Why Apple’s Competitors Can’t Compete With the iPad’s $500 Price Point

Now that the Motorola Xoom is announced and will soon hit the shelves at retail outlets we will see if people are willing to pay a price premium for an Android tablet. Our guess is they won’t. So why doesn’t Motorola undercut Apple, the current tablet sales trendsetter?
Most observers are saying that the $500 iPad has the perfect price point and if the upstart wants to win this fight or just compete they need to at least meet Apple’s price and probably beat it. A really good $399 Android Tablet would likely sell well. Case in point: the Samsung Galaxy Tab is selling well and right now buyers can snag one at T-Mobile with a two-year contract for $249.99 or $499.99 without the weight of the contract. Other carriers have decent prices too on Samsung’s Tab.

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Posted in: TECHNOLOGY

Apple's iPad 2 Launch Delayed

The launch of Apple Inc's iPad2 tablet will be delayed to June from April as maker Hon Hai faces production bottlenecks due to the device's new design, Taiwanese brokerage Yuanta Securities said in a note.
Component makers had to change their production processes after Apple made design changes to the iPad2 before the Lunar New Year at the beginning of February.
"Our checks suggest new issues are being encountered with the new production process and it is taking time to resolve them," Yuanta's head of downstream tech equities, Vincent Chen, wrote in the note on Tuesday.
Hon Hai declined to comment on the note. Apple was not immediately available for comment.
The note said that if the launch of the iPad2 is delayed by two months, total iPad shipments would be 23 million units this year, down from the broker's original forecast of 30.6 million units.
Manufacturing sources have previously said the new model would have cameras on the front and back of the device and would be slimmer, lighter and have a better resolution display than the first iPad.

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Posted in: TECHNOLOGY

Two Prithvi-II missiles test-fired successfully

Two nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface Prithvi-II missiles were successfully test-fired within a span of an hour by personnel of the Strategic Force Command from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur on Wednesday.

The first missile was fired at 08:15 a..m. and second one at 09:15 a.m. from mobile launchers. Both were launched as part of the user trials and were tested for the full range of 350 kms.

After a flight duration of about eight minutes, the two missiles zeroed on to their predesignated targets with a high degree of accuracy as they splashed down into the sea.

Today's success was preceded by a failure of the same missile when it failed to take off soon after its launch in September last.

All the radars, electro-optical and telemetry systems located along the coast tracked the trajectory of missile, according to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials.

The nine-metre tall, Prithvi-II is a single stage, liquid propelled missile and capable of carrying payloads of 500- 1,000 kg. It was already inducted into the Air Force.

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Posted in: TECHNOLOGY,THE HINDU

Two Prithvi-II missiles test-fired successfully

Two nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface Prithvi-II missiles were successfully test-fired within a span of an hour by personnel of the Strategic Force Command from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur on Wednesday.

The first missile was fired at 08:15 a..m. and second one at 09:15 a.m. from mobile launchers. Both were launched as part of the user trials and were tested for the full range of 350 kms.

After a flight duration of about eight minutes, the two missiles zeroed on to their predesignated targets with a high degree of accuracy as they splashed down into the sea.

Today's success was preceded by a failure of the same missile when it failed to take off soon after its launch in September last.

All the radars, electro-optical and telemetry systems located along the coast tracked the trajectory of missile, according to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials.

The nine-metre tall, Prithvi-II is a single stage, liquid propelled missile and capable of carrying payloads of 500- 1,000 kg. It was already inducted into the Air Force.

Read more »

Posted in: TECHNOLOGY,THE HINDU

Spy Barbie upsets parents

It’s every parent’s dream — to be able to keep an eye on their kids 24/7 — work, chores and real life’s demands notwithstanding. The ‘nanny-cam’ was invented for this world. Hidden usually in a soft toy, its original utility was to surreptitiously record what nannies did with kids while parents were away. But Mattel’s new Barbie Video Girl, with a built in camera, has upset everyone from parents to the FBI who issued a statement to local police bureaus, warning that the toy can be misused as a tool for child pornography. Mattel tried to cash in on the fact that kids love taking photographs and filming people. But though the dolls are not available in the country yet, Indian parents are already up in arms against them.

The parent of an eight-year-old girl, Immanuel Sandeep, says, “My child is outgrowing playing with dolls. I don’t mind giving her a camera or a video camera. But I’m not comfortable giving her something in which a camera is covert. There could be trouble if these tapes get into the hands of adults. Children are naïve. The danger begins when the tape is seen from an adult’s angle.”

