At next week's 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Samsung Electronics plans to demonstrate its first cell phone compatible with a fast data download service that many wireless carriers plan to introduce beginning in 2006.
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Vodaphone is developing the cell phone, which is still a prototype and will be compatible with High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), the company said Wednesday. Services can apply HSDPA to third-generation Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) networks to offer significantly faster data downloads. (Go here for an explanation of high-speed wireless networks.)
Vodafone said in September that it planned to begin trials of HSDPA technology in early 2006.
Mega Download Speeds
The Vodaphone service will initially deliver a peak download speed of 1.6 megabits per second, far faster than the maximum of 384 kilobits per second its WCDMA network offers. In time, with future upgrades, the speed will increase to 7 mbps, the carrier said. For users this will translate into a rise in typical data download speed from today's 120 kbps or so to around 425 kbps over HSDPA, according to Vodafone.
The carrier is also considering High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), which boosts the upload speed from the cell phone to the network, in 2007 or 2008.
Samsung will demonstrate a working prototype of its cell phone at CES, said company spokesperson Sophia Kim in Seoul.
Cingular Has the Service
Samsung has released few details of the handset as yet, though Kim said the company has completed hardware development and is now working on the phone's software. The phone should be available to Vodafone in the first half of 2006; its availability to users will depend on Vodafone's commercialization plans for HSDPA.
Already one carrier has launched an HSDPA service. Cingular Wireless's Broadband Connect service, which went into service in 52 markets across the United States in December, is based on the technology. Cingular's service provides download speeds of 400 kbps to 700 kbps and is accessible via a laptop modem card for a flat rate of $60 per month.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
The 'Nokia Experience' Comes to CompUSA Stores
CompUSA and Nokia have created the "Nokia Experience @ CompUSA", a unique concept which brings a collection of the most advanced Nokia wireless devices together in one place. The "Nokia Experience @ CompUSA" is currently in place at nearly 200 CompUSA locations, and is expected to be fully rolled out across all CompUSA locations during February 2006.
While the "Nokia Experience @ CompUSA" will constantly change to reflect the newest and most cutting-edge Nokia wireless devices, the current lineup exemplifies this commitment to offering products that will appeal to technology-savvy consumers. For photography buffs, the Nokia N90 imaging handset combines Carl Zeiss Optics, a 2.0-megapixel imaging sensor and VHS-quality video capture with the Symbian operating system and S60 user interface for a full range of smartphone functionality. Another Symbian / S60 based product, the Nokia 6682 smartphone, can be found at the "Nokia Experience @ CompUSA". This device packs a 1.3-megapixel camera, digital music player and Bluetooth technology into a compact 4.6 ounce package.
The "Nokia Experience @ CompUSA" is also the exclusive offline retail home for the innovative Nokia 770 Internet Tablet. Featuring a bright, crisp 4.1" touchscreen with 800x480 resolution, the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet allows access to full Internet pages from virtually anyplace with an available Wi-Fi connection. Additionally, the open Maemo development platform has already created a vital community of developers creating applications for the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet, allowing it to even better meet the needs of a variety of owners.
"We are excited to work with Nokia to allow our customers to experience cutting-edge mobile device technology while they are in our CompUSA stores," said Brian Woods, executive vice president and general merchandising manager for CompUSA. "Our focus on wireless is apparent with the launch of 'Nokia Experience at CompUSA', and will make CompUSA a destination for customers to experience the latest in wireless technology."
"As mobile phones continue to evolve into feature-rich wireless devices capable of advanced features like multimedia content delivery and e-mail connectivity, the ability for technology-focused consumers to experience our product line in a relevant retail environment like CompUSA becomes increasingly important," said John Bay, vice president of new channel development for Nokia. "We feel that our relationship with CompUSA is a natural fit, as CompUSA is the retailer of choice for the tech-minded consumers that will be drawn to Nokia's newest generation of full-featured wireless products."
While the "Nokia Experience @ CompUSA" will constantly change to reflect the newest and most cutting-edge Nokia wireless devices, the current lineup exemplifies this commitment to offering products that will appeal to technology-savvy consumers. For photography buffs, the Nokia N90 imaging handset combines Carl Zeiss Optics, a 2.0-megapixel imaging sensor and VHS-quality video capture with the Symbian operating system and S60 user interface for a full range of smartphone functionality. Another Symbian / S60 based product, the Nokia 6682 smartphone, can be found at the "Nokia Experience @ CompUSA". This device packs a 1.3-megapixel camera, digital music player and Bluetooth technology into a compact 4.6 ounce package.
The "Nokia Experience @ CompUSA" is also the exclusive offline retail home for the innovative Nokia 770 Internet Tablet. Featuring a bright, crisp 4.1" touchscreen with 800x480 resolution, the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet allows access to full Internet pages from virtually anyplace with an available Wi-Fi connection. Additionally, the open Maemo development platform has already created a vital community of developers creating applications for the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet, allowing it to even better meet the needs of a variety of owners.
"We are excited to work with Nokia to allow our customers to experience cutting-edge mobile device technology while they are in our CompUSA stores," said Brian Woods, executive vice president and general merchandising manager for CompUSA. "Our focus on wireless is apparent with the launch of 'Nokia Experience at CompUSA', and will make CompUSA a destination for customers to experience the latest in wireless technology."
"As mobile phones continue to evolve into feature-rich wireless devices capable of advanced features like multimedia content delivery and e-mail connectivity, the ability for technology-focused consumers to experience our product line in a relevant retail environment like CompUSA becomes increasingly important," said John Bay, vice president of new channel development for Nokia. "We feel that our relationship with CompUSA is a natural fit, as CompUSA is the retailer of choice for the tech-minded consumers that will be drawn to Nokia's newest generation of full-featured wireless products."
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Samsung to market new phones with Vodafone, Qualcomm
SEOUL (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., the world's third-largest maker of handsets, will supply Vodafone Group Plc with new mobile phones that use Qualcomm Inc.'s modem chips, Samsung said on Wednesday.
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The new phones will use high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) technology that allows subscribers to use multimedia services such as Internet access and video sharing at higher speed and lower costs, Samsung said in a statement.
"Samsung is currently developing the first commercially available HSDPA phone to be launched exclusively for Vodafone," the South Korean firm said.
To manufacture the phones, Samsung will buy Mobile Station Modem from U.S. wireless technology company Qualcomm.
Samsung did not provide financial details of the deal.
HSDPA is a next-step technology developed for use over networks based on WCDMA, the world's most popular third-generation (3G) mobile standard.
It effectively turbocharges WCDMA networks, transferring data several times faster than existing capabilities, providing a critical boost for lucrative but data-intensive services such as music downloads and video streaming.
Samsung is a major mobile phone provider for U.K.-based Vodafone. Samsung is currently discussing selling mobile phones to Vodafone K.K., the Japanese unit of Vodafone Group.
Shares in Samsung ended 0.15 percent lower at 661,000 won on Wednesday, compared with the wider market's 0.39 percent fall.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
New Cell Phone Release:Motorola SLVR L7
Released by Cingular
The ultimate in sleek, super slim mobile craftsmanship, the Motorola SLVR L7 is equipped with Bluetooth and Push-to-Talk (PTT) technologies to provide connections to work groups and friends with supreme ease. For fun, capture and view still and moving images, which come to life on the SLVR L7's spacious color screen. With up to 512 MB of expandable memory, it's easy to store favorite multimedia files
Motorola SLVR L7 Features
-Sleek, super-thin design without sacrificing advanced functionality
-PTT with icon presence indicators for one-touch connections
-Integrated VGA camera with 4x zoom and video capture and playback
-Bluetooth Class 2 for hands-free connectivity
-MP3 player to store, repeat, shuffle and play favorite tunes through a 22Khz polyphonic speaker
-Up to 512 MB or removable TransFlash memory
-J2ME MIDP 2.0 support for application, ringer, wallpaper, graphic and game downloads
-Integrated hands-free speakerphone
-Messaging via Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), IM Wireless Village and email (POP3, SMTP)
-Motorola's SCREEN3 technology solution featuring zero-click access to news, sports, entertainment, and other premium content
Treo 700w to launch at CES?
All that has been officially announced about the upcoming Windows Mobile Treo's launch is that it will be soon and exclusively from Verizon Wireless. Technically not even a name has been announced, but it has been called the 700w in rumors since shortly before its debut in September.
A forum poster at HowardForums claims to work for Verizon Wireless and has photos of marketing materials that show a launch date of January 5th which coincide swith Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Verizon Wireless is already expected to launch the next version of V Cast at the show, adding in music downloads to the existing streaming content.
The Treo 700w sports the following:
-Windows Mobile 5.0
-Exchange ActiveSync
-EV-DO high-speed data
-Bluetooth
-64MB memory plus SD card slot
-700w for $499 with a 2-year contract.
Sprint Swaps Broadband Spectrum With Clearwire
Sprint Nextel and Clearwire have asked for FCC approval to complete a spectrum swap that the two companies worked out in October. The two companies are looking to swap 2.5 GHz licenses for different cities and rural areas around the country. Clearwire will give Sprint licenses to 9 major metro areas in exchange for 61 licenses in smaller markets. This license swap will help Sprint Nextel meet the FCC's demands that the merged company provide wireless broadband to at least 16 major metro areas within four years. It also more closely aligns the licenses to each provider's business plans. Sprint has recently announced several agreements hinting that the company will operate WiMax networks on this spectrum.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Palm Says 3 New Treo Smartphones in 2006
Palm CEO Ed Colligan stated in todays Palm's earnings conference call that Palm will announce three new smartphones next year, in addition to the Treo 700w. Read on for more details.
"We'll roll out the Palm Treo 700w smartphone based on Microsoft's Windows Mobile, and we'll announce three additional new smartphones during calendar year 2006." said said Ed Colligan. During the conference call he further stated that these new models will debut with new industrial designs and at different price points. They will also implement next-generation radio technologies.
Colligan also stated that one of these models was designed specifically for a large international carrier and may not ever see a US release.
This announcement confirms earlier rumors about new Treo products in 2006. That report stated Palm plans a Treo 700p (similar model as the 700w running Palm OS Garnet) as well as two new designs code-named "Hollywood" and "Lowrider".
Other highlights from the conference call:
-Palm shipped 602,000 Treos to carriers this quarter (vs. 332,000 last year's quarter)
-Palm now has 78% of the US handheld marketshare
-8 of the 10 best selling handhelds in the US are made by Palm
-This was Palm's 8th consecutive quarter of year over year growth
-Palm has a 36% share of the US converged device market
the Treo 700w will ship on time in early January
-BlackBerry Connect for the Treo will be delivered in early 2006
"We'll roll out the Palm Treo 700w smartphone based on Microsoft's Windows Mobile, and we'll announce three additional new smartphones during calendar year 2006." said said Ed Colligan. During the conference call he further stated that these new models will debut with new industrial designs and at different price points. They will also implement next-generation radio technologies.
Colligan also stated that one of these models was designed specifically for a large international carrier and may not ever see a US release.
This announcement confirms earlier rumors about new Treo products in 2006. That report stated Palm plans a Treo 700p (similar model as the 700w running Palm OS Garnet) as well as two new designs code-named "Hollywood" and "Lowrider".
Other highlights from the conference call:
-Palm shipped 602,000 Treos to carriers this quarter (vs. 332,000 last year's quarter)
-Palm now has 78% of the US handheld marketshare
-8 of the 10 best selling handhelds in the US are made by Palm
-This was Palm's 8th consecutive quarter of year over year growth
-Palm has a 36% share of the US converged device market
the Treo 700w will ship on time in early January
-BlackBerry Connect for the Treo will be delivered in early 2006
Bad Ruling on Cell Phone Tracking: What a Difference a G Makes
Yesterday, Magistrate Judge Gorenstein of the federal court for the Southern District of New York issued an opinion permitting the government to use cell site data to track a cell phone's physical location, without the government having to obtain a search warrant based on probable cause.
Judge Gorenstein's flawed legal analysis is in sharp contrast to three other federal court opinions strongly rejecting the government’s legal arguments, including a decision by Magistrate Judge Orenstein in the Eastern District of New York. While Judge Orenstein referred to the government's legal arguments variously as "unsupported," "misleading," and "contrived," and a Texas court called the convolutions of the government’s theory “perverse” and likened its twists and turns to a "three-rail bank shot," Judge Gorenstein bought the government's arguments hook, line and sinker.
Unfortunately, this dangerous new opinion falls into a procedural black hole. Because the DOJ is the only party in these surveillance cases, there's no one left to appeal the decision. Meanwhile, the DOJ has refused to appeal all three times it has lost, despite emphatic requests by the Texas and Eastern District magistrates. The result is that other magistrates across the country won't get clear guidance from the appeals courts on this issue.
That's why EFF will continue to follow this issue closely, and continue to urge other magistrates who face this question to follow the clear and convincing logic of the three courageous judges who stood up for civil liberties and said no to warrantless cell phone tracking.
P.S. The DOJ’s practice of monitoring cell phone location without probable cause previously inspired us to ask: "What other new surveillance powers has the government been creating out of whole cloth and how long have they been getting away with it?" Recent revelations about President Bush authorizing warrantless wiretaps of Americans by the National Security Agency have given us the beginnings of an answer. Let's hope that's not just the tip of the surveillance iceberg.
Judge Gorenstein's flawed legal analysis is in sharp contrast to three other federal court opinions strongly rejecting the government’s legal arguments, including a decision by Magistrate Judge Orenstein in the Eastern District of New York. While Judge Orenstein referred to the government's legal arguments variously as "unsupported," "misleading," and "contrived," and a Texas court called the convolutions of the government’s theory “perverse” and likened its twists and turns to a "three-rail bank shot," Judge Gorenstein bought the government's arguments hook, line and sinker.
Unfortunately, this dangerous new opinion falls into a procedural black hole. Because the DOJ is the only party in these surveillance cases, there's no one left to appeal the decision. Meanwhile, the DOJ has refused to appeal all three times it has lost, despite emphatic requests by the Texas and Eastern District magistrates. The result is that other magistrates across the country won't get clear guidance from the appeals courts on this issue.
That's why EFF will continue to follow this issue closely, and continue to urge other magistrates who face this question to follow the clear and convincing logic of the three courageous judges who stood up for civil liberties and said no to warrantless cell phone tracking.
P.S. The DOJ’s practice of monitoring cell phone location without probable cause previously inspired us to ask: "What other new surveillance powers has the government been creating out of whole cloth and how long have they been getting away with it?" Recent revelations about President Bush authorizing warrantless wiretaps of Americans by the National Security Agency have given us the beginnings of an answer. Let's hope that's not just the tip of the surveillance iceberg.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Sprint Nextel to aquire rest of Nextel Partners
In another affiliate buyout deal, Sprint Nextel will buy the remaining shares of Nextel Partners for $6.5 billion. Nextel Partners provides Nextel branded service in rural areas. After the Sprint buyout of Nextel, Nextel Partners contended that its exclusivity contract was violated (since Sprint provides service in some of the same areas as Nextel Partners).
The two companies have haggled for months for a valuation, eventually depending on the average of two appraisers. After the Sprint/Nextel merger, stock of Nextel Partners surged 50% making the deal much more costly.
The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2006.
The two companies have haggled for months for a valuation, eventually depending on the average of two appraisers. After the Sprint/Nextel merger, stock of Nextel Partners surged 50% making the deal much more costly.
The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2006.
RIM 3Q Earnings Up on Subscriber Growth
TORONTO - Research in Motion Ltd., the maker of the BlackBerry wireless messaging device, released better than expected third quarter results on Wednesday — quelling some fears that an ongoing patent dispute that threatens to shut down the popular service in the United States is significantly hurting the business.
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Net income rose to $120.1 million, or 61 cents per share, from $90.4 million, or 46 cents per share. Revenue rose 53 percent to $560.5 million from $365.9 million and was above analysts' forecasts of $549 million.
Adjusted net income of 71 cents per share topped the 65-cent mean estimate of analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial.
"The business is really soaring. It's not just doing OK. It's soaring," James L. Balsillie, RIM's chairman and CEO told The Associated Press in an interview. "A lot of people have said `Wow, I thought it was all kind of tough,' but we've been telling everybody sales are fine."
RIM said it added 645,000 new subscriber accounts — about 25,000 less than projected after the company released its second quarter results — during the third quarter and at the end of the quarter total BlackBerry subscribers were 4.3 million — more than double than last year.
RIM maintained its forecast for earnings of 76 cents to 81 cents per share for the fourth quarter on revenue of $590 million to $620 million, but lowered its forecast for subscriber additions to a range of 700,000 to 750,000 — about 75,000 less than previously expected.
