Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nokia begins construction on Vietnamese production facility]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/nokia-begins-construction-on-vietnamese-production-facility/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/nokia-begins-construction-on-vietnamese-production-facility/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/nokia-begins-construction-on-vietnamese-production-facility/#comments Nokia begins construction on Vietnamese production facility

In keeping with Elop's focus on Asia-based production, Nokia's just broken ground on a new manufacturing facility in Vietnam. The site, located in the country's Bac Ninh province, spans over 17 hectacres and is slated to begin production of mobile devices when it's completed in early 2013. The move marks a shift in strategy for the Finnish company, eyeing unmet demand for smartphones in the region, an area it's deemed a "high growth [economy]." In addition to supplying that emerging market with its portfolio of products, the new plant will also help to create job opportunities for locals -- a welcome turn of fortune given Espoo's recent track record of worldwide layoffs. You can check out the presser below for additional bits surrounding its newly minted Vietnamese arm.

Continue reading Nokia begins construction on Vietnamese production facility

Nokia begins construction on Vietnamese production facility originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emerging marketsEmergingMarketsfacilityground breakingGroundBreakingminipostNokiaproductionVietnamMon, 23 Apr 2012 17:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia's extreme dieting continues as it kills off Nokia Money]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/nokia-kills-nokia-money/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/nokia-kills-nokia-money/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/nokia-kills-nokia-money/#comments Nokia kills Indian mobile payments service as it pulls every ladder up
If you thought Nokia had finished its program of slimming down, think again. The axe is being wielded on Nokia Money as the company seeks to reinvent itself as a lean'n'mean mobile player. The mobile payments and cash management service was launched in India late last year, but both complex financial regulations and the fact it's outside of Nokia's core business prompted its early closure. Instead, it'll concentrate its efforts on its smartphones designed for emerging markets like the Asha: with the aim of connecting the "next billion" people to the internet.

Nokia's extreme dieting continues as it kills off Nokia Money originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AshaCutsEmerging MarketsEmergingMarketsIndiaMobile BankingMobile MoneyMobile PaymentsMobileBankingMobileMoneyMobilePaymentsmobilepostminiNFCNokiaNokia CutsNokia MoneyNokiaCutsNokiaMoneyMon, 12 Mar 2012 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia Lumia 610 hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/nokia-lumia-610-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/nokia-lumia-610-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/nokia-lumia-610-hands-on-video/#comments Nokia's stand at Mobile World Congress is more of a city than a dingy old booth -- it's absolutely massive, and full of Lumias and PureViews and Ashas (oh my!). As we continue to dissect the entire thing, our adventure has taken us to the Lumia 610. This particular handset is a bit of an anomaly in the mobile world: it's getting a lot of attention not because it's an amazingly powerful and highly specced device, but rather because it's considered a low-ender. It's not too often that this kind of thing happens, considering we often treat budget phones as non-influential, but we envision a device like the Lumia 610 having a dramatic impact on the scope of Windows Phone in global market share and public exposure.

Why could such a simple smartphone make waves at a show crowded with star-studded beauties like Nokia's own 808 PureView or the HTC One X? Because it's among the first to feature Microsoft's latest Windows Phone build. Contrary to our expectations coming into the show, it's not being referred to as Tango -- something that perplexed us during our liveblog of Nokia's event this morning -- but rather a minor refresh that will reach out to every Windows Phone. The update, still considered part of Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango), opens the door for devices running on 256MB of RAM and offers a few other goodies, such as allowing ringtones, videos, audio files and multiple JPEGs on one MMS. The update will also bring compatibility to Chinese mobile operators and plenty more regional availability. That's a major reason why the Lumia 610 is getting so much attention -- it may be the first Windows Phone experience for several regions that don't already have the OS.

It may be obvious that the specs are nothing to write home about. Quite opposite, in fact. But that's not what Nokia's gunning for with the 610, is it? Nay, this one is ever so humble, with its 800MHz Snapdragon S1 CPU, 5MP rear AF camera with LED flash, 3.7-inch WVGA TFT display, 1,300mAh battery and quad-band GSM / EDGE / WCDMA. The build is definitely inexpensive plastic, with chrome edges and a soft-touch back. In other words, keep a firm grip on it at all times. All in all, it feels rather comfortable to hold, though. Its overall performance is precisely on par with the intended price range here. But don't just read our words about the phone -- behold with your own eyes the Lumia 610 with the help of our photos and videos below.

Gallery: Nokia Lumia 610 hands-on

Continue reading Nokia Lumia 610 hands-on (video)

Nokia Lumia 610 hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 07:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>256MB RAM256mbRambudgetchinaemerging marketsEmergingMarketshands-onlumialumia 610Lumia610mangomobile world congressmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressmwc 2012Mwc2012nokianokia lumianokia lumia 610NokiaLumiaNokiaLumia610snapdragon s1SnapdragonS1tangovideowindows phoneWindowsPhonewp7.5Mon, 27 Feb 2012 07:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft lowers hardware requirements, opens Marketplace to 23 more countries]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/microsoft-lowers-hardware-requirements-opens-marketplace-to-23/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/microsoft-lowers-hardware-requirements-opens-marketplace-to-23/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/microsoft-lowers-hardware-requirements-opens-marketplace-to-23/#comments
If there was a theme for today's Nokia keynote, and, by extension, Microsoft's plans for Windows Phone, it's that the OS is being targeted toward lower-spec phones worldwide. The SDK update that'll soon roll out to developers will include an emulator for developers to ensure their apps work on devices like the Lumia 610 that only has 256MB RAM. The company's promising that nearly all apps will work on the cheaper hardware, promising that fragmentation will be kept to a minimum. Any app that runs poorly on the slimmer hardware will be flagged as unsuitable in the Marketplace. Speaking of which, Microsoft has announced it'll be rolling it out to a further 23 countries shortly including China, the UAE and much of Eastern Europe -- increasing the total market reach by up to 60 percent.

