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Nokia E90 Communicator Smartphone Review

In the recent past, a flurry of new and advanced mobile phones has made their pompous entry into India. And the latest one to join the bandwagon is the Nokia E90 smartphone. But hey this is not just any ordinary mobile device, but a smartphone as it incorporates some truly ‘smart’ and intelligent functions. Undoubtedly an owner’s delight and a neighbor’s envy, that’s what the Nokia E90 exactly is. Read on to know why we seem to be so awed by this multimedia device. But before we throw the light on the E90, let’s speak a little about the journey of communicators, from what it was to what it now is.

The first phone in the Communicator series was the Nokia 9000 that debuted in 1996. After that Nokia released a slew of phones in that line. Phones such as the 9000i, 9110, 9110i, 9210, 9210i, 9290, 9300, 9300i and the 9500 made an appearance. They were called the 9xxx series. However, it has to be noted that 9300 and 9300i were not considered as Communicators.

Earlier phones in the communicator series were dubbed as Bricks (sorry iPhone, but your misnomer was taken long back) and even as bad as bulky compass boxes.

To begin with, the E90 smartphone is the first device, which is not a Nokia 9xxx series’ model that has been given the tag of Communicator. Coming to its appearance, it comes in two colors, mocha and burgundy (in layman terms, black and red!). As James Bond would say it, ‘first things first’. Yes the first thing that you notice about the E90 is the size. And what a breath of fresh air that seemed to be for sure! It essentially looks like an N70 enclosed in a shell! And if you’ve ever held the old communicators, then you would exactly understand how compact the E90 actually is.

Now coming to the main features of the Nokia E90 smartphone, the device features one of the fastest RAM in a Nokia phone, 128 MB coupled with a faster processor. This enables the phone to work efficiently. You can run several applications in the background without making it slow or freeze. The Nokia E90 is the first communicator to run on a single platform. It has S60 3.1 platform running on Symbian OS 9.2, which allows you to continue with the same action even when you flip screens.

It has a cool QWERTY keyboard that makes web browsing a true delight on this phone. And of course the inner display which is 800 x 352 pixels of size only adds on to the pleasure. The large screen makes the web pages look just as though you are surfing the internet on your PC monitor.

Normally to browse the web from a mobile phone, users have to use a GPRS connection, which sometimes can be expensive depending upon the carrier and the plan or 3G capability, which ironically is not available in all countries including India. However, the Nokia E90 communicator has Wi-Fi capabilities and all you have to do is go into a Wi-Fi hotspot and start surfing.

And of course it does include other basic features such as FM Radio, Media Player. The QWERTY keyboard makes sending SMSes and writing notes very easy. The Nokia E90 has a 3.2 MP camera with which you can click photos and also record videos. It features various different modes and settings that you would normally find in a digital camera. You can also make video calls with your E90. Besides these functions the smartphone has a host of other functions such as Clock, Calendar, GPS, Calculator and Converter. It also comes with a QuickOffice and Adobe PDF that let you view all your office documents. And if you have a printer nearby, you can use the Wi-Fi functionality of the phone to print documents. In addition, it also has a Barcode reader which scans barcodes.
Though the Nokia E90 is close to flawless, but as the old adage goes, “Nothing is perfect,” this device also cannot be given a perfect ten on ten.

Firstly the keys, especially the ones next to the Menu buttons on the front side could have been perhaps a little bigger. There is a lot of space at the bottom and instead of squishing the keys on the top; they could have ergonomically designed the main keypad. Secondly, we would have loved it if there were some more games included in the device. And here’s probably the biggest drawback, or may I say lack that I found in the Nokia E90. After having so many plus points one wonders why the Finnish mobile giant compensated on its memory capacity. Ironically, the phone supports and expandable memory of only up to 2 GB, which we feel is very low considering the fact that these days people do carry a lot of data on their phones. However, here’s some bleak ray of light that we see as there is a possibility of Nokia coming out with a newer version that would support up to 4 GB of expandable memory.

The Nokia E90 India price is Rs. 38,000, (that is around US $940, when converted) which seems like quite an affordable device for such a plethora of features and suave to its look.

