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GSMA To Define Requirements For NFC Handsets
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. | |
Opera Mobile 9.5 for Windows Mobile Beta Release on July 15th
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 Adds Free Texting to its My Circle Offer
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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Vodafone & MySpace Launch Online Global Interactive Platform
Vodafone and MySpace today announced the launch of an online global interactive platform, "Vodafone Music Reporter", which will expand Vodafone's music activity and continue to deliver a unique music experience to Vodafone customers.
The "Vodafone Music Reporter" interactive profile, hosted on MySpace, builds on the successful collaboration of both companies which began in 2007 with the launch of MySpace on Vodafone mobile internet. Vodafone will use the profile to share its existing music initiatives, including summer festivals such as Music Unlimited Cologne in Germany and Vodafone TBAs in the UK. | |
Google Gets Access to Tele Atlas Maps
Tele Atlas, a provider of digital maps and dynamic content for navigation and location-based solutions, today announced that Google has signed a long term license agreement with the company that gives Google access to Tele Atlas maps and dynamic content in more than 200 countries around the world.
The agreement spans Google's current and future map-based services and navigation offerings across mobile, online and desktop environments. These include the Google Maps and Google Earth services and mobile applications such as Google Maps for Mobile. The agreement also gives Tele Atlas access to edits for its maps from Google's community of users, whose suggested changes can help the company further increase the quality and richness of Tele Atlas maps.
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Verizon Wireless, Rhapsody, & MTV Networks Launched V CAST Music with Rhapsody
Verizon Wireless, Rhapsody and MTV Networks has launched V CAST Music with Rhapsody. Combining Verizon Wireless' over-the-air mobile music service with Rhapsody's leading desktop solution, V CAST Music with Rhapsody delivers unlimited monthly access to music on up to three Rhapsody-compatible mobile phones and players and online on multiple PCs and Web browsers, for about the cost of a single CD.
In addition, customers who purchase music over-the-air are able to download the master copy of the songs or albums to their PCs free of digital rights management (DRM) software that restricts how and where music can be played.
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Purple Labs to Acquire Openwave Mobile Phone Software Business
| Openwave Systems Inc. and Purple Labs, a supplier of Linux for mass-market 3G phones, today announced that Purple Labs has acquired the Openwave mobile phone software business, which develops and markets its browser and messaging client technologies. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Openwave transferred assets of its client business to Purple Labs on June 27, 2008 in exchange for $30 million in cash, an additional $2 million if certain conditions are met, and warrants to purchase 2% of Purple Labs common stock. Additionally, Openwave will provide transition services to Purple Labs for up to six months, and will bear the first $2 million of such expenses. Based in Chambéry, France, Purple Labs is funded by three European venture capital firms: Sofinnova Partners, Earlybird Venture Capital, and Partners Group. | 
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Consumers Can Use their CDMA Handsets on MetroPCS' Network
MetroPCS Communications, Inc., has announced the launch of MetroFlash, allowing consumers to bring their compatible CDMA handsets to be used on MetroPCS' network. Coupled with its low cost, flat-rate unlimited wireless service, MetroPCS is further broadening consumers' freedom to enjoy more cost efficient, flexible wireless options. MetroFlash will eliminate for many consumers the requirement of having to purchase a new handset when signing up for MetroPCS service.
Offering consumers the ability to join MetroPCS with their existing handset makes switching carriers easier - and more cost efficient - than ever, said Tom Keys, Chief Operating Officer of MetroPCS. Not since number portability have consumers been offered such a convenient option in switching service providers. With the rising cost of gas and food, consumers are looking for ways to reduce expenses and the launch of MetroFlash, along with our flat-rate, unlimited low cost service plans, makes MetroPCS a more affordable wireless option.
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Virgin Mobile USA to Acquire Helio
Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Helio, a joint venture between SK Telecom and EarthLink, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Virgin Mobile USA will acquire Helio from SK Telecom and EarthLink for limited partnership units equivalent to 13 million shares of Virgin Mobile USA class A common stock, with a value of $39 million based on the closing price of Virgin Mobile USA's class A shares on June 26, 2008.
With the acquisition of Helio, Virgin Mobile USA will gain an established and highly advanced postpaid billing and customer care platform. In addition, Helio has approximately 170,000 existing subscribers with an ARPU of approximately $80 and a handset inventory of approximately 85,000 units with a book value of approximately $17 million. Acquiring Helio's customers and expanding its offer portfolio is expected to increase Virgin Mobile USA's volume of minutes and drive down the Company's cost per minute under an amendment to its PCS Services agreement with Sprint. | 
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Nokia Unveils New Handsets that can be Personalized
| Nokia today unveiled a new range of products to let consumers express their personal styles on a number of levels ranging from stylish designs, to personalization through vibrantly hued exchangeable covers. The first four devices to launch as part of the new Nokia Supernova range feature a mix of bold colors and of-the-moment designs, evoking the allure of the latest statement handbags or must-have sunglasses. The new Nokia 7610, 7510 and 7310 Supernova devices give people an option to truly personalize their look by matching the style of their phone to their ever-changing moods with a choice of exchangeable Xpress-On covers in striking colors and glamorous surfaces. Nokia 7610 Supernova
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Orange Launch the New 3G iPhone on July 17, 2008
Orange will be launching the new 3G iPhone on July 17, 2008. The 3G iPhone offers even faster internet access plus new features such as GPS and email via Microsoft Exchange. range will be selling the 3G iPhone from €149, as exclusive operator. Orange plan subscribers upgrading from the previous iPhone will be able to get the 3G version at a preferential rate 3G iPhone: the only mobile of its kind on the market.
The 3G iPhone builds on the features that made its predecessor such a huge success: revolutionary mobile phone with touchscreen, iPod function, real internet access, and email. In addition to the wealth of features available on the original iPhone, the 3G version adds 3G/3G+ technology, which with Orange covers over 66% of the French population today. Outside 3G coverage areas, mobile broadband is available via EDGE and Orange WiFi, with the iPhone switching networks automatically. | 
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Alltel & Boingo Offer Wi-Fi Nationwide at 25,000 Hotspots
Now Alltel and non-Alltel customers have access to more than 25,000 hotspots developed through Alltel’s relationship with Boingo Wireless, the global market leader in Wi-Fi. So whether you are traveling across the country, waiting to catch a plane or checking out the latest paperback book release, Alltel Wireless can keep you connected.
Alltel Wi-Fi is available for purchase by anyone in the United States as a stand alone offer. Consumers can access unlimited Wi-Fi access for $19.99 per month or $3.99 per day with no contract commitment. In the past year, more than 15,000 additional hotspots have been added to Alltel’s nationwide service, which includes thousands of hotels, bookstores, coffee shops and fast food restaurants. Travelers can also take advantage of Alltel’s premium Wi-Fi service, which provides Internet access in more than 100 of the nation’s airports and thousands of hotspots across Canada , Mexico and Europe. | 
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The Instinct is Fastest-Selling EVDO Handset in Sprint's History
After a few days after hitting store shelves, Samsung Instinct has become the fastest-selling EVDO handset in Sprint history. Instinct was first available exclusively to current Sprint customers on June 19 breaking records for the initial launch of any Sprint product. Instinct became available to all customers on June 20; sales continued to be brisk with Instinct breaking Sprint's record for the first week of sales for any device.
The record pace of Instinct sales has led to temporary shortages of the device at some locations across the United States. Sprint and Samsung are diligently working around the clock to increase inventory in all sales channels. Samsung has increased efforts to deliver new supplies of Instinct on a daily basis and manufacturing plants are operating at full capacity to keep up with the demand.
Instinct was recently named Best in Show in the third annual Emerging Technology (E-Tech) Award competition in April at CTIA Wireless 2008. Instinct was also honored as Most Innovative Product at CTIA Wireless 2008 by the editors of LAPTOP, a leading mobile technology magazine. CNET also recognized Instinct as the Best Cell Phone in its annual Cream of the Crop CTIA 2008 awards.
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T-Mobile to Launch the MOTOROKR E8 on July 7
T-Mobile is set to launch the Motorola ROKR E8 beginning July 7, 2008. The ROKR E8 is both a talented MP3 player that makes great phone calls and a mobile phone with amazing music capabilities.
The ROKR E8 features:
- ModeShift technology transforms the device from phone to music player with the touch of a button
- Innovative haptics technology provides tactile response when a virtual key is pressed
- FastScroll navigation wheel allows for scrolling through thousands of songs with the slide of a thumb
- Patented CrystalTalk technology delivers outstanding call clarity even in noisy environments
- Windows Media Player 11 compatibility enables easy transfer of tunes from the PC to the device
The ROKR E8 is first device to feature Motorola’s breakthrough ModeShift technology stole the spotlight at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), taking home top awards from leading consumer technology media. | 
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Verizon Wireless Launches the Touch-Screen LG Dare
Verizon Wireless and LG today announced the LG Dare is now available. The LG Dare boast a spacious three-inch touch-screen with handwriting recognition, a superior 3.2 megapixel camera with face detection and flash, and unique photo editing capabilities. The phone will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores, including those in Circuit City, on July 3.
The LG Dare’s touch-screen offers the optimal HTML Web browsing experience and runs on the nation’s most reliable wireless network to ensure a smooth and easy navigation experience. The touch-screen also supports handwriting recognition and tactile feedback so that customers can more easily select their options on the phone. The phone’s camera has a Schneider-Kreuznach certified lens for outstanding image quality, and the camera offers advanced features, such as face detection and an LED flash so customers can take enhanced-quality photos from their mobile phones. Additionally, customers can use the photo editing tool to personalize their digital photos with features that include borders and landscapes, and they can draw on their pictures directly on the screen using their fingertips. | 
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Chrysler to Offer Wireless Internet for All its 2009 Models
Chrysler will announce Thursday that wireless Internet will be offered as an option for all its 2009 models. The nation’s third largest car manufacturer has named the service UConnect Web, which is a mobile hotspot and will be the first to offer such technology.
Chrysler, currently struggling with sales down over 19% compared to last year, is hoping that providing motorist access to the Web will set it apart from its competitors and help with declining sales.
Safety advocates are less than happy by Chrysler's innovation, fearing it will cause car accidents. Hands-free legislation will go into effect July 1 in California and Washington in hopes of reducing car accidents caused by driver distraction. The law will prohibit talking on a cellular phone without a headset or other hands-free device. | 
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T-Mobile to Launch $10 Home Phone Service Across the U.S.
T-Mobile USA will launch its $10 landline home phone service across the U.S. on July 2nd. The $10 monthly subscription includes unlimited local and long-distance, voicemail, call forwarding and call waiting. The service is already available in Seattle and Dallas.
To get this deal, you must be a T-Mobile customer who have mobile service costing at least $39.99 per month and have broadband in your home. You also have to purchase a $50 router with a two-year contract, or $150 with a shorter contract. You can keep your existing phone number and plug any phone into the router for the service, called T-Mobile@Home, which works like traditional home-phone service.
The technology is similar to standard VoIP however; it’s not exactly the same. T-Mobile uses UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access), which it has already deployed to support its HotSpot@Home offering. |  |
Google's Android Powered Cell Phones Delayed
Last November Google predicted that cell phones developed on its Android platform would be available second half of 2008. However, Android handsets, developed by Google and more than 30 partners are struggling to meet delivery for the fourth quarter of this year. The partners include more than 30 technology and mobile leaders including Motorola, Qualcomm, HTC, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile.
It seems T-Mobile USA should deliver an Android powered cell phone in the fourth quarter of this year, however, Sprint Nextel Corp will not. China Mobile, which boasts 400 million users will launch Android powered handsets late this year or early 2009. Now word on any the other carriers. | |
Cellfire Upgrades Mobile Coupon with Cellfire 3.0
Cellfire Inc., the only nationwide mobile coupon and discount offer service, today introduced Cellfire 3.0, the latest version of its mobile coupon service that provides consumers access to exclusive savings from national, regional, and local merchants on their cell phones.
Cellfire 3.0 enables consumers to mobilize offers they discover in traditional and interactive media, and includes an enhanced user experience and seamless Web-phone integration. Cellfire 3.0 also allows advertisers to achieve greater effectiveness and efficiency from their media investment through linkage of mobile coupons to traditional and interactive media and through enhanced targeting. | |
Mobile Leaders to Unite Symbian for Open Mobile Software Platform
| Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and NTT DOCOMO announced today their intent to unite Symbian OS, S60, UIQ and MOAP to create one open mobile software platform. Together with AT&T, LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments and Vodafone they plan to establish the Symbian Foundation to extend the appeal of this unified software platform. Membership of this non-profit Foundation will be open to all organizations. This initiative is supported by current shareholders and management of Symbian Limited, who have been actively involved in its development. Plans for the Foundation have already received wide support from other industry leaders. | |
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