Dennis Kavelman, RIM's finance chief, said the uncertainty and publicity surrounding the legal patent dispute caused the reduced forecast.
"The impact of this has been to create some uncertainty among customers. The timing of any resolution and the removal of this uncertainty is difficult to predict, therefore taking into these factors we believe it is prudent to lower the range," Kavelman said.
RIM's stock has been battered by litigation that pits it against NTP, a tiny firm that lays claim to the patent technology behind BlackBerry. And though most analysts believe the odds of an injunction shutting down the service is low, some of RIM's larger customers are nervous.
The market was keen to see if there's a reluctance to purchase the device but at least two analysts were impressed with the results.
"The results are definitely better than expected," said Barry Richards, an analyst with Paradigm Capital. "Even the subscriber additions are certainly better than feared. There's no doubt that the third quarter was better. The guidance for fourth quarter is slightly better than expected."
Deepak Chopra, an analyst with National Bank Financial, said the results alleviate at least some of the fears.
"If NTP can get resolved in the near future, and customers get to feel some comfort on the issue, the number of subscribers additions could really start to accelerate here," Chopra said.
RIM shares closed at $61.76, down 32 cents, on the Nasdaq Stock Market before its earnings were released. In after-hours trading, the shares gained $3.64, or 5.9 percent, to $65.40. The stock has traded between $51.90 and $87.95 over the last year as the Canadian company has continued to suffer defeats in the U.S. court system.
In 2002, a federal jury in Richmond, Va., sided with NTP in the patent infringement case, and RIM has since lost in the appeals process.
Now the case is back with U.S. District Judge James R. Spencer, who might issue an injunction as soon as February.
Earlier this year, a tentative $450 million settlement fell apart. Spencer last week ordered RIM and Arlington, Va.-based NTP to submit filings on the injunction by Feb. 1.
But RIM has been victorious in its dealing with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. The agency has preliminarily nixed the patents at the heart of the court case. It has yet to issue final rejections, however, and NTP can appeal if the patent office issues its final rejections before Spencer issues a possible injunction.
Most analysts expect the companies to eventually reach a settlement, with some estimating it could be as much as $1 billion.
The company said it was maintaining a previously recorded estimate of $450 million, which was based on an amount in a tentative deal that has been rejected, although it said the actual figure could be higher or lower.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Cingular Wireless Offers New International Call Packages
Cingular Wireless recently launched new international calling packages that make it more simple and affordable for globetrotting consumers to stay connected to family and friends around the world. Cingular's new international roaming package, Cingular World Traveler, allows customers to pack up their Cingular service and phone as they travel the world in over 175 countries and enjoy new discounted roaming rates in over 80 of those countries. Additionally, the new Cingular World Connect package provides affordable rates to over 200 countries when making international calls from the United States. Cingular also introduced new international roaming and long distance packages for Canada and Mexico.
"Our new Cingular World packages are designed to offer our customers cost-effective wireless calling solutions whether they are traveling abroad or calling people outside of the U.S.," said David Christopher, Vice President of Product Management, Cingular Wireless. "These packages, together with our global GSM network - the most commonly used wireless technology worldwide - allow our customers to take their Cingular service and compatible wireless devices with them as they explore the world."
International Roaming Package: Cingular World Traveler
Gone are the days when travelers were forced to make expensive calls from their hotel or seek out a pay phone in an unfamiliar city. Cingular customers can use the same wireless world phone and mobile number they use in the U.S. when roaming in over 175 countries. And now, with the new Cingular World Traveler package for just $5.99 a month, customers can enjoy discounted roaming rates in over 80 of those countries. And for those who like to travel by sea, Cingular customers can now make and receive calls on their own cell phones while in international waters on 14 cruise ships traveling the Caribbean.
A few examples of these new discounted international roaming rates (per minute) include:
Country - Cingular Standard Rates - Cingular World Traveler Rates
- Canada - 79 cents - 59 cents
- Mexico - 99 cents - 59 cents
- France / Germany / Italy / U.K. - $1.29 - 99 cents
- Australia - $1.69 - $1.29
- Bermuda/Jamaica - $1.99 - $1.69
- Japan (3G phone required) - $2.29 - $1.69
- Bahamas - $2.29 - $1.99
- Brazil / China / Hong Kong - $2.29 - $1.99
Cingular makes it just as easy and affordable to communicate via email, text and/or photo messaging. For example, a Cingular customer traveling in Paris can snap a picture of the Eiffel Tower on their wireless camera phone and easily and inexpensively send the photo, complete with a text message, to loved ones back home in the United States. Text messages are 50 cents to send and 10 cents to receive. Multimedia messages are $1.30 to send and 25 cents to receive.
For international travelers who need to stay connected to their email and critical files, Cingular offers a BlackBerry International package that provides unlimited email in the U.S. and around the world in over 95 countries for just $69.99 a month. When added to a Cingular Wireless voice plan, customers receive a $5 monthly discount, making it $64.99 a month.
International Long Distance Package: Cingular World Connect
Cingular also makes it easy and affordable for customers to use their wireless phone to keep in touch with people outside of the U.S. For just $3.99 a month, Cingular's international long distance package, Cingular World Connect, lets you dial internationally to over 200 countries from the U.S. at discounted rates. Cingular World Connect offers convenient and easy- to-use benefits such as direct dialing, eliminating the need to remember PIN or routing numbers; one-minute billing; premier call quality; no maintenance fees, connection fees or expiration dates; and no need to purchase a long distance card or prepay for usage.
International Roaming & Long Distance Packages: Cingular Canada and Cingular Mexico
Canada and Mexico are two of the most popular countries dialed and visited by customers. For this reason, Cingular has also introduced two new great calling packages: Cingular Canada and Cingular Mexico. With the Cingular Canada package for $3.99 a month, customers pay just 59 cents per minute to roam in Canada and just 19 cents per minute to call Canada from the U.S. With the Cingular Mexico package for $4.99 a month, customers pay just 59 cents per minute to roam in Mexico and just 9 cents per minute to call Mexico from the U.S.
For more information on all of the Cingular World packages including dialing instructions, country lists, standard and discounted rates and more, visit http://www.cingular.com/cingularworld . (Note: Rates subject to change.)
"Our new Cingular World packages are designed to offer our customers cost-effective wireless calling solutions whether they are traveling abroad or calling people outside of the U.S.," said David Christopher, Vice President of Product Management, Cingular Wireless. "These packages, together with our global GSM network - the most commonly used wireless technology worldwide - allow our customers to take their Cingular service and compatible wireless devices with them as they explore the world."
International Roaming Package: Cingular World Traveler
Gone are the days when travelers were forced to make expensive calls from their hotel or seek out a pay phone in an unfamiliar city. Cingular customers can use the same wireless world phone and mobile number they use in the U.S. when roaming in over 175 countries. And now, with the new Cingular World Traveler package for just $5.99 a month, customers can enjoy discounted roaming rates in over 80 of those countries. And for those who like to travel by sea, Cingular customers can now make and receive calls on their own cell phones while in international waters on 14 cruise ships traveling the Caribbean.
A few examples of these new discounted international roaming rates (per minute) include:
Country - Cingular Standard Rates - Cingular World Traveler Rates
- Canada - 79 cents - 59 cents
- Mexico - 99 cents - 59 cents
- France / Germany / Italy / U.K. - $1.29 - 99 cents
- Australia - $1.69 - $1.29
- Bermuda/Jamaica - $1.99 - $1.69
- Japan (3G phone required) - $2.29 - $1.69
- Bahamas - $2.29 - $1.99
- Brazil / China / Hong Kong - $2.29 - $1.99
Cingular makes it just as easy and affordable to communicate via email, text and/or photo messaging. For example, a Cingular customer traveling in Paris can snap a picture of the Eiffel Tower on their wireless camera phone and easily and inexpensively send the photo, complete with a text message, to loved ones back home in the United States. Text messages are 50 cents to send and 10 cents to receive. Multimedia messages are $1.30 to send and 25 cents to receive.
For international travelers who need to stay connected to their email and critical files, Cingular offers a BlackBerry International package that provides unlimited email in the U.S. and around the world in over 95 countries for just $69.99 a month. When added to a Cingular Wireless voice plan, customers receive a $5 monthly discount, making it $64.99 a month.
International Long Distance Package: Cingular World Connect
Cingular also makes it easy and affordable for customers to use their wireless phone to keep in touch with people outside of the U.S. For just $3.99 a month, Cingular's international long distance package, Cingular World Connect, lets you dial internationally to over 200 countries from the U.S. at discounted rates. Cingular World Connect offers convenient and easy- to-use benefits such as direct dialing, eliminating the need to remember PIN or routing numbers; one-minute billing; premier call quality; no maintenance fees, connection fees or expiration dates; and no need to purchase a long distance card or prepay for usage.
International Roaming & Long Distance Packages: Cingular Canada and Cingular Mexico
Canada and Mexico are two of the most popular countries dialed and visited by customers. For this reason, Cingular has also introduced two new great calling packages: Cingular Canada and Cingular Mexico. With the Cingular Canada package for $3.99 a month, customers pay just 59 cents per minute to roam in Canada and just 19 cents per minute to call Canada from the U.S. With the Cingular Mexico package for $4.99 a month, customers pay just 59 cents per minute to roam in Mexico and just 9 cents per minute to call Mexico from the U.S.
For more information on all of the Cingular World packages including dialing instructions, country lists, standard and discounted rates and more, visit http://www.cingular.com/cingularworld . (Note: Rates subject to change.)
New Cell Phone Release: Nokia 6236i Phone
NOkia 6236i released by Verizon Wireless
The Nokia 6236i is designed to appeal to a wide range of users with a slim form factor, classic chrome accents and a number of features including a 65,536 color screen, VGA camera, streaming video capability and an integrated FM radio. A built-in speakerphone and voice recorder add a high level of convenience, while high-fidelity MP3 ring tones and streaming video capability add a high level of entertainment.
Nokia 6236i Features
-Large 65K color LCD display (128 x 128 px)
-Integrated VGA camera with 4x zoom and dedicated video capture and playback
-Integrated FM radio and 24-chord polyphonic sound engine with MP3 ringer support
-BREW support for application, ringer, wallpaper, graphic and game downloads
-Enhanced T9 predictive text for messaging via Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS), and Short Messaging Service (SMS)
-WAP 2.0 compliant browser with cdma2000 1xRTT for high-speed data transmission
The Nokia 6236i is designed to appeal to a wide range of users with a slim form factor, classic chrome accents and a number of features including a 65,536 color screen, VGA camera, streaming video capability and an integrated FM radio. A built-in speakerphone and voice recorder add a high level of convenience, while high-fidelity MP3 ring tones and streaming video capability add a high level of entertainment.
Nokia 6236i Features
-Large 65K color LCD display (128 x 128 px)
-Integrated VGA camera with 4x zoom and dedicated video capture and playback
-Integrated FM radio and 24-chord polyphonic sound engine with MP3 ringer support
-BREW support for application, ringer, wallpaper, graphic and game downloads
-Enhanced T9 predictive text for messaging via Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS), and Short Messaging Service (SMS)
-WAP 2.0 compliant browser with cdma2000 1xRTT for high-speed data transmission
Sprint to carry Motorola again
According to documents posted by the FCC (IHDT56FX1), Sprint Nextel appears to be gearing up for a launch of the Motorola C290. While the C290 is a very basic entry-level handset, the news is notable since Sprint has not caried a Motorola for the PCS network since the V60v in 2004.
The C290 sports no advanced features to speak of, but does include a speakerphone.
If the Sprint-Motorola relationship is indeed on the rebound, Sprint could be in lign to receive handsets like the RAZR V3c and Q.
The C290 sports no advanced features to speak of, but does include a speakerphone.
If the Sprint-Motorola relationship is indeed on the rebound, Sprint could be in lign to receive handsets like the RAZR V3c and Q.
Nextel Partners Put Price Determined
KIRKLAND, Wash., and RESTON, Va. — 12/20/2005
Nextel Partners (NASDAQ: NXTP) and Sprint Nextel Corp. (NYSE: S) announced today the put price under Partners' charter has been determined to be $28.50 per share of Partners' Class A common stock. This is the price at which Sprint Nextel will purchase Nextel Partners' Class A common stock under the put right in Nextel Partners' charter initiated by Nextel Partners shareholders in October 2005 following the Sprint Nextel merger.
The put price was determined after the two appraisers, Morgan Stanley and Lazard, issued their reports that determined fair market value for Nextel Partners as defined in the charter. As set forth in their respective reports, Morgan Stanley determined fair market value of Partners' equity to be $9.6 billion, or $29.75 per fully diluted share and Lazard determined fair market value of Partners' equity to be $8.8 billion, or $27.25 per fully diluted share.
As provided in the charter, because the two appraisers' values are within 10% of each other, the final fair market value is the average of the two appraisers' determinations. The aggregate amount payable to Partners Class A stockholders will be $6.5 billion including amounts payable upon conversion of debt securities and upon settlement of options. This transaction implies an enterprise value for Nextel Partners at approximately $10 billion.
"Sprint Nextel shares with Nextel Partners a commitment of excellence to our customers, employees and shareholders. As we work through the regulatory approval processes, we intend to focus on plans for efficiently integrating Partners' business into our operations in a way that is seamless for customers and employees," commented Sprint Nextel CEO Gary Forsee.
"From inception we have placed the interests of our investors, customers and fellow partners [employees] first and foremost," said John Chapple, Nextel Partners Chairman, CEO and President. "We believe that aligned with Sprint Nextel we are poised to move to the next level. This is an across the board success. It results in an attractive price and provides certainty for all Nextel Partners shareholders."
The put price is final and binding on all Nextel Partners shareholders unless notice of a challenge is provided to Sprint Nextel before 5 p.m. EST on January 9, 2006. Under the charter, challenging shareholders will receive a maximum put price that is estimated to be well below the put price. Sprint Nextel has waived its right to challenge the put price and has opted to pay cash as consideration for the purchase of the Class A shares.
The transaction is subject to the customary regulatory approvals, including review by the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice, and is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2006.
A copy of the reports of Morgan Stanley and Lazard accompany this press release.
Sprint Nextel was advised in the matter by financial advisors Bear Stearns, Goldman Sachs & Co., and JP Morgan Securities Inc. Lazard served both as advisor and appraiser to Sprint Nextel. Jones Day served as legal counsel to Sprint Nextel. Nextel Partners was advised in the matter by financial advisors Morgan Stanley, who served as the principal financial advisor and appraiser, and Evercore Partners, Inc. and legal counsel Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
A number of the matters discussed in this document that are not historical or current facts deal with potential future circumstances and developments, in particular, information regarding the purchase of the Nextel Partners Class A common stock pursuant to the put process. The discussion of such matters is qualified by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally, and also may materially differ from actual future experience involving any one or more of such matters. Such risks and uncertainties include: the result of the review of the proposed acquisition by various regulatory agencies, and any conditions imposed in connection with consummation of the acquisition; and the risks that have been described from time to time in Sprint Nextel's and Nextel Communications, Inc.'s respective reports filed with the SEC, including each company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 as amended, and their respective quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed in 2005. This document speaks only as of its date, and each of Sprint Nextel, Nextel and Nextel Partners disclaims any duty to update the information herein.
About Nextel Partners
Nextel Partners, Inc., (NASDAQ: NXTP - News), a FORTUNE 1000 company based in Kirkland, Wash., has exclusive rights to offer the same fully integrated, digital wireless communications services offered by Nextel Communications (Nextel), a subsidiary of Sprint Nextel, in mid-sized and rural markets in 31 states where approximately 54 million people reside. Nextel Partners and Nextel together provide service on a guaranteed all-digital wireless network in the country serving 297 of the top 300 U.S. markets. To learn more about Nextel Partners, visit www.nextelpartners.com.
About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business and government customers. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks offering industry leading mobile data services; instant national and international walkie-talkie capabilities; and an award-winning and global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/mr.
Nextel Partners (NASDAQ: NXTP) and Sprint Nextel Corp. (NYSE: S) announced today the put price under Partners' charter has been determined to be $28.50 per share of Partners' Class A common stock. This is the price at which Sprint Nextel will purchase Nextel Partners' Class A common stock under the put right in Nextel Partners' charter initiated by Nextel Partners shareholders in October 2005 following the Sprint Nextel merger.
The put price was determined after the two appraisers, Morgan Stanley and Lazard, issued their reports that determined fair market value for Nextel Partners as defined in the charter. As set forth in their respective reports, Morgan Stanley determined fair market value of Partners' equity to be $9.6 billion, or $29.75 per fully diluted share and Lazard determined fair market value of Partners' equity to be $8.8 billion, or $27.25 per fully diluted share.
