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Lumia 800 fails to lure customers

Vivek — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:57:54 +0000

The Lumia 800, Nokia’s flagship Windows phone has failed to excite customers as per the survey conducted by Exane BNP Paribas. A report published in the Reuters suggests that the Lumia 800 has failed to turn the tide on Nokia dropping market share in the smart phone area. As per the survey, only around 2 per cent of consumers showed an interest in buying the Lumia 800, which in a way is a huge blow to Nokia’s hopes of re-consolidating itself in the smart phone market, which is now being ruled by Apple’s iPhone and the host of smart phones running on Google’s Android platform. Microsoft ‘s Windows Phone still has only around 2 per cent market share in the smart phone segment, while Google has a market share of around 50 per cent followed by iPhones at 20 per cent. Other than minor glitches in the battery life , the Lumia’s sleek look and a whole new UI in Windows Phone OS should have attracted more customers to it, but it seems that the introduction of a third eco-system in smart phones hasn’t really excited consumers. For Gadget freaks and people who are least concerned about the price for the phone, the iPhone 4S and other models along with the high end Android phones like the Galaxy S II seems to be more appealing that a Windows Phone. Nokia would have learnt by now that they are paying the price for not reacting fast enough to the changing interests of customers. It might be too late for Nokia and Windows to turn the tide in their favour. Windows Phone offers a whole new experience to the user but it seems that it may not be enough to lure customers away from the iPhones and the Androids. The Windows 8 system is eagerly awaited and Nokia might be hoping for better results with it. As of now, executives at Nokia may be wondering whether they did the right thing in adopting the Windows Operating System. What may hurt Nokia even more is the fact that the Nokia smart phones running on the Symbian platform still outsells the Windows Phones by 10 to 1.

Another worrying sign is that market shares of Nokia have also plummeted over the weeks. Rumors of a takeover by Microsoft had surfaced right after the Nokia deal was signed. With its strong patent portfolio and its hugely popular hardware unit, an acquisition of Nokia might well be in the minds of the Microsoft executives. As of now, Nokia and Microsoft have to pin their hopes on the Windows 8 OS doing well when it is launched next year.

After IceCream Sandwich,it will be Jelly beans

Vivek — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:39:25 +0000

Ok, why am I writing about sweets now? Well no prices for guessing as this one is pretty obvious. When we hear a sweet’s name associated with the tech industry, it has to be the new version of Google’s Android operating system.
Google has a tradition of calling it’s operating system names after sweets in alphabetical order.Earlier versions of the Android versions that have been launched with names of sweets include the Cupcake v1.5, Donut v1.6,Eclair v2.1,Froyo v2.2,Gingerbread v2.3 and the Gingerbread v3.0. With Ice Cream Sandwich version to be launched by October and the now announced Jelly Beans, Google continues naming it’s mobile OS after sweets in alphabetical order.
Well, the names are cool, but then we are not really interested in knowing how Google names them. Isn’t it? So let’s just go through some of the features that are expected in the next two versions.
Google have been working on a so called “Game chaging stuff” for Android to offer more support to games and multimedia and it was widely speculated to be released with the IceCream Sandwich. But now reports are emerging that this will be pushed to the Jelly Bean. This may come as a huge blow to all Android fans who were expecting Google to offer a better solution for games support, but then we can be sure that sooner or later it’s gonna come through the Jelly Bean. So, what will be the new feature in IceCream Sandwich? Basically, now that the “game chaging stuff” is being pushed to the next version, ICS will probably contain just bug fixes. One thing that is widely speculated is that the ICS will be a universal mobile OS suppoting smart phones and tablets and all other mobile devices. New widgets and themes are all expected but we will all have to wait till October or November to get a peek at the new features. As of now, we can only be excited and curious

Maruti Swift

Dileep — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:22:32 +0000

With the launch of the Swift, Maruti has won a good share of the market in the B+ segment. The Swift delivers new quality of power, response and fuel efficiency. The first of the global hatchbacks from Maruti, it is a clean-sheet design, built on a newly developed platform with three and a five-door models to offer. The Swift was created with Japanese technology and European styling. Safety features of the car include air bags, electronic brake force distribution and even brake assist. Power steering and spacious interiors are a specialty of Maruti Swift.

