| Chinese handset makers are getting worse with the day. Lately we've spotted their new "work" called HTC A296. Not surprisingly, this device (pictured above) has nothing to do with the famous Taiwan-based smartphone manufacturer. The "designers" behind the ultra-ugly phone only "borrowed" few lines from the HTC Diamond, yet decided to place the sliding numeric keypad between the navigational pad and screen. The end result is as ugly as one can get. Still, some of you may opt to grab it for $128 through Solomobi. If that's what you want, well, I don't know what to say ― don't email me when you have problems, k? [Via: Engadget Mobile] Related News from IntoMobile:
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| Google Taiwan adds Android engineers to support Android-based product development Posted: 07 Mar 2009 03:45 AM PST
Google (NSDQ: GOOG) has a new team in Taiwan, set to support handset makers in the country in the process of integrating Android on their devices. HTC is headquartered in Taiwan and providing them with additional "on site" technical support is never a bad thing in order to produce devices that work as best as possible. However, according to Google Taiwan's Chien Lee-feng, the search giant will help manufacturers support other products ― not just mobile phones ― as well. He mentioned netbooks and embedded systems! Android on a netbook is a great idea, and especially if it's powered by Snapdragon or some other similar CPU, it can have a promising future, don't you think? Anyway, it's very early to predict what will come out of Google Taiwan's Android office, but we're hoping to see more devices running Google's mobile OS this year. HTC are you reading this? [Via: DigiTimes] Related News from IntoMobile:
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| S60 5th Edition SDK 1.0 now available! Posted: 07 Mar 2009 03:37 AM PST
For the record, the SDK enables development in Symbian C++, Standard C/C++ (Open C/C++), Java (JME), Web Runtime (WRT) and Python (via a plug-in) for devices based on the S60 platform. It is based on Symbian OS 9.4 and includes documentation, API reference, emulator and associated development tools. IDE is not included, though you can work with Carbide.C++ for C++ developments; and/or NetBeans IDE 6.0, 6.1 and 6.5 or Eclipse 3.3.1 with EclipseME 1.7.7 and MTJ for Java development. More information is available on the Forum Nokia website. [Via: AllAboutSymbian] Related News from IntoMobile:
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| User interface galore: Gigabyte g-Smart S1200, Toshiba TG01, Sony Ericsson Idou and LG KM900 Arena Posted: 07 Mar 2009 03:17 AM PST Check what I've found on Vimeo - cool videos exploring UIs of 4 cool devices. Among the demos you're about to see are such popular devices as Gigabyte g-Smart S1200, Toshiba (OTCPK: TOSBF) TG01, Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) Idou and LG KM900 Arena. First comes the g-Smart S1200, while the rest is following after the jump. Enjoy!
[Via: GSMarena] Related News from IntoMobile:
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| Gresso Lady Diamond phone comes in 8-unit limited edition; Costs $5,500! Posted: 07 Mar 2009 03:08 AM PST
Super rich folks just got a new idea for the present for their special ladies. And special they gotta be, since the Gresso Lady Diamond costs a whooping $5,500! Only 8 of these ultra-luxurious devices will be produced, each one sporting "high-tech ceramic of Magenta Diamond color," 18-carat gold, genuine leather and 4 white diamonds that are used on the navigation keys. Moreover, the back of the device has that Gresso-standard transparent sapphire crystal cover. As for the specs ― in case anyone cares ― there's a 2-megapixel camera on board, GSM/GPRS connectivity, Bluetooth, music player, 2GB of on-board memory. Windows Mobile 6 Standard Edition is running the show. Finally, some of you may want care to know about the availability (or not) �the Gresso Lady Diamond is already available, though it seems you can grab it Russia, only. [Via: Unwired View] Related News from IntoMobile:
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| Meizu M9 coming for CDMA and TD-SCDMA networks Posted: 07 Mar 2009 02:55 AM PST
Meizu is looking into opportunity to introduce more devices for different market segments. More precisely, the company behind the world's famous iPhone clone is working on CDMA and TD-SCDMA versions of the device, which will be called M9c and M9t, respectively. Not much details are known at this stage, except that the M9 will use pretty much the same hardware as its predecessor - M8. Sadly, we expected some boost in the specs, but guess that will have to wait for some other chance. Moreover, it's not like we're able to buy these phones in the Western hemisphere, anyway… [Via: Engadget Mobile] Related News from IntoMobile:
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| The Signal (IntoMobile Podcast: Episode 18) Posted: 06 Mar 2009 03:44 PM PST
