The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is not a mini version of the Samsung Galaxy S4

Samsung announced the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini today.. but is this really a mini version of the full-sized S4 after the disappointment of the S III Mini?

The answer is simply.. no. The S4 Mini is not a mini version of the S4, it's a completely different and much less powerful handset. Although the specifications of the "Mini" are not bad, they are in no way close to the fully-blown S4. Yes, its about 25% lighter and has a 20% smaller footprint, so it's definitely not as massive as the S4, but that really is about all it has going for it.

A quick look at the comparison table below shows just how far off the Mini is:

	Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini	Samsung Galaxy S4
Screen size	4.3"	5.0"
Screen resolution	540 x 960	1080 x 1920
CPU	1.7GHz dual-core	1.9GHz quad-core
RAM	1.5GB	2GB
Internal storage	8GB	16GB / 32GB / 64GB
Primary camera	8 megapixels	13 megapixels
Secondary camera	1.9 megapixels	2 megapixels
NFC	Yes	Yes
LTE	Yes	Yes
OS	Android 4.2.2	Android 4.2.2

It looks like a pretty cynical marketing exercise by Samsung to try to pass off this inferior handset as anything like the Galaxy S4. Unfortunately, Samsung will probably convince many media outlets and customers that it is such a thing..

Editorial: Has BlackBerry just shot itself in the foot?

This week BlackBerry announced that they were porting their popular BBM messaging application to Android and iOS, and it also gave a preview of the upcoming BlackBerry Q5 device that should be cheaper than the existing Q10.

We don't know much about the Q5, for some reason BlackBerry aren't very forthcoming about the specifications, but a cheaper handset is definitely needed to replace the popular but obsolete BlackBerry Curve range. Although the Curve is widely used by businesses trying to stretch their budget, it is the handset of choice for most BBM users who tend to be a youthful lot.

So.. on one hand, BlackBerry is saying to BBM users "here's a nice new phone for you".. but then they're saying "but you don't need it". It certainly looks like BlackBerry have severely dented the market for the Q5 before it even gets to the shops.

Obviously, porting BBM to Apple and Androids is a good move for the BBM platform, but BlackBerry are going to give it away for free and it's hard to see how they will generate any revenue from it, and certainly not enough to make up for the lost handset sales.

Of course, locking BBM users into BlackBerry handsets would probably eventually kill the platform off anyway, and it's been clear for a while that BlackBerry needs to do something to reverse its previous dead-end strategy. But the danger is that BlackBerry have just accelerated the decline in hardware sales.

Despite the modest success of the rather good Z10 and Q10 handsets, BlackBerry are still in a desperately poor strategic situation. The BlackBerry 10 OS was two years late to market, and had they launched BB10 smartphones instead of the disastrous PlayBook (which BlackBerry can't even seem to give away) then it might have made a difference. In our view, BlackBerry passed to point of no return some time ago, and the long-term future seems to be pretty bleak.

Yes, there are still a lot of BlackBerry fans about, but it seems to be a steeply declining user base. We suspect that the company will continue to slowly bleed to death during 2013 and will then have to throw in the towel at some point next year, with the remaining parts sold off to interested parties. We hope that we are wrong though..