Our Shout: We are giving the big black beast 9.5 out of 10 as we feel that Nokia E90 Communicator is one of the best phones available in the market and it is a steal if you are paying just Rs. 38,000 for a phone that has two screens and a QWERTY keyboard. We would recommend the E90 not only to higher level executives but also anyone who is an office goer or a B-School student as it would be a nice return on investment.


source:techshout.com
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Samsung Announces 5MP Camera Phone

So Samsung's in the news yet again with the launch of yet another mobile phone – the SGH G-800. What strikes me as really weird is that this model is supposed to be the successor for the very recently launched G600 mobile. I’m beginning to wonder if the guys down at Samsung have their R & D team working overtime when it comes to releasing newer phone models.

The G800 is another high-end model from Samsung that also features a 5.0 megapixel camera but this baby also has 3x Optical zoom and is an Auto-Focus camera to boot. That’s not all; it also, apparently, has a xenon flash. The lens and flash will be quite snug and well protected by a lid that will slide to the side when you want to get a bit snap-happy.

The G800 is a slider phone that is said to be 3G enabled with other features like Bluetooth, but there’s no information yet on if it’s A2DP compatible, but why wouldn’t it be considering it’s supposed to be a high end model right? It also has USB support, and let’s hope it’s not through a propriety cable this time. It also has stereo speakers and it may also have EDGE with HSDPA.

The price has not been disclosed but rumor has it that it may be available somewhere in the first half of next year. Hopefully sooner. Check out GSM Arena for more info.


SOURCE:TECH2.COM
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Logitech Wave Keyboard

After the launch of the Air Mouse, now it's time for the Wave Keyboard from Logitech. The Wave is one of the best wireless ergonomic keyboards the company has ever had in their entire range. It is designed in such a way that it holds your wrist comfortably in place. Its keys are soft and cup your fingers; and to make things even more comfortable, the keys follow a certain wave-pattern to provide extreme comfort.


This keyboard is also available in a Cordless Desktop Wave system. The set adds a cordless laser mouse that will feature Windows Vista Flip 3D button. The Wave keyboard is priced at $49.99 (Rs. 2,000) and the Cordless Desktop Wave is priced at $89.99 (Rs. 3,600)




source:techtree.com
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Motorola Makes iTunes Standard Music App

Motorola is in the news today and how. With gadgets and announcements being made they’re cranking up their status in the market to make absolutely sure they aren’t left behind in the mobiles race.
From signing up with Microvison to develop a mobile phone projector to today’s announcement that Motorola and Apple have a little thing going. Motorola’s next generation of phones the ‘Always with you’ handsets will feature Apple’s iTunes mobile music player so transferring and managing your music from your Mac or PC through iTunes will be a breeze. Connections will be through USB or Bluetooth of course and the new player is to become a standard music application in the new Motorola music handsets that should be out sometime in the first half of 2008.

“We can't think of a more natural partnership than this one with Apple, the brand synonymous with easy-to-use, legal music downloading, and Motorola, the innovator in mobile technology,” said Ed Zander, chairman and CEO, Motorola. “Being able to transfer songs you’ve purchased from iTunes to Motorola mobile handsets expands the market reach for both of us and drives new revenue for customers, delivering an amazing music experience to millions of wireless users.”

“We are thrilled to be working with Motorola to enable millions of music lovers to transfer any of their favorite songs from iTunes on their PC or Mac to Motorola’s next-generation mobile phones," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. “The mobile phone market - with 1.5 billion subscribers expected worldwide by the end of 2004 - is a phenomenal opportunity to get iTunes in the hands of even more music lovers around the world and we think Motorola is the ideal partner to kick this off."


source:tech2.com
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Microsoft sells a Million Zunes

Hey, looks like Robbie Bach's powers of prognostication aren't so far off. Microsoft did indeed make their goal of selling a million Zunes by the end of June, getting 1.2 million of them out the door since their November launch.