As provided in the charter, because the two appraisers' values are within 10% of each other, the final fair market value is the average of the two appraisers' determinations. The aggregate amount payable to Partners Class A stockholders will be $6.5 billion including amounts payable upon conversion of debt securities and upon settlement of options. This transaction implies an enterprise value for Nextel Partners at approximately $10 billion.
"Sprint Nextel shares with Nextel Partners a commitment of excellence to our customers, employees and shareholders. As we work through the regulatory approval processes, we intend to focus on plans for efficiently integrating Partners' business into our operations in a way that is seamless for customers and employees," commented Sprint Nextel CEO Gary Forsee.
"From inception we have placed the interests of our investors, customers and fellow partners [employees] first and foremost," said John Chapple, Nextel Partners Chairman, CEO and President. "We believe that aligned with Sprint Nextel we are poised to move to the next level. This is an across the board success. It results in an attractive price and provides certainty for all Nextel Partners shareholders."
The put price is final and binding on all Nextel Partners shareholders unless notice of a challenge is provided to Sprint Nextel before 5 p.m. EST on January 9, 2006. Under the charter, challenging shareholders will receive a maximum put price that is estimated to be well below the put price. Sprint Nextel has waived its right to challenge the put price and has opted to pay cash as consideration for the purchase of the Class A shares.
The transaction is subject to the customary regulatory approvals, including review by the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice, and is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2006.
A copy of the reports of Morgan Stanley and Lazard accompany this press release.
Sprint Nextel was advised in the matter by financial advisors Bear Stearns, Goldman Sachs & Co., and JP Morgan Securities Inc. Lazard served both as advisor and appraiser to Sprint Nextel. Jones Day served as legal counsel to Sprint Nextel. Nextel Partners was advised in the matter by financial advisors Morgan Stanley, who served as the principal financial advisor and appraiser, and Evercore Partners, Inc. and legal counsel Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
A number of the matters discussed in this document that are not historical or current facts deal with potential future circumstances and developments, in particular, information regarding the purchase of the Nextel Partners Class A common stock pursuant to the put process. The discussion of such matters is qualified by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally, and also may materially differ from actual future experience involving any one or more of such matters. Such risks and uncertainties include: the result of the review of the proposed acquisition by various regulatory agencies, and any conditions imposed in connection with consummation of the acquisition; and the risks that have been described from time to time in Sprint Nextel's and Nextel Communications, Inc.'s respective reports filed with the SEC, including each company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 as amended, and their respective quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed in 2005. This document speaks only as of its date, and each of Sprint Nextel, Nextel and Nextel Partners disclaims any duty to update the information herein.
About Nextel Partners
Nextel Partners, Inc., (NASDAQ: NXTP - News), a FORTUNE 1000 company based in Kirkland, Wash., has exclusive rights to offer the same fully integrated, digital wireless communications services offered by Nextel Communications (Nextel), a subsidiary of Sprint Nextel, in mid-sized and rural markets in 31 states where approximately 54 million people reside. Nextel Partners and Nextel together provide service on a guaranteed all-digital wireless network in the country serving 297 of the top 300 U.S. markets. To learn more about Nextel Partners, visit www.nextelpartners.com.
About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business and government customers. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks offering industry leading mobile data services; instant national and international walkie-talkie capabilities; and an award-winning and global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/mr.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
3.2-Megapixel Camera Phones on the Horizon
MagnaChip Semiconductor, a leading global designer, developer and manufacturer of image sensor solutions, mixed-signal and digital multimedia semiconductors, today, announced the launch of a high-performance 3.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor (MC532MA) for the camera phone application market.
The 2.57u pixel of the MC532MA allows for excellent low-light performance in a small module size, which has typically been a trade off with solutions currently on the market. When implemented in an Auto Focus application, modules of 11x11x7mm or smaller can be achieved. This smaller size will enable OEMs to adopt high-resolution imaging across multiple handset models.
The sensor uses wide acceptance angle pixel technology, which helps to ensure minimum module height while maintaining the crucial corner performance. This new high-resolution CMOS image sensor offers high responsivity, low noise and image quality enhancing filters.
The MC532MA operates at 12 frames per second (fps) at full-resolution and up to 30 fps at SVGA resolution. Special ADC and analog designs allow the sensor to achieve power dissipation below 150mw for full-resolution, full-frame rate operation. The 10-bit Bayer RGB output interfaces to all standard processors, and base-band solutions.
Jason Hartlove, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Imaging Solutions Division of MagnaChip stated, "This is a very exciting launch for MagnaChip. The MC532MA offers unique value by enabling small size modules and superb low-light performance in a single solution. The MC532MA is the first of many high-resolution sensors from MagnaChip. By leveraging the best-in-class engineering teams we have in Korea, Japan, and the US, we expect to achieve considerable growth in our markets next year."
Mr. Hartlove continued, "The market for camera phones continues to grow more rapidly than the overall handset market. Resolutions continue to increase, closing the performance gap between the full-featured digital still cameras and the camera phone. We see devices like the 3.2MP MC532MA, as a strong indication of the resolution trends we should expect in the camera phone market."
Samples are now available of the 3.2 megapixel image sensor, with mass production expected to begin late in the first quarter of 2006. MagnaChip has a complete suite of demonstration systems and reference designs to support OEMs in end product development.
The 2.57u pixel of the MC532MA allows for excellent low-light performance in a small module size, which has typically been a trade off with solutions currently on the market. When implemented in an Auto Focus application, modules of 11x11x7mm or smaller can be achieved. This smaller size will enable OEMs to adopt high-resolution imaging across multiple handset models.
The sensor uses wide acceptance angle pixel technology, which helps to ensure minimum module height while maintaining the crucial corner performance. This new high-resolution CMOS image sensor offers high responsivity, low noise and image quality enhancing filters.
The MC532MA operates at 12 frames per second (fps) at full-resolution and up to 30 fps at SVGA resolution. Special ADC and analog designs allow the sensor to achieve power dissipation below 150mw for full-resolution, full-frame rate operation. The 10-bit Bayer RGB output interfaces to all standard processors, and base-band solutions.
Jason Hartlove, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Imaging Solutions Division of MagnaChip stated, "This is a very exciting launch for MagnaChip. The MC532MA offers unique value by enabling small size modules and superb low-light performance in a single solution. The MC532MA is the first of many high-resolution sensors from MagnaChip. By leveraging the best-in-class engineering teams we have in Korea, Japan, and the US, we expect to achieve considerable growth in our markets next year."
Mr. Hartlove continued, "The market for camera phones continues to grow more rapidly than the overall handset market. Resolutions continue to increase, closing the performance gap between the full-featured digital still cameras and the camera phone. We see devices like the 3.2MP MC532MA, as a strong indication of the resolution trends we should expect in the camera phone market."
Samples are now available of the 3.2 megapixel image sensor, with mass production expected to begin late in the first quarter of 2006. MagnaChip has a complete suite of demonstration systems and reference designs to support OEMs in end product development.
Financial Services Offer Payment Services via Cell Phone
Cell phone users without bank accounts will now be able to pay over 3,000 bills directly from their handsets thanks to a revolutionary new partnership between SVC Financial Services Inc. and Ameracash Solutions Inc. SVC, a leading provider of secure mobile transaction technologies, today announced the delivery of Scoot Mobile Money technology for bill paying services provided by Ameracash and its innovative VPAY Electronic Payment Solutions platform.
"Scoot is the most secure technology available for mobile banking, even for those without a bank account," said Chris Haigh, President and CEO of SVC. "Through this unique partnership with Ameracash, hard working members of the cash economy will be able to pay their bills quickly and easily without ever having to stand in line."
SVC's cutting-edge mobile banking technology, Scoot Mobile Money, integrates virtually any cell phone with prepaid ATM cards that offer a wide range of capabilities. Scoot allows anyone with a cell phone to store, send, receive and transact funds anywhere in the world.
"Ameracash is pleased that un-banked and under-banked consumers will now have an additional mechanism with which to safely, securely and easily pay their monthly bills," said Marc Keller, EVP, Ameracash. "Our goal is to be the bill payment company of choice for the un-banked and under-banked consumer for all types of payment - including traditional cash-paying consumers, debit card users and kiosk users. We believe the cell phone-enabled Scoot customer will be the biggest user of all."
Scoot-enabled ATM cards can be loaded with cash at over 600 Ameracash retail locations in the United States. Customers may request an additional friends and family card for cost-effective money transfers and funds management. No bank account is required to acquire a card and card use requires one simple activation step to connect it to a customer's cell phone number. Scoot-enabled cards are usable at over 1 million ATM locations in the United States and with 5.5 million merchants.
"Scoot is the most secure technology available for mobile banking, even for those without a bank account," said Chris Haigh, President and CEO of SVC. "Through this unique partnership with Ameracash, hard working members of the cash economy will be able to pay their bills quickly and easily without ever having to stand in line."
SVC's cutting-edge mobile banking technology, Scoot Mobile Money, integrates virtually any cell phone with prepaid ATM cards that offer a wide range of capabilities. Scoot allows anyone with a cell phone to store, send, receive and transact funds anywhere in the world.
"Ameracash is pleased that un-banked and under-banked consumers will now have an additional mechanism with which to safely, securely and easily pay their monthly bills," said Marc Keller, EVP, Ameracash. "Our goal is to be the bill payment company of choice for the un-banked and under-banked consumer for all types of payment - including traditional cash-paying consumers, debit card users and kiosk users. We believe the cell phone-enabled Scoot customer will be the biggest user of all."
Scoot-enabled ATM cards can be loaded with cash at over 600 Ameracash retail locations in the United States. Customers may request an additional friends and family card for cost-effective money transfers and funds management. No bank account is required to acquire a card and card use requires one simple activation step to connect it to a customer's cell phone number. Scoot-enabled cards are usable at over 1 million ATM locations in the United States and with 5.5 million merchants.
Movie Theater Owners Want Cell Phones Blocked
Movie theater owners are aggressively trying to lure movie-goers back into cinemas by petitioning the FCC to allow blocking cell phone service in theaters.
Spearheaded by the National Association of Theater Owners (NATO), John Fithian President of NATO said theater owners "have to block rude behavior" to encourage customers to come back who have stayed home to avoid the aggravation of mobile distractions.
But not everyone is in favor of the move. The Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA), a Washington-based cell phone lobby group, is protesting the action saying it would fight any move to block cell phone signals. "We're opposed to the use of any blocking technology, because it interferes with people's ability to use a wireless device in an emergency situation," CTIA spokesman Joseph Farren said.
Most theaters already have no cell phone policies and show announcements before movies to remind patrons to silence or turn off their devices. Some cinemas even ask customers to check their phones at the door. Still for some owners, this petition is the only way to ensure a ring-free and enjoyable movie-going experience.
Spearheaded by the National Association of Theater Owners (NATO), John Fithian President of NATO said theater owners "have to block rude behavior" to encourage customers to come back who have stayed home to avoid the aggravation of mobile distractions.
But not everyone is in favor of the move. The Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA), a Washington-based cell phone lobby group, is protesting the action saying it would fight any move to block cell phone signals. "We're opposed to the use of any blocking technology, because it interferes with people's ability to use a wireless device in an emergency situation," CTIA spokesman Joseph Farren said.
Most theaters already have no cell phone policies and show announcements before movies to remind patrons to silence or turn off their devices. Some cinemas even ask customers to check their phones at the door. Still for some owners, this petition is the only way to ensure a ring-free and enjoyable movie-going experience.
Sprint to Give Free Phones and Service to Katrina Victims
Sprint Nextel today announced the details of its participation in the Federal Communications Commission's Katrina Lifeline Program. Through the program, eligible customers in the 92 Gulf Coast counties and parishes affected by Hurricane Katrina will be able to apply for a free wireless phone and service. Existing Sprint Nextel customers affected by the hurricane who qualify for the program will receive a credit of 500 minutes for four months from the date of activation.
"Sprint Nextel is pleased to be participating in the FCC's Lifeline program for Hurricane Katrina victims," said Sal Todaro, area vice president for Sprint. "It is important to Sprint Nextel to help our customers stay connected with their friends and family as they continue rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina."
Since September, Sprint Nextel, its foundation and employees have contributed cash and in-kind donations for hurricane relief worth more than $10 million for the individuals and communities across the Gulf Coast region, as well as for evacuees around the country.
To find out more about Sprint Nextel's Katrina Lifeline program or to apply, eligible customers must call 1-866-705-6925. Customers will be mailed a certification of eligibility form to complete and mail back with a copy of their FEMA letter by March 1, 2006. In addition, information is available at www.sprint.com/hurricaneinfo . The program is subject to certain limitations and conditions including the availability of phones and the company's ability to provide service in all areas.
Consumers eligible for the Sprint Katrina Lifeline program will have the following options:
- New customers will receive a Motorola i415 wireless phone and $60 prepaid service credit from BOOST Mobile, the prepaid wireless brand of the company.
- Existing Sprint Nextel customers will receive 500 free minutes per month for four months from the date of activation of the Katrina Lifeline Program. Existing BOOST Mobile customers will receive additional prepaid calling cards worth $130.
To qualify for the program, consumers must apply by March 1, 2006 and meet the following criteria established by the FCC:
- Participants must be able to certify prior residency in a County or Parish that has been designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as eligible for individual disaster assistance related to Hurricane Katrina.
- Participants must be able to document their eligibility by providing a copy of a letter from FEMA demonstrating that they have been approved for disaster housing assistance.
- The program allows for only one wireless phone per household.
- Participants will be required to sign a certification of eligibility form.
Residents of the following counties and parishes have been designated by FEMA as eligible for individual disaster assistance:
Alabama - Baldwin, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Mobile, Pickens, Tuscaloosa and Washington.
Louisiana - Acadia, Ascension, Assumption, Calcasieu, Cameron, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Lincoln, Livingston, Orleans, Pointe Coupee, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.
Mississippi - Adams, Amite, Attala, Bolivar, Claiborne, Choctaw, Clarke, Copiah, Covington, Forrest, Franklin, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, Homes, Humphreys, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Kemper, Lafayette, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Leake, Lincoln, Lowndes, Madison, Marion, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Okitibbeha, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Quitman, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, Smith, Stone, Tippah, Walthall, Wayne, Wilkinson, Winston and Yazoo.
"Sprint Nextel is pleased to be participating in the FCC's Lifeline program for Hurricane Katrina victims," said Sal Todaro, area vice president for Sprint. "It is important to Sprint Nextel to help our customers stay connected with their friends and family as they continue rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina."
Since September, Sprint Nextel, its foundation and employees have contributed cash and in-kind donations for hurricane relief worth more than $10 million for the individuals and communities across the Gulf Coast region, as well as for evacuees around the country.
To find out more about Sprint Nextel's Katrina Lifeline program or to apply, eligible customers must call 1-866-705-6925. Customers will be mailed a certification of eligibility form to complete and mail back with a copy of their FEMA letter by March 1, 2006. In addition, information is available at www.sprint.com/hurricaneinfo . The program is subject to certain limitations and conditions including the availability of phones and the company's ability to provide service in all areas.
Consumers eligible for the Sprint Katrina Lifeline program will have the following options:
- New customers will receive a Motorola i415 wireless phone and $60 prepaid service credit from BOOST Mobile, the prepaid wireless brand of the company.
- Existing Sprint Nextel customers will receive 500 free minutes per month for four months from the date of activation of the Katrina Lifeline Program. Existing BOOST Mobile customers will receive additional prepaid calling cards worth $130.
To qualify for the program, consumers must apply by March 1, 2006 and meet the following criteria established by the FCC:
- Participants must be able to certify prior residency in a County or Parish that has been designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as eligible for individual disaster assistance related to Hurricane Katrina.
- Participants must be able to document their eligibility by providing a copy of a letter from FEMA demonstrating that they have been approved for disaster housing assistance.
- The program allows for only one wireless phone per household.
- Participants will be required to sign a certification of eligibility form.
Residents of the following counties and parishes have been designated by FEMA as eligible for individual disaster assistance:
Alabama - Baldwin, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Mobile, Pickens, Tuscaloosa and Washington.
Louisiana - Acadia, Ascension, Assumption, Calcasieu, Cameron, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Lincoln, Livingston, Orleans, Pointe Coupee, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.
