BlackBerry Expects a Loss of $1 Billion this Quarter, Lays Off 4,500 Jobs

<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/AVvXsEi_GIr6ZfYqa9L666D6om7UFpZEEZnB7KiJNbhK6xTxeKP4GEjchYv-4HPiYqqaZPJwTzY893vyAsZxngrO_EkocUT8o8J1L_N8uKdkdzuBSIDsIvt8eTPksfdZyrq8Mgg3GcD31iFFXHE/s1600/BB10-event_610x344_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GIr6ZfYqa9L666D6om7UFpZEEZnB7KiJNbhK6xTxeKP4GEjchYv-4HPiYqqaZPJwTzY893vyAsZxngrO_EkocUT8o8J1L_N8uKdkdzuBSIDsIvt8eTPksfdZyrq8Mgg3GcD31iFFXHE/s1600/BB10-event_610x344_thumb.jpg" /></a></div> It’s no secret until now that BlackBerry is struggling but this time, even they themselves will have to face the bitter truth. This quarter, the company is expecting an operating loss of as much as 995 million dollars.<br /> During this time, it shipped around 3.7 million smartphones and had revenues of $1.6 billion. The exact number of BlackBerry 10 OS smartphones sold wasn’t given. To cut the operating expenditures by half, it will lay off 4500 employees in the coming months, leaving just 7000 positions in the company.<br /> BlackBerry will also take a pre-tax charge of somewhere between $930 million to $960 million, mainly because of the flagship Z10′s inability to move along.<br /> The company will reduce the current device line-up to just four smartphones (two high-end, two entry-level) in the future. The Z10 smartphone will be demoted to the low-end category with its price aggressively slashed (a place where it should’ve been initially) after the arrival of the newly-announced Blackberry Z30.<br /> The future phones will be aimed  towards the “enterprise and consumers” and not the mainstream customers.<br /> “We are implementing the difficult,” said the CEO Thorsten Heins, “but necessary operational changes announced today to address our position in a maturing and more competitive industry, and to drive the company toward profitability.”<br /> While a re-birth of BlackBerry is not off the cards, it will be very difficult for it to regain that supreme spot on the smartphone industry which it once held.</div>

BlackBerry Expects a Loss of $1 Billion this Quarter, Lays Off 4,500 Jobs

It’s no secret until now that BlackBerry is struggling but this time, even they themselves will have to face the bitter truth. This quar...

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GTA V Becomes the Fastest Entertainment Entity to Cross $1 billion in Sales

<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/AVvXsEgsvlGxZMFCKppNOs6cpSlL6iBrimkJyX5SwZX4KaOwXW-zriKq0ZoUV_6xch5X-buhyLjFtZIqCnbmGmuAzAz_xfqPQTaaRcNLM-yw2o6hMeHw2ULdMfRjWAYThK6wDKJmWjOJ_d65Jyw/s1600/GTA-V1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvlGxZMFCKppNOs6cpSlL6iBrimkJyX5SwZX4KaOwXW-zriKq0ZoUV_6xch5X-buhyLjFtZIqCnbmGmuAzAz_xfqPQTaaRcNLM-yw2o6hMeHw2ULdMfRjWAYThK6wDKJmWjOJ_d65Jyw/s1600/GTA-V1.jpg" /></a></div> That’s right. GTA V has turned Rockstar Games over $1 billion in just 3 days to become the fastest-selling entertainment property. It snatched those honours from Call of Duty: Black Ops II which earned these honors in 15 days.<br /> That’s 5 times quicker!<br /> Unfortunately though, the no. of copies sold has not been disclosed yet. It surely will be in tens of millions, of course.<br /> <blockquote> “Grand Theft Auto is a cultural phenomenon and Rockstar Games continues to redefine what can be achieved in interactive entertainment. We are incredibly proud of the extraordinary critical and commercial response to Grand Theft Auto V.” Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and CEO of Take-Two.</blockquote> Meanwhile as for the game itself, the response so far has been outrageously overwhelming. With Metacritic’s phenomenal score (which takes out the average of all the reviews) of 98 out of 100 for the Xbox 360 and 97 out of 100 for the PS3, and around 40 perfect scores, the game is certainly no slouch.<br /> There has been a bit of controversy too regarding a mission but hey, what’s a GTA game without controversies?<br /> This is a kind of game which even the gamers who don’t fancy open-world games should play.</div>