Of course, even before the announcement cynics were all over the statistic, saying that the one million figure only counts Zunes shipped to retailers, not those actually in the hand of consumers. Which is true, but it doesn't matter -- every company does this. So long as we're all using the same metrics, everything's cool, right?


Well, no. Those same cynics will then argue that Microsoft has flooded the retail channels, probably through some kind of strong-arm tactics, bribery or mind control. To which I answer: Enough already. One million Zunes in seven months was a lame target to begin with (more charitable term: "modest") for a purported "iPod killer"; it's as if Microsoft already knew their product was, at best, so-so -- which is ridiculous for a company with Microsoft's resources.

They have their work cut out for them. Let them enjoy their moment.


source:pcworld.com
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Samsung Reveals Four More Phones

So Samsung 's on a rampage revealing new phones. It's getting a bit monotonous seeing them on tech news all the time, but kudos to their team of brainstormers, it’s not like their products won't be welcomed with open arms. So go right ahead and let the creativity flow. The latest addition to Samsung's ever-increasing repertoire is the P520, which may seem quite familiar and it should too as it’s quite like the P310 with its flip case. The difference is that the P520 has a 2.6 inch TFT QVGA touch screen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels with 265K colors. This phone also comes equipped with a 3 megapixel camera, 50MB of internal memory and external microSD memory support. With regards to connectivity, it supports Bluetooth with A2DP compatibility and also supports Wi-Fi, UMA and EDGE. The P520 has a TV out if you want to connect it to your TV and also has an FM radio. Great! Another fully loaded mobile. Hopefully it’ll cost less than the iPhone. I have my fingers crossed. Next up is the P260 slider that comes with a 2 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, UMA and EDGE. It has a 262k color TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. This model also features Bluetooth with A2DP and has in internal memory of 25MB that can be extended using external memory from microSD cards.


source:tech2.com
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Fuji's New Cameras Feature Blog Mode, Face Detection

This fall, Fuji will roll out five new camera models, offering features like Blog mode, Face Detection, and Intelligent Flash.

By Molly K. McLaughlin
On the heels of Panasonic's recent announcement, Fujifilm has unveiled five new cameras--the stylish 7.2MP Z10fd, the 8MP FinePix S8000fd superzoom, 12MP F50fd, and the entry-level FinePix A920 and F480--all due out this fall.Aimed squarely at the stylish set, the 7.2-megapixel FinePix Z10fd comes in five eye-catching colors and offers a number of easy ways to share pictures. This ultraportable camera sports a 3X optical zoom lens, a 2.5-inch LCD and 54MB of internal memory. The "fd" at the end of its name stands for Fuji's "Face Detection" technology, which can identify up to 10 faces in a scene. The Z10fd also includes Automatic Red Eye Removal and Picture Stabilization mode, which automatically sets light sensitivity (up to 1600 ISO) and shutter speeds at the ideal settings depending on the type of shot. Its "intelligent" flash automatically adjusts illumination based on the lighting. There's also a useful dual shot mode for taking two shots in succession--one with and one without flash to see which works best. The Z10fd supports SD and SDHC cards in addition to xD.

For viewing and sharing photos, the Z10fd features a slideshow mode with musical accompaniment and Blog mode, for resizing images in-camera to post online or in an e-mail. In addition, it comes equipped with IrSimple technology, which enables compatible mobile devices to wirelessly connect and transmit images.

"We decided to create a camera that would mesh our latest technological advancements with today's popular trends and styles, and came up with the Z10fd," Senior Product Manager David Troy explained.

For superzoom users comes the budget 8-megapixel FinePix S8000fd. It has a 27mm-486mm equivalent lens, and is said to be the first Fuji camera to feature Dual Image Stabilization--combining Picture Stabilization technology (maximum ISO level of 3200) with internal mechanics. Like the Z10fd, it also has Face Detection, Automatic Red Eye Removal, and Intelligent Flash. Unlike the other cameras announced today, it boasts full manual controls and multiple burst modes. The camera captures 640-by-480 resolution video at 30 frames per second. For composing shots, it has a 2.5-inch LCD and an electronic viewfinder, helpful in bright light.

