Okay, so it's summer again… and it's blazing hot out there! But where do you go? To a cool place? A cold place? Or, a really, really COLD place? The toughest part is deciding where to go. Usual beach activity is oh-so-humdrum, head-outs such as Dubai, Singapore and the US are oh-so-passé, and even exotica such as the Caribbean, Hong Kong and Malaysia seem either vapid or jejune. Don't sweat (no pun intended), help is at hand. We spoke to some international travel hotshots to get some dope on where the rich are headed this summer. (The idea: if you can't decide where to go, then follow other birds of your feather.) According to Madhav Pai, COO, Leisure Travel- Outbound, Thomas Cook India, Indulgence (its luxury brand) has seen maximum bookings this season for eastern Europe such as Austria, Poland, New Zealand's Queensland and Scotland. According to Peter Kerkar, director of Cox & Kings, the most preferred destinations for the rich, or high networth individuals (HNIs), this summer are Oman, Spain, Macau, the UK and Peru. Each has either recently launched itself in India as a travel destination or has introduced new facilities. Sharat Dhall, managing director of TripAdvisor.in, also seconds the rising popularity of places such as Argentina, Ireland and Peru. Of the 30-plus places listed by the three operators, 10 were common, from which we dropped some, such as the US and the UK, that are traditional destinations, and selected six places that are less explored by tourists. We then divided the six into two categories — cool and cold. The ‘coldest', of course, is a bit of a surprise. Take your pick, and then pack.CoolSpain: Some vacationers are content coming home well rested while others look forward to returning with stories that induce envy. And this European country is surely meant for travellers who enjoy both. Madrid, Malaga, Seville and Barcelona are traveller's dream destinations with assorted activities from skiing in the mountains to sunbathing on the beaches up for grabs. Though Spain is a year-round destination, the ideal months to visit are May to September. If you are a water sports fan, hit the coast and get your fill of surfing, scuba-diving, sailing and a lot more. And if you are a hill-boy (or girl), strike out for places like Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada, La Rioja for skiing, trekking in Spain's highest peak Mulhacen, and snow-boarding. Spain also offers assorted Roman ruins, Celtic remains, Moorish constructions, world heritage sites, and amazing parks and gardens.New Zealand: The Kiwi country these days evokes imagery of Hollywood blockbuster Lord of the Rings. Well, now you can live those images by taking a trip to the movie's breathtaking locations; tour operators there vie with each other to offer the most ‘authentic' Lord of the Rings tour. Don't miss Queenstown — a quaint little cosmopolitan haven nestled in an inlet of the glacial, spectacular and mysterious Lake Wakatipu. Here, you can bungee jump, ski or snowboard, white water raft, skydive, hang glide, jet ski, and drive quad bikes to your heart's content, even as you savour great southern wine and cuisine, and striking alpine scenery. Rotorua, a hotbed of geothermal activity and the cultural epicentre of New Zealand, is another jewel in its kitty. Geysers, hot mud pools and steaming craters are testament to the incredible earth forces on display. The best time to visit is May-July. LEISURE AND ACTIVITIES: (From left) Mountain trekking in Machu Picchu in Peru's Andes; glaciers in Argentina; and dog sledding in Norway Ireland: Perched on the northwest tip of Europe, Ireland has hundreds of cultural, natural and historical attractions from Bunratty Castle to The Burren in Clare, The Guinness Storehouse and Kilmainham Jail in Dublin to The Skelligs and The Lakes of Killarney in Kerry. It is rightly said — this is the one place in the world where even getting lost is worthwhile. While there are no major temperature differences between the seasons and rains are likely every second day, best time to visit the place is from April-October. Cox & Kings suggests a visit to St Patrick's Cathedral, stop at the Old Jameson Distillery followed by whiskey tasting in the Ball o' Malt Bar. Also visit the Guinness Storehouse, part of the world-renowned brewery, and uncover the history of the famous beer. Finish off your tour with a delicious pint in the rooftop Gravity Bar. And yes, don't forget to take in the forests and glens, and hike up the mountains to uncover