BlackBerry delayslaunch of BBMapps for iOS,Android

BlackBerry
on Saturday hit pause on the
rollout of iPhone and Android
apps for its popular BlackBerry
Messenger mobile social
messaging service after an
unreleased version of the
Android app was posted online.
That version saw 1.1 million
active users in the first 8 hours,
the company said, but the
unofficial version "caused
issues," which the company
continued to address
throughout the day.
The company did not specify
what the issues were.
MORE: BlackBerry to slash
4,500 jobs
Customers who have already
downloaded BBM for iPhone
will be able to continue to use
it.
"As soon as we are able, we will
begin a staggered country roll-
out of BBM for Android and
continue the roll-out of BBM
for iPhone," the company said
in a release.
The unreleased version of the
Android app will be disabled,
the company said. Those
interested in the official
Android app can visit the
BBM.com site to register for
updates on availability or follow
@BBM on Twitter.
SHINAL: BlackBerry's downfall
came down to availability of
wide range apps
The issues have not impacted
BBM service for BlackBerry, the
company said.
In May, the struggling firm
announced that it would be
rolling out BBM, perhaps the
company's most popular
service, to other mobile
platforms. It had been
exclusive to BlackBerry
smartphones. The service
features BBM Chat for instant
messaging with other users.
Additionally, each user has a
unique PIN, so you don't have
to give out your phone number
to use the service - a privacy
feature.
On Friday, BlackBerry said it
would slash 4,500 jobs in a
last-ditch move to recharge the
troubled company. BlackBerry
has failed to invigorate its
business despite unveiling a
new smartphone line and
software in January.

Panasonic India launches P11, T11 and T21 dual-SIM Android smartphones

Panasonic has launched three new mid-range dual-SIM smartphones for the Indian market, the Panasonic P11, T11 and T21, all three of which are based on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Recently, the Panasonic P11 and Panasonic T11 were available through an online retailer. However, the Panasonic T21 is a new addition to the list. The company notes that all three smartphones will hit the stores from third week of September. The Panasonic P11 comes at a price point of Rs. 16,490, while the Panasonic T11 is priced at Rs. 9,790, and the Panasonic T21 at Rs. 13,990.
The Panasonic P11comes with a 5-inch HD IPS display with a resolution of 720x1280 pixels. Other specifications include a 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8.0-megapixel auto-focus rear camera and 2-megapixel front-facing camera. It comes with 4GB of inbuilt storage which can be further expanded up to 32GB with the help of a microSD card. The Panasonic P11 supports dual-SIM functionality (GSM+GSM) and includes a 2,000mAh battery. The device also sports changeable back covers.
The Panasonic T11on the other hand features a 4-inch WVGA (480x800) IPS display, powered by a 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM. Other features include 4GB inbuilt storage (expandable up to 32GB via microSD card), 5-megapixel rear camera and 0.3-megapixel front-facing camera. Connectivity options on the Panasonic T11 include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS/ AGPS, GPRS, EDGE and Micro-USB. The device also supports 3G networks and is backed by a 1,500mAh battery.
The last of the three smartphones, the Panasonic T21is backed by a dual-core 1.2GHz Broadcom 28145 processor. There is 4GB of inbuilt storage, which is expandable up to 32GB via microSD card. It features a 4.5-inch HD (720x1280 pixel) IPS display and boasts a pixel density of 326ppi. Connectivity options on the device include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, EDGE, GPRS and 3G. The device sports an 8-megapixel rear camera on board, along with a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. The Panasonic T21 is powered by a 1700mAh battery.
Commenting on the launch, Manish Sharma, Managing Director, Panasonic India said, "Panasonic's new offerings will deliver a remarkable mobile experience to our consumers and set a new standard in premium smartphones."
Mobiles launched in September 2013
Panasonic P11 key specifications
5-inch HD (720x1280 pixel) IPS display
1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 quad-core processor
1GB of RAM
4GB of inbuilt storage expandable up to 32GB via microSD card
8-megapixel rear camera with auto-focus and LED flash
2-megapixel front facing camera
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
2,000 mAh battery
Dual-SIM (GSM+GSM)
Panasonic T11 key specifications
4-inch WVGA (480x800) IPS display
1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 quad-core processor
1GB RAM
4GB inbuilt storage expandable up to 32GB via microSD card
5-megapixel rear camera with auto-focus and LED flash
0.3-megapixel front facing camera
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
1,500 mAh battery
Dual-SIM (GSM+GSM)

SmartNaMo Saffron One and Saffron Two smartphones up for pre-order in India

The SmartNaMo Saffron One smartphone and SmartNamo Saffron Two phablet is now available for pre-order through Snapdeal, for a booking amount of Rs. 999. The remaining payment is due after the devices are released. The ecommerce site also notes that the two devices will be released in the second week of October.
The SmartNamo Saffron One comes in two storage variants - 16GB and 32GB. The 16GB inbuilt storage variant of SmartNamo comes at a MRP priceof Rs. 18,000 while the 32GB is priced atRs. 23,000 as listed on the online retailer's listing. The SmartNamo Saffron Two is priced atRs. 24,000.
The SmartNamo Saffron One features 5-inch full-HD (1080x1920) display with Corning Glass II. It is powered by 1.5GHz quad-core Cortex A7 Mediatek MTK6589 Turbo processor. The 16GB storage variant comes with 1GB of RAM while the 32GB features 2GB of RAM. The smartphone supports expandable storage up to 64GB via microSD card. It sports a 13-megapixel rear camera and 5-megapixel front-facing camera. It is a dual-SIM smartphone with support for GSM+GSM. The SmartNamo Saffron One runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and is backed by a 3150mAh battery.
The SmartNamo Saffron Two on the other hand is a phablet and comes with 6.5-inch full-HD (1080x1920) display. Much like the Saffron One, it is also powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core MTK6589T processor alongside 2GB of RAM. It comes with 32GB inbuilt storage, with no word on expandable capabilities. Other specifications of the SmartNamo Saffron Two phablet remain similar to the SmartNamo Saffron One smartphone. Interestingly, the online retailer listing reveals that with every SmartNamo Saffron Two order, consumers will get a dual-SIM feature phone

SmartNamo Saffron One key specifications
5-inch full-HD (1080x1920) display with Corning Glass II
1.5GHz quad-core Cortex A7 Mediatek MTK6589 Turbo processor
16GB and 32GB inbuilt storage variant
1GB RAM (16GB) and 2GB RAM (32GB)
13-megapixel rear camera
5-megapixel front-facing camera
Dual-SIM (GSM+GSM)
Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
SmartNamo Saffron Two key specifications
6.5-inch full-HD (1080x1920) display
1.5GHz quad-core MTK6589T processor
32GB inbuilt storage
2GB RAM
13-megapixel rear camera
5-megapixel front-facing camera
Dual-SIM (GSM+GSM)
Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)