu, Messaging and Internet icons are placed on the homescreen, which can also be customised using widgets and shortcuts. And though the version of Android might be on the older side, MTS has attempted to balance out matters by adding a number of preloaded applications like AccuWeather, Android Manager, Dxbattery booster, MTS TV, MTS Video Bite, News & Weather, and Saavn. The phone also comes with download links for Angry Birds and for chatting applications like Whatsapp and Nimbuzz, that can be downloaded from the Google Play market. The browsing experience was decent on a good Wi-Fi collection, although it was laggy on a mobile Internet connection.

The MTS Mtag 351 is available for Rs 7,499 and is a decent option for those looking for a smartphone on a CDMA network. As an alternative one can consider the Samsung Galaxy Y CDMA which costs Rs 7,500. n team@mymobile.co.in

verdict 8

Looks

Features

ease of use perfoRmance value for money

6 7

overall

72%

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 61

burn test Sony Xperia tipo dual Affordable Dual SIM

smartphone

highlights

fter forging a formidable reputation for itself in the conventional smartphone market, Sony has now ventured into dual SIM smartphone waters with the Xperia tipo Dual, an affordable Android-powered dual SIM device. But does the Xperia magic work over two SIMs?

Looks: Subtle, yet noticeable The Sony Xperia tipo comes with simple, yet catchy looks. Sony has kept the handset compact and lightweight, with smooth rounded corners. The device comes with a 3.2 inch capacitive display, below which are three touch keys for

3 The display is clear and impressive

Back, Home and Menu. Below the display is about half an inch of silver coloured area with the word Xperia on it, breaking the monotonous look of the plain front. The back has the camera placed at the top with the speaker grill placed towards the lower part. The power/ screen on/off button and 3.5 mm audio jack are placed on the top, the charging slot on the left and volume rockers on the right side of the device. On the right, one also has the SIM switch button, which lets users switch between the two connections by pressing it. Overall, the device is comfortable to hold and looks appealing.

62 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

The phone offers dual SIM functionality

Hardware: Just about fine Sony Xperia tipo dual is powered by a 800 MHz Cortex-A5 processor, and comes with an Adreno 200 GPU and 512 MB RAM. The internal memory of the device stands at 2.9 GB that is expandable up to 32 GB with the help of microSD card. The 3.2 inch display is clear and bright, although the touch experience tended to lag at times. On the connectivity front, the phone supports two SIMs, both GSM, with support for 2G as well as 3G networks. Other than that, it has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and microUSB. The SIM cards as well as the memory expansion cards are placed beneath the

www.mymobile.co.in

57 mm

era, but it is not the greatest we have seen, turning out results that we could at best call ordinary. Then again, while both the SIMs in the device support 3G, the absence of a front facing camera make video calling a non-starter on the phone. However, the sound quality of the phone is very good in both headset and loudspeaker mode, albeit it is not the loudest we have heard. Also on board is FM radio, which can be played in loudspeaker mode, although one has to plug in the headphones to make it work. we must say that we are not really impressed by FM reception. The music player of the device comes with some basic equaliser and sound effect settings - we expected a bit more, when you consider that the phone was launched with Sony’s xLOUD feature. When it comes to playing videos, the Xperia tipo dual did well in playing 720p HD videos.

103 mm

tech specs Size | 103 x 57 x 13 mm Weight | 99.4 grams Memory | 2.9GB, microSD

Pros 

Dual SIM support



Decent 3.2 inch display



Good sound quality

Battery | Li-ion 1,500 mAh Screen | 262,144 colours

User Experience: Acceptable

Talktime/Standby | up to 5 hours/up to 350 hours

The Xperia tipo dual is a decent enough Android offering for those looking for a dual SIM smartphone. Though the device has nothing extraordinary to offer, it is a solid performer with decent looks and good build quality. Although the display is bright, we found it to be a bit on the smaller size when it came to typing long text content. We also found the touch experience lagging a bit from time to time. But in terms of performance and preloaded apps, we found the tipo dual to be a good performer, and a very worthy debut for Sony in the dual SIM smartphone segment.

GPRS/3G | Yes/Yes

Cons

Bluetooth/ WiFi | Yes/Yes



Average camera quality

Phonebook Capacity | Shared



Lack of front camera

Camera | 3.15 megapixel



Tendency to slow down

Frequency | GSM 850/900/1800/1900/2100 Others | SIM swap key, xLOUD, HD video support

Price: Rs 10,200

Conclusion The Sony Xperia tipo dual is priced at Rs 10,200, which makes it decent value-for-money proposition at this price point. However, if one is looking for an alternative, one can consider the LG Optimus L3 dual which costs Rs 8,350 and the Samsung Galaxy Y Duos which is available for Rs 8,700. n

5 SIM swap key is an added advantage

The phone has multiple pre loaded apps

Phone is compact and light weight

team@mymobile.co.in

verdict battery and are therefore not hot swappable. Powering the device is a 1500 mAh battery.

Software: ICS calling We were delighted to see Sony bringing out the tipo on Ice Cream Sandwich platform, at a time when a number of its high-end devices are still running Android Gingerbread. It has five customisable home screens, which can be configured with app shortcuts and widgets. Five icons for My Apps, Play Market, Main Menu, Messaging and Calling are given on the screen. While accessing the main menu, three touch icons are also placed for app arrangement, Home and Menu arrangement. The

Xperia tipo dual also comes with a number of interesting preloaded apps for cine buffs like Desimartini (in which one can search, read reviews and watch trailers of upcoming and ongoing Bollywood, Hollywood and Tamil films), PVR Cinemas and Bollywood Hungama. Sony is definitely trying to strike a chord with the Bollywood crowd here - not surprising giving its standing in the entertainment sector.

Multimedia: We wanted more Given its reputation in the multimedia field, we felt that Sony was a little miser when it came to this side of the Xperia tipo. The phone does come with a 3.15-megapixel cam-

Looks

Features

ease of use

perfoRmance

value for money

overall

78%

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 63

burn test Samsung Galaxy Note 2

151.1 mm

Sets the benchmark for all phablets, and even some smartphones

Pros

highlights

80.5 mm

amsung can take credit for creating the Phablet category with its extremely popular Galaxy Note. And although the 10.1 version of the device did not exactly rock the market, the Note 2 has much more going for it, with better specs and more features. There is a new king in phablet town!

Looks: Attractive as ever The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 N7100 is a huge device in phone terms. The front has a large 5.55-inch HD super AMOLED screen of 1,280 x 720 resolution. If you talk about the aesthetics, the form factor of the Note 2 is very similar to Galaxy S3. It has a glossy front and back panel



Excellent screen



Handwriting recognition works well



Battery lasts for long

along with the silver trims, which do attract lot of smudges, but nothing that cannot be quickly wiped away. Below the display are the home, the back and settings feather touch keys, which light up as soon as you touch them. The sides house the power and volume rocker keys, along with a 3.5 mm audio jack and power socket. Turning the device around reveals the stylus slotted into the lower right corner.

Hardware: Nothing but the best Samsung has packed the Note 2 with hardware goodness. It comes with a 1.6 GHz quad core processor and 2 GB RAM, which load applica-

64 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

S-pen can be used for various functions

The large 5.55-inch screen is brilliant for games and movies

tions and games at blazing speeds. A Mali 400 graphics unit is onboard to boost gaming and graphics functions, and there two cameras - an 8.0-megapixel one in the rear and a 1.9megapixel one in the front for video chatting. Internal storage stands at 16 GB of it, with the provision to expand it further by 32 GB using a microSD card. A 3,100 mAh battery keeps the Note 2 purring for up to 35 hours on 2G networks, and of course, just like in the original Note, there is the stylus, S-Pen, which adds a new dimension to the interface of the device.

Software: Jelly Bean cometh The Galaxy Note 2 comes pre-loaded with the

www.mymobile.co.in

Battery | Li-ion 3100 mAh

simultaneously work on two screens using the S-pen. So, you can be on a call and at the same time take notes. With the stylus one can also quickly browse images without opening any folder, thanks to the Air View feature, which is proprietary to Note 2. Users can also mark and cut/copy a part of the screen and use in their own notes. This does require a bit of getting used to, though, but is very handy once mastered. The camera on the Note 2 takes some very good shots. Digital noise was apparent in some low light shots, but the ones we shot in better light conditions came out very well indeed, with vivid colours. There are plenty of shooting modes available, including panorama and burst shot.

Screen | 16 million colours

User Experience: Super

tech specs Size | 151.1 x 80.5 x 9.4 mm Weight | 183 grams Memory | 16GB, microSD

We were a bit apprehensive if the Note 2 could live up to the expectations engendered by its predecessor, and well, it does. Yes, it is wider than your conventional large screen phone, but is light for its size, making it very portable indeed. The battery can last for a day and half with ease on a 2G network with Wi-Fi turned off. And it turned in the highest score we have seen on Quadrant - a very impressive 5,927. Call quality is spot on and the stylus is very handy, although we are hoping for more apps that use it in the coming days. The handwriting recognition system works very well, making this a very good note taker.

Cons 

Low light photos fetch digital noise



The large size might be a problem for some



Glossy front and back are smudge

Frequency | GSM 850/900/1800/1900/2100

Price: Rs 39,800

5 Battery lasts for long under normal usage

Conclusion

Others | Android 4.1, S-pen

Jelly Bean operating system is quick

The performance of the phone with quadcore processor is the best in class

All in all, the Galaxy Note 2 is a very good device for professionals or people who want a super large screen with calling capabilities, and a stylus to scribble away. The large screen is a treat and the hardware about as good as it gets. It is, however, a device for larger hands and will not slip into your trouser pocket easily. Its only alternative, in our opinion, is its predecessor, the original Note, which is available for Rs 29,990. n team@mymobile.co.in

verdict latest version of Android - 4.1 or Jelly Bean. The home screen on the device has seven panels that can be customised as per user’s preference. As the Note is aimed at business users and working professionals, it does have a set of good utility applications like Voice Notes, Dropbox and S-Note, which can be used with the stylus. Also on board is the ChatON messenger app for chat addicts. An interesting application that comes with the Note 2 is AllShare Play, which enables users to share and play content across other AllShare-ready devices without the need of cables - you can wirelessly transfer and play content from the device on a HDTV too. The choice of enter-

tainment applications is, however, limited. An app or two to play movies and browse pictures can be found but these are not really worth writing home about. Then, one can always head to the Google Play store to get alternatives.

Multimedia: Display magic When it comes to multimedia, the Note 2’s superb display rocks. The widescreen is brilliant to work on, view movies and play games. We downloaded and tried our hand on some HD games, and loved playing them. The screen is vivid and brings everything to life. Just as in the Note 10.1, here too users can

Looks

8 9

Features ease of use

8 9

perfoRmance value for money

overall

84%

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 65

boredom buster

Fight night (and day) Tekken is back with 44 fighters to the arena to slug it out

he Tekken series is synonymous with some of the most addictive and brutal fighting action seen in gaming history. And joining the Tekken ranks is Tag Tournament 2, which (like its predecessor), comes with an elaborate roster of 44 fighters as well as a story mode called ‘Fight Lab.’ In it, a new version of the Combot being developed by Violet, explodes and destroys the lab. Undeterred, Violet uses another working bot to finish the test and kidnaps Jin, Kazuya and Heihachi to test the new bot against them. Which is where the fun starts - you need to

battle and win your way through a host of levels. The story mode is quite short and more of a training ground than an actual career plot. Gameplay is similar to the first edition, where you choose two players who can tag each other in and out of the fight to take the opponents down. However, the difficulty levels have been raised and have to be really quick to execute the combos effectively. There are lots of moves to try out, with an elaborate roster of players, so we suggest you pick two characters, master their skills and then move

66 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

onto others. The graphics of the game are very good and so is the sound. There is an online mode as well, where you can rumble with friends and other online players. Tekken Tag Tournament is a hard game to master, but once you come to grips with it, guarantees hours of fighting fun. n sulabh@mymobile.co.in

Name: Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Price: 2,999 Tested on: Xbox 360

RATING



www.mymobile.co.in

Back to Borderlands Just

like its predecessor, Borderlands 2 is one action-packed ride

lmost four years after winning rave reviews, Borderlands returns to consoles and computers in a sequel that is everything that we wanted it to be. Borderlands 2 is livelier, has more action and no longer do you get a feeling of being alone on Pandora (where the game takes place). Set in a period five years after that of the first edition of Borderlands. A valuable mineral called Eridium has been found in abundance, and the game gets underway with a team of vault hunters getting lured into a trap by Handsome Jack on a train. They are left to die in frozen terrain, but are rescued by

a Claptrap robot. And so the fun starts. The team starts getting messages from the Guardian Angel (yep, he is there), who instructs them to recover a lost vessel. Which leads to a long, enjoyable journey, replete with some insanely interesting characters, including Tiny Tina, arguably the world’s deadliest 13 year old. There are guns in abundance, with upgrades available as well, allowing you to take down foes small and large with a degree of ease. The graphics of the game are similar to the one seen in the original Borderlands, although there are signs of improvement.

The world is large, which means you can spend a lot of time exploring it, and the boss battles are extremely satisfying, provided you use the right weapons. All of which makes Borderlands 2 a worthy successor of the original title and one worth grabbing for all those looking for an action-packed experience. n sulabh@mymobile.co.in

Name: Borderlands 2 Price: 2,450 Tested on: PlayStation 3

RATING



oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 67

boredom buster

Jet pack alien battle An alien eliminator

with a difference

ighting with aliens has always been part and parcel of the gaming world, right from the original Space Invaders to the Crysis series. And Square Off is a decent addition to the mobile side of alien battling. However, unlike other alien bashers, this one does not put you into the shoes of a muscled gun bearing soldier, but instead makes you a cartoon-ish square player with a jetpack at its back. Alien-killing options include guns, bombs and more, depending on your performance. The game starts with a UFO that releases a number of different-coloured enemies. You have to kill them before they stick to your

player and drain the life out of him. You can set the movement of your player and his shots by choosing between Free Floating, Floating and Fixed. The bottom left of the screen is dedicated for movement and the right for shooting from weapons. Your player, who you can name as per your wish, comes with a single gun and bomb as default weapons. As you mow down more aliens (who keep coming), you get new weapons and powers. The game has seven levels with different backgrounds and several rounds for you to pass. The whole interface might look a little kiddish with the kind of animations used, but is extremely

68 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

addicting. We only wish we did not have to start from scratch every time our player got killed. All in all, very engaging - and available in both paid and free versions to suit your addiction levels. n harshita@mymobile.co.in

Name: Square Off Price: Free Tested on: Nokia Lumia 800

RATING



www.mymobile.co.in

Smart apps

Point to discover City Lens

app tells you about interesting places in your vicinity

fter spending some time in beta avatar, Nokia’s City Lens app for its Lumia and Symbian Belle range of phones has finally been released in all its glory. And it remains as simple and effective as ever - opening the app, launches the camera, and pointing it in any direction, results in information being displayed on nearby points of interest including food joints, shopping complexes, hotels and more.

One can also opt to see the location of the place on a map and other information, sometimes including phone numbers, e-mail ids, and even reviews, where available. And you can even ask the app to show you the route to the locations - yes, this app has inbuilt navigation as well. There are eight categories of places: Food, Hotels, Shopping, Famous, Fun, Sights, Transport and Nearby, the last being a comprehensive listing of interesting places around you, irrespective of classification. Also, while most of the options would give you information on places within a radius of ten kilometers, Famous is not restricted by this distance cap and will show you locations even in other countries. And it all really works - we tested out the app in Delhi and NCR and it worked just fine, although we would have liked to get information on hospi-

tals and other such amenities as well. All of which makes Nokia City Lens the perfect app for those wanting to discover interesting places in their city or town. Yes, you would need a brisk data connection to get the most out of it but it sure beats searching for places on other map-based apps. And oh yes, did we mention the best part? It is totally free. n

harshita@mymobile.co.in

Name: Nokia City Lens Beta Price: Free Tested on: Nokia Lumia 800

RATING



oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 69

Smart apps

Shoot, edit and share videos For all

who love tweaking moving pictures

hile there are a number of apps for editing and sharing still photos, instant video editing continues to have relatively limited options. One of these is AndroVid Video Trimmer, an app that lets you edit and share videos with minimum fuss. The app comes with a number of features - one can trim videos and produce clips, delete parts from a video, split a video file into two separate video clips, grab video frames and even convert video files to MP3 audio files. One can even add effects to a video that include fade in/out, mirror effect, gray tone, negative, mute mode, slow/fast

motion and swap U-V effect. And once you are through with editing, the app automatically offers instant sharing options to Facebook, YouTube, and other social networks. A feature that surely impresses one and all. The app’s interface is similar to that seen in most video players with a bar indicating the time of the video at the bottom of the screen, while the editing options are shown on top with varying editing tools. Once changes are made in the video being edited, you can choose whether to save the changes separately or to keep the original file. It is an app with easy to use interface

70 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

and all this for free. Which makes AndroVid Video Trimmer one of the most versatile and fun - video editing apps we have seen. It is available for download from the Google Play market. n

ketan@mymobile.co.in

Name: AndroVid Video Trimmer Price: Free Tested on: Sony Xperia Sola

RATING



www.mymobile.co.in

Keeping tabs on fb friends Want to know who is and who has ceased to be?

he social networking craze continues to grow by leaps and bounds, with hundreds of people joining social networks of their choice every day, and spending hours reading and updating them. And one of the most popular of these is Facebook. Rare indeed is the smartphone or PC user who does not have a Facebook account and spends some time catching up with what their friends are doing and posting their own updates. As one spends more time on The Social Network, the number of one’s friends increases as well. And keeping track of all of them can be quite a task. Fortunately, there is an app for that. Called Friend Checker for Facebook, the app, developed by Pomo, is available on Android and has three categories - Check Friends, Ex-Friends and New Friends. When you sign in to the app, it will import your Facebook friends list to your phone. On clicking the “Check Friends” option, the app will show you if any of the friends in your list has unfriended you or if the number of your

friends is the same. It also has an Ex-Friends list which shows the names of the people who were earlier friends with you on Facebook but have since “moved on”. The New Friends option on the other hand lets you know about the newly added friends on your Facebook account. So now, all you need to keep tabs on your Facebook friends is this handy app on your Android device, which brings you up to speed on the latest developments on your Facebook Friend front with just a few taps. n

heena@mymobile.co.in

Name: Friend Checker for Facebook Price: Free Tested on: Sony Xperia tipo dual

RATING



oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 71

etcetera

Sounds good Great sound,

and hey, it’s water proof too!

ose has been a name traditionally associated home theatre and audio systems. However, the company has recently launched a new series of headphones called the SIE2i designed especially for Apple’s products - the iPhone, iPod touch and Nano series. Yes, they do work with other devices as well, but while the sound with Apple’s devices is spectacular, you do not get the same thump when you connect them to another music player. The headphones are comfortable to wear and come not only with trendy ear plugs, but also a MIC unit along with the volume and call buttons for iPhone users. Also in the package is an extension wire. The headphones come with an arm band in the box into which one can place an iPhone or an iPod touch—a nice touch, especially for joggers and folks who love to run or work out to the music in a gym or on the road. The arm band makes sure your music player stays safe and you do not miss a beat while working out. The headphones are also water resistant, which again makes them excellent options for the sweaty stained ears of fitness freaks. And of course, this being a Bose product, the audio quality is excellent, especially with iOS devices. All in all, the Bose SIE 2i is a good pair of headphones for Apple product owners with deep pockets (hey, this is a Bose and does not come cheap). Those with other music players would be advised to look elsewhere. n

72 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

Bose SIE2i headphones Price: Rs 8,663 + VAT Pros | Water resistant, Comes with an arm pouch Cons | Does not sound that good with non-Apple players, Stiff price

RATING



www.mymobile.co.in

Sandisk Extreme 3.0 (64 GB) Price: Rs 4,199

Pros | Good build quality, Very fast transfer speeds Cons | Price is bit steep, Dimensions

could have been smaller

RATING



“Cruz”ing on USB 3.0 Small, light, fast, stocks a lot

any of us have moved past the era of DVD storage and if the likes of SanDisk has its way, portable hard drives too could become passe. The company has recently launched a new USB flash drive that combines stacks of storage space with a really brisk turn of speed as well. Called the Extreme USB 3.0, its main USP is the fact that it works with USB 3.0 ports, letting you transfer greater amounts of data in lesser time than you would with earlier versions. The drive comes with the traditional Cruzer looks you get a top slider, which when pushed forward, reveals the USB 3.0 port. The shell is made of glossy and matte black plastics, and has a nice rich feel to it. We got our hands on the 64 GB version of the USB drive, which has very decent storage space for those who need to carry relatively large files with them. The drive turned in very impressive scores when we tested it with HD Tunes, transferring files at blazing speeds. The

average transfer rate was recorded at 176.4 MB per second, which is ten times faster than the usual 2.0 USB drive. We transferred a 1 GB file from our PC to the drive and it managed to do so in a staggering 12 seconds - now that is frankly mind-boggling. There is more to the drive however than just storage and speed. SanDisk has included encryption software in the drive for data protection. Users also get 2 GB of cloud storage via YuuWaa. All of which makes the SanDisk Extreme 3.0 a great product for those who need to store gigs of data and transfer it at blazing speeds. That said, it does not come cheap - the 64 GB version costs Rs 4,199 although you can go for less expensive versions as well—32 GB (Rs 2,399) or 16 GB (Rs 1,400). n

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 73

etcetera

Amkette SmartBoard Price: Rs 2,695 Pros | Compatible with various OSes, Comfortable to use Cons | Runs on alkaline batteries, Keyboard panel attracts finger prints

RATING



Tabby typer Adding typing

delight to touchscreens

ablets might be the rage in the gadget market these days, thanks to the convenience they provide in terms of accessing information on the move. But typing on them remains a problem, especially if you are the type (pun intended) who likes to write long text messages or mails. A number of manufacturers have been trying to tackle this by offering keyboards that can be used alongside tablets and other large touchscreen devices. And the latest to join the keyboard party is Amkette, which has

launched SmartBoard, a sleek and compact Bluetooth-enabled QWERTY keyboard which can work with PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones running on just about any platform. All you need to use the SmartBoard is to pair it with your device over Bluetooth. The keyboard comes with shortcut keys for home, search (for iPad and Android), and menu. You can also make use of the keys to support multimedia features like play or pause, next, previous and volume rocker.

74 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

The keyboard is well designed, making it very comfortable to use, with keys that protrude and are therefore easier to use while typing, although it can be a bit of a fingerprint magnet. It is lightweight and easy to carry as well - we just wish it had a rechargeable battery of its own (it runs on Alkaline batteries which can be an expensive proposition). All said and done, the SmartBoard is a very handy gadget for all those who want to have the best of both touch and type worlds. n

www.mymobile.co.in

Point and just shoot Exquisite shotmaker!

ony has added a camera to its point and shoot range that many feel can give entry level DSLRs a run for their money. Known as the RX100, this is a very good-looking digital camera with a ring around its lens. The build of the camera is very classy, reflecting a sense of richness. On its rear is a 3.0-inch LCD, which is excellent for previewing images and videos. It also manages and displays all the functions of the camera, although it does fade out a bit under direct sunlight. The lens can zoom 3.6 times, and is paired with a 20.2-megapixels CMOS sensor. There are lot of modes available on the dial, varying from the intelligent auto mode for beginners, to the manual mode for people who want more control over their images. The ring around the lens might appear gimmicky, but is actually a very handy way of controlling various functions of the camera. It can be used as a one stop knob to zoom, manage aperture and do much more. We loved the outcome of the images we clicked, both indoors and outdoors. The camera can take fine macro shots too, serving up images that were very DSLR-like. Videos shot/ clicked were sharp as well. One can hot swap the SD card in the camera which is located next to the battery. Users can get both JPEG and RAW image formats from the camera. Great build, interesting interface, great shots now if only it did not cost a whole lot more than some entry level DSLRs. n

Sony dsc RX100 Price: Rs 34,990 Pros | The ring control is handy, Excellent picture quality Cons | Battery life could have been better, Price is steep

RATING



oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 75

etcetera BenQ 24-inch LED monitor gw2450 Price: Rs 12,295

Pros | Good screen, eye sense Cons | Placement of connectivity ports, Design could have been better

RATING



Big screen beauty A lot

more than just monitoring work

here was a time when monitors were huge and bulky and were restricted to the work corner of home and offices. Today, these devices have lost a lot of their flab, and are growing sleeker and more classy in terms of appearance, even while constantly expanding their feature list. BenQ’s 24-inch LED screen device comes in the same category with a sleek black body that serves us excellent images and videos, with a sense eye to adjust the brightness automatically on the basis of the requirements. The device is

capable of playing full HD videos, and houses a audio system which is decent in terms of pitch and sound quality. And it can connect to a number of devices as well - comes with a HDMI, DVI-D, D-Sub port, headphone and Line in that are located at the lower back. There are keys given on the lower right side of the panel to operate functions like power on/off, volume rocker, mode changer for brightness, menu key and an auto key for auto adjustments. However, we did not find the keys comfortable to use due to size of

76 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

the screen which hinders their visibility perhaps there could have been a light indicating each key to make it easier to spot, and saving us the trouble of scrabbling around. The matte finish of the screen is a good touch as it ensures that ambient light does not reflect on to the viewer’s eyes, providing a good viewing experience. The GW2450 is a very good buy for those looking for large screen entertainment - just be ready to search occasionally for the buttons. n

www.mymobile.co.in

Click to play For those in the gaming rat, or rather, mouse race

ogitech has always been known for its innovative computer accessories. And the latest offering from the stables of Logitech is the G400 gaming mouse, which is designed for gamers who do not need the extra bling. We were impressed with the design that provides nice grip - the centre bulges out in an arc that makes it ideal to grip. However, we assume that people with small hands may find it a bit difficult to hold. The company claims that it will last up to 10 million clicks and can travel 250 km easily. It comes with DPI settings ranging from 400 to 3600 DPI for gamers. And the two buttons on either side of the scroll wheel increase and decrease the DPI sensitivity of the mouse on the go, a feature that enables us to tweak the sensitivity of the mouse without having to exit or even pause the ongoing operation. A third button near the scroll lets users revert to the default DPI. Another set of buttons on the left side of the mouse enables a user to go forward and back while browsing the Internet or folders on the computer. The G400 communicates at 1000 reports per second and the cable is thinner and lighter so it does not drag around as much while gaming. The scroll wheel unfortunately was not the greatest we have used, but at Rs 2,095, this is a very handy option for gamers looking for precise navigation. n

Logitech Gaming Mouse G400 Price: Rs 2,095 Pros | 3600 DPI optical sensor, On-the-fly sensitivity switching Cons | Scroll wheel is not great, Number of buttons can create confusion

RATING

 oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 77

a p p ta s t i c

Five Apps for Foodies Yes, there are apps for food lovers too. So if you happen to get high on food, there is lots of appiness for you to choose from. We cherry pick the five best apps for foodies. Harshita Rastogi

here is a foodie in all of us, whether hidden or obvious. We may not like to admit it publicly but rare indeed is the person who visits a restaurant and does not think about trying out the odd exotic dish. Of course, satisfying oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inner foodie is not the easiest task always. There are times when one is stuck in a new city or an unfamiliar part of town, with hunger pangs, and has no idea where to head to grab a bite. And then there are those occasions when one loves to cook and wants to try something new but has no idea from where to get a new recipe. A few years ago, the solution would have been to ask someone for advice in either regard. But then this is the age of smartphones that come stacked with apps

for just about everything. And yes, that includes food as well. With phones becoming smarter and coming with a host of features, ranging from accelerometers to gyroscopes to GPS and of course, almost always-on Internet connectivity, you could be just an app away from satisfying the needs of your inner foodie. Imagine having an app that not only tells you which restaurants are in your vicinity but also shows you the menus available and even gives you the option to call up the place and book a table? Well, that is perfectly possible, given the number of apps out there. In fact, the problem is not so much as finding an app as to finding the right one, as there are a plethora of applications out there that claim to add to your eating experience.

