Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:57:43 GMT

Eco-friendly packaging for 3G iPhone

For those of us plagued by thoughts of waste when contemplating ditching our old iPhones to upgrade to the 3G iPhone, there''s a bit of good news, as it turns out that the packaging for the new iPhone to be released on July 11th is made of recyclable potato starch. Dutch company PaperFoam, maker of carbon-friendly packaging, is providing millions of paperfoam packages to Apple.

Via The Register, by way of textually.org. Posted by: Sarah      Read more     Source

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:30:59 GMT

The Google iPhone Affair

Google has its own Android initiative but there are other statistics that suggest the there is more love for the iPhone. Recent statistics have shown that the access to the search engine from Apple's slick device is huge.

An excerpt from SearchEngineLand
....they found that 1.3 million searchers conducted 6.9 million searches for iPhone-related search terms in April 2008 alone. Of those 6.9 million searches, 88.4 percent came from Google, which is 33 percent higher then Google's market share would account for....

Google has its feet in all waters with further enhancing the search on BlackBerry as well. Surely, they have a well spread out strategy that would do well even if Android fails to impress.

Posted by: Arun Radhakrishnan      Read more     Source

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:23:12 GMT

New Laws Restrict Cell Phone Usage

© David the Pimp Daddy Effective July 1, 2008, the state of California will impose new cell phone laws that contains the following high points:

• Anyone under the age of 18 can not use a wireless phone or mobile service device. This includes telephones equipped with a hands-free device.
• Anyone 18 and older can not use a wireless phone unless equiped with hands-free operation.
• The law permits a driver, regardless of age, to use a wireless telephone for emergency purposes.
• $20 fine for the first offense and not more than $50 for each subsequent offense.

For more information take a look at the California Department of Motor Vehicles Posted by: James Koopmann      Read more     Source

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:17:10 GMT

Gold Plated Samsung SGH-D780

Russia is one of the strongest contenders in the coming Olympics in Beijing and Samsung has thought of the perfect marketing strategy by announcing a Gold Plated version of Samsung SGH-D780 as the official phone for the Russia Olympic team.

The Samsung SGH-D780 boasts 2 SIM card slots, a 2 megapixel camera, 2.1 inch QVGA screen, Bluetooth, FM Radio, microSD slot and a 1200 mAh battery. All in all it is a decent phone with shiny looks. It is expected to start selling in August.

Via: Into Mobile Posted by: Umair Khalid      Read more     Source

May 21, 2008, 9:46 PM CT

Don't let cyberspite destroy your good name

YOU buy a television on eBay. When it arrives, you eagerly unwrap it, only to find it is badly scratched. You return it, and leave a negative comment about the seller on the site. The next day, you find the seller has retaliated by posting a nasty comment about you, branding you as a time-waster. Suddenly, no one wants to sell to you and your reputation is in tatters.

Until now eBays rating system, which allows users of the auction and trading site to leave good or bad comments about their trading partners, has worked well. Sellers who ship out damaged goods, or items that do not match their online description, rightly get a black mark against their name. However, this system has recently come under increasing pressure from an all-too-human failing: spite. Sellers can easily retaliate against buyers who have named and shamed them, leaving unwarranted but highly visible comments - perhaps claiming that the buyers do not follow through with purchases, or needlessly return items they have bought.

Fear of this retaliatory negging can deter buyers from posting negative comments about their trading experiences. In turn, this threatens to undermine the trust that buyers place in sellers ratings.

So severe has the negging problem become that this month eBay was forced to change its rating system, preventing sellers from posting negative comments about bad buyers on the site......... Posted by: Ashley      Read more         Source

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:24:56 GMT

Free Applications for Nokia N95 and Nokia Smartphones

Mippin:

Mippin is the free application that allows you to get your favorite web content and information delivered directly to your Nokia Smartphone. It delivers latest news, videos, pictures, blogs and more. For more information visit Mippin.com

Mobii - Wireless Pleasure:

This is an All-In-One free application that allows you to browse the Internet, make cheap international calls and sms, listen to Podcasts on the go, get connected with people on the internet, chat to your friends and family on MSN, Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, AIM, ICQ & QQ, use Push Mail, read news and blogs, access & share files and synchronize your data from wherever you are from your Nokia Smartphone. Posted by: Umair Khalid      Read more     Source

May 5, 2008, 7:42 PM CT

A new role for cell phones in telemedicine

After launching a communications revolution, cell phones are talking up a potentially life-saving new role in telemedicine the use of telecommunications technology to provide medical diagnosis and patient care when doctors and patients are hundreds or thousands of miles apart. Scientists in the United States and Brazil describe development of a simple, inexpensive telemedicine system that uses ordinary cell phone cameras to collect medical data from patients and transmit the data to experts located offsite for analysis and diagnosis.

