BSNL to launch 3G services by year-end

CHENNAI: State-run telecom major BSNL on Saturday announced that it would launch 3G services across the country by the end of this year.

"We will be commencing the operations by the end of December starting from North and Eastern parts of the country and then South and West by March, 2009, so that within six months we will be able to roll out the 3G operations," BSNL Chairman and MD Kuldeep Goyal told reporters here.

"Mostly we will try to cover the state capitals in the first phase and then taking it to major cities and other towns," Goyal said.

On the demand for the services, he said, "The demand will pick up once 3G handsets are affordable. Applications suiting the people especially rural areas should be available in local language. Initially, we don't expect the demand to be very high," he said.

"Initially, we are talking to content providers for developing suitable applications, like video conferencing, video telephony, video streaming. A trial was carried out in Pune recently," Goyal said.

Talking about the company's business, he said BSNL was hoping to increase the revenue by more than 10 per cent as compared to last year.

"We are aiming to record 10 per cent growth next year", he said adding that last year the company recorded a turnover of Rs 38,000 crore.

He also hoped that the revenue would reach USD 45 billion by 2010.

Source : Economic Times

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SOME USEFULL TIPS OF IPHONE 3G

If you’ve been one of the few fortunate enough to get hold of an iPhone 3G you’ll know not only about its style factor, but also all about its highly intuitive interface and ease of use.

However, precisely because it’s so easy to use, very few people are ever going to look at the manual, which means that they’ll be missing out on a few tips and tricks to help them get the most from the device.

And, for many people it’ll be the first time they’ve used an iPhone. So to help get you started, we've put together a quick list of ten items to help you get the most from the much vaunted device.

1. Caps Lock feature

If you’ve ever tried to type in all caps on the iPhone you’ll know that it doesn’t appear to have a Caps Lock function, which can be quite frustrating when you want to really SHOUT in an email.

Actually there is a Caps Lock feature, it’s just that you need to activate it manually by going to Settings>General>Keyboard (scroll down). Once enabled, you activate it by double tapping on the Caps button, which then turns blue. The only question then, is why the feature is off by default...

2. Double tapping keyboard for a full stop followed by space

This is a tip that is actually written in the Keyboard settings page described above, but unless you’ve been to that page you won’t have spotted it. A real time saver when you’re composing emails.

3. Choose suggestions by tapping space bar

As you type, you may have noticed words appearing underneath your chosen letters. These are suggestions, and you may be wondering how to select them – simply hit the spacebar. Cleverly, it also creates a space for you. Even more clever, though, is that if you choose a selection and then double tap the space bar to put in a full stop (see above), it will take out the space it’s just created. It’s like it’s thinking...

4. Hold down keys to get accented characters

If you’re the sort of person that likes to write words precisely as they should be, even when typing a text message, (as in, a pedant) then you’ll be pleased to find out that you can easily type accented characters on the iPhone – just hold down the keys (E, Y, U, I, O, A, S, L, Z, C, N) and the list of alternative pop up. Hold and down and slide across to choose the one you want. Touché.

5. Take a screenshot

It’s possibly a bit niche this one, not to say geeky, but with the 2.0 software you can now take screenshots on your iPhone. You simply hold down the Home button - that’s the actual physical button at the bottom - and then press the power button at the top. The display will flash and the image will appear in the camera roll.

6. Double tap home button brings up Favourite contacts – or iPod

The problem with having no physical buttons means that it’s harder to make shortcuts. However, if you double press the home button, it will take you straight into your list of favourite contacts, enabling you to make calls quickly. And, if you double press the home button when the display is off it will bring up Play/Skip buttons so you can get to your music without even having to unlock the phone – perfect for listening to the IT PRO podcast.

7. Customise iPod bar

In the iPod application there are a number of options at the bottom – the iPod bar. However, you can customise these to your liking – simply select More, then choose Edit at the top left and select the icons you want, and drag them down to the bottom.

