Takt Mobiles – Unlocking Mobiles

MusicStation Max offers unlimited free music downloads to your mobile
Filed under: CellphonesAfter the QTrax debacle, we were a little wary when we started hearing rumbles about a similar service from OmniFone called MusicStation Max that promised, flat-fee, unlimited downloads from all the major labels to your cellphone with no expiration dates — but color us surprised, it’s for real. OmniFone’s MusicStation is already a player in the European mobile music game, partnered with giants like Vodafone, and the MusicStation Max launch seems like a natural evolution in the vein of Nokia’s Comes With Music program: consumers will buy a pre-licensed MSM phone — the first will be available from LG in a few months — and be able to download away for 12 to 18 months, with the ability to sideload back to a computer or to other licensed phones. The exciting part, of course, is that unlike almost every other subscription program on the market your music will still play when the license expires. Add to that the fact that everything from the tracks to playlists to friend recommendations will be backed up on the network in case you lose your device, and we’re definitely intrigued — but we’ll wait to see how well all this DRM actually works before we call this thing a winner. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Source: www.engadget.com

Iris browser brings WebKit to Windows Mobile
Filed under: CellphonesThe Windows Mobile browser market is getting awful crowded lately, and the latest entrant brings a little Apple to the mix — the Iris browser, from Torch Mobile, is based on WebKit, the same KHTML-derived rendering engine in Safari. We won’t know how it compares to the iPhone’s Mobile Safari until we get a chance to play with it, of course, but with support for touch, rotation, tabbed browsing and multiple windows, a customizable interface, and Netscape plugins, it’s safe to say that we’ll be keeping an eye on this one. If you’re feeling brave, the preview release is available just beyond the read link. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Source: www.engadget.com

Mobile World Congress roundup: cellphone mania
Filed under: Cellphones Whew, it was quite a day for cellphones at the Mobile World Congress, and there’s more to come this week — but if you haven’t been watching Engadget Mobile (where the full coverage is being posted) or are just getting up to speed, here’s everything that’s gone down.Sony Ericsson The Sony Ericsson W980 Sony Ericsson’s XPERIA X1 QWERTY with Windows Mobile and HSUPA Sony Ericsson’s G700 and G900: “touchscreen organizers” Two for the Cyber-shot crowd: Sony Ericsson intros C702 and C902 The Sony Ericsson Z770: “your life in a clamshell” First live photo of Sony Ericsson’s XPERIA X1 Video: Sony Ericsson’s XPERIA X1 “Panel Interface” No wonder Sony Ericsson’s XPERIA X1 is so good: HTC makes it Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 does a good job looking pretty at launch event Sony Ericsson ties up with Microsoft for Windows Mobile devices HTC HTC P3470 is only EDGE, but has GPS HTC Advantage X7510: now upgraded with 16GB flash memory Nokia The Nokia 6220 classic, all 5 megapixels of it The Nokia N78, in European and North American flavors The Nokia N96 redefines “high-end” The Nokia 6210 Navigator Nokia goes public with Maps 2.0 beta, plans Series 40 version Nokia CEO: No plans for Windows Mobile, S60 touch-screen launch in 2H 2008 Sad, lonely Moto Motorola’s pathetic MWC showing: Z6w, W161, and W181 LG says it has no plans to buy Motorola’s cellphone biz Everybody else Samsung’s F480 Armani (without the Armani), Dual Touch Chic G400 flip and F400 B&O slider NVIDIA shows off APX 2500 cellphone applications processor Hands-on with Sony Ericsson’s world-beating XPERIA X1 Samsung hauls a load into Mobile World Congress First pics of CDMA BlackBerry Curve 8330 surface What’s an iPhone? 14.3m Windows Mobile phones sold in the past six months alone LG gets official with the KF700, KF600, and KF510 Samsung’s HSDPA-equipped G810 slider gets official More after the break.Continue reading Mobile World Congress roundup: cellphone mania Permalink | Email this | Comments
Source: www.engadget.com