The system is ideal for developing countries or remote areas lacking advanced medical equipment and trained medical specialists, the scientists say. The system can also transmit urgent medical data from battlefields, disaster zones, and other dangerous locations, they say. The study is scheduled for publication in the May 15 issue of the American Chemical Societys Analytical Chemistry, a semi-monthly journal.

The key to a successful medical therapy is a quick, accurate diagnosis of disease. But some areas, especially in developing countries, lack access to advanced medical equipment and trained medical personnel that are mandatory for a speedy diagnosis. A better, more practical system for conducting medical analysis in these remote areas is needed......... Posted by: Ashley      Read more         Source

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:37:35 GMT

Samsung Soul U900 Phone Launched

Korean mobile phone giant Samsung has launched its new phone known as the Samsung Soul (Spirit of Ultra) in the European region. Announced at the 2008 Mobile World Congress, this phone is available for purchase in the UK, France and Germany. It will be available in three exciting colors: sterling steel, Soul gray, and platinum silver and expected to be priced at 400 Euros.

Here are the specifications. Posted by: Umair Khalid      Read more     Source

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 19:25:31 GMT

Do you book travel on the mobile internet?

© jajah I read today that you can now make bookings at HostelWorld through mobile internet on your iphone. HostelWorld are keen for you to book this way with entry into a prize draw for a $100 iTunes voucher and no booking fees for one year with your first iphone booking.

The mobile ecommerce market is predicted to increase to $90 billion dollars by 2009. However there have been warnings that if it doesn't become easier and more rewarding to use mobile internet that consumers will shun the technology.

Personally I'm not sure about using mobile internet to book travel. I have the feeling it could end up being rather expensive. However I think my biggest problem would be reading the screen and if I had to increase the text size then I'd be scrolling down all the time.

Have you used mobile internet to book travel? Posted by: Karen Bryan      Read more     Source

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:21:37 GMT

Skyfire Browser for Windows Mobile Smartphones

We know that web browsing is one area that is still in its premature stages due to the unavailability of user friendly browsers with powerful features. We also know that mobile manufacturers and mobile software vendors are trying to come up with browsers that are more powerful and would give a boost to mobile web browsing.

Apple's iPhone Safari browser is one browser that is doing well and offers a number of new user friendly features that have improved the way web browsing is done on mobile phones. Skyfire is an another company that is claiming that its revolutionary mobile browser would give a boost to mobile web browsing because it is faster than all other mobile web browsers, offers easier and simple navigation and supports almost all popular Web technologies such as Flash, Ajax, Java, etc. Posted by: Umair Khalid      Read more     Source

March 3, 2008, 10:10 PM CT

Students With Cell Phones May Take More Risks

Carrying a cell phone may cause some college students - particularly women - to take risks with their safety, a new study suggests.

A survey of 305 students at one campus observed that 40 percent of cell phone users said they walked somewhere after dark that they normally wouldn't go.

A separate survey observed that about three-quarters of students said that carrying a cell phone while walking alone at night made them feel somewhat or a lot safer.

"Students seem to feel less vulnerable when they carry a cell phone, eventhough there's not evidence that they really are," said Jack Nasar, co-author of the study and professor of city and regional planning at Ohio State University.

"If anything, they are probably less safe because they are paying less attention to their surroundings".

Nasar conducted the study with Peter Hecht of Temple University in Philadelphia and Richard Wener of Brooklyn Polytechnic University in New York. Their results were published in a recent issue of the International Journal of Urban and Regional Research.