Also announced was the 12-megapixel F50fd with 3X optical zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD. It includes Dual Image Stabilization, Intelligent Flash, Full Manual modes, and is IrSimple compatible. It also features Blog mode, accepts SD, SDHC and xD memory cards, and can even go underwater with the optional waterproof casing. A feature unique to this model is Face Detection 2.0, capable of detecting faces not just in head-on shots, but also profiles with a total viewing range of 270 degrees.

Aimed at newbie shutterbugs, the 9-megapixel FinePix A920 and 8.2-megapixel F480 have 4X optical zoom and 2.7-inch LCDs. To eliminate blurry shots, both of these slim cameras include Picture Stabilization. The A920 keeps it simple with an icon-based interface, on-screen guides, and one-touch access to scene modes. Like the other recent Fuji models, it accepts xD as well as SD and SDHC cards; the A480, however, supports xD only. Both models take QVGA quality video at 30 frames per second with sound. The A920 is also IrSimple compatible.

"We wanted to provide consumers with an easy to use, compact camera, that can be dropped into a pocket, making it easier to never miss a great photo opportunity," said FujiFilm's David Troy.

The Z10fd ($199.95), FinePix S8000fd ($399.95), F50fd ($299.95), FinePix A920 ($199.95), and FinePix F480 ($179.95) will be available this September.


source:pcmag.com
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Panasonic Adds 2 Cameras to Lumix Line-up

Panasonic today introduced the new Lumix 8.1MP DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 cameras of 28mm wide angle LEICA DC lens with 3.6x optical zoom (equivalent to 28mm to 100 mm on a 35mm film camera) featuring f/2.8 brightness. The DMC-FX55 incorporates a 3-inch large LCD whereas the DMC-FX33 pursues further compactness with a 2.5-inch LCD.

These cameras feature Panasonic’s Intelligent Image Stabilization system that comprehends MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) to suppress hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control to prevent motion blur.

The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically sets the appropriate scene mode according to the scene. It is selected from most frequently used scene modes such as portrait, scenery, macro, night scenery and night portrait.

The Face Detection system helps the camera to recognize a human face and focus and set AE. The Quick AF system allows the camera to start focusing on the subject even without pressing a shutter button halfway, to get best results out of a shutter chance by minimizing the AF time. All these happen on the smart auto mode incorporated in these cameras.

These cameras work on Venus Engine III, which renders the newly added High-Speed Burst shooting mode that lets you snap off a lightning-fast seven shots per second, as well as a new High Sensitivity mode that provides a maximum ISO setting of 6400. In addition, when using the High Sensitivity mode, the built-in flash reaches as far as 16 meters.

The DMC-FX55 will be available in silver, black and pink, while the FX33 in silver, black, blue, brown, pink and white. These cameras will be available in the market from September 2007.


source:tech2.com
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Panasonic Launches Lumix DMC-FZ18 Digicam

Panasonic today expanded its Lumix family of digicams with the introduction of the Lumix DMC-FZ18, an 8.1 megapixel compact camera with 18x optical zoom.

In addition to a premium 28mm wide-angle Leica DC lens, the DMC-FX18 joins the LUMIX DMC-FX33 and DMC-FX55 as the first Panasonic digital cameras to offer the Intelligent Auto Mode, which include face detection, intelligent scene selector and continuous auto-focus functions.

When this camera is put into Intelligent Auto Mode, the multi-faceted functions engage automatically, so there is no need to adjust settings every time conditions change. The DMC-FZ18’s Intelligent Auto Mode is comprised of -

Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically selects the appropriate scene mode from the most frequently used modes such as portrait, scenery, macro, night scenery and night portrait.

Face detection system, which helps the camera to focus, set auto exposure and detects up to 15 human faces.

Continuous auto-focus, which allows the camera to keep focus on the subject without having to press the shutter button halfway.