T-Mobile HotSpot users will get five years of Starbucks WiFi access after AT&T switchover
Filed under: Cellphones, WirelessYesterday’s surprising-but-not-shocking announcement that Starbucks would be switching to AT&T for WiFi services left a lot of T-Mobile customers in the lurch — although Starbucks said that T-Mo and AT&T had an “agreement” that would let HotSpot users stay connected, there weren’t a ton of details given. Well, it looks like you’ve got a few more years of caffeinated surfing ahead of you, guys — T-Mobile issued a press release today saying it was committed to ensuring “minimum customer impact” during the transition, and that it’s signed a five year “roaming agreement” with AT&T that will kick in when the Starbucks WiFi transition begins later this year. Of course, the ideal roaming agreement would let you use either company’s networks wherever you are, not just AT&T bandwidth in Starbucks — we’ll totally spring for the coffee if these two companies want to meet and sort something like that out. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Source: www.engadget.com

T-Mobile’s HotSpot @Home Talk Forever: same service, lower price
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless Don’t get us wrong, it’s great that T-Mobile has lowered the price of its unlimited WiFi calling service both at home and at T-Mobile Hotspots everywhere from $19.99 down to $9.99 per month (forgetting for a moment that it was $9.99 per month as an introductory price, anyway), but in changing the name from HotSpot @Home to HotSpot @Home Talk Forever, we’d been hoping for something just a little more compelling. Previous intel had indicated that we’d be seeing the introduction of T-Mobile’s first SIM-sporting routers, allowing the use of traditional landline phones in conjunction with the service — but at this point, it looks like it’s going to be at least a little longer before the hardware launches, and it’s unclear whether there’ll be yet more trademarked service branding introduced when it does. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Source: www.engadget.com

T-Mobile CEO hints at summer launch for 3G, Android handset in Q4
Filed under: CellphonesIt’s bordering on preposterous how long we’ve been teased about 3G connectivity from T-Mobile, but apparently, the madness will end this summer. According to CNET, company CEO Hamid Akhavan made mention at Mobile World Congress that T-Mobile would be rolling out 3G sometime during the warmest months of 2008 here in the US of A, but unfortunately, no concrete date was dished out. What he did say, however, was that it would prove to be the “best 3G network” in the nation, so yeah, there’s that. As if that weren’t enough to get T-Mob subscribers in a celebratory mood, the bigwig also hinted that a Google Android device would be unveiled on its network during Q4 of this year, but we’re left to wonder exactly what regions will see it. [Via The Boy Genius Report, image courtesy of Flickr] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Source: www.engadget.com

ZiPhone: jailbreak any version iPhone out of the box, including 1.1.3
Filed under: Cellphones var digg_url = ‘http://digg.com/apple/ZiPhone_jailbreak_any_version_iPhone_out_of_the_box’; We’re not yet entirely sure how it works, but iPhone hacker Zibri’s just released a new app he’s calling ZiPhone, which claims to jailbreak any version iPhone — including new 1.1.3 phones right out of the box — without messy downgrades and baseband changes. We haven’t tested it ourselves, but prepare for the onslaught of downloaders to take it offline in five… four… three…[Thanks, Tyler and Eugene] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Source: www.engadget.com

Nokia’s S60 touch UI gets demoed at MWC
Filed under: Cellphones Nokia confirmed yesterday that we’d be seeing touch-enabled S60 devices in the second half of the year, which instantly started speculation over what a form the UI might take, as we’ve seen some pretty wild concepts from the Finns in the past. Sadly, however, it looks like touch S60 is going be exactly what the name implies and not a speck more — check out this demo video posted on the Nokia marketing blog. Sure, it’s being demoed off a PC on a touch tablet and anything could change, but we’d say that Nokia’s goal of keeping S60 essentially the same to avoid confusing consumers is a little misplaced — this seems like a terrific opportunity to roll out a sexy new version of S60 with touch at the forefront and re-capture the interest of all those Symbian users, so simply glomming touch onto the existing UI seems like a cop-out. Let’s hope things get a little swoopier when the first devices show up in a few months, eh? Video after the break.[Via Boy Genius Report]Continue reading Nokia’s S60 touch UI gets demoed at MWC Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Source: www.engadget.com

