Virgin Mobile opens pre-booking for Galaxy S4

The wait for Samsung Galaxy S4 is over, as Virgin Mobile, in association with International Marketing Services (IMS), the authorized dealer of Samsung mobile phones for Nepal, and Ncell, is opening pre-booking for the much-awaited Korean phone in Nepal. The phone will be launched in the local market on May 5.

According to Vivek Sharma Dhandh, managing director of Virgin Mobile, pre-booking for Samsung Galaxy S4 is opening from Sunday.

IMS Chairman Deepak Malhotra said that the phone will be launched in Nepal on May 5 but customers can place orders for the phone at Virgin Mobile from Sunday.

The Galaxy S4 sports a 5-inch HD super AMOLED display with improved resolution at 1080p which is slightly larger than Galaxy S3 that has 4.8-inch display.

The phone runs on Android 4.2.2 operating system -- the latest version of Jelly Bean -- and is powered by a 1.6 GHz octa core or 1.9 GHz quad core processor with Exynos 5 Octa 5410 chipset.

“Though the phone comes with processors of different capacities, the one we are launching in Nepal has 1.9 GHz quad core processor,” said Sharma.

S4 comes with power VR SGX 544 MP3 graphics processing unit, 2GB RAM and internal memory of 16 GB which can be expanded by another 64 GB.

The phone is powered by a 13-mega-pixel auto focus primary camera with a resolution of 4128x3096 pixels, LED flash that allows dual shots, simultaneous high-definition (HD) video and image recording and geo-tagging. Other features include: touch focus, face and smile detection, image stabilization and high dynamic range (HDR) photography. Users can make video calls with the help of 2-mega-pixel front camera.

The phone, with a strong battery of 2600 mAh, has features such as eye tracking, gesture recognition capabilities, S Health and S Voice Drive, among others.

According to the company, ´Smart Stay´, also known as ´Smart Pause´, is a new feature in the S4 that uses the front camera to pause videos if users are looking away from the screen.

Another feature ´Smart Scroll´ enables automatic scrolling of pages upon tilting the phone in different directions.

S Health, a calorie-counter or a pedometer, is another new feature in the phone. It uses sensors like accelerometer and barometer to track of steps, jogs, hops, jolts, snacks, and perspiration.

Likewise, the S Voice Drive app, specially designed for cars, allows drivers to use built-in navigation system and make calls, send messages and check the weather.
Besides the usual toggles for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS, the phone also has toggles for call-blocking and eye-tracking modes. It has integrated optical reader that can scan Quick Response (QR) codes, turn business cards into text and translate with S Translator.

Sharma said that Galaxy S4 will be available for Rs 71,900 in the local market. The phones come with one-year insurance and 1GB free data for three months from Ncell.

Virgin Mobile will be extending free phone covers to those who book the cell phones in advance.

source: republica,27 april 2013

Nokia Lumia 620 now available in Nepal

Nokia has introduced Nokia Lumia 620, the third range of Windows Phone 8 smartphones, in the Nepali market. Nokia Lumia 620 offers a more fun, youthful appeal and compact design, according to a press statement.

The phone comes with 512MB RAM and 8GB mass memory (micro SD support of up to 64GB) with 7GB free Microsoft SkyDrive storage.

Nokia Lumia 620 uses a new dual-shot color technique to deliver a variety of striking color and texture effects. With seven different exchangeable shells to choose from, people can adapt the look of their 3.8-inch TFT WVGA 800x480 display to their own personal taste and style, says the statement.

“We continue to execute on our strategy of reaching new audiences and new markets. With its innovative design, the latest Windows Phone 8 software and signature experiences from Nokia, like Nokia lenses, Nokia Maps and Nokia Music, Nokia Lumia 620 is a highly competitive smartphone at this price point,” the statement quotes Jo Harlow, executive vice president, Nokia Smart Devices, as saying.

