BlackBerry Announces the Z30 Smartphone

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-N8MPVjN6OIiRFQgP2APHQaW-5VeFAlfNz7MT4VlpQkYZ_cnrszDM3rMthro06EaUKm81AB6vE48cqcTklFehtsLZpyBMtllEBYpEfkUNsqMHjYRU3k8q7aZ5WXg45eK2jFlKkMZFGaM/s1600/blackberry-z30-970x0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-N8MPVjN6OIiRFQgP2APHQaW-5VeFAlfNz7MT4VlpQkYZ_cnrszDM3rMthro06EaUKm81AB6vE48cqcTklFehtsLZpyBMtllEBYpEfkUNsqMHjYRU3k8q7aZ5WXg45eK2jFlKkMZFGaM/s1600/blackberry-z30-970x0.jpg" /></a></div> While the BB10 OS was meant to turn the smartphone battle into a four-horse race, the response of the phones running it so far has been lukewarm. Lack of quality apps and high price have plagued the sales of the OS and as the market has become more and more saturated with time, there’s really not that much of a need for another mobile OS.<br /> Still, the company has taken to the challenge by announcing its 4th smartphone running BB10 called the Z30. The smartphone isn’t radically different from the Z10 and comes with a larger display and SnapDragon S4 Pro processor.<br /> The design of the phone is based on the Z10 and comes with no hardware buttons at the front. The 5 inch 720p display takes up a large part of it with the speaker, front 2 mp HD camera and a notification LED at the top. The display is a Super AMOLED panel.<br /> The processor inside is of Qualcomm SnapDragon S4 Pro variety, clocked at 1.7Ghz. It’s followed by 2 GB of RAM, Adreno 320 GPU and 16 GB of storage, which also happens to be expandable this time.<br /> The camera at the back is the same 8 megapixel unit with LED Flash and 1080p Full HD video. For connectivity, Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB 2.0, NFC, dual-band Wi-Fi and LTE are used.<br /> There are some minor changes compared to the previous smartphones though. Running OS version 10.2, it comes with BB Priority Hub which is BlackBerry’s take on Gmail’s Priority Inbox and this time, the BB10 messages can be sent without having to close the current running app. Incoming messages can be seen directly from the lockscreen, while support for Wi-Fi Direct and multiple alarms is also home.<br /> The 10.2 update is coming to the Q10 and Z10 smartphones in October.<br /> Here are the full specs of the BlackBerry Z30:<br /> <ul> <li>BlackBerry 10.2 OS running</li> <li>5 inch 720p display with 1280 x 720 resolution</li> <li>9.4mm thick</li> <li>1.7Ghz Qualcomm SnapDragon S4 Pro, Adreno 320</li> <li>2 GB RAM with 16GB expandable storage</li> <li>8 megapixel back-camera with LED Flash, f2.2 aperture and 1080p Full HD video recording</li> <li>2 megapixel HD front-camera</li> <li>Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB 2.0, NFC, dual-band Wi-Fi, LTE</li> <li>2880 mAh battery</li> </ul> The phone is expected to hit the markets in the coming few weeks. Pricing is unknown as of now.</div>

BlackBerry Announces the Z30 Smartphone

While the BB10 OS was meant to turn the smartphone battle into a four-horse race, the response of the phones running it so far has been...

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Google's Latest Venture Aims to Extend Human Life

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZC8GxDQm8Z163f7pnIPc2TRljPTFzhOjYQynwRRyIOWZVP-3k9xzS64izwjW52zLvwLTf3lVCLbShKbRe8ZvK1E1ICX7g7DX9Rq_gVSFPSPWsGAgo5GZD2Qcyqv4hAotLAnEby0YwjQ/s1600/Google_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZC8GxDQm8Z163f7pnIPc2TRljPTFzhOjYQynwRRyIOWZVP-3k9xzS64izwjW52zLvwLTf3lVCLbShKbRe8ZvK1E1ICX7g7DX9Rq_gVSFPSPWsGAgo5GZD2Qcyqv4hAotLAnEby0YwjQ/s1600/Google_thumb.jpg" /></a></div> Google is known for setting out to pursue crazy goals and then achieving them. The latest one is not much different either.<br /> The new company formed by the internet greats called Calico will work out on how to extend our lives and research more on our well-being. It will be headed by current Apple Chairman Arthur D. Levinson and marks the first time in years that the two companies have collaborated on a single project.<br /> “I’ve devoted much of my life to science and technology, with the goal of improving human health,” Art said. “Larry’s focus on outsized improvements has inspired me, and I’m tremendously excited about what’s next.”<br /> Tim Cook and Larry Page had some nice feelings to share too:<br /> “For too many of our friends and family, life has been cut short or the quality of their life is too often lacking. Art is one of the crazy ones who thinks it doesn’t have to be this way. There is no one better suited to lead this mission and I am excited to see the results.” Tim Cook<br /> “Illness and aging affect all our families. With some longer term, moonshot thinking around healthcare and biotechnology, I believe we can improve millions of lives. It’s impossible to imagine anyone better than Art—one of the leading scientists, entrepreneurs and CEOs of our generation—to take this new venture forward.” Larry Page<br /> The company will aim to tackle aging, cancer and other diseases. Results aren’t expected anytime soon though but you’ll have to keep an eye on their progress.<br /> Calico isn’t Google’s first venture that goes off company’s internet roots. The list is actually quite long and includes interesting works like self-driving cars, talking shoes and of course, the Glass.</div>

