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Nokia N80 Announced

Nokia today introduced the Nokia N80, the first ever handset to enable seamless home media networking between compatible TVs, audio systems and PCs.

Nokia Nseries enters the digital home with Nokia N80
November 02, 2005

Optimized for both work and play, the small WLAN-enabled Nokia N80 is the world’s first UPnP handset

Nokia Mobility Conference 2005, Barcelona, Spain/Espoo, Finland – Nokia today introduced the Nokia N80, the first ever handset to enable seamless home media networking between compatible TVs, audio systems and PCs. The Nokia N80 reflects and harmonizes work and personal life through leading on-the-go productivity tools, multimedia entertainment and mobile photography in a design that communicates success. Weighing only 134 grams, the compact yet feature-rich 3G multimedia device is packed with performance, providing fast internet access and convenient intuitive browsing as well as the possibility to send and receive emails at Wireless LAN (WLAN) speeds.

nokia n80

“A multimedia computer that genuinely enriches people’s lives with connected, mobile multimedia experiences, the Nokia N80 is the size of a stack of business cards,” said Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President, Multimedia, Nokia. “The technological leadership of Nokia Nseries comes together in the Nokia N80, offering people a new, unparalleled experience of enjoying media in the living room by just using the Nokia N80. Comprising the functionality of a highly advanced multimedia computer, the Nokia N80 empowers people to pursue professional goals and personal passions with equal fervor.”

Multimedia connectivity in the Digital Home

With simple to use yet advanced UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) technology*, the pioneering Nokia N80 can be used to tap into the digital home network, acting almost as a remote control, enabling secure and convenient access to compatible PCs, audio equipment and TVs.** Consequently, images and video stored on the Nokia N80 or a compatible PC can be viewed wirelessly on the living room TV, while listening to music stored on the device through the living room audio system. Printing is now faster too, as Nokia N80 users can print wirelessly to any compatible UPnP-enabled home printer or printing kiosk.

Advanced, high speed internet in your pocket

Nokia N80 is the first quadband handset designed to work on 3G (WCDMA 1900 or 2100), WLAN, EDGE and four GSM bands (850/900/1800/1900), enabling broadband access from virtually anywhere on the planet. Incorporating the latest productivity functions in addition to 3G and EDGE data connectivity, people can use the Nokia N80 at more than 136,000*** public WLAN hotspots around the world to access the internet and send large emails or upload high quality images to an online service. Additionally, the Nokia N80 supports the new Nokia Web Browser with Mini Map, featuring a semi-transparent zoomed-out overall view of the web page, enabling users to intuitively navigate to all corners as well as see the web site as it was originally designed. With the experience further heightened by the device’s superior high definition display (352 x 416 pixels, up to 262,144 colors), which incorporates 90% more pixels than QVGA displays commonly found on smartphones and PDAs, the Nokia N80 also incorporates MPEG4 AVC decoding support for high quality video streaming.

High quality photos and videos in just a snap

With great ergonomics for image capture, the Nokia N80 is also an excellent mobile photography device for capturing, collecting and sharing moments and memories. In addition to incorporating a 3 megapixel camera with capture key for fast and stable camera activation, full-screen landscape capture utilizing the entire available high definition display, and a dedicated close-up mode switch, the Nokia N80 also features CIF video capture with inbuilt video stabilization. Moreover, the Nokia N80 incorporates large internal memory of up to 40 MB, which can be further expanded with a hot swap miniSD card of up to 2 GB, allowing users to store up to 1000 high quality images on the device.

Your choice of music on the go

Supporting a wide range of digital music formats, the Nokia N80 boasts a digital music player as well as stereo FM radio and support for Visual Radio****, which provides listeners with a richly interactive information channel, including information on the song and artist currently playing. Furthermore, thanks to the integrated UPnP technology, transferring music between the Nokia N80 and a compatible PC is easier than ever. Alternatively, users can transfer their favorite music via USB 2.0 by simply dragging and dropping from a compatible PC onto the device. As a result of its powerful music features, the Nokia N80 qualifies as a part of the Nokia XpressMusic device range. The XpressMusic feature brand makes it easy for consumers to identify Nokia products that provide a superior mobile music experience.

The Nokia N80, which is based on S60 3rd Edition and Symbian OS, is planned to be commercially available in the first quarter of 2006 with an estimated, unsubsidized sales price of approximately 500 euros.

*UPnP technology, a standard required for an interoperable network in the digital home, enables automatic discovery and remote control of devices, including networked devices and services, such as network-attached PCs and printers, internet gateways, and consumer electronics equipment. UPnP is independent of any particular operating system, programming language, or physical medium (e.g. it can be deployed on top of any IP bearer – WLAN, Ethernet cable, etc).

**Current TVs and stereo systems can be Digital Home enabled with a media link device.

***IDC, Worldwide Hotspot 2004-2008 Forecast and Analysis document number 32697 from December 2004.

****To check the availability and cost of the service, contact your network operator or service provider.

About Nokia Nseries

Nokia Nseries is a range of high performance multimedia devices that delivers unparalleled mobile multimedia experiences by combining the latest technologies with stylish design and ease of use. With Nokia Nseries products, consumers can use a single device to enjoy entertainment, access information and to capture and share pictures and videos, whenever and wherever they want.

About Nokia

Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.

