Motorola to sell $30 handsets

Motorola is to sell more than 6 million mobile phones for less than $30 each in a new programme to take low-cost handsets to developing markets.

Reuters reports that the cost per handset will dip below $30, compared to $40 in the first Emerging Market Handset (EMH) programme awarded in February, which was also won by US-based Motorola.

Industry body the GSM Association said 10 operators in developing markets have promised to buy about 6 million of the two models Motorola will submit to the programme. These include the new C113a model, which is exclusive to the programme, and the C113, which is available under the first EMH programme and will be made cheaper.

The GSM Association initiated the cheap handset programme to help "connect the unconnected".

Around 75% to 80% of the world`s population live in areas already covered by mobile communication systems, but only 25% own and use a handset. Over 2 billion people around the world own a mobile phone.

Search engine leader Google is offering an Internet streamcast of last week`s television premiere of Chris Rock`s new comedy, "Everybody Hates Chris".

Other online outlets have made network prime-time shows available before, but this marks Google`s most high-profile video offering so far, reports the Washington Post.

The series premiere - 21 minutes long after removing commercials - is being offered through Google`s servers Monday through Thursday, when the new episode broadcasts on UPN.

Singaporean bank UOB is launching perfumed credit cards, in a bid to attract more female customers, reports Mobilemag.

Overseas finance houses are increasingly using a range of novelty credit cards in various shapes and colours to entice customers.