GTA V Becomes the Fastest Entertainment Entity to Cross $1 billion in Sales

That’s right. GTA V has turned Rockstar Games over $1 billion in just 3 days to become the fastest-selling entertainment property. It s...

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Zong Still Rallying For Warid, Hires Consultant Firm to Assist in Bidding

<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/AVvXsEjEv1FlnWPKLz3MSa79xsE-BQaJZpQN0p1lsJxjOjr4muXQapNyzyUtpSk36QH8jtcc81A2HWmnJFzX9lbeabZhAR4PzpEnye1jjdmC3U9LpYtdXy7XaNuxOYRxGh3WtWEAXYW4fQPVJR0/s1600/Zong_Warid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv1FlnWPKLz3MSa79xsE-BQaJZpQN0p1lsJxjOjr4muXQapNyzyUtpSk36QH8jtcc81A2HWmnJFzX9lbeabZhAR4PzpEnye1jjdmC3U9LpYtdXy7XaNuxOYRxGh3WtWEAXYW4fQPVJR0/s1600/Zong_Warid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Zong, having denied the chances of buying Warid Telecom earlier this year, is now again running to bid for the Dhabi Group’s telecom arm in Pakistan for a speculated value of around USD 1 billion, we have confirmed with sources.<br /> For the purpose, Zong has hired MAS ClearSight to evaluate the deal and assist the firm during the buyout process, told us the sources.<br /> Zong, with around 22 million subscribers, is currently number four operator in Pakistan. If deal goes through successfully then by adding Warid’s 12 million subscribers will get Zong to second position in the market with 34 million subscribers, just 2 million short of Mobilink.<br /> Confirming Zong’s intentions, Sikandar Naqi, Chief Public Relation Officer of Zong, confirmed RexHacker that his group is seriously looking into Warid. “We already have been given a mandate to go forward with the bid and we are anxiously waiting to see how it turns out”, told Mr. Naqi in an email communication with RexHacker.<br /> Other than Zong, UAE based Etisalat and Russia’s VimpelCom – the parent group of Mobilink – are hot contenders for the Warid buyout.<br /> China Mobile is reported to have over USD 70 billion cash in hand. Group is long trying to expand its international business in Pakistan and other regional markets.<br /> Buying Warid can be a good idea for China Mobile, especially when new customer acquisitions have become harder, thanks to tighter regulatory measures for selling new SIMs and increased tele-density.<br /> Conditions for new sales are going to get only harder after proposed implementation of Biometric verification system later this year.<br /> In such situations, 12 million customers against USD 1 billion looks a lucrative deal when 3G is just round the corner to boost ARPUs by many folds.<br /> Pakistani operators are set to divert their focus from voice to data after 3G deployments. With around 30 million internet users in the country, over half of them connect to the web via mobile phones through sluggish GPRS and EDGE services.<br /> In a country like Pakistan, where internet reach is notably limited, a vast majority ends up with mobile internet as their only option for connecting to the internet. With tremendous amount of mobile phone penetration, the proposition for higher revenues through high-speed mobile internet is only going to get better after 3G.<br /> Analysts are predicting cellular ARPUs to increase by 300 to 400 percent during post 3G era with hefty internet offerings along with primary voice services. Any operator with more customers during 2G networks means more revenues after getting 3G networks or if put in other words higher customer base means better chances of return on pre-3G customer acquisition investments.<br /> However, Zong’s probable acquisition of Warid is going to increase company’s ARPU even before 3G. Along with a boost to ARPUs, the deal – if went successful – will bring good postpaid user base as well, which not has been Zong’s forte till now<b>.</b><br /> Not to mention, Warid Telecom is largely known for loyal customer base and strong network infrastructure, though with limited coverage.<br /> Additionally, with the Warid buyout, Zong will become an LDI license holder – without investing extra for a fresh licence – something that Zong has been trying for years.</div>

Zong Still Rallying For Warid, Hires Consultant Firm to Assist in Bidding

Zong, having denied the chances of buying Warid Telecom earlier this year, is now again running to bid for the Dhabi Group’s telecom arm...