The Nokia N71 announced

Nokia today introduced the Nokia N71, the latest device in the Nokia Nseries high performance multimedia range

Open your world to mobile multimedia with Nokia N71
November 02, 2005

The new Nokia Nseries device offers instant entertainment and fast internet browsing

Nokia Mobility Conference 2005, Barcelona, Spain/Espoo, Finland – Nokia today introduced the Nokia N71, the latest device in the Nokia Nseries high performance multimedia range. Focusing on the richness of mobile life, the Nokia N71 provides its users with a simple and reliable way to tap into new multimedia experiences. An elegantly designed compact fold with a high-definition 2.4" QVGA display, the Nokia N71 enhances the user experience by providing versatile entertainment and enhanced Web browsing capabilities in addition to the rich Nokia Nseries multimedia feature set.

"The Nokia N71 is an essential instrument for mobile living," said Juha Putkiranta, Senior Vice President, Multimedia, Nokia. "Instant entertainment, enjoyment and sharing of life’s experiences through pictures, video and music are all offered in a beautiful design that reflects both intelligence and style. This extremely attractive foldable and nice-to-hold 3G device represents what it takes to be a true trendsetter in the mobile world."

With the browsing experience accentuated by its huge high resolution color display (320 x 240 pixels, up to 262,144 colors), the Nokia N71 supports the new Nokia Web Browser with Mini Map. Featuring a semi-transparent zoomed-out overall view of the Web page, users can quickly orient themselves and intuitively navigate to all corners of the site as well as see the Web page as it was originally designed. Furthermore, the new browser enables RSS feeds, so users can subscribe to their favorite Web sites and receive regular updates.

A pocketable entertainment system, the Nokia N71 keeps people entertained with digital music, videos and stereo FM radio and is the latest member of the Nokia XpressMusic family. The Nokia XpressMusic feature brand makes it easy for people to identify Nokia products that provide a superior mobile music experience. In addition to a 5-band equalizer, the Nokia N71 has a slot for a miniSD card of up to 2 GB, which can store up to 1500 songs. Users can transfer their favorite music from a compatible PC simply by dragging and dropping onto the Nokia N71 using USB 2.0. Furthermore, with support for Visual Radio*, listeners are offered a richly interactive information channel, including the song and artist currently playing.

The Nokia N71 makes keeping on top of busy work and social life easy. Thanks to latest 3G technology, people can enjoy fast connection speeds, ideal for sending emails with attachments, browsing the internet or uploading favorite images to share online with friends. The full range of organizer information, including calendar, notes and to do lists, can also be effortlessly synchronized with compatible PCs via Bluetooth wireless technology, infrared or USB. Additionally, features like email, instant messaging, MMS and SMS enable Nokia N71 users to keep in touch with friends or colleagues. Furthermore, the Nokia N71 includes the Catalogs Client mobile shopping application, enabling users to quickly discover, trial and purchase new applications, services and content from operators or third-party sources.

Incorporating a 2 megapixel camera, Nokia N71 users can capture spontaneous moments or record experiences and, thanks to the Nokia XpressShare solution, quickly and effortlessly with just a few simple clicks share them. With Nokia XpressShare, photos, video and audio can be shared via email, MMS or Bluetooth wireless technology directly after capture or from the device’s gallery. Moreover, images can be shared immediately with friends thanks to the large high resolution color display, which also heightens the experience of video communications, including video sharing*, where people can share a live camera view or video clips during a normal voice call.

The Nokia N71 music experience can be further enhanced by the in-box Nokia Audio Adapter, which enables users to listen to the device’s digital music player or stereo FM radio through standard stereo headphones. With the separately available Nokia Audio Cable, users can also plug the Nokia N71 into a compatible home stereo system for stereo playback.

The Nokia N71, which is based on S60 3rd Edition and Symbian OS, is planned to be commercially available in the first quarter of 2006 with an estimated, unsubsidized sales price of approximately 400 euros.

*To check the availability and cost of the service, contact your network operator or service provider.

About Nokia Nseries

About Nokia

The Nokia N92 announced

The Nokia N92 offers easy access to TV programs without having to sit in front of a television set. Users can set reminders to watch their favorite TV programs, create personal channel lists and subscribe to TV channel packages.

Presenting the Nokia N92: TV goes Mobile
November 02, 2005

The world’s first integrated DVB-H mobile device makes prime time any time

nokia n92

Nokia Mobility Conference 2005, Barcelona, Spain/Espoo, Finland – At the Nokia Mobility Conference, Nokia today proudly presented the Nokia N92, the first integrated DVB-H mobile device in the Nokia Nseries range for watching broadcast TV programs. The Nokia N92 offers easy access to TV programs without having to sit in front of a television set. Users can set reminders to watch their favorite TV programs, create personal channel lists and subscribe to TV channel packages. The outstanding new form factor offers a highly ergonomic user-experience. The usability is further enhanced by the large 2.8" anti-glare QVGA screen with 16 million colors and the dedicated media keys that deliver a rich viewing experience.

"The Nokia N92 is the first in a range of products bringing together the rich experience of conventional broadcast TV with the connected experience of mobility to create a new category – mobile TV," said Richard Sharp, Vice President of Rich Media at Nokia. "We are confident that mobile TV will be an exciting new service for consumers, as well as generate new opportunities for innovation and growth in the mobile and media industries."

The Nokia N92 has four different modes for simple and easy usage. The new view mode is especially designed for watching TV and video. To start watching mobile TV*, users simply need to open the Nokia N92 in view mode and press the Multimedia key. The Electronic Service Guide (ESG) contains information about the available TV channels, programs and services. Other mobile TV features include watching time of up to four hours, recording and 30 seconds replay.

The cellular connectivity means people can interact with the TV, through services such as voting, program feedback and additional web discovery. Further, the Nokia N92 supports the new Nokia Web Browser with Mini Map, which provides a semi-transparent zoomed-out view of a web page that enables users to quickly orient themselves on a small screen. With an overall view of the web page, users can intuitively navigate to all corners of it as well as see the web page as it was originally designed.

