Samsung unveils enhanced series of Galaxy

LAHORE –  Samsung Electronics – the global technology leader – has recently launched a fascinating new range of Galaxy A3/A5/A7 2017 smartphones in Pakistan, which promises to make the consumers’ life more convenient and special. It has a sophisticated metal & glass design, long-lasting battery, advanced camera, and improved processor.

This series includes the Galaxy A7 LTE DS smartphone with a 5.7 inch FHD S.AMOLED screen, Galaxy A5 LTE DS with a 5.2 inch FHD S.AMOLED screen and the Galaxy A3 LTE DS with a 4.7 inch HD S.AMOLED display.

For the first time on the Galaxy ‘A’ series, the smartphone offers IP68 standard – water and dust resistance, allowing it to withstand the elements, including rain, sweat, sand and dust. The Galaxy A users can easily back up data and images through Samsung Cloud.

Samsung launches new Galaxy J1 Mini Prime

LAHORE – Samsung Electronics is a global technology leader and award winning innovator, which has now launched its latest Smartphone – The Galaxy J1 Mini Prime.

It is an innovative device, that promises enhanced performance, with its powerful Quad-core 1.2 GHz processor and increased memory boasting 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM, which is expandable with a Micro SD card of up to 128GB.

Galaxy J1 mini prime features an improved 5MP (F2.2) + VGA (F2.4) camera. So your photos are clearer, brighter, and more detailed. Also, you can quickly launch the camera by simply pressing the Home button twice.

With this feature, you will be able to capture special moments in an instant.

GSMA anticipates sound 3G, 4G growth in Pakistan till 2020

ISLAMABAD -WEB DESK –   Around 90 percent of Pakistani population would have access to 3G networks, 80 percent of which are also estimated to enjoy 4G services by year 2020.

Amid heavy investments, 3G coverage in Pakistan – by all operators combined – reached 65 percent of population by 2015, while it stretched to around 75 percent of population by mid-2016, the facts revealed in Global System Mobile Association (GSMA) report.

A web-based portal, ProPakistani, while quoting the statistics given in the report, said 3G coverage had reached 75 percent of Pakistan’s population by mid-2016, 4G coverage reached 18 percent of Pakistan’s population by mid-2016 while 29 percent of Pakistani population use mobile internet (2G, 3G or 4G).

The report said mobile broadband uptake had been slow, mainly due to the fact that many citizens either could not afford it or did not know how to use devices and services that deliver mobile broadband.

With time, mobile broadband (3G and 4G) users in Pakistan are estimated to grow to 60 million by 2020.

With continued investment – it is estimated that investments for 3G network expansion will reach $2.8 billion over next four years (not including any additional spectrum costs) – and it will enable around 90 percent of the population with 3G access, said the report. With only two operators, 4G roll-out has expanded rather slowly and reached 18 percent of the population by mid-2016.

However, with Mobilink acquiring Warid and Telenor beginning 4G services, 4G coverage is expected to rapidly to become accessible to 80 percent of the population by 2020.

The report said today’s users would accelerate their transition to mobile broadband from 2G services, with improved network coverage and more affordable smart phones with time. By 2020, mobile broadband will be accessed by about a third of the population, albeit predominantly those shifting from 2G.

Given the lack of fixed line broadband connectivity in Pakistan, the digital divide – between those that have access to the internet and those that do not – will remain substantial.

Pakistan is an emerging digital society. Digitization is still in its early stages, and is used mainly as a tool for accelerating socio-economic development, particularly in improving digital and financial inclusion.

However, through its Vision 2025 strategy, Pakistan aims to complete its transition to a knowledge-based economy, creating a globally competitive and prosperous country that provides a high quality of life for all its citizens.

Vision 2025 envisions a more advanced digital society. Digital development can drive increased engagement between individuals and institutions, provide huge growth potential and productivity gains in all sectors, and enable more advanced and innovative government services.

Pakistan’s mobile sector is in a unique position to support the country’s digital development for three key reasons:

Mobile can connect more people than any other technology, particularly in underserved rural areas, mobile can provide secure access to a variety of digital services such as health and education and mobile can provide a platform to provide financial inclusion, engaging many people in the economy for the first time.

In parallel, innovative services that run over mobile networks can support many of the government’s Vision 2025 objectives, such as increasing enrolment in education, improving food security and driving private sector growth.

Mobile operators in Pakistan are playing their part in innovating to deliver the services that will accelerate progress towards the goals of Vision 2025 – and in doing so generating growth, jobs and investment in wider economy. But they have an opportunity to do more.

Three key areas require immediate attention: a competition policy that considers all market players, not just telecoms service providers, in a technology-neutral environment, aimed at preventing bottlenecks and exclusionary conduct; clear and simplified licensing practices based on function rather than technology or legacy industry structures, which can accommodate the rapidly changing market and encourage investment and innovation; and a new framework for physical network cooperation (including network and spectrum sharing) that is light-touch and focuses on general competition principles and transparency.