Mississippi - Adams, Amite, Attala, Bolivar, Claiborne, Choctaw, Clarke, Copiah, Covington, Forrest, Franklin, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, Homes, Humphreys, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Kemper, Lafayette, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Leake, Lincoln, Lowndes, Madison, Marion, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Okitibbeha, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Quitman, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, Smith, Stone, Tippah, Walthall, Wayne, Wilkinson, Winston and Yazoo.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Sanyo MM-7500 Announced with Sprint 'Themes'
Sprint and Sanyo announced today the introduction of the Sprint Power Vision Phone MM-7500 by Sanyo. This durable clamshell phone provides broadband-like download speeds on the Sprint Power Vision Network, ideal for media-savvy consumers who lead active lifestyles and enjoy access to entertainment and information on the go. The MM-7500 is the first phone of its kind to offer "Themes", an industry-first phone customization service that Sprint expects to fully introduce in early 2006. The phone also supports the Sprint Music Store, On Demand, Sprint TV, Sprint PCS Picture Mail and Sprint PCS Ready Link.
"This phone is for customers who demand a lot out of life, and demand it on the go," said Oliver Valente, senior vice president of product development for Sprint. "The MM-7500 is a feature-rich phone that offers instant access to high-quality communication, entertainment, information and personalization services. It also represents an industry first, as the first phone of its kind to support Themes - allowing customers the ability to see, hear and experience the next generation of mobile phone personalization."
The MM-7500 provides customers a sneak peak at Themes with two pre-loaded Themes, tropical and hip hop, and a few additional free Themes available for download. Themes allow customers to select custom 'skins' (i.e. user interfaces) for their standby screen, main menu and favorites and, in some cases, link to other Theme-related multimedia and online content, such as ringers, screensavers and other premium content. Early next year, Sprint customers will be able to choose from a wide variety of Themes, including sports-related Themes that provide quick access to scores and video highlights. Themes enable customers to further personalize their Sprint phone to express their style and interests and quickly access information that is important to them.
In addition to personalizing the phone with content, users can customize the phone by easily changing the outside color accent plate; three interchangeable accent plates are included with the phone in silver, blue and red. The MM-7500 also features a Dura-Grip trim for a sure hold and added surface protection.
"The MM-7500 delivers rich multimedia capabilities with blazing-fast speed in a stylish, rugged design," said Andy Kodera, senior vice president and general manager of Sanyo Fisher Company's Wireless Communications Division. "Beyond the smart-looking exterior is a powerful mobile device that can act as a portable audio player, modem, camera, video recorder, and information center all in one unit."
The MM-7500 by Sanyo provides customers the ultimate communications and entertainment experience by supporting the following services:
- Sprint Music Store, the first mobile music storefront in the United States that allows customers to wirelessly browse, preview, purchase, download and play full-length songs right from the phone.
On Demand, a service that lets customers retrieve personalized information using their home ZIP code for localized news, sports, weather, money, movies and more.
- Sprint TV, an Emmy Award-winning service that provides more than 30 channels of video and audio for TV on the go, with all the benefits of full motion video and high-quality audio.
- Sprint PCS Picture Mail, a service that enables customers to take, share, print, preserve, create and publish quality digital pictures and videos. The phone features an integrated 1.3-megapixel camera, flash, digital zoom and macro setting and a video camcorder for catching special moments. And, with the included USB cable, customers can instantly print their pictures directly from the phone to any PictBridge-enabled printer.
- Sprint PCS Ready Link, a service that lets customers engage in quick, "walkie-talkie" style communication at the touch of a button with one or several Sprint PCS Ready Link users.
"This phone is for customers who demand a lot out of life, and demand it on the go," said Oliver Valente, senior vice president of product development for Sprint. "The MM-7500 is a feature-rich phone that offers instant access to high-quality communication, entertainment, information and personalization services. It also represents an industry first, as the first phone of its kind to support Themes - allowing customers the ability to see, hear and experience the next generation of mobile phone personalization."
The MM-7500 provides customers a sneak peak at Themes with two pre-loaded Themes, tropical and hip hop, and a few additional free Themes available for download. Themes allow customers to select custom 'skins' (i.e. user interfaces) for their standby screen, main menu and favorites and, in some cases, link to other Theme-related multimedia and online content, such as ringers, screensavers and other premium content. Early next year, Sprint customers will be able to choose from a wide variety of Themes, including sports-related Themes that provide quick access to scores and video highlights. Themes enable customers to further personalize their Sprint phone to express their style and interests and quickly access information that is important to them.
In addition to personalizing the phone with content, users can customize the phone by easily changing the outside color accent plate; three interchangeable accent plates are included with the phone in silver, blue and red. The MM-7500 also features a Dura-Grip trim for a sure hold and added surface protection.
"The MM-7500 delivers rich multimedia capabilities with blazing-fast speed in a stylish, rugged design," said Andy Kodera, senior vice president and general manager of Sanyo Fisher Company's Wireless Communications Division. "Beyond the smart-looking exterior is a powerful mobile device that can act as a portable audio player, modem, camera, video recorder, and information center all in one unit."
The MM-7500 by Sanyo provides customers the ultimate communications and entertainment experience by supporting the following services:
- Sprint Music Store, the first mobile music storefront in the United States that allows customers to wirelessly browse, preview, purchase, download and play full-length songs right from the phone.
On Demand, a service that lets customers retrieve personalized information using their home ZIP code for localized news, sports, weather, money, movies and more.
- Sprint TV, an Emmy Award-winning service that provides more than 30 channels of video and audio for TV on the go, with all the benefits of full motion video and high-quality audio.
- Sprint PCS Picture Mail, a service that enables customers to take, share, print, preserve, create and publish quality digital pictures and videos. The phone features an integrated 1.3-megapixel camera, flash, digital zoom and macro setting and a video camcorder for catching special moments. And, with the included USB cable, customers can instantly print their pictures directly from the phone to any PictBridge-enabled printer.
- Sprint PCS Ready Link, a service that lets customers engage in quick, "walkie-talkie" style communication at the touch of a button with one or several Sprint PCS Ready Link users.
Visto Sues Microsoft for Patent Infringement
Mobile e-mail startup Visto has sued Microsoft for allegedly infringing on three of its patents related to how information is handled between servers and handheld devices.
Visto asserts that Microsoft's Windows Mobile 5.0 is a blatant infringement on Visto's patented technology. Its concerns about this market are heightened by Microsoft's recent decision to bundle Windows Mobile 5.0 with their already market-dominating Exchange server software. This method of bundling software has led Microsoft to be prosecuted by competition authorities in the past, and in this case, potentially increases the rate and manner in which their infringement on Visto's patents occurs.
"Microsoft has a long and well-documented history of acquiring the technology of others, branding it as their own, and entering new markets," said Mr. Bogosian, Visto's Chairman, CEO and President. "In some cases, they buy that technology from its creator. In other cases, they wrongfully misappropriate the intellectual property that belongs to others, which has forced them to acknowledge and settle large IP cases with companies like Sun, AT&T and Burst.com. For their foray into mobile email and data access, Microsoft simply decided to misappropriate Visto's well known and documented patented technology."
"With the recent explosion in smart phone technology and demand for mobile email access, the market has caught up with Visto's original vision," said Mr. Mendez. "We worked many long nights over many years and invested heavily to develop and patent our technology at a time when many people thought we were working on future fantasies. Now, when the market potential is obvious to everyone, other companies want to misappropriate the technologies that we invented and to benefit, for free, from our hard work and innovation."
"Innovative companies have been pummeled out of existence or into minor players after Microsoft decided to enter their markets," Bogosian added. "Netscape and RealNetworks are among the best known examples. Courts around the world have ruled time after time against Microsoft, saying that it has acted either inappropriately or in violation of the law, especially concerning how they have treated competing companies. We will not let that happen to Visto."
Visto's lawsuit specifically alleges that Microsoft has infringed on three patents relating to its mobile access to email and data technology:
- U.S. Patent No. 6,085,192 titled, "System And Method For Securely Synchronizing Multiple Copies Of A Workspace Element In A Network"
- U.S. Patent No. 6,708,221 titled, "System And Method For Globally And Securely Accessing Unified Information In A Computer Network"
- U.S. Patent No. 6,151,606 titled, "System And Method For Using A Workspace Data Manager To Access, Manipulate And Synchronize Network Data"
The complaint seeks a permanent injunction that would prohibit Microsoft from continuing to misappropriate Visto's intellectual property. The company also seeks monetary damages as compensation for Microsoft's illegal actions.
Visto asserts that Microsoft's Windows Mobile 5.0 is a blatant infringement on Visto's patented technology. Its concerns about this market are heightened by Microsoft's recent decision to bundle Windows Mobile 5.0 with their already market-dominating Exchange server software. This method of bundling software has led Microsoft to be prosecuted by competition authorities in the past, and in this case, potentially increases the rate and manner in which their infringement on Visto's patents occurs.
"Microsoft has a long and well-documented history of acquiring the technology of others, branding it as their own, and entering new markets," said Mr. Bogosian, Visto's Chairman, CEO and President. "In some cases, they buy that technology from its creator. In other cases, they wrongfully misappropriate the intellectual property that belongs to others, which has forced them to acknowledge and settle large IP cases with companies like Sun, AT&T and Burst.com. For their foray into mobile email and data access, Microsoft simply decided to misappropriate Visto's well known and documented patented technology."
"With the recent explosion in smart phone technology and demand for mobile email access, the market has caught up with Visto's original vision," said Mr. Mendez. "We worked many long nights over many years and invested heavily to develop and patent our technology at a time when many people thought we were working on future fantasies. Now, when the market potential is obvious to everyone, other companies want to misappropriate the technologies that we invented and to benefit, for free, from our hard work and innovation."
"Innovative companies have been pummeled out of existence or into minor players after Microsoft decided to enter their markets," Bogosian added. "Netscape and RealNetworks are among the best known examples. Courts around the world have ruled time after time against Microsoft, saying that it has acted either inappropriately or in violation of the law, especially concerning how they have treated competing companies. We will not let that happen to Visto."
Visto's lawsuit specifically alleges that Microsoft has infringed on three patents relating to its mobile access to email and data technology:
- U.S. Patent No. 6,085,192 titled, "System And Method For Securely Synchronizing Multiple Copies Of A Workspace Element In A Network"
- U.S. Patent No. 6,708,221 titled, "System And Method For Globally And Securely Accessing Unified Information In A Computer Network"
- U.S. Patent No. 6,151,606 titled, "System And Method For Using A Workspace Data Manager To Access, Manipulate And Synchronize Network Data"
The complaint seeks a permanent injunction that would prohibit Microsoft from continuing to misappropriate Visto's intellectual property. The company also seeks monetary damages as compensation for Microsoft's illegal actions.
New Study Shows Rising Cell Phone Use While Driving
More Americans than ever are using cell phones while driving according to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Driver cell phone use increased in 2005, with 6 percent of drivers on handheld phones in 2005 nationwide compared to 5 percent in 2004.
This result is from the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS), which provides the only probability-based observed data on driver cell phone use in the United States. The NOPUS is conducted annually by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis of NHTSA.
The 2005 rate translates into 974,000 vehicles on the road at any given daylight moment being driven by someone on a handheld phone. It also translates into an estimated 10 percent of vehicles in the typical daylight moment whose driver is using some type of phone, whether handheld or handsfree. The 2005 survey also found the following:
- Handheld use increased in a number of driver categories, including female drivers (from 6 percent in 2004 to 8 percent in 2005), drivers age 16-24 (8 percent in 2004 to 10 percent in 2005), and drivers in suburban areas (4 percent in 2004 to 7 percent in 2005).
- The incidence of drivers speaking with headsets on while driving also increased in 2005, from 0.4 percent of drivers in 2004 to 0.7 percent in 2005.
- In the first nationwide probability-based estimate of the incidence of handheld device manipulation, the survey found that 0.2 percent of drivers were dialing phones, checking PDAs, or otherwise manipulating some hand-held device while driving in 2005.
This result is from the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS), which provides the only probability-based observed data on driver cell phone use in the United States. The NOPUS is conducted annually by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis of NHTSA.
The 2005 rate translates into 974,000 vehicles on the road at any given daylight moment being driven by someone on a handheld phone. It also translates into an estimated 10 percent of vehicles in the typical daylight moment whose driver is using some type of phone, whether handheld or handsfree. The 2005 survey also found the following:
- Handheld use increased in a number of driver categories, including female drivers (from 6 percent in 2004 to 8 percent in 2005), drivers age 16-24 (8 percent in 2004 to 10 percent in 2005), and drivers in suburban areas (4 percent in 2004 to 7 percent in 2005).
- The incidence of drivers speaking with headsets on while driving also increased in 2005, from 0.4 percent of drivers in 2004 to 0.7 percent in 2005.
- In the first nationwide probability-based estimate of the incidence of handheld device manipulation, the survey found that 0.2 percent of drivers were dialing phones, checking PDAs, or otherwise manipulating some hand-held device while driving in 2005.
15 Million Mobile TV Users in the U.S. by 2009
Ten years ago, it was the Internet that threw the telecom, media and marketing worlds into chaos. Starting next year, it will be the mobile phone, according to a new report released today.
Internet research firm eMarketer forecasts that the number of US consumers who watch TV programming on mobile phones will rise to 15 million in 2009, up substantially from only 1.2 million this year.
"Mobile video and audio entertainment are bringing new energy to the US wireless business," says Debra Aho Williamson, eMarketer Senior Analyst and author of the new "Mobile Entertainment: The Rise of the Very Small Screen" report. "There are real opportunities out there."
Major media, telecommunications and entertainment companies are placing big bets on content appearing on mobile phones. Entertainment content could offer mobile carriers a rich new revenue stream - and mobile phones could provide a compelling new platform for media companies and marketers.
"Mobile video will present some of the most compelling mobile entertainment marketing opportunities," says Ms. Williamson. "Just as online video advertising has taken off because of the way it blends video's high brand engagement with the Internet's interactive, tracking and targeting capabilities, so too will marketers be drawn to mobile video advertising."
But while the future looks promising, today's usage of mobile entertainment in the US is currently very minimal. M:Metrics data from October 2005 reveals that fewer than 10% of US mobile subscribers had used their phone's browser to get news and information, send a photo message or purchase a ringtone. Fewer than 5% had purchased wallpaper or a screen saver or downloaded a mobile game.
"Do US consumers want to be entertained by their mobile phone? That's the billion-dollar question," says Ms. Williamson. "Many US mobile phone users think their phone is just fine for talking, and that's about it. Plus, there are significant technology and standards barriers to overcome."
Internet research firm eMarketer forecasts that the number of US consumers who watch TV programming on mobile phones will rise to 15 million in 2009, up substantially from only 1.2 million this year.
"Mobile video and audio entertainment are bringing new energy to the US wireless business," says Debra Aho Williamson, eMarketer Senior Analyst and author of the new "Mobile Entertainment: The Rise of the Very Small Screen" report. "There are real opportunities out there."
Major media, telecommunications and entertainment companies are placing big bets on content appearing on mobile phones. Entertainment content could offer mobile carriers a rich new revenue stream - and mobile phones could provide a compelling new platform for media companies and marketers.
"Mobile video will present some of the most compelling mobile entertainment marketing opportunities," says Ms. Williamson. "Just as online video advertising has taken off because of the way it blends video's high brand engagement with the Internet's interactive, tracking and targeting capabilities, so too will marketers be drawn to mobile video advertising."
But while the future looks promising, today's usage of mobile entertainment in the US is currently very minimal. M:Metrics data from October 2005 reveals that fewer than 10% of US mobile subscribers had used their phone's browser to get news and information, send a photo message or purchase a ringtone. Fewer than 5% had purchased wallpaper or a screen saver or downloaded a mobile game.
"Do US consumers want to be entertained by their mobile phone? That's the billion-dollar question," says Ms. Williamson. "Many US mobile phone users think their phone is just fine for talking, and that's about it. Plus, there are significant technology and standards barriers to overcome."
Sprint Nextel picks up Enterprise for $98 million
RESTON, Va.-Sprint Nextel Corp. said it will acquire another of its CDMA affiliates, this time picking up Enterprise Communications for about $98 million including the assumption of debt.
The move is the latest in a string of affiliate acquisitions in the wake of Sprint Corp.'s purchase of Nextel Communications Inc. in August.
continued below
The Enterprise deal will put more than 52,000 PCS subscribers directly in Sprint Nextel's pocket, and extend the company's direct service coverage to an additional 825,000 potential customers.
Sprint Nextel also said it will pay about $2 million to acquire C-block wireless spectrum from an Enterprise affiliate. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2006.
Sprint already has purchased or agreed to purchase CDMA affiliates Alamosa Holdings Inc. for $3.4 billion; US Unwired for $1.3 billion; IWO Holdings Inc. for $427 million; and Gulf Coast Wireless L.P. for $287.5 million.
