Microsoft vs Apple – battle enters a new level

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Jun 22, 2013

By Tooba Zaheer Shaikh.

Microsoft asked component suppliers in Asia to provide components that can be used to create a touch screen for a watch-style device, suppliers revealed only months after Apple’s announcement of working on a watch-like device with smartphone capabilities.

This comes at a time, when Microsoft has already launched a tablet brand Surface to compete with Ipad.

The war is intense, even though Microsoft has yet declined to comment on the prospect of a watch-style smart device. If Microsoft does decide to proceed with the project, it won’t be its first attempt.

A similar attempt was made by the software giant nearly a decade ago with Smart watch, on which users could receive headlines, sports scores and instant messages for a small subscription fee. The product was discontinued in 2008.

Suppliers were requested to provide a 1.5 inch display screen for the potential smart-watch. With Microsoft already competing in the tablet category and making plans to extend into 7 inch tablets to compete with Ipad mini, wearable gadgets are the next logical step.

As the battle intensifies with Apple’s iWatch, Google glasses and Nike’s activity monitors, it is yet unknown if consumer is ready for wearable gadgets, are you?

Microsoft decides to enter small touch screen device battle

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Jun 22, 2013

By Tooba Zaheer Shaikh.

Microsoft decided to launch its own series of small touch screen devices as PC growth slows down. These devices will be powered by Microsoft Windows.

This move is seen, by analysts, as an attempt to compete with handheld devices like Apple’s Ipad Mini and Amazon’s Kindle. Microsoft has already launched larger tablets, during winter, with the brand name of Surface.

In October, Microsoft also acquired shares in the Barnes and Nobel’s digital unit, which sells Nook, an entertainment oriented tablet.

For decades, Microsoft has depended on PC users for the sales of Windows. With the recent shift in consumer’s choice towards smartphones and tablets, Microsoft faces tough time trying to extend its software to the touch screen devices.

Microsoft faced an expected decline in sales in the first quarter of this year, attributed to the decline in the global PC market. Apart from Windows, Microsoft seems to be doing well in the Office, software tools and X-box divisions.

The announcement of small touchscreen devices brought good news to Microsoft. There was a positive surge in share price, which rose by 2.8% compared to last year same quarter.

Microsoft declared a net income of $6.1 billlion, an 18% increase from last year’s $5.1 billion. An 8 percent overall increase in revenue is attributed to businesses rapidly moving on to Windows 7, even if Windows 8 users are increasing at a snail’s pace.

On the other front, Microsoft will also release an upgrade to Windows 8. Whether it will have a Start button or not, the lack of which is claimed as the reason in decline in PC sales growth and the center of many complaints, is yet to be seen.

Lost Vanilla Coke Stages a Comeback

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Jun 22, 2013

By Shiza Aslam

April 2013 -After six years of self exile from the market, Coca-Cola re launched its Vanilla brand under the name of ‘V Coke’ as it looks to boost up overall sales of its brand portfolio.

Coke’s Vanilla variant returned with improvised branding after various requests from social media fans worldwide.

“There has been huge consumer demand for the return of Vanilla Coke so we were really excited about bringing back the variant to the Coca-Cola family. It’s the product that consumers ask us to re-introduce most frequently and we’re excited to be able to do so, whilst marking the tenth anniversary of flavors,” says Zoe Howorth, Marketing Director for Coca-Cola, Great Britain.

The brand has been rejuvenated and has limited availability across UK. The vanilla Coke might be released worldwide after scrutinizing the sales in UK in its first few months.

The ‘V Coke’ is being promoted through all media platforms including print, outdoor, online and social media to create 3600 awareness.

Coke claims the brand was the best-selling Coke-flavored variant of the noughties over Cherry, Lime and Lemon when it was pulled out of the market in 2006.

Reports, at that time, claimed it was axed, along with Vanilla Diet Coke, due to poor sales. The company now, however, claims a ‘noticable’ demand from Vanilla Coke’s fan which led to the decision of bringing the drink back in the market.

Coca Cola has been speedily expanding in Pakistan through extensive advertising and marketing campaigns. Though the V Coke is to be re launched in UK only, Pakistanis have already showed positive interest in this variant. Let us know if you were aware of V Coke.

FedEx Reports A 31% Profit Fall In The Third Quarter

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Jun 22, 2013

By Saira Hussain.

FedEx fall by 31 percent in the third quarter as online customers and big companies are ready to wait a little longer for shipments to arrive, in order to save their money.

