iPad 2 Coming to 12 More Countries This Week

Apple’s iPad 2 arrived in Japan Thursday, and the company has announced that the tablet will be in 11 more countries by Friday.

iPad 2 will be available at Apple retail stores and select Apple authorized resellers at 9 a.m. local time, as well as the Apple online store starting at 1 a.m. Apple’s suggested price for the Wi-Fi only iPad 2 is $499 for the 16 GB model, $599 for the 32 GB model and $699 for the 64 GB model. The recommended price for the 3G plus Wi-Fi version is $629 for the 16 GB model, $729 for the 32 GB model and $829 for the 64 GB model.

The countries receiving the device on Friday are: Hong Kong, India, Israel, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey and the U.A.E.

Furthermore, the iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available in China starting Friday, May 6, and Apple will announce further international availability at a later date. Two weeks after the March 11 U.S. release of the iPad 2, Apple released the device in 25 additional countries.

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Samsung launches Nexus S and first CDMA Android phone in India

Samsung has launched its much awaited Nexus S smartphone in the Indian market. The phone has been developed in partnership with the Google.

Nexus S is powered by Gingerbread, the Android 2.3 version. It is the first handset from Samsung Mobile with a 4 inch super clear curved LCD screen and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.

Samsung also has five new Galaxy Smart phones based on the Android 2.2 platform in its kitty (Galaxy Pro, Ace, Fit, Pop, and Galaxy Pop CDMA), making it the largest range of Android powered smartphones in the country from one company.

Ranjit Yadav, country head, Samsung Mobile and IT, said, "The slew of launches on the Android platform represents our commitment to deliver a smarter, simpler and more intuitive smartphone experience to our consumers. Our entire smartphone strategy hinges on providing consumers with a seamlessly connected experience while at work, home or on the go."

He added, "We are looking at notching up a 40 per cent market share in the fast growing smartphone market in India this year."

Nexus S comes preinstalled with whole host of Google apps such as the Google Search, Google Maps with Navigation, YouTube, Google Earth, Gmail, Mobile Instant and more. Nexus S also features Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which allows users to read information from nearby tags that are embedded with NFC chips.

The smartphone also includes popular Android features such as portable WiFi hotspot, true multitasking and access to over 150,000 apps and widgets on Android Market.

Powered with a 1 Ghz mega processor, the Nexus S provides powerful multimedia and gaming experience with brilliant 3D graphics.

With Android 2.3, users can enjoy hi-speed application downloads and watch HD video content with instant access. The handset also provides high speed connectivity options, internet calling (VoIP/SIP) support.

The OS provides one touch word selection and improved copy-paste function for all your documents and a dedicated camera/video switch that helps you capture pictures and videos with ease.

The Nexus S is equipped with a 5 megapixel rear facing camera and camcorder with flash, as well as a VGA front facing camera. In addition, Nexus S features a gyroscope sensor to provide smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user is tilting the device up or down or panning the phone to the left or right.

The phone comes with 16GB internal memory and a 1500mAH battery which provides a talk time up to 6.7 hours on 3G (14 hours on 2G) and a standby time up to 17.8 days on 3G (29.7 days on 2G). The Nexus S is priced at Rs 29,590.

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