US chip maker Qualcomm on Tuesday announced a slew of initiatives with its partner vendors including two smartphones priced at under Rs 5,000 in the Indian market.
The company also announced the launch a new 3D navigation device with MapmyIndia.
The sub-Rs 5000 phones have been launched on Sistema Shyam TeleServices' CDMA mobile network. Both run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon S1 processors and are manufactured by Huawei and ZTE. The devices were launched during the IndiaOn event hosted by Qualcomm.
At the event, HTC Corporation also unveiled the EVO 3D device based on Qualcomm's Snapdragon S3 processor. The device not only provides the ability to capture and view in 3D through a high-definition display, but also shares at fast speeds. Built with the Gingerbread (2.3) version of Android, HTC EVO 3D features 4.3-inch display and dual 5 megapixel cameras. The device is priced at Rs 35,990 and is available at all authorised HTC resellers across the country.
Sony Ericsson announced the launch of its latest smartphone portfolio for India, with Xperia ray and Xperia active. These smart phones run on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread platform and Qualcomm's Snapdragon S2 processor. With a 3.3 inch screen, the Xperia ray is loaded with similar features as the recently announced Xperia arc. The Xperia active has a 3 inch screen and 5Mp camera. The company did not reveal the price of the two devices.
Multi-mode device
In another significant development, Qualcomm with Huawei, ZTE, Quanta and BandRich, announced the launch of LTE TDD multi-mode devices which will enable mobile subscribers to use the same device for 3G and 4G services. This assumes significance as a number of operators in India are looking to launch LTE-based 4G networks.
Based on Qualcomm's chipset, LTE's interoperability with existing 3G networks enables operators to leverage investments in current infrastructure to offer seamless mobile broadband services through multi-mode devices.
3D Navigation device
The chipmaker along with MapmyIndia introduced CarPad, a new 3D navigation device for car travellers. The device offers live turn-by-turn voice guidance to places, augmented reality with 3D landmarks, buildings and terrain, house-level details, travel guides and nearby information.
The device also lets users discover people and friends nearby, share their location and message with others. You can also make calls, mail and chat, browse the Web at high speed, using the CarPad's in-built 3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability.
Qualcomm also announced the Radiophone project with Sesame Workshop India Trust to offer community radio services on mobile phones. Piloting in Gurgaon, the project broadcasts high quality educational radio content.
Using 3G technology, this broadcast also will be made available to populations residing in areas where radio signals don't reach. Participating families, with children between the ages of four to eight, will be provided with 3G-enabled mobile phones and 3G wireless connectivity for this service.