The Nokia N92 is also an XpressMusic device, with up to 2 GB memory card support, offering storage for up to 1500 songs delivered through the built-in stereo speakers or a stereo headset. The entertainment experience is further complimented by FM radio with Visual Radio support*. Additional Nseries features include 2 megapixel camera for print-quality photos and email attachment support.

The Nokia N92 provides a rich range of connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, infrared, Bluetooth wireless technology as well as USB 2.0 (Mass Storage Class), which allows users to connect the Nokia N92 directly to a compatible PC for quick and convenient file transfers or downloads.

The Nokia N92, which is based on S60 3rd Edition and Symbian OS, is planned to be commercially available in mid 2006 in Europe, Africa and Asia, in countries where DVB-H services are available, with an estimated, unsubsidized sales price of approximately 600 euros.

*To check the availability and cost of the service, contact your network operator or service provider.

Nokia announces convergence devices for mobile TV and the digital home at Nokia Mobility Conference 2005

Nokia strikes another high note with the launch of three more Nokia Nseries multimedia devices, while new Nokia products and solutions for enterprises, application developers and mobile networks give convergence a push.

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 2, 2005

Nokia announces convergence devices for mobile TV and the digital home at Nokia Mobility Conference 2005

Nokia Mobility Conference 2005, Barcelona, Spain/Espoo, Finland – Today, at the Nokia Mobility Conference 2005, Nokia illuminated its convergence strategy by extending the Nokia Nseries multimedia range to include three new devices: the Nokia N92 (the world’s first mobile device with a built-in DVB-H receiver), the Nokia N71 and the Nokia N80. With these new devices consumers can wirelessly watch mobile TV, stream music, share photos and send emails with attachments, using technologies such as 3G, WLAN and Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)*.

This latest launch follows the announcement in October of the Nokia Eseries, a new family of Nokia smartphones targeted at the business world. The Nokia Nseries, first launched in April, and the Nokia Eseries are the manifestation of Nokia’s vision of convergence and the emerging digital industry, bringing together information technology, enterprise applications, broadcasting, music and imaging. Speaking at the Nokia Mobility Conference, Nokia Chairman and CEO Jorma Ollila explained how devices like these lie at the heart of digital convergence.

"We expect the market for convergence devices to double to 100 million units in 2006. Developers, media companies and enterprises are shifting their focus to Nokia’s S60 smartphone platform, as they see the business potential of using it to offer content and ensure secure remote access to corporate applications," said Ollila. "Convergence is opening up a world of opportunities for our customers and partners, and Nokia is committed to developing the tools, solutions and products to make the promise of the digital industry a reality."

Nokia N92: the clearest picture yet for mobile TV

The Nokia N92 is the world’s first mobile device with a built-in DVB-H receiver, making it possible for users to watch and record live TV at any time. Based on open standards, DVB-H is the leading mobile-TV broadcasting technology, enabling low-cost delivery of high-quality broadcast programs to mass audiences.

The Nokia N92 features applications and functionalities that make it easy for users to watch and search for TV programs, create personal channel lists, subscribe to TV-channel packages, set program reminders and access interactive TV services. The ergonomic form factor includes media keys, a view mode and a large (2.8") anti-glare QVGA screen supporting 16 million colors.

Nokia N71: all-in-one entertainment

The latest member of the Nokia XpressMusic family, the Nokia N71 is a pocket-sized entertainment system complete with stereo FM radio and support for digital music and videos. The Nokia N71 also features the new Nokia Web Browser with Mini Map. This allows a semi-transparent, zoomed-out view of a web page, so that users can quickly orientate themselves on a handset screen.

Nokia N80: make yourself at home

Equipped with WLAN and 3G, the Nokia N80 is the world’s first handset to feature UPnP technology. This allows it to be used as a remote control for wirelessly swapping content between compatible PCs, audio equipment and TVs. Images and video stored on the Nokia N80 or on a compatible PC can be viewed on a TV, for instance, while music stored on the device can be played through an audio system. Nokia N80 users can also print wirelessly to any UPnP-enabled printer. In addition, the Nokia N80 supports most commonly used email solutions and office-application formats.

Web browsing in your pocket

At the conference Nokia also unveiled a new web browser for its S60 software for smartphones. The browser, designed to give equal access both to full web pages and mobile-optimized content, is available for S60 licensees as part of the S60 3rd Edition offering. With the browser built on open architecture, S60 licensees and open source developers will be able to extend its core and build new features on top of it.

In keeping with this open source approach, Nokia has also launched a new Internet portal for its open source software projects: opensource.nokia.com. The portal, a natural extension for the Forum Nokia online developer community, consolidates Nokia’s open source activities and provides access to its projects.

Mobilizing the enterprise

The new Nokia Eseries family of smartphones for the business world also made its public debut at the conference. The Nokia E60, the Nokia E61 and the Nokia E70, each with its own distinct design, are built on a platform that meets the security and manageability needs of corporate IT professionals. The Nokia Eseries is targeted at companies and public institutions that want to improve their performance while keeping the cost of device management and support under control.

Nokia Eseries devices support all GSM bands, 3G, WLAN, corporate email access and advanced voice functionality (including IP PBX connectivity over WLAN), and offer integrated security features and tools for device management. Multiple email solutions are supported, including BlackBerry Connect, GoodLink, Nokia Business Center, Seven Mobile Mail, Seven Always-on mail and Visto Mobile. Nokia Eseries devices are a perfect fit with the Nokia Business Center, a robust and cost-effective solution for the mass-market rollout of corporate mobile email.