Also this week, a Delaware judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit by Sprint Nextel affiliate Ubiquitel Inc. against Nextel for violating Ubiquitel's non-compete agreements with Sprint. Sprint Nextel had argued that the complaint didn't meet legal standards for interference with a contract in an effort to thwart a pair of lawsuits by Ubiquitel and Horizon Personal Communications, another Sprint affiliate.
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The move is the latest in a string of affiliate acquisitions in the wake of Sprint Corp.'s purchase of Nextel Communications Inc. in August.
continued below
The Enterprise deal will put more than 52,000 PCS subscribers directly in Sprint Nextel's pocket, and extend the company's direct service coverage to an additional 825,000 potential customers.
Sprint Nextel also said it will pay about $2 million to acquire C-block wireless spectrum from an Enterprise affiliate. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2006.
Sprint already has purchased or agreed to purchase CDMA affiliates Alamosa Holdings Inc. for $3.4 billion; US Unwired for $1.3 billion; IWO Holdings Inc. for $427 million; and Gulf Coast Wireless L.P. for $287.5 million.
Also this week, a Delaware judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit by Sprint Nextel affiliate Ubiquitel Inc. against Nextel for violating Ubiquitel's non-compete agreements with Sprint. Sprint Nextel had argued that the complaint didn't meet legal standards for interference with a contract in an effort to thwart a pair of lawsuits by Ubiquitel and Horizon Personal Communications, another Sprint affiliate.
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BCGI Gets Reprieve From Court
Boston Communications Group Inc. (bcgi) is claiming a victory in its patent fight with Freedom Wireless. A federal court of appeals has stayed a previously imposed injunction prohibiting bcgi from offering its prepaid mobile phone billing services in the United States.
Bcgi's fight with Freedom Wireless has been ongoing. The company originally was hit with the $128 million patent infringement judgment in May after a jury ruled that bcgi "willfully" infringed on Freedom Wireless' patents. In September, a federal judge upheld the $128 million judgment against the company.
That ruling was followed in October by an imposed injunction that forbid bcgi and Cingular Wireless from selling prepaid wireless services that were connected with the Freedom Wireless patents, which bcgi was found to infringe upon.
The ruling did, however, allow bcgi and Cingular to continue to serve current customers for 90 days, but stated that the companies would have to pay Freedom a 2.5-cent-per-minute royalty for any use during that period. The stay of the injunction also nullifies this requirement to pay royalties to Freedom during the appeals process, according to bcgi.
"We are happy that the appeals court has stayed the injunction," bcgi President and CEO E.Y. Snowden said in a prepared statement. "With this decision in our favor, we are now on solid footing to continue to pursue our appeal."
Bcgi's fight with Freedom Wireless has been ongoing. The company originally was hit with the $128 million patent infringement judgment in May after a jury ruled that bcgi "willfully" infringed on Freedom Wireless' patents. In September, a federal judge upheld the $128 million judgment against the company.
That ruling was followed in October by an imposed injunction that forbid bcgi and Cingular Wireless from selling prepaid wireless services that were connected with the Freedom Wireless patents, which bcgi was found to infringe upon.
The ruling did, however, allow bcgi and Cingular to continue to serve current customers for 90 days, but stated that the companies would have to pay Freedom a 2.5-cent-per-minute royalty for any use during that period. The stay of the injunction also nullifies this requirement to pay royalties to Freedom during the appeals process, according to bcgi.
"We are happy that the appeals court has stayed the injunction," bcgi President and CEO E.Y. Snowden said in a prepared statement. "With this decision in our favor, we are now on solid footing to continue to pursue our appeal."
Friday, December 16, 2005
Google offers mobile phone version of Gmail e-mail
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Google has created a special version of its Gmail e-mail service that provides mobile phone subscribers with quick access to their e-mail, the company said on Friday.
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Details on the mobile e-mail service, which currently is only available to U.S. cellphone users at http://m.gmail.com.
The service works on the subset of more advanced mobile phones that offer an Internet browser. Users can view attached photos and documents from their phone, and reply-by-call to people whose phone number is stored in their Gmail account.
Gmail messages are automatically synchronized between their mobile phones and computer accounts, regardless of whether Gmail is accessed from Gmail Mobile or the Web.
ADVERTISEMENT
Details on the mobile e-mail service, which currently is only available to U.S. cellphone users at http://m.gmail.com.
The service works on the subset of more advanced mobile phones that offer an Internet browser. Users can view attached photos and documents from their phone, and reply-by-call to people whose phone number is stored in their Gmail account.
Gmail messages are automatically synchronized between their mobile phones and computer accounts, regardless of whether Gmail is accessed from Gmail Mobile or the Web.
New Cell Phone Released: RIM Blackberry 8700c
RIM Blackberry 8700c Released By Cingular
Released for Cingular, RIM BlackBerry 8700c is a sleek and stylish all-in-one (phone, email, web) device with superb phone features and email solutions that are easy to set up and use. The BlackBerry 8700c makes it easy to stay connected while on the go through EDGE. Consumers get uncompromising email, browsing and voice performance in one thin, stylish, lightweight handheld with a full QWERTY keyboard. Operating on the latest high speed wireless networks, the BlackBerry 8700c provides functionality including email, phone, web browsing, MMS, SMS and organizer applications.
RIM BlackBerry 8700c Features
-Dynamic, highly responsive experience when viewing attachments and graphics, browsing the web and running applications
-Access up to 10 supported business and / or personal email accounts
-Integrated attachment viewing for popular file formats
-Bright, high-resolution screen provides large viewable workspace and includes intelligent light sensing technology to automatically optimize screen lighting -levels for ideal indoor and outdoor viewing.
-Built-in speakerphone for hands-free dialog and convenient conference calls with excellent sound quality
-Bluetooth hands-free headset and car kit support
-Intel PXA901 processor at 312 MHz
Released for Cingular, RIM BlackBerry 8700c is a sleek and stylish all-in-one (phone, email, web) device with superb phone features and email solutions that are easy to set up and use. The BlackBerry 8700c makes it easy to stay connected while on the go through EDGE. Consumers get uncompromising email, browsing and voice performance in one thin, stylish, lightweight handheld with a full QWERTY keyboard. Operating on the latest high speed wireless networks, the BlackBerry 8700c provides functionality including email, phone, web browsing, MMS, SMS and organizer applications.
RIM BlackBerry 8700c Features
-Dynamic, highly responsive experience when viewing attachments and graphics, browsing the web and running applications
-Access up to 10 supported business and / or personal email accounts
-Integrated attachment viewing for popular file formats
-Bright, high-resolution screen provides large viewable workspace and includes intelligent light sensing technology to automatically optimize screen lighting -levels for ideal indoor and outdoor viewing.
-Built-in speakerphone for hands-free dialog and convenient conference calls with excellent sound quality
-Bluetooth hands-free headset and car kit support
-Intel PXA901 processor at 312 MHz
New Cell Phone Release:Motorola V557 Phone
Motorola V557 Released by Cingular
Released for Cingular, the Motorola V557 is the first handset to include Motorola's SCREEN3 - an innovative technology that enables consumers to get news, sports, entertainment, and other premium content and services directly from their mobile device home screen (no buttons to push, no browsers to launch). In addition, the V557 features a VGA camera, video record and playback, and advanced messaging. EDGE technology and Cingular's consumer data services, such as Picture Messaging and Cingular Sounds, enhance the multimedia offerings and enable subscribers to share images and download MP3 ringtones with unprecedented speed.
Motorola V557 Features
-GSM quad-band technology for communication around the globe
-Motorola's SCREEN3 technology solution featuring zero-click access to news, sports, entertainment, and other premium content
-Integrated VGA camera with 4x zoom and dedicated one touch video capture and playback
-Preloaded FotoFun Photo Editor for editing by adding clip art and backgrounds to existing images
-Conference calling and integrated hands-free speaker
-Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), POP3 and IMAP4 client for e-mail management, and instant messaging
-J2ME MIDP 2.0 support for application, ringer, wallpaper, graphic and game downloads
-Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free conversations
-EDGE technology for high-speed data transmission with WAP 2.0 compliant browser
-SyncML device management and Personal Information Management (PIM) synchronization
Released for Cingular, the Motorola V557 is the first handset to include Motorola's SCREEN3 - an innovative technology that enables consumers to get news, sports, entertainment, and other premium content and services directly from their mobile device home screen (no buttons to push, no browsers to launch). In addition, the V557 features a VGA camera, video record and playback, and advanced messaging. EDGE technology and Cingular's consumer data services, such as Picture Messaging and Cingular Sounds, enhance the multimedia offerings and enable subscribers to share images and download MP3 ringtones with unprecedented speed.
Motorola V557 Features
-GSM quad-band technology for communication around the globe
-Motorola's SCREEN3 technology solution featuring zero-click access to news, sports, entertainment, and other premium content
-Integrated VGA camera with 4x zoom and dedicated one touch video capture and playback
-Preloaded FotoFun Photo Editor for editing by adding clip art and backgrounds to existing images
-Conference calling and integrated hands-free speaker
-Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), POP3 and IMAP4 client for e-mail management, and instant messaging
-J2ME MIDP 2.0 support for application, ringer, wallpaper, graphic and game downloads
-Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free conversations
-EDGE technology for high-speed data transmission with WAP 2.0 compliant browser
-SyncML device management and Personal Information Management (PIM) synchronization
LG Becomes Second Largest Cell Phone Manufacturer in U.S.
According to recently released mobile phone market share data from IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, LG Electronics has taken the number two spot across all mobile phone manufacturers in terms of shipment volumes in the U.S. for Q3 2005. After selling 7.8 million handsets nationwide, LG's overall market share rose to 19.6%.
In addition to rising to the number two position in mobile phone shipments in the U.S., LG gained the number one ranking in terms of sales of CDMA phones globally for the third quarter of 2005. LG's overall global market share for CDMA phones jumped 5.1% for a total of 24.3%. In addition, sales of CDMA phones in the U.S. for Q3 of 2005 sustained its number one ranking. Since Q4 of 2003, LG has shipped more CDMA handsets in the U.S. than any other manufacturer, according to IDC.
Building on its well-known leadership in the CDMA market, LG has continued its impressive growth in the GSM category. Just over two years after the launch of its first GSM handset in the U.S., LG again secured the number four spot in the U.S. GSM market in Q3 of 2005. Building on the strong position the company occupied in Q2 2005, LG's U.S. GSM market share increased to 10.3% in the third quarter of 2005, a prominent increase of 4.2% compared to Q2.
"We are proud that LG secured the number two spot for U.S. mobile phone shipments," said Juno Cho, president, LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A. Inc. "LG's CDMA sales have maintained strong momentum in the third quarter of 2005 and our steady expansion into the GSM market is being met with encouraging results. A testament to this tremendous growth is our relentless dedication as a company to offer consumers the most innovative and technologically advanced wireless communication devices that enhance their lifestyle."
Highly successful LG CDMA models launched to-date in 2005 include the flagship EV-DO-capable VX8100 with MP3 capability, the MM-535 1.3 megapixel camera phone, the PM-225 device and The V (VX9800). The V is the ultimate entertainment device that is EV-DO-capable with a 1.3 megapixel integrated camera and camcorder, full QWERTY keyboard, and MP3 player. Extremely popular GSM handsets launched this year include the EDGE-capable A7110 and CE500 handsets and the stylish and functional L1400i and C1300i models.
In addition to rising to the number two position in mobile phone shipments in the U.S., LG gained the number one ranking in terms of sales of CDMA phones globally for the third quarter of 2005. LG's overall global market share for CDMA phones jumped 5.1% for a total of 24.3%. In addition, sales of CDMA phones in the U.S. for Q3 of 2005 sustained its number one ranking. Since Q4 of 2003, LG has shipped more CDMA handsets in the U.S. than any other manufacturer, according to IDC.
Building on its well-known leadership in the CDMA market, LG has continued its impressive growth in the GSM category. Just over two years after the launch of its first GSM handset in the U.S., LG again secured the number four spot in the U.S. GSM market in Q3 of 2005. Building on the strong position the company occupied in Q2 2005, LG's U.S. GSM market share increased to 10.3% in the third quarter of 2005, a prominent increase of 4.2% compared to Q2.
"We are proud that LG secured the number two spot for U.S. mobile phone shipments," said Juno Cho, president, LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A. Inc. "LG's CDMA sales have maintained strong momentum in the third quarter of 2005 and our steady expansion into the GSM market is being met with encouraging results. A testament to this tremendous growth is our relentless dedication as a company to offer consumers the most innovative and technologically advanced wireless communication devices that enhance their lifestyle."
Highly successful LG CDMA models launched to-date in 2005 include the flagship EV-DO-capable VX8100 with MP3 capability, the MM-535 1.3 megapixel camera phone, the PM-225 device and The V (VX9800). The V is the ultimate entertainment device that is EV-DO-capable with a 1.3 megapixel integrated camera and camcorder, full QWERTY keyboard, and MP3 player. Extremely popular GSM handsets launched this year include the EDGE-capable A7110 and CE500 handsets and the stylish and functional L1400i and C1300i models.
Sprint and MSpot Roll Out Streaming Movie Service
Sprint and MSpot, a pioneer in premium mobile entertainment, today announced the premier of MSpot Movies, the first mobile entertainment service to stream full-length feature films to mobile phones. Available exclusively on the Nationwide Sprint PCS Network, MSpot Movies gives subscribers on-demand access to seven movie genres, including a wide range of titles that MSpot makes available in "chapters," short segments optimized for a mobile audience. In addition, MSpot Movies includes TV shows, music concerts and stand-up comedy specials.
Mobile video services are rapidly gaining popularity as mobile phone technology becomes more advanced. Strategy Analytics estimates that more than 150 million people worldwide will be watching video on their mobile phones by 2008. MSpot is a pioneer in mobile multimedia entertainment, and has been at the forefront of the industry since it launched one of the first mobile radio services in March 2005. Sprint won an Emmy Award for being the first to bring TV service to the mobile phone.
"The entertainment industry is still very much in an experimental phase when it comes to music and video services for mobile phones. The medium is so new - and holds so much promise - that studios, music labels and media companies are scrambling to figure out the best approach and the most effective business models," said Daren Tsui, CEO and co-founder of MSpot. "MSpot is one of the few mobile multimedia experts, and we've designed MSpot Movies based on what we've learned about tailoring content for mobile audiences. We believe that MSpot Movies is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what is to come in the mobile entertainment era."
Geared towards cinema buffs of all ages, MSpot Movies brings the magic of the silver screen to mobile phones. Sprint customers have unlimited access to a wide variety of comedy, horror, drama, adventure and animated films. MSpot will add new titles to the service on a weekly basis, enabling subscribers to watch all of the individual "chapters" of an entire movie at any time. Each chapter averages five minutes in duration. MSpot Movies is available for $6.95 per month and includes:
- Seven Different Genres of Streaming Movies - MSpot Movies has something for the whole family with popular movies as "Three Stooges," "Night of the Living Dead" and "Short Circuit." Genres include: Comedy, Drama, Horror, Adventure, Westerns, Animated Features, and Movie Shorts.
- TV Shows - In addition to a wide variety of movie content, MSpot Movies also features TV shows from the past such "Hearts Afire," "Conan the Adventurer," and "Starhunter 2300."
- Music Concerts - MSpot Movies features music concerts from today's hottest artists including The Roots, My Chemical Romance, Young Gunz and The Used.
"Sprint believes MSpot Movies will be very popular with our customers, allowing them to watch some of their favorite movies whenever and wherever they go," said Dale Knoop, general manager of multimedia services for Sprint. "Offering the industry's first full-length streaming movie service demonstrates our continued leadership and commitment to bringing the best entertainment services to our customers."
MSpot Movies is MSpot's third subscription service offering, joining MSpot Radio and MSpot Music on the Nationwide Sprint PCS Network. MSpot plans to roll out other multimedia entertainment services in the next year.
Mobile video services are rapidly gaining popularity as mobile phone technology becomes more advanced. Strategy Analytics estimates that more than 150 million people worldwide will be watching video on their mobile phones by 2008. MSpot is a pioneer in mobile multimedia entertainment, and has been at the forefront of the industry since it launched one of the first mobile radio services in March 2005. Sprint won an Emmy Award for being the first to bring TV service to the mobile phone.
"The entertainment industry is still very much in an experimental phase when it comes to music and video services for mobile phones. The medium is so new - and holds so much promise - that studios, music labels and media companies are scrambling to figure out the best approach and the most effective business models," said Daren Tsui, CEO and co-founder of MSpot. "MSpot is one of the few mobile multimedia experts, and we've designed MSpot Movies based on what we've learned about tailoring content for mobile audiences. We believe that MSpot Movies is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what is to come in the mobile entertainment era."
