http://news.softpedia.com Softpedia News - Telecoms Softpedia News en-us 2001 - 2009 Softpedia. All rights reserved. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:39:54 GMT Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:39:54 GMT News http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 10 http://www.softpedia.com/base_img/softpedia_logo.gif http://news.softpedia.com/ http://news.softpedia.com/news/Verizon-Deploys-New-Cell-Site-in-Woodland-Hills-CA-127645.shtml Mobile phone carrier Verizon Wireless recently announced that it deployed a new cell site in Woodland Hills, CA, meant to offer improved 3G connectivity to residents, businesses and visitors in Los Angeles County. According to the company, the new roll-out should improve the coverage from Santa Rita Street South to Rosita Street, and from Corbin Avenue East to Vanalden Avenue.

The new cell site deployed by Verizon will enable it to offer both increase network coverage and enhanced capacity in the area, which will result in “more calls, emails, text and picture messages for locals, plus expanded wireless access to the web.” The wireless carrier noted that it invested a great amount of money in improvements brought to its 3G network in California, so as to be able to offer better Mobile Broadband and email services to its customers.

In addition, Verizon also said that small businesses could benefit from a series of attractive features when choosing its Mobile Broadband service, including:
- An online forum to share experiences and connect with other business owners
- Access to Small Business Specialists in each Verizon Wireless store
- Discounts and promotions to help businesses stretch their budgets
- Summaries of mobile solutions like email, wireless Internet and Push t... (read more)]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:58:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Verizon-Deploys-New-Cell-Site-in-Woodland-Hills-CA-127645.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Verizon-Deploys-New-Cell-Site-in-Woodland-Hills-CA-127645.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/T-Mobile-to-Partner-with-AT-T-Clearwire-or-MetroPCS-127641.shtml Telecom service provider Deutsche Telekom is reportedly looking out for partners for its U.S. Subsidiary, T-Mobile USA, and might consider teaming up with AT&T, Clearwire or MetroPCS, recent reports suggest. Moreover, it seems that there might also be the perspective of unnamed financial investors from outside the wireless industry, at leas this is what the German newspaper Handelsblatt states, cited by fiercewireless.

“The report, citing unnamed sources from the German telecom giant, said that the company is looking for a partner to help finance T-Mobile's network expansion. If Deutsche Telekom were to partner with a financial firm, the paper reported, that company might take a minority stake in T-Mobile. The carrier, the nation's fourth largest, is in the midst of building out its 3G network, and plans to upgrade its network to HSPA+ beginning next year to capitalize on the growing demand for mobile data,” the news site notes.

Deutsche Telekom has been said a few times before to plan including its US subsidiary in a joint-venture, and a Bloomberg report from September suggested that Clearwire and MetroPCS were possible partners for T-Mobile. According to the report, the aim was gaining access to the spectrum holdings of the partner companies.

Some other rumors that emerged e... (read more)]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:23:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/T-Mobile-to-Partner-with-AT-T-Clearwire-or-MetroPCS-127641.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/T-Mobile-to-Partner-with-AT-T-Clearwire-or-MetroPCS-127641.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/FunMail-Now-Available-for-the-iPhone-127636.shtml iPhone users around the world now have yet another free application available for them, FunMail. The new software solution is meant to enable them to add relevant, real-time images to the text messages they plan on sending, all in a very simple manner. The app “presents cute, comical or irreverent images” while users are typing their messages, enabling them to easily include the image in the text. The feature is delivered by FunMail's “Media Brain.”

“The Media Brain that powers FunMail’s advanced text analysis is an open system fueled by the Semantic Media Project. The Project ingests content in real time from Flickr and Creative Commons sources and encourages users and artists to contribute content and tuning directly via the FunMail website. The Media Brain is a learning system that tunes itself based on usage patterns and supports over 50 languages via Google Translate,” the company explains.

The new application is available for download via the iTunes store and on Facebook, as well as for Twitter on its website. The FunMail messages that will result from using the application will include the text written by the user, but it will be “artfully rendered into the image, creating a unique, eye-catching, and fun blend of communication and self-expression.” The cre... (read more)]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:56:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/FunMail-Now-Available-for-the-iPhone-127636.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/FunMail-Now-Available-for-the-iPhone-127636.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Mobile-Voice-Service-Revenues-to-Decline-in-2011-127633.shtml Mobile voice service revenues are expected to start going on a downward route as soon as 2011 is here, a recently published report from ABI Research shows. According to the research firm, the revenues in the mobile voice area are expected to reach their peak in 2010, which started to decline during the following year.

“Mobile voice has had a meteoric rise since digital cellular networks such as GSM were deployed in 1992. ABI Research forecasts annual mobile voice revenues to reach $580 billion in 2010. From 2011 on, rising subscriber saturation will increasingly erode mobile voice revenues, not just in developed markets but also in a number of emerging markets. By 2014, mobile voice revenues will have contracted by 9.6%,” stated vice-president for forecasting Jake Saunders.