Seriously, we've got Quickfire taken off shelves, the Bold is warming up, even the iPhone is on fire! Regardless, the biggest thing happening this week is the BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) App World, but Will and I do chat about Motorola (NYSE: MOT), and how they're recession woes versus Nokia (NYSE: NOK). Two new phones, the Versa and 8 GB Renoir caught our eye as well, and generated some good discussion about design versus horsepower. There's plenty of other news items we didn't cover, but you can see the full link list after the jump. Hop on through for IntoMobile's Pyro Edition podcast…
Music by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, as featured on Tap Tap Revenge for the iPhone. Filler by Krazy Baldhead. The Signal is a part of the Tech Podcasts Network. Download The Signal ( Episode 18 ) - iTunes - @LINK3@ - (25:48) HeadlinesBlackBerry App World Pricing Structure Revealed LG unveils LG Renoir 8GB Black Verizon LG Versa Now Available in Stores and Online Motorola co-CEO fesses to corporate blunders, looks to brighter future Nokia trades 1,000 resignations for severance packages RumoursSprint Releases Leaked, Featuring Camera-Less BlackBerry 8350i Samsung s366 Coming to Rogers Before End of First Quarter Black HTC Magic Images Spotted on the Web First Snaps of the BlackBerry Niagara 9630 Emerge! Did Toshiba leak upcoming Windows Mobile flip-phone to the FCC? Remainder of HTC Lineup Specs Leaked Palm Treo Pro on Sprint Coming March 15th LG Viewty 2 Announcement Soon? Sprint LG Rumor 2 leaked, looks pretty much the same as the original device HTC Maple Looks Conspicuously BlackBerryish Samsung Instinct Mini Passes FCC Expansys shows Nokia N97, HTC Touch Diamond2 release dates, pricing Nokia E55 spotted in Red! ReleasesLow-end Samsung r211 lands on Cricket Wireless LG GD330, GB125 coming to Russia Alltel's Palm Treo Pro now available online BlackBerry 8230 Pearl Flip goes official on Telus website! Motorola ZN300 Quietly Goes Public Sanyo SCP-2700 Headed to Sprint? Mio Announces Navigation-Oriented K70 Samsung Propel and Gravity Now Available at Rogers Sony Ericsson W595 gets a Cosmopolitan Flower edition Samsung S3500 gets all official in Russia ASUS Announces Wi-Fi Hosting P835 BlackBerry 8900 Released in Spain on Orange Related News from IntoMobile:
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| UK: T-Mobile G1 accounts for 20% of contract sales Posted: 06 Mar 2009 03:01 PM PST
This nugget of information was revealed when the Operator announced it's financial results recently. The results also showed a 3% drop in T-Mobile's customer base, to 16.8m - of these, 12.7m are Prepay customers. Mobile broadband shot up by 250%! Of course, T-Mobile's exclusivity in the UK with Android will be coming to an end relatively soon, as Vodafone (NYSE: VOD)'s "Magic" is due sometime around spring. We'll see what effect that has on T-Mobile's next set of numbers - although I'd imagine there will be several more "uber-devices" by then!! [Via: ZDNet.co.uk] Related News from IntoMobile:
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| UK: T-Mobile boosting its HSPA Posted: 06 Mar 2009 02:55 PM PST
As per usual, Mobile Broadband is going to be one of the big drivers here, eradicating slowly the point of WiFi hotspots - at this rate, Broadband dongles and contracts are going to be so cheap it's just going to become another utility…. Well roll on the HSPA+ wars between UK Operators - let's see who can go fastest! [Via: ISPReview] Related News from IntoMobile:
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| Orange: Retro phone hunt! Posted: 06 Mar 2009 02:44 PM PST
A recent post on there invited readers to hunt down their old phones, and post up about what they find! Suffice to say there are some great comments on there for some classic (in many ways) phones! BTW, for all you Phone-reconition geeks out there, the pic is of the Nokia (NYSE: NOK) 7110 - NOT the phone in the Matrix film, as many people seemed to think [Via: The Feed] Related News from IntoMobile:
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| The state of the wireless industry - by the father of the Mobile phone Posted: 06 Mar 2009 02:36 PM PST At a recent conference (the Embedded Systems Conference in Boston), someone called Dr. Martin Cooper picked on five problems with the wireless industry. Interesting enough you might think, but this chap invented the Mobile Phone!! Below are the five problems he picks on, courtesy of CrunchGear. Dr. Cooper also suggested some solutions, but for those I am going to suggest you follow the link to CrunchGear, who have eloquently described them. It's not everday you get to see things clearly laid out by someone so key to the development of the industry, so it's worth a read! 1. Most cell phone conversations are held indoors, yet all the base stations and towers are located outdoors. 2. The Internet proved that an open network will invite a myriad of applications to serve the needs of just about everyone, yet the wireless industry still clings to the "walled garden" idea of closed networks and development. 