i-mate renews thrust in South with Windows Mobile phones

Bangalore, Jan 18 (UNI) The Dubai-based PDA and Smartphone maker i-mate today launched 'i-mate PADL' pocket PC phone that delivers Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 at a lower price point.

The company also announced its decision to further extend its product portfolio in South India, which it considered as the most significant market for converged devices. The strategy was to offer more mid-range Windows mobile devices that appeal to the wider audience after the company received an overwhelming reponse for i-mate devices during the last one year, i-mate India Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo said today.

Speaking to mediapersons here, he said 'i-mate PADL' would appeal to users of Microsoft-based PC and who wanted to work and play on the move. The Pocket PC phone model was priced at Rs 24,990 and was available in over 800 outlets in the country. i-mate offered a range of functionality options, highly competitive pricing, value-added services and support.

The total market for high-end converged mobile devices in India was pegged at about two lakh pieces during the current fiscal, a 70 per cent year-on-year growth.

Commenting on the potential for converged mobile phone devices in India, Mr Mohindroo said ''the converged devices market is finally evolving in India. Price is no longer the driving factor for hi-end, tech-savvy mobile phone users. Advanced applications, integrated technology and innovative design is driving the purchasing decision.

To serve the mid-segment, i-mate has come out with PDAs and Smartphones priced effectively at lower cost.'' Besides PADL, i-mate produced eleven other models of smartphones.

The company had signed a pact with Airtel, the largest mobile service provider, to offer PADL to Indian customers, he added.

UNI