KARACHI NEWS AND MOBILE BLOGS

Eid Mubarak from Team RealKarachi

Faraz Ahmed — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:43:43 +0000

EID MUBARAK TO ALL THE MUSLIMS AROUND THE WORLD.

Nokia 5800 Vs Nokia 5530

Faraz Ahmed — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:55:30 +0000

I have recieved many requests to compare Nokia ’s hot favorite touch screen phones Nokia 5800 with Nokia 5530, Both phones are most popular and market favorite Nokia phones. Both phones have various points on which we can compare those devices. So lets start comparassion between Nokia 5800 and Nokia 5530

1 . Price Tag:

As per todays’ price (23/11/2009) Nokia 5800 is available 24500 to 25000 price range depend on warranty. and Nokia 5530 is available for 19,500 to 19,700 depend on warrenty. So Nokia 5530 wins price war , Nokia 5530 is quite cheaper as compare to Nokia 5800.

2 . Screen:

Both phones are touch screen and have 360×640 resolution with 16M Colors, both phones have hand writing recognition but when u compare screen size, Nokia 5800 comes with 3.2 inches screen whereas Nokia 5530 comes with 2.9 inch screen. I have compare the result of both phones, However i feel 5800 color quality is better as compare to Nokia 5530.

3 . Design & Looks:

Nokia 5800 have simple looks , simple front and a red / blue stripe at corners, here Nokia 5530 wins from 5800, Nokia 5530 have speakers at front side, with sleek design, Nokia 5530 have better looks as compare to Nokia 5800.

4 . Music Features:

Sound and quality of both phones are almost same, However Nokia 5530 comes with ear plugs which gives more sound as compare to Nokia 5800’s default headphones. so Here i prefer Nokia 5530 on Nokia 5800. But when u compare music playback time here again Nokia 5800 wins, Nokia 5800 have 35 hours playback however Nokia 5530 have 27 hours music playback.

5 .Memory:

Nokia 5530 comes with 70MB of interner memory and 4GB of MicroSD card (supplied with phone) and supported memory of upto 16GB, Nokia 5800 comes with 80MB of built-in memory and comes with 8GB of memory card, it also supports 16GB of memory. Both phones have 128MB RAM. interms of memory Nokia 5800 wins it have more internal and external memory as compare to Nokia 5530

6 .Connectivity:

Both phones have powerful connectivity options like Bluetooth, HSCSD, EDGE, GPRS, W-LAN (Wi-fi) and USB connectivity, However Nokia 5800 comes with 3G connectivity features that supports HSDPA upto 3.6 Mbps. But if you are in Pakistan you dont need 3G as till yet no telecom provider supports 3G features.

7 .Camera:

Nokia 5800 and Nokia 5530 both have 3.15 camera but Nokia 5800’s camera result is far better as compare to Nokia 5530, Nokia 5800 comes with Carl Zeiss optics and powerful dual LED flash, interm of camera Nokia 5530 camera is near to poor. However both phones supports video recording.

Nokia 5800 also have a secondary camera for video calling, however Nokia 5530 comes with single camera.

8 .Navigation:

Nokia 5800 comes with built-in GPS navigation system and supports Nokia Maps 2.0 Touch. However Nokia 5530 doesn’t have navigation system. However again if you are in Pakistan you dont need this feature bcoz companies in Pakistan does not support Nokia navigation system.

9 .Weight & Size:

Both phones have very little difference between size and weight , Nokia 5800 measures 111 x 51.7 x 15.5 mm, 83 cc with 109g weight , Nokia 5530 measures 104 x 49 x 13 mm, 68 cc with 107g weight

10 .Battery Time:

Well in terms of battery Nokia 5800 wins, Nokia 5800 have battery time upto 406 hours over 2G network and 408 hours over 3G network. with talktime upto 8 hours and 45 minutes. Nokia 5530 have standby time upto 336 hours and standby time of Up to 4 hours 54 minutes.

