Sistema Shyam TeleServices Limited (SSTL) has introduced the MTS MTAG 401 handset. Priced below Rs 9,000, the MTAG 401 runs on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system. The device has a 4 inch capacitive touch screen display with a 800x480 WVGA pixel resolution, and is powered by an 800 MHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S1 processor. It has a 3 megapixel camera, supports up to 32 GB expandable memory and comes bundled with a 2 GB memory card as well as unlimited data plans. In addition, the MTag 401 features the MTS TV application that enables users to access the Live TV facility. The device also provides access to Google Mail, YouTube, Google Maps and Google Play market.

ZTE Corporation has introduced its portfolio of single-chip LTE smartphones with the launch of the Grand X LTE (T82) at CommunicAsia 2012. The Grand X LTE (T82) features Qualcomm’s MSM8960 chip and a 1.5 GHz dual-core CPU, and runs on Android 4.0. It also packs in an 8 megapixel main camera that supports 1,080 pixel HD video recording and playback, and a front camera that supports 720 pixel HD video calls. The phone has a maximum download rate of 100 Mbps, a 1,900 mAh battery and supports Wi-Fi connectivity. The device will be available in Asia-Pacific and Europe in the third quarter of 2012.

Spice, in association with NQ Mobile, has introduced a range of “secure” Android smartphones for the Indian market. The three handsets – the Stellar, the Horizon and the Craze – have been launched under the Spice Stellar brand. The Stellar comes equipped with the Android 2.3 operating system, a 4 inch capacitive touch screen, a 1 GHz Snapdragon processor and the NetQin antivirus platform. Other features include dual cameras (5 megapixel and a VGA camera), Wi-Fi tethering facility and support for dual SIM cards. The device is priced at Rs 9,999. The Horizon houses a 5 inch touch screen and functions on the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. It packs in a 1 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a dedicated 300 MHz GPU. The Craze offers a 3.5 inch touch screen, an 800 MHz processor and the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system, which is upgradable to Android 4.0. The Horizon and the Craze are available for Rs 11,999 and Rs 6,499 respectively.

Idea Cellular has introduced the ID 918 smartphone in the Indian market. Priced at Rs 5,994, the handset runs on Android 2.3 and supports dual SIM cards. It has a 3.2 inch WVGA capacitive touch screen display, a 3.2 megapixel rear camera, 150 MB internal memory and 512 MB RAM. Idea is also offering voice and data benefits worth Rs 2,340 with the device. Users can avail of these benefits 48-72 hours after the first recharge and the first call from the smartphone. Moreover, data downloads after the first recharge will be priced at Re 0.05 per 10 kB.

Motorola has launched two smartphones, Motorola DEFY XT and DEFY MINI. Both smartphones are water-resistant, scratch-resistant and dustproof. The devices feature the MotoSwitch user interface that stores user preferences, thereby helping users to stay organised. The Motorola DEFY XT has a 5 megapixel camera and the Motorola DEFY MINI has a 3 megapixel camera. While the DEFY XT is priced at Rs 16,190, the dual-SIM DEFY MINI costs Rs 11,490.

Nokia has launched three new full-touch handsets under its Asha series. Priced at around Rs 8,000, the three models – Asha 305, Asha 306 and Asha 311 – are an extension of the Asha series, which was first introduced in October 2011. The Asha 311 is a 3.5G capacitive touch screen handset powered by a 1 GHz processor, while the Asha 305 has support for dual SIM cards. The Asha 306 is a single-SIM model that supports Wi-Fi connectivity.

Zync Global Private Limited has launched the Zync Z-990 plus tablet. Priced at Rs 6,490, the device packs in a 1.5 GHz processor, access to movie-on-demand service BIGFlix and games provided by Ibibo, 1 GB RAM, 4 GB in-built memory, support for Wi-Fi connectivity, a 0.3 megapixel front camera and a full-sized USB port that supports pen drives, external keyboards and 3G USB dongles. The tablet also has an HDMI and a micro USB port.

Nokia has launched its Windows-based phone, Nokia Lumia 610, in India. The device packs in features like the Radio Mix application, special imaging and photography capabilities, as well as a Nokia Music Store application. The handset is priced at Rs 24,999.

iBall has introduced the Andi series of Android phones with the launch of the Andi 3e and Andi 4d phones. The Andi 3e is a dual-SIM phone, which operates on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread platform. The device packs in a 650 MHz processor, supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and 3G. Its other features include a 3.2 inch capacitive touch screen, dual cameras (a 3.2 megapixel camera and a VGA front camera) and support for a 16 GB microSD card. The Andi 4d has a 1 GHz processor, a 5 megapixel camera and a 4 inch display. It also supports dual SIM cards and 3G technology. The Andi 3e is priced at Rs 6,990 and the Andi 4d is available for Rs 9,490.