Press Release: BBM for iOS and Android to Launch This Summer

Waterloo, ON – BlackBerry® (NASDAQ: BBRY; TSX: BB) today announced plans to make  its ground-breaking mobile social network, BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM™), available to iOS® and Android™ users this summer, with support planned for iOS6, and Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or higher, all subject to approval by the Apple App Store and Google Play. BBM sets the standard for mobile instant messaging with a fast, reliable, engaging experience that includes delivered and read statuses, and personalized profiles and avatars. Upon release, BBM customers would be able to broaden their connections to include friends, family and colleagues on other mobile platforms.
In the planned initial release, iOS and Android users would be able to experience the immediacy of BBM chats, including multi-person chats, as well as the ability to share photos and voice notes, and engage in BBM Groups, which allows BBM customers to create groups of up to 30 people.
“For BlackBerry, messaging and collaboration are inseparable from the mobile experience, and the time is definitely right for BBM to become a multi-platform mobile service. BBM has always been one of the most engaging services for BlackBerry customers, enabling them to easily connect while maintaining a valued level of personal privacy. We’re excited to offer iOS and Android users the possibility to join the BBM community,” said Andrew Bocking, Executive Vice President, Software Product Management and Ecosystem, at BlackBerry.
BBM is loved by customers for its “D” and “R” statuses, which show up in chats to let people know with certainty that their message has been delivered and read. It provides customers with a high level of control and privacy over who they add to their contact list and how they engage with them, as invites are two-way opt-in. iOS and Android users would be able to add their contacts through PIN, email, SMS or QR code scan, regardless of platform. Android users would also be able to connect using a compatible NFC-capable device.
BBM has more than 60 million monthly active customers, with more than 51 million people using BBM an average of 90 minutes per day. BBM customers collectively send and receive more than 10 billion messages each day, nearly twice as many messages per user per day as compared to other mobile messaging apps. Almost half of BBM messages are read within 20 seconds of being received; indicating how truly engaged BBM customers are.
Today, BlackBerry also announced BBM Channels, a new social engagement platform within BBM that will allow customers to connect with the businesses, brands, celebrities and groups they are passionate about. BlackBerry plans to add support for BBM Channels as well as voice and video chatting for iOS and Android later this year, subject to approval by the Apple App Store and Google Play.
If approved by Apple and Google, the BBM app will be available as a free download in the Apple® App Store^SM and Google Play store. Additional details about system requirements and availability will be announced closer to the launch.

Press Release: BlackBerry Introduces a Youthful and Fun BlackBerry 10 QWERTY smartphone, the BlackBerry Q5, for Selected Markets

BlackBerry Introduces a Youthful and Fun BlackBerry 10 QWERTY smartphone, the BlackBerry Q5, for Selected Markets

Waterloo, ON – BlackBerry® (NASDAQ: BBRY; TSX: BB) today introduced the BlackBerry® Q5, a new youthful and fun BlackBerry® 10 smartphone for selected markets. The BlackBerry Q5 smartphone features a QWERTY keyboard with discrete keys in a stunning youthful design that is confident, fun, and bold. Every feature, every part of the BlackBerry Q5 has been built to provide a fast, effortless experience that flows and moves with you to help you explore, create, and share while on the go.
“BlackBerry is excited to bring a new BlackBerry QWERTY smartphone, the BlackBerry Q5, to our customers in selected markets around world,” said Thorsten Heins, President and CEO of BlackBerry. “The BlackBerry Q5 gives you the best of everything with its cutting-edge BlackBerry 10 functionality and a physical QWERTY keyboard. It is for youthful fans that are passionate, confident and bold, and it makes it easy for them to have fun, create, share and stay connected.”
As part of the BlackBerry 10 experience, the BlackBerry Q5 smartphone offers a powerful and unique mobile computing experience that continuously adapts to your needs. Features and apps work seamlessly together, allowing your every move to flow into the next. Highlights of the BlackBerry Q5 smartphone include:
The evolution of the classic BlackBerry Keyboard
The BlackBerry Q5 features a classic BlackBerry Keyboard with discrete keys that has been re-engineered and elegantly designed to help you type fast, accurately and with the least amount of effort. Plus with Instant Action shortcuts you can type to perform tasks faster. The BlackBerry Q5 smartphone gives you the best of both worlds – a classic QWERTY keyboard for optimized communications and a 3.1” touchscreen for all the rest.
Create the perfect shot with BlackBerry Time Shift mode and Story Maker
Create the picture perfect shot with BlackBerry® Time Shift mode, then create and share your story, weaving together your photos, videos and music into a movie with BlackBerry® Story Maker.
Share and be seen with BBM Video with Screen Share
Instantly switch your BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger) chat to a BBM Video conversation and catch up face-to-face. You can even share your screen, whether it’s a photo, a page in the browser, an idea, or a view from your camera.*
Stay close to what’s important to you with BlackBerry Hub
With BlackBerry® Hub, all of your messages and social conversations are only one swipe away. There’s no need to stop what you’re doing. Simply peek into the BlackBerry Hub from anywhere with a swipe to effortlessly flow in and out of your messages and conversations.    
BlackBerry World delivers a rich, thriving app and content ecosystem
Discovering and sharing great apps and content is easier than ever with recommendations based on similar purchases, and access to more than 100,000 apps on the BlackBerry® World™ storefront.
Pricing and Availability
The new BlackBerry Q5 smartphone will be available in selected markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa,  Asia (including the Asia Pacific region), and Latin America, with expected availability beginning in July.
For more information BlackBerry 10, please visit www.blackberry.com/blackberry10
*Compatible BlackBerry 10 smartphones, Wi-Fi, 4G or HSPA+ connection required. Additional restrictions apply visit blackberry.com for details.
About BlackBerry
A global leader in wireless innovation, BlackBerry® revolutionized the mobile industry when it was introduced in 1999. Today, BlackBerry aims to inspire the success of our millions of customers around the world by continuously pushing the boundaries of mobile experiences. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, BlackBerry operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. BlackBerry is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ: BBRY) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BB). For more information, visit www.blackberry.com.

