Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Reliance launched Prepaid BlackBerry Services in India

Reliance Communications today launched the country's first prepaid Blackberry services on both GSM and CDMA models. This has extended the reach of Blackberry smartphones to over 200 million prepaid users in India, a RCom statement said here.

So far, Blackberry is available only on the postpaid connections of Vodafone Essar and Bharti Airtel. The company has introduced two tariff plans for it-Plan Rs 1,299 and Plan Rs 1,599. In both the plans Reliance to Reliance mobile local and intra-circle calls are free.

n Plan 1,299 call charges range from 49 paise to 99 paise for local and STD calls from Rcom to other networks. The international calls range from Rs 6.90 a minute to Rs 40 a minute depending on the country.

A first of its kind 'pay as you use' pricing model in India is in line with Reliance Communications' strategy to extend BlackBerry services to customers who are looking for cost-effective options, flexibility and control over their expenses for wireless services, it said.

"We recognise the needs of customers and believe a prepaid option enabled by Reliance Communications will significantly broaden the consumer interest in BlackBerry smartphones and expand our business opportunity," Reliance Communications President, Mobile Data and Content Services, Mahesh Prasad said.

The new prepaid services are available on lots of BlackBerry smartphones from Reliance's lineup, including:

  • BlackBerry 8830 World Edition, the handset that can operate both on GMS and CDMA networks
  • BlackBerry Curve 8330 GSM
  • BlackBerry Curve 8330 CDMA
  • BlackBerry Pearl 8100 GSM
  • BlackBerry Pearl 8130 CDMA
  • and the old(er) BlackBerry 8703e CDMA

Basically, with the introduction of prepaid services, Indian mobile users will be able to buy BlackBerry smartphones without having to sign any contract agreement with Reliance.

Canon's release New PowerShot SD990 and SD880 Digital ELPH Cameras


Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced, the PowerShot SD990 IS and PowerShot SD880 IS Digital ELPH cameras. Loaded with a host of advanced features, such as Optical Image Stabilization and Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor, these cameras are ideal for the trendsetting techie looking for functionality or style-conscious photo enthusiasts who want their gadgets to keep pace with their style. In addition, to commemorate the 100 millionth compact digital camera manufactured, Canon created a limited-edition PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH camera in red.
“The introduction of DIGIC 4 imaging processing and a variety of color creations, continues to build on Canon’s mantra of incorporating substance and style into everything we create,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “We recognize that if we continue to make digital cameras easy to use and easy to take along wherever one goes, people will carry them, not just for their style and compactness, but because of the image quality.”

Canon PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH Camera
The PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH camera showcases enhanced specifications such as 14.7-megapixel resolution, 3.7x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilization and Canon’s new Quick Shot Mode for even faster shutter speed.

Reminiscent of a sporty race car, with its curved design and brilliant metallic topcoat, the PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH camera is available in black or silver. Still small enough to fit in a shirt pocket or suit jacket, this compact, cutting-edge camera is an anytime, anyplace must-have.

Canon has produced a limited-edition red PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH camera.

Canon PowerShot SD880 IS Digital ELPH Camera
The successor to Canon’s widely popular PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH camera, the PowerShot SD880 IS Digital ELPH camera boasts improved specifications such as 10.0-megapixel resolution and 4x wide-angle Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilization. In combination with the latest DIGIC 4 image processor and Motion Detection Technology, the wide-angle zoom lens has been improved, enabling consumers to capture large and small group shots with ease, while on vacation or attending social gatherings.

Available in stylish two-toned body colors of black and silver or gold and brown, the Canon PowerShot SD880 IS Digital ELPH camera functions as a fashion statement, as well as a feature-rich powerhouse. Additionally, four large and distinctive convex buttons are positioned to the right side of the large 3.0-inch PureColor LCD II screen to make camera operation and menu navigation even easier. The LCD screen’s contrast ratio has been greatly improved as well, offering more accurate color and viewing from any angle.

Canon DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor

The newly upgraded DIGIC 4 image processor, a proprietary technology, accounts for the camera's higher performance levels, including significantly improved signal processing speed and higher image quality.

One of the most important new features made possible by the DIGIC 4 image processor is Servo AF, which is a form of continuous focus tracking for moving subjects. By pressing the shutter button half-way, the camera can track subject movement up to the instant of exposure, resulting in sharper photographs. Additionally, the processor’s high ISO speed noise reduction processing has improved substantially to enable consumers to shoot high-quality images, even in extremely dark situations without the use of a flash. The new Intelligent Contrast Correction function automatically improves image quality in high contrast shooting situations.

The Genuine Canon Face Detection technology has evolved even further, thanks to DIGIC 4. Improved features include the ability to recognize human faces at most angles. Another innovation is the Face Detection Self-Timer, which automatically takes a photo two seconds after a new face enters the scene.

Information about Availability and Pricing

Scheduled to be available in October, the Canon PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH and PowerShot SD880 IS Digital ELPH cameras will have estimated selling prices of $399.99 and $299.99, respectively. Kit contents will include a memory card, battery, charger, wrist strap, USB and A/V interface cables, Canon Digital Solutions Software CD, and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty.

Sony Ericsson HCB-108 Bluetooth speakerphone launches

Sony Ericsson in England on Tuesday unveiled its newest cellphone accessory, the Bluetooth HCB-108 car speaker. The portable speaker comes with a clip that lets users put it on the sunvisors of their vehicles and connect with Bluetooth-enabled phones to deliver hands-free conversations.

Claiming to have the longest talk and standby time on the market, the unit offers a month of standby and 25 hours of nattering. The HCB-108 attaches to your car's visor with no wires, or can be used on your desk as a speakerphone.

Sound-wise, Sony Ericsson says the gadget has "superior true duplex audio quality" with echo reduction, noise cancellation and Digital Signal Processing.

The HCB-108 will be available in selected markets from early-Q4 in black and silver. Sony Ericsson simply announcing the HCB-108 will be available early on in the fall of 2008 in select markets at an unspecified price.