Microsoft lowers hardware requirements, opens Marketplace to 23 more countries originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 05:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>256 MB Emulator256MB Emulator256MB RAM256MbEmulator256mbRamDev KitDevelopersDevice FragmentationDeviceFragmentationDevKitDevsEmerging MarketsEmergingMarketsEmulatorFragmentationJoe BelfioreJoeBelfioreLow-SpecLumia 610Lumia610NokiaNokia Lumia 610NokiaLumia610OS FragmentationOsFragmentationQualcomm 7x27Qualcomm7x27SDKTerry MyersonTerryMyersonWindows PhoneWindows Phone 256MB EmulatorWindows Phone 7Windows Phone 7.5WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone256mbEmulatorWindowsPhone7WindowsPhone7.5ZTE OrbitZteOrbitMon, 27 Feb 2012 05:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Genesi i.MX 53 netbooks, nettops to take Freescale machines deeper into the bargain basement]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/genesi-i-mx-53-netbooks-nettops-to-take-freescale-machines-deep/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/genesi-i-mx-53-netbooks-nettops-to-take-freescale-machines-deep/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/genesi-i-mx-53-netbooks-nettops-to-take-freescale-machines-deep/#comments Genesi i.MX 53 netbooks, nettops to take Freescale machines deeper into the bargain basement Back in March, Genesi announced its plans to target emerging markets by dropping the price of its Efika MX Smartbook and Smarttop machines. Those devices packed i.MX 51 CPUs, and post-cut price tags of $199 and $129, respectively. Now the San Antonio-based outfit is hinting at any even bigger price break for the developing world with the introduction of its i.MX 53 netbook PCB. According to a Genesi rep at the Freescale Technology Forum, the board, which is significantly smaller than its predecessor, is "as cheap as we can possibly make it," and will likely power even more cost efficient Genesi computers in the near future. No word on just how low Genesi is willing to go, but it's shooting for an i.MX 53 debut sometime this summer. If cheap is your thing, check out the PCB in all its glory after the break.

Continue reading Genesi i.MX 53 netbooks, nettops to take Freescale machines deeper into the bargain basement

Genesi i.MX 53 netbooks, nettops to take Freescale machines deeper into the bargain basement originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 05:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheapCPUdeveloping marketsdeveloping worldDevelopingMarketsDevelopingWorldemerging marketsEmergingMarketsFreescalefreescale technology forumFreescaleTechnologyForumGenesii.MX53iMX53inexpensivenetbooknettopPCBprinted circuit boardPrintedCircuitBoardvideoThu, 23 Jun 2011 05:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Genesi reduces price of Efika MX Smartbook, Smarttop, says it's for greater good]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/genesi-reduces-price-of-efika-mx-smartbook-smarttop-says-its/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/genesi-reduces-price-of-efika-mx-smartbook-smarttop-says-its/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/genesi-reduces-price-of-efika-mx-smartbook-smarttop-says-its/#comments Back in September, we reported on the absurdly overpriced Efika MX Smartbook -- a little computer sporting a 10-inch display and a $349 price tag -- and it looks like somebody took note. The folks over at Genesi have reduced the price of their entire line of Efika MX products, dropping the aforementioned Smartbook to $199 and its desktop companion, the Smarttop, to $129. Of course, they did so with a bit of marketing flair, claiming the deal would open "the door even more for billions of people and businesses in emerging markets to affordable state-of-the-art computing and Internet access." Now, we're not calling anyone out here, but we're guessing we weren't the only ones who thought the Smartbook was just a tad too pricey. Full PR after the jump.

Continue reading Genesi reduces price of Efika MX Smartbook, Smarttop, says it's for greater good

Genesi reduces price of Efika MX Smartbook, Smarttop, says it's for greater good originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>affordableBookEfikaEfika MXEfika MX SmartbookEfika MX SmarttopEfikaMxEfikaMxSmartbookEfikaMxSmarttopemerging marketsEmergingMarketsGenesiinternetinternet accessInternetAccesslaptopMXnet topNetTopnotebookSmartSmartbookSmarttopTopWed, 02 Mar 2011 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia CEO: cheap Windows Phones can come 'very quickly']]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/19/nokia-ceo-cheap-windows-phones-can-come-very-quickly/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/19/nokia-ceo-cheap-windows-phones-can-come-very-quickly/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/19/nokia-ceo-cheap-windows-phones-can-come-very-quickly/#commentsWe'd raised our own concerns in interviews with both Stephen Elop and Microsoft's Aaron Woodman in the past week that Nokia could have difficulty pushing the Windows Phone platform low enough to fill the holes left by Symbian's departure in the bottom rungs of the market, but the Nokia CEO is making it very clear that he thinks that won't be a problem. In a talk with Finnish journalists on Friday, Elop said that it has become "convinced" that it can hit "a very low price point" and do it "very quickly," a strategy that will be key to converting significant swaths of Symbian market share into Windows Phone market share without losing it to other manufacturers or platforms. Of course, something tells us the leaked design concept (pictured right) doesn't represent the types of hardware Nokia has in mind for those low price points -- but no single device or market segment is going to take Espoo to the promised land here.

Nokia CEO: cheap Windows Phones can come 'very quickly' originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Feb 2011 19:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheapelopemerging marketemerging marketsEmergingMarketEmergingMarketslow endLowEndmicrosoftnokiaprice pointprice pointsPricePointPricePointsstephen elopStephenElopwindows phoneWindowsPhoneSat, 19 Feb 2011 19:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Does Peek's future lay in low-powered feature phones, emerging markets?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/does-peeks-future-lay-in-low-powered-feature-phones-emerging-m/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/does-peeks-future-lay-in-low-powered-feature-phones-emerging-m/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/does-peeks-future-lay-in-low-powered-feature-phones-emerging-m/#comments
The overriding philosophy at Peek is "keep it simple," and we have to agree that as these things go, this is a pretty sound principle (even if we don't necessarily have much use for dedicated Twitter hardware). If the big payoff for the company isn't in the gadget-addicted states, it's been a good start: the company has sold some 50,000 units in two years while developing the back-end technology that CEO Amol Sarva believes can supply cheap, low-powered feature phones and other devices for emerging markets -- devices that could retail for as little as $50. "This is a huge opportunity for us," Sarva told GigaOm. "We've built technology that no one cared about but now we're suddenly being approached by guys who have the hardware that want to make it smart." And if that doesn't pan out, we have a suggestion: FourPeek, the dedicated Foursquare device.