78 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

So if it is apps for foodies that you seek, we recommend trying out the following five:

Zomato: Available on: Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry, Symbian Price: Free At times looking for a place to eat can be very time consuming, especially if you are in an unknown part of town. If that is the problem you are facing then Zomato is one of the most convenient and user friendly applications to search for a food joint in your nearby vicinity or the area you wish to visit or to just discover a new place by random search. You can also have a look at the restaurants shortlisted as per your choice of cuisine. Besides this, it gives you the option to look at the menu of a restaurant, and the approximate expense for dining of two people. There also are user reviews.

Allrecipes.com:

Available on: Windows Phone, iOS, Android Price: Free From desserts to main dishes to healthy food and more, you can opt for whatever you wish from a never ending list of food recipes in this app. Simply choose for the option of your choice, and the app will show you a list of dishes based on that. Select the one you wish and apart from the ingredients required and recipe to prepare it, you can read reviews and nutrient value as well. So those who are health conscious and are careful about the nutrients they are taking can keep tabs on their calorie count.

If that is not enough and you feel the need of selecting your dish type and ingredients along with time to cook, bingo, the app allows you to do that as well. Just make sure you have a good data connection while using it.

Global Eater Food Dictionary

Available on: iOS Price: $0.99

Has it ever happened that you have tried out an authentic Chinese or Thai or some country-specific cuisine in a restaurant and come across some terms related with the name of the dishes that are difficult to pronounce, let alone understand? If that has indeed happened with you, then simply give this app a try. The Global Eater Food Dictionary application comes with definitions of food items varying across cuisines from various countries all over the world. This can be a perfect guide for reference in case you find yourself caught in the world of confusing food names.

Evernote Food:

then you can opt for this app to ensure that your memories of the dish stay alive. Coming from Evernote, this app allows users to save good or bad memories of their experiences with food in the form of pictures and notes. All one needs to do is log in or register themselves and then go right ahead and keep your own foodie diary. You can also put in further details like location, tags, titles and more, and as a final neat touch, also share your notes with other over e-mail and social networks.

Dominoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza India:

Available on: iOS, Android, Symbian Price: Free It might have taken its time getting to India, but today Pizza is a popular dish in its own right, especially among the younger generation. And if you ever find yourself yearning for a slice of this Italian dish, then all you need to do is turn to this app from Dominos. Simply register yourself and add the address of delivery, and order what you wish. Also you can also place an order on the app and

Available on: iOS, Android Price: Free We often go to places and try out new dishes. Sometimes we like the taste of what we eat, or maybe even are struck by the manner in which a dish has been prepared and presented. If that does indeed happen with you,

choose to pick it up from the nearby store. An interesting part of the application is that apart from choosing from the menu, you can also redeem coupons on it. And yes, the 30 minutes delivery guarantee applies here as well. So the next time you feel like a pizza, open this app, choose your order, place it and relax. n harshita@mymobile.co.in

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 79

www.mymobile.co.in

fa c e t o fa c e

“If an app has utility, paying will not be an issue” Hardware might grab headlines, but app and service developers have an important role to play in the industry as well. Karthik Kumar, director, Rage Communications, spoke to us about trends in the app market and what to expect Harshita Rastogi

What kind of products does Rage offer to its consumers? Rage is a services company. So, we don’t have products of our own, but we develop products for our clients. An example of the product we have created in the ‘Phonoguide’ for GoPlaces, a travel services company. Apps that we have developed on our own such as Alpha Learning, Animal Safari, etc., are available free on the appropriate platforms. These were developed principally to create content depth in the Indian apps marketplaces. How big is the applications market in India? And what is your share of it? I have no estimate of the size of the app market in India. However, seeing the evolution of the app ecosystem, I do not think ‘apps’, by themselves will create a significant market. However, apps will add to the proliferation of content delivery media. Thus, we will see a lot of mainstream industries such as banking, print publishing, print media, etc., using the app eco-system to push their content. This will enable them to retain their existing customers who are migrating to digital platforms as well as generate new customer bases who are weaned on digital platforms. What kind of trends do you see in the app market today? It is still early days so there is a lot of jostling to gain a toe-hold. A key issue is that there is no ‘only India’ facing app eco-system. Therefore, it is a part of a global delivery platform, where we are relatively small. It is also significant that the existing app eco-systems are driven by device manufacturers, rather than service providers. In such an

environment the vast majority of the apps are created by the developer armies of the device manufacturers, which results in proliferation of ‘cool’ creations for tiny niches of users. Which platforms do you develop apps for? iOS, Windows, Symbian, Android. We also work on Java and WAP. What according to you could be the reasons that we see iOS to have a better set of applications as compared to other OSes? They have a richer user experience. Moreover, Apple has been able to lock in users to the iTune platform. iTunes is the access point for all Apple devices and services - computers, music players, phones, tablets, storage - therefore, it is seamless across all devices. We have recently seen a growth in devices with screen sizes varying from 5-inches to 10-inches. Do you face any challenges while developing apps for these? Obviously there are challenges. Screen size is only one of the issues. There are issues in terms of feature sets, native functionalities, etc. We have evolved a system that we call ‘responsive design’, which involves our design and coding teams working together to create wireframes that incorporate the complexities which ensure that when it is produced, the rendition will be device specific. What do you think interest consumers the most - paid or unpaid apps? I think the key is utility. If the app has utility, paying will not be an issue. Currently, however, it is almost as if a kid has been allowed into a candy store and asked to take what likes. So, many of the smartphones and tablets users, load their devices with apps merely to display their ‘coolness.’ Today, there are many app developers for the Android and iOS platform. What can we expect from Windows Phone 8 when it comes to developing applications? Even more app developers! Windows probably has the largest pool of developers, so there will be significant interest from them too. n harshita@mymobile.co.in

80 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

tips & tricks

Transferring mobile balance If you are running short of balance on your handset, you can ask your friend to send you some. All it takes is some extremely simple steps. Waseem Ansari

ransferring mobile balance from one handset to another for prepaid users on the same network is the perfect solution for those times when you need more talk time but do not have access to a recharge. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Airtel

Dial *141# and follow the instructions to transfer balance. n You can transfer Rs 5-30 balance only. n This service is available for both local and STD users. n Rs 2-4 will be charged. n

Aircel

Dial *122*666# and choose the amount which you want to transfer. n Provide the mobile number to which you want to transfer the balance. n You can transfer Rs 5, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100. n This service is available for local users only. n

BSNL

Type a message “GIFT” (space) “amount” (space) “mobile number” n Send it to 55567. For example, to send Rs 50 to 94157***** number, write “GIFT 50 94157*****” and send it to 55567. n

Dial *367# Following this, dial *312*3# then the number to which to transfer the balance. n Enter the amount to transfer. n Enter default PIN 1 . n n

Uninor

Idea

Dial *202* mobile number*(to which you wish to transfer the balance) amount#. n So if you want to transfer Rs 10 to 99856***57 number, just type *202* 99856***57*10#. n

Go to your message box and type “GIVE” (space) “mobile number” to which you want to transfer the balance (space) “amount” and send it to 55567. n For example, if you want to transfer Rs 50 to 98990***** number, you will need to write “GIVE 98990***** 50” and then send this to 55567. n You will be charged an amount for availing of this service. n You must have the balance to transfer an amount of more than Rs 11. n

Reliance (Only for GSM)

Vodafone

Dial *131* amount* mobile number (to which you want to transfer the balance) #. n So if you want to transfer Rs 10 to the number 98736***57, just type *131*98736***57*10# n n

waseem@mymobile.co.in

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 81

infographic

2G & 3G Data

Consumption in India The penetration of 3G services is surging and is driving broadband growth in the country. The growth could be attributed to the massive uptake of smartphones and reduction in 3G tariff by all the telcos. Besides this, usage of 2G services has also increased.

913.49 million

3G Growth rate more than double due to recent tariff cut

Mobile users in India

63 million

claimed mobile internet users

43 million Active mobile internet users

About 14% of the current 3G mobile data is driven by uploading of audio, video and picture on social networking sites

82 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

www.mymobile.co.in

3G users consumes 4 times more data than 2g users Pan India Level mobile broadband trends

3G data 2G data l 3G services has increased by 78% in India between December 2011 and June 2012. l 3G traffic grew by 7% month on month from December 2011 and May 2012. From May 2012 to June 2012 3G traffic grew by 17% l 3G uptake has been impressive, despite device penetration of only 6% and limited 3G coverage (100,000 3G sites vs 1 million 2G sites) l Peak hour for 3G usage: 10 PM to 11PM

l 2G services increased by 47% between December 2011 and June 2012. l 2G user consumers 95/MB per month on an average l Web browsing contributes 81% of 2G data traffic while downloading videos constitutes 17%. l 4% in multimedia content traffic over 2G networks across the country from December 2011 to June 2012. l 2G accounts for 他 (75% of the total data traffic) of total mobile data

3G Data Source: Nokia Siemens Networks MBit Index Report 2012 and IAMAI

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 83

c e l l- e b r i t y

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am not that tech savvy at allâ&#x20AC;? There is a new Bhatt in Bollywood. Alia Bhatt, the daughter of renowned film maker Mahesh Bhatt, makes her Bollywood debut in Student of the Year, one of the most awaited films of the year. We caught with the star of tomorrow to talk about the film, and of course, her tech side Harshita Rastogi Tell us a bit about your role in Student of the Year? I play Shanaya Singhania, a character who is obsessed about brands and is very fashion conscious. She belongs to a sort of dysfunctional family and seeks that one person to love her unconditionally. The movie revolves around the friendship, competition and relationship between the other two male characters and me. You come from one of the most famous families in Bollywood. How did it feel to step into the industry? I would say that belonging to a Bollywood associated family gives a good platform to be recognised but there it really ends. Eventually we have to make it on the basis of our merits. I mean, we have to prove ourselves and our potential by working hard. If Karan did not think that we have something and had not seen some potential in us, we would not have been sitting here talking about our movie. How has been the experience of working in Student of the Year? The journey has been nice and everything happened really fast, considering that I am just 19 and after completing my schooling I just walked into films. So it is scary and exciting at the same time and I am nervous, but I am taking it as it comes and enjoying every bit of it. All right, now on to the tech. What all gadgets do you use? I am actually very challenged in this area, and am not that tech savvy at all. I bought my iPad a month ago and I just use it to play games and for browsing. And which games do you play on your iPad? I like to play Temple Run, Angry Birds and such random games which seem interesting to me. When not in gaming mode, what else do you do on the iPad? There is this app called Photo Booth on the iPad which I use to take pictures of my friends et al. It is a good photo-related app. Do you use social networks? And if you do, are you active on them? I am getting there, trying to use these. I have recently started tweeting on twitter. n harshita@mymobile.co.in

84 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

1987-2012

25 AR

UP RO

EXH IB

ONS INDIA G IT I

L SO F EXCE

Gear guide Disclaimer: The prices have been obtained from companies/ respective showrooms

Nokia Fast Micro-USB Charger | AC-10E

Save energy and save the environment. Based on a common energy-rating system for chargers, it has a 5-star rating for energy saving. Rs 950

Nokia Bluetooth Headset | BH-607

This headset enables you to be connected with little charging. It just requires 15 minutes of charging, giving you up to 5 hours of talk time. Rs 4,500

Nokia Bluetooth Headset | BH-105

This headset enables you to answer, end and reject calls with the convenient built in keys. It has an eye catching design. Rs 950

Nokia Monster Earphone | WH920 The in-ear design of the set isolates external noise to ensure enriched music experience. The earphones have volume controller built in to its cord. Rs 5,110

Nokia Bluetooth Headset | BH-213

With Nokia Bluetooth Headset BH-213 talk at length. Keep it ready to use with up to 400 hours of standby time. Rs 3,000

Nokia Bluetooth Stereo Headset | BH-905i

This Stereo headset has an option of active noise cancellation. With this you can hear your music and calls with low noise and great sound. Rs 3,500

Nokia Play | 360°

Enjoy clear 360-degree audio for your music with Nokia Play 360° (MD-50W). The curved design case brings a modern look and feel. Rs 9,200

Nokia Bluetooth Stereo Headset | BH-505

Nokia Bluetooth Headset | BH-108

Nokia Bluetooth Headset BH-108 helps you to stay in control with just one touch. Check your email, browse the web or write a quick note – this wireless headset gives you the freedom to multitask. Rs 950

Bluetooth Headset BH-505 keeps you active and entertained. The headset features a lightweight neckband for all day comfort. Rs 3,900

86 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

www.mymobile.co.in in Delhi but may vary on account of dealer discretion/company schemes.

