Microsoft – Pure Microsoft Smartphone will launched in 2010
I would say this is one big things, because there are so many variant of gadget in the market right now. Will microsoft survive with their product?
Now, there are two Project Pink smartphones so far and, as you may remember, Microsoft intends to support Two Windows Mobile Operating System. the 6.5 version will be geared to compete directly with Android, while 7 will face off against the iPhone OS. Considering Microsoft’s grand scheme, it stands to reason that one of these smartphones will pack 6.5, and the other 7.
We won’t really have a good guessing point until we see some hardware specs (the 6.5 smartphone will probably be somewhat wimpier) but we can make some guesses from the designs. The Pure seems to have a larger screen and a more traditional design, while the Turtle looks clunkier and built more for texting/social media use. If I had to guess now, I’d say 6.5 for the Turtle and 7 for the pure.
Everything but the names and design of these new smartphones is just speculation right now. That said, Microsoft is supporting two new operating systems going forward, and know they’re releasing two flagship mobiles. That’s as close to confirmation as we’ll get until Gizmodo posts another update.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, along with the GSM Association have announced a programme that will expand the availability of mobile banking services in the developing world. The Mobile Money for the Unbanked (MMU) programme, supported by a US$12.5 million grant from the foundation, will work with mobile operators, banks, microfinance institutions, government and development organizations to encourage the expansion of reliable, affordable mobile financial services to the unbanked.
The initial four programmes were chosen to be geographically diverse. “I am delighted to be working with these and other pioneering companies as we continue to strive to build financial security and an identity for the most disadvantaged in our society and work towards our goal of reaching 20 million unbanked people with mobile services by 2012,” said Krugel. The Axis mDuit project is due to launch in December 2009. The operator has a significant opportunity to bank the unbanked via mobile in Indonesia as only 40 million of the country’s total population have bank accounts, whereas 90 million have mobile phone subscriptions. Axis will offer a range of services to consumers via mobile, including payments, savings and credit.
Brazilian operator Oi intends to provide individuals living in low income and remote communities with access to basic banking services to encourage development. The proposed service will allow individuals to receive welfare funds, make domestic remittances and buy products at participating stores. A cash-out option is also being considered. Building a distribution network that has the ability to grow and manage customers in a country at war is the main focus of Afghanistan operator Roshan. Currently 97% of Afghans are unable to access traditional banking services as 76% of Afghans reside outside major urban centres. Its M-Paisa project will provide mobile money services to rural entrepreneurs, women, public and private institutions, and those in extreme poverty. Smart Communications will benefit those on remote islands or inland locations who are isolated, have no or limited access to financial services and limited electricity. Smart aims to build remote economies through reaching the underbanked and unbanked and so enabling customers to send and receive domestic remittances, reload e-wallets, pay bills or send money via the Smart Money Platform. The GSMA is still considering applications from other operators around the world.
September 14, 2009 CASIO, HITACHI, NEC has announced an agreement to integrate their mobile terminal businesses in April 2010 through the establishment of a joint venture company.
NEC, Casio and Hitachi will integrate their mobile terminal business in order to strengthen both domestic and international business while increasing competitive strength and capitalizing on each company’s brand recognition through (1) achieving synergies in a variety of fields, including sales expansion, procurement and customer service, and (2) reinforcing product development by unifying technological assets, know-how and resources.