and discover ancient myths and sites.ColdArgentina: Crackling of breaking ice and immense sheets of ice walls plunging into the waters can blow away heat blues in a jiffy. And to visit these glacier territories you need not fly to Greenland or Antarctica, all you have to do is plan a trip to the Glacier National Park in Patagonia. The region of Patagonia and the area of El Calafate are extremely rugged and as a result support many activities such as hiking, biking and horseback riding. If you are a marine wildlife lover then Peninsula Valdes region will interest you. You can admire the colony of magellanic penguins, elephant seals, killer whales (orcas), and other marine species. Also discover one of the smallest and most beautiful dolphins — the Commerson's Dolphin — only found in the Argentinean Patagonian coast and in the Kerguelen Island in the Indian Ocean. June is the beginning of the winter season in Argentina, and the perfect time to visit.break-page-breakNorway: This is one place where the sun never sets in the summer. North Norway is home to both the midnight sun (constant daylight from April to July) and the northern lights (best seen in October, February and March). It is a rugged land of steep mountains, deep fjords and scenic coastline, making it a great place for outdoor adventures like dog sledding, snowmobiling and wildlife safaris. Norway has a range of tourist attractions from Lofoten Island — also known as lover's paradise — to Tromso to Bergen or Storsteinen. Head to East Norway for places like Jotunheimen, which offers good conditions for skiing both on and off prepared tracks. If that's easy for you, then explore the rough, off-track terrain of the Strynefjellet mountains. Jotunheimen also offers activities such as ice cannoning, ice climbing, snowshoe walking and breathtaking walks under the night sky. Another must-visit place is Innerdalen, the country's most beautiful mountain valley; the lure is heightened by the fact that no road leads up to it, you can only reach there after a two-hour walk.Peru: This one is strictly for the fit. Trekking is the major attraction and the Inca Trail, an ancient route more than 2,000 metres high in the Andes mountains above the Urubamba river that the legendary Inca red Indians are believed to have taken to reach the city of Machu Picchu, is the highlight. With routes that take two or four days, and given the high altitude, the trek can get strenuous. The result, though, is worth the effort, with the ancient ruins of the Incas bewitching you, and over 400 species of birds that inhabit Machu Picchu enchanting you. After a day long trek at the ruins, you can relax at the nearby hot springs. May to November is the best time to go.ColdestNow, here's the fun part. You can escape the heat and experience ice-cold temperatures even in India. Drop in at one of the many ice bars across the country, where you can sit on an ice chair in a room made of ice decorated with ice sculptures. Have a vodka or tequila shot in an ice glass amid minus 8-10 degrees temperature. If the idea excites you, head to Delhi's Ice Lounge in Saket or Rajouri Garden's Freeze Lounge or Mumbai's 21 Fahrenheit. Drinking and dancing at such low temperatures can be exhilarating, but don't expect to survive there for more than 30 minutes as the furry coat and gloves are not protective enough. And when the chill in the air starts to hit your ears, nose or feet, the hip hop music or the ice sculptures seem to lose their charm. However, if you have visited ice bars in London, Milan or Tokyo, lower your expectations before you step inside.While ice bars help experience sub-zero in India's blazing heat, there's no substitute for the real thing. So stop pottering, and plan your vacation before you miss the summer rush. ICE-ICE BABY: The Ice bar in Saket, New Dehi (BW Pic By Tribhuwan Sharma) (This story was published in Businessworld Issue Dated 30-05-2011)