The study involved online or phone interviews with randomly selected students at Ohio State. One sample in 2001 included 317 students and a separate survey one year later included 305 students......... Posted by: Ashley      Read more         Source

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:42:35 GMT

Tiny solar charger for cell phones

From Strapya World, the mecca of miniatures that dangle from cell phones, comes this tiniest solar charger (which, unfortunately, only works with cell phones in Japan). The idea behind it is that it dangles from your cell phone to charge it whenever it''s exposed to sunlight. You can also charge it at home with the AC adapter. It''s more of a novelty item, as it takes 6 to 10 hours to charge up in the sun (though I suppose it could be a life saver in a true emergency). $18 from Strapya. Posted by: Sarah      Read more     Source

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 01:43:31 GMT

Nokia PC Phone Needs Some More Work

The folks at Technograph found that Nokia PC Phone, a utility that turns Firefox or Explorer into a remote control panel for a Symbian S60 or S40 smartphone, works as advertised:
We were able to view the phone's messages and call log, and even manage the contacts themselves. Incoming calls were announced through a pop-up on the computer, with buttons allowing the user to answer or reject the call, and quickly send an SMS to the caller. Despite the use of Bluetooth, we spent the whole day connected to the phone at no significant cost to its battery life.
Though it seems that Nokia PC Phone still needs some work, as "the program's lack of responsiveness makes it practically impossible to send and receive text messages." I won't be too hard on the Nokia. After all, Nokia PC Phone is still in the beta test phase. Posted by: Rico Mossesgeld      Read more     Source

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 03:39:42 GMT

Motorola Now Number 3

Ouch. According to Gartner, Motorola has sold 38% less phones in the third quarter of this year than the same quarter of last year. Samsung has taken over the number 2 spot, while Nokia now enjoys 38% market share. All despite total mobile sales increasing by 15% to reach 289 units.

Gartner's report speculates on the reason behind Motorola's troubles:
Its problems have been two-fold, according to (Gartner analyst) Milanesi. Motorola hasn't developed a phone to ignite the imagination in the way its popular Razr did a few years ago, she said, leaving it with a weak line-up. "The Razr2 has done okay, but it's not had the same impact that the first Razr did," she said.

In addition, Motorola's sales into the channel - or the phones it ships to retailers - have been weak, she said. This was offset in the first half of the year because retailers had a buildup of Motorola stock, which they could sell at low prices to boost shipments, she said. "This quarter the sales into the channel are still weak, but they don't have much inventory to do fire sales like they could in Q1 and Q2."
In the same breath, Milanesi calls Nokia "unassailable," selling over 110 million phones in just one quarter. So it looks like that the dominance of the Finns isn't changing any time soon. Which suits me just fine. Let's just see what the other industry analyst companies say. Posted by: Rico Mossesgeld      Read more     Source

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 03:45:35 GMT

Motorola RAZR2 Luxury Special Edition

Phone Scoop take a quick look at the new Motorola RAZR2 V8 Luxury Edition. Posted by: Greg      Read more     Source

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 02:40:57 GMT

AT-T Tilt

AT&T's newest Mobile Phone is very aptly named. As you can plainly see, the screen can tilt (get it?) at a 40 degree angle and provide you with a nice little QWERTY keyboard.

It also has other features, like a 3 megapixel camera, an MP3 Player, and microSD card reader. The Tilt also has Windows Mobile 6 including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UMTS/HSDPA, and GPS. Did I forget to mention that the 2.8 inch display is also a touchscreen? Well, it is.

You should be able to purchase the tilt now for about $300 USD with a 2-year contract.

Via SCI FI Tech Posted by: Mark Rollins      Read more     Source

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 18:30:43 GMT

Motorola MC70

With all the UMPCs that are coming out now, it feels like they need to be targeted to specialty markets. It appears that the Motorola MC70 is geared toward field-based employees.

The Motorola MC70 has a SiRFStar III GPS receiver, barcode data capture, signature capture, supports EDGE networks, and has WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. The MC70 is also tough and resilient, with resistance to heat, cold, and water.

Unfortunately, I have no word as to the price or availability date.

Via Ubergizmo Posted by: Mark Rollins      Read more     Source

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:40:03 GMT

Verizon's New Phones

It appears that Verizon is going cell-phone crazy with not just one, but four new models. All of them come in various colors, A2DP, as well as Verizon's VZ Navigator service.