Some folks though think we just need to pace ourselves with a world in motion. Sam Rufus, associate vice-president, Deloitte, says, “I wouldn’t mind my daughter, Sasha, playing with a video camera. If she likes it and it entertains her enough, then there is no harm in letting her play with it. We need to change with the times. There was a time when I was not allowed to touch a black and white television set. I don’t want the same experience for my children.”

The kids are all for such toys and say a Barbie like this one would be perfect “for settling scores” with school bullies and pulling a fast one on friends. Prathik Rao, 11, says, “I’ve been asking my parents for this kind of a toy and would love to possess one. I’m sure I can pull a few pranks on my buddies with it.”

Mattel India however reassures worried Indian parents that it has no plans to launch the doll in India any time soon. Rahul Bhowmik, spokesperson of the company, says, “We do not carry the doll in our line here in India, and as of now there are no plans to carry the same in 2011 either.”

The spokesperson refused to divulge any further details.

Read more »

Posted in: International,TECHNOLOGY

Spy Barbie upsets parents

It’s every parent’s dream — to be able to keep an eye on their kids 24/7 — work, chores and real life’s demands notwithstanding. The ‘nanny-cam’ was invented for this world. Hidden usually in a soft toy, its original utility was to surreptitiously record what nannies did with kids while parents were away. But Mattel’s new Barbie Video Girl, with a built in camera, has upset everyone from parents to the FBI who issued a statement to local police bureaus, warning that the toy can be misused as a tool for child pornography. Mattel tried to cash in on the fact that kids love taking photographs and filming people. But though the dolls are not available in the country yet, Indian parents are already up in arms against them.

The parent of an eight-year-old girl, Immanuel Sandeep, says, “My child is outgrowing playing with dolls. I don’t mind giving her a camera or a video camera. But I’m not comfortable giving her something in which a camera is covert. There could be trouble if these tapes get into the hands of adults. Children are naïve. The danger begins when the tape is seen from an adult’s angle.”

Some folks though think we just need to pace ourselves with a world in motion. Sam Rufus, associate vice-president, Deloitte, says, “I wouldn’t mind my daughter, Sasha, playing with a video camera. If she likes it and it entertains her enough, then there is no harm in letting her play with it. We need to change with the times. There was a time when I was not allowed to touch a black and white television set. I don’t want the same experience for my children.”

The kids are all for such toys and say a Barbie like this one would be perfect “for settling scores” with school bullies and pulling a fast one on friends. Prathik Rao, 11, says, “I’ve been asking my parents for this kind of a toy and would love to possess one. I’m sure I can pull a few pranks on my buddies with it.”

Mattel India however reassures worried Indian parents that it has no plans to launch the doll in India any time soon. Rahul Bhowmik, spokesperson of the company, says, “We do not carry the doll in our line here in India, and as of now there are no plans to carry the same in 2011 either.”

The spokesperson refused to divulge any further details.

Read more »

Posted in: International,TECHNOLOGY

Android 2.2 Update Heads to the HTC Magic

The HTC Magic is a great-looking phone that was released back in 2009. When it was released, it came installed with Android 1.5. That time, Android 1.5 was already the thing to have, but now it isn’t anymore because of the newer Android OS versions available. HTC Magic owners who’ve been griping to have the newer OS version have a reason to be glad because Vodafone UK has announced that the HTC Magic will have the Android 2.2 update!

But take note that this upgrade is a two-part process. Vodafone will send a message to HTC Magic owners informing them if their phones are ready for the update.
Once the phone has been upgraded, owners will surely have an improved HTC Magic experience. Android 2.2 Froyo brings support for USB tethering, Android Market app and Gmail, Wi-Fi hotspots, security updates, full adobe Flash support, camera functionalities, and improved Bluetooth.

Read more »

Posted in: TECHNOLOGY

Android 2.2 Update Heads to the HTC Magic

The HTC Magic is a great-looking phone that was released back in 2009. When it was released, it came installed with Android 1.5. That time, Android 1.5 was already the thing to have, but now it isn’t anymore because of the newer Android OS versions available. HTC Magic owners who’ve been griping to have the newer OS version have a reason to be glad because Vodafone UK has announced that the HTC Magic will have the Android 2.2 update!

But take note that this upgrade is a two-part process. Vodafone will send a message to HTC Magic owners informing them if their phones are ready for the update.
Once the phone has been upgraded, owners will surely have an improved HTC Magic experience. Android 2.2 Froyo brings support for USB tethering, Android Market app and Gmail, Wi-Fi hotspots, security updates, full adobe Flash support, camera functionalities, and improved Bluetooth.