Geared towards cinema buffs of all ages, MSpot Movies brings the magic of the silver screen to mobile phones. Sprint customers have unlimited access to a wide variety of comedy, horror, drama, adventure and animated films. MSpot will add new titles to the service on a weekly basis, enabling subscribers to watch all of the individual "chapters" of an entire movie at any time. Each chapter averages five minutes in duration. MSpot Movies is available for $6.95 per month and includes:
- Seven Different Genres of Streaming Movies - MSpot Movies has something for the whole family with popular movies as "Three Stooges," "Night of the Living Dead" and "Short Circuit." Genres include: Comedy, Drama, Horror, Adventure, Westerns, Animated Features, and Movie Shorts.
- TV Shows - In addition to a wide variety of movie content, MSpot Movies also features TV shows from the past such "Hearts Afire," "Conan the Adventurer," and "Starhunter 2300."
- Music Concerts - MSpot Movies features music concerts from today's hottest artists including The Roots, My Chemical Romance, Young Gunz and The Used.
"Sprint believes MSpot Movies will be very popular with our customers, allowing them to watch some of their favorite movies whenever and wherever they go," said Dale Knoop, general manager of multimedia services for Sprint. "Offering the industry's first full-length streaming movie service demonstrates our continued leadership and commitment to bringing the best entertainment services to our customers."
MSpot Movies is MSpot's third subscription service offering, joining MSpot Radio and MSpot Music on the Nationwide Sprint PCS Network. MSpot plans to roll out other multimedia entertainment services in the next year.
HBO Goes Cellular with Cingular
Cingular Wireless today announced the upcoming launch of Cingular Video, an on-demand streaming video service that delivers fast, personalized access to high-quality video clips on consumers' high-speed capable (3G) phones.
Cingular Video lets consumers personalize their service so they can easily access current video content they want to see, including news, sports, weather and entertainment clips. In addition, Cingular is providing expanded ringtones, graphics, messaging, and games, delivering innovative and exclusive entertainment content conveniently to consumers' wireless phones.
"With Cingular Video, consumers on the go can quickly and easily get the latest news and entertainment video clips anytime they want," said Ralph de la Vega, chief operating officer, Cingular Wireless. "Consumers are expecting more from their wireless service and we've now made it possible for consumers to customize their phone menu so they are never more than three clicks away from their favorite content."
Cingular Video uses the power of 3G phones as well as Cingular's new high- speed 3G wireless broadband network. The 3G phones, coupled with Cingular's MEdia Net, its wireless Internet access for mobile devices, makes it possible to download ringtones, games, and graphics and access email and Web sites, faster than ever before.
HBO Partnership
As part of the commitment to offer expanded wireless entertainment, Cingular entered a partnership with HBO to produce exclusive mobile content on the two new services HBO Mobile and HBO Family Mobile. Cingular Video is the only place where consumers can get HBO Mobile and HBO Family Mobile, offering select episodes, clips of unforgettable scenes and bonus material from award- winning HBO shows, cartoons and never-before-seen comedy and sports.
"As this platform continues to evolve, we obviously want to be in business with the most innovative team in the wireless space," said Chris Albrecht, chairman & CEO, Home Box Office. "We also found in Cingular a partner that has great respect for the power of our brand. It is already a terrific relationship which we feel will reap big benefits for both companies."
Now Playing on Your Phone
While the video content will be available early next year, the downloadable content is available starting tomorrow. These elements will include:
- Messaging: Read The Sopranos "Mob Lingo" and Curb Your Enthusiasm "Curb-isms"
- RingTones: Theme ringtones from The Sopranos, Sex and the City, Rome, Deadwood, and Six Feet Under
- Graphics: Download graphics from select episodes of The Sopranos, Sex and the City, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Six Feet Under, Entourage, Rome, and Deadwood
- Games: Play games such as The Sopranos Turnpike Trivia; Sex and the City trivia game and "Psychic Cocktail" (magic eightball-type application)
HBO Mobile and Family MobileHBO Mobile is available exclusively on Cingular Video, enabling consumers to access content from HBO award-winning series, comedy specials and boxing events. Content includes scenes, cast interviews, professional football commentary by HBO sportscasters, and other made-for-mobile features.
HBO Family Mobile provides educational and entertaining programs and segments designed for young viewers on the go, including Crashbox, A Little Curious, Frog Blues, and El Perro Y El Gato.
Cingular Video lets consumers personalize their service so they can easily access current video content they want to see, including news, sports, weather and entertainment clips. In addition, Cingular is providing expanded ringtones, graphics, messaging, and games, delivering innovative and exclusive entertainment content conveniently to consumers' wireless phones.
"With Cingular Video, consumers on the go can quickly and easily get the latest news and entertainment video clips anytime they want," said Ralph de la Vega, chief operating officer, Cingular Wireless. "Consumers are expecting more from their wireless service and we've now made it possible for consumers to customize their phone menu so they are never more than three clicks away from their favorite content."
Cingular Video uses the power of 3G phones as well as Cingular's new high- speed 3G wireless broadband network. The 3G phones, coupled with Cingular's MEdia Net, its wireless Internet access for mobile devices, makes it possible to download ringtones, games, and graphics and access email and Web sites, faster than ever before.
HBO Partnership
As part of the commitment to offer expanded wireless entertainment, Cingular entered a partnership with HBO to produce exclusive mobile content on the two new services HBO Mobile and HBO Family Mobile. Cingular Video is the only place where consumers can get HBO Mobile and HBO Family Mobile, offering select episodes, clips of unforgettable scenes and bonus material from award- winning HBO shows, cartoons and never-before-seen comedy and sports.
"As this platform continues to evolve, we obviously want to be in business with the most innovative team in the wireless space," said Chris Albrecht, chairman & CEO, Home Box Office. "We also found in Cingular a partner that has great respect for the power of our brand. It is already a terrific relationship which we feel will reap big benefits for both companies."
Now Playing on Your Phone
While the video content will be available early next year, the downloadable content is available starting tomorrow. These elements will include:
- Messaging: Read The Sopranos "Mob Lingo" and Curb Your Enthusiasm "Curb-isms"
- RingTones: Theme ringtones from The Sopranos, Sex and the City, Rome, Deadwood, and Six Feet Under
- Graphics: Download graphics from select episodes of The Sopranos, Sex and the City, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Six Feet Under, Entourage, Rome, and Deadwood
- Games: Play games such as The Sopranos Turnpike Trivia; Sex and the City trivia game and "Psychic Cocktail" (magic eightball-type application)
HBO Mobile and Family MobileHBO Mobile is available exclusively on Cingular Video, enabling consumers to access content from HBO award-winning series, comedy specials and boxing events. Content includes scenes, cast interviews, professional football commentary by HBO sportscasters, and other made-for-mobile features.
HBO Family Mobile provides educational and entertaining programs and segments designed for young viewers on the go, including Crashbox, A Little Curious, Frog Blues, and El Perro Y El Gato.
Amp'd Mobile Soft-Launches
After months of speculation and hype (not to mention tons of venture capital dollars), Amp'd Mobile has officially launched. The company is a mobile virtual network operator using Verizon Wireless' network that is targeting young people.
Amp'd is will eventually carry three phones, but is launching with just the Kyocera Jet ($129):
EV-DO high-speed data
VGA camera
8 MB memory built-in plus microSD slot
There are five monthly rate plans, all include unlimited nights and weekends and are for two year contracts:
Name Price Extras
Amp'd 250 $29.99 N/A
Amp'd 500 $44.99 N/A
Amp'd 1000 $59.99 N/A
Amp'd 2000 $99.99 N/A
Amp'd Unlimted $199.99 No limits on voice/data/PTT. Free phone.
Rate plans other than the unlimited option include push-to-talk for $.99 per day and a three month free trial for data services.
https://get.ampd.com/
Amp'd is will eventually carry three phones, but is launching with just the Kyocera Jet ($129):
EV-DO high-speed data
VGA camera
8 MB memory built-in plus microSD slot
There are five monthly rate plans, all include unlimited nights and weekends and are for two year contracts:
Name Price Extras
Amp'd 250 $29.99 N/A
Amp'd 500 $44.99 N/A
Amp'd 1000 $59.99 N/A
Amp'd 2000 $99.99 N/A
Amp'd Unlimted $199.99 No limits on voice/data/PTT. Free phone.
Rate plans other than the unlimited option include push-to-talk for $.99 per day and a three month free trial for data services.
https://get.ampd.com/
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Microsoft Sued Over Patent Infringements
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Mobile e-mail startup Visto Corp. has sued Microsoft Corp. for allegedly infringing on three of its patents related to how information is handled between servers and handheld devices such as cellular phones.
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The lawsuit, which seeks unspecified monetary damages and an injunction barring the sale of products, was filed late Wednesday — the same day Visto announced that NTP Inc. had acquired an equity stake in the startup and signed a patent licensing deal.
Visto's allegations against Microsoft are similar to NTP's against Research In Motion Ltd., which now faces the possible shutdown of its popular BlackBerry messaging service in the United States.
"For their foray into mobile e-mail and data access, Microsoft simply decided to misappropriate Visto's well known and documented patented technology," Visto CEO Brian Bogosian said in a statement.
Jack Evans, a Microsoft spokesman, said the company had not been served with the lawsuit as of Thursday morning.
"Until we have an opportunity to see and review this complaint, we're not in a position to comment on it," he said. "Microsoft stands behind its products and respects intellectual property rights."
Visto claims Microsoft, as portable devices handle more e-mail, is making matters worse by bundling its Windows Mobile operating system with its market-leading Exchange e-mail server.
"This method of bundling software has led Microsoft to be prosecuted by competition authorities in the past, and in this case, potentially increases the rate and manner in which their infringement on Visto's patents occurs," the company said.
NTP's deal with Visto also could help it bolster its case against RIM as it can now say it is more than a company that just holds patents and litigates to enforce them. Under the agreement, Visto will have access NTP's patent portfolio for the life of the patents.
"This is a clear win for mobile email users everywhere as it provides them with a viable alternative to RIM that protects them from any NTP litigation risk," Donald E. Stout, NTP's co-founder.
Visto, based in Redwood Shores, Calif., said its clients include Cingular, Sprint-Nextel, the Vodafone Group and Rogers Wireless. It has more than 300 employees and holds 25 patents.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Marshall, Texas.
Shares of Microsoft lost 18 cents, to $26.91, in Thursday trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
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The lawsuit, which seeks unspecified monetary damages and an injunction barring the sale of products, was filed late Wednesday — the same day Visto announced that NTP Inc. had acquired an equity stake in the startup and signed a patent licensing deal.
Visto's allegations against Microsoft are similar to NTP's against Research In Motion Ltd., which now faces the possible shutdown of its popular BlackBerry messaging service in the United States.
"For their foray into mobile e-mail and data access, Microsoft simply decided to misappropriate Visto's well known and documented patented technology," Visto CEO Brian Bogosian said in a statement.
Jack Evans, a Microsoft spokesman, said the company had not been served with the lawsuit as of Thursday morning.
"Until we have an opportunity to see and review this complaint, we're not in a position to comment on it," he said. "Microsoft stands behind its products and respects intellectual property rights."
Visto claims Microsoft, as portable devices handle more e-mail, is making matters worse by bundling its Windows Mobile operating system with its market-leading Exchange e-mail server.
"This method of bundling software has led Microsoft to be prosecuted by competition authorities in the past, and in this case, potentially increases the rate and manner in which their infringement on Visto's patents occurs," the company said.
NTP's deal with Visto also could help it bolster its case against RIM as it can now say it is more than a company that just holds patents and litigates to enforce them. Under the agreement, Visto will have access NTP's patent portfolio for the life of the patents.
"This is a clear win for mobile email users everywhere as it provides them with a viable alternative to RIM that protects them from any NTP litigation risk," Donald E. Stout, NTP's co-founder.
Visto, based in Redwood Shores, Calif., said its clients include Cingular, Sprint-Nextel, the Vodafone Group and Rogers Wireless. It has more than 300 employees and holds 25 patents.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Marshall, Texas.
Shares of Microsoft lost 18 cents, to $26.91, in Thursday trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
New Cell Phone Release:Audiovox 2125
Released by Cingular
As the update to the popular Audiovox SMT5600, the Cingular 2125 includes Windows Mobile 5.0 software for Smartphones. The feature-packed 2125 gives customers the ability to access Microsoft Outlook applications such as email, contacts and calendar information, and comes equipped with many enhanced features such as Bluetooth, an integrated 1.3-megapixel camera and Windows Media Player 10 Mobile, allowing customers to enjoy music and video on-the-go.
Cingular 2125 Features
-Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 software for Smartphone for compatibility with Windows Mobile applications and designed to match and transpose the Outlook desktop experience
-Built-in 1.3-megapixel with video recording and playback capabilities
-Integrated MP3 audio player via Microsoft Windows Media Player 10 and MP3 ringtone support
-Conference calling with integrated hands-free speakerphone
-Enhanced T9 predictive text for messaging via Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), MSN Messenger, and email (POP3, IMAP4, SMTP)
-Personal Information Management (PIM) features including Microsoft Outlook, Contacts, and To-Do List
-Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free connectivity and infrared port for synchronization
-WAP 2.0 compliant Pocket Internet Explorer browser with EDGE technology for high-speed data transmission
-64 MB of internal memory and mini-SD memory expansion slot for additional storage with optional card
-PC synchronization via ActiveSync
As the update to the popular Audiovox SMT5600, the Cingular 2125 includes Windows Mobile 5.0 software for Smartphones. The feature-packed 2125 gives customers the ability to access Microsoft Outlook applications such as email, contacts and calendar information, and comes equipped with many enhanced features such as Bluetooth, an integrated 1.3-megapixel camera and Windows Media Player 10 Mobile, allowing customers to enjoy music and video on-the-go.
Cingular 2125 Features
-Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 software for Smartphone for compatibility with Windows Mobile applications and designed to match and transpose the Outlook desktop experience
-Built-in 1.3-megapixel with video recording and playback capabilities
-Integrated MP3 audio player via Microsoft Windows Media Player 10 and MP3 ringtone support
-Conference calling with integrated hands-free speakerphone
-Enhanced T9 predictive text for messaging via Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), MSN Messenger, and email (POP3, IMAP4, SMTP)
-Personal Information Management (PIM) features including Microsoft Outlook, Contacts, and To-Do List
-Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free connectivity and infrared port for synchronization
-WAP 2.0 compliant Pocket Internet Explorer browser with EDGE technology for high-speed data transmission
-64 MB of internal memory and mini-SD memory expansion slot for additional storage with optional card
-PC synchronization via ActiveSync
Large Scale Contactless Payment Trials Begin In Atlanta
Industry Leaders Announce First Large-Scale Near Field Communication Trial in North America
Atlanta Spirit, Chase, Cingular, Nokia, Philips, Visa USA and VIVOtech to pilot next-generation mobile phone contactless payment and content applications
Atlanta, Dec. 14, 2005 – A group of industry-leading companies today announced an advanced Near Field Communication (NFC) trial for mobile phone applications including contactless payments, mobile content and premium arena services at Philips Arena in Atlanta. The trial is the first large-scale test of next-generation mobile phone applications in North America, and is the result of a collaboration between Chase (NYSE: JPM), Cingular Wireless, Nokia, Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI), Visa USA, and ViVOtech, along with Atlanta Spirit, LLC, parent company of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers and Philips Arena. The trial has been designed to enable a secure, wireless system that simplifies payment and services for arena visitors.
During the trial, Atlanta Thrashers and Hawks season ticket holders with Chase-issued Visa credit accounts and Cingular Wireless accounts can make contactless payments at concession stands and access mobile content from numerous locations throughout the arena. Users can purchase items by simply holding their Nokia 3220 mobile phones equipped with Philips' NFC semiconductor chips and ViVOtech software near a secure terminal. Approximately 150 contactless point of sale (POS) readers have been deployed by ViVOtech throughout Philips Arena. For mobile content downloads, Cingular Wireless will be the carrier that enables these services to take place over its digital wireless network.
"By 2010, we expect that over 50 percent of all mobile handsets will incorporate Near Field Communication chips to enable short-range, easy and secure transactions," said Erik Michielsen, director at market analyst firm ABI Research. "As a result, consumers will be able to download content by simply holding their phone close to a poster or advertising billboard. Users can purchase merchandise, food, tickets, and have these transactions charged to a credit card using account information stored in the mobile phone. The NFC implementation at Philips Arena demonstrates NFC stakeholders, including chipmakers, card issuers, device makers, mobile carriers, and content providers, are progressively more willing to collaborate on NFC solution development. This type of co-development is essential to NFC market growth and maturation.”