8. Delete Applications or Move icons

If you want to remove an application from the iPhone - or just move an icon to a different location round the screen - you simply put your finger on any icon and hold it down, and after a few seconds every icon will start to shake with an ‘x’ appearing at the top left. You press the ‘x’ to remove it, or you press and drag the icons to your preferred locations on the screen, or even over to the next page of icons. Worth trying just to see the very cool shaking icon effect.

9. Add link to Home Screen

If you’ve got a web page that you like to visit regularly, then you can place an icon directly on the home screen so you can get straight to it. Press the ‘+’ symbol at the base of the Safari web browser and choose Add to Home Screen.

10. Correct mistakes with magnifying glass

This is actually a well-known keyboard feature, but just in case you don't know it, you should. If you make a mistake while typing, hold down your finger over the word in question and then a magnifying glass will appear enlarging the text. By rolling your finger gently, you can place the cursor precisely, enabling you to correct erroneous letters.

If you’ve any iPhone tips that you’d like to share with fellow readers then drop us a line at itpro@dennis.co.uk.

Source : I found this on net few days back. Forgot from where. Unable to recall. I will update this post as soon as I get this again on googling. Sorry for that.

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NEW IVRS BLOG HTTP://WWW.IVRSWORLD.COM AND CLOSURE OF THIS BLOG

I am closing this blog. I have started a new blog with my own name. You are all welcoem to visit. Its http://www.ivrsworld.com or click here.

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COMPLETE SPECIFICATION OF NOKIA 3G PHONE N96 ( LAUNCHING SOON)

Here is the complete specification of new Nokia 3G Phone, N96. It has a feature list, that redefines a Mobile Phone completely. I personally feel, this phone will set a benchmark, what an truely 3G phone should be. I request you kindly to read my earlier post of complete specification Apple Iphone 3G.

General

Operating Frequency

* WCDMA2100/900 (HSDPA) / EGSM900, GSM850/1800/1900 MHz (EGPRS)
* Automatic switching between bands and modes
* DVB-H Class C, 470-750 MHz


Dimensions

* Volume: 92 cc
* Weight: 125 g
* Length: 103 mm
* Width: 55 mm
* Depth:18 mm, locally up to 20 mm


Memory Functions*

* 16GB internal flash memory, plus microSD memory card slot (hot swappable) for expandability and flexibility
* Approximate dynamic memory capacity indication with 16GB storage:
-Video: 40 hours**
-Music: 12,000 tracks***
* 128MB RAM, 256MB system memory (operating system plus dynamic user data area)


Power Management

* Battery: Nokia Battery BL-5F, 950 mAh
* Talk time: up to 150 / 220 minutes (WCDMA / GSM)
* Stand-by time: up to 200 / 220 hours (WCDMA / GSM)
* Video playback: up to 5 hours (offline mode)
* Music playback: up to 14 hours (offline mode)
* TV playback: up to 4 hours (DVB-H)


Display and User Interface

* 2.8” QVGA (240 x 320 pixels) LCD TFT display with up to 16 million colors
* User Interface: S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2
* Active standby screen, Multimedia menu


Data Transfer*

* WCDMA HSDPA 900/2100 MHz with simultaneous voice and packet data (PS max speed DL/UL= 3.6Mbps/384kbps, CS max speed 64kbps)
* Dual Transfer Mode (DTM) support for simultaneous voice and packet data connection in GSM/EDGE networks. Simple class A, multi slot class 11, max speed

DL/UL: 177.6/118.4kbps
* EGPRS class B, multi slot class 32, max speed DL/UL= 296/177.6kbps
* GPRS class B, multi slot class 32, max speed DL/UL= 107/64.2kbps


Video
Video

Video Center

* Video center: central hub for video experiences
* Access to last played video and easy resume
* My videos: collection of stored videos
* Access to Internet Videos, compatible with RSS feeds and video podcasts, with direct wireless updates and downloads
* Service catalog to discover new Internet Videos