Conclusion: Both phones are powerfull devices, Nokia 5800 have some powerful features such as 3G, GPS system but you dont need both of these in Pakistan because Telecom providers does not support these features, Nokia 5530 and 5800 have big price difference so you can expect few differences between both devices, But both devices are good enough to try.

Dell to launch Android Powered Mobiles

Faraz Ahmed — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:05:06 +0000

Dell has officially confirmed that company is now entering into smartphone market with an Android Powered device first for china and Brazil. Dell first Android Smartphone will be somewhat similar to Apple’s iPhone, with full touch screen interface, Dell hasn’t released full specifications yet. However company confirmed that handset will be powered by Google’s Android operating system. Dell comes into an increasingly competitive smartphone space filled with major players like Apple, Nokia , Research In Motion, and Samsung. It was a smart decision to get its feet wet with smartphones in the emerging markets because these are much “greener fields,” and its competitors don’t have as strong of a grip on the market, said Jack Gold, principal analyst at J. Gold Associates. Gold said the Mini 3 didn’t appear “overly compelling,” but it is a good start and it gives Dell an opportunity to refine its smartphone division before bringing it to mature markets like North America or Europe.

Additionally, China Mobile is an attractive partner for Dell because it is trying to get many of its more than 500 million subscribers to upgrade to advanced devices.

“Ultimately, they have to be in this space if they’re going to be a full computer company because mobile’s going to play an important role as we move forward,” said Gold.

“Our entry into the smartphone category is a logical extension of Dell’s consumer product evolution over the past two years,” said Ron Garriques, president of Dell’s global consumer group, in a statement. “We are developing smaller and smarter mobile products that enable our customers to take their Internet experience out of the home and do the things they want to do whenever and wherever they want.”

As mobile computing continues to converge, device makers are increasingly finding themselves battling for market share with new competitors. Computer-maker Acer also recently jumped into the smartphone space, and the largest handset maker in the world, Nokia , just released a netbook powered by Windows 7.

SBP, PTA to launch unified regulatory framework for mobile banking

Faraz Ahmed — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:58:05 +0000

State Bank of Pakistan and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority have agreed to introduce a unified regulatory framework for enhancing mobile banking in the country. It has been decided to set up a Joint Regulatory Committee, during a meeting held at SBP here on Wednesday between SBP Governor Syed Salim Raza and Chairman PTA, Dr. Mohammed Yaseen, said a joint statement issued here.

This Committee, which will comprise members from both the SBP and PTA, is to introduce unified regulatory framework for Third Party Solution Provider (TPSP) system. It will propose modification in existing regulatory/legal framework , if needed.

An M-banking Stakeholder Group (including mobile network operators, financial institutions, Ministry of Information Technology, PTA, SBP, TPSP/integrators) is also proposed to be set up, which would address technical standards, product and services, licensing regime and relevant operational issues etc.

“We hope that this understanding will encourage innovative technological products which would ultimately enhance outreach of financial services in the country”, the Joint Statement said. Mobile banking services are increasingly being provided by financial institutions in collaboration with mobile operators around the world to increase outreach, generate additional revenues, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction. Mobile banking offers a variety of financial/non- financial functions, including merchant payments, utilities bills payments, fund transfers, and remittances etc. The synergy likely to be created by the financial institutions, mobile operators and other partners will bear very promising results.

In Pakistan, such innovative services have been possible through introduction of Branchless Banking Regulations (BBRs) by State Bank. Subsequent to BBRs, the Ministry of Information Technology issued Policy Directives to PTA to prepare a framework on technical implementation of BBRs.

By assessing the potential of partnership between banks and mobile operators, it is felt that there is a need for a joint platform of both regulators (SBP and PTA) for achieving the very purpose of these regulations.

