Tech News

Google Replaces Microsoft as No 1


Google has succeeded in toppling Microsoft from its high horse as the world's top-ranked brand, shows a study by market research firm, Millward Brown, published in the Financial Times, Reuters reports.

As the 'new numero uno,' Google has not only knocked the socks off Microsoft (number 3), but managed to race past well established brands, including General Electric (number 2), Coca Cola Company (number 4), Wal-Mart Stores (number 7), and IBM (number 9).

The rankings are based on publicly available financial data, along with primary research that includes interviews of around a million consumers worldwide, Millward Brown said.

The research firm said some of the key factors in building brand recognition this year ranged from corporate responsibility to serving customers in emerging markets like India and Brazil.

That Google had come in at number 7 just a year ago, speaks volumes for how quickly the Web search leader has come into its own. While the company uses relatively less advertising, it depends more on word-of-mouth endorsements.

Meanwhile, Microsoft's tumbling status from number 1 to number 3 comes even as the company steps up efforts to accelerate adoption of its Gen-Next operating system, Windows Vista.

Commenting on the findings, particularly with respect to the Google vs Microsoft scenario, Eileen Campbell, Global Chief Executive of Millward Brown, said the rankings show a blend of good business leadership, responsible financial management, and powerful marketing, which can be leveraged to create and grow corporate wealth.

The study found other movers and shakers as: a non US-based company, China Mobile at number 5; Apple Computer, which rose 13 spots to grab number 16; and Starbucks Corporation, which also rose 13 spots to reach number 35.

The not so lucky ones, whose rankings dipped remain: Intel Corporation, Home Depot, and Dell Incorporated.



Edited by albusdumbledore - 03 May 2007 at 9:40am

7 New Nokia Phones after June

Nokia today announced 7 new entry-level phones for the Indian market.

The new phones include: the Nokia 1200 and 1208, the Nokia 1650 and 2660, the Nokia 2505, and the Nokia 2630 and 2760.

Speaking at the launch, Soren Petersen, Senior Vice President for Mobile Phones, Nokia, said, India is very important to Nokia, and to the global mobile communications industry as a whole.

Petersen said, one of the fastest growing markets in the world, India is also home to several Nokia facilities, including R&D and manufacturing.

The Nokia 1200 and 1208 sport new phone-sharing and call-tracking technology, and are aimed at first-time mobile phone users.

Both comtemporary phones, the Nokia 1650 and 2660 are an attempt at marrying functionality and attractive design.

The Nokia 2505 is one of Nokia's sleekest looking fold-style phones for the CDMA market. A unique smooth-back design makes the phone ergonomic enough to both hold and ferry around in a purse or pocket.

At a mere 9.9mm, the Nokia 2630 could qualify as the thinnest handset in Nokia's armory. Both the 2630 and the 2760 are designed for the fashion-conscious, while retaining Nokia's easy-to-use feature set.

All 7 phones will be available in the second half of this year, most likely after June. They will be priced between EUR 35 and EUR 90, which translates anywhere between Rs 1,925 and Rs 4,950.

Reliance Unveils Cheap Handsets


In an unprecedented move, Reliance Communications has announced a new range of handsets at incredibly affordable prices.

The 'Classic' Range, as it is called by the company, comprises the Classic 202, the Classic 204, and the Classic 203 handsets.

The handsets belong to either the Color-FM series, or the Color Display, or Black and White display series, and are supported by a nationwide after-sales service network.

All 'Classic' handsets are SIM-enabled to allow customers easily change from one model to the other, while retaining the Reliance SIM card.

Speaking at the launch, S P Shukla, President of Personal Business, Reliance Communications, said, "Through our new 'Classic' range of feature-rich handsets, we are confident of extending the benefits of mobility to an entirely new segment of population in metros, small cities, as well as the rural hinterland of India."

The Classic 202 is priced at Rs 777, while the Classic 204 and the Classic 203 are available for Rs 844 and Rs 888 respectively.

However, these introductory prices are valid for a limited period till stocks last, according to Reliance sources.


Edited by albusdumbledore - 03 May 2007 at 9:53am