There is a real opportunity for the government, institutions, mobile operators and the wider mobile industry to work together to make the regulations a better fit for modern digital ecosystem, the report maintained.

Zong Together With Whatsapp Launches A Special Data Bundle For Its Customers

Lahore – Muhammad Yasir Zong, Pakistan’s No.1 Data Network, in partnership with WhatsApp, is launching a special bundle for its users. Zong users can now enjoy unlimited voice and video calling on Whatsapp for just Rs.15+tax. (Fair usage policy applies). This special WhatsApp bundle can be subscribed by all Zong users by  dialing *4#
As Pakistan’s fastest data network with the widest 4G coverage, Zong serves as one of the most effective network platforms for WhatsApp based voice and video calls to seamlessly connect people within and across borders.
Zong’s objective, as expressed through the brand promise of “A new Dream” is to leverage the technological edge in 4G LTE to digitally transform the lifestyle of Pakistani people. Currently, more than 5,000 sites power over 200 cities of Pakistan with 4G services and this number is increasing day by day.
This collaboration with WhatsApp is a testament to Zong’s stated commitment of providing the most desirable services to its customers at the most affordable rates.
“By offering this bundle with Zong, WhatsApp is able to make our industry-leading calling service more affordable and convenient in Pakistan, and seamlessly connect more people across the region and the world,” says Mubarik Imam, Parnerships and Growth Director at WhatsApp. “Now, you can see your child’s face at university or show the grandparents their grandchild’s first steps from wherever you are without having to find a wifi zone.”
About Zong (CMPak)
China Mobile Pakistan (CMPak) is a 100% owned subsidiary of China Mobile Communications Corporation. The pioneering overseas set up of China Mobile came through acquisition of a license from Millicom to operate a GSM network in Pakistan. Taken over in 2007 with a market share of only 2%, Zong has seen exponential growth in the last few years to increase it by 10 folds to about 20%. Currently, CMPak engages in the provision of cellular mobile voice and data services to the Pakistani market through 2G, 3G and 4G technologies.
About WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a fast, simple, and reliable way to talk to anyone in the world. With more than 1 billion users, WhatsApp helps people in over 180 countries stay in touch with friends and family, anytime and anywhere.

iDroid in Pakistan

Lahore – Web Desk In its brief journey since 2014, iDroid has matured from a small R&D firm focused on tablets to a manufacturer of a wide variety of affordable products ranging from smartphones to wearables.

Started by 4 enthusiastic Pakistani-American entrepreneurs, this is the story of a brand that has pivoted and found its niche while garnering rave reviews from customers and critics alike. And now it is making its way to Pakistan this month.

Their impressive lineup of phones starts from a mere $50 for the feature ones to around $150 for the higher end smartphones. Other products include fitness trackers, smartwatches as well as a VR headset. One of their key focuses is to differentiate their products by adding original features.

If you’re selling smartphones, comparisons with the likes of Apple and Samsung are inevitable. However, it’s important to understand that iDroid’s aim is provide affordable and high quality products at prices that anyone can afford. So whether you’re in the market for a secondary phone that should still be reliable or a tech enthusiast on a tight budget, you can surely find something from iDroid to satisfy your needs.

Their products portfolio boasts of 2 feature phones, 2 smartwatches, 1 fitness tracker, a VR headset and 12 smartphones at various price segments. As we mentioned earlier, their roots are in Research and Development. And that’s apparent in the unique features they offer in their products.

Here are some of the cool things you get when you buy iDroid products.

  • iDro Beast: A sound enhancing technology that enhances sound quality for audiophiles.

  • Selfie Flash: The Tango series of smartphones were some of the first in the market to feature a front facing flash for selfies.

  • Air Gesture Technology: The higher end of devices feature Air Gesture technology which allow you to perform action without ever touching the screen.

  • iDroid Hub: The hub comes pre-loaded in all devices by the company and gives access to an online store and thousands of apps.

  • iDro Brite: A software solution that enhances the quality and clarity of pictures taken by any camera on an iDroid phone.

  • iDroid Rescue: After sales customer service is often a sore point for users. iDroid Rescue provides easy and instant connectivity to a qualified customer care professional who can remotely resolve any software issues.

  • iDroid SIMU: Developed specifically for Uganda, it is the only smartphone to feature support for the Luganda Language.

With a focus on affordable hardware, unique features and a never wavering focus on customer loyalty, iDroid has a winning formula as it eyes expansion across other key regions and Pakistan is next.

Huawei announces Honor 6X availability in market

LAHORE – Further to the launch of the highly anticipated Honor 6X in Las Vegas, USA earlier, Huawei announced the device’s availability in Pakistan market.