Minister directs PTA to sue troubling SMS senders

Faraz Ahmed — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:04:41 +0000

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan Tuesday directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to sue against the cellular companies sending SMS for different purposes including advertisement, troubling the users.
“I have directed the PTA to stop the cell phone companies sending SMS for advertisement to make huge money; otherwise they should be sued for invading the privacy,” said the parliamentary affairs minister, also the minister-in-charge of Cabinet Secretariat while responding to a calling attention notice.The calling attention notice was moved by Chaudhry Birjees Tahir, Surriya Asghar, Muhammad Baligh-ur Rehman, Rana Abdul Sattar and Sahibzada Syed Murtaza Amin. He said, the issuance of several mobile phone SIMs on single national identity card has different dimensions involving the subversion, law and order and can also be used for criminals and gangsters.
The minister told the House that almost 80 million SIMs were issued by different mobile phone companies without verification, but the new PTA chairman has taken bull by horn and linked the verification system with NADRA.
The minister said, as many as 11.2 million SIMs have been blocked and it is for the first time that SIM Identification System has been introduced, stressing the Authority to ensure that every mobile phone company uses this system to avoid any inconvenience.
Among the SIMs blocked so far, 8.25 million SIMs were those which were not verified and rest 2.92 include multiple SIMs issued on single identity card.
Babar Awan stressed PTA to sensitize the companies to make them realize the situation as if a SIM is misused for criminal activity, only the person will be criminalized on whose ID card the SIM is registered.
The minister told the House that a cabinet member has also complained that a cell phone company has issued 1100 connections on single ID card.
Deputy Speaker, Faisal Karim Kundi also endorsed member’s point of view and said the people have a lot of complaints against PTA, adding that even the mobile number of his staff officer was issued to anyone else despite regular payment of monthly charges.

PTA to provide SMS alerts to 60 educational institutes

Faraz Ahmed — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:57:18 +0000

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) would provide Free web-based SMS Alert System to around 60 educational institutes across country.      This SMS alert system will be used by schools to communicate with their students/staff. The PTA selected total of 60 institutes, including 21 colleges, 10 cadet colleges, 4 universities, one medical college and 5 special colleges for deployment of this SMS alert system.As per details, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has started a project named “SMS-based Information System” for educational institutions, to equip them with an interactive mobile application for broadcasting important information to students and their guardians on their mobile phones.      It is a system of sending SMS by using computer software developed by PTA. It has been noted that usually management of educational institutions relies on mail-correspondence with guardians, which is costly and time consuming. PTA would provide this software free of cost to educational institutions across the country.
A formal launching ceremony of the system was held today at PTA Headquarters. On the occasion, Naguibullah Malik, Secretary (IT), handed over the software application along with its operating manual to Abdur Rauf Chaudhry, Secretary (Education).      The application was presented to Ministry of Education for onward provision to the among public-sector educational institutions. Both the secretaries also exchanged PTA souvenir with each other.
This software would help recipient to be aware of events like lecture venue, coursework deadlines, result announcements, attendance details and upcoming school functions or meetings. Since majority of students and parents nowadays own mobile phones and most of them are familiar with sending and receiving SMS text messages, this solution for information dissemination introduced by PTA in educational institutions of Pakistan through SMS would prove to be an important information and communication source. It may be mentioned that PTA was engaged in proliferation of mobile-based applications to facilitate information-based society culture in Pakistan. Today the mobile usage in Pakistan is growing exponentially, both in terms of number of users and the amount of activity.
Pakistan, through the Ministry of Education and various provincial departments, has been focusing on using ICTs in
accordance with the millennium development goal of `Education For All’ (EFA).
Talking on the occasion, Secretary IT&T appreciated the efforts under-taken at PTA for proliferation of ICT-based solutions in the country.      He endorsed the Chairman PTA’s efforts for enhancing ICT infrastructure and services.      The Secretary Education also commended the initiative and expressed his gratitude to Secretary (IT) and Chairman PTA for developing a valuable solution for educational institutions in Pakistan.      Dr. Muhammad Yaseen, Chairman PTA highlighted various ICT projects being carried out at PTA.

