GECs
O2 launches the Xda Atom multimedia phone
MUMBAI: O2 has announced the launch of the Xda Atom PDA multimedia phone. The company claims that the product is the world’s smallest multimedia PDA-phone packed with even more features than its predecessor, the Xda II mini. It is available globally including India.
O2 Asia Pacific. CEO Mark Billington says, “The Xda Atom offers all the latest digital innovations in a truly sexy form factor. It is exclusive to the O2 brand, carries our unique O2 signature and meets the promise to our customers, who are upwardly mobile. In India, it is our gift to them this festive season”.
More entertainment in your hands – The product claims to be the world’s first PDA-phone to feature a 2.0 mega pixel camera. A built-in flash helps the user capture pin-sharp photos and richly hued videos indoors and outdoors, day. Users can revisit fun moments on the device’s l 2.7″ 262K-colour QVGA TFT-LCD touch-screen, instantly beam them to your friends, or simply slip out the memory card and print them at any photo kiosk to keep and share.
The Xda Atom also features an FM radio tuner. In addition, there is the new O2 MediaPlus application, which is the first multimedia centre created for PDA-phones. Besides being the only software to offer equalizer settings with Windows MediaÒ Player 10 (so you can customise your audio experience to suit any musical genre), O2 MediaPlus gives the user complete control over the entertainment experience, and plays music, audiobooks, home movies and music videos from one interface.
Users can watch downloaded films and sports game highlights easily and conveniently wherever he/she is. Users can also create playlists on the Xda Atom and bypass the PC altogether, or go wireless and listen to music in stereo playback with Bluetooth headsets.
Billington says, “In 2003, O2 opened up the market for converged devices with the launch of the Xda, and served a customer segment that was overlooked by regular mobile phone manufacturers. Since then, we have established our presence in India, one of the fastest growing mobile handset markets in the world, with the launch of four new products. Today, we continue to establish our technology and product leadership here by offering the Xda Atom to customers in the converged device market underserved by the ‘me-too’ brands that have cropped up since.”
GECs
Pocket FM partners with Indian Open Pickleball 2026
Audio platform joins forces with major tournament to engage young fans.
MUMBAI: Pocket FM just served up a perfect partnership because when audio storytelling meets pickleball’s fast-paced rallies, even the sidelines start listening. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Indian Open 2026, one of India’s biggest pickleball tournaments organised by Global Sports in Hyderabad in association with Pickl’Out and Crosscourts Sports Club.
The collaboration brings Pocket FM’s immersive storytelling to one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in India. Pickleball, known for its accessibility, energy and strong community appeal, is rapidly attracting younger, digitally savvy audiences making it an ideal platform for Pocket FM to deepen its cultural relevance.
Under the partnership, Pocket FM will enjoy extensive on-ground and digital visibility throughout the tournament, which begins on 1 April 2026. This includes centre court branding, venue-wide presence, presenting rights for select matches, player lounge branding, team jersey integration, and strong integration across live streaming and social media.
Pocket FM, SVP and global head for brand marketing and partnerships Vineet Singh said, “Pickleball is building a strong connection with young and engaged audiences in India. This partnership allows us to connect with people in a meaningful way through strong on-ground presence and digital visibility.”
Global Sports and Indian Open 2026, founder Hemal Jain added, “Partnering with Pocket FM adds an exciting new dimension to the experience. As a brand that has built deep resonance with young audiences, Pocket FM is a strong fit for the energy and ambition of this tournament.”
The move reflects Pocket FM’s continued strategy of aligning with emerging passion points and building deeper engagement with communities driven by competition and shared experiences.
In a country where sports and stories often collide, Pocket FM isn’t just sponsoring a tournament, it’s turning every rally into a narrative, proving that the best audio moments sometimes happen when the paddle meets the ball.