Press Release: Nokia introduces Nokia Lumia 925

Nokia introduces Nokia Lumia 925

New interpretation of world's most innovative smartphone captures the best low light images

London, UK - Nokia today introduced the Nokia Lumia 925, a new interpretation of its award-winning flagship, the Nokia Lumia 920. The Nokia Lumia 925 introduces a metal design and showcases the latest PureView camera innovation, new features and third party applications coming to the Nokia Lumia range.

The Nokia Lumia 925 includes the most advanced lens technology and next
generation imaging software to capture clearer, sharper pictures and video, including the best low light images. The Nokia Lumia 925 also introduces the new Nokia Smart Camera mode, coming as an update to all Lumia Windows Phone 8 smartphones. Nokia Smart Camera offers an easy way to capture ten images at once and edit the pictures with options like Best Shot, Action Shot, and Motion Focus for creating the perfect high quality image.

Nokia also announced Hipstamatic's new app, Oggl, will arrive on Nokia Lumia smartphones, allowing people to take and share high quality pictures with like-minded creatives and photography enthusiasts from around the world. In addition to sharing photos on Oggl, users can simultaneously share photos on social networks including Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Tumblr, Flickr and Instagram.

"We keep innovating," said Jo Harlow, executive vice president of Nokia Smart Devices. "We're advancing experiences on the Nokia Lumia portfolio whether that means great new benefits for an existing Lumia owner, or bringing new showcase devices like the Nokia Lumia 925."

The Nokia Lumia 925 introduces metal for the first time to the Nokia Lumia range, bringing appeal and unique benefits like increased robustness. The polycarbonate back comes in white, grey or black. A wireless charging cover can be clipped onto the back of the phone to take advantage of Nokia's extensive wireless charging accessories and ecosystem. Covers, sold separately, come in white, black, yellow, and red.

Leading Nokia services, such as the HERE suite of integrated location and navigation services and Nokia Music for unlimited streaming of free music playlists, add to the great proposition offered by Nokia's latest smartphone.

The Nokia Lumia 925 is being introduced into Europe with Vodafone, along with other operator and retail partners. Patrick Chomet, group director of Terminals at Vodafone said: "The new Nokia Lumia 925 is a sleek and sophisticated smartphone delivering great performance and outstanding imaging. We look forward to offering the Nokia Lumia 925 across our markets on Vodafone Red, as well as other tariffs, enabling customers to make the most of their new smartphone on Vodafone's fast and reliable network. Vodafone customers will also have exclusive access to a 32GB version of the Nokia Lumia 925, giving them even more capacity to store all their content for personal and business use."

Terry Myerson, corporate vice president, Microsoft Windows Phone Division, added: "Together with Nokia, we continue to change the way people think about smartphone cameras. The work Nokia has done with the Lumia 925 further enhances the imaging capabilities of the Lumia smartphones."