1.5 million SIMs removed from mobile phone users’s name

Faraz Ahmed — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:52:28 +0000

As many as 1.5 million SIMs have been removed from the names of mobile subscribers while around 1,34,000 irregular SIMs have been regularized after the correction of relevant data.       PTA official informed APP on Friday that more than 85000 irregular SIMs have been blocked by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) since the launch of SIM Information System 668.
A total of 1.5 million mobile subscribers have sought their SIMs information from PTA out of which 10 million subscribers sought this information through SMS while 3.2 million subscribers visited PTA’s web-link of this service. Further, about 1.5 million complainants have visited Customer Services Centers, Franchisees of mobile companies so far.      It may be noted that CSCs of mobile companies are experiencing considerable rush due to the ongoing SIM data correction process. PTA has requested the mobile users to show patience at CSCs and franchises as every effort is being made to ensure the provision of due support to them by the CSCs staff.
Streamlining of mobile users’ data may take few months but once this process is completed, it will eventually benefit the telecom consumers. The purpose of this practice is to streamline the data of mobile users which cannot be achieved without their cooperation.
Chairman PTA Dr Mohammed Yaseen, in an exclusive talk with APP, said in the first phase, the PTA successfully verified data and around 10 million illegal SIMs were blocked. Later, he added, 2.9 million SIMS were blocked in the second phase and any consumer was allowed to own not more than 10 SIM connections. “However, now we are verifying the data of these 10 SIMs and the data of each and every SIM holder would be verified and corrected. The consumers should contact relevant telecom operator’s customer consumer center for verification if they receive any
message by the operator or their connection would be blocked,” he briefed.
He said the PTA wanted 100 percent verified data of the consumers and PTA website had recorded 3.2 million hits by
customers. “This lower number reflects either the consumers are satisfied with their data details or they are reluctant to do so. However, let me make it clear that their SIMs would be blocked if data is not verified within timeframe,” he said, adding that the corrected data details would be available after one month so the consumers should not get worried after verifying their data.
He said the PTA was making sure that automated data verification is made. He urged the media as well as consumers to
help the PTA and telecom operators to get the consumers’ data verified.      In the wake of the problems faced by mobile users of small cities and towns in seeking their SIMs data correction, PTA has taken number of steps. It has allowed the selected Franchises to receive the complaints regarding SIMs data for the convenience of mobile users.
These Franchisees are only allowed to register the complaints by filling the undertaking forms, copy of which they return to the complainant. The franchisees are not allowed to amend the data rather they only forward those complaints to concerned mobile company for the correction in the data as desired by consumer. -(Courtesy APP)

LCD’s installed in motorcars creating problems

Faraz Ahmed — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:34:27 +0000

Youngsters fun created problem for commuters of highways and motorways as the LCD installed in the motorcars detract attention and may cause a grave problem for commuters. After tape recorders, radio and deck there is a latest trend of installing Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) in the motorcars especially by the youngsters which causes serious life threat for them as well as for the motorist travelling beside them.
Ashgar, a government employ said that life is a mere fun for these youngsters who drove their cars on busy roads keeping their complete concentration of the LCD’s. “Is there no one to check them”, he argued.
“I often observe teenagers onboard with their friends on their cars play LCD and drive carelessly just in enjoyment specially in the evening and night”, commented Akhtar a resident of I-10. He added that vans plying on different routes of twin cities have also installed LCD in their motors for amusing their passengers. “Cars and coaches having LCD are more in demand and extra charges are paid for these vehicles”, said Aslam an honor of a `Rent a Car’.
Spokesman Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police said that traffic police have already forwarded a summery to interior ministry for imposing fine on the use of LCD in the vehicles while driving.
He said that in the summary a fine of Rs. 1000 has been proposed. LCD detracts attention of drivers as the mobile phone and it is a serious hazard for the life the motorists, he commented, adding that almost 10 percent vehicles plying on the roads of twin cities are using LCD in their vehicles as a source of enjoyment.

