After its fast-growing popularity in the United States, Peek, the mobile email device is expanding its user base and has set sail for Indian shores. Touted as a simpler and more reasonably priced Blackberry substitute, this device is designed primarily for quick, simply access to email with a few other features like text messaging added on.
In response to aid requests, New York based Peek Inc. recently sent its devices to relief organizations for use in the Haitian relief effort. CEO and founder Amol Sarva has, meanwhile, also been working to bring Peek to rural and urban markets in India. The devices have been rolling out over the past few weeks, he says, and should be live across the country in the next few months.
Peek Features:
- Large, color screen makes reading easy even in daylight
- QWERTY keyboard for easy, comfortable typing
- Nationwide coverage, device to be usable throughout India
- Supports most popular email services like Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo as well as Microsoft Exchange Server, POP and IMAP
- Scroll Navigation system is easy to use
- Access upto three email accounts
- Unlimited email for a flat monthly rate
Peek device specifications:
- Operating System – Peekux
- 104Mhz ARM7 processor
- 800, 1800 and 1900 Mhz GSM bands supported
- GPRS packet data
- 16MB of user memory (i.e. a truckload of email)
- Weight – 109 gm
- Display – 2.5 inches (320 x 240 pixels (QVGA), 65k colors)
- Battery Life – 4 to 5 days under typical usage
- Dimensions – 102 x 68 x 10 mm
According to Peek India CEO Siddharth Mangharam, the hand-held, available in dark gray and maroon, would cost Rs. 3999. Rental for email access would be an additional Rs. 299 per month. In contrast, rental in the States is $15 per month (around Rs. 700). However, just as it is in the U.S., straightforward email access will be available to Indian customers after basic costs are covered. On the other hand, and unlimited Blackberry data plan in India costs around Rs. 900, to which a voice package has to be added. Further, Blackberry handsets are considerably more expensive.
Keeping in mind that smartphones are extremely versatile and, at minimum, cost just a few thousands more, some feel that Peek devices will not create a niche in the Indian market. Buying a device solely for the purpose of checking email may seem a waste of resources when devices that can do that and much more are readily available. On the other hand, there are those who feel that the device might just be a success. With emailing becoming more and more of an on the go activity for many professionals, having a low-priced gadget like the Peek may seem easier than lugging around a laptop for those not in favor of fancy phones.
Either way, we will soon see what the future has in store for this new gadget.
Pretty cool. I think such a device is much needed in the Indian market. I currently use a Blackberry and honestly very unhappy with the fact that i have to pay a huge fee just to get my emails. I spend more time on emails and the Peek will surely help me. Does anyone know where i can buy one?? how long do i have to wait to get one?? Looks pretty sleek in black.
Finally its in India! Noted that it was the 2008 Time magazine’s gadget of the year in the states. and the reviews on youtube look good…when does this come out in the stores?
I’ve used Peek when i was in the states. It’s pretty good for email on the go. i think india is the 2nd country they’re launching.
There was an article published in Mint about this a few days ago. The device will be for about 3000 and 200 a month for unlimited email. What else can you ask for people !!!
Hi Gary, I work as a developer at Peek and thanks for reviewing our device.
@Elizabeth, yes this is the second country in which we are launching.
More information about Peek is available at http://www.getpeek.in
You can leave questions for me here and I will try my best to answer.
We are very close to our launch date in India. I can’t share the exact details as it will take the buzz away from our marketing plan. We will on LIVE shortly.
And we have lots of exciting stuff in the pipeline, and these will start rolling out post launch.
If anyone has any thoughts on what you would like to see be device be capable of leave a response (Hint: we are already Twitter enabled in US).
For those who are interested in the geeky aspects of peek check out: http://www.geekypeek.com
Is the world suddenly moving towards the concept of niche devices? Are companies trying to target a psychological trait of human beings where we associate particular tools/devices for particular tasks? For e.g. The Tweet device (http://www.geek.com/articles/mobile/twitterpeek-a-mobile-device-that-just-does-tweets-2009113/) was launched some time back. Common sense would say that such a device should not even be launched with mobile phones easily capable of handling such a use case. The wiki-reader, kindle etc etc…Don’t know what the future holds.
This is a breakthrough and much needed in a SME segment that is driven by a customer base wanting to offer the functionality of email to their field representatives and not give an arm for the device or service. Looking forward to the launch. Good Luck.
Carrying one extra device for only mailing. Be practical yaar.
It can thru but i am sure it doesn’t give much effect in the market even though it costs less.
Hi guys,
Finally peek launched in the country with exclusivity with Aircel and is available at all aircel stores across country.
for any queries & to book the device mail me on sudeep.shah@aircel.co.in