In addition to Europe, the Nokia Lumia 925 will be introduced into the US by T-Mobile and into China by China Mobile and China Unicom. Sales are expected to start in the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and China in June, followed by the US and a number of other markets. The Nokia Lumia 925 will be priced around 469 EUR before taxes and subsidies. Country-specific pricing and availability will be announced locally.

Nokia Lumia 925
Operating system	Windows Phone 8
HERE location and mapping services	Free global HERE Maps and HERE Drive+;Free HERE Transit available in the Store
Display	4.5" AMOLED WXGA (1280x768), 2.25 D sculpted Gorilla 2 Glass, ClearBlack, High Brightness Mode, Sunlight Readability, Super Sensitive Touch for glove and nail usage
Battery	2000 mAh battery, Wireless Charging supported via an accessory cover
Processor	1.5 GHz dual-core Snapdragon
Main camera	PureView 8.7 MP with Optical Image Stabilization, Autofocus, short pulse high power dual LED flash, most advanced lens technology, 1080p HD video at 30fps with Optical Image Stabilization. Includes Nokia Smart Camera mode.
Front facing camera	1.2 MP wide angle
Memory	1GB RAM, 16 GB internal memory; 7 GB free SkyDrive cloud storage

Read more about the Nokia Lumia 925 on Nokia Conversations.

About Nokia
Nokia is a global leader in mobile communications whose products have become an integral part of the lives of people around the world. Every day, more than 1.3 billion people use their Nokia to capture and share experiences, access information, find their way or simply to speak to one another. Nokia's technological and design innovations have made its brand one of the most recognized in the world. For more information, visit http://www.nokia.com/about-nokia

Press Release: Introducing the Nokia Lumia 928 - a new expression of the world's most innovative smartphone

Introducing the Nokia Lumia 928 - a new expression of the world's most innovative smartphone

Exclusive to Verizon Wireless, newest Nokia Lumia flagship smartphone delivers amazing imaging, video and audio performance to capture and share moments like never before

Sunnyvale, Calif., USA - Nokia today announced the Nokia Lumia 928 smartphone, the latest installment in Nokia's Windows Phone 8 lineup, exclusive to Verizon Wireless. 

With Nokia's award-winning PureView imaging innovation, including optical image stabilization, the Nokia Lumia 928 enables people to capture bright, blur-free photos and videos, even in low light conditions such as indoors or at night. Great looking images come easily when snapping them with the smartphone's 8.7MP camera featuring a high-quality, wide angle Carl Zeiss lens. The Nokia Lumia 928 also comes with powerful Xenon flash to freeze the moment.

In addition to amazing imaging and video capabilities, the Nokia Lumia 928 offers rich distortion-free audio capture, even in noisy conditions. Built with three high-audio-amplitude-capture (HAAC) microphones and one of the most advanced loudspeakers available for smartphones, people can record and play back the sound just like they first heard it, all the way up to 140db - the sound equivalent of an airplane taking off.  These features shine when using Vyclone, a new app for Windows Phone that lets people co-create, sync and edit multiple views of a shared moment.

"Whether you're attending a party, a concert or a sporting event with friends, the Nokia Lumia 928 excels at capturing high-quality video, audio and blur-free photos of life's most share-worthy moments," said Matt Rothschild, vice president, Nokia North America. "Verizon Wireless customers, we heard you and the wait is over - we're excited to offer a Nokia flagship smartphone, specially designed and optimized for the nation's largest 4G LTE network."

At first touch, the Lumia 928 feels sleek, solid and fits perfectly in the hand. The stunning new smartphone introduces a 4.5" OLED display delivering crystal clear, bright content with great outdoor visibility and a fast, responsive touch-screen even when your fingertips are covered up. The glass extends to the very edge of the phone for a high-end feel.

The Nokia Lumia 928 includes access to signature Lumia apps including the complete set of the feature-rich, intuitive and customizable HERE experiences. HERE Maps, HERE Drive+, HERE Transit** and HERE City Lens help people navigate their life every day. Using Nokia Music with Mix Radio, people can enjoy unlimited streaming of free music playlists with the option to create personal playlists and download for listening offline. Digital camera lenses and apps, including Smart Shoot, Cinemagraph, Panorama, and Photobeamer**, enable people to unleash their creativity.