FedEx customers are hence shifting from air express to slower but cheaper ways of international shipment. While the customers switch to these cheaper modes of shipping, FedEx’s primary business — express delivery, is critically being affected.

Express delivery has been the biggest source of revenue for FedEx, due to this customer-switch issue theOperating income in the express unit has fallen (66 percent in the third-quarter thatended on February 28).

“We have a yield issue that exaggerated itself this quarter over last quarter,” In a conference with analysts, Dave Bronczek, CEO of FedEx Express revealed.

The company said it would trim its flight capacity between the United States and Asia and might even ground some cargo planes in an effort to lessen costs and improve profitability. All of these changes were being made because of the same customer-switching issue, there is no other option since the customers are now willing to save their money even if that meant slower deliveries, stated FedEx.

“It appears that FedEx is struggling to keep lower priced packages out” of the international priority network, “resulting in challenging cost comparisons and margin compression,” Citi Research analysts, Seth Lowry and Christian Wetherbee said.

Porsche launches a limited edition of sports car ‘911’

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Jun 22, 2013

By Saira Hussain

Porsche unveiled the hybrid machine for Le Mans Prototype race for the year 2014. Porsche intends to make a breakthrough win, which would be its first since 1998. This prototype is ready ahead of schedule. This means Porsche has more time to test the prototype before the 24 Hours of Le Mans of 2014. The 2014 regulations focus on efficiency, which gives the drivers and the engineers some new challenges to work on.

Driver Timo Bernhard, who won the 2010 Le Mans with Audi, had the honor of driving the Porsche LMP1 Hybrid prototype during the rollout on the German manufacturer’s Weissach test track at the Porsche Research Facility. Porsche hasn’t yet revealed a name or model number. They have only stated that the hybrid runs on petrol. Porsche intends to hit the track with the prototype in July.

There are 3 classes of Le Mans Prototypes, each differing on the basis of regulations; LMP1, LMP2, and LMPC. Porsche is participating in the LMP1 class. Porsche has built this car for its return to the top level sports car competition.

24 hours of Le Mans is an endurance car racing competition which has been held annually since 1923 in France. Endurance of both the car and drivers is tested. The race participants have to balance speed and efficiency for 24 hours in such a way that the cars do not suffer any mechanical damage while maintaining the consumables like fuel, tires and braking mechanism. Drivers have to perform stints of 2 hours before they can stop at a pit to switch with a relief driver. Drivers grab a bite before they are required to perform another stint. Organizing Le Mans in June means summers are at peak to test the drivers’ endurance as well.

Nokia Endorses ‘Man of Steel’ As Its Official Sponsor

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Jun 22, 2013

By Shiza Aslam

A global co-marketing partnership of Nokia and Warner Bros. Pictures enthrall movie enthusiasts with the latest installment of the Superman franchise ‘Man of Steel’ by the Nokia Lumia 720, the latest range of smartphones released by Nokia.

The partnership has decided to use air, digital, theatre and retail merchandise as promotional media providing exclusive ‘Man of Steel’ content to the movie lovers. Moreover, exciting themes and application of ‘Man of Steel’ available only on Nokia Lumia 720 have managed to engross many users across the globe. Nokia also launched an official ‘Man of Steel’ website as the heart of all activities being carried in this campaign with collection of digital comics, video content and images. The site conducted a photography challenge whose winners were awarded exclusive tickets to attend the film’s world premiere held in New York, along with limited edition of official memorabilia.

Fortunate fans will get their hands on limited Lumia 720 Man of Steel phone edition along with covers for the Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 720. They can also grab the limited edition Fatboy charging pad pillows and phone covers for the Nokia Lumia920 and 720. In Pakistan, Synergy Advertising is the agency that is carrying all of the promotional activities sponsored by Nokia.

The Zack Snyder-directed “Man of Steel”, starring Henry Cavill, Amy Adams and Michael Shannon, is set the attack the theatres in June 14 in Pakistan.

Mobilink promotes ‘SMS’ Based Learning

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Jun 22, 2013

By Mohd. Omar Iftikhar.

Recently, the Mobilink Foundation has signed an agreement with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to promote the ‘SMS Based Literacy Program.’ According to sources, a key facet of this program is to disseminate information to students across Pakistan via SMS. The objective of the program, is to educate the underprivileged communities of Pakistan. UNESCO Islamabad, in May 2009, came up with the concept of an SMS Based Literacy Program and launched the education-based innovative project with Mobilink.