"The Intelligent Auto Mode in the DMC-FZ18 does all the work for you, making photo-taking trouble-free," noted Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "When taking into account the camera’s 18x optical zoom, which is among the industry’s longest zooms, and then adding 8.1 Megapixels, a 28mm wide-angle lens, MEGA Optical Image Stabilization, and Intelligent Auto Mode, the DMC-FZ18 delivers professional-level photo quality, in a powerful camera packed with advanced features that is still easy to use."

The LUMIX DMC-FZ18 also is equipped with a 2.5-inch LCD with 207,000 pixels, a 0.44-inch Electric Viewfinder with 188,000 pixels, f/2.8 brightness and is powered by the Venus Engine III, which boasts shooting at ISO 1600 in normal recording mode.

The LUMIX DMC-FZ18 will be available in the US in silver and black by September 2007 at an MSRP of $399.95. No details on the Indian launch yet.


source:tech2.com
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Black Box: The World's Lightest Portable DVR

Tired of fumbling with giant set top boxes so that you can record some video? Then take a gander at the Black Box Digital Video Recorder. As you can see from the pic provided, this thing is pretty freaking small. In fact, considering that it measures just 2.6 x 2.2 x 0.4 inches, you could easily fit this in your pocket and forget about it. The Black Box portable DVR weighs just 45 grams and comes with a tiny preview LCD so that you know exactly what you're recording. (On a side note, I'm sure I've seen that model somewhere before... that shot must be part of a stock photo service somewhere.) And get this: it records DVD-quality VGA videos at a very respectable 30fps. That's a lot of guts for something this small.

Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to have any memory of its own, relying on its miniSD slot for storage. And the one part of the Black Box that isn't particularly small is its price. It costs $500.


source:mobilemag.com

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Logitech Launches AudioStation for iPod

Logitech has launched its premium Logitech AudioStation high-performance speaker system for the iPod. This stereo system promises to deliver a full range of smooth, balanced audio, from floor-thumping bass to the precision high frequencies that bring music to life. Also it comes with the digital AM/FM tuner.

The Logitech AudioStation speaker system features matching satellites with two drivers each. This includes a 1-inch, high-definition, soft-dome tweeters, and 4-inch, high-power, long-throw woofers.

The AudioStation has a black finish and removable cloth grille covers. There are no buttons or knobs on the system - the controls on the front panel are all touch sensitive. When powered on, small LEDs illuminate the touch-sensitive controls with a soft white glow.

"With the AudioStation, we are redefining the premium iPod speaker category," said Moninder Jain, Director, India & South East Asia, Logitech. "Nothing else delivers this level of full, balanced acoustic performance, the cutting-edge design, and the unanticipated extras - like digital AM/FM radio and touch-sensitive controls. It's a sophisticated and complete stereo system for any room in the house."

Above the control panel, the Logitech AudioStation speaker system has a large LCD that can show information such as radio station channels, the time, or an audio spectrum analyzer. The LCD also can display track information using Radio Data System (RDS) for FM stations that support RDS.

For complete control, the AudioStation speakers system comes with an advanced remote that includes the same controls as those on the control panel, as well as a menu button, a sleep timer, and a switch to turn the system's 3D stereo mode on or off - which widens the stereo sound stage, making the speakers sound farther apart than they actually are. Using the menu button, people can adjust bass and treble levels independently, change the display brightness, and choose whether or not the iPod backlight stays on while plugged into the AudioStation system.

When the iPod is connected using the Universal Dock connector, the AudioStation speaker system can simultaneously play music from the iPod and recharge its batteries. The AudioStation also features a 3.5 mm input that connects to other MP3 players and other audio devices. The Logitech AudioStation Speaker is priced at Rs. 20,995.


source:tech2.com
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Panasonic Unveils New Intelligent Cameras, 18X Superzoom

By Molly K. McLaughlin
Panasonic announced today four additions to its Lumix line: notably an 8-megapixel superzoom with 18X optical zoom and a 12.2MP compact camera, both of which have a 28mm wide-angle LEICA lens. The other two cameras unveiled are compact models available in a variety of colors.