Nokia Extra Power | DC-8

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the road and away from an AC supply, you can get peace of mind with a reliable, pocket-sized source of backup power. Rs 1,520

Nokia Extra Power | DC-11

Power-up your phone and headset while on the go. Charge the power pack, your phone and an accessory at the same time. Rs 2,550

Nokia Retractable Car Charger | DC-10 With Nokia Retractable Car Charger DC-10 charge your phone in the car. Rs 950

Nokia Monster Headset | WH 930

This Nokia headset boasts of some high end features that are not to be seen in any other headsets available in the market. Rs 11,200

Nokia Stereo Headset | WH-701

It helps to control your calls and music in a world of sound. It features three sets of comfortable ear pads and an integrated remote for controlling volume, calls, and music. Rs 1,350

Nokia Mini Speaker | MD-11

Play your music and listen to the radio out loud with this compact, yet powerful mini speaker. You can connect mini speaker for quality stereo surround sound. Rs 1,150

Nokia Extra Power | DC-11K

Charge two devices at the same time. It is extra compact and lightweight and offers a quick boost of power. Rs 2,400

Nokia Bluetooth Headset | BH-104

With Nokia Bluetooth Headset BH-104 you can stay on top of your calls and enables convenient wireless communication throughout the day. Rs 1,050

Nokia Car Charger | DC-4

Simple and compact, this mobile phone charger offers rapid phone charging from a car cigarette lighter socket. Rs 240

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 87

Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best mobile magazine Independence

Offer 40%

Subscribe This Month Get

Off

YEARS

YEAR

Subscription

Offer

SCRATCH

Subscription

Offer

WIN Free Magazine issues

YEARS

Subscription

Offer

S uNbOs W c r!i b e SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM Term No of (year) issue

Coverprice (Rs.)

2,700

1,800

Option

You pay (Rs)

2,700

Haier Toaster / Timex Gents Watch worth Rs. 2,700 + Scratch Card

1,629

Save Rs. 1,080 i.e 40% discount on cover price

1,800

Arise Electric Kettle /Timex Ladies watch worth Rs. 1,800 + Scratch Card

1,080

Save Rs. 720 i.e 25% discount on cover price

900

Numero Uno Shoes worth Rs. 999 + Scratch Card

540

Save Rs. 360 i.e 40% discount on cover price

900

Cash Benefit/Gift

Yes, I would like to subscribe to My Mobile magazine for______ years with option_____ Name_____________________________________________________________ Age________________ Sex____________________ Job Title___________________________________________________________ Company Name______________________________ Address Office/Residence_______________________________________________________________________________________ Mobile__________________________Phone_____________________________ e-mail_____________________________________ Cheque No.________________________________________________________ for Rs.____________________________________

PAYMENT METHOD By Cheque/Cash No:___________________Amount:__________________________________Bank:_________________Branch:________________ PLEASE *Draw the DD in favour of My Mobile Infomedia Pvt Ltd. *Write your name and address on the reverse of the DD.

Add. - My Mobile Infomidia Pvt. Ltd., # 25, 1st Floor, Shankar Market, Connaught Place, New Delhi - 110001. Phone: 011-46206161, 41081012/13, Fax: 011-41520637 Terms and Conditions: The offer is valid in India only. Gift will be deliverd within a month after clearing of the cheque.Please allow 4 - 6 weeks for processing your subscription. Any request for cancellation of subscription will not be entertained. Copies will be sent by ordinary post. The actual model of Subscription gift may vary from the model shown above. This subscription offer is valid till stocks lasts. All disputes subject to competent courts of Delhi only.

MY GUIDE Disclaimer : The prices quoted in My Guide are the Best Buy prices quoted by the respective companies, ex-Delhi. The prices may vary on account of promotional schemes or dealer discretion. M.O.P. mentiond in My Guide are not applicable in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

While My Mobile tries to ensure accuracy in the pricing and features any discrepancies that may emerge are beyond our control. Please check with the retailer about features of the phone before buying. The ratings that have been included are from the burn tests of the phones that we have reviewed. Feel free to update us.

(Last updated on Oct 3, 2012)

Devices featured in the My Guide have been segregated into four categories baswed on price and colour-coded as:

Tablet CDMA Enterprise High-end (Rs 12,000 upwards) Mid-level

(Rs 6,000 - Rs 11,999)

Entry-level (Rs 2,500 - Rs 5,999) Sub-entry level (up to Rs 2,499) Nokia

NR stands for not reviewed M.O.P. stands for Market Operating Price

Y MOBILE 89 OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 MY

myguide MODELS

NOKIA

PARAMETERS 1280

100

101

X1-01

C1-01

110

C2-00

Dimension (mm)

107.2 x 45.1 x 15.3

110 x 45.5 x 14.9

112.2 x 47.3 x 16

108 x 45 x 14

110 x 46 x 14.8

108 x 45 x 14.65

Weight (grams)

81.92

69.6

91.5

78.8

74.1

Model

Talktime/Standby (hours)

8.30/528

Screen (colours)/Size (inch) Monochrome/1.36 Inbuilt/Expandable memory

NA/No

7.2/840

13/1032

10.4/540

10.5/637

5.75//460

65,536/1.8

NA/No

NA/16GB

64MB/32GB

16MB/32GB

No/No

Yes/No

Camera/Flash/Video

No/No/No

VGA/No/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

500

1,000

1000

1,000

Frequency/Dual SIM

Dual Band/No

No/No/No

Yes/No/No

Yes/Yes/No

Symbian S30

S30

Symbian S40

S40

Symbian 40

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System

Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM

Dual Band/No

Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM

No/Yes

Yes/Yes

Bar/No/No

Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

960

1,200

1,450

1,780

1,850

2,250

2,300

Music Player/FM Radio

MODELS

Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY

NOKIA

PARAMETERS 112

C2-02

X2-02

X2-01

C2-03

C2-01

Asha 200

Dimension (mm)

110.4 x 46.9 x 15.4

102.8 x 51.2 x 17

113 x 50 x 15

119.4 x 59.8 x 14.3

103 x 51.4 x 17

109.6 x 46.9 x 14.6

115.4 x 61.1 x 14

Weight (grams)

110

107.5

115

105

14/840

5/60x0

9.8/443

4.3/480

5/400

8.4/430

7/888

Model

Talktime/Standby (hours) Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

56K/1.8

65,536/2.6

262,144/2.2

262,144/2.4

65,536/2.6

262,144/2.0

65,536/2.4

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

16MB/32GB

10MB/32GB

128MB/8GB

10MB/32GB

75MB/16GB

NA/32GB

Yes/No

Camera/Flash/Video

VGA/No/Yes

2.0MP/No/Yes

VGA/No/Yes

2.0MP/No/Yes

3.15MP/No/Yes

2.0MP/No/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

1,000

Shared

1,000

2,000

Shared

Frequency/Dual SIM

Dual Band/GSM+GSM

Dual Band/No

Quad Band/No

Dual Band/GSM+GSM

Quad Band/No

Dual Band/GSM+GSM

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/R99

Yes/Yes/No

S40

Symbian S40

S40

Symbian S40

Yes/Yes

Bar/No/No

Slider/Yes/No

Bar/No/No

Bar/No/Yes

Slider/Yes/No

Bar/No/No

Bar/No/Yes

2,600

3,250

3,550

3,800

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs

YMOBILE OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 90 MY

MODELS

NOKIA

PARAMETERS Model

202

Asha 305

300

C5-05

302

Asha311

Dimension (mm)

114.8 x 49.8 x 13.9

110.3X53.8X12.8

112.8 x 49.5 x 12.7

105.8 x 51 x 13.8

116.5 x 55.7 x 13.9

115.5 x 58.1 x 13.6

106 x 52 x 12.9

Weight (grams)

114

Talktime/Standby (hours)

5/400

14X528

6.9/550

11.5/620

9/707

7/800

14/696

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

262,144/2.4

262,144/3

262,144/2.4

16million/3.2

262,144/2.4

256144/3.0

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

10MB/32GB

64MB/32GB

128MB/32GB

40MB/16GB

128MB/32GB

55MB/8GB

256MB/32GB

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

2.0MP/No/Yes

5.0MP/No/Yes

2.0MP/No/Yes

3.2MP/No/Yes

2.0MP/No/Yes

3.2MP/No/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

1,000

Shared

2000

Frequency/Dual SIM GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Quad Band/No

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

S40

Symbian S40

S40

Symbian S40

S40

Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

3,880

4,650

5,850

6,200

6,400

6,500

MODELS

Price in Rs.

Quad Band/No

Yes/Yes/No

Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM

NOKIA

PARAMETERS X3-02

303

C5-03

500

Lumia 610

Dimension (mm)

106.2 x 48.4 x 9.6

116.5 x 55.7 x 13.9

105.8 x 51 x 13.8

115 x 58.9 x 12.8

111.3 x 53.8 x 14.1

113.4 x 53 x 16.8

119.24 x 62.18 x 11.95

Weight (grams)

126

150

131.5

5/430

8.2/731

11.5/600

7.3/400

7/500

11/400

10.5/670

Model

Talktime/Standby (hours) Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

262,144/2.4

262,144/2.6

16million/3.2

262,144/2.36

16million/3.2

16.7million/3.2

16million/3.7

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

50MB/16GB

100MB/32GB

40MB/16GB

256MB/32GB

2GB/32GB

200MB/16GB

8GB/No

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

5.0MP/No/Yes

3.2MP/No/Yes

5.0MP/No/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

5.0MP/No/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad Band/No

GPRS/EDGE/3G

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Symbian S60

S40

Symbian S60

Symbian Anna

Symbian S 60

Windows Phone 7.5

Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

Slider/Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

7,150

7,650

8,200

8,780

9,250

10,500

12,500

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

YMOBILE 91 OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 MY

MODELS

myguide

NOKIA

PARAMETERS Model

603

700

Lumia 710

701

Dimension (mm)

113.5 x 57.1 x 12.7

110 x 50 x 9.7

119 x 62.4 x 12.5

115.5 x 59 x 10.5

117.2 x 56.8 x 11

113.5 x 59 x 12.9

119.7 x 62.8 x 11.9

Weight (grams)

109.6

125.5

133

131

135

146

Talktime/Standby (hours)

8.7/540

7.14/403

7.3/400

14.4/681

17/504

12/390

6/450

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

16.7mollion/3.5

16million/3.2

16million/3.7

16.7million/2.46

16million/3.2

16.7million/3.5

16.7million/4.0

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

NA/32GB

2GB/32GB

8GB/No

8GB/32GB

16GB/32GB

8GB/32GB

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

5.0MP/No/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

8.0MP/Yes/Yes

12.0MP/Yes/Yes

8.0MP/Yes/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

Quad Band/No

Frequency/Dual SIM GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Symbian Belle

Windows Phone 7.5

Symbian Anna

Symbian Belle

Symbian^3 OS

Symbian Anna

Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

12,900

13,500

13,900

15,650

17,800

18,200

20,800

MODELS

SUB-ENTRY LEVEL

NOKIA

PARAMETERS Model

BYOND

Lumia 800

808

Dimension (mm)

123.7 x 62.4 x 13.6

116.5 x 61.2 x 12.1

123.9 x 60.2 x 13.9

Weight (grams)

176

142

169

Nano

BY002

BY011

127.8 x 68.5 x 11.5

106.3X47.8X14.6

108.3 X 45.2 X 14.2

104.6 X 38.8 X 3.7

160

109

118

9/430

13/265

11/465

7/300

NA/NA

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

16million/4.0

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

16GB/No

16miilion/3.7

16million/4.0

16million/4.3

NA/1.8

NA/2.2

16GB/No

16GB/32GB

16GB/No

NA/4GB

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Camera/Flash/Video

8.0MP/Yes/Yes

41.0MP/Yes/Yes

8.0MP/Yes/Yes

1.3MP/No/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

300

500

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad Band/No

Talktime/Standby (hours)

GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

Lumia 900

NEW

Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM

No/NoNo

YesNo/No

Symbian^3 OS

Windows Phone 7.5

Nokia Belle

Windows Phone 7.5

Yes/Yes

Slider/Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/No

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/No

20,800

22,500

32,600

32,750

1,250

1,299

1,799

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

YMOBILE OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 92 MY

MODELS

BYOND

PARAMETERS Model

Torch

X-5

Dimension (mm)

115.5 X 50.1 X 14.8

119 X 50 X 10.3

Weight (grams)

176

Talktime/Standby (hours)

NA/NA

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

NA/2.4

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

NA/4GB

NA/8GB

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Powerhouse

CHAZE X-1

123

Jewel

97.6 X 51.9 X 13.8

109 x 47 x 15.6

118.6 x 51 x 15.6

150

103

NA/NA

9/720

NA/2.4

NA/2.6

NA/2.4

65,536/1.8

262,144/2.4

NA/4GB

NA/8GB

85.5KB/4GB

45KB/4GB

187KB/8GB

BY015

121.8 X 54.6 X 18.7 118.04 X 52.1 X 15.32

Yes/No

Camera/Flash/Video

1.3MP/No/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

300

500

300

500

250

500

Frequency/Dual SIM GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

NA/NoNo

Yes/No/No

NA/No/No

Yes/No/No

Yes/Yes

Bar/No/No

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/No

1,799

1,999

2,099

2,199

2,250

1,350

1,850

MODELS

Price in Rs.

Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM

CHAZE

PARAMETERS Model

KARBONN

LAVA

LEMON

C555

C666

C249

ARC21

Dimension (mm)

117 x 53 x 13.7

121 x 56 x 13

116 x 50 x 13

115 X 50 x 15.5

110 x 46 x 14.65

103 x 52.5 x 14.5

112 x 46 x 13.5

Weight (grams)

121

123

112

81.4

90.6

9/720

7/600

6/300

3/120

3/220

NA/550

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

262,144/2.6

262,144/2.8

262,144/2.4

65,536/1.8

262,144/2.6

NA/2.6

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

428KB/8GB

233KB/8GB

45KB/8GB

NA/8GB

250KB/8GB

NA/8GB

60KB/8GB

Yes/No

Yes/NA

Camera/Flash/Video

1.3MP/No/Yes

No/NoNo

1.3MP/No/Yes

VGA/NA/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

500

1,500

1,000

500

100

Frequency/Dual SIM

Dual Band/GSM+GSM

Dual Band/No

Yes/No/No

Yes/Yes

Bar/No/No

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/No

1,950

2,100

1,800

2,100

1,800

2,450

2,099

Talktime/Standby (hours)

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

C31

NEW

B629

NEW

Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM

YMOBILE 93 OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 MY

MODELS PARAMETERS Model

LEMON S459

MTECH

A 230

ALPHA

Beta

M78

M15

M135

Dimension (mm)

121.2 x 51.6 x 10.5

108.6 x 46.6 x 13.8

104.2 x 47 x 15.8

106 X 48 X 16

112 x 49 x 16

125 X 52 X15.3

117 x 53 x 15.5

Weight (grams)

110

115

NEW

Talktime/Standby (hours)

NA/300

17/809

10/960

8/720

10/960

8/720

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

NA/2.3

262,144/1.77

NA/1.8

NA/2.0

NA/2.4

262,144/2.4

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

125KB/16GB

25MB/8GB

NA/8GB

NA/16GB

32MB/8GB

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Yes/NA

No/No

Yes/No

Camera/Flash/Video

1.3MP/NA/Yes

1.3MP/No/Yes

Yes/No/Yes

Yes/NA/NA

1.3MP/No/Yes

1.3MP/No/No

Yes/Yes/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

1000

1,000

500

1,000

500

1,000

Frequency/Dual SIM GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Yes/No/No

Yes/Yes/No

No/No/No

Yes/No/No

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Bar/No/No

2,099

2,250

1,149

1,299

1,749

1,799

MODELS

Price in Rs.

Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM

MTECH

PARAMETERS Model

REDD

M18i

MT279

R1200i

R1670

R6800

R24

Dimension (mm)

118.5 x 55 x 14.7

113 X 54 X 14.3

105.7 x 45.5 x 15.6

107 x 43.6 x 17.3

108 x 44.6 x 17.3

116 x 53 x 12.3

Weight (grams)

110

8/720

4/240

6/240

12/720

10/620

Talktime/Standby (hours) Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

262,144/2.6

NA/2.8

65,536/1.8

262,144/2.0

262,144/2.4

262,144/2.6

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

32MB/8GB

NA/16GB

NA/4GB

NA/8GB

Yes/No

No/No

Yes/No

Camera/Flash/Video

Yes/Yes/Yes

1.3MP/NA/NA

VGA/No/Yes

1.3MP/No/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

1,000

500

1,000

500

1,000

500

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Frequency/Dual SIM GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM

Yes/No

YesNo/No

Yes/No/No

Yes/Yes

Bar/No/No

1,849

2,149

999

1,399

1,499

1,649

1,840

YMOBILE OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 94 MY

MODELS

ENTRY LEVEL

PARAMETERS Model

REDD

SAMSUNG

CHAZE

HD88

1200

1205

Hero Music

E2232

C234

C333

Dimension (mm)

114.5 x 50 x 15.4

109.5 x 45.5 x 12.8

110.6 x 45.35 x 13.9

109.2 x 46.0 x 14.9

118 x 52 x 13

114 x 62 x 13.8

Weight (grams)

65.1

73.2

121

117

Talktime/Standby (hours)

10/620

8.6/800

11.1/580

NA/500

5/NA

6/NA

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

262,144/2.4

65536/1.5

65,536/1.8

65,536/1.77

262,144/2.4

262,144/3.2

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

NA/8GB

32MB/No

64MB/No

4MB/4GB

20MB/8GB

123KB/8GB

233KB/8GB

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Yes/No

No/No

Yes/No

Camera/Flash/Video

2.0MP/No/Yes

No/No/No

VGA/No/Yes

1.3MP/No/Yes

3.2MP/Yes/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

1,000

100

1,000

2,000

Frequency/Dual SIM

Dual Band/GSM+GSM

Dual Band/No

Yes/No/No

No/No/No

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/No/No

Proprietary

GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Yes/Yes

No/Yes

Yes/Yes

Bar/No/No

Bar/Yes/No

1,949

1,200

1,290

1,650

2,020

2,500

2,850

MODELS

Price in Rs.

Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM

PARAMETERS Model

CHAZE

KARBONN

C99

K1818

Dimension (mm)

110 x 55 x 13

106.6 x 54.3 x 12.7

Weight (grams)

114

K1616

KKT39

116 x 61 x 12

116 x 47 x 11.5

104x50x15.6mm

135

80.5

120

105

5/480

4/500

NA/NA

6/312

10/NA

8/500

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

262,144/3.2

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

1.96MB/8GB

262,144/3.2

NA/3.2

262,144/3.5

262,144/2.2

262,144/2.8

262,144/3.0

Yes/8GB

NA/16GB

Yes/8GB

NA/16GB

48MB/16GB

200MB/16GB

Yes/No

Camera/Flash/Video

1.3MP/No/Yes

3.2MP/No/Yes

VGA/No/Yes

2.0MP/Yes/Yes

3.2MP/Yes/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

2,000

500

2000

2,000

Talktime/Standby (hours)

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Frequency/Dual SIM GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

KT81 Cosmos

LAVA

NEW

A11

NEW

Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM

A10

Dual Band/No

Yes/No/No

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/No/No

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/No

Clamshell/No/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

2,850

3,600

3,100

4,600

2,650

2,690

3,800

YMOBILE 95 OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 MY

MODELS

myguide

PARAMETERS

LAVA

LEMON

LG P3

A200

A350

Dimension (mm)

120 x 47.5 x 13.1

108 X 46.8 X 17.1

115.2 X 59.9 X 9.9

114 X 62 X 11.2

114.3 x 60 x 12.8

99.8 x 51 x 15.8

116 × 53.3 × 12.85

Weight (grams)

100

91.45

Model

A16

GC333

NEW

T89

NEW

T99

NEW

3.1/220

NA/360

NA/300

NA/200

12.5/328

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

262,144/2.6

NA/2.2

NA/3.5

65,536/2.2

262,144/2.2

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

32MB/MicroSD

60KB/8GB

256MB/8GB

60KB/8GB

128MB/8GB

256MB/32GB

Talktime/Standby (hours)

Yes/No

Yes/NA

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Camera/Flash/Video

3.2MP/No/Yes

VGA/No/Yes

2MP/NA/Yes

2.0MP/No/Yes

1.3MP/No/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

2,000

300

500

1,000

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Frequency/Dual SIM GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Dual Band/GSM+GSM

Yes/NA/NA

Yes/No/No

Yes/Yes/NA

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Genric

Generic

Yes/Yes

Bar/No/No

Bar/Yes/No

Slider/No/No

Bar/No/No

3,800

2,799

3,199

3,599

5,999

3,650

3,950

MODELS

Price in Rs.

Quad Band/No

Yes/Yes/No

Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+CDMA Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM

PARAMETERS Model

MICROMAX

A290

X259

X445

Dimension (mm)

113.5 x 51 x 13

118 x 50 x 16

110.3 X 55.2 X 14.1

Weight (grams)

25/NA

4.5/200

4/129

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

65,536/2.2

262144/2.4

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

NA/4GB

5MB/NA

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Yes/No

Camera/Flash/Video

1.3MP/No/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

1,000

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad Band/GSM+GSM+GSM

Talktime/Standby (hours)

GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

SAMSUNG E2152 Guru 36

Metro 2252

2222

122 x 48.8 x 13.5

111.6 x 46.3 x 13.5

113.0 x 46.0 x 13.9

109.5 x 61.3 x 11.85

80.4

5/360

11/660

11.9/760

11.4/550

NA/3.2

65,536/NA

262,144/2.0

65,536/1.8

262,144/2.2

NA/8GB

10MB/16GB

NA/2GB

NA/32GB

45MB/16GB

Yes/No

No/Yes

Yes/No

VGA/No/Yes

1000

1,000

Dual Band/GSM+GSM

Quad Band/No

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/No/No

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/No/No

Yes/Yes/No

Proprietary

Yes/Yes

Bar/No/No

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/Yes

Bar/No/No

Bar/No/Yes

4,150

2,500

3,000

4,750

2,500

2,560

3,000

YMOBILE OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 96 MY

X45

NEW

Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Quad Band/GSM+GSM

MODELS

SAMSUNG

PARAMETERS Model

Ch@t C3222

Champ Delux

C3530

Chat 3G 527

Metro C3752

Dimension (mm)

113.97 x 47.9 x 13.99

Metro Duos C3322 Champ Neo Duos C3262 96.9 x 54.3 x 13.5

109.7 x 58.1 x 12.3

101.8 x 55.0 x 12.3

112.2 x 46.7 x 11.9

103 x 55 x 12

97.9 x 19 x 16.4

Weight (grams)

88.9

89.7

Talktime/Standby (hours)

10/500

14/550

11/500

15.8/500

13/550

3/288

13.3/900

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

262,144/2.2

262,144/2.4

262,144/2.2

262,144/2.8

262,144/2.2

262,144/2.4

65,536/NA

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

46MB/16GB

20MB/32GB

54MB/8GB

30MB/16GB

50MB/16GB

80MB/32GB

40MB/16GB

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Camera/Flash/Video

2.0/No/Yes

VGA/No/Yes

1.3MP/No/Yes

3.2MP/No/Yes

2.0MP/No/Yes

3.0MP/No/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

1,000

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad Band/No

GPRS/EDGE/3G

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/No/No

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/HSDPA, HSUPA

Yes/Yes/No

Operating System

Proprietary

Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Yes/Yes

Bar/No/No

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/No

Bar/No/Yes

Slider/No/No

3,050

3,200

3,300

3,950

4,200

4,500

4,750

MODELS

Price in Rs.