Read more »

Posted in: TECHNOLOGY

Jabra Rolls Out EasyGo Bluetooth Headset

 

Bluetooth headset maker Jabra is out with a new model called the EasyGo. A typical looking headset by design, the EasyGo comes with a nifty feature that should appeal the wire-free audience - voice guidance alerts that inform users about battery consumption and connectivity status. The device can also hook up to two Bluetooth-enabled sources at the same time; good news for people who use two phones. 

The headset is measured at a feather-weight 8 grams and runs on the commonly-adopted Bluetooth 2.1 specification. Battery life figures are quoted at 6 hours of talk-time and 8 days of stand-by life. There's also some sort of  'StatusDisplay' that provides visual cues to battery life and connection status as well. It is expected to sell for Rs. 2,120 - more than the count-less sub-Rs. 1,500 headsets in the market.

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Posted in: TECHNOLOGY

Jabra Rolls Out EasyGo Bluetooth Headset

 

Bluetooth headset maker Jabra is out with a new model called the EasyGo. A typical looking headset by design, the EasyGo comes with a nifty feature that should appeal the wire-free audience - voice guidance alerts that inform users about battery consumption and connectivity status. The device can also hook up to two Bluetooth-enabled sources at the same time; good news for people who use two phones. 

The headset is measured at a feather-weight 8 grams and runs on the commonly-adopted Bluetooth 2.1 specification. Battery life figures are quoted at 6 hours of talk-time and 8 days of stand-by life. There's also some sort of  'StatusDisplay' that provides visual cues to battery life and connection status as well. It is expected to sell for Rs. 2,120 - more than the count-less sub-Rs. 1,500 headsets in the market.

Read more »

Posted in: TECHNOLOGY

Samsung Intercept Android 2.2 Froyo Update Now Rolling Out With Sprint Read: Samsung Intercept Android 2.2 Froyo Update Now Rolling Out With Sprint

Samsung Intercept users with Sprint will want to listen up — you have a new update available and it has just begun rolling out. And yes, it includes what many have likely been waiting for —Android 2.2 Froyo. The news comes by way of the Sprint user forums and specifically points out that this is ROLLING out.

In other words, it may take a few days before you see the update arrive. That said, you can either sit back and wait for the update notification to arrive on your phone or you can try and be pro-active. If you choose to take the pro-active route, grab your phone and head to Menu -> Settings -> About phoneSystem Updates -> Update Android and keep your fingers crossed.
As for the update itself, according to the forum posting from Sprint, the Software Version is S:M910.05.S.DL05 and the build version is Froyo.DL05. But aside from the boring software and build version numbers — you are getting Froyo. Plus, there are a few other goodies that are coming along with.
The other changes include fixes for Sprint Navigation as well as dropped calls after unacknowledged call and force close messages when opening up contacts. And while the Sprint Navigation is nice to see, I cannot help but think how many users simply use Google. Of course, that is not to say Sprint Navigation is bad and after all it is free so having two available options is probably better than one.
With that, so far it looks like this process is just barely underway, or at least that is how it looks based on the fact that the Sprint posting has very few messages and at this time we see no reports of success or failure — just a few people wondering where the update is. And given that, let us remind you once again, this is rolling out and will take some time before it gets out to everyone.

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Posted in: Mobile,TECHNOLOGY

Samsung Intercept Android 2.2 Froyo Update Now Rolling Out With Sprint Read: Samsung Intercept Android 2.2 Froyo Update Now Rolling Out With Sprint

Samsung Intercept users with Sprint will want to listen up — you have a new update available and it has just begun rolling out. And yes, it includes what many have likely been waiting for —Android 2.2 Froyo. The news comes by way of the Sprint user forums and specifically points out that this is ROLLING out.

In other words, it may take a few days before you see the update arrive. That said, you can either sit back and wait for the update notification to arrive on your phone or you can try and be pro-active. If you choose to take the pro-active route, grab your phone and head to Menu -> Settings -> About phoneSystem Updates -> Update Android and keep your fingers crossed.
As for the update itself, according to the forum posting from Sprint, the Software Version is S:M910.05.S.DL05 and the build version is Froyo.DL05. But aside from the boring software and build version numbers — you are getting Froyo. Plus, there are a few other goodies that are coming along with.
The other changes include fixes for Sprint Navigation as well as dropped calls after unacknowledged call and force close messages when opening up contacts. And while the Sprint Navigation is nice to see, I cannot help but think how many users simply use Google. Of course, that is not to say Sprint Navigation is bad and after all it is free so having two available options is probably better than one.
With that, so far it looks like this process is just barely underway, or at least that is how it looks based on the fact that the Sprint posting has very few messages and at this time we see no reports of success or failure — just a few people wondering where the update is. And given that, let us remind you once again, this is rolling out and will take some time before it gets out to everyone.

