Google has just released in the U.S. a new version of Google Talk for the iPhone and iPod Touch browsers. You can now talk with them while you're on the move in addition to sending your friends Gmail messages from your iPhone.
On your iPhone browser go to www.google.com/talk, log in and start talking. Google Talk runs entirely in the browser so there's no need to download or install anything. There are a few differences from using Google Talk on your computer. For example, in to receive instant messages with Google Talk on your iPhone, the application needs to be open in your Safari browser. When you navigate away to another browser window or application, your status will be changed to "unavailable" and your Google Talk session will be restarted when you return.
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Access Co., Ltd., a global provider of advanced software technologies to the mobile and beyond-PC markets, has announced the launch of a beta version of its NetFront Browser Widgets community site, where users can download and try free widgets for mobile devices.
Widgets provided on this site can be used after users download and install a free beta version of NetFront Browser Widgets Player, which initially is compatible with Windows Mobile versions 5.0 and 6.0. NetFront Browser Widgets is based on ACCESS' acclaimed NetFront Browser engine, one of the most widely-used browsers on the market today, with over 590 million deployments worldwide.
Widgets are mini applications displayed in small GUI windows on the screen of a handset or consumer electronic device. Widgets are appealing to users because they can be accessed without having to open the handset's browser, automatically acquiring and displaying the latest information from the Web. The NetFront Browser Widgets community site provides a variety of widget applications such as maps, weather forecasts and games.
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Nokia has announced that developers (from Forum Nokia, Nokia's global developer program) can easily develop widgets for WidSets and instantly make them available for download to a rapidly growing user base. WidSets is a mobile content consumption, creation and sharing service offered by Nokia. WidSets work on more than 300 mobile device models currently supporting MIDP 2.0, including some 500 million Series 40 and S60 devices worldwide. Developers can visit http://forum.nokia.com/widsets to get started.
Forum Nokia has launched a comprehensive developer offering for WidSets to arm developers with the tools and technologies needed to take advantage of this unique opportunity for immediate visibility to a content hungry community. At forum.nokia.com/widsets, developers will have access to WidSets documentation, the WidSets SDK and be able to view examples of widgets created through WidSets, plus the ability to contribute to articles and receive feedback from the world's largest mobile developer community.
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According to a ABI Research’s recent report, in 2007, North America generated 81% of the world’s Location Based Services (LBS) revenue. In 2013, that percentage will be just 32%. In the same period, Western and Eastern Europe’s combined LBS revenues will jump from just 5% to 31%. The Asia-Pacific region, meanwhile, will see a rise from a 2007 share of 11%, to 27%.
LBS’s slow uptake outside North America has had everything to do with the fact that unlike the CDMA phones so prevalent there, which have utilized GPS to comply with the United States’ E911 regulatory mandate, the GSM handsets owned by most users in Europe and Asia have not generally offered native GPS support. However with the broader proliferation of GPS-enabled GSM handsets in those other regions, and with the quickening rollout of 3G services worldwide, the opportunities for LBS service offerings will grow quickly.
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Openmoko, developer of the first open mobile computing platform today announced that on Friday, July 4, it will open the online store for purchase of the Openmoko Neo FreeRunner, a mobile device that the company says will help to enable ubiquitous computing for the 21st century. Shipping to customers will commence on July 7, 2008.
The Openmoko Neo FreeRunner utilizes GNU/Linux and comes with core software for dialing, SMS and recording contacts. Openmoko will supplement these features with periodic downloads beginning with a software suite that takes full advantage of the phone's hardware platform. The new software, debuting at Linux world in August, will provide exciting new location based applications.
Two versions of the phone will be available: 850MHz or 900 MHz Tri-band GSM to match frequencies in different countries. Black, oval-shaped and weighing 6.5 ounces, the Openmoko Neo FreeRunner features a 2.8" 480 x 640 VGA touchscreen, Wi-Fi (802.1 1b/g), AGPS, GPRS 2.5G, Bluetooth 2.0, two 3-axis motion sensors and comes with 128MB WSDRAM and 256MB NAND Flash.
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MetroPCS Communications, Inc. today announced the launch of its low cost, flat-rate unlimited wireless services in the Greater Philadelphia Region, providing residents the freedom to enjoy more flexible wireless options.
Upon launch of service in Philadelphia, MetroPCS will have 6 company owned stores and 132 authorized in the Philadelphia area. MetroPCS intends to add additional locations by the end of the year. In addition to bringing a new affordable, flexible, predictable low cost, flat-rate wireless service, MetroPCS' entry into the market will provide a positive stimulus for the local economy by creating an estimated 800 jobs by the end of 2008.
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People of California, listen up! Starting yesterday, July 1, it is now illegal to talk on your cell phone while driving in the state unless you use a hands free device.
The law passed more than a year ago and there is no grace period. If you're caught with your cell phone to your ear while driving there is a minimum $20 fine for the first violation and $50 for each additional ticket. In Los Angeles County, expect to pay more than four times that amount.
