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Obi Mobiles unveiled, offers high aspirations at affordable prices [Khaleej Times (United Arab Emirates)](Khaleej Times (United Arab Emirates) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Obi Mobiles is a new venture from Sculley's Inflexionpoint, a Toronto-based investment and acquisition company. Obi Mobiles, in partnership with UAE retail giant Jumbo Electronics, announced its formal launch into the Middle East market, bringing value-for-money devices in its segment along with the promise of technology that is ready to take on established brands. Headlining the event in Dubai late on Sunday was John Sculley — the former president of PepsiCo and former chief executive officer of tech titan Apple — who, during his speech, showed off the charm and wit that has earned him recognition as one of the most respected marketers and entrepreneurs. Taking reference from the term "moonshot" — which he defined as "a power shift from a world where markets were controlled by producers to a world where the market is shifting the power to customers in control" — he said that the launch of Obi Mobiles comes at a very opportune time. His latest book, which was also launched at the event, is entitled Moonshot!. "We now have the ability to expand the experience of every product and service; we can amplify it and we can create products and services that can be five, 10 times better than what already exists. And at the same time we can use these technologies to dramatically reduce the cost of delivery of products and services," Sculley told the audience. "Obi Mobiles is going into one of the most crowded, commoditised industries you can imagine — going into mobile devices. Why would anybody want to go into an industry that is becoming increasingly hard to make a profit in... why would anyone else want to be there? Unless you can start to apply the principles of customers being empowered." Obi Mobiles is a new venture from Sculley's Inflexionpoint, a Toronto-based investment and acquisition company. Its products primarily target the young demographic — those who are tech-savvy but are looking for pocket-friendly prices. Jumbo, Obi's exclusive distributor in the region, will manage all distribution channels across the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Iraq. The devices introduced to the Middle East market were the flagship Octopus S520, Hornbill S551, Falcon S451, Wolverine S501 and a power bank feature phone, the Obi F240. "We have aspirations as with any other high-tech company, but with a different price point," Vishesh Bhatia, chief executive officer of Jumbo Electronics, said at the event. Obi Mobiles' launch comes on the heels of another smartphone brand's introduction into the market in partnership with Jumbo — India's Xolo — which was held last week in Dubai. Interviewed before the official function by Khaleej Times, Bhatia said that Jumbo being chosen as an official distributor for up-and-coming brands speaks volumes for itself. "It speaks a lot that a lot of brands are coming to this region and looking upon Jumbo as one of the most qualified distributors with strength getting the product through across the channels," he said. "With a good reputation, financial strength and knowledge of the market, I can say we are a partner of choice." Jumbo, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is very confident that the Obi brand will gain traction — especially with Sculley's all-out support. "With John Sculley — a marketing genius — behind that name, I think it has a better than even chance to succeed," he said. Asked of the relationship between Jumbo and Sculley, Bhatia snapped: "excellent". "He's a charming man; so humble for someone who's senior with his age and as a business icon… and plenty of wisdom." Take your pick Some key features of the Obi handsets that were launched: Octopus S520 — 1.7GHz octa-core processor; Android KitKat; 1GB RAM, 8GB ROM, up to 32GB microSD; 5" HD IPS touchscreen; 8MP main camera; dual-SIM; full-aluminium back cover; Dh799 Falcon S451 — 1.3GHz dual-core processor; Android Jelly Bean; 1GB RAM, 4GB ROM, up to 32GB microSD; 5" IPS qHD touchscreen; 8MP rotating camera; Dh599 Hornbill S551 — 1.3GHz quad-core processor; Android KitKat; 1GB RAM, 4GB ROM, up to 32GB microSD; 5.5" touchscreen; 8MP main camera; Dh599 Wolverine S501 — 1.2GHz dual-core processor; Android KitKat; 1GB RAM, 4GB ROM, up to 32GB microSD; 5" touchscreen; 5MP main camera; Dh399 F240 — power bank feature phone with high-capacity 3000mAH battery; dual-SIM; Dh99 — [email protected] (c) 2014 Khaleej Times. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |