During the year, the cellular technology - which has made a paradigm shift from just being a mobile telephony with the arrival of sets equipped with modern operating system (OS) that supports multiple applications - will rapidly emerge as an alternative to computers. Samsung Galaxy Tab -- the Android-based compact tablet computer with mobile communication -- launched in the country in December 2010 has set the precedence. [break]
Distributors of popular mobile phones like Nokia, Samsung, LG and Spice informed that they were introducing new sets that will enable people to use programs like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint among others, through projector phones in 2011.
Geeta Neupane, senior marketing and public relation executive at Teletalk - the authorized distributor of Spice and Colors phones, expects gadgets like Galaxy Tab to be launched and marketed aggressively in 2011.
"The introduction of gadgets like Samsung Galaxy Tab is going to change the façade of mobile technology as an option to computers," Neupane said.
International Marketing Service (IMS) -- the authorized distributor of Samsung mobile phones -- is soon launching more handsets with Bada and Android OS that are expected to serve iPad-like taste to the users.
"We are launching Punch (a dual-SIM phone), Tass (mid-high Android-based phone) and Cardinal (bar phone in mid-segment) in the first quarter of 2011," said Puskal Khatiwada, marketing manager at IMS.
Distributors will also continue to offer handsets supporting better music experience, high quality pictures, 3D mobile application and enhanced movie experience through HDMI technology. Clearly, smartphones supporting multi applications and advanced operating system like Android, Symbian and iOS will rule the market next year.
"2011 will the year of gadgets with advanced multi-application technology," said Yogesh Roy, national sales manager at Neoteric Nepal, the authorized distributor of Nokia phones. Neoteric is preparing to launch new music phones, QWERTY phones and touchscreen phones along with basic low-end sets in 2011.
Distributors of popular gadget brands are unanimous that the gap between global launch and the entry of the product in the Nepali market will further narrow down in 2011. However, they doubt the consumers being able to make complete use of the cellular technologies that will hit the market given the limitations in services offered by the local telecommunication companies.
"Nepali consumers are not far behind when it comes to experiencing latest technology in comparison to US or Indian consumers. Unfortunately, they can´t make full use of those technology because of limited services offered by telecommunication companies," Neupane added.
Moreover, economic slowdown in developed market will continue to force the consumer electronic goods manufacturers to turn to developing and emerging markets.
"This will enable Nepali consumers get acquainted with and access to a wide range of advanced electronic products in the coming year as well," said Ramesh Bista, operation manager of Nepa Hima Trade Link -- the authorized distributor of Sony products in Nepal.
LED and LCD televisions in 3D and HD variants by different brands are expected to enter Nepali market in 2011, tapping the taste of Nepali consumers and creating a demand here.
Syakar Company - the authorized distributor of Philips products in Nepal - is planning to add new range of LCD and LED televisions, home theaters and docking devices in 2011. "We will be launching LCD and LED televisions in 3D variants as well as 3D home theater systems. Docking devices have been gaining wide popularity among youngsters. We will be introducing more of them next in 2011," Tej Shrestha of Syakar Company said.
Talking about new technology in white goods, Bhandari said they will launch triple-door refrigerator in 2011.
Dealers expect the overall sales of microwaves to increase in the rate of 40 to 50 percent in 2011.
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