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  • ‘We will breakeven after the third year’Fraser Castellino- Emerging Media CEO

     
    ‘We will breakeven after the third year‘

    The Indian Premier League (IPL), which kicks off next month, has brought in $2 billion into the Twenty20 format over a 10-year period, involving big corporates like Reliance Industries and Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan.

    Emerging Media, which has two other shareholders in Sporting Investment Group and Lachlan Murdoch, has bought the Jaipur team franchise for $67 million and is hoping to rake in profits after the third year.

    Indiantelevision.com‘s Ashwin Pinto caught up with Emerging Media CEO Fraser Castellino to find out about his plans for the team and the impact IPL will have on the game.

    Excerpts:
     

    What prompted Emerging Media to be involved with the IPL?
    We have been in the sports business since 2005. Our first venture into cricket was when we bought the management rights for the Leicestershire County Cricket Club. Then we did an international T20 tournament that people today call the Champions Tournament.

    We came into India in 2006 and launched the reality show Cricket Star based on the T20 format. We are looking for the next Indian superstar. We saw IPL as a big opportunity as we also have experience in running clubs.
     

    What is the IPL trying to achieve?
    The IPL is BCCI‘s attempt to bring in funds and get corporates involved with the development of cricket. The Board is trying to improve the infrastructure and facilities available to players who participate at a domestic level.

    By whipping up support for city-based league teams, the BCCI is also trying to bring new fans into the stadiums.
     

    The tradition of supporting a regional team is not present in India. Do you feel that this will be a hindrance in terms of the IPL taking off?
    I don‘t think that there is a hindrance. Everything about the IPL represents an opportunity to grow the game. The challenge particularly for us is to create a fan base that supports the Rajasthan Royals.
     

    Another issue is that the BCCI wants the IPL to be for India what EPL is for English soccer. At the same time, the players are with EPL for several months each year and there is no conflict with an international schedule. How will IPL manage to do this?
    One of the challenges franchisees face is taking the IPL team that participates in the tournament for 45 days and stretching it across the year. The international calendar is packed. We are working with the IPL Governing Council to see how the tenure can be extended. We have a squad of 22 players. While all may not always be available, we need 11 players at any given point in time. We are looking to take the Rajasthan Royals to play in other countries including Australia and England.
     

    Having bought the Jaipur franchise for $67 million, what breakeven period is Emerging Media looking at from IPL?
    We will be investing $12 million in the first year which includes the payout for the team franchise, player costs, marketing, etc. Our assumption is that the business will breakeven after the third year. If IPL picks up, the breakeven can happen before that.
     

    How much will Emerging Media spend towards marketing?
    We will spend close to $2-3 million on this. A 360-degree campaign will break shortly. O&M has put this together. There will be a TVC, radio spots and outdoor activities. There will also be a school, college and mall activation campaign. This will happen in Jaipur, Delhi NCR, and in Gujarat.
     

    What brief was given to the agency?
    The brief is that the campaign must appeal to people at a local level. It must make people want to be supporters of Rajasthan Royals. It must inspire people to either switch on the television or come to the stadium.
     

    Have you tied up revenue deals?
    We are in advanced talks with companies for sponsorship deals. We also have merchandising and licensing activities. Besides, there are central revenue streams including ad and broadcast rights.
     

    Is there any chance that Emerging Media might sell a stake in the IPL team?
    Not in the first year. We might sell a stake later if we want to inject fresh capital into the company.
     
    ‘One of the challenges franchisees face is taking the IPL team that participates in the tournament for 45 days and stretching it across the year‘
     

    What is the strategy you followed in selecting your team?
    Our strategy was clear. We knew that there would be at least two auctions. The first auction had the stars. We knew that there was also a lot of talent that was not a part of that auction.

    During the first auction, we picked players and also set price points at which we felt that they had good value for us. If they exceeded these price points, we let them pass.

    We did our research, and went after certain players. Now when you look at my team, they are at least as good as the others if not better. And we have spent $3.5 million while the others have burnt $5 million.
     

    Are performance and marketability of players of equal importance?
    Performance is more important. You can have glamour and entertainment, but at the end of the day we are here to win matches. Marketability has its place but it is not the primary determining factor for us.

     

    Could you talk about the branding of the team and how your star player Shane Warne will be used?
    When we selected Jaipur, we were clear that we wanted to be in the state of kings. The name “Rajasthan Royals” reflects the characteristics of that state.