Honor 6X is a beautifully-designed and powerful mobile that offers ‘double the experience’. 6X has doubled the specs along with many other pioneering features at an amazing competitive price. The main reason behind Huawei 6X’s excitement is its new features, including its  3340mAh high-density battery which is a step ahead of the industry with an increased battery capacity of 11%. It delivers several days of general usage and 1.5 day of heavy usage with a full charge. With its patent fast charging technology, 6X can run as fast as you require. The possibilities are endless; you can watch up to 11.5 hours of video, listen to 70 hours of music, or embrace your inner geek and game for up to 8 hours – in just one charge.

Lenovo kicks off Consumer Electronics Show

LAHORE –  Lenovo on Thursday kicked off the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show with a full range of exciting products to show how “different innovates better.” Today’s consumers expect their devices to be tailor-made to meet their needs and fit their usage habits, whether at home, in the office or on the go.
Today’s announcement solidifies Lenovo’s continued dedication to innovation through the lens of every individual and the demand of their distinct life.
“Our approach to innovation is to ensure we’re constantly evolving and understanding how technology is infused within every individual, business and home,” said Gianfranco Lanci, president and chief operating officer, Lenovo.
“We’re dedicated to understanding our customers and will never stop creating better experiences, whether PCs for work, play or gaming, next generation AR/VR innovation or within the smarter home.”

Huawei wins “Best Consumer Electronics Brand”

Islamabad-The winners of “Best Brands 2016 – the Chinese brand ranking” were announced by The Serviceplan Group, (The largest independent communications agency in Europe) jointly with GfK (World’s renowned market research organization) at an awards ceremony taking place in Shanghai.
At the event, Huawei was named“Best Consumer Electronics Brand”, beating other brands competing for the category including Apple and Canon.Other winners this year include Airbnb-Best Disruptive Brand, WeChat-Best Digital Economy Brand, and BMW-Best Emotionally Bonding Brand.
Launched in Germany since 2004, the Best Brands was designed to recognize the most successful and powerful brands. It is the first brand ranking in China to take a comprehensive view of exclusively the consumer’s opinions, evaluating it based on both emotional and behavioral dimensions – creating transparency and objectivity.
Huawei has gained popularity and success at an extremely fast rate throughout the world including the Middle East region and Pakistan, which is very diverse in nature. Tapping into such markets is a challenge itself. With its new models, features, benefits, designs, and cost effective prices, nothing can stop Huawei from becoming No.1 enterprise in terms of technology and innovativeness.
Glory Zhang, Chief Marketing Officer of Huawei Consumer Business said in his keynote speech at the ceremony “A few days ago, Time Magazine ranked the 100 most important photos in human history. Included, was the first-ever picture on a mobile phone. Can you guess, what is in that photo? A newborn baby in California, back to the year 1997. Today, Huawei has worked with Leica to redefine smartphone photography throughout the world. With the world’s first Leica dual-camera design, Huawei P9 has helped over 10 million people around the world to capture the wonderful moments in their life and turn them into artistic photos.”

Dell signs on Muller & Phipps as new distributors

Karachi – Dell, one of the largest technology companies globally, has signed an MoU with the well-known distributor Muller & Phipps (M&P) at Karachi. This partnership is strategically significant for the tech giant because of the continued focus of Dell in Pakistan. Their first ever collaboration with Muller and Phipps (M&P) is integral to new business development and expansion within SADMG region. With Muller & Phipps (M&P) support, Dell can now expand into several areas within Pakistan, therefore, expanding rapidly with a more secure distribution chain. Dell Country Manager Mr. Naveed Siraj said, “We are extremely pleased to partner with Muller and Phipps (M&P) (Private) Limited who have been on boarded in our channel as a Distributor for our Commercial & Consumer products. We look forward to growing the market and technology landscape by serving our valued channel partners in Pakistan.”.

Huawei sells nine million P9

Islamabad – Last April, Huawei Consumer Business Group launched its groundbreaking P9 smartphone. It appears, however, that the company has had incredible revolutionary success selling nine million units in record timing. Although the P9 was released almost seven months ago, the phone continues to be sold as if it were released a month ago. Huawei, the world’s third largest smartphone maker and powerhouse technology giant, had sold six million Huawei P9 phones in September and went on to sell another three million in the two months to follow.
In honor of this, Huawei hosted a celebration in Shenzhen, China with its glamorous global product ambassador Scarlett Johansson and her fans. Scarlett shared her experiences using the Huawei P9, stating that the smartphone’s excellent camera gives her greater confidence to capture every moment.
In her statements; Ms. Johansson also highlighted her appreciation for the opportunity to work with Man of Steel star Henry Cavill and influential fashion photographer Mario Testino in the accompanying advertising campaign for the Huawei P9.