Does Peek's future lay in low-powered feature phones, emerging markets? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amol sarvaAmolSarvaemerging marketsEmergingMarketsfeature phoneFeaturePhoneindustrypeekMon, 20 Dec 2010 15:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Lifeline Energy distributes solar powered radio / media players to the villages of Africa]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/21/lifeline-energy-distributes-solar-powered-radio-media-players/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/21/lifeline-energy-distributes-solar-powered-radio-media-players/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/21/lifeline-energy-distributes-solar-powered-radio-media-players/#comments
Everybody know that the big money's in pain rays and various other wargadgets, so we really like it when someone at least tries to do a little good in the world. Lifeline Energy is a UK-based NGO that works to bring folks in emerging markets (mostly sub-Saharan Africa) items like solar-powered radios and lights, and it has just announced the launch of the Lifeplayer self-powered MP3 player and AM/FM/SW radio. This device features 64GB storage, microSD card slot, 3G connectivity, audio recording capabilities, and the ability to act as a sort of PA system -- according to the organization, groups of sixty can hear the thing clearly. It's powered either by a hand-crank or through its solar panel, and contains a USB port for charging devices such as cell phones. At present, Lifeline Energy is distributing over a thousand of these bad boys in Haiti and it's accepting donations to distribute them in Pakistan as well. Hit the source link to see how you can help. PR after the break.

Update: Turns out that blue radio we originally pictured isn't actually the Lifeplayer -- that was the Lifeline radio, which predated it by roughly seven years. The green device above is the real deal, and you'll find a high-res product image of it right after the break.

Continue reading Lifeline Energy distributes solar powered radio / media players to the villages of Africa

Lifeline Energy distributes solar powered radio / media players to the villages of Africa originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>africaemerging marketsEmergingMarketsgreenhaitilifeline energyLifelineEnergylifeplayermp3 playermp3 recorderMp3PlayerMp3Recorderpakistanrwandaself-poweredsolar powerSolarPowerTue, 21 Sep 2010 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft shopping around 'low-cost version' of Windows Phone 7 for emerging markets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/19/microsoft-shopping-around-low-cost-version-of-windows-phone-7/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/19/microsoft-shopping-around-low-cost-version-of-windows-phone-7/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/19/microsoft-shopping-around-low-cost-version-of-windows-phone-7/#comments Microsoft has apparently revealed at a developer event in India that it intends to produce a "low-cost version" of Windows Phone 7 primarily targeting emerging markets that would come after the initial volley of higher-end devices schedule to launch at the tail end of this year. Little else is known at this point, but Sudeep Bharati -- director of India's Visual Studio group -- has mentioned that it will have a smaller screen, suggesting that this might be one and the same as the HVGA spec Microsoft mentioned back at MIX a few weeks ago. He went on to say that they're currently in talks with manufacturers to get feedback on the lower-end version, so it sounds like this isn't quite solidified yet -- but considering that the first WinPho 7 devices promise to be pretty pricey, we wouldn't mind seeing these things materialize, "emerging market" or otherwise.

Microsoft shopping around 'low-cost version' of Windows Phone 7 for emerging markets originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emerging marketsEmergingMarketsindialow costLowCostwindows phone 7WindowsPhone7winpho 7Winpho7wp7Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Simmtronics, IBM and Canonical bring $190 Simmbook to emerging markets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/31/simmtronics-ibm-and-canonical-bring-190-simmbook-to-emerging-m/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/31/simmtronics-ibm-and-canonical-bring-190-simmbook-to-emerging-m/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/31/simmtronics-ibm-and-canonical-bring-190-simmbook-to-emerging-m/#commentsSimmtronics' Simmbook netbook has been floating around for a few months now, but it's just gotten a considerable boost thanks to a partnership with IBM and Canonical, who have teamed up with the company in an effort to bring the netbook to emerging markets. That confluence of companies means the netbook will run on Ubuntu Netbook Remix and come pre-loaded with IBM's Client for Smart Work, which includes Lotus Symphony and access to various cloud-based services. As for the netbook itself, it's about as basic as you might expect, including the usual 10-inch display, Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, three-cell battery, and a 160GB hard drive (with a few upgrades available). Then again, it is available off-the-shelf for just $190 right now, and IBM and Simmtronics are apparently working with various clients to offer the netbook at "a competitive price" to other countries around the world.

Simmtronics, IBM and Canonical bring $190 Simmbook to emerging markets originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Canonicalemerging marketsEmergingMarketsibmnetbooksimmbooksimmtronicssimmtronics simmbookSimmtronicsSimmbookWed, 31 Mar 2010 14:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia Ovi Music store slowly shedding its DRM shackles globally]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/nokia-ovi-music-store-slowly-shedding-its-drm-shackles-globally/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/nokia-ovi-music-store-slowly-shedding-its-drm-shackles-globally/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/nokia-ovi-music-store-slowly-shedding-its-drm-shackles-globally/#comments While not widely touted, Nokia's Ovi Music store is on track to make Nokia's music catalog DRM-free globally. This was first mentioned in December at Nokia's Capital Market Days event. Keep in mind that we're talking about Nokia's a la carte music download service, not its all you can eat Comes with Music offering that lets you keep all the tracks you can download in the first year but locks them to a single Nokia handset and PC for life. Russia's Ovi Music store was the first to go DRM-free back in November while adding single sign-on with other Ovi services during the revamp process. Now we're hearing that India has quietly joined suit with its Nokia Music store becoming the DRM-free Ovi Music incarnation. Nokia is apparently focusing on growth markets first on its way to more western markets but it's a good sign that its fair use debilitating DRM is on the way out -- a good thing for consumers and a change, like free Ovi Maps, that makes Nokia handsets just a bit more attractive.

Nokia Ovi Music store slowly shedding its DRM shackles globally originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comes with musicComesWithMusicdownloaddrmdrm freedrm-freeDrmFreeemerging marketsEmergingMarketsfair useFairUsegrowth marketsGrowthMarketsindiamusicnokiaovi musicOviMusicrussiaTue, 02 Mar 2010 02:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Vodafone 150 lays claim to 'world's cheapest phone' title, ST-Ericsson works on thrifty 3G]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/17/vodafone-150-lays-claim-to-worlds-cheapest-phone-title/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/17/vodafone-150-lays-claim-to-worlds-cheapest-phone-title/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/17/vodafone-150-lays-claim-to-worlds-cheapest-phone-title/#comments There are only two possible reasons for why a gadget freak like you would want a cheap phone: you're either a very sensible person (who probably got mugged once), or you're saving up for the phone of your life. Oh, who are we kidding? We all want a nice phone for next to nothing, right? The legendary Motorola MOTOFONE came close, but check out these new bad boys -- the sub-$15 Vodafone 150 and the sub-$20 250, produced by TCL. Fine, they may look more like toys than your everyday eye candy, but you do get five hours of battery, SMS, two games on that mini monochrome screen, and even an LED torch on the back -- and what's more, the lowly 150 is claiming the holy grail "world's cheapest phone" title that every manufacturer with an interest in emerging markets would kill to own. For an extra $5 there's even a larger screen in color (!), not to mention FM radio. If you want one, you better start flying walking to either India, Turkey or Africa where the phones will be launched over the next few weeks, or you can just gaze at Fonehome's hands-on video of the 150 after the break.