Nokia Lumia 620 is available in a range of colors including, lime green, orange, magenta, yellow, cyan, white and black. It is available in Nepali market for Rs 23,960, says the statement.

Neoteric Nepal and Paramount Electronics are the authorized distributors of Nokia phones for Nepal.

source:republica,27 april 2013

Colors launches Xfactor Idol 4.0

Teletalk — the sole authorised distributor of Colors mobile in the country — has added a new touchscreen Android smartphone — ‘Xfactor Idol 4.0’ — in its famous Xfactor series.

The Xfactor Idol 4.0 fulfills the demand of those users who want to purchase their first touchscreen Android phone that has a large screen, is packed with various features and at the same time is also quite affordable .

The Xfactor Idol 4.0 Android smartphone is a dual-sim smartphone that comes with a huge 4” QVGA touchscreen and is powered by the popular Android 2.3 operating system.

The smartphone has 256MB RAM with 1GHz processor, and has several features like wi-fi, Bluetooth, inbuilt FM radio, and audio/video player.

The gadget allows extended memory of up to 32GB and has a long lasting battery power of 1350mAh.

The Android featured smartphone also has a 0.3 megapixel front facing camera that is a rare and welcome addition among the other phones in the category, the company said.

The Xfactor Idol 4.0 Android smartphone comes with a free 4GB memory card and is available in two colours — black and white.

The company will provide a one-year warranty on mobile handset and six-month warranty on battery and charger.

source: the himalayan times,25 april 2013

Nagmani launches touch-screen laptop from Asus

Nagmani International, the sole authorised distributor of Asus for Nepal, has introduced a new laptop computer — the Asus VivoBook S-400 CA.

The new product from the Taiwanese electronics major is sleek in design, weighs less and will cater to the demand of high-end gadget seekers and those travelling frequently, according to the company. Moreover, its fascinating touch-screen sets the product apart from similar other products.

“We have been receiving frequent queries about the product ever since its launch in the international market,” said Super Shrestha, product manager - Asus at Nagmani International.  “It has been a week since we launched the product here and the response so far has been encouraging.”

Shrestha expressed his confidence about the device’s performance, saying gadget aficionados in Nepal want a laptop computer having touch-screen facility. The emergence of Asus as a prominent laptop maker globally and its strengthening presence in the domestic market will help this new product here, he said.

The new Asus VivoBook runs Windows 8 Operating System (OS) and features powerful third generation Intel Core i5 processor.  It also offers offers 2-second instant on from sleep or hibernate modes. The device features a 14-inch backlight touch-screen display. “Probably, we are the only company to sell touch-screen laptop s in Nepal after Lenovo. This is also an advantageous feature,” Shrestha said. The device’s screen can display visuals in the aspect ratio of 16:9 HD formats.

As for the memory, the latest offering from Asus comes with 4GB RAM and 500GB hard drive with 28GB SSD hard drive, which further enhances the storage capability of the device. It features a HD web camera for clear video chats and is equipped with Sonic Master technology for richer sound experience with wider sonic range, deeper bass and powerful output, the company said.

For connectivity, the device has integrated a wireless adapter for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. It, however, does not feature an optical disk drive, the only missing feature.

According to Shrestha, the company has targeted this device at corporate officials, bankers and those working with I/NGOs. “High-end gadget seekers too are our target customers,” Shrestha said, adding the light-weight machine (1.8 kg) will also cater to the demand of frequent travellers. Nagmani International has said the new Asus device is imported from Asus’ Taiwan-based factory and is priced Rs 95,000. The device will be available across the country within the next week.

source: the kathmandu post,26 april 2013

Sony smartphones make formal entry into Nepal

Nepa Hima Trade Link, the sole authorised distributor of Sony home appliances in Nepal, on Monday announced the formal entry of Sony smartphones into the domestic market. Even though cell phones from Sony have been selling in Nepal market for long, there were not any official sellers.

