MWC 09: LG Launches New Netbook

LG Electronics has launched a new netbook, the LG-X120, that comes with 3G HSPA connection and in a compact, portable design.

The netbook features a 160GB hard drive, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, SRS WOW HD and TruSurround XT.

With Smart-Link technology and a simple USB cable, LG-X120 connects to regular computers to share files or install new applications, accessing data even from the computer's CD or DVD drive. An advanced security function allows users to safely share files while connected to other devices, without compromising important information.

The LG-X120 features a soft textured, classic white exterior and has a matt surface that resists fingerprints and scratches. Weighing in at 1.2kg, the laptop has a battery life of 3.5 hours for the 3 cell battery and 7 hours for the 6 cell battery.

LG-X120 will be available in March in Europe. Pricing hasn't been announced yet. 

MWC 09: Texas Instruments Announces New Chipset for Pocket Projector Range

At GSMA Mobile World Congress, Texas Instruments DLP Products announced the newest chipset in the DLP Pico family with availability slated for late 2009. Small enough to embed into the most compact mobile phones and gadgets, DLP Products has effectively scaled the display technology down to the size of a raisin trying very hard not to compromise on picture quality and screen size.

"Building upon the success of the first DLP Pico chipset, which has HVGA resolution and enables leading brands to deliver cutting-edge products across the globe, this new chipset increases performance benchmarks," said Frank J. Moizio, Manager, DLP Emerging Markets business. "The new chipset provides WVGA resolution, higher brightness and power efficiency; all while enabling thinner, smaller optical engine modules to meet the demands of contemporary handheld devices."

The newest DLP Pico chipset can be paired with a TI OMAP application processor to deliver the ultimate mobile user experience. The DLP Pico chipset is a combination of the DLP Pico chip and the DLP Pico processor. It is optimized for applications in mobile and handheld devices.

The new DLP Pico solution delivers the following features:

    * WVGA (854x480) - Native DVD resolution

    * Enables >20% thinner optical module height

    * Enables >20% smaller optical module volume

    * Incorporates technology advances that increase both brightness and power          efficiency

    * Enables industry leading contrast ratio of better than 1000:1

    * Impressive full RGB color gamut

HotSpot Launches 'Mobi SafeGuard'

HotSpot, a multi-brand telecom retail chain, has launched 'Mobi SafeGuard', a unique, all-inclusive warranty for mobile handsets. Applicable when purchased with new handsets, Mobi SafeGuard covers repair of all kinds of handset faults including liquid and physical damage for a 2 year period.

Sanjeev Mahajan, CEO, HotSpot Retail Ltd. said, "Indian consumers have the purchasing power and inclination to own good handsets but also look for reassurance of its service in the long-run. Mobi SafeGuard redefines the traditional covenants of mobile phone warranty by covering the handset device for liquid and physical damage, a service that is not covered even under the manufacturer’s warranty."

He went on to say that Mobi SafeGuard also provides a 2-year extended warranty that adds to the average life of the phone, and moreover if the handset is not repairable, HotSpot would provide a refund equivalent to 50% of the existing market value of the particular mobile handset model.

Cost of the handset            Cost of Mobi SafeGuard

Up to Rs. 5,000                  Rs. 300

Rs. 5001 – Rs. 10000          Rs. 600

Rs. 10001 – Rs. 15000        Rs. 1200

Rs. 15001 and above          Rs. 1500

Mobi SafeGuard is available at most multi-brand outlets and can initially be purchased with GSM handsets of Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, and Sony Ericsson.

MWC 09: Google Demonstrates Offline Mail App For iPhone, HTC Magic

Offline mail is probably one of the better parts of using a mobile while on the go. The reason this is so important is because, we, and by that I mean those living in India, often have issues with reception in some places. At least us GSM guys. Google mail is one of the most commonly used accounts for most net savvy individuals and since it’s already very easily accessible on the iPhone, which is great, the offline version is just something to be a little more thrilled about.

A gentleman named Vic Gundotra; VP of engineering at Google, just recently at MWC 09 showed eager visitors a working version of an offline Gmail web application. As of now reports are saying that Gundotra had stated that this was just a "technical concept" right now that essentially depends on HTML5's AppCache and Database standards, that would have the application as well as all the user data on the handset.




The same reports also mentioned that the application was running on the newest Android handset from HTC - the Magic. The application also featured a floating toolbar for tracking information like emails and browsing.

This is as official as it can get for now. However, Google has released no official statements about the apps release or its price so stay tuned.

MWC 09: Acer Launches New Smartphones

Acer is introducing a new line of smartphones with a broad range of features and innovations.

Acer M900
The M900 features a 3.8-inch WVGA touchscreen, embedded fingerprint sensor, a full keyboard and allows users to keep track of activities and access their contacts and files through synchronization with a notebook or desktop computer .



It comes preinstalled with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, Outlook Mobile email and Office Mobile (Word, Excel and Powerpoint) and has HSDPA connectivity.




The M900 comes equipped with GPS, FM Radio, voice recorder and voice-command, as well as expandable memory, and a 5-megapixel autofocus camera with flash.

Acer F900
The F900 has a 3.8-inch WVGA touch screen and touch keyboard. The user-interface makes navigating through the device easy and provides quick links to contacts, email messages, bookmarks, calendars, date and time, world weather and music.




The F900 comes also with an integrated 3.2-megapixel auto-focus camera with flash, GPS, FM Radio, voice recorder, voice command, and expandable memory.




With direct access to key applications via the widget-based home screen, The F900 features easy one-hand navigation with the new Internet Explorer 6 supporting JavaScript and Adobe Flash Lite, providing access to various webmail clients and a suite of internet applications. The F900 features high-speed 3.75G HSDPA/HSUPA and WiFi connectivity.