There are a wide range of services available today from mobile phone operators all around the world, and it seems that the substantial boost they receive from value-added services, including messaging and Mobile Internet, is putting a lot of pressure on a variety of other services and on carriers. According to ABI Research, the mobile data services are expected to reach $169 million in revenues in 2009, and they will grow at a CAGR of 9% until 2014.

However, the research firm also notes that declines in annual a... (read more)]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:38:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Mobile-Voice-Service-Revenues-to-Decline-in-2011-127633.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Mobile-Voice-Service-Revenues-to-Decline-in-2011-127633.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/BlackBerry-Curve-8530-Now-On-Sale-at-Verizon-127629.shtml Mobile phone carrier Verizon Wireless has just put on sale yet another BlackBerry device from the Canadian handset maker Research In Motion, the BlackBerry Curve 8530. The new device comes tot he market as the CDMA version of the Curve 8520, which has already been launched on the United States market via wireless carrier T-Mobile USA.

The new RIM smartphone has a 2-megapixel photo snapper, an optical trackpad for navigation, a built-in GPS receiver and geo-tagging capabilities. The handset enables users to configure a number of up to ten personal email accounts, and offers them the possibility to upload images and messages over Verizon's 3G EV-DO network. Speaker independent voice dialing capabilities are also present with the phone.

In addition, the BlackBerry Curve 8530 comes with Wi-Fi connectivity options, as well as with a built-in microSDHC memory card slot that offers support for up to 32GB of storage space, for users to be able to carry with them favorite music files. A 3.5mm stereo headphone jack has been included in the package, and the device also sports dedicated music controls for a great music listening experience.

Other features the new BlackBerry Curve 8530 comes around with are support for the BlackBerry App World, from where users will be able to download a wide range of applica... (read more)]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:18:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/BlackBerry-Curve-8530-Now-On-Sale-at-Verizon-127629.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/BlackBerry-Curve-8530-Now-On-Sale-at-Verizon-127629.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/PhoneGuard-Announces-New-Protection-Software-for-Handsets-127624.shtml Now, users are protected against data theft by hackers and cyber criminals. According to the company, the new solution has been released exclusively on the North American market, and should safeguard cellular phones/PDAs or smart phones against attacks.

“Amateur hour is over,” said Anthony Sasso, founder of Cellular Spyware Inc. (CSI), and PhoneGuard. “This year marks a turning point in the quantity, complexity and level of threat mobile viruses and malware present. Your mobile phone has become an important part of your daily life. You wouldn't leave home without your mobile phone. Smart phones are becoming more and more like PC computers. We are using these multifunction devices for business communications, email, web surfing, online banking, storing photos and personal information. To say the least, these devices harbor some of our most personal and important information - and PhoneGuard is here to protect it.”

The new protection solution has been developed in collaboration with NetQin Tech, Co., the 2009 China Frost & Sullivan Award Winner. The software is available for download from the company's website on any cell phone, smart phone or PDA, PhoneGuard states. The company also added that the technology is expected to soon become available for purchase on a simple pho... (read more)]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:49:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/PhoneGuard-Announces-New-Protection-Software-for-Handsets-127624.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/PhoneGuard-Announces-New-Protection-Software-for-Handsets-127624.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nokia-Won-t-Exhibit-at-MWC-2010-127620.shtml Espoo, Finland-based mobile phone maker Nokia is reported to plan not having a stand at the Mobile World Congress 2010, which is to take place in Barcelona. The company focuses only on Nokia Siemens Networks for the event; at least this is what it stated when asked about its objectives.

“Nokia is committed to Mobile World Congress, as it has been since the event started. In 2010 Mobile World Congress (MVC), Nokia will focus on its infrastructure business and the congress programme of seminars and speaking opportunities, customer and media activities. We have seen during the recent years that in Mobile World Congress we get the biggest benefit for the infrastructure part of our business. Therefore we will focus on this for 2010 and so Nokia Siemens Networks will continue to have a stand in the exhibition area,” was Nokia's response when asked about MWC by the guys over at unwiredview.

This might suggest that Nokia Siemens Networks will be present on the MWC floor, though nothing specific about the participation has been unveiled until now. In the end, it seems that Nokia won't exhibit at MWC 2010, at least this is what the news site suggests. To make sure, they've also contacted the MWC PR agency, and got a similar response from them.

“Nokia will not exhibit at next year’s Mobile World ... (read more)]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:30:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nokia-Won-t-Exhibit-at-MWC-2010-127620.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nokia-Won-t-Exhibit-at-MWC-2010-127620.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Sony-Ericsson-Kurara-in-New-Photo-127617.shtml The Sony Ericsson Kurara is the latest handset the Japanese-Swedish mobile phone maker Sony Ericsson has been rumored to deliver to the market in the near future. We've already had the chance to enjoy a series of leaked images with the handset, as well as some specifications on it, and now some more details on what the Kurara might feature have emerged.

According to a recent post on Mobile Review, the Sony Ericsson Kurara will sport an ARM Cortex A8 processor inside, which is complemented by 256MB of RAM and paired with a PowerVR graphics processor. The handset has already been rumored to come around with HD capabilities, and these specifications seem to confirm exactly that, while also showing that it will be able to offer enough raw power to enhance the user experience.