Karbonn Mobiles has introduced a range of new handsets in India. The Smart Tab 1 device functions on the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich platform and packs in a 1.2 GHz X-Burst Processor and a 3D Gravity Sensor. It has 32 GB expandable storage capacity, a 2 megapixel front camera and various pre-embedded applications. The Smart Tab 1 supports Wi-Fi and 3G technologies as well as video recording and playback. The device is priced at Rs 6,990. Another of its recent launches is the Karbonn A 9 smartphone, which supports dual SIM cards and a 1 GHz processor. Its other features include the Android Gingerbread platform, a 5 megapixel camera and support for video calling and HSDPA connectivity. The phone is priced at Rs 9,490. The A 5 smartphone packs in a 2 megapixel camera and is priced at Rs 5,790. It also has an inbuilt G Sensor and proximity sensor.

Services

Reliance Communications (RCOM) has launched the Master Plan prepaid scheme for its customers in Karnataka. The plan is priced at Rs 46 and Rs 101 for new customers, and at Rs 74 for existing customers. The prepaid card is valid for six months and local calls within the operator’s network are priced at Re 0.05 per minute while those to other networks are priced at Re 0.30 per minute. In addition, users can avail of full talktime on all top-ups, along with 500 MB of free data usage. All local and national SMSs are priced at Re 0.50 per message.

SSTL has launched a range of data plans for its MBlaze customers across the Kolkata and West Bengal circles. These offerings include prepaid recharge coupons in denominations of Rs 45, Rs 105, Rs 490 and Rs 698. Users can avail of 150 MB of data for seven days with the Rs 45 coupon and 300 MB of data for 30 days with the Rs 105 coupon. The Rs 490 and Rs 698 coupons will have bundled data usage of 3 GB and 4 GB, with a validity of 30 and 60 day respectively.

Bharti Airtel has signed a global arrangement with Opera Software to offer a customised and co-branded version of the Opera Mini internet browser for Bharti Airtel mobile subscribers. To avail of the service, subscribers can either download Opera Mini from m.opera.com or visit the Airtel application store.

Vodafone India has introduced the 121 service in Kerala. The service keeps subscribers informed about the company’s offers as per their usage patterns. Subscribers can either dial 121 toll free or use the *121# USSD code to access a bouquet of offers including STD, ISD, GPRS, bonus cards and full talktime.

Vodafone India has launched three bonus cards in Kolkata, priced at Rs 26, Rs 61 and Rs 75. The bonus cards enable users to opt for various talktime options, depending on their usage and calling patterns. The Rs 26 bonus card provides 75 minutes of local talktime and is valid for seven days. The Rs 61 card, with a validity of 90 days, enables users to make STD calls at Re 0.40 per minute across all networks. Local calls across West Bengal are priced at Re 0.35 per minute on the Rs 75 bonus card, which is valid for 90 days.

VoIP and video telephone service provider VoX Communications has launched fixed priced calling plans to India via its Android mobile voice app, available on the Google Play store. These include plans for making calls to cellphones in India, which start at $6.95 for 250 minutes. Further, VoX is offering 500 calling minutes to India for $12.95 and 1,000 minutes for $24.95. New subscribers can download the app for a free 60-minute trial and make calls to any country on the unlimited calling list or sign up for an India-specific plan.

RCOM has joined hands with BIGFlix to offer its 3G users full-length movies at Rs 30 per movie. Subscribers will not be charged for data usage. To avail of this offer, subscribers are required to log on to http://vod.rcom.co.in via their mobile handsets. They can access an extensive movie catalogue powered by BIGFlix on this link.

SSTL has launched a series of data plans for its MBlaze customers in the Maharashtra and Goa telecom circles. The plans range from Rs 998 to Rs 1,499 and offer extended validity. Users recharging with a voucher of Rs 998 get 6 GB of data usage while those recharging with a Rs 1,499 voucher can avail of data usage of 15 GB, with a validity period of 90 days.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and the Department of Posts (DoP) have entered into a partnership to provide money remittance services through mobile handsets. BSNL is in the process of developing a platform that would enable DoP to transfer money through handsets. A pilot project for the service will be rolled out by September 2012. The pilot will run for six months in select circles in Punjab, Bihar, Delhi and Kerala. As part of the agreement, BSNL will receive commission for each remittance made. The recipient will receive an SMS for the transaction and can withdraw cash by showing the SMS to officials at the nearest authorised post office.

TATA DOCOMO has launched a post-paid plan for customers using the BlackBerry Curve 9320 and the BlackBerry Curve 9220 smartphones. With a monthly rental of Rs 599, customers can avail of 600 free calling minutes and text messages as well as unlimited BlackBerry internet access.