MAM
Nokia, Sony Ericsson introduce new models
MUMBAI: Mobile phone manufacturer majors Nokia and Sony Ericsson have launched fresh models in the market. While Nokia unveiled three new CDMA handsets during the annual Nokia Connection event in Singapore, Sony Ericsson has launched five models including a 3G high-data speed phone.
Simultaneously, in India, Nokia has announced the launch of seven new mobile phones for the fourth quarter beginning October.
The models Nokia has introduced in the global market are the High-tier sliding Nokia 6265, entry-level folding Nokia 2255 and entry-level Nokia 2125. The Nokia 2125 is expected to be available during the third quarter of 2005, while the Nokia 2255 and Nokia 6265 are expected to be available during the fourth quarter of 2005.
The high-tier Nokia 6265 camera phone delivers a 2 megapixel imaging sensor in a modern sliding design. The model packs an extra-large 240 x 320 pixel display, 2 megapixel camera with LED flash (effective resolution 1.92 megapixels), digital music player, Bluetooth wireless technology and miniSD card support into a compact sliding design that measures a mere 22 mm thin.
Nokia 2255 is engineered to deliver reliable wireless performance at an entry-level price point while not forgetting the importance of a compelling design and a strong feature set. The very compact Nokia 2255 includes a bright 128 x 128 pixel 64K color display with user selectable ‘themes’, downloadable MIDI ringtones and even an integrated FM radio.
The entry-level Nokia 2125 features a compact design with metallic trim to accentuate its classically designed form. Only 21.5 mm thick and weighing in at 85 grams, the Nokia 2125 features a 64K color screen, hands-free speakerphone and an integrated flashlight — an attractive balance of size, price and feature set.
The models Nokia has launched in India are Nokia 6280, Nokia 6265 and Nokia 6270. According to Nokia, 6280 will be the slimmest and lightest feature-rich gizmo from the company thus far. NokiA 6265 features a 2 megapixel camera with LED flash, 2.62 lakh colour resolution, a MP3 music player. Nokia 6270 – is a quadband slide phone that too offers a two- megapixel camera with flash and landscape mode and a MP3 and AAC supportive music player along with stereo speakers for what Nokia calls 3D sound effects.
Sony Ericsson’s in its turn has unveiled J210, Z520, K608, W600 and S600. The J210 is a basic, entry model for those who want mainly simple functions like making calls and writing messages. The W600 is a version of its Walkman music phone for at North American users.
The Sony Ericsson S600 offers extensive features such as two stereo speakers, media player, Internet browsing, horizontal full screen video and three-dimensional games, as well as 1.3 Megapixel camera with 64 Megabytes memory.
The Z520 model is a mobile phone that wraps multiple high-tech features inside. With this model, Sony Ericsson is targeting fashion-conscious female consumers. K608 supports all the major operators’ 3G services, including video conferencing and fast downloads of music, games, videos and other multimedia content.
MAM
Microdrama Specialist COL Group International Builds Out With Narativ, Rock Networks & BlingWood Deals
MUMBAI: Microdrama powerhouse COL Group International is building out its distribution network, with its CEO saying vertical video is about to enter its “next competitive chapter.”
The microdrama arm of publicly-listed Chinese company COL Group appointed Narativ Media as its official distributor in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and CIS regions and Africa, and a struck new content deal with a new Dubai-based microdrama platform.
The deals were unveiled this morning at MIP London, and also included Rock Networks as its exclusive Southeast Asia telco distribution partner for its app, FlareFlow. MIP London is now into its second day at the Savoy Hotel and adjoining IET London complex.
The deals come soon after COL appointed Harbour Rights to represent its titles in Europe and Latin America, as we reported yesterday in our extended feature on microdrama distribution.
COL’s Singapore-based microdrama unit says its “coordinated global distribution architecture and significantly expanded international content slate” would help to scale its catalogue to more than 1,700 microdrama titles worldwide. These hail from South Korea, Japan, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the UK and roll out across Sereal+, FlareFlow and 17K.
A deal with Dubai-based BlingWood, which recently launched as an OTT platform, will expand COL’s access to Middle Eastern and Indian microdramas, and includes a broader pipeline of Indian series from storytelling platform Pratilipi, Korean titles from BeLive Studios and British reality-led formats from Tattle TV — the UK’s first dedicated microdrama app, including titles such as Dog Dates.
“Microdrama is entering its next competitive chapter, where quality, retention and monetization standards are increasingly shaped by data and operational discipline,” said Timothy Oh, General Manager of COL Group International.
“As pioneers in both China and the U.S., scaling some of the world’s leading platforms in this space, we understand what it truly takes to win sustainably. Our role is not simply to offer catalogue volume, but to help partners select, position and scale the right content for their platform and audience. By bringing together a broad, constantly refreshed slate from across regions, we enable smarter curation, clearer differentiation and long-term growth for serious industry players.”
Narativ deal
COL and UAE-based Narativ described their deal as a “strategic expansion of premium vertical content distribution across high-growth emerging markets,” and comes as the microdrama continues to boom financially. The growth of the medium will be among the key topics of conversation today at MIP London, where COL chief Oh will be speaking.
The pact extends beyond content representation and is being billed as part of a more “structured micro-drama distribution infrastructure.”
Narativ will spearhead market development, platform alliances, broadcaster relationships and digital monetization frameworks across the MENA and CIS regions and Africa, where they have identified “rapid mobile-first consumption growth and strong demand for short-form, high-engagement storytelling formats.”
“Micro-dramas are reshaping global viewing habits, particularly across mobile-first markets like MENA, Africa and CIS,” said Manjyot Sandhu, CEO and co-founder of Narativ. “Our appointment as official distributor for COL Group in these territories reflects Narativ’s strategy to build sustainable distribution architecture.
“A key pillar of the collaboration includes integration with FlareFlow, enabling strategic telco partnerships, bundled carrier offerings, and alternative monetization pathways designed to accelerate scale across mobile ecosystems and OTT platforms.”
Oh added: “We are building more than a content slate – we are building the global infrastructure for microdrama. With hundreds of new titles launching every quarter, scale and regional strength are critical. Narativ with its deep foothold in MENA, Africa CIS and other key markets makes them a natural strategic partner as we expand FlareFlow and bring microdrama to new platforms, telcos and audiences.
Narativ, which is joint venture Sandhu operates with Copyright Capital, manages around 7,000 hours of content and has a digital network spanning 150 million subscribers across 21 language.
COL Group has emerged as one of the biggest microdrama platforms, running platforms such as FlareFow. It is also a part-owner of ReelShort.