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The Swift won admirers with it sheer good looks, but what’s under the hood is no less impressive. The engine options available are the 1.2 Litre K-Series Petrol engine and the 1.3 Litre Diesel engine, equipped with the CRDI technology. Moreover, the gearshift is smooth as silk and is a joy to operate and the steering response is crisp. The color options for the Swift are Solid Bright Red, Metallic Garnet Orange, Pearl Metallic Arctic White, Metallic Ozone Blue, Metallic Silky Silver, Metallic Iridium Gold, Metallic Azure Grey, Metallic Midnight Black, etc. With launches like the Swift, it does not seem likely for any other competitors to replace Maruti as India’s most selling car manufacturer.

Specifications:

Body Type	Hatchback
Engine	Petrol : 1.2 Litre, K-Series Power: 84 Bhp @ 4000 rpm Torque: 115 Nm @ 4500 rpm Diesel : 1248cc, 4 Cylinder, 16 valve Power: 75 Bhp @ 4000 rpm Torque: 190 Nm @ 2000 rpm
Dimensions	Length: 3760 mm Width: 1690 mm Height: 1530 mm
Security Features	Airbags -2 Rear seat belts – 3 Fog Lamp ABS, EBD
Comfort and Convenience	AC with climate control Remote boot, Fuel-filler Rear wiper, Rear defogger Dash integrated MP3 player/FM Buttons/Controls on steering wheel
Other Specifications	Seating Capacity – 5 Trip Meter – 2 5 Speed Manual gear transmission Body Coloured bumpers Tachometer, Alloys Brakes – Front disk, Rear drum
Price	4,71,000 – 5,98,000

Tata Indigo Manza

Dileep — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 08:02:30 +0000

After much speculation about the ‘Indigo Vista’(see here), the Tata Motors have launched the same under the brand name Indigo Manza. But, the Manza is not just the sedan version of the current generation Indica. It has got some design tweaks when compared to the Indica Vista. Though the Tata Manza is based on Indica Vista’s stretched platform, the company insists that Tata Manza is an altogether new car with complete new body on a new platform which houses an all new interior and makes a bold styling statement. The car is available with petrol and diesel engine options and has four trim levels – Aqua, Aura, Aura(ABS) and the top of the line Aura+. The petrol range starts at Rs 4.8 lakh, and the top diesel range costs Rs 6.75 lakh (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi). The petrol powered Manza sports a 1.4-litre, 89bhp SAFIRE engine and the diesel has the now familiar, 1.3-litre 89bhp Quadrajet engine, both picked from the Fiat stable.

The Tata trademark smiling grille is present in the Manza as well. The car differs from the Vista in the design of the headlights and indicators. Indigo Manza’s headlights are more bold looking with dual projector barrel shaped reflectors. Also the turn indicators are well integrated in the headlights. The tail lamp design is also innovative. The Manza sports angular shaped tail lamps. The instrument cluster also differs from the Vista, in that here the cluster is mounted behind the steering wheel, but in the Vista, it was centrally-mounted. Tata Manza diesel is certified by the ARAI to give a mileage of 21.02 kms to a litre, while the Manza Petrol is certified for a mileage of 14.5 kms to a litre. The shades available are Minimal Grey, Grey Noir, Monarch Red, Dew White, Infinity Black and Breeze Blue. There is a general belief that Tata’s cars, though priced lower than it’s competitors like the Swift Dezire, Fiat Linea, Mahindra Logan, they lack in finish and quality. Tata Motors hope to thwart such notions with the Manza, and seems to have done a pretty descent job with it. Let the sales charts speak now.

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Specifications:

Body Type	Sedan
Engine	1248cc, Quadrajet 90 Power: 89 Bhp @ 4000 rpm Torque: 200 Nm @ 1750 rpm 1368cc, Safire 90 Power: 89 Bhp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 116 Nm @ 4750 rpm
Dimensions	Length:4413 mm Width:1703 mm Height:1550 mm
Security Features	Airbags -2 Rear seat belts – 3 Fog Lamp, ABS
Comfort and Convenience	AC Remote boot, Fuel-filler Rear wiper and defogger Steering and Driver Seat Adjustment Rear armrest, with cup-holder
Other Specifications	Seating Capacity – 5 Trip Meter – 2 5 Speed Manual gear transmission Body Coloured bumpers
Price(Expected)	5,47,000 – 7,64,000