The Juke has 2GB worth of built-in storage and VGA camera.

The BlackBerry Pearl has EV-DO and a 3.5mm minijack.

The Venus is a slider that has a dual-screen setup: one for display and another for touch screen fun. It also has a 2 megapixel sensor and a microSD slot for up to 8GB of expansion.

The Voyager, pictured above, is reminiscent of a certain phone from Apple and AT&T. However, the Voyager has a touchscreen on the outside, then opens up for another screen and a QWERTY keyboard.

All these phones are due out by Thanksgiving, apparently to beat the Christmas rush. I wish I had word on a price.

Via Engadget

Posted by: Mark Rollins      Read more     Source

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 02:30:42 GMT

Motorola RAZR2 V9m Review 2

Phone Arena reviews the Verizon Wireless version of the Motorola RAZR2 V9m, the CDMA variant of the second-generation RAZR. The new phones offer large external display and good functionality packed in slim body. Posted by: Greg      Read more     Source

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:36:48 GMT

Palm Treo 500v Preview 2

Shiny Media video preview of the new Palm Treo 500v. “I take a quick look at the latest Palm to be released, the 500v. It promises 3G, a camera, stylish good looks (apparently) and because it’s on Vodafone, Vodafone live!” Posted by: Greg      Read more     Source

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 03:54:21 GMT

LG VX8550 Chocolate Review

infoSync World reviews the LG VX8550 Chocolate. “The new Chocolate features a spinning navigational wheel and vibrating touch sensitive buttons. Is it the king of the party, or did it melt in our hands?” Posted by: Greg      Read more     Source

September 12, 2007, 8:06 PM CT

New report on mobile phone research

Mobile phones have not been found to be linked to any biological or adverse health effects, as per the UK's largest investigation into the possible health risks from mobile telephone technology.

The Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research (MTHR) Programme published its conclusions on September 12 as part of its 2007 Report.

The six-year research programme, chaired by Professor Lawrie Challis, Emeritus Professor of Physics at The University of Nottingham, has found no association between short term mobile phone use and brain cancer. Studies on volunteers also showed no evidence that brain function was affected by mobile phone signals or the signals used by the emergency services (TETRA).

The MTHR programme management committee believes there is no need to support further work in this area.

The research programme also included the largest and most robust studies of electrical hypersensitivity undertaken anywhere in the world. These studies have observed no evidence that the unpleasant symptoms experienced by sufferers are the result of exposure to signals from mobile phones or base stations.

The situation for longer-term exposure is less clear as studies have so far only included a limited number of participants who have used their phones for ten years or more. The committee recommends more research be conducted in this area......... Posted by: Ashley      Read more         Source

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 12:30:03 GMT

Archos 605 WiFi Portable Multimedia Player

infoSync World reviews the Archos 605 WiFi Portable Multimedia Player. “We get our hands on Archos’ new portable media player, the 605 WiFi. With a snazzy new interface and internet content portable, is this our new movie player of choice?” Posted by: Greg      Read more     Source

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 23:28:42 GMT

Pantech C150 Review

Phone Scoop reviews the Pantech C150. This tri-band device includes EDGE support for data, though web browsing will probably be limited to your carrier's portal through the 1.8″ TFT LCD with a 128×160 pixel resolution. Posted by: Greg      Read more     Source

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 19:14:47 GMT

What's in an iPhone?

The iPhone sells for $599 and is quite profitable. The actual materials are $265 for a gross profit margin of 55%. Now that doesn't include licensing and internal shipping costs, which could add another 10-20%.

Infineon supplies the digital baseband, RF transceiver, and power management. National Semiconductor provides serial display interface. Balda from Germany and TPK Holdings from China supply the $27display module. Touchscreen materials are $24.50 with parts from Epson, Sharp, and Toshiba Matsushita Display. The biggest supplier is Samsung. It received $76.25 for the ARM RISC processor and NAND flash and DRAM memory.

Other suppliers are Wolfson for the audio codec, CSR for the Bluetooth chip, and Marvell for the WiFi baseband chip. Posted by: Marc      Read more     Source