On a similar topic, ST-Ericsson has launched the U6715 mobile platform with 7.2Mbps HSPA modem for Linux-based OSes (Android and MeeGo, to name a couple), and expects participating manufacturers to deliver sub-€100 (about $137) smartphones in the first half of 2010. Apparently, the trick is to use "structurally-less expensive silicon, without compromising the end user experience." With a 1000mAh battery, the platform will deliver up to 40 hours to musical entertainment -- twice that of the Nexus One with 1400mAh -- and up to seven hours of 3G talk time on one charge. Pretty sweet at first blush, except there's no mention of what the CPU would be clocked at. Regardless, all we want is some smooth video playback from the "elegant and powerful multimedia engine" -- is that too much to ask?

Continue reading Vodafone 150 lays claim to 'world's cheapest phone' title, ST-Ericsson works on thrifty 3G

Vodafone 150 lays claim to 'world's cheapest phone' title, ST-Ericsson works on thrifty 3G originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>150affordable phoneAffordablePhonecheap phoneCheapPhoneemerging marketemerging marketsEmergingMarketEmergingMarketshspamwcmwc 2010Mwc2010st-ericssonst-ericsson U6715St-ericssonU6715U6715vodafonevodafone 150Vodafone150Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia's latest batch for emerging markets includes its cheapest phone ever]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/nokias-latest-batch-for-emerging-markets-includes-its-cheapest/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/nokias-latest-batch-for-emerging-markets-includes-its-cheapest/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/nokias-latest-batch-for-emerging-markets-includes-its-cheapest/#comments We spend most of our time talking about Espoo's Maemo- and Symbian-based lineup, which makes it easy to forget that the company has a vibrant business taking care of the very lowest rungs of the wireless industry -- devices that shatter price barriers and take service to entire new market segments in the furthest reaches of the world. Last year, it was the 1202 raising eyebrows with a €25 price tag, and this week, Nokia's beaten its own mark by coming out with the 1280 (pictured) at just €20 unsubsidized. The phone comes as part of a new five-pack of emerging market devices Nokia has shown this time around, including candybars ranging from the monochrome 1280 to the 1616 and 1800 with color displays for just €4 and €6 more, respectively; we've also got a 2220 slider and 2690 candybar that move a little upmarket at €45 and €54. All of the handsets feature FM radios (particularly critical in some of the markets where these phones will be sold) and feature killer battery life, perfect when power outlets can be hard to come by for days at a time. Indonesia will be the first to get these bad boys in early December, but we imagine they'll find their way to other regions shortly.

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Nokia's latest batch for emerging markets includes its cheapest phone ever originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12801616180022202690candybaredgeemerging marketsEmergingMarketsgsmmobilenokiasliderFri, 06 Nov 2009 07:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia rolls out 2720, 2730, and 7020 on the low end]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/18/nokia-rolls-out-2720-2730-and-7020-on-the-low-end/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/18/nokia-rolls-out-2720-2730-and-7020-on-the-low-end/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/18/nokia-rolls-out-2720-2730-and-7020-on-the-low-end/#comments Nokia has a tendency to roll out its low-end fare in big batches -- you might think of it as the polar opposite of, say, an NTT DoCoMo launch -- and the trend continues with today's announcement of the 2720, 2730, and 7020 (try saying that three times fast). The theme here is bringing internet capabilities to the very bottom-most reaches of the market, and indeed, all three devices offer email and basic web access. Starting with the 2720, you've got a super-basic clamshell with a mirrored finish that'll retail for €55 (about $74) in the third quarter. The 2730 switches over to the candybar form factor and becomes Nokia's cheapest 3G phone at just €80 (about $108) in the third quarter, while the 7020 follows in the fourth quarter with a concealed external display and 2 megapixel cam.

Gallery: Nokia rolls out 2720, 2730, and 7020 on the low end

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Nokia rolls out 2720, 2730, and 7020 on the low end originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 May 2009 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>272027307020candybarclamshelledgeemerging marketemerging marketsEmergingMarketEmergingMarketsflipgsmlow endLowEndmobilenokiaumtsMon, 18 May 2009 14:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia rolls deep on the cheap, cooks up six models]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/04/nokia-rolls-deep-on-the-cheap-cooks-up-six-models/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/04/nokia-rolls-deep-on-the-cheap-cooks-up-six-models/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/04/nokia-rolls-deep-on-the-cheap-cooks-up-six-models/#comments
Looking through the pictures here, you might not suspect that the sticker prices for these bad boys range from just €90 ($117) all the way down to a jaw-droppingly low €25 (about $32), but they do, which raises a question: why must they be targeting emerging markets alone? Nokia has a history of going after emerging economies with the occasional barrage of models, and the latest round ups the game with features we'd be totally cool with seeing on your average "mature market" handset -- goodies like integrated flashlights, sturdy lanyards, and a vaguely-defined "Nokia Life Tools" service that delivers relevant information in a graphical interface to phones via SMS (the logic being that GPRS isn't always available where these phones are going to be used). The most expensive device of the lot will be the 5130 XpressMusic, the first music-centric Nokia destined for low-income areas of the world with an integrated FM radio, 2-megapixel cam, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Next up we've got the fancy 7100 Supernova, joining Nokia's fashion-friendly line in a couple tasty colors with a 1.3-megapixel cam. If we skip all the way to the bottom, we have the lowly 1202, a rugged-looking little monochrome beast with an extended battery, a five-user phonebook to make it easy to pass around the whole family, and extra-loud ringtones -- and at 25 euros, it's Nokia's lowest-cost phone ever. Why do we want one really badly? Are we crazy? Look for all six of these to start filtering around the globe between now and early 2009.