The Nokia Lumia 928 also comes with built-in wireless charging; just lay it down to power-up, it's that easy.

Powered by Windows Phone 8Windows Phone 8 offers a truly personal smartphone experience, with an iconic Start screen that can be easily arranged to reflect individual priorities and animated Live Tiles for real-time updates on the people and things that matter most. With the same modern look and feel, Windows Phone 8 is built to work seamlessly with Windows PCs and tablets, Microsoft Surface devices and the Xbox 360 console so that files, music, pictures and videos can be accessed in whichever way is most convenient. The Windows Phone Store features more than 145,000 apps for customers to choose from, with hundreds added every day. Getting things done while on-the-go is easy with Internet Explorer 10 for faster, safer browsing and Microsoft Office Mobile integration.

Availability
The Nokia Lumia 928 is available for purchase in white or black at Verizon Wireless stores and online beginning Thursday, May 16 for USD99 after a USD50 mail-in rebate, with a new two-year customer agreement.  For a limited time, get a USD25 credit for Windows Phone apps and games with the purchase of a Nokia Lumia 928.*

Also available through Verizon Wireless is a range of Nokia wireless charging accessories to keep you conveniently charged at home, at work or in the destinations in between.  The accessories include: the JBL PowerUp Wireless Charging Speaker for Nokia, Nokia Wireless Charging Plate DT-900 and the Nokia Wireless Charging Pillow by Fatboy DT-901.

Nokia Lumia 928 product specifications:

• Display: 4.5 inch WXGA HD OLED; Resolution 1280 x 768, Aspect Ratio 15:9, Pixel Density 334 ppi; ClearBlack display, Sunlight Readability Enhancement (SRE), High Brightness Mode (HBM); Luminance 300 nits (nominal max), 500 nits (High Brightness Mode); Color depth 24 bit, 16M colors, refresh rate 60Hz; Super-sensitive capacitive touch enables interacting with the display with gloves and long fingernails; Display active area: 58.37 mm x 97.28 mm; 2.5D Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2
• Battery: Integrated 2000mAh battery, Li-po, BV 4-NW
• Processor:1.5GHz dual core, Qualcomm MSM8960+WTR
• Main Camera: PureView 8.7MP Auto Focus with Carl Zeiss Tessar f/2.0, 26mm True 16:9 optics, 1.4 sensor; Optical Image stabilization; Xenon Flash for Still Images, 1.4 sensor; Optical Image stabilization; Xenon Flash for Still Images; LED for Video; HD 1080p Video Capture @ 30 fps
• Front facing camera: 720p HD video and 1.2MP still images
• Memory: 1 GB RAM; 32GB internal memory (formatted capacity is less); 7GB free in SkyDrive with additional storage via subscription

Press Release: Nokia introduces the Nokia Asha 501

Nokia introduces the Nokia Asha 501

Nokia Asha 501 and Asha platform reinvent the affordable smartphone category

New Delhi, India and Espoo, Finland - Nokia today unveiled the first of a new family of Asha smartphones with the introduction of the Nokia Asha 501. The handset pushes the boundaries of affordable smartphone design with bold color, a high-quality build and an innovative user interface. The Nokia Asha 501 is the first device to run on the new Asha platform, which is designed to make the experience faster and more responsive. The Asha platform also helps developers to create, publish and make more money from apps made specifically for the new generation of Asha devices.

Standout design, innovative user interface

The Nokia Asha 501 makes high-end design and quality accessible to more people. The device is available in a choice of six striking colours that complement the elegant design. It comes in just two parts: a durable, removable casing and the scratch-resistant glass display, which features a three-inch, capacitive touchscreen and a single 'back' button. The compact new Asha weighs only 98 grams, for the ultimate portability. 