Video Codecs and Formats

* MPEG-4 Part 2 (H.263/SP), up to VGA 30 fps, hardware-accelerated codec, scaled to max QVGA on device screen, or max SDTV on TV-out
* MPEG-4 Part 10 (H.264/AVC), up to VGA 30 fps, hardware-accelerated codec, scaled to max QVGA on device screen, or SDTV on TV-out
* Windows Media Video (WMV9), up to CIF/QVGA 30 fps, hardware-accelerated codec, scaled to max QVGA on device screen, or SDTV on TV-out
* RealVideo QCIF at 30 fps
* Flash video support in browser
* DRM support: OMA DRM 1, OMA DRM 2, WM DRM


Live TV

* Broadcast Television (DVB-H) capable
-DVB-H based mobile TV with internal antenna
-DVB-H Class C, 470-750 MHz


Browser-based video access

* Support for download, streaming and progressive download
* Support for Flash video


Music
Music

Music Features*

* Digital music player – supports MP3, AAC, eAAC+, WMA, album art
* Playlist editing and sharing
* Equalizer and visualization
* Search, browse and purchase songs online in Nokia Music Store – with support for Windows Media DRM protected files



Radio*

* Stereo FM radio (87.5-108MHz, 76-90MHz) with support for RDS, Visual Radio™ and use of FM radio in offline mode
* Nokia Internet Radio


* The FM radio depends on an antenna other than the wireless device antenna. A compatible headset or enhancement needs to be attached to the device for the

FM radio to function properly.
Explore
Explore

Maps and Navigation

* Built-in GPS receiver, with support for assisted GPS (A-GPS)*
* Nokia Maps application
* Free downloadable maps of over 150 countries, millions of locations, location details and satellite imagery**
* Upgrades available for purchase: Multimedia city guides and Navigation services: Drive - voice guided car navigation, or Walk - pedestrian-optimized

turn-by turn guidance


* A-GPS is a network dependant feature that requires a data plan. Additional charges may apply.

** Downloading satellite images may involve the transmission of large amounts of data through your service provider’s network. Contact your service provider

for information about data transmission charges.

E-mail and Messaging

* Easy-to-use email client with attachment support for images, videos, music and documents
* Support for SMTP, IMAP4, POP3, MMS, SMS. Unified SMS/MMS editor
* Compatible with Nokia Wireless Keyboard SU-8W (sold separately)


Browsing and Internet

* Nokia Web Browser with Mini Map, visual history, HTML and JavaScript support, Flash Lite 3.0 and Flash video support
* RSS reader


Connectivity

* WLAN - IEEE802.11 g/b with UPnP support
* Hi-Speed USB 2.0 with Micro USB type B interface
* 3.5mm stereo headset plug , TV-out support (PAL/NTSC)
* Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP stereo audio and Enhanced Data Rates (EDR)
* Nokia Nseries PC Suite connectivity with USB and Bluetooth wireless technology


Sales Package Contents

Standard Sales Package Contents*

* Nokia N96
* Nokia Battery BL-5F
* Nokia Connectivity Cable CA-101
* Nokia Video-Out Cable CA-75U
* Nokia Stereo Headset and Remote HS-45, AD-54
* Nokia Mobile Charger DC-4 (car charger)
* Nokia Compact Travel Charger AC-5


Imaging

Main camera

* Up to 5 megapixel (2592 x 1944 pixels)
* Carl Zeiss Optics: Tessar™ lens
* Auto-focus, auto-exposure
* F-number/aperture: F2.8
* Focal length: 5.2 mm
* Focus range 10 cm to infinity
* Dual-LED camera flash, video light, recording indicator, auto-focus assist light