Google's Latest Venture Aims to Extend Human Life

Google is known for setting out to pursue crazy goals and then achieving them. The latest one is not much different either. The new comp...

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Nvidia Announces its First Android Tablet, the Tegra Note

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvuWZJgqdF483CrHArc-T2X3E4zXGxRHajc4hnMam5MAVmPJaG1qKPYmc1Q1xIlh-BJroz6cur4VUIKpVmwZBaoCncCPunKgDffJ14xbQ1WhCRoY3dSm8W10Psi0NxSMgQV70JPwWO2E/s1600/Tegra-Note.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvuWZJgqdF483CrHArc-T2X3E4zXGxRHajc4hnMam5MAVmPJaG1qKPYmc1Q1xIlh-BJroz6cur4VUIKpVmwZBaoCncCPunKgDffJ14xbQ1WhCRoY3dSm8W10Psi0NxSMgQV70JPwWO2E/s1600/Tegra-Note.jpg" /></a></div> After entering the game console earlier this year with the Shield, the famed hardware-maker Nvidia has entered the tablet market by announcing its first Android tablet.<br /> The device called Tegra Note will be distributed via its partners and has a Tegra 4 processor under the hood.<br /> At the front is the 7 inch IPS LCD display of 1280 x 800 resolution (same as that of the first Nexus 7). It will also support input through a stylus. The OS running is stock Android of unknown version.<br /> Under the hood, you get a 1 GB RAM with 16 GB expandable storage. The quad-core Tegra 4 processor under the hood is followed by Nvidia’s own 72-core GeForce Graphics.<br /> Around the back is the 5 megapixel camera with HDR, followed by a 0.3 mp camera at the front. For connectivity, it has Bluetooth, microHDMI, microUSB and other options.<br /> Here are the full specs of the Tegra Note:<br /> <ul> <li>Stock Android running</li> <li>7 inch IPS LCD display with resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels</li> <li>Quad-core Tegra 4 processor with 72-core GeForce GPU</li> <li>1 GB RAM with 16 GB expandable storage</li> <li>5 megapixel camera with HDR and slow-motion video</li> <li>0.3 mp front camera</li> <li>Bluetooth, microHDMI, microUSB</li> <li>10 hour worth HD video playback on a full charge</li> <li>Available for $199 for the starting model</li> </ul> The tablet will be available in October for $199. That’s tempting even though you can get a Nexus 7 2013 for just $30 more but if you want stylus support and can live with a more modest display, this tablet won’t serve you badly either.</div>

Nvidia Announces its First Android Tablet, the Tegra Note

After entering the game console earlier this year with the Shield, the famed hardware-maker Nvidia has entered the tablet market by ann...

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Mobilink is the Only Operator to Have Closed Chat Services