The 12MP Lumix DMC FX100 is the first camera at this resolution to feature a wide-angle lens, according to Panasonic. This wide angle allows for great landscapes and group shots. The camera also features 3.6X optical zoom and a powerful flash with reach up to 16 meters and a burst mode rated at 8 shots per second. As part of the company's "Living in High Definition" program, it can capture 1920-by-1080 high-definition stills and 1280-by-720 video at 15 frames per second, ideal for viewing on Panasonic's 16:9 HDTVs. The FX100 will be available in silver and black.

Also with a 28mm wide angle lens, the 8MP Lumix DMC FZ18, available in silver and black, boasts 18X optical zoom for close-up shots, and excellent panoramas. In addition, the DMC-FZ18 has a 2.5-inch LCD and an electronic viewfinder for composing shots. A new feature included on this model is Intelligent Auto Mode, which combines face detection, intelligent scene selector, and continuous auto-focus functions.

"The Intelligent Auto Mode in the DMC FZ18 does all the work for you, making photo-taking trouble-free," noted Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.

Finally, the 8.1MP DMC FX55 and FX33 compact models also include the Intelligent Auto Mode and the 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens. Both feature 3.6 optical zoom. Each differs in LCD size with the FX55 at 3 inches and the FX33 at 2.5 inches. The DMC-FX33 has an optional marine case for underwater photography and will be available in silver, black, blue, brown, and pink. The FX55 will come in silver, black, and pink.

All four cameras announced today, including the entire 2007 Lumix line, support high capacity SDHC cards and feature a combination of MEGA Optical Image Stabilization and Intelligent ISO mode, which detect "hand shake" and subject movement to avoid blurry photos. The DMC FZ18 will be available in Sept 2007 for $399.95, as well as the FX55 and FX33 for $349.95 and $329.95 respectively. The DMC FX100 is available this month; price has yet to be announced.


source:pcmag.com
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Motorola Announces Reorganization

Hit hard by slowing cell-phone sales, Motorola names a new mobile chief, splits into three divisions.
Stephen Lawson, IDG News Service

A troubled Motorola Inc. has realigned itself as its critical cell-phone business slows down.

The company sketched out the reorganization in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing Tuesday, two days before it is set to announce its second-quarter financial results. Last week, Motorola slashed its earlier revenue forecast for the quarter and predicted a larger loss, blaming lower phone sales. It also named a new chief of its mobile unit, Stu Reed. Other recent changes in the executive ranks have also rocked the company.

Motorola is now split into three divisions: Mobile Devices, Home and Networks Mobility and Enterprise Mobility Solutions.

The company is moving its Good Technology mobile e-mail software business from the Mobile Devices division into Enterprise Mobility Solutions. Its carrier equipment business has been combined with home broadband products in the Home and Networks Mobility segment, with the new enterprise unit focusing on private network products.

The Home and Networks Mobility group is responsible for set-top boxes and digital video systems for carriers, home DSL (digital subscriber line) and cable modems, and wired and wireless broadband network gear.

The Enterprise group encompasses analog and digital two-way radio and other voice and data communications systems for government, businesses and Motorola's large public safety customer base. Good Technology, which Motorola acquired in a deal completed in February, is a mobile messaging platform with enterprise features such as centralized lockdown of unwanted applications on the phone. It competes against Research in Motion Ltd.'s BlackBerry system and Nokia Corp.'s Intellisync technology.

After the rousing success of the slim Razr handset, which started out as a premium-priced bauble and quickly became a mass-market commodity, Motorola has had trouble coming out with an encore. A Razr 2 is expected later this year. New handsets from Nokia, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and LG Electronics Inc. had stolen the spotlight even before Apple Inc.'s iPhone, which debuted June 29, became the talk of the industry. Meanwhile, sales for all makers have stagnated in higher-priced markets such as North America and Europe while rising in lower-priced India and China, according to industry analysts.

Last Wednesday, Motorola said it expected to report 35 million to 36 million handset sales in the second quarter, down from 45.5 million in the previous quarter. Its revenue forecast dropped from US$9.4 billion to between $8.6 billion and $8.7 billion. The company now expects to lose between $0.02 and $0.04 in the quarter.

source:pcworld.com
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