Motorola gets snubbed again, Samsung won’t be buying either
Filed under: CellphonesIt looks like Motorola is fast running out of potential suitors for its cellphone business, with Samsung now joining LG and Sony Ericsson is saying that it has no interest in picking up the division that Motorola is supposedly still “committed” to. Specifically, Samsung’s Choi Gee-sung said that Motorola would not make a good “supplement” for the company, and that there are “many overlapping areas and little to gain,” which pretty much echoes the sentiment from the two aforementioned companies. Despite increasingly appearing like the player no one wants to pick for their team, however, some unspecified “analysts” think that the division valued at $9 to 12 billion could eventually find a buyer, and they’re throwing around names like Huawei and even Dell as possibilities. Needless to say, we’ll believe that last one when we see it.[Via mocoNews.net] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Source: www.engadget.com

Texting delays a given on New Years, celebrate accordingly
Filed under: Cellphonesdigg_url = ‘http://digg.com/gadgets/Texting_delays_a_given_on_New_Years_celebrate_accordingly’;It probably doesn’t come as much of a shock to you that plenty of texting goes down midnight-ish tonight, and naturally the carriers are gearing up for just such an onslaught. Palm isn’t so optimistic about the proceedings: according to a study it commissioned in the UK with lpsos MORI, 70% of people who send messages at midnight experience a delay in delivery, with places like London experience 77% delays, and 23% of Britons waiting over six hours for their text messages to arrive. Palm suggests an IM or email might be in order, and smartphone users will have better luck getting their messages delivered over the comparably unclogged data networks. Verizon seems more excited about the prospect, expecting the 284 million text messages sent last year on its network between 12pm New Years Eve and 4am New Years Day to rise to 300 million. Telstra expects to process more than 53 million messages across Australia, and will have a “small army” of techs on hand to monitor network performance. Canadians are expected to send 50 million texts this year, according to Virgin Mobile Canada, with the average canadian sending two text messages each — double that of last year. However and wherever you party, stay safe out there — friends don’t let friends drink and text their estranged exes.Read – Palm study warns of delays Read – Verizon predicts 300 millionRead – Canada doubles in textsRead – Telstra’s small army in Australia Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

Celio’s REDFLY platform enables Foleo-like WinMo devices
Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds It’s not that we don’t see the appeal of using a supplementary keyboard and display with our smartphones, rather, we simply felt that the Foleo was way overpriced for the relatively limited functionality it provided. Well now a new company called Celio seems to be heading down the same risky path as Palm, announcing the REDFLY Smartphone Interface System, a platform that allows Windows Mobile 5 and 6 devices to be controlled using external hardware — sounds promising, except that the first piece of gear to incorporate the technology will cost $499, the same targeted MSRP as the failed Foleo (after its planned instant rebate). Celio wisely claims that it’s initially targeting enterprise users with the Bluetooth 2.0, clamshell device, although frankly it seems like they’d have more success concentrating on the software and letting OEMs deal with designing products that offer a more attractive price / performance ratio. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

Nokia N95 8GB listed on Nokia USA: $780
Filed under: Cellphones What’s that we see? The Nokia N95 8GB listed on the Nokia US retail site? Okay, calm down, it’s not the US-specific version (read: it uses 2100MHz WCDMA, i.e. European 3G), but you’ll still have a 2.8-inch mammoth screen, A-GPS, a five megapixel camera, and the rest of the goodies that maybe, just maybe, you’ll be willing to fork out $780 for, even knowing that a US version HAS to be right around the corner.[Thanks, Preston] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

Syntax-Brillian’s Olevia line: Now with 120Hz and more 1080p
Filed under: Cellphones, Displays, HDTV, Home EntertainmentNewly LCD-focused HDTV maker Syntax-Brillian has teased a few details about its plans for CES, bringing a high-end feature from CES 2007, 120Hz, to its mainstream Olevia brand. No word on specific models or prices, but 1080p and 120Hz motion processing are the highlights of the 42-, 47-, 52-, 55- and 65-inch LCDs. Rounding out the CES 2008 plans are a JPEG/MP3 support, USB firmware upgrades, a new universal learning remote, and a whole slew of Olevia-branded accessories including HDMI cables, wall mounts and a wireless/waterproof LCD. Expect more details in a few days, and look for these HDTVs to hit shelves in the second quarter. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

