Tag: asia

Android to hit Japan on July 10

Android just hit the Asian market (read India) with the launch of HTC Magic, a couple of days back. Now, Google’s Eric Chu sent a note to the application developers, in which he had mentioned that Android will be launched in Japan on July 10. He also mentioned that Android is also supposed to hit Bulgaria and Romania some time in the future.

He mentioned in the note “These markets do not yet have Android devices but we expect them to become available soon. Also, the first Android-powered phone will launch in Japan on July 10th (local time), after which free apps will be visible to users in that market. ”

There was no mention about which Android devices would be available in these countries. Also, we have no clue about the pricing and data plans. But, Android is surely going places.  It remains to be seen, how an open-source OS does in the Asian market.

[via androidauthority]

July 3, 2009 | 0 Comments More

HTC Magic launched in India by Airtel

Bharti Airtel, which is the Asia’s leading telecom service provider has finally launched an Android phone officially in India, HTC MAGIC.

Jack Tong, Vice President, HTC Asia, said, “HTC is proud to partner with Airtel in launching the much-anticipated Android™-powered HTC Magic in India. The HTC Magic opens up a whole new world of possibilities for people to enrich and customise their mobile phone.  HTC has always been known for its industry firsts and technology advancements, and is thus a natural partner to Airtel.”

htc-magic

Airtel will give 100MB free download per month for 6 months after its purchase. However, to get it, you will have to shell out Rs 29,900 (~USD615). Keep in mind that the phone can be used with any operator, but if you are already an Airtel customer, you will 100MB data usage free per month for 6 months

[Airtel Press release]

[HTC MAGIC official webpage (India)]

June 23, 2009 | 0 Comments More

Android powered ‘OPhone’ to be launched in China

China has emerged as the world’s largest wireless market. What could be a better opportunity for HTC and Android ? That’s the reason, HTC is planning to launch the latest Android powered device, HTC Magic, but by a different name, the OPhone, in China, as per a report by the Wall Street Journal.

The phone will be provided by the career, China Mobile and will have customized software from the mobile career (read it as Open Mobile System, the name for China Mobile’s customized version of Google’s mobile operating system).

The price of the device has not been confirmed yet. But, the WSJ suggests the price would be somewhere around 5,000 yuan, or about $730. The OPhone will probably be launched in China next month.

This launch will probably pave the way for Android to explore the other Asian markets. HTC is hoping to double its sales in China this year. May be, Android will make HTC’s dreams come true. And, the Asian customers, who have been anxiously waiting to get a hold of the Android devices have some reason to rejoice.

ophone_china

May 26, 2009 | 0 Comments More

Android smartphone sale to grow by 900% in 2009

Yes, you read that right. According to a research by the Strategy Analytics, the sale of Android smartphones is expected to grow by 900% in the year 2009.

According to Tom Kang, Senior Analyst at Strategy Analytics, “We forecast global Android smartphone shipments to grow an impressive 900 percent annually during 2009. The Android mobile operating system from Google gained early traction in the United States in the second half of 2008 and it is gradually spreading its presence into Europe and Asia during 2009. Android is expanding from a low base and it is consequently outgrowing the iPhone OS from Apple, which we estimate will grow at a relatively lower 79 percent annually in 2009.”

If this report is to be believed, then the growth of Android Smartphones would lead much ahead of Apple I-Phone and Windows Mobile Smartphones, the other two biggies in the smartphone market. Because, the sale of Apple I-phone is expected to grow at a rate of about 80% (according to a report by Strategy Analytics) and that of Windows Mobile by about 50%(as told to channel web by Eddie Wu, Managing Director of OEM, Microsoft).

This figure does not seem quite difficult to achieve, when compared to the hype and craze surrounding the Android platform. We have got news about almost every major player in the mobile phone arena planning to launch an Android device. Also, we can expect some Android powered notebooks and netbooks very soon, from companies like T-Mobile and HP.

May 12, 2009 | 0 Comments More