HCL Info launches 3 tablets starting Rs 15,000

 HCL Infosystems Ltd has launched three tablet personal computers "with localised content," running on Google's Android operating system.

The HCL ME Tablet range will be priced between Rs 14,990 and Rs 32,990, the company said in a statement.

Sporting a 7-inch display, HCL Me AE7-A1 comes with 800 x 480 pixel resolution. Powered by Android v 2.2, the tablet runs on ARM 11, 800 MHz processor. The tablet packs 256MB DDR2 RAM and features a 0.3 megapixel camera, GPS, Bluetooth v2.0, USB 2.0 and EVDO.

HCL Me AE7-A1 has 2GB of internal memory with Micro SD card slot for memory expansion. There is also a 3.5mm headset jack, stereo speakers and Li-Po 2400 mAh battery. The tablet is priced at Rs 14,990.

HCL Me AM7-A1 tablet features a 1.3 megapixel front camera for video calls and offers GPS navigation. Powered by Android v 2.2 Froyo, the tablet runs on ARM Cortex A8, 800 MHz processor. It also supports full HD1080p video playback and video calling.

The tablet comes with 512 RAM and 8GB built-in memory. Other key features include microSD card upto 16GB, Wi-Fi, 3G connectivity, Quad Band GSM/EDGE, USB v2.0 connector, 3.5 mm headset jack, Bluetooth v 2.1+EDR and audio playback. HCL Me AM7-A1 is available for Rs 22,990.

The third tablet, HCL Me AP10-A1, comes with a dual core 1GHz processor. Featuring a 10-inch capacitive multitouch display, the tablet runs on Android v 2.2.

The tablet sports 1.3 megapixel camera and offers support for 3G connectivity and Wi-Fi. It has 16GB in-built storage and microSD card slot for upto 32GB memory expansion.

Other features include HDMI, USB 2.0, Ethernet connectors, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and GPS with e-compass. The tablet is priced at Rs 32,990.

Facebook to start discounted offers service

Facebook Inc is planning to test a service that will let consumers buy discounted one-time offers as it looks for new ways to boost sales and attract local business customers.

The service will let people share discounted offers with their friends, Facebook said in an e-mailed statement. Part of the company's Deals program, the service will be introduced first in five cities, includingAtlanta, San Francisco, San Diego, Dallas and Austin, Texas.

"Local businesses will be able to sign up to use this feature soon, and people will be able to find Deals in the coming weeks," the Palo Alto, California-based company said in the statement.

Google pays $59m to top execs

Google has awarded nearly $9 million in bonuses and another $50 million in equity to four top executives of the Internet giant, according to a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Patrick Pichette, Google's chief financial officer, received a $2.7 million bonus and $15 million in equity while chief business officer Nikesh Arora received a $2.7 million bonus and $20 million in equity.

Google's senior vice president for engineering and research Alan Eustace was awarded a $1.8 million bonus and another $10 million in equity, according to the SEC filing.

Senior vice president for product management Jonathan Rosenberg received a $1.7 million bonus and $5 million in equity.