Read more »

Posted in: Mobile,TECHNOLOGY

Microsoft to Announce New Slates Aimed at the iPad

A decade ago Bill Gates, founder and former chief executive of Microsoft, presented a new class of computing to the world: a tablet PC that offered a fully functional computer with the “intuitive aspects of pencil and paper.”
Since then, Microsoft has struggled to gain traction with a slate-like device, yet each year the company announces new products, software or operating systems that try to promote a world of Windows-based slate computers.
Next month, at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Microsoft will give it another try, presenting a slew of new slates that it hopes will offer some competition to the Apple iPad, which has quickly become the leader in this market.
According to people familiar with Microsoft’s plans, Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s chief executive, is expected to  announce a number of these devices when he takes the stage at C.E.S., showcasing devices built by Samsung and Dell, among a number of other manufacturing partners.
The people with knowledge of these devices asked not to be named as they are not authorized to speak publicly by Microsoft or partnering companies. Microsoft declined to comment about coming products that have not been announced.
The Samsung device is described as “similar in size and shape to the Apple iPad, although it is not as thin. It also includes a unique and slick keyboard that slides out from below for easy typing.”
The people familiar with this device said it would run the Windows 7 operating system when in landscape mode, but will also have a layered interface that will appear when the keyboard is hidden and the device is held in a portrait mode.
Microsoft hopes these slates will offer an alternative to the iPad because they move beyond play, people familiar with the tablets said. “The company believes there is a huge market for business people who want to enjoy a slate for reading newspapers and magazines and then work on Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint while doing work,” explained a person familiar with the company’s tablet plans.
A person who works at Microsoft said the company was encouraging partners to build applications for these devices that use HTML5, the Web programming language. This person said the applications would  not be sold in an app store, as with the Apple iTunes model, but Microsoft will encourage software partners to host the applications on their own Web sites, which will then be highlighted in a search interface on the slate computers. It is unclear if these applications will be ready for C.E.S. as most are still in production.
Another person with knowledge of Microsoft’s plans said Steve Ballmer might demonstrate a tablet and other companion devices running the next operating system, Windows 8.

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Posted in: TECHNOLOGY

Samsung Galaxy Tab Luxury Edition Unveiled; Costs $1,000

Are you looking for a tablet with the exact features of the Samsung’s Galaxy Tab, but with a much higher price tag? But why look for a different tablet. You should be happy to know that the same tablet will be available priced at $1,000. The company has unveiled the Galaxy Tab Luxury Edition at the Millionaire Fair in Amsterdam.

But it appears that this Galaxy Tab Luxury Edition is nothing more than the regular Galaxy Tab, but, with the higher price tag and a couple of accessories.
It’s the same tablet with the Google Android OS and a 7-inch screen. The Luxury Edition Galaxy Tab will sell for the above said price and will be coming packaged with a leather case and a Bluetooth headset.
As you already know, the base-model Galaxy Tab comes with a price tag of $599 on Verizon and $399 from Sprint or T-Mobile. You can get the tablet on those carriers provided that you’re willing to sign up for a 3G data plan. The other major carrier in the US, AT&T, offers a contract-free tablet for $650.
And this $1,000 price is also higher than the most expensive version of Apple’s 3G iPad, which costs $849.
This hike in price won’t be easier to swallow for the average consumer. Since it is very costly, we think that the cases of the Luxury Edition tablets might be made of some upscale material such as the same leather as found on the seat of a Ferrari.
So far, there have been no comments from the part of the company. It is not known how many units of the Luxury Edition tablets will be available for sale or where the package will be available. We can wait for an official confirmation.
In the meantime, you can comment about it in the box below. What do you think about this new Luxury Edition? Is it too luxurious for you?

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Posted in: TECHNOLOGY

AIEEE 2011 Postponed by CBSE

New Delhi: On Saturday i.e. on December 11, 2010, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced to postpone the All India Engineering/Architecture Entrance Examination (AIEEE) 2011. Earlier, it was scheduled to be held on April 24, 2011. Now, it is being rescheduled to May 1, 2011.