Nokia Flexi WCDMA Base Station: a new way to build 3G

Nokia has also introduced the small, modular and high-capacity Nokia Flexi WCDMA Base Station. Built on a completely new platform, the Nokia Flexi WCDMA Base Station enables operators to make more efficient use of their base-station sites, reducing site costs by up to 70 percent. In addition to supporting WCDMA and High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) technologies, the base station’s future-proof architecture, compatible with Open Base Station Architecture Initiative (OBSAI) specifications, will later allow operators to rapidly deploy new technologies, such as WiMAX.

* Note to editors

UPnP technology, a standard required for an interoperable network in the digital home, enables automatic discovery and remote control of devices. These include networked devices and services, such as network-attached PCs and printers, Internet gateways, and consumer electronics devices. UPnP is independent of any particular operating system, programming language, or physical medium, meaning it can be deployed on top of any IP bearer – WLAN, Ethernet cable, etc.

About Nokia Mobility Conference

Now in its tenth year, the Nokia Mobility Conference is one of the world’s premier forums for operators, developers, IT vendors, content owners, service providers, retailers, and other members of the mobility-industry value chain. Featuring speakers from Nokia and other key players in the industry, the Nokia Mobility Conference showcases real-life examples of business opportunities across the sector.

Please visit www.nokia.com/press for the detailed product and collaboration initiatives announced at the Nokia Mobility Conference 2005.

About Nokia Nseries

About Nokia

Mobile gaming to hit Rs 1,500 cr by 2010

Indians are spearheading the mobile gaming revolution around the world, quietly. Consider this: when a youngster in Australia plays cricket on his mobile, or another in the US weaves Spiderman?s webs or a teenager in Russia hits a Maria Sharapova forehand on her mobile set, chances are that these games have been developed in India

Indians are spearheading the mobile gaming revolution around the world, quietly. Consider this: when a youngster in Australia plays cricket on his mobile, or another in the US weaves Spiderman’s webs or a teenager in Russia hits a Maria Sharapova forehand on her mobile set, chances are that these games have been developed in India

In fact, an Indian provider has developed three of the four games included in the next month’s World Mobile Gaming Championships in Singapore.

One reason for the prominance of Indian companies might be the popularity of these games in India itself. Within a year, the market has expanded from a mere Rs 25 crore to at least Rs 80 crore in 2005.

In another five years, it is set to touch the Rs 1,500 crore mark. “This is due to the stupendous growth of mobile users — at 3 million a month. And 40 per cent of the handsets sold are JAVA-enabled (needed to download games),” says Rajiv Hiranandani, country head, Mobile2win India, a mobile games provider.

Read Full Story [Business-Standard]

TELUS and Nokia announce agreement to deliver next-generation IP broadband access network in Canada

TELUS, one of Canada’s leading telecommunications service providers, and Nokia, a global leader in network solutions, announced today that they have entered into an agreement to use Nokia broadband infrastructure to build and support TELUS’ next-generation IP broadband access network

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 1, 2005

TELUS and Nokia announce agreement to deliver next-generation IP broadband access network in Canada

Nokia D500 broadband solution enables fast time-to-market for advanced broadband services

Espoo, Finland – TELUS, one of Canada’s leading telecommunications service providers, and Nokia, a global leader in network solutions, announced today that they have entered into an agreement to use Nokia broadband infrastructure to build and support TELUS’ next-generation IP broadband access network. TELUS has selected the Nokia D500 IP DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer) multiservice platform, equipped with ADSL2+ technology to create multi-megabit bandwidth capacity and greater reach for the operator’s services, specifically its highly anticipated broadband services.

"As we prepare to roll out our next-generation IP network, this new relationship forged with Nokia enables TELUS to bring new broadband services to market faster," said Ibrahim Gedeon, Chief Technology Officer, TELUS. "Nokia’s global leadership in technology and vision for next-generation networks supports TELUS’ mission to deliver greater bandwidth and high quality IP solutions and services to Canadians at home, in the workplace and on the move."

The Nokia D500 access node is a powerful, scalable, and flexible solution for operators like TELUS who want to provide mass market bandwidth-intensive services. "We are pleased to be working with TELUS, a respected and leading innovator of telecommunications services not only in Canada, but worldwide," said Mikko Lavanti, Vice President, Nokia Broadband Systems. "With our relationship with TELUS, Nokia maintains a strong position at the forefront of delivering broadband solutions, especially as network convergence continues to take shape in the telecommunications industry. Today’s announcement paves the way for Nokia to continue to lead in the IP DSLAM market taking shape on a global scale."

The Nokia D500 architecture can also support residential and business broadband services from either a highly dense central office or in smaller density remote outdoor sites, using Nokia’s Rapid Deployment Access Cabinet (RDAC) solution which will further help TELUS reduce its site deployments and operating costs.

"Traditionally, Nokia is recognized as a leader and innovator in mobile technologies," said Kevin Kelly, General Manager, Fixed Operator Solutions, Networks, Nokia. "Today’s announcement with TELUS demonstrates our broader networking capabilities spanning both fixed and mobile arenas, as well as a strong commitment to the Canadian telecommunications market."

About TELUS

TELUS (TSX: T, T.NV; NYSE: TU) is the largest telecommunications company in Western Canada and the second largest in the country, with $7.9 billion of annual revenue, 4.7 million network access lines and 4.1 million wireless customers. The company provides customers with a full range of telecommunications products and services including data, voice and wireless services across Canada, utilizing next generation Internet-based technologies. For more information about TELUS, please visit www.telus.com.