This year, the project will implement its fourth phase, which will comprise of two projects. The first project will be an extension of the already implemented SMS Based Literacy Program for learners and the governing bodies will transcend their geographical boundaries to reach out to the population in all provinces.

The second phase of the project, however, brings the teachers into this initiative by giving them a chance to participate in imparting education to learners across Pakistan. As planned, Mobilink Foundation’s ‘mTaleem’ will administer the SMS Based Literacy Program in 2013.

An ingenious plan of the SMS Based Literacy Program is “Teach 2 Transform”, which provides employee volunteers or Mobilink ‘Torch-Bearers’ the opportunity to render their services as teaching assistants across Pakistan and to become an active part of the process.

Commenting on the program, Director UNESCO, Dr. Kozue Kay Nagata said that, “We have come a long way in this public- private partnership with Mobilink and other partners.”

Sharing his views on the initiative, Mobilink’s Chief Commercial Officer, Bilal Munir Sheikh said that, “The Mobilink Foundation has been the custodian of Mobilink’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives since 2008, with education being one of our primary areas of focus. We look forward to working closely with UNESCO to enhance the impact of this initiative for both learners and teachers over the course of this project.”

National Foods’ marketing efforts

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Jun 22, 2013

By Mohd. Omar Iftikhar.

National Foods has been a leading spice manufacturing company since 1970 and has witnessed unprecedented growth since then. The company brought a revolution in the spice category as prior to the launch of National Food’s in the 70s, spices which were available in the market, unbranded and unknown companies sold them without proper packing. National Foods has changed the production, packaging, and the branding business of spices in Pakistan.

At present, National Foods Limited and its spices are a global brand recognized in over 30 countries. During the last four decades, National Foods has transformed from a being a spice producing business to a multi-category food company. With 12 product categories such as jams, spices, desserts, recipe measles and ketchup, National Foods produces over 250 products that are up to the international standards of quality.

During the first quarter of 2013, National Foods performed exceptionally well. Moreover, its high quality standards in the convenience food segment resulted in the expansion of its customer base. National Food’s product categories have given a beyond par performance during the quarter includes pickles, desserts, recipe mix, and sauces. In addition, the companies marketing efforts increased its sales by 17 percent whereas their brand strategy helped the company to accentuate its brand image and awareness in local and international markets.

Furthermore, National Foods is continuously monitoring its advertising, marketing, and promotional activities. In-store displays, television commercials, outdoor activities and the “Hamaray Khanay, Hamaray Tehwar” campaign to create a bond between the company and its customers.

In addition, National Foods’ traveling cooking show, “National Ka Pakistan” helped the company gain access to untapped markets in Pakistan and the televise show’s unique feature of highlighting Pakistani cuisine did support the company’s brand building process.

LinkedIn Celebrates its 10th birthday

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Jun 22, 2013

By Ufaq Ashfaque.

The world’s most professionally popular network LinkedIn celebrated its 10th birthday, completing a decade.

Launched back in the year 2003 by Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn not only provides for lifting up the professional community, but also gives a chance for company individuals to create a strong and constructive outcome.

This network not only has established brands and their connections, but has also managed to create an online platform where local people and business professionals have the opportunity to interact with one another.

LinkedIn established itself at a time when social media networking was not one of the players.

It was created when Internet ‘was not all that for professionals in the industry.’ Today, with LinkedIn constantly developing itself, Hoffman acknowledged the need for professionals to step up their game and turn their business and marketing efforts not only to influence normal people, but also the working class to think and act out-of-the-box.

Considering their immaculate success, one needs to decipher the challenges that LinkedIn faces today. However, LinkedIn stands out, maintaining its name and giving tough competition to all major social media networking websites.

Q-Mobile takes the lead in the mobile market

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Jun 22, 2013

By Ufaque Ashfaque.

KARACHI, April 7– Smartphones are now hitting center stage in the Pakistani market. However, with the rising expenditures, it becomes extremely difficult for people to purchase a piece of the latest technology. But with the introduction of Q-Mobile, the Pakistani market now has an opportunity to own Smartphone on a low budget.

Packed with the latest software, applications and a unique variety of phones and mobile devices, Q-Mobile imports Smartphones from China. Q-Mobile openly promotes the ‘more-for-less’ value proposition and has managed to distribute phones across the country. According to a local website, Q-Mobile has earned accumulating to revenues worth Rs.761 million as of the year 2012.

