MAM
O2 Asia launches Xphone II Smartphone
BANGALORE: Following the successful launch of their PDA-phones the Xda IIs and Xda II mini in India in December 2004, all eyes are now turned to the latest Smartphone from O2, the premium mobile data devices and service provider.
The O2 Xphone II joins the Xda IIs and Xda II mini to provide India’s professional users with greater choice in powerful and stylish mobile productivity devices that can facilitate their work and enhance their social needs.
At only 102 grams, it is the slimmest Smartphone in the market, claims a company release. Even as its size rivals those of regular mobile phones, information displayed on the O2 Xphone II is showcased on a comparatively larger 2.2-inch, 65K-colour TFT-LCD screen that is now brighter and with higher contrast. A graphite-colored, ridged keyboard is provided to compliment the phone’s black casing, the release informs.
First rolled out in Mumbai and Delhi, this device from O2 is now available also in other major cities like Chennai, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Powered by the second edition of Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 Smartphone Edition operating system, the O2 Xphone II provides tools and applications such as secure corporate data, email and web access; personal information management; and multimedia capabilities. An integrated message box lets users organise their email, SMS and MMS messages from a single location. Compared with the original O2 Xphone – sales of which exceeded three times the company’s expectations – the O2 Xphone II looks set to draw in more customers, especially since it is also 26 percent slimmer and 22 percent lighter. Battery capacity has been increased significantly as well; the new model has a standby time of 140 hours and talk time of up to 4 hours for almost any conference call.
The O2 Xphone II also delivers on the multimedia front. Users can use it to take 500 digital photos or shoot up to 45 minutes of video footage with sound. For greater multimedia storage capacity, they can slot in a miniSD™ card to store more photos, extra MP3 files and longer videos.
“Not only is it the slimmest Smartphone, it also combines substance with an emphasis on styling. The whole proposition is built around what customers have told us they want from mobile data services: connectivity, productivity and sexy form factor. It gives them the ability to message, work and play any time, anywhere,” says O2 Asia CEO Mark Billington.
MAM
McDonald’s India NE names Sara Arjun brand ambassador
Actor returns for nostalgic Buddy Meal campaign at Rs 119 for two.
MUMBAI: Sara Arjun just came home to McDonald’s because some love stories start with a childhood ad and end with sharing fries as grown-ups. McDonald’s India – North and East has appointed actor Sara Arjun as its brand ambassador, bringing her back to the brand that first captured her on screen as a child. The collaboration launches with a playful TVC introducing the Buddy Meal, a value offering priced at Rs 119 for two burgers (McAloo Tikki or Veg Surprise), two Cokes and one medium fries.
The film recreates the classic “girlfriend-boyfriend” banter from her original McDonald’s ad, with Sara joking about today’s “demanding” relationships before her buddy admits he just wants a simple McAloo Tikki. The voiceover lands the punch: “Shukar hai McDonald’s Buddy Meal for 2 hai… starts at just Rs 119,” closing on the tagline “Khao Meal, Baat Karo”, a celebration of uncomplicated joy and shared moments.
MMG Group and CPRL vice chairman Anant Agarwal said, “Sara’s return to McDonald’s is a wonderful reminder of the deep emotional connections many customers have grown up with. With the Buddy Meal, we are celebrating friendship, nostalgia and the simple joy of sharing a McDonald’s meal together at great value.”
Sara Arjun added, “McDonald’s has been a special part of my journey since childhood. Returning to the brand for this campaign feels incredibly nostalgic. The Buddy Meal captures the simple joy of sharing food and laughter with friends.”
Available for a limited period across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India via dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, the McDonald’s App and leading delivery platforms, the Buddy Meal taps into the brand’s legacy of creating relatable, feel-good moments.
In a fast-food world chasing trends, McDonald’s brings back a familiar face and a simple truth: sometimes the best dates don’t need grand gestures just good burgers, cold drinks and great company at a price that leaves everyone smiling.