About Nokia

Nokia completes UMA voice and data calls

As a significant milestone in its fixed-mobile convergence strategy, Nokia has completed both voice and data calls with Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technology in a Nokia Solutions Experience Center in the United States.

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 1, 2005

Nokia achieves convergence milestone, completes UMA voice and data calls

Espoo, Finland – As a significant milestone in its fixed-mobile convergence strategy, Nokia has completed both voice and data calls with Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technology in a Nokia Solutions Experience Center in the United States.

UMA, a 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Program) standard, is an access technology that allows seamless handover of mobile voice and data from a cellular network to a wireless local area network (WLAN/WiFi). The UMA standard defines how mobile operators can turn home, office and public WLANs into seamless extensions of their cellular networks. With UMA, operators can deliver voice and data services to subscribers over the WiFi access networks, dramatically increasing mobile service usage while decreasing costs of network deployment.

The voice calls were conducted from a live cellular network to WLAN and from WLAN to cellular. In addition, a data call was conducted from cellular to WLAN. Both voice and data calls were completed using a Nokia test phone.

"This milestone is an excellent example of Nokia’s unique ability to offer service providers with true end-to-end solutions, from our industry-leading Release 4 core architecture to our devices equipped with both cellular and WLAN connectivity," said Mark Louison, senior vice president, Networks, North America, Nokia. "UMA is poised to open up a number of new opportunities and choices for operators and their end-users. We’re one step closer to simplifying the end-user mobile experience to access voice, personal information, and multimedia services on one device irrespective of their location, whether at work, at home, or on the go."

Nokia’s UMA network solution is part of its end-to-end Fixed-Mobile Convergence solution that offers fixed, mobile and hybrid operators a smooth evolution from today’s networks to the next-generation networks of tomorrow.

About Nokia

Telefonica to Acquire O2 for $32Bln

Telefonica, Spain’s biggest telephone company, has agreed to buy British mobile phone operator O2 for ?17.7 billion ($31.5 billion) in the largest acquisition in the European phone industry in five years

MADRID — Telefonica, Spain’s biggest telephone company, has agreed to buy British mobile phone operator O2 for £17.7 billion ($31.5 billion) in the largest acquisition in the European phone industry in five years.

Telefonica offered 200 pence in cash per O2 share, the Madrid-based company said in a statement. The offer for O2 is 22 percent higher than Friday’s closing price of 164.25 pence.

Buying O2 will give Telefonica 25 million customers in Britain, Germany and Ireland, bringing its total to more than 165 million.

The deal would be the largest led by chairman Cesar Alierta, 60, who is seeking assets in Europe after spending more than $50 billion on takeovers in Latin America since the 1990s.

"Telefonica can’t push much further into Latin America," said Gary Dugan, head of equity research at Barclays Investment Services. "You have to get bigger globally and not just protect your backyard."

The stock of O2 rose as much as 26 percent to 206.75 pence, above the offer price, and traded at 204 pence in early trading in London. The shares of Telefonica and its mobile phone unit Telefonica Moviles were suspended from trading in Madrid, the exchange said.

The purchase will "immediately" add to earnings per share, according to the statement.

The deal would be the biggest takeover announced in the industry worldwide since the $41 billion acquisition of Nextel Communications proposed in December 2004.

It is the largest involving a European telecommunications company since May 2000, when France Telecom agreed to buy Orange from Vodafone for $41.7 billion, according to Bloomberg data.

The board of O2 said it considers the bid "fair and reasonable" and would recommend its shareholders accept it.

O2 "will open the group to the two largest European markets with sizeable critical mass, and it will balance our exposure across business and regions," Alierta said in the statement.

The British company is the biggest mobile phone operator in Britain by customers. Its second-biggest market is Germany, and it also offers services in Ireland.

Up to Monday, O2 shares had jumped 56 percent in the last 12 months as the company has been the focus of takeover speculation ever since it rejected a bid from Dutch-based KPN in February 2004.

Germany’s Deutsche Telekom and KPN ended talks to make a joint bid for O2 in August. Under the plan, KPN would have taken control of O2’s German business.

"It’s the European operator that better fits Telefonica’s strategy," said Alberto Espelosin, who helps manage $7 billion, including Telefonica shares, at Ibercaja Gestion in Zaragoza, Spain. "The key will be whether Deutsche Telekom wants to make a higher offer."

Alierta said in September that Telefonica "would make selective acquisitions" to add growth. In June, the former Spanish phone monopoly acquired a controlling stake in Cesky Telecom, the biggest Czech phone company, for 2.7 billion euros ($3.3 billion).

In September, it spent an additional 917 million euros to boost its stake in Cesky Telecom to 69 percent.

Goldman Sachs and Citigroup advised Telefonica. JPMorgan Cazenove and Merrill Lynch advised O2.

via [moscow times]

Hutch getting redesigned

Hong Kong?s Hutchison has taken a strategic decision to redesign the Hutch brand, in the run-up to the Hutch-Essar IPO

Hong Kong’s Hutchison has taken a strategic decision to redesign the Hutch brand, in the run-up to the Hutch-Essar IPO.

Hutchison Essar will unveil Hutch with its new look across 13 circles by late-November. As the company’s existing Orange and Hutch brands have a common colour, “The redesigned Hutch umbrella brand will have a definite colour variation,” Hutchison officials told ET.

There’s a tight lid on the new brand design and colour specifics. But it’s understood that the world’s top brand consultancy firm, the London-based Wolff Olins, may be involved in redesigning Hutch. Wolff Olins is the original creator of Orange.

“It’s imperative that Hutchison Essar evolves a single and unique brand identity in India, instead of its twin-brand image. The entry of the world’s biggest GSM player into India is likely to expedite unveiling of the new look of Hutch and put the company’s brand unification plans on fast track,” sources said.