The Nokia Asha 501 is built to make it easier for people to access everything they love, with a simple swipe and a choice of two main screens: Home and Fastlane. Home is a traditional, icon-based view for launching individual apps or accessing a specific feature, like the dialler or phone settings. The new Fastlane view was inspired by how people really use their phone. Recently accessed contacts, social networks and apps, unique to each person, are stored and presented in Fastlane. It provides a record of how the phone is used, giving people a glimpse of their past, present and future activity, and helping them multi-task by providing easy access to their favorite features.

Smarter and more personal Internet experiences

The new Asha comes with Nokia Xpress Browser pre-loaded, which compresses Internet data by up to 90%. This is aimed at making mobile browsing faster and more affordable. Nokia also announced the availability of Nokia Xpress Now, a new Web application that recommends content based on location, preferences and trending topics. It will be available via the Browser homepage or as a download from Nokia Store.

"Nokia has surpassed expectations of what's achievable in the sub-100 USD phone category with a new Asha handset that is unlike any other, with design cues from Lumia and a mix of features, services and affordability that is valued by price-conscious buyers," said Neil Mawston, executive director, Global Wireless Practice, Strategy Analytics. "This is a welcome addition to the market and a refreshing option for consumers looking to upgrade from feature phones."

Asha platform for next-generation family of devices

The new Nokia Asha 501 was purpose-built to give people the best possible mobile experiences at an affordable price. It is highly efficient, with an industry-leading standby time of up to 48 days*. The Asha 501 is the first smartphone built on the new Asha platform, which leverages Nokia's investments in Smarterphone, a company which Nokia acquired in 2012. 

The new Asha platform provides developers with an open, standards-based environment for creating quality apps for consumers. Developers can create apps for the Nokia Asha 501 that will be compatible with future Asha platform-based devices. Nokia gives developers the chance to make more money through the global reach of Nokia Store and tools like Nokia In-App Payment and Nokia Advertising Exchange (NAX), as well as Nokia's unparalleled operator billing network.

Many of the most popular applications are already available or in development for the Nokia Asha platform, including CNN, eBuddy, ESPN, Facebook, Foursquare, Line, LinkedIn, Nimbuzz, Pictelligent, The Weather Channel, Twitter, WeChat, World of Red Bull and games from Electronic Arts, Gameloft, Indiagames, Namco-Bandai and Reliance Games. WhatsApp and other key partners continue to explore new Asha.

The HERE experience, based on Nokia's leading location-based platform, will also be available as a download for the Nokia Asha 501, starting in Q3 2013 and will initially include basic mapping services.

"The new Nokia Asha 501 raises the bar for what is possible in affordable smartphone design and optimization," said Timo Toikkanen, executive vice president, Mobile Phones, Nokia. "The synergy between the physical design and the engine that is the new Asha platform has created a smartphone with both style and substance at a great price."

Facebook and global operators to support Nokia Asha 501 with free data plans

The Nokia Asha 501 is expected to start shipping in June 2013. It is expected to be available through approximately 60 operators and distributors in more than 90 countries worldwide.

"We are very happy to offer the new Nokia Asha 501 through our subsidiaries in the continent. We are certain that this innovative device will follow the successful footprint of the Nokia Asha family, combining affordability with the best communication and Internet browsing capabilities," said Marco Quatorze, Value Added Services Director for America Movil.

A leading operator in the Asia-Pacific region, Telkomsel is also supporting the arrival of the new Nokia Asha. "The Nokia Asha 501 will help us to boost the mobile Internet in Indonesia. It is powered by innovations like the Nokia Xpress Browser, based on a very efficient data consumption technology which allow us to offer best data plan tariff for people," said Alistair Johnston, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Telkomsel. "We have a billing agreement with Nokia that supports the creation of local applications absolutely relevant to Indonesian consumers." 

The popularity of the Nokia Asha family has also prompted innovative approaches to bundled mobile services. Nokia, Facebook and mobile network operator Airtel announced they have joined forces to offer data-free access to the standalone Facebook app, as well as the mobile site m.facebook.com. By the end of second quarter, current Airtel subscribers in Africa and India** will be able to enjoy unlimited, data-free access to Facebook from their Nokia Asha 501 for a limited period of time.