    Shane Warne was a strategic choice that many people do not understand. He has an incredible record in county cricket. When we signed him as both captain and coach, other teams who have specialist coaches were surprised. Specialist coaches are fine but Warne transformed the fortunes of Hampshire in county cricket. He took them from being a non-performer to a team to be reckoned with.

    The IPL is about youth and developing domestic cricket. Now that he has retired, Warne is keen to come in and give back to the game by helping youngsters. The IPL is the perfect platform for him to do just that.
     
    Has Emerging Media also appointed a consultant to help its IPL team form a cohesive unit?
    We have a support team in place that includes physiotherapist John Glocter and assistant coaches. We believe that our team will be inspired by our captain and the support structure, and become a cohesive unit.
     
    Has T20 brought sports and entertainment closer?
    The emergence of T20 has been interesting because as working life has become more hectic, people are increasingly looking for instant gratification.

    In India, while it has not been played often, we feel that this format will be well accepted. Since the IPL games will be played in floodlit stadiums in the evening, it will attract more women and families to enjoy an evening out.
     
    How will IPL broaden the corporate involvement with cricket overall?
    One of the things that will happen is that IPL will support academies, coaching centres, etc. These are feeder systems into T20 cricket.
     
    How did the idea of doing Cricket Star come about?
    We wanted to be a body that works with the BCCI but at the same time goes off into areas where it has not managed to find talent. We believe that there are people who, while possessing talent, do not have the money to turn up at the BCCI‘s coaching camps. We give them the chance to spend just two days with our experts and decide if they are good enough or not. If they are good enough, the sky is the limit.
     
    How have you grown the event over the years and how successful has it been in uncovering hidden talent?
    I think what Cricket Star lacked in the first season was the gratification platform. It wasn‘t clear what would happen with the chosen talent. Today anybody who is selected gets a contract with the Rajasthan Royals. The format has not changed much in terms of the testing process.

    We are clear in terms of what we look for in a T20 cricketer. Last year, we found two boys who were very good. But we had restricted entries to those who were absolutely fresh and had not played first-class cricket. They had never been part of an under 15 or under 17 squad. This year, we have opened it up for everybody.
     

    Finally, are you looking at other sports?
    Yes! We are interested in soccer, tennis and golf. There is potential for these three sports to grow in the country. We are looking at different options in terms of how to go about it. In terms of whether we do a reality show around these sports, it depends on the level of interest. There are many things that can work in sport provided you are willing to invest and watch it grow gradually.
     
  • Yong Nam is new LG Electronics CEO

    Yong Nam is new LG Electronics CEO

    MUMBAI: The Korea based consumer electronics major LG Electronics has appointed Yong Nam as the new vice chairman and CEO, with effect from 1 January. Overall top management changes at LG Electronics include appointments of two new business company CEOs, CFO, Head of Korea sales and marketing operation and 30 other executives.

    The company says that the appointment of Nam, known for his drive and strategic outlook, signifies that LG Electronics is making the change to becoming more achievement-oriented. Nam has more than 30 years of experience in LG Electronics, LG Corporation and LG Telecom; prior to his appointment, he served as the head of strategic business of LG Corporation.

    He also served as LG Telecom CEO and director from October 1998 through May 2006. Other previous roles include president of the former Multimedia Division of LG Electronics from December 1997 to October 1998 and Executive Vice President of LG Group Chairman’s Office from January 1997 to December 1997. Nam began his career in LG Electronics in 1976, and began working for the chairman’s office in 1989.

    Other newly-appointed top executives of LG Electronics include Simon Kang as CEO of Digital Display Company. Skott Ahn as CEO of Mobile Communications Company; James Jeong as CFO; and Wayne Park as Head of Korea sales and marketing.

    Kang is the man behind LG’s rebranding success in the US, while Ahn is a mobile communications expert. Jeong is best-known for his achievement of LG’s global management system enhancement. And Mr. Park has worked on new business development for LG Electronics.

    LG Electronics also appointed three new executives in other regions, including John Herington and Eric Surdej as the marketing heads of LG Electronics’ US and France divisions, respectively, as well as Dominique Oh as the head of European Mobile Communications.

  • LG, Prada to develop iconic mobile phone

    LG, Prada to develop iconic mobile phone

    MUMBAI: LG wears Prada! Consumer electronics major LG Electronics and luxury brand Prada have announced a partnership to develop an iconic mobile phone.