Quad Band/GSM+GSM Quad Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Quad Band/GSM+GSM

SAMSUNG

PARAMETERS Model

SPICE

Champ 3.5G S3770

Primo S5610

Wave 525

Star 3 Duos

M-6700

cappuccino 2

M-6868

Dimension (mm)

118.9 x 49.9 x 12.8

109.5 x 55 x 11.9

102 x 58 x 11.51

111 x 54 x 13.2

107.6 x 55.6 x 13

114.5 x 63 x 12

Weight (grams)

100

95.5

100

95.5

6/350

15.67/960

15/900

14.3/520

6.2/234

6/288

4.5/450

Talktime/Standby (hours) Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

262,144/2.8

262,144/2.4

262,144/3.2

262,144/3.0

262,144/3.1

65,536/2.8

262,144/3.4

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

30MB/16GB

110MB/16GB

100MB/16GB

20MB/16GB

45MB/16GB

54.7MB/8GB

39MB/8GB

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

2.0MP/No/No

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

3.2MP/No/Yes

3.0MP/No/Yes

3.2MP/No/Yes

1.3MP/No/Yes

3.2MP/No/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

2,000

Shared

1,000

2,000

1,500

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad Band/No

Dual Band/No

Tri Band/GSM+GSM

GPRS/EDGE/3G

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Yes/Yes/No

Proprietary

Bada

Proprietary

Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/No

Bar/Yes/No

5,100

5,500

5,100

2,600

3,000

5,350

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM

YMOBILE 97 OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 MY

myguide HIGH END

MODELS

MID LEVEL

PARAMETERS

SAMSUNG

SONY ERICSSON

TAG HEUER

VERTU

Wave Y

Mix Walkman

Text Pro

Meridiist GMT Stainless Steel/Black PVD

Dimension (mm)

110.0 x 57.9 x 12.3

95.8 x 52.8 x 14.3

92.0 x 53.0 x 18.0

112 x 46 x 15.5

118 x 67 x 16.6

112 x 46 x 15.5

117 x 46 x 19

Weight (grams)

104.8

136

155

200

155

148

Model

Link

Meridiist Steel & Gold

Ascent

12.1/610

9.6/465

5.1/400

7/392

6.5/336

7/392

4.8/300

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

262,144/3.2

262,144/3.0

16.7million/3.0

262,144/1.9

16million/3.5

262,144/1.9

16million/2.0

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

150MB/32GB

256MB/32GB

100MB/32GB

NA/NA

256MB/8GB

NA/NA

8GB/32GB

Talktime/Standby (hours)

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Camera/Flash/Video

2.0MP/No/Yes

3.15MP/No/Yes

3.2MP/No/Yes

No/No/No

5.0MP/No/Yes

No/No/No

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

1,000

Shared

1,000

2,000

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad Band/No

GPRS/EDGE/3G

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Bada OS v2.0

Andriod v2.2

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/NA

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

Slider/Yes/Yes

Bar/No/No

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/No

7,400

Starting 2,80,000+/3,50,000

Starting 3,25,000+

Starting 5,40,000+

Starting 2,89,000+

6,900

6,100

MODELS

ENTERPRISE LEVEL

VERTU

PARAMETERS Model

APPLE

BLACKBERRY

Constellation Ayxta

Ascent Ti

Constellation Quest

Signature

iPhone 4

iPhone 4S

Curve 8520

Dimension (mm)

100 x 48 x 18

115.5 x 49 x 13.1

116 x 60.8 x 12.7

130 x 42 x 13

115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3

109 x 60 x 13.9

Weight (grams)

174

160

165 to 185

166

137

140

106

6/300

5/300

7.5/349

3.5/300

14/300

14/200

4.5/408

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

16million/2.4

16million/2.0

8GB/32GB

16million/2.0

16million/3.5

65,536/2.46

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

100MB/8GB

4GB/No

16million/2.46

4GB/No

16GB,32GB/No

16,32,64GB/No

256MB/microSD

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

3.15MP/Yes/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

No/No/No

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

8.0MP/Yes/Yes

2.0MP/No/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

2,000

1,500

Shared

2,000

Shared

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad Band/No

Quad band/No

Quad Band/No

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/R99

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Yes/Yes/R99

iOS4

iOS 5

BlackBerry OS

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Clamshell/No/No

Bar/No/No

Bar/No/Yes

Bar/No/No

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/Yes

Starting 3,47,000+

Starting 3,68,000+

Starting 3,86,000+

Starting 7,22,000+

34,500/40,900

40,500/47,500/56,500

8,750

Talktime/Standby (hours)

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

YMOBILE OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 98 MY

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Yes/Yes/No

MODELS

BLACKBERRY

PARAMETERS Model

Curve 9220

Curve 3G 9300

Curve 9320

Curve 9380

Curve 9360

Bold 9780

9860

Dimension (mm)

109 x 60 x 12.7

109 x 60 x 13.9

109 x 60 x 12.7

109 x 60 x 11.2

112 x 62 x 14.2 mm

109 x 60 x 13.9

120 x 62 x 11.5

Weight (grams)

102

104

103

130

104

135

Talktime/Standby (hours)

7/432

4.5/461

7/432

5.5/360

5/336

4.5/456

4.7/337

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

65,536/2.44

65,536/2.46

65,536/2.44

16million/3.2

262,144/2.44

65,536/2.44

16million/3.7

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

512MB/32GB

256MB/32GB

512MB/32GB

256MB/32GB

2.5GB/32GB

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

2.0MP/No/Yes

3.15MP/Yes/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad Band/No

Dual Band/No

Quad Band/No

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

BlackBerry OS 7.1

BlackBerry OS

GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

BlackBerry OS 7.1

BlackBerry OS 7.0

Quad Band/No

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

BlackBerry OS

BlackBerry OS 7.0

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Bar/No/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

10,550

12,950

14,750

16,500

17,200

19,750

19,850

MODELS

Price in Rs.

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

BLACKBERRY

PARAMETERS Model

HTC

Torch 9800

Bold 9790

9810

9900

Porche

Explorer

Wildfire S

Dimension (mm)

111 x 62 x 14.6

110 x 60 x 11.4

111 x 62 14.6

115 x 66 x 10.5

115 x 67 x 11.3

102.8 x 57.2 x 12.9

101.3 x 59.4 x 12.4

Weight (grams)

161.1

107

161

130

155

81.3

105

5.5/432

5.1/432

6.5/296

6.3/296

5.5/348

7.6/485

4/120

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

16million/3.2

16million/2.45

16million/3.2

16million/2.8

262,144/3.2

16million/3.2

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

512MB/32GB

8GB/32GB

90MB/32GB

512MB/microSD

Yes/Yes

YesYes

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/No

3.15MP/No/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad Band/No

Talktime/Standby (hours)

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

BlackBerry OS

Blackberry OS 7.0

BlackBerry OS 7.0

Android OS v2.3

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Slider/Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/Yes

Slider/Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/Yes

Bar/No/No

Bar/Yes/No

20,350

24,750

28,650

30,500

1,36,000

8,500

12,850

YMOBILE 99 OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 MY

MODELS

myguide

HTC

PARAMETERS Desire C

One V

Desire V

S-510 Desire S

Radar

Desire VC

Rhyme

Dimension (mm)

107 X 60 X 11.9

120.3 x 59.7 x 9.24

118.5 x 62.3 x 9.32

115 x 59.8 x 11.6

120.5 x 61.5 x 10.9

119.5 x 62.3 x 9.5

119 x 60.8 x 10.85

Weight (grams)

115

114

130

137

118

130

Model

NA/NA

6.73/261

NA/NA

4/120

10/480

NA/NA

6.3/265

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

16million/3.5

16million/3.7

16million/4.0

16million/3.7

16million/3.8

16million/4.0

16million/3.7

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

4GB/32GB

1.1GB/32GB

8GB/No

4GB/32GB

1GB/microSD

Yes/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

Shared

Quad Band/No

Quad Band/CDMA+GSM

Quad Band/No

Talktime/Standby (hours)

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Camera/Flash/Video

5.0MP/No/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad Band/No

Quad Band/GSM+GSM

GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Yes/Yes/Rev.A

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Android v4.0

Android v2.3

Windows Phone 7.5

Android v4.0

Android v2.3

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

14,450

18,000

20,600

22,500

22,600

21,800

24,500

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

MODELS

Price in Rs.

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

HTC

PARAMETERS Model

IDEA

Sensation XE

One S

Evo 3D

OneX

Sensation XL

ID 918

ID 280

Dimension (mm)

126.1 x 65.4 x 11.3

130.9 x 65 x 7.8

126 x 65 x 12.05

134.36 x 69.9 x 8.9

132.5 x 70.7 x 9.9

111 x 57 x 12

102 x 53 x 13

Weight (grams)

151

119.5

170

130

162.5

126

9.1/310

NA/NA

9.3/358

10/290

11.8/360

4/200

4/288

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

16million/4.3

16million/4.7

262,144/3.2

262,144/2.8

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

4GB/32GB

16GB/No

1GB/32GB

32GB/No

16GB/No

512MB/32GB

152MB/32GB

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

8.0MP/Yes/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

8.0MP/Yes/Yes

3.2MP/No/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad Band/No

Quad Band/GSM+GSM

Quad Band/No

Talktime/Standby (hours)

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Android v2.3

Android v4.0

Android v2.3

Android v4.0

Android v2.3

Android v2.2

Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

32,000

33,250

34,000

34,450

36,000

5,650

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

YMOBILE OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 100 MY

MODELS

IDEA

PARAMETERS Model

Aurus

KARBONN

LAVA

Blade

Dimension (mm)

116 x 56.5 x 11.8

120 x 60.5 x 11.3

127 x 67 x 10.5

117 x 57.5 x 13.4

Weight (grams)

130

120

Talktime/Standby (hours)

NEW

A18

NEW

S12

3.5/200

4/192

4/100

4/200

5/200

10.8/590

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

262,144/3.5

NA/3.5

262,144/3.5

NA/3.8

16million/4.3

262,144/3.2

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

256MB/32GB

152MB/32GB

512MB/32GB

4GB/32GB

120MB/32GB

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

5.0/NA/Yes

3.2MP/Yes/Yes

2.0MP/No/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

5.0MP/No/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad Band/GSM+GSM

Quad Band/No

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Yes/Yes/Yes

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Android v2.3

Android v2.2

Android v2.3

Android v4.0

Android v2.2

Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

7,190

7,650

5,650

7,400

9,350

9,800

7,150

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

QuadBand/No

MODELS

Price in Rs.

Quad Band/GSM+GSM Quad Band/GSM+GSM Quad Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM

PARAMETERS Model

Optimus Me P350

L3 E400

Optimus Pro C660

Optimus L3 Dual

Optimus Net P690

P698

E510

Dimension (mm)

108 x 57.5 x 12.2

102.6 x 61.6 x 11.85

119.5 x 59.7 x 12.9

102.6x 61.6 x11.85

113 x 59 x 11.7

114 x 59 x 11.7

113.4 x 60.8 x 11.9

Weight (grams)

110

129

119

121

124

123

11/626

12/600

13.5/852

17/1044

12/581

11.5/556

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

262,144/2.8

262,144/3.2

262,144/2.8

262144/3.2

262,144/3.2

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

155MB/32GB

1GB/32GB

170MB/32GB

1GB/32GB

150MB/32GB

160MB/32GB

Yes/32GB

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

3.15MP/No/Yes

3.2MP/No/Yes

3.15MP/No/Yes

3.2MP/No/Yes

3.15MP/No/Yes

3.2MP/No/Yes

5.0MP/No/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

1,000

Shared

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad Band/No

Dual Band/GSM+GSM

Quad Band/No

Quad Band/GSM+GSM

Quad Band/N0

GPRS/EDGE/3G

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Android v2.2

Android v2.3

Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

7,200

7,100

8,000

8,350

8,850

10,000

11,800

Talktime/Standby (hours)

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

YMOBILE 101 OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 MY

MODELS

myguide

PARAMETERS Model

Optimus L5

E730

Optimus L7 P705

Optimus Black P970

Optimus 2X

LG 3D maxx P725

Optimus 4X HD

Dimension (mm)

118.3 X 66.5 X 9.5

122.5 x 62.5 x 9.8

125.5 x 67 x 8.7

122 x 64 x 9.2

123.9 x 63.2 x 10.9

126.8 x 67.4 x 9.98

132.4 x 68.1 x 8.9

Weight (grams)

125

107

124

109

139

148

133

Talktime/Standby (hours)

10/900

18.5/496

19/902

6/375

14.5/421

17.5/365

9.3/730

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

16million/4.0

16million/3.8

16million/4.3

16 million/4.0

16million/4.0

16million/4.3

16M/4.7

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

4GB/32GB

1GB/32GB

2.72GB/32GB

2GB/32GB

8GB/32GB

16GB/32GB

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

5.0MP/No/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

8.0MP/Yes/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

8.0MP/Yes/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

Quad Band/No

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad Band/No

GPRS/EDGE/3G

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Android v2.4

Android v4.0

Android v2.2

Android v2.3

Android v4.0

Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

14,350

17,000

17,750

18,800

20,850

28,600

34,750

MODELS

Price in Rs.

Android v4.0

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

PARAMETERS Model

MICROMAX

MOTOROLA

A50

A57

A87

A52

A100

A90

Defy mini

Dimension (mm)

113 x 61 x 13

116 x 62 x 11.5

124.8 x 64 x 11.7

1112X61X13.2

142.2 x 72.6 x 11.9

125 x 65 x 10.6

109 x 58.5 x 12.5

Weight (grams)

116

112

107

Talktime/Standby (hours)

4/240

4.5/145

5/175

5/182

5/180

5/174

9.6/420

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

262,144/3.1

262,144/3.5

262,144/4.0

NA/3.2

16M/5.0

262,144/4.3

262,144/3.2

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

132MB/32GB

512MB/32GB

256MB/32GB

160MB/32GB

4GB/32GB

512MB/32GB

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

2.0MP/No/Yes

3.0MP/No/Yes

2.0MP/No/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

8.0MP/Yes/Yes

3.15/Yes/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

Frequency/Dual SIM GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

Quad Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Quad Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSUPA,HSDPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Quad Band/No

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Android v2.3

Android v2,.3

Android v4.0

Android v2.3

Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

4,650

4,999

5,999

6,300

9,550

12,950

11,450

YMOBILE OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 102 MY

MODELS

MOTOROLA

PARAMETERS Model

SAMSUNG

Defy XT535

Defy+

Atrix 2

RazrMaxx

Dimension (mm)

115 x 58 x 11.9

107 x 59 x 13.4

125.9 x 66.0 x 10.4

130.7 x 68.9 x 8.99

103.90 x 57.90 x 12.98

103.9 x 57.9 x 12.98

104.0 x 58.0 x 11.5

Weight (grams)

115

118

147

145

97.5

Talktime/Standby (hours)

Galaxy Pocket 5300 Galaxy Y Duos Lite

Galaxy Y

9/290

7.10/384

8.9/3821

17.6/607

15.8/520

15/410

6/120

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

16million/3.7

16million/4.3

262,144/2.8

262,144/3.0

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

1GB/32GB

2GB/32GB

8GB/32GB

16GB/32GB

3GB/32GB

2GB/32GB

160MB/32GB

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

5.0/Yes/Yes

8.0MP/Yes/Yes

2.0MP/No/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

Quad Band/No

Frequency/Dual SIM GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Android v2.3

Android v4.0

Quad Band/No

Dual Band/GSM+GSM

Quad Band/No

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Android v2.3

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

14,950

16,000

22,350

31,000

6,950

6,990

7,100

MODELS

Price in Rs.