The contactless transactions will create faster and simpler payments at concession stands getting fans out of the lines and back to the game. At checkout, the phone is simply held near a secure reader and the contactless payment transaction is automatically charged to the user via the same secure Visa payment network that processes traditional credit card transactions today.
Fans will also be able to access and download mobile content such as ringtones, wallpapers, screensavers, and clips from favorite players and artists by holding their NFC-enabled phone in front of a poster embedded with an NFC tag.
Note to editors: additional materials relating to this announcement can be found at:
www.nokia-americaspress.com/nfc
About Atlanta Spirit:
Atlanta Spirit, LLC, is the parent company of the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers and Philips Arena.
About Chase:
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $1.2 trillion and operations in more than 50 countries. The company has more than 100 million credit cards issued. Under the JPMorgan, Chase and Bank One brands, the firm serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients. Information about the firm is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.
About Cingular Wirelesss:
Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving 52.3 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between AT&T Inc., formerly SBC Communications Inc., (NYSE: T) and BellSouth Corporation (NYSE: BLS), has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation -- the ALLOVER (SM) network -- and the largest mobile-to-mobile community of any national wireless carrier. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover (SM), the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Details of the company are available at http://www.cingular.com.Get Cingular Wireless press releases e-mailed to you automatically. Sign up at http://www.cingular.com/newsroom.
About Nokia:
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.
About Royal Philips Electronics:
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is one of the world’s biggest electronics companies and Europe’s largest, with sales of $37.66 billion (EUR 30.3 billion in 2004). With activities in the three interlocking domains of healthcare, lifestyle and technology and 161,100 employees in more than 60 countries, it has market leadership positions in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, color television sets, electric shavers, lighting and silicon system solutions. News from Philips is located at www.semiconductors.philips.com.
About Visa USA:
Visa USA is the nation's leading payment brand and largest payment system, enabling banks to provide their consumers and business customers with a wide variety of payment alternatives tailored to meet their evolving needs. Visa USA is committed to increasing the choice, convenience, acceptance, and security of Visa payments for all stakeholders in the payment system - Members, cardholders and merchants. Through its 13,420 Member financial institutions, more than 488 million Visa-branded cards have been issued to cardholders in the United States. Last year, U.S.-based financial institutions relied on Visa's processing system, VisaNet, to facilitate $1.3 trillion in transactions with unparalleled reliability.
Worldwide, cardholders in over 150 countries carry more than 1 billion Visa-branded cards, accounting for more than $3 trillion in annual transaction volume.
Visa offers a trusted, reliable and convenient way to access and mobilize financial resources -- anytime, anywhere, anyway.
About ViVOtech:
ViVOtech (www.vivotech.com) is the market leader in contactless payment software, transaction management systems and readers. These solutions allow consumers to make contactless payments with radio frequency-enabled credit cards, debit cards, key fobs, and NFC enabled mobile phones. ViVOtech's products can be found at some of nation's most prominent retailers. With more than 130,000 units shipped, ViVOtech's products are being used by movie theaters, fast food restaurants (QSR), casual dining establishments, convenience stores, gas stations, drug stores, grocery and vending machine locations enabling them to accept contactless/NFC payments. For the field pilot, ViVOtech provided payment software applications for NFC mobile phones, and has enabled over 150 POS terminals at Philips Arena with its contactless readers.
Atlanta Spirit, Chase, Cingular, Nokia, Philips, Visa USA and VIVOtech to pilot next-generation mobile phone contactless payment and content applications
Atlanta, Dec. 14, 2005 – A group of industry-leading companies today announced an advanced Near Field Communication (NFC) trial for mobile phone applications including contactless payments, mobile content and premium arena services at Philips Arena in Atlanta. The trial is the first large-scale test of next-generation mobile phone applications in North America, and is the result of a collaboration between Chase (NYSE: JPM), Cingular Wireless, Nokia, Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI), Visa USA, and ViVOtech, along with Atlanta Spirit, LLC, parent company of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers and Philips Arena. The trial has been designed to enable a secure, wireless system that simplifies payment and services for arena visitors.
During the trial, Atlanta Thrashers and Hawks season ticket holders with Chase-issued Visa credit accounts and Cingular Wireless accounts can make contactless payments at concession stands and access mobile content from numerous locations throughout the arena. Users can purchase items by simply holding their Nokia 3220 mobile phones equipped with Philips' NFC semiconductor chips and ViVOtech software near a secure terminal. Approximately 150 contactless point of sale (POS) readers have been deployed by ViVOtech throughout Philips Arena. For mobile content downloads, Cingular Wireless will be the carrier that enables these services to take place over its digital wireless network.
"By 2010, we expect that over 50 percent of all mobile handsets will incorporate Near Field Communication chips to enable short-range, easy and secure transactions," said Erik Michielsen, director at market analyst firm ABI Research. "As a result, consumers will be able to download content by simply holding their phone close to a poster or advertising billboard. Users can purchase merchandise, food, tickets, and have these transactions charged to a credit card using account information stored in the mobile phone. The NFC implementation at Philips Arena demonstrates NFC stakeholders, including chipmakers, card issuers, device makers, mobile carriers, and content providers, are progressively more willing to collaborate on NFC solution development. This type of co-development is essential to NFC market growth and maturation.”
The contactless transactions will create faster and simpler payments at concession stands getting fans out of the lines and back to the game. At checkout, the phone is simply held near a secure reader and the contactless payment transaction is automatically charged to the user via the same secure Visa payment network that processes traditional credit card transactions today.
Fans will also be able to access and download mobile content such as ringtones, wallpapers, screensavers, and clips from favorite players and artists by holding their NFC-enabled phone in front of a poster embedded with an NFC tag.
Note to editors: additional materials relating to this announcement can be found at:
www.nokia-americaspress.com/nfc
About Atlanta Spirit:
Atlanta Spirit, LLC, is the parent company of the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers and Philips Arena.
About Chase:
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $1.2 trillion and operations in more than 50 countries. The company has more than 100 million credit cards issued. Under the JPMorgan, Chase and Bank One brands, the firm serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients. Information about the firm is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.
About Cingular Wirelesss:
Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving 52.3 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between AT&T Inc., formerly SBC Communications Inc., (NYSE: T) and BellSouth Corporation (NYSE: BLS), has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation -- the ALLOVER (SM) network -- and the largest mobile-to-mobile community of any national wireless carrier. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover (SM), the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Details of the company are available at http://www.cingular.com.Get Cingular Wireless press releases e-mailed to you automatically. Sign up at http://www.cingular.com/newsroom.
About Nokia:
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.
About Royal Philips Electronics:
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is one of the world’s biggest electronics companies and Europe’s largest, with sales of $37.66 billion (EUR 30.3 billion in 2004). With activities in the three interlocking domains of healthcare, lifestyle and technology and 161,100 employees in more than 60 countries, it has market leadership positions in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, color television sets, electric shavers, lighting and silicon system solutions. News from Philips is located at www.semiconductors.philips.com.
About Visa USA:
Visa USA is the nation's leading payment brand and largest payment system, enabling banks to provide their consumers and business customers with a wide variety of payment alternatives tailored to meet their evolving needs. Visa USA is committed to increasing the choice, convenience, acceptance, and security of Visa payments for all stakeholders in the payment system - Members, cardholders and merchants. Through its 13,420 Member financial institutions, more than 488 million Visa-branded cards have been issued to cardholders in the United States. Last year, U.S.-based financial institutions relied on Visa's processing system, VisaNet, to facilitate $1.3 trillion in transactions with unparalleled reliability.
Worldwide, cardholders in over 150 countries carry more than 1 billion Visa-branded cards, accounting for more than $3 trillion in annual transaction volume.
Visa offers a trusted, reliable and convenient way to access and mobilize financial resources -- anytime, anywhere, anyway.
About ViVOtech:
ViVOtech (www.vivotech.com) is the market leader in contactless payment software, transaction management systems and readers. These solutions allow consumers to make contactless payments with radio frequency-enabled credit cards, debit cards, key fobs, and NFC enabled mobile phones. ViVOtech's products can be found at some of nation's most prominent retailers. With more than 130,000 units shipped, ViVOtech's products are being used by movie theaters, fast food restaurants (QSR), casual dining establishments, convenience stores, gas stations, drug stores, grocery and vending machine locations enabling them to accept contactless/NFC payments. For the field pilot, ViVOtech provided payment software applications for NFC mobile phones, and has enabled over 150 POS terminals at Philips Arena with its contactless readers.
Mobile Multimedia on the Rise
According to global research on digital services for mobile phones commissioned by Buongiorno Vitaminic, downloading ringtones, wallpapers and multimedia games comes third place among the favorite activities of mobile holders, preceded only by calls and texting.
The second edition of the global research into the perception of mobile services, carried out by leading Research Institutes and coordinated by Buongiorno Vitaminic on a sample of 5,000 users, from Europe, the United States and South Africa, confirms the consolidated centrality of these "digital accessories" and, in particular, the interaction between the individual and their mobile has become an extension of the individual themselves.
In fact, with 68% of preferences, downloading ringtones, wallpapers, sound effects and multimedia games, comes third among the favorite activities of mobile users, equal to taking pictures with the mobile digital camera and preceded in popularity only by calls (98%) and sms messages (98%).
The impression given by the indications received from the research is that, everywhere in the world, users are looking for - and more frequently obtaining - feelings of enrichment, personal gratification and exclusiveness. The sensations they want to obtain from mobile service offerings are the same as those they feel when buying fashion clothes or accessories.
Mobile services are no longer a novelty taking their first tentative steps but rather a rich, broad and dynamic market, articulated in well shaped segments and unceasingly nourished by new products.
The first item that emerges from the research is the general improvement in the satisfaction level of users. 1 mobile user out of 2, in fact, considers themselves to be satisfied with the services they bought, judging them to be more alluring, fashionable and closer to personal tastes.
70% of interviewees perceived the offering as more varied, interesting, of better quality and available through clearer acquisition modes.
This increased satisfaction of users is reflected in the increased frequency and quantity of services acquired which more than doubled in the last year. 30% of the sample declared that they download about one product every month, while 14% actually buy one product per week (up from 5% in 2004).
The trend towards higher value services is being driven by ringtones, both polyphonic that account for 22% of preferences compared to 19% in 2004, and those based on high quality audio files (true tones), which jumped from 2 to 10%.
Also, animated wallpapers have increased their popularity from 6% to 8%, while the rating for multimedia games remained almost the same, since it is a segment that counts on a stable demand from heavy users.
The segment of videoringtones (+2%) is rapidly growing, proportional to the introduction of mobile handsets able to support this service.
The second edition of the global research into the perception of mobile services, carried out by leading Research Institutes and coordinated by Buongiorno Vitaminic on a sample of 5,000 users, from Europe, the United States and South Africa, confirms the consolidated centrality of these "digital accessories" and, in particular, the interaction between the individual and their mobile has become an extension of the individual themselves.
In fact, with 68% of preferences, downloading ringtones, wallpapers, sound effects and multimedia games, comes third among the favorite activities of mobile users, equal to taking pictures with the mobile digital camera and preceded in popularity only by calls (98%) and sms messages (98%).
The impression given by the indications received from the research is that, everywhere in the world, users are looking for - and more frequently obtaining - feelings of enrichment, personal gratification and exclusiveness. The sensations they want to obtain from mobile service offerings are the same as those they feel when buying fashion clothes or accessories.
Mobile services are no longer a novelty taking their first tentative steps but rather a rich, broad and dynamic market, articulated in well shaped segments and unceasingly nourished by new products.
The first item that emerges from the research is the general improvement in the satisfaction level of users. 1 mobile user out of 2, in fact, considers themselves to be satisfied with the services they bought, judging them to be more alluring, fashionable and closer to personal tastes.
70% of interviewees perceived the offering as more varied, interesting, of better quality and available through clearer acquisition modes.
This increased satisfaction of users is reflected in the increased frequency and quantity of services acquired which more than doubled in the last year. 30% of the sample declared that they download about one product every month, while 14% actually buy one product per week (up from 5% in 2004).
The trend towards higher value services is being driven by ringtones, both polyphonic that account for 22% of preferences compared to 19% in 2004, and those based on high quality audio files (true tones), which jumped from 2 to 10%.
Also, animated wallpapers have increased their popularity from 6% to 8%, while the rating for multimedia games remained almost the same, since it is a segment that counts on a stable demand from heavy users.
The segment of videoringtones (+2%) is rapidly growing, proportional to the introduction of mobile handsets able to support this service.
New Cell Phone Release:Motorola PEBL
Released By T-Mobile
T-Mobile USA launched the Motorola PEBL today, shortly after putting it up on the online store as "coming soon". The PEBL is a smoothly designed clamshell that was fashioned after pebbles found in streams (seriously).
Feature wise, the PEBL stacks up as a fairly typical Motorola handset:
Quadband GSM
Bluetooth
5MB memory
176 × 220 pixel 262K color screen
VGA camera
T-Mobile is selling the PEBL for $299 with a 1-year contract.
T-Mobile USA launched the Motorola PEBL today, shortly after putting it up on the online store as "coming soon". The PEBL is a smoothly designed clamshell that was fashioned after pebbles found in streams (seriously).
Feature wise, the PEBL stacks up as a fairly typical Motorola handset:
Quadband GSM
Bluetooth
5MB memory
176 × 220 pixel 262K color screen
VGA camera
T-Mobile is selling the PEBL for $299 with a 1-year contract.
MTV invests $50 million in Amp'd
LOS ANGELES-MTV Networks will invest $50 million in Amp'd Mobile Inc. and will work with the mobile virtual network operator to offer both repurposed and exclusive, made-for-mobile content from MTV, VH1 and Comedy Central.
"When we began this company, partnering with MTV Networks was our No. 1 goal," said Peter Adderton, chief executive officer of Amp'd. "With MTV Networks' investment, we're also assured the ongoing involvement of the world's foremost youth culture experts. This is a big win for us."
continued below
Amp'd said it plans to deliver video clips, ring tones, ringback tones and wallpapers from 10 MTV Networks franchises. The companies will also develop short-form video content including interviews and behind-the-scenes clips exclusively for Amp'd subscribers.
Under terms of the deal, MTV Networks Chief Digital Officer Jason Hirschhorn will join the MVNO's board of directors. The companies said they plan to develop joint marketing and promotions across MTV Networks' brands and advertising channels.
The announcement marks a major win for Amp'd and a substantial move into mobile from the Viacom subsidiary. MTV previously teamed with Virgin Mobile USA to offer ring tones and other branded content, and the company is one of a handful of high-profile media companies already producing content exclusively for mobile users.
MTV also hopes to make an upcoming digital music service available to Amp'd subscribers.
Amp'd, which has said it plans to launch online in a limited manner tomorrow, continues to expand its content portfolio. The operator unveiled deals with CBS and UPN yesterday, and three weeks ago Amp'd delivered a live broadcast of an Ultimate Fighting Championship event to select trial users.
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"When we began this company, partnering with MTV Networks was our No. 1 goal," said Peter Adderton, chief executive officer of Amp'd. "With MTV Networks' investment, we're also assured the ongoing involvement of the world's foremost youth culture experts. This is a big win for us."
continued below
Amp'd said it plans to deliver video clips, ring tones, ringback tones and wallpapers from 10 MTV Networks franchises. The companies will also develop short-form video content including interviews and behind-the-scenes clips exclusively for Amp'd subscribers.
Under terms of the deal, MTV Networks Chief Digital Officer Jason Hirschhorn will join the MVNO's board of directors. The companies said they plan to develop joint marketing and promotions across MTV Networks' brands and advertising channels.
The announcement marks a major win for Amp'd and a substantial move into mobile from the Viacom subsidiary. MTV previously teamed with Virgin Mobile USA to offer ring tones and other branded content, and the company is one of a handful of high-profile media companies already producing content exclusively for mobile users.
MTV also hopes to make an upcoming digital music service available to Amp'd subscribers.
Amp'd, which has said it plans to launch online in a limited manner tomorrow, continues to expand its content portfolio. The operator unveiled deals with CBS and UPN yesterday, and three weeks ago Amp'd delivered a live broadcast of an Ultimate Fighting Championship event to select trial users.
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Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Sprint and MSpot Roll Out Streaming Movie Service
Sprint and MSpot, a pioneer in premium mobile entertainment, today announced the premier of MSpot Movies, the first mobile entertainment service to stream full-length feature films to mobile phones. Available exclusively on the Nationwide Sprint PCS Network, MSpot Movies gives subscribers on-demand access to seven movie genres, including a wide range of titles that MSpot makes available in "chapters," short segments optimized for a mobile audience. In addition, MSpot Movies includes TV shows, music concerts and stand-up comedy specials.