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Marrying the choicest of world wines with signature cuisine, these landmark restaurants from around the world offer the connoisseur an experience as irresistibly sensory as a musical symphony.Kaminstube, Hotel Zur Tenne, Kitzbühel, AustriaThe Kitzbühel Band's spirited rendition of Mozart's violin concertos added to the quaint romanticism of the evening as we feasted on spinach Käse, pumpkin ravioli in butter cheese sauce and a 2008 Grüner Veltliner ‘Das Beste' white wine by Weingut Malat Höhlgraben from Kremstal. Then came the Tafelspitz (prime boiled beef). Served with roasted potatoes, creamy spinach, apple horseradish and cheese sauce, it did gourmet justice to our palates. This was paired with the award-winning 2007 Erich Scheiblhofer ‘Legend' Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend from Burgenland.The hotel's chocolate pastry specialities, apple strudels and Kaiserschmarrn (pancake slices with plum compote) melded perfectly with a 2006 Ewald Diem Blauberger Exklusiv from Niederösterreich.Atelier, Hotel Bayerischer Hof, Munich, GermanyAt this new and earthy-design five-star dining destination in vibrant Munich, fine vintages complemented exemplary cuisine. It all began with a fine 1999 Taittinger Rose Brut vintage champagne that added to the gourmet delights of spring leek, garden almonds and peacress prepared by chef Steffen Mezger.Our sweet-and-sour cabbage in butter and Bavarian-style wheat beer matched perfectly with Baldauf Winery's 2008 Spätlese fine wine. Limited edition Bavarian-Franconian wine varietals kept pouring in as we savoured freshwater crayfish with tripes and white summer cabbage. The splendid companion was an Apriles 2009 vintage Trocken red wine from Castell's Schlossberg vineyards.Stella, The Leela Kempinski, Mumbai, IndiaThe opulent décor and kosher Italian fine dining at Stella won us over completely. Diffused glows and raw silk drapes wooed us to a Prosecco Colmei extra dry sparkling white wine, which was paired with a refreshing tuna tartare and fresh avocado with sweet-and-sour pumpkin, celery and balsamic vinegar.The fine dining romance continued with pan-roasted sea bass, eggplant parmigiana and carrot mash. Complementing the Italian delicacies, perfected by chef Marco Priolo, were a Prosecco white wine sauce and a fruity Pinot Grigio Lis Neris from Friuli. The asparagus barley risotto with Taleggio cheese and roasted pine nuts harmonised with a fine Ceretto Barolo Zonchera red wine.With Vivaldi's The Four Seasons summing up the sojourn for us, chef Priolo's unique yogurt-peach mousse, passion fruit meringue, pistachio sauce synergised with an Umberto Cesari Tauleto Sangiovese Rubicone from Emilia-Romagna. CHEERS TO LIFE: Stella at The Leela Kempinski, Mumbai, boasts a world-class wine cellar (Leela Kempinski) break-page-breakTetsuya's Restaurant, Sydney, AustraliaPaired with handpicked world wines, star chef Tetsuya Wakuda's signature nuggets were meticulously attuned to a leisurely 14-course menu that blended Japanese precision with French flair.While we feasted on signature delights such as marinated crystal bay prawns with soy caramel and a fine 2006 Home Hill Tasmanian, Tetsuya's terrine of Queensland spanner crab with avocado came aptly paired with a white 2005 Pooles Rock Semillon. His award-winning confit of petuna Tasmanian ocean trout with konbu, apple, daikon and wasabi green salad was accompanied by a light 2006 Ocean Eight Pinot Noir from Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. Fine wines such as the South African 2007 Nederburg Winemaster's Sauvignon Blanc blend seamlessly with Tetsuya's fine dining magic.Moo, Hotel Omm, Barcelona, SpainA vintage 2000 Pere Ventura Cava champagne introduced us to a classy wine-tinged menu at this Michelin Star outlet.Toasting a fine 2001 chardonnay from Rioja to a crisp amuse bouche of marble melons tossed with seaweed and grated manchego cheese topping, we relished red mullet with tomato confit and white pepper broth prepared by chef Felip Llufriu.Our jamon Iberico (Iberian pork) in stewed fresh chestnuts and Jerusalem artichokes with white wine jus was a smashing encore to a choice 2006 red blend from the Uteil Requena wine region. Lamb with mint and vegetable couscous paired with a 2005 Capellania Marques de Murrieta was the coda to this pleasant course. SPANISH DELIGHT: Moo is a Michelin Star restaurant at Hotel Omm, Barcelona (BW Pic By Kishore Iyengar) The Cinnamon Club, London, UKThe elitist Cinnamon Club introduced us to Bombay spiced vegetables with cumin pao, which went perfectly with a 2003 vintage Pomerol Burgundy Pinot Noir. This was followed by grilled wild African prawn with tomato lemon sauce and coconut rice, and an award-winning 2001 Amisfield Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.While Norwegian king crab claw with coconut mace and cardamom washed delightfully with a vintage 2000 Robert Mondavi Oakville Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, we also toasted with a grand 1999 Gigi Rosso Barolo Arione from