Date:13/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/13/stories/2008061356621700.htm

Business

Singapore firm unveils two high-end phones

Special Correspondent

Touch screen device Atom V is priced at Rs. 27,888

NEW DELHI: Singapore-based Mobile and Wireless Group (MWg) on Thursday entered the Indian market by unveiling two new smartphones — Atom V and Zinc II — aimed at high-end users.

Priced at Rs.27,888, Atom V is a touch-screen device that comes with an Intel processor running Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 Professional at a zippy 520 MHz. It comes with a host of features, including in-built GPS (global positioning system), 2.0 mega-pixel camera with auto focus and FM radio with RDS (radio data system) that provides data on the station, the current track on air from a station, and even traffic alerts.

Similarly, Zinc II features a sliding keyboard and is the first Windows Mobile 6.1 device available in India. Apart from integrated GPS capability and other features of Atom V, it has a semi-automatic sliding keyboard ideal for messaging, writing mails, Internet browsing and delivering presentations.

It comes with a price tag of Rs. 34,888.

Launching the handsets, MWg CEO Mark Billington said: “We see ourselves in a unique position of having inherited the premium heritage of a global brand and the agility and flexibility of a start-up. Our devices are designed to complement the consumers’ lifestyle needs.”

According to HD Gupta, Managing Director of Goldkist International (S) Pte Ltd., distributor for MWg handsets for India subcontinent: “All MWg handsets will be sold in India through TouchIndia Telemarketing Pvt. Ltd., a strategic alliance and extended arm of Goldkist Singapore, and its appointed channel partners. It will have two-tier distribution model wherein a sub-distributor will be appointed in each of the major markets, followed by select local outlets.”

Within three months, TouchIndia intends to distribute MWg products through 1000 sale points, and increase the number gradually. Service operations for MWg handsets will be handled by MDR Services India Ltd., through its 220 service centres across India, he added.