Immense potential for IT industry in Pakistan

Faraz Ahmed — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:24:55 +0000

There exists a great deal of potential for the information technology (IT) industry in Pakistan. This was stated by the Country Manager Intel Pakistan Corporation, Ashar H. Zaidi. He was speaking at a ceremony here on Wednesday to mark the 15th year celebration of Viper Technology. Zaidi congratulated the Viper Technology on successful completion of 15 years of its operations.
He further stated that Intel is proud to be associated with Viper Technology.
” We have witnessed the tremendous growth of this organization and its vital contribution in the development of the local IT industry by bringing the latest technology in Pakistan and bridging the digital divide”, he added.
Zaidi said that there is an immense potential for the IT industry in Pakistan and that it will grow further in the time ahead.
The CEO Viper Technology and president of Pakistan Computer Association, Karachi Chapter, Khushnood Aftab, said that Viper Technology was created with an idea to consolidate its product line with a brand based approach and provide the best IT products throughout the IT industry of Pakistan.

7th National Science Talent Contest Launched

Faraz Ahmed — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:17:02 +0000

The seventh National Science TalentContest (NSTC) has been launched by the STEM Careers Programme in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS). The nationwide screening test will be held on 17th of January in eight major cities of the country, while deadline for receiving nomination forms is December 11.

NSTC is aimed at inspiring youth of the nation to opt for careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and preparing them for participation in the annual International

Olympiads in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics.

The students are initially selected through a nationwide screening test from among applicants with at least 75% marks in their SSC or O-level examinations, studying in FSc/A-Level (Part-I).

Subsequent selection is done through a series of training camps through a process of teaching and testing.

Fifty selected students will be invited to a series of training camps in different home institutions, including National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad for Biology; HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, Karachi for Chemistry; School of Mathematical Sciences (SMS), GCU Lahore for Mathematics; and PIEAS, Islamabad for Physics.

In 2009, Pakistani students participated in the International Olympiads for the fourth time and won seven Bronze Medals and two Honorable Mentions. It is worth mentioning here that students selected and groomed under NSTC have also been able to secure admissions with scholarships for their higher studies in top ranking universities such as Stanford, MIT, Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Caltech, Mc Gill, University of Toronto and Oxford etc.

Nokia has announced Illuvia Special Edition Phones

Faraz Ahmed — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:17:23 +0000

Nokia has unveils the new Nokia Illuvia special edition phone range. The new series comprises of three phones that build on previous models which include the Nokia 5530 xPressMusic Illuvia, Nokia 6700 Illuvia and the Nokia 6303 Illuvia.
All that the Illuvia name brings to the mentioned phones is that they have a casing that’s purple in colour and also have a few purple themed wallpapers.
As there isn’t anything technically upgraded on the phones we can only assume it’s part of a rebrand to relaunch them over in the Netherlands or perhaps it’s part of some sort of awareness they are trying to promote.

Nokia Booklet 3G Unboxed

Faraz Ahmed — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:03:02 +0000

The Nokia Booklet 3G is soon to launch. Lets see Nokia Booklet 3G for unboxing to see what it’s all about. Installed on the Booklet was Windows 7 Home Premium which is a step in the right direction from Best Buy which were showing a Windows 7 Starter Edition. The video is after the jump, but for now a quick run down of the specs shows that the Booklet 3G weighs 1250g max, measures 264 x 185 x 19.9 mm, runs an Intel Atom Z530 1.6GHz processor and has 1GB of RAM.

