Sony Ericsson: April 2008

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Nokia expands games distribution channels in Asia

Additional games powered by SNAP Mobile now available in PRC and Taiwan

Espoo, Finland - Nokia announced today that SNAP Mobile, its connected mobile Java(TM) gaming platform, has expanded games distribution channels in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan. Through further cooperation with SINA Corporation, a leading online media company, Chinese consumers can access more connected games on Nokia devices and download them through local online storefronts. In Taiwan, people can experience a new connected games service through gaming portals run by Taiwanese service provider PocketNet Technology Inc. as well as through Chunghwa Telecom (CHT), the country's largest mobile operator.

"This expansion reinforces our dedication to the global mobile games market. In PRC and Taiwan in particular, there is a growing demand for connected mobile games," said Jaakko Kaidesoja, vice president, games, Nokia. "To provide consumers with the best and most locally relevant connected experience possible, we are working with companies like SINA and PocketNet to develop and deliver exceptional mobile games in Asia."

SNAP Mobile and PocketNet offer Chunghwa Telecom customers the first open Java-based connected mobile gaming platform in Taiwan. Through this agreement, Chunghwa Telecom provides its customers with access to connected mobile games via PocketNet's connected gaming portal http://snap.pocketnet.com.tw, CHT's own portals, and Nokia devices. Moreover, four mobile games have been developed on the SNAP Mobile platform for distribution through these channels, including: Taiwan 16 Mahjong, Battle Big Two, Showhand Master, and Supermarket Tycoon BattleNet. Further titles are expected throughout 2008.

"PocketNet is looking to build the biggest gaming community in Taiwan and connected games are the cornerstone of gaming communities," said Paul Wu, CEO, PocketNet. "In order to build and sustain a mobile gaming community, we need to provide a service that will cover the majority of devices and networks and also move ahead of the market to take part in connected games right from the start. SNAP Mobile sets the standard for multiplayer gaming and development technologies."

Nokia has further expanded its cooperation with SINA Corporation with additional games and distribution channels in PRC. SNAP Mobile, through its ongoing collaboration with SINA, supports the growing popularity of mobile gaming by offering Chinese consumers a variety of channels to access games. Crazy Blocks is the latest title to become available for download through SINA's online gaming portal http://mogame.SINA.com.cn and also through ap.mobile.nokia.com/ap. Chinese consumers can now also access free trial games powered by SNAP Mobile from select Nokia devices.

"The number of connected gaming downloads has increased by almost 60% over the past eight months since our initial launch with SNAP Mobile," said Terry Tian, Network Business Dept Director, SINA. "With the added distribution channels through Nokia, we are building up a fun gaming community that offers an interactive, social element on top of the games themselves."

Similar to its offerings in Europe and North America, games powered by SNAP Mobile come pre-installed on select Nokia handsets in PRC.

About SINA Corporation
SINA Corporation (Nasdaq GS: SINA) is a leading online media company and value-added information service provider for China and for global Chinese communities. With a branded network of localized web sites targeting Greater China and overseas Chinese, the Company provides services through five major business lines including SINA.com (online news and content), SINA Mobile (mobile value-added services or "MVAS"), SINA Community (Web 2.0-based services and games), SINA.net (search and enterprise services) and SINA E-Commerce (online shopping). Together these business lines provide an array of services including region-focused online portals, MVAS, search and directory, interest-based and community-building channels, free and premium email, blog services, audio and video streaming, online games, classified listings, fee-based services, e-commerce and enterprise e-solutions.

About PocketNet Technology Inc.
PocketNet Technology www.joy-box.com is a leading mobile media company in Taiwan and China. With a wide offering of products and services directly via mobile handsets or internet, PocketNet's life media services connect people using different handsets across multiple operators and regions. In co-operation with operators, leading handset vendors and world class digital content providers, PocketNet provides top quality entertainment and rich media enjoyment to users at anytime and anywhere.