 

According to a CBSE Official, the 'pen and paper' exam has been rescheduled due to Easter falling on April 24, 2011. In addition, the sale of information bulletins has also been postponed to December 22, 2010. It was to start from December 15 earlier.

 

However, the date for AIEEE 2011 online examination will remain the same. The online exam will be conducted for the first time, for one lakh students May 1-15, 2011. As per sources, students from 20 cities will be taking the online exam, with a maximum of 5000 per city, on first-come-first-served basis.

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Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS,TECHNOLOGY

AIEEE 2011 Postponed by CBSE

New Delhi: On Saturday i.e. on December 11, 2010, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced to postpone the All India Engineering/Architecture Entrance Examination (AIEEE) 2011. Earlier, it was scheduled to be held on April 24, 2011. Now, it is being rescheduled to May 1, 2011.

 

According to a CBSE Official, the 'pen and paper' exam has been rescheduled due to Easter falling on April 24, 2011. In addition, the sale of information bulletins has also been postponed to December 22, 2010. It was to start from December 15 earlier.

 

However, the date for AIEEE 2011 online examination will remain the same. The online exam will be conducted for the first time, for one lakh students May 1-15, 2011. As per sources, students from 20 cities will be taking the online exam, with a maximum of 5000 per city, on first-come-first-served basis.

Read more »

Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS,TECHNOLOGY

Huawei Ideos to be launched in India this month

Already available in Europe and the US (as T-Mobile’s Comet), the affordable Huawei Ideos Android 2.2 smartphone will reportedly be launched in India before the end of the year.
Huawei – which recently announced the new X5 and X6 – has showcased the Ideos at India Telecom 2010 where, according to AndroidOS.in, the company confirmed it would introduce it in India this month.
It looks like the smartphone will cost less than 8,000 INR ($178) – quite cheap, although it wouldn’t be the cheapest Android smartphone available to Indian customers.

The Ideos only has a 2.8 inch QVGA display, but other than that it offers quite a decent set of features, including 3G, Wi-Fi, GPS, full Google suite of services, Bluetooth, 3.5mm headset jack, and a 3.2MP camera.

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Posted in: TECHNOLOGY

Huawei Ideos to be launched in India this month

Already available in Europe and the US (as T-Mobile’s Comet), the affordable Huawei Ideos Android 2.2 smartphone will reportedly be launched in India before the end of the year.
Huawei – which recently announced the new X5 and X6 – has showcased the Ideos at India Telecom 2010 where, according to AndroidOS.in, the company confirmed it would introduce it in India this month.
It looks like the smartphone will cost less than 8,000 INR ($178) – quite cheap, although it wouldn’t be the cheapest Android smartphone available to Indian customers.

The Ideos only has a 2.8 inch QVGA display, but other than that it offers quite a decent set of features, including 3G, Wi-Fi, GPS, full Google suite of services, Bluetooth, 3.5mm headset jack, and a 3.2MP camera.

Read more »

Posted in: TECHNOLOGY

6 important Lessons from Notion Ink Launch

Much has been said and much has been defended on the Notion Ink saga. After the calls like ‘spam-o-meter’mysterious’ by popular blogs, the dust has settled down, or at least appears so. This did not happen by any magic. This happened through some humble blog posts by the CEO of the company. I guess it takes one blog post to bring the company down and two blog posts to resurrect. and ‘

I have already discussed 7 things I like about Adam. I still stand by with all of them. The events unfurled in the last five days have some great lessons for all product launches. Calling Adam’s launch either a success or a failure would be childish. It really isn’t neither. It is a great lesson. Besides success and failure depends on how you look at it. Here are the lessons Notion Ink and everyone else can draw from the product launch :

Choosing speed over perfection

Notion Ink chose speed over perfection. They haven’t tested all the money transactions which led to the confusion. Had they tested all then the product would have been launched on 7 Jan 2011. This is a judgment call. Either be paranoid and test everything or leave something’s to chance. I am yet to find an incident where Moore’s law was proved wrong. Things will go wrong. Does that mean we have to choose perfection over speed? I don’t have the answer. It is a judgment call.

Not anticipating demand

Who can anticipate demand? iPad had similar production problems which couldn’t meet the demand. The appetite for tablets is only getting larger. If you provide a compelling product with unbeatable price then there will be takers. On the bright side, super demand only ratifies the faith in the product.