    The first Prada telephone by LG will combine high-end technology with avant-garde design offering the best in both style and performance. This forward-thinking product is the result of a different approach to the typical fashion designer and mobile phone manufacturer co-branding exercise.

    Leveraging on their respective expertise and know-how, Prada and LG have jointly explored and developed all aspects of this new product. The collaboration focussed on the key elements inside the phone, such as software, user interface and music as well as its look, for example design and packaging.

    The initial launch is planned for early 2007, with distribution starting in Europe (firstly in Italy, the UK, France, and Germany), followed by countries in Asia such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore. The Korean version of the phone is scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2007.

    LG Electronics Mobile Communications president and CEO Mun-Hwa Park says, “ Prada’s legacy for classic and sophisticated design meant they were the perfect partner to develop this shared vision of innovative technology and ultimate style. We are passionate about developing exclusive phones that appeal to consumer’s desire to express their personality through their choice of mobile and feel very strongly that Prada shares this belief.”

    Prada president and CEO Patrizio Bertelli said, “As we do with ready-to-wear and accessories, we were looking at a break-through. Consistently with our approach, we are not branding an existing product. Rather we have been working with LG to give this new phone a very strong character and unique style, both in its contents and in its design. We, just like our partners at LG, are known for the attention to detail and uncompromising quality of our products. And we find these characteristics in the new mobile phone.”

  • LG targets Rs 1 billion+ flat panel business by ’07-end

    LG targets Rs 1 billion+ flat panel business by ’07-end

    NEW DELHI: Electronics major LGE India Limited launched its latest product that gives the owners the kind of digital edge in home entertainment not seen in the country before: a TV set that allows “you to control time”, the company’s national product head, Prashanta K Das said at a press conference here.

    Aiming at a market of Rs 1.14 billion “in the flat panel business alone by the end of 2007”, the slick LCD and Plasma versions of this latest from the LG bouquet is named “Time Machine”, and has a built-in 80 GB hard disk that allows between 33 and 20 hours of recording programmes.

    The unique offer is the user can record any programme even if s/he is not at home or sleeping, and then watch it at leisure. There is option for replay, fast forward, slow motion, and even skipping irritating commercials in the recorded programme at your will “and a push of a button.”, Das said. “This is the only TV in the world that has an inbuilt DVD recorder,” announced Moon B Shin, deputy managing director of LG.

    In fact, two programmes can be watched at the same time, one with a full-screen image and the other in a sufficiently-sized frame within the main screen, and one of these two programmes can be recorded.

    One can watch a programme and record another one simultaneously, and switch the programme being watched without disturbing the recording. And like any recorded programme, too, one can go back to a favourite scene or piece of action at will ad as many times as one wants.

    “The advantage is that there is no need for a separate DVD recorder and multiple remote control equipment,” Das said. Priced at between Rs 120,000 to 240,000 , Das claimed it gives a better option over the recording facility that DTH boxes allow, at a lesser cost of conversion.

    During the spectacular presentation – with the new product rising from the background – Das said that the set automatically records any programme being watched – at one hour intervals when the TV set is on, but one can set it to a channel of choice, and programme the time and duration of recording using the remote control, and the machine will keep the recorded version ready for viewing when the user desires.

    “It will store 33 hours of normal video quality and 20 hours of very high video quality, and you can delete previous recordings and record whatever new programme you want.” The company, in fact, is working towards making the hard disk upgradable. “So you can watch cricket while your kids watch cartoons,” Das said.

    The gizmo uses “Clarofilter”, LGs advanced optical film filter which replaces the conventional glass filter in plasma TVs “to give brighter, sharper and anti-reflective images”, with 20 per cent improved contrast ratio and five per cent brightness improvement. The company claims that the TV offers the “world’s highest brightness” level at 600cd/m2. The other technical edges are the new XD Engine using advanced digital circuit, which ‘unites multiple processes at 3-dimensional levels to create crystal clear colour images’.

    The technology used also converts low resolution images into hi-res ones and adjusts dynamic ranges of each scene to accurately redefine the image. The ‘image noise’ will be reduced using Spatial Noise Filter using multiple data analysis systems The “Hue-Saturation Control” controls the images to give appropriate feel and the “Colour Temperature Control” activates the UV Plot to separate colour domain to give life-like images, a company dossier on the new system said.