Another major aspect that has brought the brand such recognition and acknowledgement from its customers is the advertising and promotional campaigns that the brand manages to launch under Q-Mobile. According to an official, ‘the advertising budget of Q-Mobile is much larger than that of Nokia’.

Expectations are high that the company will manage to disseminate more product lines after the successful launch of Q-Mobile Noir, directly targeting and competing against the recent Smartphone giant Samsung. Over the tenure of five years, the company continues to expand and grow its operations in Pakistan.

Zong collaborates with Red Crescent Society

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Jun 22, 2013

By Ufaq Ashfaque.

Zong recently joined hands with Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) for their program regarding blood donations.

Through this unique collaboration, Zong customers have the opportunity to register themselves as blood donors by simply sending “reg” to 2258. They will then be contacted for donations during the time of need. Primarily launched in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, Zong aspires to touch the lives of many and make its name.

Zong will provide PRCS a list of the registered candidates, with basic information such as name, age, gender and city.

The management board of Zong is looking ahead for the successful execution of this initiative. The company has wisely managed to maintain itself as a brand that contributes to its society.

Promoted under the parent brand China Mobile, not only is Zong establishing a platform for supporting all members of the society equally, but also attempts to snatch market share from other Telcoms in Pakistan.

Dove Faces Criticism For Real Beauty Sketches Campaign

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Jun 22, 2013

By Saira Hussain.

The Real Beauty Sketches Campain quickly became a viral phenomenon but few critics and consumers felt that the video, used in campaign, actually highlighted beauty stereotypes by illustrating one sketch as uglier than the other.

The campaign included a the three-minute video showing a number of women sitting behind a curtain describing themselves to a forensic sketch artist. The women used unappealing language for themselves describing traits like bulging chins, big foreheads and chubby faces. The artist submissively draws those imperfections.

These women were the asked to have a conversation with other females. These females were then asked to define the woman, they had conversation with, to the forensic artist. The artist made second sketch of the ladies.

Towards the end, all women are visibly moved by the differences between the pictures made from their own descriptions and the pictures drawn from other people’s descriptions.

Some critics considered the campaign to be hypocritical since it came from Unilever, who are also the makers of Axe, Slim-Fast and more. The campaign was also criticized for making beauty the pinnacle of success, since it spots beauty as the benchmark by which women can measure themselves.

Critics have also pointed out how the prettier facial images looked comparatively thinner and younger. If that is the only crux of beauty, then dove is ultimately spreading out a message, for the ones who are not thinner or younger, that they are probably not beautiful.

Dove claims that their core message through this campaign was to tell their customers that they are more beautiful than they think.

Dove wants the women to feel more confident about themselves. Viewers say that it’s energizing to see an ad that tackles a genuine problem, otherwise modern marketing is trying to turn women into sex objects, exploited housewives or shopaholics.

Cola war: Pepsi’s ‘Like Machine’

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Sami Iqbal

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Jun 22, 2013

By Tooba Zaheer Shaikh.

The cola war intensifies as Coca Cola and Pepsi start competing on the platform of vending machine technology. On one hand Coca Cola boasts of a friendship machine for India and Pakistan while on the other Pepsi places a like machine at the Beyonce concert in Belgium.

The Pepsi ‘like machine’ dispenses Pepsi cans to fans who like Pepsi’s Facebook page either via their smartphones or through the interactive display on the like machine. Pepsi like machine used the smartphone’s location to dispense Pepsi to only those who ‘liked’ the page in the vicinity of the like machine.

This like machine was put up with the collaboration of Pepsi and TBWA Belgium. Throough this pormotional activity, Pepsi knows who exactly received the free sample, as they record the like with Facebook ID’s.

Pepsi dispensed samples in return for consumer’s Facebook data which can be used for marketing decisions.

Brands have been looking towards increasing their Facebook reach via different competitions, but Pepsi’s free sampling through the like machine can be termed the most effective way to increase the number of fans.

This will also result in better and effective marketing and communication strategies for targeted groups.

L’Oreal Mall Activation In Karachi

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Jun 22, 2013

By Ali Rizvi

L’Oreal organized a fashion presentation at Dolmen Mall, Clifton Karachi. It was part of the four day promotional mall animation event, in which visitors availed discounts as well as meet fashion experts to take some beauty advice.

The event had Spring/Summer 2013 makeup looks done by Saba Ansari. Experts discussed the different looks, which due to some technical reasons, could not be properly heard by the audience.

The fashion presentation was held on 12 June 2013. As all events go, this also started a bit late.

Deepak Parwani, Sadaf Malatarra, Sana Safinaz and Shehla Chatoor showcased their works, under the names Le Smoky, Le Shocking, Le Glamour and Le Sensual respectively, at the L’Oreal mall animation.

Deepak Parwani, Sana Hashwani and Safinaz Muneer could not make it to the event due to hectic schedules but their collections rocked the event.

The parade started with Malatarra’s Le Shocking which was a medley of pinks and oranges. Le Sensual by Shehla Chatoor comprised of nude colors and subtle, light makeup.

Le Smoky bu Deepak parwani was edgy with dark tones in makeup. The last collection to make it to the floor was Le Glamour by Sana Safinaz, with blues and blacks with a sprinkle of rust at places.

PayPal Helps eBay Increase Its Revenue

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Jun 22, 2013

By Saira Hussain

Once again eBay got an unanticipated financial result in its first quarter of 2013. The revenue was 14 percent higher – $3.7 billion as compared to the same period last year. EBay further stated that it earned $677 million, or to be more precise, 51 cents a share, in the January-March period. That’s a jump from $570 million, or 44 cents per share as compared to 2012. All thanks to the evolution in its PayPal business and its e-commerce sites. In a conference call with analysts, the chief executive of eBay, John Donhoe said, “We see enormous opportunity for PayPal, online, on mobile devices, and increasingly in the offline environment as well.”

EBay announced that the company gained nearly 2.8 million new customers in the period through mobile. This has resulting in a twice over growth in active users at both PayPal and Marketplaces. On the other hand, company’s revenue was up 18 percent to $1.5 billion, and the payments giant gained 5 million active listed accounts in the period and ended the quarter with 128 million, a 16 percent increase. Marketplaces revenue was increased by 13 percent along with an increase of 3.9 million active users.

Still the increase in earnings did not put up with what Wall Street expected, the company’s position for the present quarter is weaker than expected. John Donhoe said “he is not happy with where we are in the US.” Nevertheless, the company was at least back on track and also a number of indicators in its business signify a durable pick up in the future, stated Donhoe.

Launching the New Berry: BlackBerry Q10 hits India on June 6

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Jun 22, 2013

Launching the New Berry BlackBerry Q10 hits India on June 6

By Ufaq Ashfaque

After the successful launch of Blackberry Z10, the brand now looked ahead towards the launch of Q10 in India.

Thorstein Heins, CEO of the company, anticipated similar levels and patterns of success as the product received a positive and warm reception in the United Kingdom and Canada, practically ‘selling out’ in these places.

The Blackberry Q10 came with the Blackberry 10 operating system which was primarily installed in Blackberry Z10 Smartphone. Q10 has been launched with Blackberry’s signature QWERTY keyboard, packed with unique and contemporary features to appeal to the likes of Blackberry users and subscribers.

With an AMOLED screen, Q10 is packed with outstanding resolution and screen visibility. For Blackberry, it is about fulfilling client demands and maintaining their business, along with establishing personal relationship through their products.

Even though the brand itself positions to be serving premium clients, Blackberry now manages to launch mobile phones for people belonging to not just the professional business community, but also to those individuals who managed to maintain exclusivity and modernity in their lives.

Samsung Unveils Galaxy S4 Mini

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Jun 22, 2013

By Anum Saeed

May 30th, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co. has released truly brilliant Samsung Galaxy mobile devices with premium entertainment and innovative features. It has now unveiled a stripped down version of its flagship Galaxy S4 smartphone, aiming to grab a bigger share in the mid-tier segment this time round as growth in the high-end market slows.

The Galaxy S4 mini followed by the debut of the S4 a month ago has a 4.3-inch screen – still bigger than Apple Inc’s 4-inch iPhone 5 – and an 8-mega pixel rear-facing camera. The original S4, which hit the 10 million-sale mark last week, has become the fastest selling smartphone, which has astounding features of a 5-inch full high-definition screen and a 13-mega pixel camera Samsung has not disclosed the price for the phone nor has announced the launch date, but the market anticipates that the smaller type will be priced at around $350.The launch comes ahead of the widely speculated low-priced iPhone later this year and as Samsung being the world’s top smartphone maker, looks forward to amplify its lead with products straddling both the high and low ends of the market.

It is anticipated that Samsung would reveal more varieties of the S4 in the upcoming mobile event in London. The event is expected to include a model with optical camera and zoom functionality as well as a phone with amazing water-proof features.

Qatar Foundation Endowment buys 5% Stake of India’s Airtel

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Jun 22, 2013

Qatar Foundation Endowment buys Stake of India Airtel

By Saira Hussain

India’s bharti Airtel reported a raise of US$1.26 billion by selling a 5 percent stake in the company to the Qatar royal family’s investment company, Qatar Foundation Endowment (QFE). Indian telecom companies have recently been struggling with the rising costs and contracting profit margins, Bharti Airtel made this deal in order to strengthen their finances. They reported their 13th consecutive drop in the periodical profit with nearly a 50% fall in profits paralleled with a year earlier.

Qatar Foundation is a non-profit organization owned by the Qatari royal family. The chief executive of the organization, Rashid Al-Naimi said that their investment in Bharti Airtel was a longstanding one. Airtel will issue nearly 200 million shares to QFE on behalf of a shareholding of 5% in the company. QFE is giving a 7.3% premium over the public share price for its stake.

Bharti Airtel is currently under a debt of 11.7 billion US dollars. In a report they stated that this investment will not only aid in strengthening the capital structure of the company but also provide tractability for them to deliver on their growth strategy. Bharti Chairman, Sunil Bharti Mittal said: “I am delighted to welcome another high quality long-term institutional investor to our shareholder base. This agreement exemplifies further strengthening of the already deep economic and cultural relations between Qatar and India.”

BMW Launches 4 Series Coupe for 2014

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Jun 22, 2013

By Ali Rizvi

June 17 – BMW launches 4 Series coupe arriving in 2014, the car is sleek, stylish, and a lower center of gravity. The new coupe has more of a quasi sports car look than its predecessor.

The new 4 series car is part of a broader move to use even numbers for all coupes and odd numbers for all sedans. It is expected to add a convertible and possibly a Gran Sport in coming years.

The all-new 2014 BMW 4 Series coupe is bigger yet lighter than the model it replaces, with the promise of dynamic driving experience. It has a more aggressive stance, making the most of the 1.7 inches of width it gains.

The car has used lightweight materials, with aluminum components in the engine, weighing 44 to 99 pounds less than the current 3 Series coupe. The 4 Series coupe gives the lowest center of gravity of any current BMW, with the feel of more agility, like a true sports car. The new proportions of the 4 Series make it visibly sleeker than the current model. The look is outstandingly similar to the 4 Series coupe that BMW showed at the Detroit auto show in January.

The car has wide wheel arches that bulge seductively from the rear fenders; triangular back windows are much longer than those of the 3 Series coupe and highlight the rakish roofline. The 4 Series coupe has Air Curtains and Air Breathers similar to those on the new BMW X5.

Its aerodynamic features reduce turbulence and improve fuel economy by pulling in air from the lower bumper, funneling it around the front wheels and sending it out to the rear part of the front fender. The two engines in the 4 Series come with an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual.

The 2014 BMW 4 Series is anticipated to arrive in showrooms in late summer. Though the pricing is much higher than both the 3 Series by several thousand dollars, it puts the 4 Series right at the heart of the competition. The 4 Series coupe will be offered with a choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Sony expected to unveil a new smart watch at Mobile Asia Expo 2013

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Jun 22, 2013

By Anum Saeed

June 24 – Sony is sending out teasers for its next version of Smart watches that will be unveiled at the Mobile Asia Expo, Shanghai in coming weeks.

Sony had posted Smart watch related tweets on its official Sony Xperia twitter account. One of the tweets says that one in three smart users desire to wear Smart watches. With its #itstime and #MAE13 hashtags, it is definite that the company is more likely to reveal the outcome of its second attempt at producing a smart watch.

Sony is holding press events in Shanghai (China) and Germany, scheduled from June 26 to June 28, where it is expected to announce new devices.

The brand had launched the first version of its Android-based SmartWatch that came with colored watch bands, multi-touch color OLED display, adapter and a USB charger, the previous year. The watch allowed users to check SMS, e-mails, and Twitter updates, and control music playback. The watch was not much of a success with the masses as it depended too much on the phone which the user required to install apps for each function.

It is hoped that the second iteration of the SmartWatch is a substantial upgrade. It is believed that many key players such as Apple, Google, Microsoft and Samsung have been in news for developing wearable smart devices.