Piedmont, Italy to tandoori broccoli, baby cauliflower and paneer. The grand finale of smooth saffron-pistachio firni with pomegranate and strawberries was paired with a 1999 O'Reilly's Canungra valley tawny port.Segreto, The Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAEOur soiree fizzed up with champagne as we relaxed at this exclusive Italian fine dining landmark amidst lagoons and palm rows. A splendid cod salad with mozzarella cheese got us warmed to a delectable pan-seared sea bass in garlic and roast onion polenta dressing. The wine? A classy 2005 Vignamaggio Chianti red.With a 2007 Zonin Montepulciano D'Abruzzo red in tow, we relished a Mille-feuille with Portobello mushrooms and sage gnocchi. As Luciano Pavarotti's soulful renditions stirred up passions, we dug into roasted eggplant with zucchini pesto sauce and washed down with a 2007 Brancaia Super Tuscan red. Wonders such as amaretto cakes with coffee macaroons blended perfectly with a 2001 Ceretto Langhe Monsordo Rosso.Beau Champ, Four Seasons, Anahita, MauritiusInnovated by chef Julio O. Sanz Frappier, the signature fare included chickpeas and mint milkshake souffle for amuse bouche and an intriguing mushroom carpaccio red porto reduction. The delicacies were accompanied by a fine 2009 Iona Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa and a 2007 Rosemount Pinot Noir from Australia. To top it all, in sync with chef Julio's basil ravioli, tomato and creamy asparagus was a 2008 South African Glen Carlou chardonnay, while a fine 2007 Libera Bava Barbera D'Asti Rosso from Piedmont aptly complemented an innovative risotto venere, vegetable pearls and lime juice.The authors are high-end luxury travel, lifestyle and hospitality writers, and wine-awareness consultants(This story was published in Businessworld Issue Dated 13-06-2011)
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The iPad 2, a thinner and faster version that features two cameras for video chat, is priced between 29,500 rupees and 46,900 rupees, depending on the model. "The response (from customers) has been quite good … we have sold 15 units since morning," a sales assistant at iWorld, one of Apple's premium resellers, said in New Delhi.The model with 16 GB of memory that works only on Wi-Fi is priced at 29,500 rupees, while the one that can operate on both Wi-Fi as well as third-generation (3G) mobile networks costs 36,900 rupees. Customers have the option to buy an iPad 2 with 16, 32 or 64 GB of memory and can choose a model that works only on Wi-Fi or on both Wi-Fi and 3G.Research firm IHS iSuppli estimates Apple will ship 39.7 million units for all models of the iPad this year. The first iPad - which went on sale a year ago - sold 300,000 units on the first day, 500,000 in the first week, and crossed the 1 million unit mark in 28 days.(Reuters)
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In the United States, several members of Congress seized on the breach, in which hackers stole names, addresses and possibly credit card details from users of Sony's PlayStation Network, to push for tougher laws protecting personal information.The staff of a House of Representatives subcommittee were directed to investigate the hacking incident.Attorneys general, who act as consumer advocates, had begun investigating the matter or reviewing it with staff in several states, including in Iowa, Connecticut, Florida and Massachusetts, according to their offices.One US class-action lawyer said he was considering filing a lawsuit on behalf of consumers as soon as this week.In Britain, a government watchdog said it had already launched an investigation of the incident, which put credit card information at risk.Britain's Information Commissioner's Office said it had contacted the company and was investigating whether Sony violated laws that require it to safeguard personal information. The commissioner's investigation would depend in part on whether Sony stored user information in Britain.While the Japanese electronics company pulled the plug on the PlayStation network on April 19, it did not tell the public about the hackers' attack until Tuesday.The disclosure sparked immediate outrage among gamers and revived criticisms of Japan's corporate culture that plagued Toyota Motor during its huge automotive recall in 2010.A Sony spokesman has said that after learning of the breach it took "several days of forensic investigation" before the company knew consumers' data had been compromised.Sony said on Tuesday that hackers accessed