Commenting on the partnership, Andre Beyers, Chief Marketing Officer for Airtel Africa, said: "The collaboration with Nokia is in line with our strategy of enabling people to access data in Africa as we seek to bridge the digital divide across the continent. We're already witnessing tremendous growth in data use across the 17 countries where we operate. The provision of free Facebook access is an excellent proposition to the millions of Airtel consumers. We are extremely delighted to partner with Nokia to give our consumers an even better mobile experience."  

Telkomsel will provide a specific Nokia Telkomsel Asha data plan that offers up to 500 MB of data use and includes 60 minutes of calls and 60 SMS. The company will also provide a one month free data plan to consumers using Nokia Asha 501 that can be used for all mobile Internet activities including access to Facebook or downloading apps.

"This bundle is a great way to discover Facebook on your Nokia Asha and enjoy the experience for longer without worrying about data charges," said Vaughn Smith, VP mobile partnerships, Facebook. "Working in close partnership with Nokia and global operators made this offer possible and we're excited to help connect the world on Facebook."

MTN, a leading operator across Africa, said it will also offer the Nokia Asha 501 and ease access to Facebook. "We are excited to support this initiative with Facebook in Nigeria and Zambia and we are looking forward to expand it to other markets," says Pieter Verkade, group chief commercial officer at MTN.

Product specifications and availability

The Nokia Asha 501 is available in single or EasySwap Dual SIM models. All come with WiFi and Bluetooth. Other specifications:
- Dimensions:  99.2 x 58 x 12.1 mm; 98 grams
- Camera: 3.2 MP
- Single SIM standby time: up to 48 days***
- Dual SIM standby time: up to 26 days***
- Talk time: up to 17 hours
- Additional memory of 4GB (card included in box), expandable up to 32GB
- Forty free EA Games worth €75 downloadable from Nokia Store
- Available colours: Bright Red, Bright Green, Cyan, Yellow, White and Black
- Suggested pricing is 99 USD before taxes and subsidies.

Read more about the Nokia Asha 501 on Nokia Conversations: http://conversations.nokia.com/?p=120951.

* when using the single SIM model
**Under test conditions; actual results may vary, depending on use.
** *Time implementation differs by country

PRESS RELEASE – Krusell - TOP-10 selling phones for April 2013.

May 02, 2013 16:20 BST

1. (1) Sony Xperia Z 
2. (2) Samsung I9500 Galaxy S4
3. (3) Apple iPhone 5
4. (-) HTC ONE
5. (8) Apple iPhone 4 
6. (5) Sony Xperia ZL
7. (9) Samsung Galaxy i9300 SIII Mini
8. (6) Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III 
9. (4) HTC One Sv
10. (-) Sony Xperia V
() = Last month’s position.
The interest for Xperia Z is still strong which shows its top position for the second consecutive month of Krusell’ s top seller list says Ulf Sandberg. Yet a new competitor for Xperia is right around the corner, the Samsung’s Galaxy S4 which recently hit stores and is predicted to be a best-seller. Thus, with these kinds of players it is no question that Apple will struggle in the future race of the consumer, he ends.
The Swedish manufacturer of carrying cases for portable electronics, Krusell, releases its Top 10-list for April 2013. The list is based on number of pieces custom made mobile- and smartphone cases ordered from Krusell during April 2013. The list of Krusell is unique due to the fact that it reflects the sales of phones in six continents and in more than 70 countries around the globe.

Krusell Group with 200 million SEK in turnover, and more than 500 employees around the globe is a Swedish lifestyle-house in which several consumer electronic brands reside such as Motörheadphönes, Krusell and the ecofriendly BioSerie. After more than 20 years in the mobile phone industry, Krusell is established as one of the leading brands in its niche. Besides cases for smart phones, Krusell also sell, develop and manufacture laptop-, tablet cases and audio products. Moreover, Krusell is a subcontractor to Sony, Samsung, Sanyo, Honda, Toyota and LG.