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

SAMSUNG

PARAMETERS Model

Galaxy Y Colour

Galaxy Chat B5330

Galaxy Y Duos

Galaxy Y Duos Pro 5512

5830 Galaxy Ace

Galaxy Ace Duos

Wave 3

Dimension (mm)

104.0 x 58.0 x 11.5

118.9 x 59.3 x 11.7

109.8 x 60 x 11.95

110.8 x 63.5 x 11.9

112.4 x 59.9 x 11.5

112.74 x 61.50 x 11.50

125.9 x 64.2 x 9.9

Weight (grams)

97.5

112

109

112.3

113

122

Talktime/Standby (hours)

6/120

14/520

17.5/630

19.16/740

12/520

16.8/570

14.25/535

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

262,144/3.0

262,144/3.1

262,144/2.6

16million/3.5

262,144/3.5

16million/4.0

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

160MB/32GB

4GB/32GB

160MB/32GB

512MB/32GB

158MB/32GB

3GB/32GB

4GB/32GB

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

2.0MP/No/Yes

3.0MP/No/Yes

3.15MP/No/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

5.0MP/No/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad Band/No

Quad Band/GSM+GSM

Quad Band/No

GPRS/EDGE/3G

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Android v2.3

Android v4.0

Android v2.3

Android OS, v2.3

Android OS, v2.2

Android OS, v2.3

Bada OS v2.0

Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

7,400

8,600

8,700

9,500

11,500

12,100

14,500

Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

Quad Band/GSM+GSM Quad Band/GSM+GSM

YMOBILE 103 OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 MY

MODELS

myguide

SAMSUNG

PARAMETERS Model

Omnia W I8350

5830 Galaxy Ace Plus

Omina M

115.6 x 58.8 x 10.9

114.7 x 62.5 x 11.2

121.6 x 64.0 x 10.5

121.5x63.1x10.5

122.4 x 64.2 x 9.9

Weight (grams)

115.3

114

120

119

Talktime/Standby (hours)

7/370

11.1/660

12/530

12.8/570

17.3/480

15.5/690

19.3/710

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

16million/3.7

262,144/3.7

16million/4.0

16 million/4.0

16million/4.0

16million/4.27

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

8GB/No

2.7GB/32GB

4GB/NA

4GB/32GB

16GB/32GB

8GB/32GB

16GB/32GB

Dimension (mm)

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Galaxy S duos

NEW

Galaxy S Plus I9001 Galaxy Advance i9070

Galaxy SII i9100

123.20 x 63.00 x 9.79 125.30 x 66.10 x 8.49 120

116

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

5.0MP/No/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

8.0MP/Yes/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

Quad Band/No

Quad Band/GSM+GSM

Quad Band/No

Frequency/Dual SIM GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Windows Phone 7.5

Android OS, v2.3

Windows Phone 7.5

Android v4.0

Android OS, v2.3

Android v2.3

Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

14,800

15,600

15,800

17,600

21,000

19,950

26,250

MODELS

Price in Rs.

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

SAMSUNG

PARAMETERS Model

SONY ERICSSON

Galaxy Beam

Galaxy Note

Galaxy SIII

Xperia Active

Xperia Neo V

Dimension (mm)

123 x 59.8 x 14.9

146.9 x 83 x 9.7

136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6

151.1 x 80.5 x 9.4

106 x 56 x 14.2

106 x 60 x 14.5

116 x 57 x 13

Weight (grams)

145.3

178

133

183

115

126

Talktime/Standby (hours)

Galaxy Note II N7100 NEW Live with Walkman

NA/NA

6/100

22.5/830

35/980

6.7/350

3.2/416

6.9/430

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

16million/4.0

16million/5.3

16million/4.8

16 million/5.5

16million/3.2

16million/3.0

16million/3.7

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

8GB/32GB

16GB/32GB

16GB/64GB

320MB/32GB

120MB/32GB

1GB/32GB

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

8.0MP/Yes/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad Band/No

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Yes/Yes/HSPA+

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Android V2.3

Android v2.3

Android v4.0

Android v4.1

Android 2.3

Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

28,500

29,990

36,000

39,800

14,450

16,000

17,550

YMOBILE OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 104 MY

MODELS

SONY ERICSSON

PARAMETERS Model

SONY

Xperia Ray

Xperia Pro

Arc S

R800i Xperia Play

Dimension (mm)

111 x 53 x 9.4

120 x 57 x 13.7

125 x 63 x 8.7

119.0 x 62.0 x 16.0

103 x 57 x 13

103 x 57 x 13 mm

113 x 59.4 x 9.9 mm

Weight (grams)

100

142

117

175

99.4

110

Talktime/Standby (hours)

tipo

NEW

tipo dual

NEW

miro

NEW

6.8/430

6.9/430

7.4/460

8.25/625

5/470

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

16million/3.3

16million/3.7

16million/4.2

16 million/4.0

262,144/3.2

16million/3.5

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

300MB/32GB

1GB/32GB

512MB/32GB

2.9GB/32GB

4GB/32GB

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

8.0MP/Yes/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

3.15/No/Yes

5.0/Yes/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

Quad Band/No

Quad Band/GSM+GSM

Quad Band/No

Frequency/Dual SIM GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Android v2.3

Android v4.0

Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

Slider/Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

18,550

19,500

25,050

31,000

9,600

10,200

14,300

MODELS

Price in Rs.

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSUPA,HSDPA Yes/Yes/HSUPA,HSDPA Yes/Yes/HSUPA,HSDPA

SONY

PARAMETERS Xperia U

Xperia go

Neo L

Xperia Sola

Xperia P

Xperia S

Xperia Ion

Dimension (mm)

112 x 54 x 12

111 X 60.3 X 9.8

120 X 61 X 12.8

116.0 x 59.0 x 9.9

122 x 59.5 x 10.5

128 x 64 x 10.6

133.0 x 68.0 x 10.6

Weight (grams)

110

131.5

107

120

144

Model

6.6/472

6.3/520

8/575

6/475

7.5/450

10/400

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

16million/3.5

16million/4.0

16million/3.7

16million/4.0

16million/4.3

16M/4.55

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

8GB/No

4GB/32GB

1GB/32GB

8GB/32GB

16GB/No

32GB/No

16GB/32GB

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Yes/Yes

Talktime/Standby (hours)

Camera/Flash/Video

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

12.0MP/Yes/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad Band/No

GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Quad Band/No Yes/Yes/HSPA+ Android v4.0

Android v2.3

Android v4.0

Android v2.3

Android v4.0

Yes/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

16,400

17,500

18,450

18,950

23,650

31,000

35,750

YMOBILE 105 OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 MY

myguide MODELS

CDMA

SPICE

PARAMETERS

XOLO

CDMA

Stellar Craze Mi-355

MI 350N

Stellar Mi-425

XOLO X900

Samsung Hero Plus 159

Samsung B209

Samsung B229

Dimension (mm)

118 x 62 x 11.5

116 x 61 x12.75

125 x 63.5 x 12.5

123 x 63 x 10.99

108.5 x 45.8 x 13.3

108.0 x 44.8 x 14.3

108 x 44.38 x 14.20

Weight (grams)

136

110

124

72.3

Model

Talktime/Standby (hours)

4/192

5/200

5/NA

14/336

3/230

4.3/470

6.5/720

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

NA/3.5

262,144/3.5

262,144/4.0

16million/4.0

65,536/1.52

65,536/1.5

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

140/32GB

170MB/32GB

149MB/32GB

16GB/No

597KB/No

351KB/No

450KB/No

Yes/Yes

No/No

Camera/Flash/Video

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

3.2MP/No/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

8.0MP/Yes/Yes

No/No/No

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

1,000

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Frequency/Dual SIM GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Quad Band/No

CDMA/No

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Yes/Yes/HSPA+

No/No/No

Android v2.3

Android OS, v2.3

Android v2.3

BREW

Yes/Yes

No/Yes

No/No

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/No

6,499

7,500

9,700

18,800

1,000

1,100

1,150

MODELS

Price in Rs.

Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM Dual Band/GSM+GSM

CDMA

PARAMETERS Model

Samsung Hero B189 Samsung Superstar Samsung Hero B319

Samsung B379

Samsung B339

Samsung Guru 539 Samsung Guru Muzik 219

Dimension (mm)

105 x 44 x 13

108 x 45.4 x 14.7

109.5 x 45.4 x 14.2

108.20 x 47.1 x 14.35

109.6 x 44.9 x 14.0

112 x 46.3 x 15.3

Weight (grams)

75.7

77.5

3.3/250

3.3/212

3/257

4.3/470

6/720

4/230

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

65,536/1.5

65,536/1.52

65,536/1.5

65,536/1.52

65,536/1.77

65,536/1.7

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

NA/No

1MB/No

351KB/No

2.5MB/4+4GB

14MB/2GB

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

No/No

Yes/Yes

No/No

Yes/No

Camera/Flash/Video

No/No/No

1.3MP/No/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

500

1,000

Frequency/Dual SIM

CDMA/No

GPRS/EDGE/3G

Talktime/Standby (hours)

No/No/No

Yes/Yes/CDMA1X

Yes/No/No

Operating System

BREW

Music Player/FM Radio

No/No

No/Yes

Yes/Yes

Bar/No/No

1,350

1,370

1,450

1,750

2,300

2,650

Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

YMOBILE OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 106 MY

MODELS

CDMA

PARAMETERS Model

Samsung Guru Dual CDMA

Mpower TV 239

MTS Live Wire

MTS M-Tag

Samsung Primo Duos

MTS M-Tag 352

MTS M-Tag 351

Dimension (mm)

114.9 x 47.8 x 14.1

118.5 x 50 x 12.45

198 x 54 x 13

113 x 54 x 12

118.8 x 49.9 x 14.07

114.5 x 61 x 11

116x62.2x12.15

Weight (grams)

86.7

103

Talktime/Standby (hours)

6.5/300

4.4/420

3/200

4.4/200

6.67/160

4/200

5/200

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

65,536/2.0

262,144/2.4

262,144/2.8

262,144/2.4

262,144/3.5

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

7.41MB/4GB

85MB/16GB

256MB/32GB

170MB/32GB

75MB/-

512MB/32GB

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Yes/No

YesNo

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

No/No/No

1.3MP/No/Yes

3.2MP/No/Yes

2.0MP/No/Yes

3.0MP/No/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

1,000

2,000

Shared

Frequency/Dual SIM

Dual Band/GSM+CDMA

CDMA/No

Dual Band/GSM+CDMA

Quad Band/No

Yes/No/No

Yes/Yes/EVDO Rev.0

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Yes/Yes/Yes

No/No/Rev.A

BREW

Android v2.2

BREW

Android OS v2.3

GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Bar/No/No

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/No

Bar/Yes/No

3,400

4,600

4,800

4,999

5,150

6,400

7,400

MODELS

TABLET

CDMA

PARAMETERS

Galaxy Ace Duos I589

iPad 2 Wi-Fi

i-Pad 2 Wi-Fi+3G

109 x 60 x 13.9

112.4 x 59.9 x 12.44

109 x 60 x 11

241.2 x 185.7 x 8.8

105

125

607

4.5/252

7/300

10/720

MTS M-Tag401

Blackberry 8530

Dimension (mm)

104.0 x 58.0 x 11.5

127 x 64 x 13

Weight (grams)

97.5

132

6/120

4.3/200

Model

Talktime/Standby (hours)

APPLE Blackberry Curve CDMA 9350

Samsung Galaxy Y CDMA

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

262,144/3.0

262,144/4.0

65,536/NA

16million/3.5

NA/2.44

262,144/9.7

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

160MB/32GB

512MB/32GB

256MB/32GB

512MB/32GB

16,32,64 GB/No

Yes/Yes

YesYes

Yes/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

2.0MP/No/Yes

3.0MP/No/Yes

2.0MP/NA/Yes

3.15MP/No/Yes

5.0MP/Yes/Yes

VGA/No/Yes

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

Frequency/Dual SIM

CDMA/No

Quad Band/No

CDMA/No

Dual Band/CDMA+GSM

CDMA/No

Quad Band/No

Yes/Yes/Rev.A

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/Rev.A

Yes/Yes/No

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Android v2.3

BlackBerry OS

Android v2.3

BlackBerry OS7

iOS 4.3

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

Bar/No/Yes

Bar/Yes/No

7,550

8,200

13,000

13,800

20,900

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

24,500/30,500/36,500 32,900/38,900/44,900

YMOBILE 107 OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 MY

MODELS

myguide

APPLE

PARAMETERS

BLACKBERRY

HCL

MICROMAX

Model

New i-Pad Wi-Fi

New i-Pad Wi-Fi+3G

Play Book

ME U1

ME Y2

Funbook

Dimension (mm)

241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4

194 x 130 x 10

192.8 x 117.28 x 12.53

120 X 200 X 13

122 x 192 x 10

192 x 122 x 10.5

Weight (grams)

652

425

350

370

360

360 NA/NA

Talktime/Standby (hours)

Infinity

9/720

10/NA

NA/NA

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

16million/9.7

16million/7.0

NA/7.0

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

16,32 64GB/No

16,32,64GB/No

4GB/32GB

8GB/32GB

4GB/32GB

4GB/32GB No/Yes

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

No/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

5.0MP/No/Yes

0.3 MP Front/No/No

2.0MP/No/Yes

0.3/No/NA

2MP/No/No

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad band/No

Quad Band/NA

Quad Band/No

GPRS/EDGE/3G

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

No/No/Yes

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

No/No/Yes

IOS 5

iOS 5

BlackBerry OS

Android v4.0

Android v4.0 Yes/No

Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Yes/No

Bar/Yes/No

13,000/16,500

7,999

14,550

6,400

6,699

30,500/36,500/42,500 38,900/ 44,900/50,900

MODELS

Price in Rs.