We should expect for the Sony Ericsson Kurara to sport 720p video recording and playback capabilities when launched, which doesn't sound that bad after all. Moreover, the Symbian S60 OS it sports is said to deliver a nice experience, which means that the HD features might not be all that matters when it comes to the new device.

We will still have to wait a little longer before being able to see exactly what the Sony Ericsson Kurara is capable of, for its release date is said to have been set for the second half of February in Europe. As fo... (read more)]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:05:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Sony-Ericsson-Kurara-in-New-Photo-127617.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Sony-Ericsson-Kurara-in-New-Photo-127617.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nokia-N900-Now-480-on-Amazon-127613.shtml Nokia N900 is the first high-end device the Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia delivered to the market with the Maemo 5 operating system on board. The company was initially expected to launch the device sometime in October, but it was only a few days ago that it actually became available for purchase. However, the handset seems appealing enough to attract a wide range of users, especially since it is available for lower prices than originally announced.

At launch, the Nokia N900 came to the market with a price tag of $649, yet now it can be seen on Amazon priced only at $480 after a mail-in rebate. The price cut is considerable enough, one should agree, especially since it involves a device powered by an ARM Cortex-A8 processor, which is also unlocked. Unfortunately, Amazon doesn't ship the gadget just yet, but it should start doing so in the very near future, so you might want to keep an eye on its website.

The $50 mail-in rebate promotion seems to last until December 31, after which the handset should be priced at $530. What users will receive when purchasing the N900 includes a 5-megapixel photo snapper, 32GB of flash memory, a great web browser from Mozilla, and the very appealing Maemo 5 operating system. A large 3.5-inch touchscreen display and a side sliding QWERTY keyboard are also in the package.

In relat... (read more)]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:40:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nokia-N900-Now-480-on-Amazon-127613.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nokia-N900-Now-480-on-Amazon-127613.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Clove-to-Launch-Acer-Liquid-in-UK-in-November-127610.shtml Computer maker Acer announced not too long ago the launch of its first mobile phone powered by Google's Android operating system, the Acer Liquid. The handset is now expected to come to the UK market via retailer Clove, which recently revealed that it planned on launching the device before the end of the ongoing month.

The mobile phone comes with the market with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, though the frequency of the CPU is lower than 1GHz, namely it has been set at 768MHz. The Acer Liquid also includes 512 MB of ROM, 256 MB of RAM, and boasts a 3.5-inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen display, all inside a slim design, only 12.5mm thick.

Other features of Acer's Android-based mobile phone include a 5-megapixel photo snapper with auto focus, built-in GPS receiver, Wi-Fi connectivity, 3G capabilities, a 1,350 mAH battery that can offer up to 300 minutes of talk time or up to 400 hours of standby time, and a microSD memory card slot for up to 32GB of additional storage space (with a 2GB micro SD card included in the package).

The Acer Liquid has the Android 1.6 (Donut) operating system on board, according to Clove, which infirms previous rumors that it might sport the Android 2.0 flavor of the platform. However, it will deliver a 3.5 mm audio jack and Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR and A2DP, as well as s... (read more)]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:19:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Clove-to-Launch-Acer-Liquid-in-UK-in-November-127610.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Clove-to-Launch-Acer-Liquid-in-UK-in-November-127610.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Motorola-Purchases-RadioFrame-Networks-iDEN-Business-127608.shtml Leading provider of telecommunication solutions Motorola Inc. announced on Friday that it had purchased the iDEN business from RadioFrame Networks which, as many of you might already know, is the provider of power efficient, lower cost iDEN technology. According to the former, RadioFrame Networks’ iDEN business is to be integrated within Motorola’s Home & Networks Mobility business.

Motorola is already known around the world for the proprietary iDEN solution it delivers to the market, saying it managed to last courtesy of its “innovative and differentiated end-user fast dispatch service and enterprise optimized talk-groups.” However, the new acquisition is expected to offer the company the possibility to enhance its push-to-talk technology roadmap plans even more.

RadioFrame’s iDEN products should prove as great additions to Motorola's portfolio for multi-channel base stations, which are developed so as to “support non-contiguous spectrum allocations in the special mobile radio (SMR) business,” mainly aimed at the markets outside North America. Moreover, the purchase of RadioFrame Networks’ iDEN business is also said to enable Motorola to strengthen its operational capability, as well as the end-user functionality, and to enhance its expansion in a more... (read more)]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:46:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Motorola-Purchases-RadioFrame-Networks-iDEN-Business-127608.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Motorola-Purchases-RadioFrame-Networks-iDEN-Business-127608.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nokia-Messaging-Now-Includes-Windows-Live-Messenger-127604.shtml Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia announced on Friday that users of its popular Nokia Messaging service would be able to enjoy the Windows Live Messenger on their homescreens. The company has included the widely known Microsoft instant messaging application in the push-email service so as to provide users with more communication options.

