Mobitel partners to deliver CNN mobile news

In a further demonstration of Turner’s industry-leading position in the mobile industry, Sri Lankan national mobile service provider Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel is to offer its customers access to CNN’s latest global news content through one call.
With a few clicks, Mobitel customers can watch CNN breaking news and the latest top stories, weather, business, entertainment, politics and more on an on-demand basis simply by dialing 555. A key advantage of this service is uninterrupted content delivery when compared to web and WAP based streaming where delays can be experienced due to content being buffered. Mobitel customers can also enjoy the added convenience of replaying previous news stories within the same video portal.
Commenting on this new initiative, Leisha De Silva Chandrasena, Chairperson Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel said: “The mobile phone is fast becoming an important platform for the dissemination of information due to its high penetration and efficient reach. Further, mobile TV and Video on Demand are also gaining popularity since it allows you quick and efficient access to know the latest happenings around the world despite being caught up in this fast paced world. The partnership with CNN International is yet another landmark development for Mobitel following its recent partnership with Google the leading global Internet company.”
A further significant advantage is the fact that no software or special configurations are required by customers to access the service. For the benefit of 2G phone users in particular, CNN’s latest global news can also be accessed via WAP by logging onto wap.mobitel.lk.
On the new service, Siddharth Jain, Vice President and Deputy General Manager - Distribution & Business Operations, South Asia, Turner International India Private Limited (TIIPL) said: “Sri Lanka is an important and exciting market for Turner International and CNN in the region. Partnering with a leading player like Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel certainly provides a national footprint for CNN International to reach out to a wide consumer base in Sri Lanka. It is a win-win initiative for the consumers as they get to know what’s happening around the world from the world’s leading global news network via the leading mobile platform of Sri Lanka.”
Ringo Chan, Vice President of Wireless and Interactive Content, Development and Distribution, Turner Asia Pacific commented: “Turner continues its commitment to lead in delivering content to consumers in the region in the most innovative way. Working with Mobitel to provide this easy user-friendly interface empowers the user to get CNN’s news and information anytime and anywhere.”
Since the launch of Sri Lanka’s first super 3.5G HSPA network, Mobitel has already added several other pioneering services such as Mobile TV (Live), Video on Demand, Video Sharing and Blogging to its existing portfolio of infotainment related services which consisted of SMS News Alerts, Voice portals (IVR services), WAP and SIM Menu.

Nokia amplifies music experience with X3

Pioneering new ways to experience music, Nokia announced the launch of the new Nokia X3 in Sri Lanka. The Nokia X3 joins Nokia’s comprehensive music portfolio in Sri Lanka on 21st January 2010. As part on an attractive introductory offer announced with Dialog, consumers can get this device from selected Dialog customer points and Nokia outlets at LKR 21,700. The special introductory offer is valid till 31st January 2010.
Dialog will also give X3 consumers the opportunity to download 100 songs absolutely free. At the end of the promotional period, the regular retail price of X3 would be LKR 25,000.
The Nokia X3 is ideal for people who like to express themselves through their music and their communities. It is a sleek and compact music device that comes with stereo speakers, built-in FM radio, and a 3.2 mega pixel camera. This stylish slide phone comes with dedicated music and volume keys to control your sounds. It also has a combined send/end key and camera-shutter key for quick and easy operation. The design also features lighting effects around the dedicated ‘Navi’ key.
Priced for mass-market appeal, it is the first S40 device - the classic Nokia interface loved by millions - to offer direct access to Ovi Store, Nokia’s online store for mobile application and content. Using the store’s catalogue of applications no two X3’s need ever be the same.
The Nokia X3 sports a diminutive frame and 2.2-inch screen. Support for up to 16GB of storage via microSD card make for a nifty mobile music device. The X3 also sports an active homescreen where users will be able to see their contacts, friends and current music playing. Music lovers will also be able to continue listening on flights thanks to flight mode.
Bluetooth 2.1 is supported with stereo audio profiles for wireless musical enjoyment. Wire fans will be able to use standard headphones thanks to the 3.5mm headphone jack. Full speed USB 2.0 makes music transfer quick and easy and music can be managed via the Ovi Player PC client and Windows Media Player 11.
Messaging is well supported too. Alongside a common inbox for SMS and MMS in conversational view, Nokia Xpress Audio Messaging is supported and Nokia Messaging 2.0 brings users’ existing email and IM accounts to the device.