Every year approximately 300 people die in car accidents due to cell phone usage while driving. While more than 4,000 people are killed annually in the state in traffic accidents. The new law is intended to fix this problem.
Restrictions on using cell phones while driving continue to spread throughout the country with some states getting tough while other states don't have any rules as yet. | 
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HTC Corp. today announced its first entry into the advanced Korean market with the introduction of the HTC Touch Dual. Launched in exclusive alliance with the local carrier, SK Telecom, the HTC Touch Dual integrates HTC’s advanced intuitive TouchFLO technology and slide-out keypad in a compact design.
Offering one touch access to email, messages, contacts, pictures and more, the Touch Dual provides an uncompromising touch and keypad experience for easy and convenient dialing and messaging.
With the goal of appealing to a broad base of consumer targets, the slim and stylish Touch Dual is available for the first time anywhere in the world in a pearl white color.
The Microsoft Window Mobile 6.1 platform gives quick access to multitasking with MS Office programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. And the 3.5G HSDPA gives web browsing access anywhere at fast speeds. | 
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UTStarcom, Inc., today announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its Personal Communications Division ("PCD") for approximately US$240 to a newly formed entity controlled by AIG Vantage Capital, a part of AIG Investments. In addition to the cash consideration, UTStarcom could also receive up to US$50 million based on a three-year earn out provision. The transaction, which is expected to be completed within two business days, has been unanimously approved by UTStarcom's board of directors and is subject to customary closing conditions including debt financing. Completion of the transaction is not subject to UTStarcom shareholder approval and the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act has expired. The divestiture of PCD is consistent with UTStarcom's strategic focus announced in late 2007, which is aimed at maximizing UTStarcom's opportunities in its core IP-based product offerings in rapidly growing economies around the world. | 
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AT&T Inc. today announced iPhone 3G pricing for new and existing AT&T customers, several attractive voice and data plans, and tips on how to be "iReady" when iPhone 3G goes on sale at AT&T retail stores at 8 a.m. local time on Friday, July 11.
AT&T is making it easy for customers to prepare for their iPhone 3G purchase by posting "Get iReady" tips and frequently asked questions at www.att.com/iphone. The site also will include a link for customers to check their upgrade eligibility and other wireless account information.
iPhone 3G will be available for $199 for the 8GB model and $299 for the 16GB model. These prices require two-year contracts and are available to the following customers: - iPhone customers who purchased before July 11
- Customers activating a new line with AT&T
- Current AT&T customers who are eligible, at the time of purchase, for an upgrade discount
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This summer, the GSMA, the global trade body for the mobile industry, plans to release a preliminary set of minimum requirements for handsets containing Near Field Communications (NFC) chipsets. Developed by mobile operators supporting the GSMA's Pay-Buy-Mobile initiative, the requirements will help handset manufacturers to develop NFC-enabled phones that are compatible with operators' planned mobile NFC services and quickly realize economies of scale. Forty-four mobile operators from across the world support the Pay-Buy-Mobile initiative.
The requirements will build upon the standardization work completed by ETSI1 , which has selected the Single Wire Protocol to provide the interface between the Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC), recommended by the GSMA as the Secure Element for NFC applications, and the embedded NFC chipset within the handset. | |
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Opera Mobile 9.5 for Windows Mobile will start beta testing on July 15th, 2008. Users will be able to download it from opera.com just like all the other versions of Opera.
According to Opera's Blog, "Opera Mobile 9.5 will be based on the same browser engine as Opera 9.5 for desktop, and this is the reason why it has taken some time to get it ready. A new version of the browser engine will ensure that you can surf the Web with a browser supporting the latest and greatest in Web standards.
Some versions of Opera Mobile 9.5 are already shipping on great phones like the HTC Touch Diamond, and some of you have asked why we wouldn't be able to release it publically yet. As you probably know, releasing a version that works on a large variety of phones is more complex than making it work on one specific phone. You should also expect a few differences between the versions that are pre-installed on phones and the public version of Opera Mobile 9.5."
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Alltel Wireless today announced the addition of “texting” to its exclusive “My Circle” offer. Starting today, “My Circle” customers can send and receive unlimited text/video/picture messages to anyone in their “Circle,” as well as other Alltel Wireless customers, with its new “My Circle” message packs starting at $7.99 per month.
Customers with the new “My Circle” message packs receive unlimited messaging to their “Circle of Friends” as well as other Alltel Wireless customers. Customers can choose from several message packs including plans for $7.99 or $12.99 which provides users 400 or 1,000 additional text/video/picture messages, respectively, to communicate with consumers outside of their “Circle” or that are not Alltel customers. For customers seeking unlimited messaging, Alltel Wireless still offers the $19.99 All Access Pass that includes unlimited messaging and mobile web. “My Circle” message packs can be added to any “My Circle” five, 10 or 20 calling plan. | 
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