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMQCp3ghoewYB_kkWNVQHBngdqDHf_tflev_6CcryGYml_CJNh7R7rYhizg3SYXOLBqD3oJfAmMdMe0yeOjBgPfWbXiog5PfVwUAm-TM_7CeS_Xj6zTMJ44tkuYCSUVP4jO2s0sC_7rM/s1600/chat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMQCp3ghoewYB_kkWNVQHBngdqDHf_tflev_6CcryGYml_CJNh7R7rYhizg3SYXOLBqD3oJfAmMdMe0yeOjBgPfWbXiog5PfVwUAm-TM_7CeS_Xj6zTMJ44tkuYCSUVP4jO2s0sC_7rM/s1600/chat.jpg" /></a></div> Mobilink has become the only Pakistani operator to have closed Chat Services, complying PTA’s directive for closure of chat room services, we have confirmed with sources at PTA.<br /> Mobilink customers, who were paying for the service, were denied access to the service by saying that company is following the orders of the regulator (PTA).<br /> It maybe recalled that PTA, while terming them immoral, had directed all telecom operators to close their voice and SMS chat room service.<br /> As per reports, all operators have sought intervention by the courts to resume chat services, and have continued to offer services to their customers.<br /> Cellular companies, when asked by RexHacker, are of the view that the original directive of November 14th, 2012 is pending in the court and hence any subsequent directive on the matter was not supposed to be complied.<br /> Mobilink, however, has complied with PTA’s directive and closed it services and submitted its compliance report.<br /> As per sources, in its compliance report, Mobilink mentioned that its chat services were in accordance with the legal as well as moral standards, however, upon the directions of PTA, company has closed down its legitimate chat services.<br /> PTA confirmed RexHacker that Mobilink is the only operator that has complied with the directives. PTA, however, was unclear if it can force other operators to comply with the orders.</div>

Mobilink is the Only Operator to Have Closed Chat Services

Mobilink has become the only Pakistani operator to have closed Chat Services, complying PTA’s directive for closure of chat room services...

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Get PTCL EVO with 50% Discount on Monthly Charges

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqKrq7XUGGFWrqb-boh2mDHXPLQCCpa3igvngEOnMJEngYqciqbMErIaTGMUkiCk-BXHKpYfN_uAcj6u_n5bvKEJRoh5jl1HDk7SmV4-fyuK5Do1Vpl4THY5dsyWuz1kY3ZrwE2nHhYo/s1600/PTCL-EVO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqKrq7XUGGFWrqb-boh2mDHXPLQCCpa3igvngEOnMJEngYqciqbMErIaTGMUkiCk-BXHKpYfN_uAcj6u_n5bvKEJRoh5jl1HDk7SmV4-fyuK5Do1Vpl4THY5dsyWuz1kY3ZrwE2nHhYo/s1600/PTCL-EVO.jpg" /></a></div> Those who have missed PTCL’s Azaadi promotion that offered lifetime discount of 50% on EVO devices can avail a similar discount on EVO devices again.<br /> With this new promotion, PTCL is offering 50% discount on monthly charges for EVO devices till June 30th, 2014. That’s 50 percent discount on monthly charges for straight nine months.<br /> Monthly charges for EVO service – after discount during the promotion – will be Rs. 1050 instead of regular Rs. 2,100 monthly charges.<br /> <h4> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Offer Details</span></h4> Any subscriber making a purchase on EVO Unlimited (Prepaid & postpaid) packages starting 18^th of Sept,2013 shall enjoy 50% discounts on monthly charges till June 30^th,2014.<br /> This is a limited time offer. End dates for promotion to be announced late.<br /> <ul> <li>Package: EVO Max 3.1</li> <li>Existing Price: Rs. 2,100</li> <li>Discounted Price: Rs. 1,050</li> <li>Valid till: June 30th, 2014</li> </ul> <h4> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Terms and Conditions</span></h4> <ul> <li>Promotion is valid for new sales only.</li> <li>Promotion is valid on EVO Unlimited packages only.</li> <li>Promotion is valid for both postpaid and prepaid subscribers.</li> <li>Limited time promotion; end dates to be communicated later.</li> <li>Offer is not applicable for package conversions</li> <li>Recharge/continuation options shall be available in both prepaid & postpaid billing.</li> <li>Package validity shall depend upon the number of days or the volume limit; whichever comes first.</li> <li>Service can be availed through any PTCL OSS, authorized PTCL retail outlets & order booking through 1236.</li> </ul> </div>

Get PTCL EVO with 50% Discount on Monthly Charges

Those who have missed PTCL’s Azaadi promotion that offered lifetime discount of 50% on EVO devices can avail a similar discount on EVO de...