Mobile video services are rapidly gaining popularity as mobile phone technology becomes more advanced. Strategy Analytics estimates that more than 150 million people worldwide will be watching video on their mobile phones by 2008. MSpot is a pioneer in mobile multimedia entertainment, and has been at the forefront of the industry since it launched one of the first mobile radio services in March 2005. Sprint won an Emmy Award for being the first to bring TV service to the mobile phone.
"The entertainment industry is still very much in an experimental phase when it comes to music and video services for mobile phones. The medium is so new - and holds so much promise - that studios, music labels and media companies are scrambling to figure out the best approach and the most effective business models," said Daren Tsui, CEO and co-founder of MSpot. "MSpot is one of the few mobile multimedia experts, and we've designed MSpot Movies based on what we've learned about tailoring content for mobile audiences. We believe that MSpot Movies is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what is to come in the mobile entertainment era."
Geared towards cinema buffs of all ages, MSpot Movies brings the magic of the silver screen to mobile phones. Sprint customers have unlimited access to a wide variety of comedy, horror, drama, adventure and animated films. MSpot will add new titles to the service on a weekly basis, enabling subscribers to watch all of the individual "chapters" of an entire movie at any time. Each chapter averages five minutes in duration. MSpot Movies is available for $6.95 per month and includes:
- Seven Different Genres of Streaming Movies - MSpot Movies has something for the whole family with popular movies as "Three Stooges," "Night of the Living Dead" and "Short Circuit." Genres include: Comedy, Drama, Horror, Adventure, Westerns, Animated Features, and Movie Shorts.
- TV Shows - In addition to a wide variety of movie content, MSpot Movies also features TV shows from the past such "Hearts Afire," "Conan the Adventurer," and "Starhunter 2300."
- Music Concerts - MSpot Movies features music concerts from today's hottest artists including The Roots, My Chemical Romance, Young Gunz and The Used.
"Sprint believes MSpot Movies will be very popular with our customers, allowing them to watch some of their favorite movies whenever and wherever they go," said Dale Knoop, general manager of multimedia services for Sprint. "Offering the industry's first full-length streaming movie service demonstrates our continued leadership and commitment to bringing the best entertainment services to our customers."
MSpot Movies is MSpot's third subscription service offering, joining MSpot Radio and MSpot Music on the Nationwide Sprint PCS Network. MSpot plans to roll out other multimedia entertainment services in the next year.
Mobile video services are rapidly gaining popularity as mobile phone technology becomes more advanced. Strategy Analytics estimates that more than 150 million people worldwide will be watching video on their mobile phones by 2008. MSpot is a pioneer in mobile multimedia entertainment, and has been at the forefront of the industry since it launched one of the first mobile radio services in March 2005. Sprint won an Emmy Award for being the first to bring TV service to the mobile phone.
"The entertainment industry is still very much in an experimental phase when it comes to music and video services for mobile phones. The medium is so new - and holds so much promise - that studios, music labels and media companies are scrambling to figure out the best approach and the most effective business models," said Daren Tsui, CEO and co-founder of MSpot. "MSpot is one of the few mobile multimedia experts, and we've designed MSpot Movies based on what we've learned about tailoring content for mobile audiences. We believe that MSpot Movies is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what is to come in the mobile entertainment era."
Geared towards cinema buffs of all ages, MSpot Movies brings the magic of the silver screen to mobile phones. Sprint customers have unlimited access to a wide variety of comedy, horror, drama, adventure and animated films. MSpot will add new titles to the service on a weekly basis, enabling subscribers to watch all of the individual "chapters" of an entire movie at any time. Each chapter averages five minutes in duration. MSpot Movies is available for $6.95 per month and includes:
- Seven Different Genres of Streaming Movies - MSpot Movies has something for the whole family with popular movies as "Three Stooges," "Night of the Living Dead" and "Short Circuit." Genres include: Comedy, Drama, Horror, Adventure, Westerns, Animated Features, and Movie Shorts.
- TV Shows - In addition to a wide variety of movie content, MSpot Movies also features TV shows from the past such "Hearts Afire," "Conan the Adventurer," and "Starhunter 2300."
- Music Concerts - MSpot Movies features music concerts from today's hottest artists including The Roots, My Chemical Romance, Young Gunz and The Used.
"Sprint believes MSpot Movies will be very popular with our customers, allowing them to watch some of their favorite movies whenever and wherever they go," said Dale Knoop, general manager of multimedia services for Sprint. "Offering the industry's first full-length streaming movie service demonstrates our continued leadership and commitment to bringing the best entertainment services to our customers."
MSpot Movies is MSpot's third subscription service offering, joining MSpot Radio and MSpot Music on the Nationwide Sprint PCS Network. MSpot plans to roll out other multimedia entertainment services in the next year.
Industry Leaders Test Mobile Phone Contactless Payment
A group of industry-leading companies today announced an advanced Near Field Communication (NFC) trial for mobile phone applications including contactless payments, mobile content and premium arena services at Philips Arena in Atlanta. The trial is the first large-scale test of next-generation mobile phone applications in North America, and is the result of a collaboration between Chase, Cingular Wireless, Nokia, Philips, Visa USA, and ViVOtech, along with Atlanta Spirit, LLC, parent company of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, NHL's Atlanta Thrashers and Philips Arena. The trial has been designed to enable a secure, wireless system that simplifies payment and services for arena visitors.
During the trial, Atlanta Thrashers and Hawks season ticket holders with Chase-issued Visa credit accounts and Cingular Wireless accounts can make contactless payments at concession stands and access mobile content from numerous locations throughout the arena. Users can purchase items by simply holding their Nokia 3220 mobile phones equipped with Philips' NFC semiconductor chips and ViVOtech software near a secure terminal. Approximately 150 contactless point of sale (POS) readers have been deployed by ViVOtech throughout Philips Arena. For mobile content downloads, Cingular Wireless will be the carrier that enables these services to take place over its digital wireless network.
"By 2010, we expect that over 50 percent of all mobile handsets will incorporate Near Field Communication chips to enable short-range, easy and secure transactions," said Erik Michielsen, director at market analyst firm ABI Research. "As a result, consumers will be able to download content by simply holding their phone close to a poster or advertising billboard. Users can purchase merchandise, food, tickets, and have these transactions charged to a credit card using account information stored in the mobile phone. The NFC implementation at Philips Arena demonstrates NFC stakeholders, including chipmakers, card issuers, device makers, mobile carriers, and content providers, are progressively more willing to collaborate on NFC solution development. This type of co-development is essential to NFC market growth and maturation."
The contactless transactions will create faster and simpler payments at concession stands getting fans out of the lines and back to the game. At checkout, the phone is simply held near a secure reader and the contactless payment transaction is automatically charged to the user via the same secure Visa payment network that processes traditional credit card transactions today.
Fans will also be able to access and download mobile content such as ringtones, wallpapers, screensavers, and clips from favorite players and artists by holding their NFC-enabled phone in front of a poster embedded with an NFC tag.
During the trial, Atlanta Thrashers and Hawks season ticket holders with Chase-issued Visa credit accounts and Cingular Wireless accounts can make contactless payments at concession stands and access mobile content from numerous locations throughout the arena. Users can purchase items by simply holding their Nokia 3220 mobile phones equipped with Philips' NFC semiconductor chips and ViVOtech software near a secure terminal. Approximately 150 contactless point of sale (POS) readers have been deployed by ViVOtech throughout Philips Arena. For mobile content downloads, Cingular Wireless will be the carrier that enables these services to take place over its digital wireless network.
"By 2010, we expect that over 50 percent of all mobile handsets will incorporate Near Field Communication chips to enable short-range, easy and secure transactions," said Erik Michielsen, director at market analyst firm ABI Research. "As a result, consumers will be able to download content by simply holding their phone close to a poster or advertising billboard. Users can purchase merchandise, food, tickets, and have these transactions charged to a credit card using account information stored in the mobile phone. The NFC implementation at Philips Arena demonstrates NFC stakeholders, including chipmakers, card issuers, device makers, mobile carriers, and content providers, are progressively more willing to collaborate on NFC solution development. This type of co-development is essential to NFC market growth and maturation."
The contactless transactions will create faster and simpler payments at concession stands getting fans out of the lines and back to the game. At checkout, the phone is simply held near a secure reader and the contactless payment transaction is automatically charged to the user via the same secure Visa payment network that processes traditional credit card transactions today.
Fans will also be able to access and download mobile content such as ringtones, wallpapers, screensavers, and clips from favorite players and artists by holding their NFC-enabled phone in front of a poster embedded with an NFC tag.
New Cell Phone Release: LG F9200 Phone
LG F9200 Phone Released By Cingular
Released for Cingular, the LG F9200 is the successor to the F9100 instant messaging phone. Preinstalled with AOL, ICQ, and Yahoo messengers, the F9200 sports a QWERTY keyboard that slides out sideways for messaging and email on the go. Also offering a full-duplex speakerphone for hands-free conversations, the F9200 is a complete mobile package, featuring a VGA camera to capture and send photos to family and friends.
LG F9200 Features
-Large color screen rotates 90 degrees for IM, text messaging, and address book functions (landscape with slide open; portrait with slide closed)
-Sliding QWERTY keyboard for fast and easy text messaging
-One-touch embedded mobile instant messaging using AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), ICQ, and Yahoo! Messenger
-Built-in VGA camera with 4x zoom, multi-shot, and self-timer capabilities
-GPRS Class 10 for high-speed data transmission
-Java 2.0 support for application and game downloads
-Personal organizer with Calendar, Scheduler, Alarm Clock, and Notepad Tools including World Clock, Calculator, and Ez Tip Calc
-Voice Memo Recording for up to 3 messages of 30 seconds each
Released for Cingular, the LG F9200 is the successor to the F9100 instant messaging phone. Preinstalled with AOL, ICQ, and Yahoo messengers, the F9200 sports a QWERTY keyboard that slides out sideways for messaging and email on the go. Also offering a full-duplex speakerphone for hands-free conversations, the F9200 is a complete mobile package, featuring a VGA camera to capture and send photos to family and friends.
LG F9200 Features
-Large color screen rotates 90 degrees for IM, text messaging, and address book functions (landscape with slide open; portrait with slide closed)
-Sliding QWERTY keyboard for fast and easy text messaging
-One-touch embedded mobile instant messaging using AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), ICQ, and Yahoo! Messenger
-Built-in VGA camera with 4x zoom, multi-shot, and self-timer capabilities
-GPRS Class 10 for high-speed data transmission
-Java 2.0 support for application and game downloads
-Personal organizer with Calendar, Scheduler, Alarm Clock, and Notepad Tools including World Clock, Calculator, and Ez Tip Calc
-Voice Memo Recording for up to 3 messages of 30 seconds each
New Cell Phone Release:Nokia 6061
Nokia 6061 launched by Cingular
Cingular launched its second Nokia flip phone today, the 6061. While the global leader in terms of market share, the vast majority of Nokia handsets are candybar style.
The Nokia 6061 is an entry level phone with fairly standard features:
128 × 160 pixel screen with 65K colors
MP3 ringtones
AIM/ICQ/Yahoo Instant Messaging
Cingular launched its second Nokia flip phone today, the 6061. While the global leader in terms of market share, the vast majority of Nokia handsets are candybar style.
The Nokia 6061 is an entry level phone with fairly standard features:
128 × 160 pixel screen with 65K colors
MP3 ringtones
AIM/ICQ/Yahoo Instant Messaging
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
New Cell Phone Release: HTC Faraday 2125
Cingular 2125 (HTC Faraday) launched for cingular
The HTC Faraday has been launched by Cingular under the name "Cingular 2125". The 2125 is a feature packed Windows Mobile handset that's an update to the popular SMT 5600.
The Cingular 2125 sports:
Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone edition
Quadband GSM plus EDGE
Bluetooth
1.3 megapixel camera
64 MB SDRAM/64 MB Flash ROM
Cingular is selling the 2125 for $199 after a $99 mail-in rebate. The phone is shipping now.
The HTC Faraday has been launched by Cingular under the name "Cingular 2125". The 2125 is a feature packed Windows Mobile handset that's an update to the popular SMT 5600.
The Cingular 2125 sports:
Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone edition
Quadband GSM plus EDGE
Bluetooth
1.3 megapixel camera
64 MB SDRAM/64 MB Flash ROM
Cingular is selling the 2125 for $199 after a $99 mail-in rebate. The phone is shipping now.
Brightpoint Launches Fono Wireless Retail Concept
PLAINFIELD, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 6, 2005--Brightpoint, Inc. (NASDAQ:CELL) announced today that its subsidiary, Brightpoint Activation Services LLC ("Brightpoint"), unveiled a new licensed retail concept with the opening of the first "Fono Wireless" licensed retail location in Noblesville, Indiana. Brightpoint will license the Fono Wireless brand to qualified retailers that will own and operate each store location. Brightpoint will provide these licensees with a variety of services including site location selection, retail merchandising design, employee training, unique products and services, and ongoing marketing support. Through this program, qualified licensees will be authorized to promote and sell products and services offered by leading telecommunication providers such as Sprint Nextel, Virgin Mobile, Vonage -The Broadband Company, and Sirius Satellite Radio through Brightpoint's Master Agent Programs.
"This is a new direction for Brightpoint that allows us to utilize our extensive global supplier and carrier relationships and leverage Brightpoint's strengths in wireless products, logistics, and activation services," said Robert J. Laikin, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Brightpoint, Inc. "Through Fono Wireless, we will offer entrepreneurs and existing independent wireless dealer agents the opportunity to take advantage of Brightpoint's position in the wireless industry, and operate a unique wireless retail store that delivers a quality, unique experience to consumers.
"An important part of Brightpoint's strategy is to provide our dealers with new and unique products and services, and our suppliers with incremental points of sale and customers. Through Fono Wireless, we hope to accomplish these objectives," said J. Mark Howell, President of Brightpoint, Inc. and Brightpoint Americas.
The Fono Wireless retail concept store opened in Noblesville, Indiana will serve as a showplace and training ground for new licensees. Additional information can be found at www.fonowireless.com.
About Brightpoint
Brightpoint is one of the world's largest distributors of mobile phones. Brightpoint supports the global wireless telecommunications and data industry, providing quickly deployed, flexible and cost effective solutions. Brightpoint's innovative services include distribution, channel management, fulfillment, eBusiness solutions and other outsourced services that integrate seamlessly with its customers. Additional information about Brightpoint can be found on its website at www.brightpoint.com or by calling its toll-free Information and Investor Relations line at 877-IIR-CELL (877-447-2355).
Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future performance of Brightpoint. These statements are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Please refer to the documents the Company files, from time to time, with the Securities and Exchange Commission; specifically, the Company's most recent Form 10-K/A and Form 10-Q and the cautionary statements contained in Exhibit 99.1 thereto. These documents contain and identify important risk factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date these statements were made. Brightpoint undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
"This is a new direction for Brightpoint that allows us to utilize our extensive global supplier and carrier relationships and leverage Brightpoint's strengths in wireless products, logistics, and activation services," said Robert J. Laikin, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Brightpoint, Inc. "Through Fono Wireless, we will offer entrepreneurs and existing independent wireless dealer agents the opportunity to take advantage of Brightpoint's position in the wireless industry, and operate a unique wireless retail store that delivers a quality, unique experience to consumers.
"An important part of Brightpoint's strategy is to provide our dealers with new and unique products and services, and our suppliers with incremental points of sale and customers. Through Fono Wireless, we hope to accomplish these objectives," said J. Mark Howell, President of Brightpoint, Inc. and Brightpoint Americas.
The Fono Wireless retail concept store opened in Noblesville, Indiana will serve as a showplace and training ground for new licensees. Additional information can be found at www.fonowireless.com.
About Brightpoint
Brightpoint is one of the world's largest distributors of mobile phones. Brightpoint supports the global wireless telecommunications and data industry, providing quickly deployed, flexible and cost effective solutions. Brightpoint's innovative services include distribution, channel management, fulfillment, eBusiness solutions and other outsourced services that integrate seamlessly with its customers. Additional information about Brightpoint can be found on its website at www.brightpoint.com or by calling its toll-free Information and Investor Relations line at 877-IIR-CELL (877-447-2355).
Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future performance of Brightpoint. These statements are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Please refer to the documents the Company files, from time to time, with the Securities and Exchange Commission; specifically, the Company's most recent Form 10-K/A and Form 10-Q and the cautionary statements contained in Exhibit 99.1 thereto. These documents contain and identify important risk factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date these statements were made. Brightpoint undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
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