Secondary camera

* VGA (640 x 480 pixels) sensor


Video Recording

* Video capture in MPEG-4 up to VGA at 30 fps
* Digital Video Stabilization
* Video clip length: limited by storage
* Video file format: .mp4 (default), .3gp (for MMS)
* Settings for scene, video light, white balance, color tone


Photography

* Still Image resolutions: up to 5 Megapixel (2592 x 1944 pixels)
* Still Image file format: JPEG, EXIF
* Location tagging: automatic insertion of capture location into images
* Settings for scene, flash, sequence, self-timer, color, white balance, contrast, exposure compensation, guides

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FULL SPECIFICATION OF APPLE IPHONE 3G

So, here is the complete specification of Apple Iphone 3G! Fetaures look impressive, then all smartphones have them! Dont forget to read the pros and cons at the last. Over all a great phone to show off!

General
- 2G Network : GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
- 3G Network : HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100
- Software Fix : Once

Size
- Dimensions : 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3 mm
- Weight : 133 g
- Display Type : Touchscreen, 16M colors
Size : 320 x 480 pixels, 3.5 inches
- Multi-touch input method
- Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate
- Proximity sensor for auto turn-off
- Ambient light sensor

Ringtones
- Type : Polyphonic, MP3
- Customization : Download
- Vibration : Yes
- 3.5 mm headset jack

Memory Phonebook
- Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocall
- Call records : 100 received, dialed and missed calls
- Card slot : No
- 8/16 GB shared memory

Data
2G
- GPRS : Yes
- HSCSD: No
- EDGE : Yes
3G : HSDPA

WLAN
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g

Bluetooth : Yes, v2.0, headset support only

Infrared port : No

USB Yes, v2.0
Features
- OS : Mac OS X v10.4.10
- Messaging : SMS, Email
- Browser : HTML , No Java
- Games : Downloadable

Colors Black(8/16 GB), White (16 GB)
Camera
- 2 MP, 1600x1200 pixels, No Video Capturing
- Built-in GPS receiver
- A-GPS function
- Google Maps
- iPod audio/video player
- TV output
- Photo browser/editor
- Voice memo
- Integrated handsfree
Battery
Standard battery, Li-Ion
Stand-by Up to 300 h
Talk time Up to 10 h

Major Pros :
1. Great Hype, Look and Design
2. Excellent usability and userfriendly
3. Great Music and Video
4. Great Picture Quality ( very good lens)
5. Stable Operating System.

Major features Missing :
1. Video Call, a part of 3G
2. Video capturing
3. Expandable Memory Slot
4. Laptop Connectivity, can not act as a modem.
5. No FM.
6. Poor Value For Money.

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3G DEVICE DEFINITION

What are the features required to be in mobile device to be called a 3G Mobile Phone ? Here is the crude definition of a 3G Device / 3G Mobile Phone:-

1. It must support 144KBPS or more data transfer rate
2. It must accept emails with attachments.
3. It must have access to Mobile Internet.
4. It must support color content.
5. It must be able to play video clips with audio.

So if you are carrying a low cost mobile, but you have the above capabilities, your are already a proud owner of a 3G Mobile Phone!

In India, you may not be able to check your datarate, as no operator has 3G network in place.

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SOME OF LATEST 3G MOBILE PHONES

With the hype created by Apple Iphone 3G world wide, may be many people forgot about other latest 3G phones! To refresh their memory, here I compiled a list of few 3G phones available in the world! Also, lest you forget, almost all your smartphones you might have baught 4 years earlier and still using it, chances are, they are also 3G Mobile Phones! Here is the List :-

1. W980 Sony Erissson
2. Nokia 6220
3. Applie IPhone 3G
4. SE C702
5. HTC Touch Diamond
6. Nokia E71
7. LG KC550
8. Gigabyte GSmart MW700
9. MWG Atom V
10. Asus P320
11. Sony Ericsson C902
12. Nokia 6600 Slide
13. Samsung F480 Tocco
14. MOTO Z10
15. Toshiba Portégé G910
16. Samsung F490

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Are Indian Mobile Operators 3G Ready ?