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Nokia rolls deep on the cheap, cooks up six models originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1202166123232323 classic2323Classic23302330 classic2330Classic51305130 xpressmusic5130Xpressmusic71007100 supernova7100Supernovacandybaremerging marketsEmergingMarketsgsmmobilenokiaslidersupernovaxpressmusicTue, 04 Nov 2008 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[LG puts an emphasis on emerging markets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/lg-puts-an-emphasis-on-emerging-markets/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/lg-puts-an-emphasis-on-emerging-markets/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/lg-puts-an-emphasis-on-emerging-markets/#commentsChalking up the decision to a gloomy economic outlook, LG has said that it intends to shift its production and marketing strategies over the coming years to sell fully half of its lineup in emerging markets in the $100-$150 range. The low-cost phone market is a truly brutal one for manufacturers -- so brutal, in fact, that Nokia has come right out and said that it chooses not to compete in it -- but LG is now saying that it'll be happy with single-digit profit margins in that arena now that it's gotten over fears that playing dirty there will "hurt [its] brand image." That'd be down a smidge from its latest quarter, where it posted an 11.5 percent margin in the mobile game -- a 2.9 percent decrease from the quarter before that. A little cash is better than no cash, we suppose, eh?

[Via Phone Scoop]

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LG puts an emphasis on emerging markets originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emerging marketsEmergingMarketslgmobileWed, 29 Oct 2008 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[LG takes KM380, KM710 music phones to emerging markets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/11/lg-takes-km380-km710-music-phones-to-emerging-markets/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/11/lg-takes-km380-km710-music-phones-to-emerging-markets/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/11/lg-takes-km380-km710-music-phones-to-emerging-markets/#comments
The roll-out of LG's KM380 and KM710 models has already started, but the company has announced that it wants to take them to a whole pile of emerging markets by the third quarter. When all's said in done, it looks like customers throughout most of Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa will be able to snap them up locally, offering solid music control (just look at that big honkin' wheel on the KM710!), advanced equalization capabilities, and in the case of the KM380, a whopping 40 hours of continuous playback. Given the target markets, we'd expect the pricing to be pretty reasonable at every local launch, too.

[Via Unwired View]

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LG takes KM380, KM710 music phones to emerging markets originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emerging marketsEmergingMarketsflipgsmkm380km710lgmobilemusicmusic phoneMusicPhonesliderWed, 11 Jun 2008 02:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Vostro 500 appears on Dell's support site]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/vostro-500-appears-on-dells-support-site/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/vostro-500-appears-on-dells-support-site/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/vostro-500-appears-on-dells-support-site/#comments
Dell might have announced its "500" laptop for emerging markets last month, but we didn't get so much as a screen size out of the company as far as details, leading to speculation that it was working on an Eee-class ultraportable of its very own. Sadly, that doesn't appear to be the case -- the Vostro 500 just popped up on Dell's support site, and it's not much more than a Intel version of the Vostro 1000 with a 15.4 in display, Celeron processor, and integrated Intel 965 graphics. No additional details in the offing really, but if the XPS 730's early appearance on Dell's support site is any indication, we should be seeing this one soon.

[Thanks, Dan]

Vostro 500 appears on Dell's support site originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 May 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500dellemerging marketsEmergingMarketsvostrovostro 500Vostro500Fri, 09 May 2008 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia blasts out four affordable handsets for emerging markets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/nokia-blasts-out-four-affordable-handsets-for-emerging-markets/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/nokia-blasts-out-four-affordable-handsets-for-emerging-markets/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/nokia-blasts-out-four-affordable-handsets-for-emerging-markets/#comments
Hot on the heels of the 1606 and 3606 comes a foursome for emerging markets announced today not at CTIA, but at the Growing Together 2008 conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Getting us started is the €90 ($142) 5000 (ships in Q2), which checks in with a QVGA display, FM tuner, MP3 ringtone support, Bluetooth, GPRS connectivity and a 1.3-megapixel camera -- the firm's first at the aforesaid price point. Next up is the Q3-bound 2680 slide (pictured), which boasts a camera, FM radio and a manageable €75 ($119) price tag. Moving on, there's the 7070 Prism, which rocks those same geometric patterns we've grown to love (or hate) on the 7500, a voice recorder and a €50 ($79) sticker. Lastly, the 1680 classic (ships in Q2) arrives as the company's most "affordable cameraphone to date" at just €50 ($79). Go on, check out the whole gang in the gallery below!

Gallery: Nokia blasts out four affordable handsets for emerging markets

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Nokia blasts out four affordable handsets for emerging markets originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Doesn't seem like that long ago that Nokia totally juiced its low-end offerings, but the world of inexpensive ear candy moves just as quickly as the rest of the market -- if not quicker -- and so the fleet is getting rejuvenated just a tad. The 1209 (pictured left) is naturally the lower end of the pair, a phone that Nokia has specifically designed for the concept of "phone sharing" that is largely unique to emerging markets; special features include extra cost tracking apps and separate phonebooks for up to five users. The more interesting of the two is the 2600 classic, featuring interchangeable Xpress-on (wow, it's been a while since we've heard that word) covers, support for MP3 ringtones, a VGA cam, and integrated FM radio. Look for the 1209 to start shipping next quarter for a mere €35 (about $51) while the 2600 classic has already kicked off deliveries for €65 (about $95).

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Nokia's 1209 and 2600 classic, simple and super cheap originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120926002600 classic2600Classicbreaking newsBreakingNewscandybaremerging marketsEmergingMarketsgsmlow endLowEndmobilenokiaTue, 22 Jan 2008 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[UN plans to fight poverty with wireless]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/15/un-plans-to-fight-poverty-with-wireless/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/15/un-plans-to-fight-poverty-with-wireless/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/15/un-plans-to-fight-poverty-with-wireless/#commentsThe United Nations is taking on the enormous project of supplying wireless service to almost 80 African tribes covering 10 countries. The project is expected to encompass nearly a half-million people from the area and is expected to boost the local economy by providing health care and education. Consumers would also have access to 2G data, giving customers the ability to surf the internet. Even though this doesn't fall under the GSMA 3G for all plan -- something is better than nothing, right?

[Via Textually]

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UN plans to fight poverty with wireless originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Sep 2007 23:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cultureemerging marketsEmergingMarketsmobileUNUnited NationsUnitedNationsSat, 15 Sep 2007 23:57:00 EST<![CDATA[India's Tata Motors developing uber-cheap plastic automobile]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/20/indias-tata-motors-developing-uber-cheap-plastic-automobile/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/20/indias-tata-motors-developing-uber-cheap-plastic-automobile/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/20/indias-tata-motors-developing-uber-cheap-plastic-automobile/#comments
Although Tata Motors has recently been talked about for its air-powered City Cat, the next big small thing to roll off of its assembly lines may only be fit for the fearless. The reason, interestingly enough, is not that the automaker is aiming to release a comparatively small four-door car for under $3,000, but that "much of it will be [made of] plastic." Reportedly, the company "has yet to release [an official] name for the car or even a sketch of what it might look like," and moreover, the "low manufacturing costs in developing countries" were pinned as a primary cause for the incredible affordability. And you thought driving around in a $30,000 sedan made entirely in China would be frightening.