HAI brings home automation control to your smartphone
Filed under: Cellphones There’s certainly no shortage of solutions out there for those looking to control their home from their cellphone, but it looks like the select few with a HAI home automation system will soon have an app specially tailored to them. Set to be officially unveiled at CES, HAI’s Snap-Link Mobile app will work with any Windows Mobile-based smartphone or PDA, and promises to give you control over lighting, security cameras, heating, alarms, and music in each room of your house, among other things. No word on what it’ll cost, but HAI says it’ll be sold without any subscription fees and should be available by the end of the first quarter of 2008.[Via CE Pro]  Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

Yapping motorists found to make long commutes longer
Filed under: Cellphones, TransportationAs if there wasn’t already enough conflicting evidence surrounding the act of talking while driving, along comes a new “study” suggesting that yapping motorists actually make long commutes even longer. According to David Strayer, a psychology professor at the University of Utah, drivers on the phone tend to cruise “about 2 miles-per-hour slower on commuter-clogged roads than people not on the phone, and they just don’t keep up with the flow of traffic.” Of course, one may wonder just how much difference that would make if traffic is crawling already, but we digress. Additionally, it should be noted that the results were garnered from three dozen students “driving in simulators,” but nevertheless, Mr. Strayer still maintains that “distracted drivers are adding an extra five to ten percent of time to your commute.” Telecommuting never sounded so good, eh? [Via Techdirt] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

Zealot leaps onto subway tracks to retrieve iPhone
Filed under: CellphonesAt first listen, one may assume that leaping onto subway tracks for an iPhone is completely and utterly insane, and while we’d tend to agree, it’s not like we haven’t seen folks do similarly zany things in the heat of the moment. Reportedly, a vacationer in New York recently dropped his iPhone down onto the subway tracks while shuttling back home, and after realizing his dear mobile was missing and backtracking quite a ways, his pal finally spotted it down below. As you can probably imagine, the crazed owner leaped down, snagged the scratched up (but still fully functional) device and managed to climb back out unscathed. Granted, we can only imagine how painful it would be to drop even more dough on yet another iPhone when all that stands between you and your current one is a leap of faith, but we’d probably just ask one of those friendly MTA employees to help us out before going mano a mano with the Reaper.[Via Switched] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

Joby introduces Zivio Bluetooth headset with boom mic
Filed under: Cellphones Generally speaking, boom microphones run counter to the logic that a Bluetooth headset should be as small and discreet as possible, but Joby may have stumbled upon a solution that brings the audio benefits without making the sides of our faces look too ridiculous. The Zivio Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR headset features a small, stylish body just 53.5mm in length and a retractable metal stalk for the boom; when it’s fully extended, you’re looking at a 137mm long wonder with the mic conveniently placed directly in front of your pie hole. The idea is to maximize the voice to background noise ratio while maintaining some semblance of fashion, and if the actual product holds true to the press shots, it looks like they may have succeeded. Look for an official unveiling at CES next week. Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

Zeetoo’s Zeemote: the Wiimote for your cellphone
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, PeripheralsZeetoo’s Zeemote has actually been around the block a time or two before, but now it looks like this drawing board darling has grown legs. Reportedly, the Boston-area firm has secured some €4.7 million ($6.9 million) in funding from Nauta, Commonwealth Ventures and Egan Capital, which it will likely use to further develop and commercialize a wireless joystick for mobiles that looks (and sounds) strikingly similar to some other peripheral we’ve grown fond of. The Zeemote would purportedly communicate via Bluetooth in order to make gaming slightly more palatable on vanilla handsets, but we can’t say we’re champing at the bit to clutter up our precious pocket space with one of these things anytime soon. [Via Joystiq] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

Yapping motorists found to make long commutes longer
Filed under: Cellphones, TransportationAs if there wasn’t already enough conflicting evidence surrounding the act of talking while driving, along comes a new “study” suggesting that yapping motorists actually make long commutes even longer. According to David Strayer, a psychology professor at the University of Utah, drivers on the phone tend to cruise “about 2 miles-per-hour slower on commuter-clogged roads than people not on the phone, and they just don’t keep up with the flow of traffic.” Of course, one may wonder just how much difference that would make if traffic is crawling already, but we digress. Additionally, it should be noted that the results were garnered from three dozen students “driving in simulators,” but nevertheless, Mr. Strayer still maintains that “distracted drivers are adding an extra five to ten percent of time to your commute.” Telecommuting never sounded so good, eh? [Via Techdirt] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