LG service centre now in Pakistan

Faraz Ahmed — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:10:02 +0000

The LG Electronics has launched its first ever state-of-the-art Service Centre in Pakistan. An announcement here on Monday said that this first ever Mobile Service Centre by LG has triggered a new wave in the industry. It said that the LG Service Centre is made using the dexterous skills of Korean experts who conceptualized the service centre as having the latest state of the art technology and one in which LG customers feel the goodness of life. It was pointed out that the Service Centre will be meeting all requirements of LG customers including purchase, repair and service, warranty issues and anything that customers need for their cell phone. According to S.K. Baik, Vice President, LG Customer Service, the LG Service Centre is the first Service Centre in Pakistan and is complete with all tech savvy essentials to meet the requirements of LG customers.
He also elaborated on the use of the skills and vision of Korean architects in building the service centre and how the service centre would in itself be an experience for those who visit it.
This service centre will invite LG’s customers to a whole new world of LG mobile phones with latest innovative applications.
It will provide customers with the continuous upgrading of LG services and will make dealing with mobile phones a more interactive activity.
The customer service experts hired for this centre will be trained with the techniques of solving customer issues and assisting customers in the least possible time. The usual trend of waiting for the service agents to solve the problems on the phone will be revamped and personal; one-on-one interactivity of LG sales people with LG customers will be promoted.

New Wi-tribe CPE on the cards

Faraz Ahmed — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:06:04 +0000

Wi-tribe Tuesday forged an alliance with a top WiMAX customer premises equipment (CPE) manufacturer to give its customers a top of the line branded device.
Initially, customers in Pakistan will be able to use the customized CPE to access the wi-tribe network in areas of coverage and plans to launch customized products onto other markets.“This step is in line with wi-tribe’s commitment to provide the most convenient and simple internet access to emerging markets. We promise our customers innovation and fun, and taking this step to design our own CPE to match the standards that they expect, and at a rate which is affordable to everyone, is clear proof of our commitment,” said wi-tribe Group CEO, Sami Hinedi.
The CPE is the device that connects the customer to wi-tribe’s internet service. The fully branded CPE, developed under the wi-tribe’s brand, will use the latest WiMAX technologies and would allow wi-tribe to produce personalized CPEs at a lower cost which means addressing a wider segment of the market in the communities they serve.
“Although standards are still not finalized, WiMAX is emerging as a competitive option to alternatives such as cable or DSL for delivery of broadband services,” he added.
“To be competitive, the total cost per customer must be comparable to these alternatives. That is why wi-tribe has come together to examine all aspects of the technology for these CPEs and the role of all players in the supply chain for their production.” “The wi-tribe CPE will deploy the latest WiMAX technology chipsets and will use an optimized antenna design to provide better service for our customers,” continued Hinedi. Wi-tribe recently launched its operation in Pakistan, wi-tribe’s second and largest market to date, in four major regions simultaneously and plans to further expand to other areas.
Wi-tribe also has a thriving operation in Jordan and plans to launch in the Philippines in 2010. The newly launched CPEs will be made available preliminarily to customers in Pakistan later this year.

Special Cyber Security Task Force of FIA established

Faraz Ahmed — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:01:40 +0000

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a Cyber Security Task Force in of the Agency in the wake of increasing threats to the cyber space and critical information resources of Pakistan.
Director General FIA, Tariq Khosa Thursday announced the establishment of the Task Force which to be headed by Ammar Jaffri, Additional Director General, Federal Investigation Agency.The Task Force will take necessary steps to make the cyber space and critical information resources of Pakistan secure, the Director General said while speaking about the importance of the Task Force and addressing the 5th International Conference on Information Security.
The Director General said that the Task Force would comprise of members from all relevant public and private sector organizations. Subject specialists in the area of information security and cyber security would also be co-opted with this Task Force for the enforcement of industry standards of international level. The Conference was attended by large number of information security experts from public /private sector organizations.
Other keynote speakers were Naguibullah Malik, Federal Secretary IT & Security, Dr. Muhammad Yaseen Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, Ammar Jaffri Additional Director General FIA, Shahid Nadeem Baloch, Project Director of National Response Centre for Syber Crimes, FIA Headquarters and other subject specialists from private sector.
All participants highlighted the need of taking appropriate steps to make the critical information resources of Pakistan secure by initiating public/private partnership programme, as world best practice. No Government can successfully do this vital job as alone and Information Technology industry along with other stakeholders should come forward to join hands together for a “Secure Pakistan”, the speakers said.