“The world’s most popular instant messaging service, Windows Live Messenger, is now available via Nokia Messaging. Accessible through the Nokia Messaging Chat application, people worldwide can have multiple conversations simultaneously, change their status and personal messages, and manage their Windows Live buddy lists straight from their homescreen,” a recent post on Nokia Press Bulletin Board states.

This is the first time when Windows Live Messenger comes to the Nokia Messaging service, and it is capable of providing users with tabbed chat windows, as well as with the possibility to call friends directly from their buddy list. Moreover, the installment will also offer them the notifications of new messages that pop up when the app is running in the background, so as to enable an enhanced multitasking experience.

Users will also have the opportunity to enjoy features available on the desktop version of Windows Live Messenger, including... (read more)]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:29:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nokia-Messaging-Now-Includes-Windows-Live-Messenger-127604.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nokia-Messaging-Now-Includes-Windows-Live-Messenger-127604.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Qualcomm-Successfully-Demos-eCall-on-Wireless-Network-127484.shtml Leading developer of wireless technologies, services and products, Qualcomm Incorporated, and leading provider of telematics solutions Hughes Telematics, Inc. (HTI), successfully showcased recently the needed data transmission technology for the future pan-European, in-vehicle emergency call (eCall) standard. The two companies made the demonstration at the 12th eSafety Forum Plenary meeting, “eCall Summit,” in Brussels, Belgium, over a commercial wireless network.

According to the duo, the eCall use for emergency assistance deployments is aimed at saving lives, while the creation of eCall standards and requirements has been initiated by the eSaftety Forum. The eCall can be generated either manually or automatically through the activation of in-vehicle sensors, as son as an accident occurs. The eCall-enabled vehicle system will then create a 112-voice connection with the relevant Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). Additionally, the PSAP operator will also receive a Minimum Set of Data, including location, time, vehicle description.

“Safety and security is the cornerstone of our telematics offering,” said Erik Goldman, president of Hughes Telematics, Inc. “Working with Qualcomm to support this initiative in Europe confirms our commitment to the global industry to enh... (read more)]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:01:01 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Qualcomm-Successfully-Demos-eCall-on-Wireless-Network-127484.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Qualcomm-Successfully-Demos-eCall-on-Wireless-Network-127484.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Motorola-Crush-Goes-to-US-Cellular-127529.shtml Motorola Crush is the latest touchscreen-enabled mobile phone unveiled by Motorola. The new handset is expected to become available for purchase via US Cellular and it is said to arrive on the market before the end of this year. The new device should come to US Cellular's users as a rather affordable touchscreen phone, though still being capable to deliver a stylish design, and a large display.

“Simplicity, reliable calling and cutting-edge touch technology, too. With the Motorola Crush, enjoy a high-end design, excellent call quality and multimedia features, all at an affordable price. Boasting a sleek touch screen and large display with one-touch access to your favorite features, the Motorola Crush has everything you need to stay in contact with the people you want to,” the handset vendor states.

The specifications list of the new handset includes CDMA 800/1900 EVDO Rel-O connectivity options, as well as a 2.8-inch touchscreen display that boasts a 240 x 400 pixel WQVGA resolution, a 2-megapixel photo snapper, SMS and MMS support, audio player with support for MP3 / WMA / MID /MIDI X_MIDI / AAC/ AAC+ / QCELP, a 3.5 mm headset jack, and Stereo Bluetooth capabilities.

In addition, the new mobile phone also comes with a 950mAh battery that can deliver up to 4.3 hours of talk time or up to 20.8... (read more)]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:01:02 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Motorola-Crush-Goes-to-US-Cellular-127529.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Motorola-Crush-Goes-to-US-Cellular-127529.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Verizon-Expands-3G-Network-in-St-Lawrence-County-127543.shtml Wireless carrier Verizon announced recently new investments in the St. Lawrence County through the expansion of its 3G network in the area. According to the operator, it has deployed a new cell site in Stockholm, which should deliver better coverage and network capacity in Southville and Stockholm, and in portions of Route 11B between Potsdam and Hopkinton. In addition, a newly deployed site in Lisbon provides improved coverage and capacity in Flackville, including portions of Route 68 between Ogdensburg and Canton.

The mobile phone carrier also announced that the new network expansion was part of its larger plan to improve its nationwide network so as to meet the ever-growing demand for Verizon Wireless’ voice and data services. The total amount of investments the carrier plans to make in Upstate New York in 2009 rise to more than $100 million, Verizon also added.

“We’ve always believed even the most advanced device is only as good as the network it runs on. We continue to aggressively invest in our Upstate New York network to increase coverage and capacity for our customers, add new services, and maintain our 3G network leadership” said Gene Fassett, executive director of Network for Verizon Wireless’ Upstate New York Region.

The new enhancements should offer u... (read more)]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:31:01 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Verizon-Expands-3G-Network-in-St-Lawrence-County-127543.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Verizon-Expands-3G-Network-in-St-Lawrence-County-127543.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/HP-Mini-110-Netbook-Added-to-AT-T-s-Offering-127523.shtml Wireless carrier AT&T announced recently the addition of a new product in its 3G mobile broadband offering, namely the HP Mini 110 netbook. The new device is expected to start selling through the operator's channels as soon as Sunday, November 22 is here, and should offer users fast access to AT&T's 3G network, as well as to the largest Wi-Fi network in the U.S., not to mention the experience of running Microsoft’s Windows 7 platform.