    “Actually, the demand for LCDs are higher,” said Das. The company is confident of meeting the high target it has set because of a number of factors: consumer behaviour is supporting such target setting because the young consumers are spending substantially on luxury; secondly, the company is offering higher-purchase system, “which has done such a magical thing to the automobile market”; and finally the digital edge and the sizeable reduction in cumbersomeness of recording programmes at times when you aren’t there, or watching two programmes simultaneously are unique offers.

    Besides, the new set will be just eight to 10 per cent costlier than the genre so long present in the market, Das said. “We also do not have any competition in this product, because we are the only ones to offer it,” Das explained. He added that instead of cash incentives for buying the expensive sets, the company will give a DTH appliance free with each set so that viewing is of even higher quality.

    To meet the target of Rs 1.14 billion the company needs to sell 260,000 sets in the coming year. LGEIL has an expected target of Rs 90 billion turnover, improving vastly over its turnover last year at Rs 75 billion.Shin explained that company has detailed an elaborate marketing plan, and will unveil it in stages

  • Motorola shares innovations, vision for seamless mobility during ITU Telecom World 2006

    Motorola shares innovations, vision for seamless mobility during ITU Telecom World 2006

    MUMBAI: A few days back Motorola kicked off a week of activities that include live Mobile TV demonstrations and keynote speaking engagements by Motorola chairman and CEO Ed Zander and Motorola Asia-Pacific president Simon Leung at the ITU Telecom World 2006 and the 3G World Congress and Mobility Marketplace in Hong Kong.

    Zander says, “We are thrilled to showcase Motorola’s innovative products and technologies – including the new Motorokr E6 – that are changing the way consumers and businesses communicate with each other. This is an essential device for people who work hard and play hard – redefines users’ experiences with traditional music and PDA devices. Once again, Motorola is making seamless mobility a reality and our latest offerings deliver on the promise of a digital lifestyle that keeps people connected to data, information and entertainment whenever and wherever they want.”

    Motorola Ambassador Taiwanese pop-star Jay Chou helped launch the MOTOROKR E6. It is designed to create superior experiences around video, music, games and photos in a single device. A complete re-visioning of traditional music and PDA devices, Motorola says that the handset enhances user productivity with features, including dedicated music keys, expandable memory, movie viewing and movie making capabilities, plus all of the essential business tools. The MOTOROKR E6 comes with Motorola’s award-winning business-card reader software, taking the hassle out of staying in touch by conveniently creating and sharing contact information.

    Motorola is also showcasing its Connected Home Solutions. it is demonstrating the Ultra-Broadband technologies that offer cost-effective access to video and voice through IP, cable, or a hybrid for operators and customers.

    In the mobile TV arena Motorola is showcasing the latest DVB-H enabled handsets currently being used in its Mobile TV trial with PCCW in Hong Kong. Visitors to the Motorola booth will see the wide selection of channels, crystal clear audio and video coupled with a host of interactive services such as games and ring tones.

  • PVR to launch digital cinema in small towns, plans Rs 2 billion investment

    PVR to launch digital cinema in small towns, plans Rs 2 billion investment

    MUMBAI: PVR Cinemas, which runs a chain of multiplexes, is making a strategic foray into smaller towns through digital theatres under the “PVR Talkies” brand. The company plans to invest Rs 2 billion towards this.

    The first to come under this plan in the last week of September are theatres in Aurangabad and Latur which are digital ready. The computerised tickets will be priced in the range between Rs 40 and Rs 60.

    Aurangabad and Latur will have three screens each and a seating capacity of 1151 and 1148 respectively.

    The company plans to have 200 PVR Talkies across 13 states and over 70 cities in the first phase. Says PVR Cinemas chairman and managing director Ajay Bijli, “In 1997, we enhanced the way India went to the movies. Now, in the second stage of our mission, we are taking our enhancement to more and more places in the country. With PVR Talkies, the people’s cinema has arrived. It is my fervent hope that PVR Talkies will induce people to come back to the big screen and rediscover the true magic of the movies.”

    The digital theatres in the tier II and tier III cities will work on the principle of digitised content being distributed to theatres through satellite or fibre. They will be uploaded to a digital cinema server. Digital projectors will be used for screening, enabling the entire system to have wide releases of a movie across the country.

    “Pan-India openings will also guarantee larger release made available across different territories leading to nationwide screenings, which will in turn ensure better return on investments for producers, distributors among others. It would also be extremely helpful in curbing piracy,” the company said.