[Via Fark, image courtesy of TIME]

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India's Tata Motors developing uber-cheap plastic automobile originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Aug 2007 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 Lakh Car1LakhCarcaremerging marketemerging marketsEmergingMarketEmergingMarketsindiaplastic carPlasticCartatatata motorsTataMotorsMon, 20 Aug 2007 09:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony sees Blu-ray growth in emerging markets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/14/sony-sees-blu-ray-growth-in-emerging-markets/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/14/sony-sees-blu-ray-growth-in-emerging-markets/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/14/sony-sees-blu-ray-growth-in-emerging-markets/#commentsAlthough exact sales figures overseas have been hotly contested, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has just announced "an increase in total Blu-ray disc sales across six emerging markets including Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Eastern Europe, South Africa, and the Middle East." Notably, Sony's T. Paul Miller mentioned that it was "extremely positive to see an increase in volume of BD software sales in these markets where piracy had previously ravaged the DVD business." Some of the top sellers in these locales included 007: Casino Royale, Ghost Rider, Open Season, Kung Fu Hustle, Black Hawk Down, XXX, and Stealth, and it was also stated that South Africa accounted for the largest share of BD sales (for the aforementioned regions) with "more than 15,000 units shipped to date."

[Via MovieWeb]

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Sony sees Blu-ray growth in emerging markets originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 21:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>africablu rayblu-raybluraybusinesschinaEmerging MarketsEmergingMarketseuropeforeignhdhong kongHongKongmiddle eastMiddleEastoverseassalessonytaiwanTue, 14 Aug 2007 21:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola busts out slew of low-end candybars]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/01/motorola-busts-out-slew-of-low-end-candybars/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/01/motorola-busts-out-slew-of-low-end-candybars/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/01/motorola-busts-out-slew-of-low-end-candybars/#comments
From our "never have so many handsets collectively interested us so little" department come these six gems, all Moto candybars from the low-end "W" line that are presumably destined primarily for emerging markets. We've yet to see any press releases detailing exactly what Motorola intends to do with these, but the imagery in its media database pretty much says it all; heck, two of the six even have monochrome displays (and no, they aren't e-ink, either). Four of the handsets -- the W156, W160, W175, and W180 -- do at least carry over the F3's wedge-shaped slim design, while the last two, the W206 and W213, look like they're straight outta 2003. We'll pass on this bunch, but if you want to send us a GSM 850 / 1900 MOTOFONE, guys, be our guest!

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Motorola busts out slew of low-end candybars originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>candybaremerging marketsEmergingMarketsgsmlow endLowEndmobilemotomotorolaw156w160w175w180w206w213Wed, 01 Aug 2007 18:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell announces cheap-o Mini-ITX desktop for China]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/12/dell-announces-cheap-o-mini-itx-desktop-for-china/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/12/dell-announces-cheap-o-mini-itx-desktop-for-china/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/12/dell-announces-cheap-o-mini-itx-desktop-for-china/#comments
Dell China is setting its sights on "emerging markets" with its new Mini-ITX PC, the EC280. The low-power, small-footprint PC appears to be the same model that we mentioned back in March, which Dell is taking head-to-head with competition like Lenovo and Founder. The handsome little box comes with Windows XP Home Edition pre-installed, and has a 1.2GHz Celeron M 205 processor, 256MB or 512MB of memory, a 40GB or 80GB HD, and a CD (!) or DVD-ROM drive. Clearly with these specs, the EC280 is aimed at no-frills, general computing tasks, but at this price point (around $340), it should make a decent impact in places like China, where a typical desktop is twice the cost.

[Via mini-itx]

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Dell announces cheap-o Mini-ITX desktop for China originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 07:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dellec280emerging marketsEmergingMarketsThu, 12 Jul 2007 07:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Thermoacoustics behind all-in-one cooker, fridge, and generator]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/16/thermoacoustics-behind-all-in-one-cooker-fridge-and-generator/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/16/thermoacoustics-behind-all-in-one-cooker-fridge-and-generator/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/16/thermoacoustics-behind-all-in-one-cooker-fridge-and-generator/#commentsSure, building up a campfire in order to roast some eats in the wilderness could be fun for awhile, but for the reported "two billion people that use open fires as their primary cooking method," we're sure it loses its luster somewhere along the line. The University of Nottingham is hoping to change all that, however, by attempting to develop an all-in-one gizmo that acts as a "cooker, a fridge, and a generator," and relies on biomass fuels for energy. The £2 million ($3.96 million) SCORE (Stove for Cooking, Refrigeration and Electricity) project seeks to create a "wood-powered generator capable of both cooking and cooling food," and it will purportedly rely on thermoacoustics to cut down on pollutants, increase efficiency, and be more reliable to future consumers in Africa and Asia. No word just yet on when this newfangled kitchen appliance will be ready to ship, but a portable version would probably do quite well in the camping market.

[Via CNET]

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Thermoacoustics behind all-in-one cooker, fridge, and generator originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2007 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-in-oneburningconglomeratedeveloping countriesDevelopingCountriesdo-it-allefficiencyelectricityemerging marketsEmergingMarketsenergyenergy efficientEnergyEfficientfiregeneratorkitchennottinghampovertypowerRefrigeratorscorestoveThermoacousticswoodWed, 16 May 2007 15:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia busts out new low-end fleet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/03/nokia-busts-out-new-low-end-fleet/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/03/nokia-busts-out-new-low-end-fleet/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/03/nokia-busts-out-new-low-end-fleet/#comments
Avert your eyes if you're married to S60 -- you'll find nary a smartphone here -- but Nokia's mustered a new slew of devices for emerging markets today that cover the full spectrum of form factors and radio technologies. Starting from the upper left, the lowly 1200 keeps things about as simple as they possibly could be with a throwback monochrome display, 32-chord ringtones, a "dust-resistant" keypad, and an integrated flashlight. The 1208 takes a small step up, swapping out the monochrome screen for a color one but otherwise keeping specs the same. The 1650 moves yet a little more upmarket with a considerably larger screen, though the keypad apparently loses dust resistance in the process. The 2505 is a CDMA (!) flip that maintains the integrated flashlight and rocks downloadable ringtones and wallpapers, a speakerphone, and a handful of integrated games and tools. Onto the second row starting at the left, the 2630 re-ups the 1650's formula and adds Bluetooth, GPRS data, and a VGA cam (heck, this seems like a perfectly decent handset for... uh, emerged markets, let alone emerging ones) -- and get this -- it becomes Nokia's thinnest phone, period, at 9.9 millimeters. The 2660 does the 2630's features in flip form, but loses the cam in the conversion -- but no worries, you can get it back with the 2760. Did ya get all that? Look for all of 'em to launch in the middle of this year in "select markets" for between €35 and €90 ($48 and $123) -- not bad at all, considering those are unsubsidized prices.