Trying to satisfy everyone

This is the mistake which everyone try to commit, except Apple. Steve Jobs doesn’t believe in listening to customers as he thinks that customers don’t always know what they really want. Rohan and Notion Ink on the other had tried to listen to everyone who has access to a keyboard. Now they know that you cannot satisfy everyone. Not least the persons who have access to a keyboard.

Testing in production

This ties back to the speed over perfection. The payment gateways should have been tested with all the possible options available. Having a late product launch looks like a better option than having a PR disaster.

Having short agreements

Looks like we cannot change world overnight. Notion Ink has found this the hard way. There is a reason why the End User License Agreements (EULA) and the warranty agreements are more than few pages long. Notion Ink tried to make it short. Big mistake. They are long for a reason. You cannot possible fit all the cases in a single page or two.

Trying things for the first time

Global warranty and global pricing are the two things which Notion Ink tried. This by far my favourite part. If you have seen product launches across the world, there is a staggering which goes on where North America gets the leg up, followed by Europe and rest of the world. Notion Ink on other hand tried to change that with a global ordering and global launch. A flat shipping fee of $50 was charged to facilitate this. And then the intricacies of global commerce kicked in to tell that it really isn’t a flat world when it matters the most.
Many has written off the company. But Notion Ink is making strides even more calmly and even more composedly. I have to appreciate Rohan Shravan’s tone in all the blog posts. It is hard to maintain the tone amidst a tumultuous situation. Rohan has done it tremendously well. I like the way he introspected. Best part is Notion Ink is here to stay.

Read more »

Posted in: TECHNOLOGY

6 important Lessons from Notion Ink Launch

Much has been said and much has been defended on the Notion Ink saga. After the calls like ‘spam-o-meter’mysterious’ by popular blogs, the dust has settled down, or at least appears so. This did not happen by any magic. This happened through some humble blog posts by the CEO of the company. I guess it takes one blog post to bring the company down and two blog posts to resurrect. and ‘

I have already discussed 7 things I like about Adam. I still stand by with all of them. The events unfurled in the last five days have some great lessons for all product launches. Calling Adam’s launch either a success or a failure would be childish. It really isn’t neither. It is a great lesson. Besides success and failure depends on how you look at it. Here are the lessons Notion Ink and everyone else can draw from the product launch :

Choosing speed over perfection

Notion Ink chose speed over perfection. They haven’t tested all the money transactions which led to the confusion. Had they tested all then the product would have been launched on 7 Jan 2011. This is a judgment call. Either be paranoid and test everything or leave something’s to chance. I am yet to find an incident where Moore’s law was proved wrong. Things will go wrong. Does that mean we have to choose perfection over speed? I don’t have the answer. It is a judgment call.

Not anticipating demand

Who can anticipate demand? iPad had similar production problems which couldn’t meet the demand. The appetite for tablets is only getting larger. If you provide a compelling product with unbeatable price then there will be takers. On the bright side, super demand only ratifies the faith in the product.

Trying to satisfy everyone

This is the mistake which everyone try to commit, except Apple. Steve Jobs doesn’t believe in listening to customers as he thinks that customers don’t always know what they really want. Rohan and Notion Ink on the other had tried to listen to everyone who has access to a keyboard. Now they know that you cannot satisfy everyone. Not least the persons who have access to a keyboard.

Testing in production

This ties back to the speed over perfection. The payment gateways should have been tested with all the possible options available. Having a late product launch looks like a better option than having a PR disaster.

Having short agreements

Looks like we cannot change world overnight. Notion Ink has found this the hard way. There is a reason why the End User License Agreements (EULA) and the warranty agreements are more than few pages long. Notion Ink tried to make it short. Big mistake. They are long for a reason. You cannot possible fit all the cases in a single page or two.

Trying things for the first time

Global warranty and global pricing are the two things which Notion Ink tried. This by far my favourite part. If you have seen product launches across the world, there is a staggering which goes on where North America gets the leg up, followed by Europe and rest of the world. Notion Ink on other hand tried to change that with a global ordering and global launch. A flat shipping fee of $50 was charged to facilitate this. And then the intricacies of global commerce kicked in to tell that it really isn’t a flat world when it matters the most.
Many has written off the company. But Notion Ink is making strides even more calmly and even more composedly. I have to appreciate Rohan Shravan’s tone in all the blog posts. It is hard to maintain the tone amidst a tumultuous situation. Rohan has done it tremendously well. I like the way he introspected. Best part is Notion Ink is here to stay.

Read more »

Posted in: TECHNOLOGY