“With a starting weight of 2.57 pounds, the HP Mini 110 offers a 10.1 inch LED anti-glare widescreen display, 1GB of memory, an Intel Atom processor, a 160GB hard drive, and an HP webcam with an integrated microphone. It comes with HP QuickSync to enable automatic synching of files saved on the Mini with a home or work PC when connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Plus, the HP Mini 110 is backed by superb HP service and support,” AT&T says.

The new device will be priced at $199 upon the purchase of a new two-year AT&T DataConnect plan that includes a 200MB plan option for only $35 per month, or a 5GB plan option for $60 per month. According to AT&T, those who will opt for this plan will enjoy not only access to its 3G network, but also free access to the AT&T Wi-Fi service, which includes over 20,000 hot spots nationwide.

Other features of the new ... (read more)]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:01:02 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/HP-Mini-110-Netbook-Added-to-AT-T-s-Offering-127523.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/HP-Mini-110-Netbook-Added-to-AT-T-s-Offering-127523.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/300-HSPA-Networks-Deployed-Globally-127501.shtml HSPA, one of the fastest mobile technologies available on the market today, which comes as an enhancement over UMTS, is said to have seen great adoption among mobile phone carriers around the world. At the moment, there are 300 networks based on the standard available around the world, while the total number of UMTS-HSPA mobile broadband connections is expected to reach 458 million before the end of the year, a forecast by Informa Telecoms & Media shows.

“In the short period of two years since HSDPA was first launched on a wide scale basis in the U.S., the number of commercial HSPA mobile broadband networks now stands at 300 in 128 countries worldwide,” stated Chris Pearson, president of 3G Americas, the wireless industry trade association that represents GSM technologies, like LTE, and which tracks 3G commercial networks based on Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS) and High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) all around the world.

The technology reportedly offers a great combination of efficiency and high-speed data, which thus enables mass market mobile broadband. The speeds registered by users at the moment rises above 1 Mbps, and networks around the world also show speeds of 4 Mbps on the downlink. HSPA also offers carriers the possibility to meet the data needs of their users, and it enjoys a w... (read more)]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:11:01 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/300-HSPA-Networks-Deployed-Globally-127501.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/300-HSPA-Networks-Deployed-Globally-127501.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/BlackBerry-Pearl-9100-in-Live-Images-127596.shtml Canadian mobile phone maker Research In Motion seems to be ramping up for the launch of yet another sequel on the market, in the form of BlackBerry Pearl 9100, which follows the already popular BlackBerry Pearl 81xx Series smartphones. The upcoming handset, which is still unofficial, has just emerged in a series of live images, and one should agree that it has the looks.

The new mobile phone is reportedly coming to the market with 3G capabilities, and sports the codename of Striker. According to the guys over at crackberry, it looks like a narrowed down BlackBerry Bold 9700, yet one might notice from the available images that it comes with a SureType design and not with the full QWERTY keyboard as the Bold 2.

The specifications currently available on the BlackBerry Pearl 9100 are rather minimal, yet it seems that users will be able to enjoy a newly-designed battery, which should be a very good thing. The guys over at salomondrin also have a series of images with the new device available, and they call this beaty Blackberry Stratus (9100).

The photo snapper that will be included with the upcoming BlackBerry Pearl 9100 is said to come with LED flash, and, as one might have expected already, the phone is also said to include an optical trackpad instead of a trackball. BlackBerry Pearl 9100 sports and over... (read more)]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:59:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/BlackBerry-Pearl-9100-in-Live-Images-127596.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/BlackBerry-Pearl-9100-in-Live-Images-127596.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Samsung-Omnia-2-on-Verizon-on-December-2-127590.shtml Samsung Omnia 2 is a mobile phone that has been long rumored to become available in the United States on the airwaves of Verizon Wireless. Expected to arrive for about two months now, the handset is finally said to be on its way to the market with the mobile phone carrier and should become available for purchase as soon as December 2 is here.

According to a recently leaked launch pack for the device, which emerged into the wild courtesy of Engadget, the launch day for the Samsung Omnia 2 has been finally settled, as well as the price tag the phone will sport when available. To be more precise, it seems that Verizon will launch the Omnia 2 for $199.99 upon the signing of a two-year contract agreement and after a $100 mail-in rebate.

All channels should have the phone available the very same day, including the company's retail stores and its website. The good news here is that the Omnia 2 will arrive at Big Red with Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional operating system on board, which might explain a little the huge delay it has seen (the device was initially said to come with the 6.1 flavor of the platform).