personal details on 77 million users."This is a huge data breach and the clients who have called are really upset, not just because of the data breach but it looks like Sony sat on information for as much as five days," said Jay Edelson, an attorney at law firm Edelson McGuire.Edelson's firm specializes in class-action lawsuits over data breaches. He said he would decide in the next 24 hours whether to file a lawsuit.Sony did not immediately return a call on Wednesday seeking a comment.US ScrutinyThe incident could give momentum for tougher policies in the United States.US Representative Mary Bono Mack of California said she directed staff of the House subcommittee for commerce, manufacturing and trade, which she chairs, to begin investigating the matter to determine if hearings are needed.Representative Bobby Rush of Illinois said he would reintroduce legislation that would require companies to have reasonable security measures and Senator Tom Carper of Delaware said he hoped for a comprehensive cyber security bill this year.US regulators could get involved as well. The Federal Trade Commission has been known to pursue companies that failed to safeguard consumer data. It could investigate if it determines Sony failed to tell its customers about the company's privacy policies.A spokeswoman for the agency declined to comment.Sony reported the breach to the FBI's cybercrimes unit in San Diego, which is investigating, a person familiar with the probe told Reuters. The person was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.Sony may come under the toughest scrutiny from non-US regulators, which have stricter consumer privacy laws."European countries are going to go crazy and be all over this," said Dan Burk, a professor at the University of California, Irvine School of Law. "They are absolutely obsessed about companies holding personal information."Burk said subscribers will need to show they suffered damages as a result of the hacking for a US lawsuit to have legs."If it was just hacking for fun, then it's going to be tough," he said.(Reuters)
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India, the land of rivers, has her own deadly rapids, some as powerful and dangerous as any in the world. Here are a few that rank among the most difficult.Siang, Arunachal Pradesh: Siang, which is what the mighty Brahmaputra is called in Arunachal Pradesh, offers rapids that can rival the likes of Grand Canyon or Zambezi. Largely unexplored, it's in the eastern corner of India and was opened to foreigners only in 2003. The 180-km stretch has holes the size of houses, 5-metre high waves, and huge whirlpools. Siang has a 10-mile stretch that contains the Ningguing and Pulsating Palsi rapids. These are then followed by terrifying Grade 6 rapids such as Roaring Rikor, Zebra Rock and Toothfairy at Cherring.Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh: The north-eastern state also has the Subansiri or Gold River, the biggest tributary of the upper Brahmaputra. The river has no road artery linking it for about 150 km, and runs through difficult terrain (vertical rock faces) with sparse population. It also has extremely powerful rapids with high water volume and flow. Sadly, a 135-metre-high hydel dam is being built on the river, which will effectively put a stop to any rafting activity. Go there before it vanishes.Tons, Uttarakhand: Only 410 km from Delhi, Garhwal, the part of Uttarakhand bordering Himachal Pradesh, is where the Tons river offers some mighty Grade 4 and Grade 5 rapids. White-water rafting on the Tons is counted among the most challenging in the country. The upper Tons is considered non-navigable by rafts, such is the ferocity of the rapids and the current. The middle has powerful, but manoeuvrable, rapids such as Afterglow, Pillowtalk, Deadly Dedsu, Channel Rapid and Thrice Bitten. Zanskar, Ladakh: A trip to Ladakh is exciting enough, but when you go rafting in the extremely desolate, remote and sheer Zanskar gorge, the fun trebles. Taking on extremely powerful rapids apart, the added challenge is the icy cold water (and environs, too), and the difficulties of getting acclimatised to the high altitude. Zanskar's rapids, passing through mountain walls that are thousands of feet high, are spread over a 180-km stretch of near-inaccessible terrain. The rapids themselves are mostly of the Grade 4 variety, making the experience of braving incredibly difficult waters in equally difficult conditions, a unique experience. Just try it.