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Nokia busts out new low-end fleet originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 May 2007 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1200120816502505263026602760candybarcdmaclamshellemerging marketsEmergingMarketsentry levelEntryLevelflipgsmlow endLowEndmobilenokiaThu, 03 May 2007 11:08:00 EST<![CDATA[$10 cellphone may be coming in two years]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/13/10-cellphone-may-be-coming-in-two-years/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/13/10-cellphone-may-be-coming-in-two-years/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/13/10-cellphone-may-be-coming-in-two-years/#commentsWith Motorola not making a heckuva lot of profit these days, can it and the other handset makers really get a $10 handset to market? Some at UC Berkeley's Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) say that it may be possible to get a $10 cellphone -- likely targeted at emerging markets -- on the streets. Still, can it be done from a cost and logistics perspective? CITRIS in California (no pun intended) believes such a handset could be on the global market within a few years if any Taiwanese contract manufacturers care to sign up to the vision. With Taiwan's Quanta being the top maker of the $100 OLPC laptop computer system that is shipping, perhaps a $10 cellphone can, in fact, be done. After all, the MOTOFONE ain't that far away.

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$10 cellphone may be coming in two years originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 05:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheapcheap handsetsCheapHandsetscitrisdeveloping market wireless phonesDevelopingMarketWirelessPhonesemerging marketsEmergingMarketsentry levelentry level handsetsEntryLevelEntryLevelHandsetslow costLowCostmobileuc berkeleyUcBerkeleyFri, 13 Apr 2007 05:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel developing software hack for long-range WiFi]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/27/intel-developing-software-hack-for-long-range-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/27/intel-developing-software-hack-for-long-range-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/27/intel-developing-software-hack-for-long-range-wifi/#comments
The idea of extended range WiFi has been around the block before, but amidst all the talk of mass WiMAX deployments comes a swank new idea to get vanilla WiFi out to more people without breaking any laws or relying on expensive hardware upgrades. Apparently, researchers at Intel have "created a system that lets WiFi signals, which ordinarily carry a few hundred feet, instead travel 100 kilometers, or more than 60 miles." Interestingly enough, the system supposedly relies on "modified software" running on regular WiFi equipment, and wireless access points with the newfangled software can seemingly daisy-chain directional network traffic through "several carefully aligned steerable antennas in order to eventually reach a fiber link connected to the internet." Unfortunately (for us, at least), Intel has emerging markets on the brain rather than rolling this out in the US or UK, as it reckons the "$700 to $800 long range WiFi towers" would do quite well in locales that balk at $15,000 WiMAX towers. So if you're currently stealing some dignitary's WiFi in Uganda in order to read this, fret not, as Intel's looking your way for testing "later this year."

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Intel developing software hack for long-range WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaemerging marketsEmergingMarketsExtended range WiFiExtendedRangeWifiintelinternetlong rangelong range wifilong-range wifiLong-rangeWifiLongRangeLongRangeWifisteerablesteerable antennaSteerableAntennaugandawifiwimaxTue, 27 Mar 2007 15:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Low-cost MOTOFONE hits India]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/28/low-cost-motofone-hits-india/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/28/low-cost-motofone-hits-india/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/28/low-cost-motofone-hits-india/#comments
We knew Motorola had something (really) skinny up its sleeve way back in July, and after it got the ole thumbs-up from our constituents over at the FCC, we knew a whiz-bang release couldn't be too far out. Thankfully (at least for India), today's the day, and the MOTOFONE will finally find its way into (and surely out of) slim fit pockets everywhere. Moto announced immediate availability of the GSM-based F3 within India today at a dedicated event held in New Delhi, and stated that "international markets" could expect to get their palms on one "in the coming weeks." Furthermore, the CDMA sibling (F3c) is slated to hit shelves "before the end of 2006." While pricing details were cleverly omitted, we're sure they'll surface soon when local carriers jump on the bandwagon.

[Via Mobiledia]

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Low-cost MOTOFONE hits India originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Nov 2006 10:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmaemerging marketsEmergingMarketsf3f3cfonegsmindiainternationalmarketsmotomotofonemotorolaTue, 28 Nov 2006 10:11:00 EST<![CDATA[CDMA phones to get ultra cheap, too]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/27/cdma-phones-to-get-ultra-cheap-too/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/27/cdma-phones-to-get-ultra-cheap-too/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/27/cdma-phones-to-get-ultra-cheap-too/#commentsAnyone else notice that most of the fanfare surrounding the concept of the almost-free unsubsidized handset has been largely restricted to the GSM camp? Sure, we have occasional CDMA examples like Kyocera's K122 and K132 -- but with all due respect to Kyocera, cooler looking GSM goodies like the MOTOFONE have been generating just a bit more buzz. No worries, though; a handful of scrappy Korean startups are looking to correct the imbalance, committing to deliver $30 handsets utilizing CDMA2000 1x radios (no EV-DO, we're guessing) to India starting in December of this year with other Southeast Asian countries hopping on the bandwagon in '07. According to Rose Telecom, one of the startups involved in the initiative, the phones should take another dive to the $20 mark in 2008. We can almost sense American prepaid MVNOs expressing interest already.