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Schedule for the Rollout of Biometric System Finalized

<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/AVvXsEidyPicZJXbJ9yVnEz3WPsFa_661mjyu6vgTFuL22PAfg5UrnWcCS6acLSFKTYPJDEmE-P07xDzKrf6SLXPNjEk7Z_UVo_ZrS3-tS7WrxLv0TkTTTs1WhEJAGrnjPqcVsR_NjtMTZAh_tQ/s1600/biometric_verification.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyPicZJXbJ9yVnEz3WPsFa_661mjyu6vgTFuL22PAfg5UrnWcCS6acLSFKTYPJDEmE-P07xDzKrf6SLXPNjEk7Z_UVo_ZrS3-tS7WrxLv0TkTTTs1WhEJAGrnjPqcVsR_NjtMTZAh_tQ/s1600/biometric_verification.jpg" /></a></div> Cellular operators along with Ministry of IT and Telecom, PTA, NADRA and Interior Ministry have finalized the plan and schedule for the implementation of biometric verification system, we have confirmed with sources.<br /> As per the information we have got, the high-ups of cellular companies have agreed to deploy the biometric verification system in the country.<br /> Cellular companies along with NADRA, PTA and other relevant ministry will work out the modalities, procedures, NADRA charges per SIM verification and SOPs for biometric verification system till First week of October 2013.<br /> A source who is directly familiar with the matter confirmed that cellular companies will start deploying biometric verification system during second week of October 2013.<br /> Rollout of biometric verification system will start with company owned customer service centres of all five cellular operators in the country. <br /> After customer service centres, biometric verification system will be rolled out with a deadline of August 31st, 2014 for the completion of the deployment at around 75,000 outlets throughout the country. <br /> Sources further revealed that 15,000 outlets are going to be common for all mobile operators, i.e. non-exclusive retailers who sell SIMs of multiple companies. Biometric devices – that are going to cost around 35,000 per unit – on these 15,000 common outlets is going to be funded by USF after BoD approvals.<br /> Cellular companies are going to invest over Rs. 2 billion on the deployment of biometric verification system. <br /> After this new system in place, all sales will be made after authenticating thumb impressions of purchaser with NDARA’s data to be sure that the person who is buying the SIM is indeed the CNIC card holder that he/she is displaying at the time of purchase.<br /> This whole effort is being made to eliminate the chances of unregistered SIMs.</div>

Schedule for the Rollout of Biometric System Finalized

Cellular operators along with Ministry of IT and Telecom, PTA, NADRA and Interior Ministry have finalized the plan and schedule for the ...