Yes/No

PARAMETERS

MICROMAX

SAMSUNG

SONY

SWIPE

Model

Funbook Pro

Galaxy Tab2 310

Tab 10.1 1750

Galaxy Note10.1N800

Tablet S Wi-Fi

Tablet S 3G+Wi-Fi

X74 3D

Dimension (mm)

122 x 192 x 10

193.7 x 122.4 x 10.5

256.7 x 175.3 x 8.6

262 x 180 x 8.9

241.2 x 174.3 x 10.1

192 X 124 X 10.5

Weight (grams)

600

345

565

600

598

325

5/NA

30/NA

9/NA

NA/NA

11/430

NA/6

Screen (colours)/Size (inch)

16million/10.1

7.0/16million

16million/10.1

16M/10.1

16million/9.4

16 million/7.0

Inbuilt/Expandable memory

8GB/32GB

16GB/32GB

16GB/No

8GB/32GB

16GB/32GB

4GB/NA

No/Yes

Yes/Yes

NA/Yes

Yes/Yes

No/Yes

Camera/Flash/Video

VGA/No/No

3.15MP/No/Yes

3.2MP/No/Yes

5.0MP/No/Yes

2.0MP/No/NA

Phonebook Capacity

Shared

Frequency/Dual SIM

Quad Band/No

Talktime/Standby (hours)

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

GPRS/EDGE/3G Operating System Music Player/FM Radio Form Factor/T.Screen/QWERTY Burn test Rating

Price in Rs.

Yes/Yes/HSDPA

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

Yes/No/Yes

Android v4.0

No/No/Yes

Android 4.0

Android v3.1

Android v4.0

Android OS, v3.1

Android v3.1

Android v4.0

Yes/No

Yes/Yes

Yes/No

Bar/Yes/No

9,900

19,250

33,600

38,700

21,000

26,000

5,999

Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA Yes/Yes/HSDPA,HSUPA

YMOBILE OCT 15 to NOV 14 2012 108 MY

www.mymobile.co.in

persona

Ten Things You Might Not Know About… His full name is Richard Charles Nicholas Branson.

He was dyslexic and had a hard time with educational institutions. He struggled in school and finally dropped out at the age of 16.

Branson always carries notebooks and likes to make lists - of people to call, lists of ideas, lists of companies, lists of people who can make things happen.

Ever the showman, he has been a guest star on various popular TV shows like Friends, Baywatch, The Rebel Billionaire: Branson’s Quest for the Best, and The Apprentice.

Branson’s first successful business venture came at the age of 16 when he started a youth culture magazine named Student for the youth.

He may be a CEO, but Branson also has an adventurous streak. He was the first man to ever cross the Pacific and Atlantic in a hot air balloon, and is now planning to set records in outer space.

At the age of 20, Branson founded Virgin as a mail order record retailer and very shortly started a record shop in Oxford Street, London.

07 09

Richard Branson, an English Business Tycoon

Branson has co-founded The Elders, a world human rights advocacy group with Nelson Mandela and Peter Gabriel.

He likes having the occasional bar of chocolate and often lies in a hammock in his office to brainstorm!

He is listed as an example of Transformational Leadership in the Financial Times Lexicon.

*Disclaimer: The information has been collected from the public domain and not from an interview with Richard Branson.

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 109

rumour mill

Talk Is a Surface phone in the works?

The Microsoft Surface is one of the most awaited products of the year. And even though it has not made its way to the market yet (at least not when we had gone to print), there is already talk of a smartphone with a similar interface - a Surface phone, so to speak. Now, we are not too sure whether something like this actually makes sense, given the fact that Microsoft also has Windows Phone 8 coming out, but heck, given how much we love the interface and idea of the Surface, we would be the last to complain if we saw it in a handset as well.

iPhone 5 - no operators please!

As we go to print, we still have no information as to when the iPhone 5 will make its way to the Indian market. But what we have heard is a slew of rumours indicating that Apple will this time not take the operator route to market the phone in India, but will instead sell it through conventional retail channels and perhaps its own stores. Apple, as ever, is silent on the matter, but if this does happen, it would mark a new chapter in Apple’s iPhone strategy for India and would definitely delight all Apple followers in the country.

in Tech Corners

Nokia, MS - a chill in the air?

The Nokia-Microsoft partnership was supposed to pave the way for Nokia’s return to smartphone greatness and also provide Microsoft with the perfect platform to promote Windows Phone. However, it seems that relations between these two tech giants have been a tad less warm of late, thanks to the appearance by MS boss Steve Ballmer at the unveiling of HTC’s Windows Phone 8 devices. Nokia, which considers itself to be closer to MS than HTC, was evidently less than delighted at this, but for the Redmond giant, this was very much business as usual. Things were not helped when Nokia’s Chris Weber made a derisive crack about the HTC line-up on Twitter. Will the new Lumias paper over these rumoured cracks in one of the most famous alliances in tech history? We are waiting and watching.

The iPad Mini refuses to disappear

So it was not released alongside the iPhone 5 and the new range of iPods, but the rumours of the iPad Mini refuse to go away. At the time of writing, we were being assured by many tech worthies that Apple was indeed working on a 7.8-inch tablet and would be releasing it in late October or early November. Cynics point

110 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

out that Apple is unlikely to launch a third network oriented device in one year (the new iPad and iPhone 5 have already hit the markets), but others insist that Apple has never been one for following conventional paths, and that the new iPad Mini will be squarely aimed at the Android brigade headed by the likes of the Kindle Fire. Most rumours are talking of a device that will be of a slightly lowered resolution than the new iPad and minus a rear camera, but with a price tag that could be as low as $299. We are keeping our eyes open for this one.

Google set to unleash Chrome netbooks

No, not ALL the rumours in the market involve Apple and Microsoft. If industry sources are to be believed, Google is all set to unleash a new wave of Chrome netbooks, and this time they could be making their way to Indian retail stores. Leading the charge will be a Samsung netbook that is believed to run on a Celeron processor, sport a 12.0-inch display, 2 GB RAM, 16 GB SSD storage and here comes the best part - will boot up in less than 10 seconds. Is this the range of devices that will help Chrome emerge from Android’s shadow? And will it finally herald the official arrival of Chrome as an OS in India? Watch this space for more. n team@mymobile.co.in

iphonE: The game changer! n The first Apple phone was made in 1983! The device was like a land line phone with a touch screen and had a stylus controlled interface.

n The first generation iPhone was not an instant success. It took 74 days for Apple to reach a million units of iPhone sales.

n Before deciding on the name “iPhone”, Apple also considered a variety of names like the One iPad. Eventually, the iPhone was selected.

n The first iPhone was named as the Invention of the Year in 2007 by Time magazine.

n The name iPhone sparked a big trademark fight between Apple and Cisco, as the name iPhone was first patented by Cisco. n Steve Jobs wanted to work with Motorola to manufacture the Apple phone, while he was considering the idea of iPhone. n The iPhone was announced by Steve Jobs on January 9, 2007 to the world. n The first iPhone was called as the ‘Jesus phone’ by a section of media due to passionate reaction by Apple fans after it was launched in 2007. To this day, many refer to it as the ‘Godphone’.

112 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

n Apple has filed more than 200 patent applications related to the technology behind the iPhone. n The App Store was launched on July 10, 2008 with just 500 apps on board. n The iPhone has moisture sensors that indicate when water affects the device. n The iPhone’s virtual keyboard can accommodate 21 languages. n The aluminosilicate glass used in iPhone has been chemically strengthened to be 20 times stiffer and 30 times harder than plastic.

www.mymobile.co.in

They said it

Talk Time... “While we’re improving Maps, you can try alternatives by downloading map apps from the App Store like Bing, MapQuest and Waze, or use Google or Nokia maps by going to their websites and creating an icon on your home screen to their web app.” Tim Cook

CEO of Apple, in a letter apologising about the iOS Maps debacle

“Charging voice services in the country is like imposing tax on talking, which is not fair. Voice services should not be charged, telcos should see data as their main revenue source.” -Kapil Sibal

-Minister of Communications and Information Technology, at the Broadband Summit 2012

“Chinese processors are not meant for high speed processing, as they work on 20 years old technology. Intel will become the pioneer in high-speed smartphone computing.” -S.N. Rai

co-founder, Lava International, on the frequent usage of Chinese processors in smartphones

“Samsung has about 49 per cent share in the smartphone segment in the country. Our Galaxy Note portfolio will contribute 10-15 per cent to the Samsung Smartphone market share in India.” “Windows Phone is still largely an unknown to consumers - they would probably expect to pay less if they are taking a risk.” - Ovum analyst Nick Dillon

-Asim Warsi

Vice President, Samsung India on the launch of the Galaxy Note II.

on rumours surrounding the pricing of Nokia’s Lumia 920let market in India

“It takes more than matching colour to match the innovation of the Lumia 920.” -Chris Weber

Nokia’s executive vice president of sales and marketing in a tweet shortly after HTC revealed its new line-up of Windows Phone 8 devices.

oct 15 to nov 14 2012 MYMOBILE 113

va n ta g e p o i n t

Mobile marketing is the key to Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retail future

ndiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retail sector will grow to $1.3 trillion by 2020, according to a white paper recently released by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). However, this opportunity will only be realised if Indian retailers move away from a strictly brick-and-mortar model of operation, and tap into the valuable opportunities of integrated multichannel retailing. With economic growth percolating to more remote population centres, including smaller cities, consumption will become decentralised. Retailers will need to do more than simply open more stores in major cities in India, which in itself is a costly exercise. This tactic has been tried in the past, with only limited success, and this time around, the need to extend the reach of retail is more imperative than ever. The conventional retail model cannot adequately reach the billion plus potential customers spread across the sub-continents. The white paper points out some interesting facts, including increasing Internet penetration and a high preference for mobile devices for Internet access. While this is far from universal, the trend seems to be for

mobile devices to become an essential part of the retail experience. Savvy consumers are more likely to use mobile devices rather than PCs as their shopping tools, and are quick to consult their mobile phones to compare prices, read reviews, or get more information on potential purchases. They have discovered a range of functions in their mobile devices that can help them, from access to product information to mobile coupons and social shopping. Feature-rich mobile apps can also make shopping more fun, interactive and convenient. Retailers can reach out to these savvy consumers by moving some portion of their business online. Some goods lend themselves quite easily to online shopping: books/e-books, for example, can be purchased online and sent straight to devices, for almost immediate consumption. Music also, is being changed by the ease of purchasing digital music, and that revolution seems to be spreading to other digital media, including films and television shows. Consumers may be resistant to purchase other goods online, including things like clothing or shoes, but generous return policies combined with the low cost of transport can make even those purchases attractive. But mobile devices are more than just an access point for online shopping, and it is entirely possible that some innovative retailer

114 MYMOBILE oct 15 to nov 14 2012

will use mobile marketing to move retail into some new direction. To take an example from another country: Homeplus is a chain of supermarkets run by Tesco in South Korea. In an effort to raise the profile of Homeplus, Tesco took the radical step of buying out ad panels in subway stations and replacing them with full-sized photographic reproductions of supermarket shelves. These two-dimensional shelves had all the necessary information for basic shopping, including product descriptions and prices, and each product was accompanied by a QR code. Commuters waiting for the train could scan the QR codes of their desired purchases into a specially designed mobile app, which would charge them and arrange for home delivery. It might be too early to call this revolutionary, but it does transform waiting time into something useful, and shift the drudgery of shopping for essentials in time and location into a more convenient experience for the shopper, while retaining the essential shopping experience. Rather than fearing change, Indian retailers should consider ways to match the lifestyles of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consumer, and utilize the various channels: online, digital, and mobile. Mobile, particularly, is the key to reaching out to consumers, who can interact with the retailer through the device in the palm of their hands. n Rohit Dadwal, managing director, Asia Pacific, Mobile Marketing Association (Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the stance of the magazine)

RNI REG NO./DELENG/2005/15033 DL (ND) - 11/6100/2012-13-14 (Posting Date 19-20 of every month)