The specifications list of Samsung Omnia 2 should be already well known by most users out there, including the fact that the phone should arrive with a 3.7-inch WVGA AMOLED display, a 5-megapixel photo snapper, and 8GB of internal memor... (read more)]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:41:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Samsung-Omnia-2-on-Verizon-on-December-2-127590.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Samsung-Omnia-2-on-Verizon-on-December-2-127590.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Pantech-Impact-Arrives-at-AT-T-127584.shtml AT&T customers will be able to enjoy a new mobile phone on their carrier's airwaves starting with Sunday, November 22, in the form of the new Pantech Impact. The handset will arrive in AT&T's offering in two color options, bright blue and soft pink, at is expected to prove a great option for those looking for a new messaging device.

“Impact features a high-gloss faceplate with a haptic response touchpad, two screens and a full hidden keyboard, along with a host of the latest social and multimedia options, to make managing your mobile life startlingly fun,” Pantech Wireless, Inc., the U.S.-based subsidiary of Korea’s leading mobile phone manufacturers Pantech Group, stated in a press-release announcing the availability of the handset.

The new mobile phone comes with a full QWERTY keyboard, revealed as soon as it is flipped open, one-touch access to IM, text, email, GPS receiver, AT&T’s new HTML mobile browser, a responsive Touchpad, 3G connectivity options, support for AT&T Navigator, AT&T Mobile Email, video recording capabilities, and more other features.

“Our customers expect the very latest in trendsetting mobile phones from Pantech, and Impact really delivers,” said Jim Berridge, director of Sales and Marketing, Pantech Wireless, Inc. “By combing everyone’s ... (read more)]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:25:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Pantech-Impact-Arrives-at-AT-T-127584.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Pantech-Impact-Arrives-at-AT-T-127584.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nokia-Booklet-3G-Appeals-to-Businesses-127579.shtml Espoo, Finland-based handset vendor Nokia has reportedly stated that its first notebook, the Nokia Booklet 3G, is registering strong demand among corporations and enterprise users. The device, which was announced back in August, is expected to become available for purchase in the United States via Best Buy, and a company executive said that it was already welcome among businesses.

“When we launched the Booklet 3G ... we thought it to be primarily a consumer device, but after the launch a big, growing interest is coming from companies,” said Heikki Norta, head of Nokia corporate strategy, according to Reuters. “No one knows yet if a booklet kind of device is the next device that will be used by millions, or hundreds of millions, of people, but right now it looks like, if not for mass market, there is clear demand.”

The new netbook device from Nokia comes to the market with a 10-inch glass HD-ready screen, while also providing users with both HSPA and WiFi connectivity. At the same time, the Nokia Booklet 3G also includes a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor, runs under Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system, and is said to sport a battery capable of delivering up to 12 hours of usage time.

The Nokia Booklet 3G has been announced not too long ago to become available on the United States... (read more)]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:59:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nokia-Booklet-3G-Appeals-to-Businesses-127579.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nokia-Booklet-3G-Appeals-to-Businesses-127579.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Sony-Ericsson-to-Bring-XPERIA-X10-s-UI-to-More-Devices-127577.shtml Japanese-Swedish mobile phone maker Sony Ericsson might bring the Nexus UX platform, which is better known as the Rachael user interface present on its Android-based XPERIA X10 handset, to more devices, even if not powered by Google's operating system. The high-end device, as many of you might already know, is expected to arrive on the market sometime in February next year.

According to a recent post on Pocket-lint, Steve Walker, head of portfolio planning and communications for Sony Ericsson, said during a meeting with journalists that “Nexus has been developed with a broader focus in mind.” Moreover, is seems that he also stated that the UX has been built for “all shapes and sizes.”

However, specific details on the phones or mobile operating systems that might see the UX ported to them haven't emerged for the time being. Even so, the company is expected to plan for Nexus a similar path with the one followed by HTC with its Sense solution, which originally came on an Android-based device, HTC Hero, and was then included in a Windows Mobile-based one too, the HTC HD2.

The joint-venture, as many of you might already know, has also launched recently the Sony Ericsson WebSDK, which is aimed at the development of applications for its Android and Symbian-powered mobi... (read more)]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:42:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Sony-Ericsson-to-Bring-XPERIA-X10-s-UI-to-More-Devices-127577.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Sony-Ericsson-to-Bring-XPERIA-X10-s-UI-to-More-Devices-127577.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nokia-Will-Use-Both-Symbian-and-Maemo-on-Handsets-127571.shtml Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia has been reported a few days ago to plan making some changes when it comes to the operating systems that it will use on its future high-end devices. According to some people from the company's Maemo marketing team, Symbian will be removed from future N-Series phones by 2012, and Maemo will take its place.

However, it seems that the team has said something that it wasn't supposed to say at the Nokia N900 London meeting, at least this is what a recent post on Nokia's Blog states. When asked about its plans, the company stated that the speculations were premature, and that both Symbian and Maemo are viable platforms that will be used on future device.

The official response from Nokia, as cited by The Nokia Blog, says the following:
“While it is our policy not to disclose details of our product roadmap, we’d like to explicitly communicate that we remain firmly committed to Symbian as our smartphone platform of choice. Any speculation on what our 2012 roadmap, including operating systems and product branding, are completely premature.