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Nokia to Offer Insurance Plans for Mobile Phone Users in 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/AVvXsEhUMX1CyJxsuvzhPdJZAyr4DWD6Lj-pW0kQgOOsWamH2v_0H9C1xwh7I3RhJ1-PYJ2T1fEU0o0NUywZgIYCM5ax6DRnpWvawYZSmZF8K73l7UKeQVdT8Ry9-u8C5Z7x9V8_3j09aHs0sKo/s1600/Nokia-Care-Pak-Kuwait-Takaful-English-Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMX1CyJxsuvzhPdJZAyr4DWD6Lj-pW0kQgOOsWamH2v_0H9C1xwh7I3RhJ1-PYJ2T1fEU0o0NUywZgIYCM5ax6DRnpWvawYZSmZF8K73l7UKeQVdT8Ry9-u8C5Z7x9V8_3j09aHs0sKo/s1600/Nokia-Care-Pak-Kuwait-Takaful-English-Picture.jpg" /></a></div> Nokia Care and Pak-Kuwait Takaful Company Limited (PKTCL) have joined hands to introduce mobile phone insurance for Nokia Customers in Pakistan. <br /> This Takaful policy focuses on accidental damage and loss of phone due to snatch on armed-hold up. <br /> Mr. Jahanzaib Sarfaraz, Director of Global Customer Care (GCC), representing Nokia Care commented, “We are taking a step forward by considering the security conditions of the country to provide a better and more reliable mobility experience to our customers, Nokia Care continues to provide greater care to its valued customers by offering reliable mobile phone Takaful (insurance) policy. <br /> He added this newly introduced policy is an attempt to expand on the already available spectrum of Nokia Care service and will give our customers the added sense of security to get a new mobile phone in case of accidental damage or loss.” <br /> Moreover, Mr. Imtiaz Bhatti, Managing Director & CEO of Pak-Kuwait Takaful co Ltd, said, “We are proud to have joined hands with Nokia Care, as it is one of the most preferred mobile phone brands in Pakistan. This new agreement will help us to extend our mobile phone Takaful policy to a large number of Nokia customers in Pakistan.” <br /> This policy can be availed by all Nokia customers via Nokia Care network from 3^rd September, 2013 onwards.</div>

Nokia to Offer Insurance Plans for Mobile Phone Users in Pakistan

Nokia Care and Pak-Kuwait Takaful Company Limited (PKTCL) have joined hands to introduce mobile phone insurance for Nokia Customers in ...

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LG to Offer Free Service and Discount on Spare Parts in 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/AVvXsEjOrjGxju69FduIiavxB0VHu1WVulTplLbEgvx0BDu_1zch6Fkd8cJIupeczq9_aXCxNQGt3w3ig2hUeHumWaTjvD624CtHHAoRR1dhb7Swchqsl8jRldBnnv6MFAgn3AMNzbqLNNhD274/s1600/LG_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrjGxju69FduIiavxB0VHu1WVulTplLbEgvx0BDu_1zch6Fkd8cJIupeczq9_aXCxNQGt3w3ig2hUeHumWaTjvD624CtHHAoRR1dhb7Swchqsl8jRldBnnv6MFAgn3AMNzbqLNNhD274/s1600/LG_006.jpg" /></a></div> LG Electronics (LG) has launched a unique customer-friendly service program in Pakistan to provide technical assistance across LG products to its customers. <br /> The service will be routed through LG’s extensive network of 62 authorized service centers across Pakistan with 15 more to be joining the network soon. <br /> As per program, LG Electronics will provide free service to LG products (Air Conditioners, Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Microwave Ovens and Flat Panel Display) which will include both Out of Warranty and In Warranty LG products. <br /> The unique program also offers 30% special discount on spare part and free labor which will be conducted in three major cities Karachi, Lahore & Rawalpindi. <br /> Recently, LG reinforced its commitment towards providing reliable products to its customers by providing an extended 10 years Compressor warranty of Refrigerators and Direct Drive Motors of Washing Machine. <br /> “LG has always put the needs of its customers at the forefront, from producing the latest innovative technology to customer service,” said Mr. Michael Ha, Director, LG Electronics Pakistan. <br /> “This was the motivation behind developing our network of service centers across Pakistan as an extension to the differentiated customer-oriented services LG provides.” “With this guarantee, consumers can purchase our world-class Refrigerators and Washing Machines with confidence, knowing they have an appliance which will last long and is protected by a 10 year warranty.” He further added. <br /> To ensure the high level of customer-service is maintained, LG have selected the technicians with the highest skill-set to operate during the program. As with the policy of LG service practices, all LG technicians will continuously be reviewed to safeguard the high-level of customer-service is maintained across all markets.</div>

LG to Offer Free Service and Discount on Spare Parts in Pakistan

LG Electronics (LG) has launched a unique customer-friendly service program in Pakistan to provide technical assistance across LG produc...

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