3. The idea behind efficient wireless signal transmission is to deliver radio frequency energy to specific individuals at the time each individual's device needs to transmit or receive information, yet wireless signals are constantly broadcast every which way, in all directions, which is a really inefficient way to connect. 4. Phones are primarily used (70% of the time) to talk and listen, secondarily for text messages (which use small bandwidth), and tertiary for e-mail (which uses small to medium bandwidth), yet we, as consumers, get constantly bombarded with marketing for expensive high speed data services that people don't use all that often. 5. When purchasing devices, consumers are persuaded that they are getting something for nothing and then urged to throw their old devices away. Follow this link to the CrunchGear article. [Via: CrunchGear] Related News from IntoMobile:
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| More Mobile Learning - by GlobalEnglish Posted: 06 Mar 2009 02:22 PM PST
GlobalEnglish has developed a mobile feature � the Mobile Learning Network � for its online business English training system. Professionals can take their English instruction with them on the plane, train or bus � using the convenience of any MP3 devise. As more and more companies go global and feel pressure within new markets, GlobalEnglish provides training software that builds competitive advantage:
The 15 to 20 minute audio and visual podcasts align with GlobalEnglish's online software. The podcasts deal with a variety of real-world scenarios and help listeners advance their English comprehension skills. Well it all sounds good to me - only problem is I am looking to learn Spanish at the moment! [Via: globalenglish.com] Related News from IntoMobile:
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| Mobile Data Infrastructure Market to See Sharp Decline in 09 Posted: 06 Mar 2009 02:06 PM PST
The mobile data infrastructure market is forecast to experience a double digit decline in revenues in 2009 according to a recent study by IMS Research. Mobile WiMAX may be hardest hit as credit markets dry up, jeopardizing many of the smaller pure WiMAX vendors' most important customers. Coincidentally, this economic downturn comes at a time when many operators are outlining their plans to either upgrade their existing 3G networks or migrate to next generation networks. Before the economic crash, many thought 2009 would be a year defined by aggressive expansion of mobile data networks and large investments in 4G. Although the IMS Research report, "Mobile Broadband: 4G Network Evolution" forecasts a slowdown in 2009, a quick recovery is expected in 2010 on the heels of widespread 3G upgrades and next generation network investments. Other report findings include:
Mobile Broadband: 4G Network Evolution also provides detailed shipment analysis of mobile data infrastructure equipment including transceivers, base stations and BSC/RNCs along with the associated revenues and forecasts through 2013. In addition, the report contains subscriber forecasts for EDGE, HSPA, EV-DO Rev. X, TD-SCDMA, mobile WiMAX and LTE. [Via: IMS Research] Related News from IntoMobile:
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| UK: T-Mobile G1 gets software update: people not happy Posted: 06 Mar 2009 02:01 PM PST
Checking out the comments also that follow the post it's possible to see that UK users are confirming the intial suspicions. Worse, it would appear that other regions have still further differing functionality. Suffice to say the sentiment towards the exclusive operator for the device, T-Mobile (NYSE: DT), really isn't very positive either! But that's the thing with super hi-tech devices - the plethora of potential options that could/should/would be on the device differ between people, and when some features don't make it, then it can really get peoples' ire…! All that said, differing functionality across regions isn't really acceptable in my view. Let's see how this one plays out - I'm sure we'll see more commentary surfacing on the InterWeb over the next month or so! [Via: androinica] Related News from IntoMobile:
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| The O2 Joggler: five-minute fiddle! Posted: 06 Mar 2009 01:31 PM PST