During the ceremony, Nepa Hima Trade Link also announced the launching of five smartphone models from Sony —Xperia Z, Xperia Go, Xperia J, Xperia E and Xperia E dual. Company’s Executive Director Rajesh Tuladhar unveiled the handsets amid a programme in the Capital.

 “We are pleased to introduce smartphones from Sony in Nepal market,” Tuladhar said. “The official entry of the Xperia series of smart phones will add a milestone to the smartphone market of Nepal”. Explaining that nine out of 10 cell phones, globally, are damaged due to water, Tuladhar informed that the Xperia Z and Xperia Go are water resistant and dust proof, and thus would cater to a large number of smartphone seekers. “Users of these phones need not worry about using it with wet hands or in dusty conditions,” he added.

Highlighting the key features of Z series of smartphones, Masao Matsui of Sony said that the new phones have assembled half a century of innovation carried out by other Sony devices such as TVs, cameras, music systems and gaming devices to create a super phone experience that truly stands out. “The newly introduced Z series of smartphones have become a global success. And in Nepal too, we will cooperate with Nepa Hima to make it a success,” he added.

The Sony Xperia Z features a five inch full HD 1080p reality display screen with a mobile Bravia Engine 2. The device which runs on Android Ice Cream Sandwich Operating System (OS) features a snapdragon S4 pro quad-core processor. For better image, it has got a 13-mega-pixel fast capture camera. Likewise, battery stamina mode is another interesting feature of the device which increases the cell phone’s standby time by more than four times.

People can broadcast content from smartphone to Smart TVs through Wi-Fi connection, or send tunes to speaker through Bluetooth. The device’s ‘Throw’ technology enables the smartphone to connect wirelessly to other devices.

The other device to be unveiled at the event is Xperia J, which is powered by Android Ice Cream Sandwich OS and one GHz processor. Along with four-inch display, it features a five mega-pixel camera along with LED flash. Xperia Go water and dust resistance phone offers the same OS, processing unit and camera. However, at 3.2 inches its screen size is smaller compared to other Xperia models. The dual SIM device from Sony , Xperia E (GSM+GSM) and the other featuring single SIM slot, Xperia E too are powered by the Ice Cream Sandwich OS, one GHz processor and 3.2 mega-pixel camera.Nepa Hima has priced Xperia Z at Rs 66, 999, Xperia Go at Rs 24, 499, Xperia J at Rs 24, 999, Xperia E at Rs 15, 499 and E Dual at Rs 17, 499. The devices come with a one-year warranty in software, hardware and six-month warranty in battery.

source: the kathmandu post,23 april 2013

Best Android phones to get this spring

LG Optimus G Pro

Nexus 4

Sony Xperia Z

Samsung Galaxy S4

HTC ONE

Spring is in full bloom and as everything starts to get green and cheerful, you may look at your old phone and think it’s about time to bring change into your life. Luckily, this is one of the best times to get a new device.

Some of the biggest phone manufacturer have just released their brand new 2013 flagship devices, and it just so happens that all of them run on Android. Apple’s iPhone traditionally gets a refresh much later in the year, and the same goes for Windows Phone.

And while previously picking between say iOS or Android was a choice between style and geekery, Google’s ecosystem has evolved so much in the past 12 months that it’s perfectly safe to say that you can get gorgeous devices on it.

We have listed our top five picks for new devices that are already available or coming in just a couple of days. Take a look at them, and let us know - which one would you get?

1. HTC One
HTC wanted a comeback and it brought its best with the HTC One. It is a brilliant device in virtually every aspect. Coming with a beautiful aluminum body that fits almost organically in the hand, it has a great and vivid, extremely sharp 4.7-inch screen. The stereo front speaker bring a small revolution in smartphone sound that you’ll appreciate instantly when you hear it. Performance is flawless on the new Snapdragon 600 quad-core chip.