  • Whirlpool makes a big splash welcoming the festive season

    MUMBAI: In keeping with the festive spirit, Whirlpool Of India, a subsidiary of the Whirlpool Corporation, a global manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, has announced its plans for the festive season of 2006. The company unveiled four new product ranges as its special ‘Diwali’ promotion “Magic Ka Maskaa Lagaao” kicked off.
    The newly launched products will be supported by a multi-media campaign including above the line – advertising featuring brand ambassadors Ajay Devgan and Kajol and a host of below the line activities such as marketing tie-ups, in-shop display, promotions, direct marketing, product demonstrations and on ground events in seven states. The total advertising and marketing spend earmarked for the Diwali promotion this year is in the range of Rs. 600 million, informs an official release.

    Focusing on its growth plans, the company announced its new marketing initiatives. As part of the festival plans, the company has introduced new ranges of products, which include ‘Sensation Classic’ front load washing machine, Sparkle & Verve Semi Auto washing machine, Genius XL refrigerator. All the newly launched products come with unique innovative features intended to create magic in the life of a homemaker.

    Speaking on the occasion, Whirlpool of India managing director Arvind Uppal said, “We had a very good first half of year 2006 and with the festival promotion and new product launches, we are confident of reinforcing our market leadership. We would be looking at a growth of 40% over 2005 this festive season.”

    This ‘Diwali’ promotion is in line with the brand’s proposition to help homemaker create magic every time she brings a Whirlpool product home. Commencing on 15 September 2006, the company would offer an assured gift and a scratch card on purchase of any Whirlpool product. The assured gifts vary from Nirlep non-stick saucepan to winning an Intergold diamond pendant. Apart from winning a gift on every purchase, the consumer will also be entitled to a scratch card. Above all, company would also offer special prices to celebrate the spirit of Diwali with the customers, adds the release.

    Announcing the special ‘Diwali promotion’ and launching the new range of products, Whirlpool of India VP marketing Shantanu Das Gupta, “Our endeavour has always been to understand our consumer’s needs and coming up with innovative ways to cater to them. We are extremely excited to bring this unbeatable consumer offer for all our customers this year, during Diwali. It builds off the insight that all homemakers love to be pampered by their spouses.

    “Bringing home a Whirlpool appliance is the perfect way to apply the ” maska” this Diwali! Our four new ranges of products are specially designed keeping in mind the needs of a homemaker. With these initiatives, we intend to give our consumers the best in class products and offers that would bring magic to their homes this Diwali.”

  • LG outlines growth strategy in the US

    LG outlines growth strategy in the US

    MUMBAI: LG Electronics in the US has recently celebrated innovation, technology and design at an event at Madame Tussauds’ Wax Museum, where more than 200 of the world’s most famous personalities are celebrated and honoured.

    The company hosted its annual LG – Life’s Good summer line show at New York City where LG US CEO Michael Ahn updated guests on progress in the company’s key products categories – digital displays, digital media, home appliances and mobile phones.

    Ahn said, “LG continues to strengthen its premium brand image, and develop products and technologies that enrich peoples’ lives on a daily basis. Our ‘Life’s Good’ marketing theme embodies our commitment to creating leading-edge technologies and design that enhance the way we live, work and interact with each other.”

    Ahn highlighted progress in key areas, including brand, revenue and market leadership: He noted that since the official US brand launch in 2003, LG has increased its aided awareness from 33 per cent in 2004 to 65 per cent in 2005, demonstrating the company’s success of the “Life’s Good” campaign, as well as its premium brand positioning.

    This year, the company launched a new broadcast and print advertising campaign, highlighting its three product divisions, and announced the exclusive three-year title sponsorship of the LG Skins Game a golf event. Ahn noted that what helps to further enhance its brand in the US are premium products and technologies – such as its flat-panel HDTVs with integrated high-definition digital video recorders, the TV Refrigerator with WeatherPlus, the LG SteamWasher and the

    all-new ‘Chocolate’ mobile phone.
    Ahn explained that LG Electronics continues to see impressive growth across all divisions. For the first half of 2006, brand revenues grew by 11 per cent from the first half of last year. For the full-year 2005, LG revenues in the US, Canada and Mexico increased by more than 17 per cent, with sales totaling $9 billion.

    He said, “We are dedicated to bringing premium products to consumers, and continue to make great strides in establishing and maintaining our leadership position across all divisions” . For example, LG continues to be the fastest growing mobile phone brand in North America according to Strategy Analytics and is the largest provider of CDMA handsets worldwide. Supporting continued momentum for LG mobile phones are unique new mobile phone designs and features coming to the US later this year.