Significantly, Hutchison’s decision to introduce new colour and design to Hutch is in the aftermath of the recent Orange-Hutch tussle over alleged trademark and copyright violations by Hutchison. During the legal battle in Delhi High Court, the Orange Group had alleged that Hutch had created images which were based on Orange’s guidelines.

Though the Orange-Hutch legal duel is over, there’s a feeling that Hutch and Orange brands are similar, especially as both use the orange colour. “As both brands share a similar philosophy, there’s little economic sense in Hutch-Essar managing two separate brands in India,” said sources .

In fact, Hutchison Essar expects a common umbrella brand to trigger media efficiencies, in which the company won’t need separate adaptation strategies for both brands. Once DoT clears Hutch-Essar’s 100% acquisition of the BPL Mobile circles, the new- look Hutch will be unveiled in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

via [economictimes]

X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse

Nokia today announced that it has shipped X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse, the sequel to the highly successful Activision title X-Men: Legends.

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE October 31, 2005

Friends and Foes Unite as X-Men(TM) Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse arrives in stores

Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced that it has shipped X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse, the sequel to the highly successful Activision title X-Men: Legends. The all-new action role playing game (RPG) allows N-Gage gamers to create Super Hero dream teams featuring popular X-Men and classic Brotherhood villains as they unite for the first time ever to overcome the ultimate evil – Apocalypse – and prevent one of the most devastating attacks ever against mankind.

In X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse, players create, customize and control teams of four mutants from 16 all-time favorite X-Men and Brotherhood villains from the Marvel Universe. Players can switch between teammates wielding a variety of super powers and skills as they overcome obstacles, solve puzzles and defeat hordes of enemies including Lady Deathstrike and the notorious Four Horsemen of Apocalypse. If the mission is too much for one, N-Gage fans can recruit up to three friends for multiplayer adventures over Bluetooth and help unlock secret missions on N-Gage Arena.

Exclusive to N-Gage owners and X-Men fans alike, an exciting new trailer is now available for download at www.extranet.n-gage.com. Fans can also log onto http://www.n-gage.com/enR1/games/gamedata/x_men_legends_II.htm for additional information about the 16 customizable characters, and access Bluetooth capabilities for single player or multiplayer modes and unlock secret missions via N-Gage Arena.

"Fans of the original version of X-Men: Legends on N-Gage will be able to continue their journey with additional customizable characters, an unprecedented arsenal of super powers, and fierce enemies for more than 25 hours of gameplay in the single player mode alone," says Gregg Sauter, Director, Games Publishing, Nokia. "The Bluetooth and N-Gage Arena capabilities offer additional multiplayer modes that offer gamers the opportunity to show friends just what they are made of."

About Activision

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $1.4 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005.Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, Scandinavia, Spain and the Netherlands. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s World Wide Web site, which is located at www.activision.com.

About N-Gage

The N-Gage game deck is an innovative mobile device that is creating an entirely new market for the games industry. Built for active gamers, the N-Gage platform is the first mobile and connected game deck to feature online high-quality 3D multiplayer game play over Bluetooth wireless technology and GPRS. The N-Gage device also offers unique online games services as well as a comprehensive and growing games catalogue from the leading game publishers. Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Nokia and N-Gage are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nokia Corporation

Nokia introduces Cool Zone brings mobile content sales to retail

okia today introduced the Nokia Local Content Channel Solution, CoolZone, that is a Bluetooth based end-to-end solution for distributing digital content to consumers’ phones in retail locations. Local mobility solutions create new types of business possibilities to individuals, location owners and enterprises.

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE October 31, 2005

CoolZone brings mobile content sales to retail

A new solution complements other digital content delivery channels with local relevancy

Espoo, Finland – Nokia today introduced the Nokia Local Content Channel Solution, CoolZone, that is a Bluetooth based end-to-end solution for distributing digital content to consumers’ phones in retail locations. Local mobility solutions create new types of business possibilities to individuals, location owners and enterprises. With CoolZone, retailers like music stores, phone shops and cinemas, can offer promotional or paid content, such as mobile games, wallpapers, videos and music, to consumers in their stores.

"For consumers, CoolZone is a new and easy way to get rich mobile content and information. Every time the consumer visits a store, which has CoolZone service, she or he can easily browse, preview and buy the latest content to his or her phone. When using the service for the first time, the consumer downloads a retailer branded application to the phone in the retail location based on instructions provided in the store. The payment for the downloaded content is done either over the counter using vouchers or using premium text messages," said Sakari Kotola, Director, Nokia Ventures Organization. "CoolZone is a truly smooth content download tool for consumers."

The service is always customized according to the retailer’s or service provider’s brand. In a way, it is a digital shelf in a physical store. The retailer can easily change both the design of the application and the content during special campaigns, and the consumers will automatically experience the new campaign the next time they use the service. But CoolZone is not just a tool to sell content and organize promotional campaigns. For the retailer, it is also an efficient tool for loyalty programs.

The Nokia Local Content Channel Solution, CoolZone is based on Bluetooth connection between a phone and a service point. The solution consists of client software for the phone (Symbian client for Series 60, Java for Nokia Series 40 and other manufacturers’ phones), a small multiradio Nokia Service Point LCP10 installed in each service location and the Nokia Service Manager LCM10 for centrally managing the service points and the content. The solution enables the delivery of any content supported by the phones, including DRM protected content. While the service is currently Bluetooth based, WLAN will be one of expected additions in the near future, as more phones will offer WLAN capability.