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So, river rafting comes as easy to you as drifting in a mellow lake. Be warned, though; there are rapids worldwide that can put fear into even the best, particularly Grade 4 and Grade 5 rapids. (Grade 6 rapids are too dangerous and best avoided.) Here are some of the world's toughest river-rafting destinations for you to soak in the adrenaline. (Statutory warning: if you're a first-timer, don't bother.)Grand Canyon, Colorado, USCradling the Colorado river, the spectacular Grand Canyon is the world's white-water capital. The wilder portions of the river, which originates near Rocky Mountain National Park, are in the desert southwest as it flows through Utah and the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon has a scale of 1-10 for rapids, 10 being the most difficult (unlike the 1-6 grade international classification). Some of the Grand rapids in the Colorado are the Crystal, Granite and Lava, besides awesome blast rapids such as the Hermit. Horn Creek Rapid is rated a 7-9 grade; one of the most difficult rapids, it forms, at lower levels, very large waves and hydraulics. Check it out in April.Futaleufu, ChileMove from North America to South America, to Chile's Futaleufu river, which is known for its powerful white-water currents the world over. The upper part of the river, which runs from Pueblo de Futaleufu to the Rio Azul confluence, offers the most trying rafting options and contains Grade 5 rapids such as the Gates of Inferno, Wall Shot, The Perfect Storm, Zeta and the Throne Room. Among the more dangerous Grade 5 rapids here is the Casa de Piedra (house of rock). Keep in mind, though, that the flow of the river can vary significantly even over a week depending on rainfall. The Chilean government has proposed a hydroelectric dam, which may restrict the free flow of the river in the future. So, if you're planning a trip, make it fast.Zambezi, Zambia BEATING THE CURRENTS: A rafter takes on the powerful white-water currents on Chile's Futaleufu river, which boasts the Gates of Inferno rapid, among others (CORBIS) From the alluring climes of Latin America, move to Zambia in wild Africa, towards the south of the continent. The 3,540-km Zambezi river, the fourth-longest in Africa, starts in Zambia and flows through Angola, along the borders of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. One of its spectacular features is the 1.7-km wide Victoria Falls (along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe), where the Zambezi drops some 100 metres into a narrow gorge. Rapids in the Upper Zambezi are very frequent (between 100 metres and 2 km), many of them being Grade 5 and Grade 6. Some of the fifth-graders are Gulliver's Travels, Open Season, Upper Moemba and Ghostrider, while the Grade 6 rapids include Commercial Suicide, Lower Moemba and Deep Throat. The stretch just south of the Victoria Falls to Batoka Gorge contains some of the most dangerous rapids in the rafting world, including the Stairway to Heaven, Devil's Toilet Bowl and Oblivion rapids. Victoria Nile, UgandaFrom Zambia, move north to Uganda. Here, you find the White Nile, which runs through Uganda, Sudan and Egypt. Known as the Victoria Nile, the river arises from Lake Victoria in Uganda and is widely considered one of the world's most thrilling white-water rafting destinations. Most trips start in Jinja by Lake Victoria. In addition to some Grade 4 and Grade 3 rapids, there are several Grade 5 ones in the Victoria Nile. Rapids such as the Big Brother and G-spot can terrify as your raft spins around the whirlpools and climbs vertically into waves. The most dangerous Grade 5 rapid is the The Bad Place. To get there, you have to carry your raft around a Grade 6 rapid — don't try rafting that one — before rejoining the river.Yangtze, ChinaFinally, from Africa to Asia, to the world's most surging economy, China. The Middle Kingdom cradles the Yangtze or Cháng Jiang, the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. Flowing over a 6,418-km expanse, Yangtze has seen very few rafters successfully navigating its