As we have stated earlier, Nokia has multiple platforms to serve different purposes and address different markets. Symbian is more successful than ever in bringing smartphones to the masses. Maemo is our software of ... (read more)]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:24:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nokia-Will-Use-Both-Symbian-and-Maemo-on-Handsets-127571.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nokia-Will-Use-Both-Symbian-and-Maemo-on-Handsets-127571.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Sprint-Intros-the-SANYO-Incognito-SCP-6760-127566.shtml Wireless carrier Sprint and Kyocera Communications Inc. announced today the launch of a new mobile phone, the SANYO Incognito SCP-6760. The device comes to the market with a large amount of multimedia and messaging capabilities, as well as with an appealing design, and a high-gloss, Titanium Black mirrored external surface, a glow-through keypad and OLED external display.

The new device sports a clamshell design, as well as a full QWERTY keyboard when opened. In addition, it comes with a high-resolution 2.6-inch QVGA internal display, and has been specially developed to fit with Sprint's high-speed EVDO network. The new SANYO Incognito SCP-6760 is expected to become available for purchase starting December 6th, priced at $49.99 upon the signing of a two-year contract agreement with the carrier and after a $50 mail-in rebate.

“I’m sure Incognito will be topping many holiday gift lists this season,” said Atsushi (Andy) Kodera, vice president and deputy general manager at Kyocera Communications Inc. “It’s such a clean, sophisticated looking phone but there are so many features at your fingertips when you turn on the glow-through display and open the QWERTY flip. With its amazing combination of style and functionality for less than $50, it’s about as foolproof a gift idea as y... (read more)]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:59:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Sprint-Intros-the-SANYO-Incognito-SCP-6760-127566.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Sprint-Intros-the-SANYO-Incognito-SCP-6760-127566.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Alcatel-Lucent-Makes-LTE-Data-Calls-on-800Mhz-Spectrum-127557.shtml Alcatel-Lucent announced recently that it managed to successfully complete the first LTE data call in the world on the 800 MHz "European Digital Dividend" (EDD) spectrum band. Moreover, the call has been made on a live network and was completed during the last month on the company's LTE end-to-end solutions center in Stuttgart, Germany.

According to Alcatel-Lucent, the call included the transmission of high-definition video streaming over-the-air with the use of the company's commercial infrastructure platforms as well as of its prototype mobile devices. It seems that the 800 MHz spectrum band is expected to see a frequency auction in Germany in the second quarter of the next year.

“This is a major breakthrough on our path to become the first vendor to offer a commercial solution for the 'Digital Dividend` spectrum,” said Ken Wirth, President of Alcatel-Lucent's LTE/4G Solutions. “Our goal is to quickly and effectively support operators in their plans to further enhance the availability of broadband services all over the region, so we adapted our LTE solution to the 800 MHz frequency band quite early on and we are now working with customers on field trials.”

According to the telecommunications solutions provider, the roll-out of Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks ... (read more)]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:36:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Alcatel-Lucent-Makes-LTE-Data-Calls-on-800Mhz-Spectrum-127557.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Alcatel-Lucent-Makes-LTE-Data-Calls-on-800Mhz-Spectrum-127557.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Verizon-Wireless-Launches-Casio-G-zOne-Rock-127536.shtml Mobile phone carrier Verizon Wireless announced on Thursday the release of a new rugged device, namely the Casio G’zOne (pronounced Jeez_wun) Rock. According to the operator, the new handset is mainly aimed at customers with active lifestyles, as it can operate in six modes, including Earth Compass, Walking Counter, Thermometer, Astro Calendar, Sunrise Sunset and Tides, courtesy of its Triple Sensor technology.

The new Casio G’zOne Rock mobile phone can prove as a great option for customers with lifestyles of an avid fisher, hunter, hiker, or climber. The new device has been built to be a companion in these situations, and can deliver directional information, Push to Talk capabilities and connectivity with Verizon's 3G network.

The features list of the new mobile phone includes:
- Tough Technology design that can withstand water, shock, dust, vibration, humidity, salt fog, solar radiation, altitude, and high and low temperature storage (conforms to MIL-STD-810F)
- 2.0 megapixel camera with still flash, video capture and LED light
- Stereo Bluetooth
- Touch-sensitive music controls on the sub-display
- One-touch open button
- Clear Talk
- Push to Talk capabilities that leverage Verizon Wireless’ Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) Revision A (Rev. A) network f... (read more)]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:33:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Verizon-Wireless-Launches-Casio-G-zOne-Rock-127536.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Verizon-Wireless-Launches-Casio-G-zOne-Rock-127536.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Motorola-Motus-Photos-and-Specs-Leaked-127515.shtml Mobile phone maker Motorola has been already rumored to plan delivering to the market a wider range of handsets running under Google's Android operating system, following the recent launch of Motorola DROID and Motorola CLIQ, and it seems that one of these phones is getting closer to becoming official. The Motorola Motus, which already surfaced in a leaked roadmap from the handset vendor, is the main character today.