    As the world’s largest producer of flat-panel displays, LG says that it continues to capitalise on its technology leadership for the US market, Ahn said. He explains that the long-term winners will be those like LG Electronics that possess core technologies in-house. Combining style and functionality, LG claims to have the only LCD and plasma HDTVs with built-in high-definition digital video recorders.

    Further, LG says that it continues to maintain its number one position in the US digital storage market led by its Super Multi optical drives (including its new Blu-Ray drive), while continuing the growth of its LCD computer monitor business.

  • Phillips India launches on the go MP3 players

    Phillips India launches on the go MP3 players

    MUMBAI: Phillips Electronics India has launched the GoGear Portable Digital Audio MP3 Players range.

    Phillips says that its GoGear jukeboxes provide the easiest way to access and enjoy infotainment by giving the user ‘ultimate control’ over playback and browsing.
    Your Music, Your Data on the go – everyday

    Philips has launched the GoGear Portable Audio MP3 Players range in an effort to deliver on its recently launched Brand Promise of “Sense and Simplicity”. The Philips GoGear MP3 Players range offers great benefits such as providing convenient wire-free USB transfer, adequate memory storage in the range of 512 Mega Byte -1Giga Byte, voice recording facility, a battery life of 8 hrs, audio playability of MP3, WMA and WAV.

    Phillips India dierctor entertainment solutions Gunjan Srivastava said, “Through the launch of the Phillips Go Gear Portable Digital Audio MP3 Players, Phillips aims to make this segment affordable to a broader base of Indian consumers, who are young at heart and enjoy the music experience. Phillips has always worked towards bringing cutting edge technologies and providing ‘value for money’ to the consumers.

    “Phillips GoGear jukeboxes provide the easiest way to access and enjoy infotainment by giving you “ultimate control” over playback and browsing.”

    The Phillips GoGear Portable Digital Audio MP3 Players range is available at select multi-brand Consumer Electronics outlets and Mobile phones counters in addition to the Arenas- network of exclusive Phillips Brand shops, in key cities, spread across the country.

    In conjunction with the Go Gear MP3 Players launch, Phillips in partnership with Radio City has sannounced a contest for Bangalore consumers called The Phillips GoGear Contest, that allowed music enthusiasts to create a play list of their favourite songs and send it to Radio City. The contest attracted a large number of participants and many of them got a chance to win Philips GoGears, invites to the special launch party and one mega prize of being a ‘DJ for a night’.

    At a press conference, Neema Shariff, the participant with the best play list, was declared as the winner of the contest. Followed by the Press Conference, the winner got a chance to be the DJ for a Night and play her song list along with the famous DJ Chico at a party specially organised by Philips to celebrate the launch at Club Noir, Le Meridien – one of the most happening pubs of Bangalore.

  • Samsung launches Slim QWerty Smartphone

    Samsung launches Slim QWerty Smartphone

    MUMBAI: TSamsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a leading provider and innovator of mobile phones, announced its launch of the SGH-i320, new Slim QWerty Smartphone, signaling the company’s drive to the smartphone market.

    The Samsung i320 is a super-slim bar type handset, measuring just 11.5mm in depth and 95g in weight with an easy-to-use Qwerty keyboard. The keyboard has the same keyboard layout used in personal computers, enabling users to send emails and text messages far more conveniently; such a fun and simple methodology proved to be a huge success amongst consumers in the US and Europe.

    The i320 operates with ‘Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone Operating System’ to provide users with a familiar interface that is easy to navigate and use. It allows users to write and store texts, exchange emails in real-time, type memos and more.

    Functions supported by this ultra-thin mobile are especially useful for users who want to chat, read, and send emails from their mobiles. The i320 features an imbedded instant messaging program and ‘mobile mail’ functions to enable users to send and receive photos, music and a variety of multi-media messages.

    The phone has a 2.2 inches LCD screen with 1.3 mega-pixel resolution camera, along with multi-media entertainment functions such as Bluetooth and high-quality dual speakers.

    Samsung says that the product is perfect for users who want to have all of the advanced features of a smartphone in a light and slim package for convenience and style.

    Samsung’s Telecommunications Network Business president Kitae Lee said, “The trend and popularity of slim phones will be carried over to the smartphone market. Samsung will lead the trend of smartphones by combining its cutting-edge technology and sleek ultra-slim designs.”

    The SGH-i320 will be launched in Europe this month. The following launches will take place throughout the rest of Europe and South East Asia shortly.