About SNAP Mobile
Nokia's SNAP Mobile is an industry leading mobile Java(TM) gaming solution that covers middleware and technology, hosting, maintenance, and online community management. It is available to 3rd parties for connected mobile game development and publishing, and also offers mobile game community development to operators. The SNAP Mobile platform currently supports a wide variety of Java(TM) MIDP2.0 compliant phones and has a rapidly growing selection of connected mobile games with the variety and level of challenge that appeals to players of all ages. For more information about SNAP Mobile, visit www.snapmobile.nokia.com

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Review of GSM-handset Samsung F250

Mobile-review have posted their review of the Samsung F250. Here is the final impression.
Impressions
The reception quality put up by the F250 is in line with other Samsung-branded devices. The ringtone volume is quite decent, as it can be heard in various environments. The silent alert is average strength-wise, no significant improvements have been made here.

With its price tag of 220 USD (150 Euro), the F250s only direct rival is the Nokia 5300. However, in view of the reasons we listed at the beginning of this write-up, these two are not of one breed and on top of that they target different audiences. The F250 is a potent music-minded solution if you are not heavy on bells and whistles and use your own headphones. But at the same time, it doesnt seem particularly feature-rich in its own class given its weedy implementation of Java, entry-level camera and functionality that hasnt gone beyond standard feats and abilities.

The main thing about the F250 is its no-nonsense unfussy design that can attract and repulse many at the same time, and a slew of color schemes. On balance, it is a somewhat overpriced budget offering, but by and large given the lack of direct competition is still pretty interesting. It is quite another matter, though, that consumers who are in the market for an affordable slider are very likely to set their eyes on other solutions that look smoother and go for less at that. But as far as Samsungs line-up is concerned, the F250 is supposed to have this segment covered.

Monday, April 28, 2008

New Motorola W388, W396 and VA76r

So many Motorola leaks lately...here are another 3 phones leaked, the W388, W396 and VA76r via their wap profiles. The Motorola W388 and W396 will feature a 128128 pixel screen, Java, GPRS and a VGA camera. The VA76r features a QVGA display, Freescale ArgonLV processor, Montavista Linux 2.6.10 OS and a 2 mega pixel camera. It also features a the Symphony Web browser, POP3/SMTP/IMAP4 email and HSDPA.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Huawei Holds 2008 Global Industry Analyst Summit

[Shenzhen, China25 April 2008] Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. ("Huawei"), a leader in providing next generation telecommunications network solutions for operators around the world hosted more than 40 industry analysts from all over the world at the company's headquarters in Shenzhen. The analysts represented 18 global market research companies.

Huawei used the two-day event to highlight its achievements in 2007 and to provide business updates on each of its major product lines. Huawei also explained its forecasts on industry trends, its development direction and technology roadmaps, as well as the benefits, such as cost-savings, that the company brings to its customers.

At the summit Huawei announced that its global contract sales in 2007 reached USD 16 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of over 42 percent and that 72 percent of its total contract sales were generated from international markets.

"For operators globally, one of the biggest challenges is finding a partner that can provide quality, innovative end-to-end solutions," said Mr. Roberto Saracco, the Head of Long Term Research and Technical Communication of Telecom Italia. "Huawei is one of the vendors in the industry that is capable of this and we are pleased to work with them in the transformation and development of our future-oriented networks."

Charles Huang, President of Global Marketing in Huawei said, "Over the past few years, Huawei has been investing significantly in IP, mobile broadband, optical networks, and in terminal products and equipment. Having such a broad range of equipment and solutions brings us the advantage of being able to deliver complete end-to-end solutions to our customers and is the reason why carriers such as Vodafone and British Telecom have chosen us to be their trusted partner. "

Picture 1: Analysts attending the Huawei's 2008 Global Industry Analyst Summit in Shenzhen, China.

Picture 2: Mr. Roberto Saracco, the Head of Long Term Research and Technical Communication of Telecom Italia speaking at Huawei's 2008 Global Industry Analyst Summit.