The Nokia Local Content Channel Solution, CoolZone will be commercially available in the 1st quarter of 2006. Nokia will optionally also provide the solution to retailers based on a hosting model where Nokia takes care of everything from content management to technical set-up.

CoolZone will be demonstrated at the Nokia Mobility Conference 2005 in Palau de Congressos de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain, during November 2-3, 2005.

About Nokia

Nokia Mobile Broadcast Solution announced

Nokia today announced the world’s first commercial service management solution for DVB-H services, the Nokia Mobile Broadcast Solution 3.0. The Nokia Mobile Broadcast Solution (MBS) 3.0 supports the broadcasting of different types of digital content such as live TV, radio and video clips over DVB-H networks to mobile devices.

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE October 31, 2005

Nokia announces world’s first commercial solution for managing DVB-H broadcast services

Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced the world’s first commercial service management solution for DVB-H services, the Nokia Mobile Broadcast Solution 3.0. The Nokia Mobile Broadcast Solution (MBS) 3.0 supports the broadcasting of different types of digital content such as live TV, radio and video clips over DVB-H networks to mobile devices. The key features of the MBS 3.0 include the Electronic Service Guide (ESG), a consumer interface in the mobile device for searching available services, setting alerts for upcoming programs and for the viewing selection. Additionally, the MBS 3.0 offers service protecion, flexible content pricing schemes and provides consumers with an easy way to purchase viewing rights.

The MBS 3.0 is based on open standards such as DVB-H. It fully implements the Open Air Interface (OAI) 1.0 implementation guidelines which Nokia published in August 2005 on www.nokia.com/mobiletv. The Open Air Interface specifies how mobile TV devices connect with the DVB-H network and the servers of the overall mobile TV service infrastructure. The OAI specification was published to enable multivendor interoperability in the mobile TV industry.

"Nokia has been an active participant in several mobile TV pilots over the past two years, during which the consumer response has been very encouraging. The feedback collected from mobile and broadcast network operators and media companies has proved invaluable, making it possible for Nokia to create this solution. By offering a safe, secure and future proof solution for managing mobile TV broadcasting, we are creating the momentum for the mobile TV market to take off during 2006," said Richard Sharp, Vice President, Rich Media, Nokia.

The MBS 3.0 offers mobile broadcst service providers a single platform which can serve several content providers. At the same time, it offers content providers a protected distribution channel to mobile users. Broadcasters get flexibility in defining the geographical distribution coverage and service bundles consisting of free-to-air, subscription based and pay-per-view services as well as setting pricing schemes. The MBS 3.0 supports mobile service providers in offering broadcast related e-commerce and interctive services. Furthermore, the MBS 3.0 solution provides invoicing for prepaid cellular subscribers.

The Nokia Mobile Broadcast Solution 3.0 will be available in the first quarter of 2006. In 2006 Nokia will bring the first mobile TV device to the market with in-built DVB-H capabilities. The MBS 3.0 is the third implementation of a DVB-H service management solution which has been piloted globally already with several customers since 2003.

About Nokia

Mobile wireless technology companies call on European Commission to investigate Qualcomm’s anti-competitive conduct

Broadcom, Ericsson, NEC, Nokia, Panasonic Mobile Communications and Texas Instruments have each filed Complaints to the European Commission requesting that it investigate and stop Qualcomm’s anti-competitive conduct in the licensing of essential patents for 3G mobile technolog

The companies state that Qualcomm is violating EU competition law and failing to meet the commitments Qualcomm made to international standard bodies around the world that it would license its technology on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. Absent these commitments, the WCDMA 3G standard would not have been adopted. Qualcomm is infringing these rules by:

– trying to exclude competing manufacturers of chipsets for mobile phones from the market and preventing others from entering. To this end, Qualcomm has committed a number of abuses, ranging from the refusal to licence essential patents to potential chipset competitors on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms to offering lower royalty rates to handset customers who buy chipsets exclusively from Qualcomm.

– charging royalties for its WCDMA essential patents that are excessive and disproportionate; in particular by imposing the same royalty rate on WCDMA 3G handsets as it does for CDMA2000 3G handsets despite the fact that Qualcomm has contributed far less technology to the WCDMA 3G standard than it has to the CDMA2000 standard.

The companies believe that Qualcomm’s anti-competitive behaviour has harmful effects for the mobile telecommunications sector in Europe, as well as elsewhere, because carriers and consumers are facing higher prices and fewer choices.

Company Statements

"Major telecommunications equipment companies on three continents are standing up and saying that Qualcomm’s business practices are unfair, anticompetitive and ultimately illegal. Qualcomm’s illegal practices stifle competition and ultimately hurt the consumer." David A. Dull, Senior Vice President, Business Affairs; General Counsel; and Secretary, Broadcom Corporation

"Qualcomm committed to standard setting organisations that it would license its technology on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. In spite of this and in breach of competition law, Qualcomm is charging excessive and disproportionate royalties. This means ultimately that consumers may have to pay more than they should for their mobile handsets."

Kasim Alfalahi, Vice President IPR Licensing and Patents, Ericsson AB

"Qualcomm’s anti-competitive licensing practices and excessive royalties are restricting innovation and the development of 3G mobile telephony to the detriment of consumer choice."

Botaro Hirosaki, Senior Vice President, NEC Corporation

"Intellectual property rights have an increasing role in business. There are rules of law that apply to the licensing business, and patentees and other intellectual property rights owners cannot ignore them."

Ilkka Rahnasto, Vice President, Intellectual Property Rights, Nokia Corporation

"Panasonic Mobile Communications believes that Qualcomm is charging excessive and disproportional royalty rates in breach of EU competition law and industry requirements to offer licenses for essential patents on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms."