2. Samsung Galaxy S4
Samsung didn't exactly catch us by surprise with the Galaxy S4. However, it's the flawless implementation of all the features that makes the Galaxy S4 the superb smartphone that it is. Design-wise, the latest Samsung flagship is nothing special. It looks OK and is comfortable to hold. We're more than happy to see that Samsung has managed to make the smartphone even smaller than the GS III, which is a remarkable achievement, considering the bigger screen.

3. LG Optimus G Pro
The LG Optimus G Pro is a brilliantly timed device. Coming nearly half a year after the Note II, it manages to take advantage and stuff in an extremely crisp 1080p 5.5-inch screen that is very vivid and impressive. The G Pro is not for everyone, but for those who enjoy the big screens it would offer a flawless performance and a great camera. Phablet lovers, this should be your choice this spring.

4. Nexus 4
The Nexus 4 might have launched a few months ago but it only recently started shipping in volume on the Google Play store. Most importantly, though, it has remained extremely competitive in price. Its a compact and practical decision. It has a 4.7-inch 720p screen and realistically looking it is almost impossible to justify a 1080p display on a phone, so that’s definitely not a flaw. What’s more the Nexus 4 is the first to get the latest Android updates, and the most affordable of all devices in this list.

5. Sony Xperia Z
The Sony Xperia Z was the first 2013 flagship. It was the first of many more with a 5-inch 1080p display, but while we were disappointed with the quality of that screen, the device had one more ace up its sleeve - it was water and dust resistant. With the thought of summer, beaches and swimming, and the possibility to take the Xperia Z with you wherever you go (you can also shoot videos and images underwater), we are very tempted to get it. The handset also has a decent 13-megapixel Exmor RS camera that performs well in low light.

source:phonearena.com,17 april 2013

When is a big screen TOO big? Samsung unveils the aptly named Mega-phone with 6.3inch screen

It is the biggest smartphone on sale, with a giant 6.3inch screen.Samsung's new Mega Galaxy handset look more like a tablet than a phone - and has already been slammed as 'just too big'.

Samsung hopes the big design will appeal to commuters and others who regularly watch films on their gadgets.

'The newest addition to the Galaxy family balances an optimal viewing experience on a 6.3-inch HD screen, yet is ultra-thin and portable enough to put into a pocket or hold in one hand,' the firm said.

'The GALAXY Mega offers a mix of popular smartphone and tablet features such as an effortless user experience, a split screen, multitasking between video and other apps and more.'

It claims video and web browsing will be the main uses for the Mega.'We are aware of a great potential in the bigger screen for extensive viewing multimedia, web browsing, and more,' said JK Shin of Samsung.'We are excited to provide another choice to meet our consumers’ varying lifestyles, all while maintaining the high-quality features of the award-winning GALAXY series.'

However, experts are less impressed.Rik Henderson of Pocket Lint said 'The screen size of the Galaxy Note works as you take notes - but the Mega is just a massive phone, it's just too big.

'However, I think we'll see an arms race to get to that size, there's a real blurring of the lines between phones and tablets now.

'But for consumers, I think its a fad - it's just too big.'Samsung helped popularise the so-called 'phablet' category - in which phones approach tablet dimensions - with its original 5.3in Galaxy Note, which was released in 2011.

Analysts have deemed a 'phablet' is a mobile gadget with a screen more than 5inches diagonally.

The word comes from blending phone and tablet.Samsung's Galaxy Note was the first popular 'phablet', but others are expected to follow this year.Experts have predicted that 2013 could be the year of the 'phablet'.

Analysts claim the emergence of so-called 'giant mobile' which blend tablets and mobile phones, will lead to a whole new category of gadgets.

The upshot is a market for phablets that will quadruple in value to $135 billion in three years, according to analysts at Barclays.

Shipments of gadgets that are 5 inches or bigger in screen size will surge by nearly nine-fold to 228 million during the same period, though estimates vary because no one can agree on where smartphones stop and phablets start.

But that's the point, some say.'I think phone size was a preconceived notion based on voice usage,' said John Berns, a Singapore-based executive who works in the information technology industry.

source: Dailymail.co.uk