Being lucky enough to be asked to go along to O2 (NYSE: TEF)'s launch, I've had the opportunity to play with the Joggler. As those of you know that follow the "five-minute fiddle" review series, I also like to give initial thoughts on a device, when I've only had five or so minutes to try it out. On this occasion I had the benefit of two O2 bods, Nick and JP (thanks guys!), to give me a bit of a guided tour of the device, so I can give you an enhanced fiddle report (whatever that is!): * Concept - I like it. A lot. They've taken the photo frame form factor, which most people know and accept, and added a TON of functionality. I was given a digital photo frame last year, and returned it because it didn't do enough - however, the Joggler is right in the sweet-spot of device usefulness for me * Touchscreen - really very good indeed - responsive, and capacitive-based (which means no play in the screen, it's a hard surface). UI responsiveness good based on text input and icon selection * Size/Weight - well it sits on a flat surface so weight isn't critical, but size is perfect * Hardware - it's basically a netbook without the keyboard, but with a touchscreen added. WiFi or Wired Ethernet connection gives it connectivity. It's mains powered, but then again it needs to be, what with lighting that giant screen and staying on a WiFi network (both notorious power sappers!) * Calendar - clear, neat, and concise. Probably my only negative of the device, it doesn't sync with Google (NSDQ: GOOG) Calendar (yet). However we are promised OTA software updates, so that could well change * Multimedia - handles audio, images, and video. Apparently AAC audio format not supported, but again that could easily change in time with a software update. 1GB internal memory isn't huge, but USB port on side of device allows to expand memory So in summary this device is really good - I'd highly advise going and trying it out - because it's connected to WiFi, you are just using your home broadband for the network connectivity. The promised features of Internet Radio and messaging only add weight to it's usefulness, and the mixture of features is well balanced! Well Done O2! Grade: A- (a couple of minor tweaks and it will be an A+!) Related News from IntoMobile:
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| New device: The O2 Joggler Posted: 06 Mar 2009 01:15 PM PST
O2 (NYSE: TEF) has announced the O2 Joggler, a first-of-its-kind device which will transform the way families manage their busy lives. Taking the place of all the notes traditionally placed on the fridge door, the O2 Joggler is always on and can be used by the entire family. It sends text message reminders which mean every family member will know who needs to be where by when. The O2 Joggler launches in early April. The O2 Joggler has been built on the insight that family life is hectic and can be difficult to manage. Appointments, birthdays, school runs, work deadlines and more can all be stored on the O2 Joggler's calendar, which will text handy reminders to family members' O2 mobile phones. The digital evolution of the traditional family wall calendar, the O2 Joggler is a sleek 7" touchscreen device for the household that keeps the whole family connected. Ideally placed in the kitchen or the living room, O2 Joggler sits at the heart of the family home and is available to customers on all UK networks*. It connects to your home Broadband either wirelessly or using an ethernet cable. There is no in-built SIM and therefore no ongoing costs or monthly subscription. The O2 Joggler is much more than an electronic calendar. It features a wide range of additional features for the whole family, including:
Coming soon
The O2 Joggler will be available from early April at O2 stores and from the O2 online shop at www.O2.co.uk, priced at £149.99, or free if taken instead of a handset at upgrade****. For more information, visit www.o2.co.uk/family O2 Calendar Related News from IntoMobile:
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| The O2: here comes Michael Jackson Posted: 06 Mar 2009 01:00 PM PST
I always go on about what a Marketing coup "The O2 (NYSE: TEF)" was for Mobile Operator O2 - they get mentioned with every big act that comes through the venue, and suffice to say they don't come any bigger than this - MJ is coming soon! As the PR says: The King of Pop returns to reign over London this summer. Michael Jackson has announced today that he is returning to the stage for a historic 10 shows at The O2 arena performing in London for the last time. The King of Pop performs his greatest hits for the event of the summer, the concerts of 2009 and the decade's hottest gigs. This really is 'It'! One of the most eagerly awaited returns to the stage of all time, Michael Jackson has not played a series of concerts since he last toured 12 years ago. These dramatic shows promise an explosive return with a band of the highest calibre, state-of-the-art stage show and incredible surprise support acts. "I am coming to London to play the songs my fans want to hear." - Michael Jackson Opening with 10 nights at The O2 arena on 8 July. Ticket price £75 / £65 / £50 + booking fees. Starting today visit www.MichaelJacksonLive.com or text 'MJ' to 81707 for your chance to join the presale. Text costs 10p to 12p dependent on network. UK only. Tickets go on sale to the public at 7am Friday, 13 March. Related News from IntoMobile:
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| Palm Investor Banking on First-Gen iPhone Fallout Posted: 06 Mar 2009 01:00 PM PST
Elevation Partners co-founder Roger McNamee is especially excited about Palm (NSDQ: PALM)'s launch window, and think a lot of iPhone users will make the jump to the new Pre.