Haruo Suzuki, Director,Member of the Board, Panasonic Mobile Communications Co. Ltd.

"Standards are established to guide the industry’s technology development and provide a healthy environment for innovation and competition. We believe Qualcomm has abused its licensing position in certain standards and has inhibited legitimate competition. If this conduct goes unchecked, the risk is that consumers in Europe and around the world will pay higher prices for mobile phones and services and have less access to innovative products."

Joe Hubach, General Counsel, Texas Instruments Incorporated

Vodafone buys stake in Bharti Tele-Ventures

Vodafone Group Plc, the world’s No.1 cellular service provider, has picked up a 10% stake in Bharti Tele-Ventures Ltd. for Rs67bn or US$1.2bn. Vodafone Mauritius Ltd. has purchased shares in Bharti Enterprise Pvt. Ltd. (the unlisted holding company), which gives the British cellular service major a beneficial stake of 4.4% in Bharti Tele-Ventures.

The investment from India’s leading GSM-based telecom operator by the British cellular major comes more than a week after the Cabinet cleared the proposed hike in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in telecom, from 49% to 74%.

In addition, Vodafone, through Vodafone International Holdings BV, has also picked up 5.65% stake from Warburg Pincus, thereby taking the total beneficial interest in Bharti Tele-Ventures to around 10%.

The above transactions do not make any change in the direct shareholding of Bharti Tele-Ventures. Bharti Enterprises maintains a controlling interest of 45.9% in Bharti Tele-Ventures through its subsidiary, Bharti Telecom Ltd. With the final sale of its stake, Warburg Pincus has now completely exited its position in Bharti Tele-Ventures. Bharti Enterprises owns 68% in Bharti Telecom, which in turn holds 45% stake in the listed Bharti Tele-Ventures.

Commenting on the occasion, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman & Group Managing Director, Bharti Enterprises, said, "We are delighted that Vodafone has made a call on the Indian telecom sector and has chosen Bharti Tele-Ventures Ltd. to be the vehicle to develop its continued interest in the Asian region. Today, when Bharti stands on the threshold of being an Asian telecom powerhouse, it has tied up with Vodafone to take the company to the next level and to support Bharti in achieving its vision of making Airtel the most admired brand in India".

At 12:58 p.m., shares of Bharti Tele-Ventures were trading at Rs327, up Rs15 or 4.8%, over the previous close. Earlier, the stock had touched a high of Rs330.5 and a low of Rs311. Around 1.62mn shares of Bharti Tele-Ventures have changed hands on BSE.

Watch your favourite STAR programmes on your Hutch mobile

Mobisodes of this show will offer Indian audiences, next generation interactive and personalised viewing on their Hutch phones, at their own convenience.

Now you can watch your favourite STAR programmes on your mobile

Media Release, October 7
Mumbai

Star India, India’s number one network, today announced that it becomes the first Indian television network to launch ‘mobisodes’ in the country. ‘Mobisodes’ are one-minute video clips specifically designed to be watched on mobile phones. Star India has specially created mobisodes of Star One’s highest rated comedy show—‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’ (TGILC). The show that has become a national phenomena is currently among the top 50 shows week-on-week in India. Mobisodes of this show will offer Indian audiences, next generation interactive and personalised viewing on their Hutch phones, at their own convenience.

“We are proud to offer Indian viewers high quality entertainment on the latest that technology has to offer,” said Viren Popli, Senior Vice President, Interactive Services, Star India. “With convergence, next generation distribution platforms are evolving thereby allowing wider viewing choices with flexibility and convenience. This will pave the way for creating new television viewing patterns as well as revolutionise mobile entertainment.”

Leveraging content of its highest rated comedy show, mobisodes of TGILC will be available to Hutch subscribers across the country from Monday, October 10th, 2005. Users will have access to downloadable video clips of the best moments of the programme through HutchWorld on their GPRS enabled Hutch phones.

Speaking on this innovation, Naveen Chopra, Corporate Vice President – Group Marketing, Hutchison Essar, said, “ Today a mobile phone is not only a means of communication but also a personalized mode of entertainment. We are committed towards consistently enhancing the service experience for our customers and

‘mobisodes’ will provide Hutch users with their favourite entertainment, on their mobile phones, that can be enjoyed at their convenience.”

About STAR
STAR is a leading media and entertainment company in Asia. STAR broadcasts over 50 television services in eight languages to more than 300 million viewers across 53 Asian countries. STAR channels cover all genres including general entertainment (Star Plus, Xing Kong, Star Chinese Channel, Star One, Star Utsav, Star World, Vijay, Phoenix Chinese), sports (ESPN, Star Sports), movies (Star Chinese Movies, Star Gold, Star Movies), music (Channel [V]), and news and current affairs (Star News, Star Ananda, Phoenix InfoNews Channel). STAR controls over 20,000 hours of Indian and Chinese programming and also owns the world’s largest contemporary Chinese film library, with more than 600 titles, featuring superstars including Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fat and Bruce Lee. In partnership with leading companies in Asia, STAR businesses extend to filmed entertainment, television production, cable systems and wireless and digital services. STAR is a wholly owned subsidiary of News Corporation. www.startv.com

About Hutchison Essar
Hutchison Essar, with over 9.2 million* mobile users under the Hutch and Orange brands, is one of the most reputable telecom companies in India. Over the years, it has been named the ‘Most Respected Telecom Company’, the ‘Best Mobile Service in the country’ and the ‘Most Creative and Most Effective Advertiser of the Year’.

*Figures from Cellular Operators Association of India, as of August 2005.