Presently, both Vodafone and Airtel have announced that they will start providing Apple IPhone 3G in India from 18 Aug 2008 and 22 Aug 2008 respectively. They have also started taking booking! The question is : Do they have 3G network in place to exploit the 3G features of Apple IPhone 3G ? My personal answer is NO!

Here is present 3G Netowrk status in India as per my intensive Googling, yahooing, and nose poking in Mobile Telephony Industry :
1. BSNL : Candid enough to admit, they are not ready with 3G network. They have given order to Erricsson for 3G network. And they will not have to bid for 3G Spectrum as per DOT ( Department of Telecommunication, GOI), only they will have to pay the highest bidding amount. Expected date of Launch : June 2009.
2. Airtel : They have tested Iphone 3G on their 3G network and EDGE network. Its speed is twice as fast. The exact wording ( in AirTel website) is : "iPhone 3G combines all the revolutionary features of iPhone plus 3G networking that is twice as fast*, built-in GPS for expanded location-based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs hundreds of third party applications available through the new App Store." As per in their website with a * note tha : *Based on 3G and EDGE testing. Actual speeds vary by site conditions. In the Iphone 3G Information page, they have done a copy paste work from Apple site!
So, according to me it simply means that this "iconic technology revelation of this year", will be twice fast as existing EDGE in Airtel. My experience in Airtel EDGE/GPRS ( part of 2G and 2.5G) were around 3kbps on my IMATE JASJAR/NOKIA9500. So, we should expect twice of that speed! That is 6kbps! So much of iconic technology revelation! But lets keep our finger crossed till 22 Aug 2008. If anyone booked IPhone 3G in Airtel, kindly post me comment here about your experience.
3. Vodafone : They give out nothing on their 3G network! Alos about Appl Iphone 3G registration page, they have shown featurs of Apple Iphone 3G, but no promises! Except one useful that that, they would launch 8GB and 16GB Models!
My Impression is : They are planning to launch them using their EDGE technology. My present experience with Vodafone EDGE is better than that of Airtel.
4. Reliance : They are not presently in the Apple IPhone 3G race! If I am wrong, please correct me!

The bottom line is :
None of the Indian Mobile Operators are ready with 3G Network where they give download speed of 500kbps as per 3G Standard!

So, the iconic technology revelation of the year will act just as another smartphone in India for next few months till GOI allots spectrum needed for true 3G network!

Read this article : Govt to finalise 3G spectrum auction process by Sept 30
So, according to me relax and watch this auction to finish! Then only you get to be in 3G in India.

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WHAT YOU GET FROM 3G IN INDIA

Broadly speaking you get the following from 3G : 1. High Speed Internet connectivity to your 3G Mobile Phone. 2. Video calls using your 3G Mobile Phone. 3. Self Tracking using GPS on 3G mobile Phone 4. To Play Interactive Multiplayer Games Online on your 3G Mobile Phone. 5. Fast Music and Video Download on your 3G Mobile Phone

But to avail these you will have to take some steps
1. Buy a 3G Phone.
2. Subscribe to 3G facility from your Mobile Service Provider. If you are in India. Here is your roadmap as far as I know. BSNL will roll out 3G in early June 2009 is Ericsson completes the project in time. So, if you are a BSNL subscriber, you should expect 3G services from June 2009. As for other operators, first they will have to bid for more spectrum for 3G services which might start in December 2008. Then only 3G would arrive in India!
3. If you have #1 and #2 above, well get ready to make a video call.


Now about 3G phones:
a. It will be costlier.
b. Battery life will be lesser for obvious reason.
c. You will not be able to roam in countries where 3G is still not there. It may not happen till 2015! And by that time 4G will arrive in developed countries. And there will be some model supporting both 3G and 2G, but expect them to be bulkier.
Cost of 3G Subscription

It should be higher than GPRS subscription. Here is present GPRS Subscription in India the minimum rate.
Airtel : Individual: Rs. 499 pm ( Unlimited), Rs. 249 pm for corporate ( Unlimited)
Vodafone : Flat for all. 199pm as subscription and 5p per 10KB download.
Reliance : Rs. 650/- Upto 1Gb data transfer.