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Fatal Assault on Telecom Sector of Pakistan

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnGDSwFjpSnUn5cDfrgaB68of37NyOEILOntZ71OeerAdJX6iznPYk8Y6Kn2KQTIAFMb5yxP2Git9rvZJFFKgLgsL20RVDKsDz3KnsU1fqcB0w4SN7s0G2NhuDmycKgtvur0dIsgLKDg/s1600/original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnGDSwFjpSnUn5cDfrgaB68of37NyOEILOntZ71OeerAdJX6iznPYk8Y6Kn2KQTIAFMb5yxP2Git9rvZJFFKgLgsL20RVDKsDz3KnsU1fqcB0w4SN7s0G2NhuDmycKgtvur0dIsgLKDg/s1600/original.jpg" /></a></div> Pakistan Cellular Market has emerged as one of the most competitive sectors of the economy. Today we have more than 125 Million Subscribers and the cellular mobile Teledensity has crossed 70% mark. The industry is largest contributor of foreign direct investment, 2^nd largest contributor of GST, 5% contribution of annual GDP of Pakistan and provides approximately 1.5 Million direct and indirect jobs.<br /> It is an irony that despite all these positive indicators most of the cellular mobile operators today are incurring loss. The growth in cellular mobile sector which mostly started during the Musharraf regime has slowed down since 2008. Cellular Mobile services which are globally considered as a driver and economic growth are projected as the main facilitators behind all the terrorist activities in Pakistan.<br /> An environment has been created wherein it has been portrayed that all terrorist activities have been planned and co-ordinated through cellular mobile phones. It has been portrayed that today there is no check and balance on the issuance of SIMs and anybody can get SIM on anybody’s name.<br /> The law enforcement agencies have also quoted that today more than 4.5 Million unverified SIMs are available in the market which are mostly used in the terrorist activities, however despite repeated requests no source of this information has been shared.<br /> It is very important to set the records straight that it is the responsibility of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and the Government of Pakistan to share the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for issuance of SIMs. Historically pre-activated SIMs were sold in the market. However in 2007 as per the directions of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority the transition was made from activated to inactive SIMs which were activated subsequent to NADRA verification. The process was changed once again in 2009 as per the directions of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority when 789 system was deployed. As part of this system all the SIMs were activated after NADRA verification based on the details available at the CNIC of the subscriber and additional secret questions including mother maiden name and the place of birth.<br /> This was assumed to be a fool proof system and cellular mobile companies invested billions of Rs. in this system. However during the meeting with the CEO’s of cellular mobile companies held on 6^th September 2013 under the chairmanship of Secretary Interior, the interior ministry officers informed the participants that the NADRA data including the secret questions is available in the market by paying mere Rs.200 thus rendering the 789 based verification ineffective.<br /> Thus the billions of rupees spent by the cellular mobile companies on the deployment of 789 system have gone down the drain only due to security breach at the NADRA end. Now the Government of Pakistan has proposed biometric based system for the verification of subscriber identity and expects cellular mobile companies to again invest billions of rupees in this verification system.<br /> However the biometric based verification system has not been used anywhere in the world for SIM issuance purpose. The biggest nightmare for the cellular mobile companies which the Government of Pakistan has failed to realize and foresee is that while previously NADRA database was selling, now it is apprehended  that biometrics will also be available in the market which can be used for all sorts of criminal activities and property transfers.<br /> It is high time for the government to review the worsening situation of the telecom sector. The profitability of the cellular mobile business has evaporated during the last few years. The ARPUs have shrunk while the operating costs have increased due to high impact of inflation in fuel, HR, government NOC’s and operations and maintenance costs.<br /> Although the Cellular Mobile Policy recognizes the Right of Way for cellular mobile network deployment, however today there is no unified policy for Right of Way and different Municipal, Cantonment and Defence Housing Authorities are charging NOC fees as per their will in complete disregard of the approved laws of the land. Even in these tough times when most of the operators are incurring serious losses, instead of get any subsidy from Government of Pakistan, the licensees are subject to hefty license and regulatory fees.<br /> The situation demands intervention by nothing less than the Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan. The Honorable Prime Minister is holding series of meetings on the power issues, it is very critical that he must spare some time and invite the CEO’s of all cellular mobile companies to listen to their point of view.<br /> These are all multinational companies who have invested billions of rupees in their telecom infrastructure and deserve some respect from the government authorities. Unfortunately we have left these strategic investors at discretion of the <i>baboos</i>sitting at the helm of affairs.<br /> Apparently the companies have also started to lose their patience which was first witnessed when CEO Telenor publically informed that it would be very difficult to commit investment in the upcoming 3G auction given the adverse regulatory and tax regime.  The Government needs to take immediate measures to improve the confidence of the strategic investors in telecom sector, otherwise any negative sentiment in this sector will have long lasting and far reaching consequences on the overall economy of Pakistan.<br /> <i>Author is a Telecom expert and works with a mobile phone company.</i></div>

Fatal Assault on Telecom Sector of Pakistan

Pakistan Cellular Market has emerged as one of the most competitive sectors of the economy. Today we have more than 125 Million Subscrib...

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