The new device has just emerged in a leaked photo, and there are also some specs on it available. It seems that Motus resembles a lot the Motorola CLIQ, having about the same design as the already available device, and also running under Android. The phone should feature support for AT&T and T-Mobile 3G networks, and is rumored to come to the market at a certain point in the first quarter of the next year, yet no specific details on this matter emerged at the moment.

As for the available specifications on the Motorola Motus, we can count the inclusion of Android 1.5 on it, the presence of Motorola's Motoblur solution, a side sliding QWERTY keyboard, and a 528 MHz Qualcomm MSM7201A processor inside, coupled with 512 MB of ROM and 256 MB of RAM. Additionally, it will also come with a reverse flip keyboard and rear directional touchpad.

Motorola Motus' display, a touchscreen one, is 3.1 inch... (read more)]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:59:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Motorola-Motus-Photos-and-Specs-Leaked-127515.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Motorola-Motus-Photos-and-Specs-Leaked-127515.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/HTC-Touch-Pro2-Available-for-Free-with-T-Mobile-127506.shtml The high end HTC Touch Pro2 Windows Mobile-based smartphone is available for purchase at T-Mobile retail stores with a price tag of $349.99 upon the signing of a two year contract agreement, but people can also grab it free of contract for $539.99. However, the handset is also available for free on contract.

“Stay plugged into Outlook Mobile with the Windows Mobile Smartphone that supports T-Mobile's 3G Data services. Get your email on-the-go for a great deal: Touch Pro II for $0.00 with new activation of service. Take advantage of this exclusive offer by calling 866-464-8662, press option 3 for new service, and mention promo code 'Windows Mobile' when ordering. This offer is only valid via the 800# provided (offer not available at authorized T-Mobile retail stores),” wmdeals shows.

The HTC Touch Pro2 comes with appealing features, including a 3.6 inch WVGA touchscreen display, a 3.2-megapixel photo snapper with auto focus, QWERTY keyboard, GPS receiver, 3G connectivity options, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g , HTC's TouchFlo interface, and Windows Mobile 6.1 on board (which can be upgraded to WinMo 6.5).

Additionally, it seems that another great offer is available for those willing to purchase a HTC Touch Pro2 this way. By this we mean a trade in deal put up by HTC, through which users can bring... (read more)]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:36:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/HTC-Touch-Pro2-Available-for-Free-with-T-Mobile-127506.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/HTC-Touch-Pro2-Available-for-Free-with-T-Mobile-127506.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Qualcomm-and-MediaTek-Announce-Patent-Agreement-127494.shtml Qualcomm Incorporated, the leading developer of innovative wireless technologies, products and services, and MediaTek, Inc., a leading company for wireless communications and digital multimedia solutions, announced on Thursday the entering into a broad patent arrangement. According to the two companies, the agreement is related to their patent portfolios, including essential solutions in the CDMA and WCDMA areas, and also related to all integrated circuit products, such as CDMA and WCDMA products.

[ADMARk=1]While the exact terms of the deal are still confidential, there are some pieces of information that have been unveiled at the moment. According to the agreement, MediaTek's customers won't receive rights on Qualcomm's patents, which means they will have to contact Qualcomm for obtaining licenses for any of its patents. At the same time, Qualcomm's customers won't receive rights on MediaTek's patents, thus having to obtain separate licenses for them from this company.

As many of you might already know, Qualcomm Incorporated is one of the leading developers of innovative digital wireless communications products and services which are based on advanced technologies like CDMA. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California, and is one of the 2009 FORTUNE 500 companies, and some of you might have he... (read more)]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:41:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Qualcomm-and-MediaTek-Announce-Patent-Agreement-127494.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Qualcomm-and-MediaTek-Announce-Patent-Agreement-127494.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire) http://news.softpedia.com/news/Updated-Google-News-Available-for-iPhone-Android-and-webOS-127480.shtml Search engine company Google has just announced that mobile phone users owning a device powered by Apple's iPhone OS, Google's Android platform or Palm's webOS client (Palm Pre) are now able to enjoy an updated Google News offering. The new flavor of Google news for these handsets follows the previous release of a mobile-optimized version of Google News for devices running under Blackberry OS, Windows Mobile, and Symbian S60.

“This new version provides the same richness and personalization on your phone as Google News provides on desktop. Our new homepage displays more stories, sources, and images while keeping a familiar look and feel. Also, you can now reach your favorite sections, discover new ones, find articles and play videos in fewer clicks. If you are an existing Google News reader on desktop, you will find that all of your personalizations are honored in this mobile version too,” Ankit “Chunky” Gupta and Alok Goel, Mobile News Team, state on a post on Google Mobile Blog.

There are 70 editions of Google News available at the moment, not to mention that users can enjoy it in a number of 29 languages. Those who would like to experience the new version of Google News should be able to do so by heading to http://news.google.com from the browser on their mobile phone.... (read more)]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:37:00 GMT Softpedia News - Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Updated-Google-News-Available-for-iPhone-Android-and-webOS-127480.shtml Telecoms http://news.softpedia.com/news/Updated-Google-News-Available-for-iPhone-Android-and-webOS-127480.shtml#review_zone Softpedia News (Ionut Arghire)