Nevermind the ones who swallowed the ETF and picked up the next gen iPhone at launch, will the floodgates really open as soon as those early adopters' contracts or up, or are they more likely to ugprade to the iPhone 3G? While I'm tempted to side with the Pre, folks who have their iPhones love them, and would probably be wary of switching to something where they wouldn't be able to keep using all of those apps they've bought through iTunes. We're also assuming Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) doesn't make another announcement before the summer rolls around, which, although possible doesn't seem entirely likely. What do you guys think: will expiring iPhone contracts be the lynchpin for the Pre's success? [via Bloomberg] Related News from IntoMobile:
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| eXpansys: HTC Touch Diamond2 Voucher Deal Posted: 06 Mar 2009 12:55 PM PST
Click here to access the offer (* Important: 2 x £15 voucher codes will be issued to you via email no earlier than 14 days after the HTC Touch Diamond2 has been shipped to you. Terms and conditions apply - click here for further details on them) [Via: eXpansys] Related News from IntoMobile:
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| Mobile TV: at a critical point now? Posted: 06 Mar 2009 12:48 PM PST  The N96 is a great handset for Mobile TV Mobile TV seems to have been bubbling away at a simmer for a number of years now. As early back as 2004, there was a lot of noise about how TV services could be offered.. As an early adopter myself, and working for device vendors and network operators, I got to try a lot of the services out there � right from 5 frames-per-second GPRS streaming, through to the newer broadcast variants such as MediaFLO and DVB-H. The problem has never been with the TV service as such � it's widely accepted that most people would use it on a semi-regular basis, if the content and quality were good enough, and, if the PRICE were right. And that's really been the stumbling block for a while. Operators, or service providers, have been looking at the cost (both CAPEX and OPEX-wise) of deploying a Mobile TV infrastructure (including broadcast), and found it's hugely expensive. They have also been looking at the revenues they would get back, comparing TV services to those terrestrial/satellite/cable home services, and found that in many cases, the business model doesn't stack up. Even the oft-mooted Mobile Advertising can't fill the gap. So we have a weird stand-off, where Operators would considering deploying a service but largely won't because COSTS > PROFIT, at least for the short and medium-term. Sure, a few Operators have tried, but they have only served to prove the point for the others. Even those which are profitable, I would bet are not seeing major contribution to ARPU from Mobile TV. The handset vendors have occupied a strange position too � a number of notables have invested in providing the handsets (and continue to), but the lack of choice (and relative high cost), mean that they haven't been able to shift volume units in many cases. It's been left to those with the bespoke engineering ability, or the scale of operations, to continue drip-feeding the market. Now that we have the global economic downturn, the idea of a (broadcast) Mobile TV network is even less attractive � Operators can't be seen to be spending something like $500m+ on network infrastructure for TV, when the revenue-generating upgrades to network tech such as 3.5G, HSPA+, and LTE are all available and waiting for roll-out. In this scenario, peoples' need to be connected, outweighs the need to be entertained. So what could happen? Well, I genuinely think that the next couple of years could be make-or-break for broadcast Mobile TV as we know it � the window of opportunity is decreasing, and soon we'll have high-bandwidth IP networks that can stream channels with multicasting and good quality. At that point, assuming wide network coverage, the need for broadcast technologies declines a great deal. And with the additional pressure on the economy that is existing, it might just encourage Operator to wait for the next big thing (4G?), missing that window altogether. If progressive-download/streaming services running on these networks continue to improve their user experience, we might even see today's Mobile broadcast TV completely eclipsed. Related News from IntoMobile:
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Saturday, March 7, 2009
HTC A296 is disgustingly ugly, fake
Nokia has released the full version, 1.0, of the S60 5th Edition SDK (previously available was version 0.9). Available through Forum Nokia (NYSE: NOK), the new version adds support for keypad-off display in the emulator, additional languages, a start-up progress indicator for the emulator. In addition, a number of bugs, issues and deficiencies have been fixed, and many new plug-ins were made available.
Is it just me, or are the a lot of phones catching on fire this week?
According to ZDNet.co.uk, T-Mobile (NYSE: DT)'s G1 now accounts for 20% of contract sales! Wow!
According to ISPReview, T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) has hinted that it will upgrade it's HSPA network speed to a downstream of 14.4Mbps. Of course, this is the quickest that "vanilla HSPA", but HSPA+ is lurking round the corner, and in trials is hitting speeds around 20Mbps. After that, we are starting to talk LTE, a.k.a. 4G!
Orange's "The Feed" Blog is always a good place to hit up if you fancy a bit of a read - alongside our very own IntoMobile of course! 
Following on from the post I wrote about the BBC World Service and its Mobile learning service (here), it's good to see that other learning providers are also leveraging the power of the Mobile (and MP3 players….).
Google (NSDQ: GOOG) Android blog site Androinica has an interesting UK-related story this week. Apparently the RC9 update that has begun rolling out for UK is lacking a stack of stuff, including: "voice search, latitude, any MSN/AOL/Yahoo chat options, and … paid applications".
eXpansys got a great deal on the HTC Touch Diamond2 which I think IntoMobile readers might appreciate. Between the 4th of March and the 15th of April 2009, if you order your HTC Touch Diamond2 from eXpansys, they will give you £30 of eXpansys vouchers* to spend on their site!
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