rapids. At places, its flow is six times as fast as the Colorado river in the Grand Canyon. The most difficult stretch is the 192 km through three gorges — Xiling, Wu and Qutang. The rapids are characterised by intense hydraulics and surges of white water, dangerous ledges, huge holes, whirlpools, and 10-15 ft breaking waves. THINGS TO CARRY A pair of drying shorts to wear over your wetsuit Toiletries, personal medication, etc. Pack your stuff in a duffel or kitbag as a large part of the journey will involve travelling in vehicles A warm sleeping bag Woollen/thermal underwear A wind/rain-proof jacket A good pair of sandals to last the entire trip. Spare sneakers or flipflops will come in handy for camping A flashlight and spare batteries Sunshade/hat Vaseline/lip salve Insect repellent A small daypack for your camera, lunch, water bottle and jacket
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Sony, a laggard in the booming tablet market, launched its first tablet computers in an ambitious attempt to grab the second spot in the market created and dominated by Apple's iPad.The gadgets will use an operating system based on Google's Android 3.0, said Kunimasa Suzuki, deputy president of the consumer products and services group, as he unveiled one of the devices from his jacket pocket during a media launch on Tuesday.The tablets called S1 and S2, are WiFi and 3G/4G compatible. One of the models will have two screens, Suzuki added.S1 has a 9.4-inch display while S2 has two 5.5-inch displays that can be folded. The tablets will allow use of PlayStation games.Sales of tablet devices are expected to quadruple to about 294 million units between 2011 and 2015, with almost half that Android-based, research firm Gartner has forecast.Suzuki raised eyebrows in January when he told reporters at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that Sony was aiming for the No.2 spot in the tablet market within a year even though it had yet to put a product on the market.The company has emphasised the need to differentiate its tablet from rivals, even if that takes time."Although it's a late comer in the market, it has potential as what you need is just one big uniqueness that can sell to customers be it design or whatever," said Lee Sun-tae, an analyst at Meritz Securities in Seoul."By the same token it can be just one of another Android phones flooding the market amid intensifying competition."In a bid to tap that burgeoning demand, competitors including Samsung Electronics - whose Galaxy Tab is Apple's strongest competitor in the tablet market - and Motorola, LG Electronics and HTC are flooding the market with tablets running Android.Shares in Sony, which unveils its quarterly results on 26 May, fell 2.1 per cent on Tuesday.(Reuters)
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Japan's Nintendo Co Ltd posted its second straight fall in annual profit on Monday, as sales of its ageing Wii games console slowed and the March 11 earthquake weighed on Japanese consumer spending. Operating profit fell 52 per cent to 171.1 billion yen ($2.09 billion) in the year ended in March from 356.8 billion yen the previous year, below a Thomson Reuters SmartEstimate of 200.8 billion yen. SmartEstimates put more weight on recent forecasts by highly rated analysts. The maker of the DS handheld games device expects operating profit of 175 billion yen for the year to March 2012, compared with a consensus of 215.8 billion yen, based on eight analysts polled by Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S after the March 11 disaster. Nintendo, which competes with Sony Corp and Microsoft, also faces a growing challenge from smartphones and tablets. In a bid to fight back, it launched a glasses-free 3D-capable handheld games device, the 3DS, in late February in Japan and a month later in the United States and Europe. The company also announced that it will release a successor to the Wii in 2012.Nintendo shares closed up 0.9 per cent ahead of the earnings report, while the broader market fell 0.1 per cent.(Reuters)
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