Expect the price of subscription of 3G services be more than this.


1. High Speed Net connection
This is going to be a big boon! The net speed should be in the range of 500kbps download! Wow! That might revolutionize the way people access internet! As of now, broadband is available only in big cities in India.
2. Video Calls:
You have seen many Hollywood movies ? You will experience those video calls in real life. Make sure whom you call is also on 3G though!
3. GPS Tracking
At last the live tracking of yourself and your fleet of vehicle will be a reality and it will actually work!
4. Online games
Prepare to carry a charger with you where ever you go. Or ask in advance if they have 3G phone and charger before you go somewhere.
5. Fast Music and Video download
Forget your DVD store now! Watch everything on your mobile, downloaded!

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Hello World! - What is 3G ?

First thing first, what does 3G stand for ? Third Generation Mobile Communication System. Did you think some bombastic, teeth breaking technical words for it ? So you have already guessed since it is third generation, so where are those two generations ? 1G and 2G and may be a 2.5G ? Surprisingly you are correct. They do exist! Strange eh ? Then just imagine why its abbreviated 3G only, while “Mobile Communication System” does not appear! Well, technically and usage point of view, 3G is no longer a mere communication system! We will soon find that out.

So what was 1G? It existed way back in 1980s! Does it still exist ? Strangely it still does. Not only it exists, it is used in many areas too! And it will always score over 2G! but not 3G. 1G was plain voice based wireless communication. And the voice was completely analog. Here it is, voice is always analog technically, and it will always remain analog. But then it is called analog, because it was transmitted in analog form too! You have seen them, also heard them. You might have seen traffic police or highway petrol police shouting on a big MIC? They specially do when you try to ignore their signals. Also you might have seen heard an equipment called walki-talkie ( I like this name) ? Well all these equipments were part of 1G! It uses technologies like NMT, TACS etc. and the worst part was they are not standardized!

Then came the 2G in 1990. It will sound little more familiar! The voice became digital, in fact in 90s everything became digital! Music and video becoming digital has impacted lour life the most in all ways! These 2G systems use the standards like GSM, CDMA, TDMA. But still it was voice centric! And SMS Centric! 160 number became a full stop. It gave birth to a all together new language, SMS language. Evry wrd is shrtnd 2 fit in dat 160 lmt. (If you could read that, then you have a mobile phone!)
With the advent of internet, the need to access internet, specially emails, while moving became a necessity. (Hope by now, you know why BlackBerry is so popular!) So they introduced GPRS/EDGE etc. These are still widely used. Specially in developing countries like India. (Well, GPRS is still not available in North-East part of India). This is known as 2.5G.

Then came the big word 3G. Here its all about data! Its no longer a communication! But DATA Transfer! So essentially the it has to have high speed data transfer capability! The best part is, it is totally standardized now! The BIG DADDY of all communications systems, the named ITU (International Telecommunication Union) made a recommended specification called IMT2000 in the year 2000. And that recommendation is what we no have in 3G! So, it is no longer Internet Telephony, but Telephonic Internet! It has arrived in many countries in 2003, but it has not arrived in two most populous countries namely China and India! So, It has not simply arrived to 2.5b people on earth! But it is arriving here too. In 2009!
What is in store for us mere mortals in 3G? Can it cook my rice? Can it wash my clothes? Can I actually see if the software engineer is debugging his code or orkutting ? in 3G, the answer is yes! It can almost do everything one can think of ! It may even run your car in place of gas! Keep reading this BLOG, you will along with myself, find out how and when! And also we will find out who will be 3G big players and users.

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