Update: A resourceful reader has pointed out that Motorola's also offering a CDMA variant of the MOTOFONE, which clearly raises the bar for style in the CDMA emerging markets segment. The Korean folks still look to have a slight edge on pricing here -- but with Motorola having suggested that we'll be seeing $15 handsets by '08, they may not for long. [Thanks, Rich]

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CDMA phones to get ultra cheap, too originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 01:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>$30cdmacdma2000cheapemergingemerging marketsEmergingMarketsindiainexpensivekorealow endLowEndmobileothersroserose telecomRoseTelecomsouth koreaSouthKoreaultra low endUltraLowEndMon, 27 Nov 2006 01:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola chairman predicts ultra-cheap mobiles by '08]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/05/motorola-chairman-predicts-ultra-cheap-mobiles-by-08/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/05/motorola-chairman-predicts-ultra-cheap-mobiles-by-08/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/05/motorola-chairman-predicts-ultra-cheap-mobiles-by-08/#comments$15 contract-free cellphones might just be a reality by 2008. David Brown, Chairman of the Board for Motorola's British outpost, delivered the good news during a speech to the UK's Institute of Engineering and Technology, saying that agreements with suppliers are largely to thank for the development. Of course, let's not get too far ahead of ourselves -- 2008 is still a little ways off yet -- but coming from the company that brings us the ultra-low-cost (yet still reasonably fashionable) MOTOFONE, we'd like to believe the statement carries some weight. If it all goes down, Mr. Brown believes it'll lead to another 100 million people investing in their first cellphone each and every year, and if that's not motivation for the manufacturers to make it a reality, we don't know what is.

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Motorola chairman predicts ultra-cheap mobiles by '08 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Nov 2006 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>$152008cheapCultureemerging marketsEmergingMarketsinexpensivemobilemotorolathird worldThirdWorldSun, 05 Nov 2006 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel announces specs, production dates for Classmate PC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/28/intel-announces-specs-production-dates-for-classmate-pc/http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/28/intel-announces-specs-production-dates-for-classmate-pc/http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/28/intel-announces-specs-production-dates-for-classmate-pc/#commentsMore news is coming from the Intel Developers Conference: yesterday we found that wireless USB was launching for realz, and now Intel is supposedly ready to drop its sub-$400 notebook for "emerging markets" across the globe. While it seems the company is flaunting one of these every few months, the Classmate PC has actually grown some roots (and a production schedule to boot) from its Edu-Wise beginnings. The ultraportable will house an (unspecified) Intel Celeron M processor, 7-inch 800 x 480 LCD, 256MB of DDR2 RAM, 1GB of NAND goodness, and a (hopefully non-explosive) 6-cell Li-ion battery. No details were revealed regarding the ports or connectivity options, but at least this unit isn't powered by a pull-string, right? Packing a Windows XP embedded OS, the machines are slated to hit full scale production in "Q1 2007," and orders have reportedly already been placed by governments in Mexico, Brazil, Nigeria and India (they've found a winner, apparently). Manufacturing is supposed to be handled by Taiwan's Uniwill Computer, but considering its about to undergo a takeover by Elitegroup Computer Systems, and how sketchy these foreign "order commitments" can become, we're not exactly holding our collective breath for things to roll out without a few setbacks.

[Via TGDaily]

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Intel announces specs, production dates for Classmate PC originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classmate pcClassmatePcedu-wiseemerging marketsEmergingMarketsintelintel olpcIntelOlpclaptopolpcThu, 28 Sep 2006 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola shows variety of entry-level phones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/20/motorola-shows-variety-of-entry-level-phones/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/20/motorola-shows-variety-of-entry-level-phones/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/20/motorola-shows-variety-of-entry-level-phones/#comments With the exception of the Q, it's been a while since we've had the good fortune of being able to talk about some genuinely new Moto handsets in the pipeline -- not counting the endless array of RAZR, SLVR, and PEBL variants, of course. That looks to have changed thanks to this week's CommunicAsia expo in Singapore, where Motorola's dropped a handful of clever-looking handsets for emerging markets (Nokia, pay attention here). First up is the W170, a roundish ultra low-end candybar sporting a 128 x 128 black and white display with blue backlight, 32 tone polyphony, speakerphone, and FM radio. Next up in the pecking order is the W208, which trades the black and white display for color at the same resolution and a slightly different case design. Finally, arguably the most interesting of the bunch, the W375 clamshell borrows design cues from its pricier cousins in the V3 line but eliminates the external display in favor of a series of status icons. Look for all of these to drop in Q3 and Q4, and if you ask politely, Moto might even drop some of 'em in the States thanks to GSM 850/1900 support.

[Via Phone Scoop and Mobilewhack]

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Motorola shows variety of entry-level phones originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Jun 2006 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmaemerging marketsEmergingMarketsentry levelEntryLevelgsmlow endLowEndmobilemotorolaw170w208w375Tue, 20 Jun 2006 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia announces 1110i for "first time users"]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/19/nokia-announces-1110i-for-first-time-users/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/19/nokia-announces-1110i-for-first-time-users/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/19/nokia-announces-1110i-for-first-time-users/#comments Apparently there exists a market somewhere for bargain-basement phones, devoid of even the most basic features, that look like they've been sitting in a warehouse somewhere since 1999. Wherever you folks are, Nokia's got you covered with their latest ultra low-end offering, the 1110i. A modest update for the similarly-designed 1110, the 1110i rocks a freshly updated version of S30, 96 x 68 1-bit display with green backlight, 20-tone polyphony with "MP3-grade tones," EGSM 900 / 1800 support, and that's about it. At just €45 ($57) unsubsidized, what's there not to love? Available starting Q3 in areas friendly to dual-band coverage. [Warning: PDF link]

[Thanks, Donald]

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Nokia announces 1110i for "first time users" originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Jun 2006 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>11101110icandybaremerging marketsEmergingMarketsgsmmobilenokiaMon, 19 Jun 2006 15:04:00 EST<![CDATA[GSMA wants 3G for developing countries]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/14/gsma-wants-3g-for-developing-countries/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/14/gsma-wants-3g-for-developing-countries/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/14/gsma-wants-3g-for-developing-countries/#commentsSure, the OLPC project's connectivity options are all well and good with the promise of WiFi and mesh networking, but how's about tethering that $100 $130 laptop up to some high-speed WWAN action? The GSM Association has announced its "3G for all" initiative to bring UMTS access well beyond its current user base of 72 million people, most of whom reside in industrialized nations. Although OLPC is not specifically mentioned, the synergy is pretty obvious -- we suspect these laptops could find themselves in a few places where WiFi is hard to come by. Besides challenging carriers to build out the network, GSMA is asking manufacturers to develop 3G handsets with the needs of emerging markets in mind, something they've done in the past for 2G handsets with the goal of mass production at the $30 price point. UMTS has a long way to go in some industrialized nations before we see this all happening, but dare to dream, guys -- we're all about $130 laptops tethered to $30 3G-capable phones.

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GSMA wants 3G for developing countries originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Jun 2006 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g for all3gForAllCulturedeveloping countriesDevelopingCountriesemerging marketsEmergingMarketsgsmgsmamobileolpcumtsWed, 14 Jun 2006 22:02:00 EST