BlackBerry 9000 series spy shot revealed?
Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds An image surfaced on the BlackBerryForums this morning that purports to be of the upcoming BlackBerry 9000 series. The forum member with the scoop claims that the device has no touchscreen, and that rumors are raging even within RIM as to whether touchscreen devices are in the works. What can supposedly be confirmed is that the device in the picture is part of the 9000 series, 3G is being tested on multiple devices, and that HTML email is in the works for the BlackBerry service, possibly in conjunction with the launch of the 9xxx devices. Update: Turns out this picture was swiped from an eBay auction, and while that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not an upcoming BlackBerry device, it does call into question the accompanying commentary from the forum user who posted the image, so take it all with a grain of salt.Update 2: Those auctioneers added a new pic with some spicy innards and a view of the back. Check it out after the break.[Via Pocket-lint; thanks Cellenin]Continue reading BlackBerry 9000 series spy shot revealed? Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

P2i’s Ion-Mask coating could make waterproof phones an everyday occurrence
Filed under: CellphonesPlenty of waterproof phones and other small weatherproof devices have made it off the assembly lines and into our clumsy clutches, but P2i, a small spinoff company using tech originated within the Defence Science and Technology Lab in England, could be bringing waterproof gadgets to the masses. The Ion-Mask is a special invisible coating that is chemically bonded to the device and repels water. It should allow waterproofing to make it into devices that are too small for the seals that are usually used to do the trick. Devices can have joins and gaps coated for a general level of water repellence, or have individual components treated for even more protection. The tech was originally designed to repel toxic vapors and liquids from soldier uniforms, and could also be making its way into athletic shoes. Three leading phone makers are apparently in discussions over using the tech in upcoming phones. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

Broadcom wins major injunction against Qualcomm
Filed under: Cellphones, WirelessIn the latest major twist in this epic battle between wireless chipmakers, a US District Judge has slapped a permanent injunction on any products containing those Qualcomm 3G chips ruled to be infringing on Broadcom’s so-called ’686 patents. Not only can Qualcomm no longer offer infringing devices nor the chips themselves in the US, the retroactive nature of the ruling means that the company can’t even provide service or technical support for ’686 products already on the market. At this point, with a voluntary licensing agreement seemingly off the table, the next move for Qualcomm is establishing a plan of action to show Judge James Selna how it plans to redesign its products into compliance. [Warning: PDF link][Via Reuters] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

Qualcomm: yeah, Broadcom injunction smarts a bit
Filed under: CellphonesIn case there was any doubt, Qualcomm has publicly acknowledged that Broadcom’s win in US District Court over the banning of its chipsets that infringe on Broadcom’s patents will “hurt” as it immediately halts shipments and adjusts to provide a more law-abiding set of products. The company seems pretty convinced that the pain will be felt primarily in the first quarter, largely because redesigned silicon is already in manufacturers’ hands with commercial availability following on in the next few months. Investors seem to agree, with shares sliding a mere 1.8 percent on the news; as analysts point out, the far-reaching nature of the ban is offset somewhat by the relatively speedy availability of replacement designs that don’t infringe (or so Qualcomm claims, anyway) on any pricey intellectual property. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

Celio’s REDFLY platform enables Foleo-like WinMo devices
Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds It’s not that we don’t see the appeal of using a supplementary keyboard and display with our smartphones, rather, we simply felt that the Foleo was way overpriced for the relatively limited functionality it provided. Well now a new company called Celio seems to be heading down the same risky path as Palm, announcing the REDFLY Smartphone Interface System, a platform that allows Windows Mobile 5 and 6 devices to be controlled using external hardware — sounds promising, except that the first piece of gear to incorporate the technology will cost $499, the same targeted MSRP as the failed Foleo (after its planned instant rebate). Celio wisely claims that it’s initially targeting enterprise users with the Bluetooth 2.0, clamshell device, although frankly it seems like they’d have more success concentrating on the software and letting OEMs deal with designing products that offer a more attractive price / performance ratio. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

Syntax-Brillian’s Olevia line: Now with 120Hz and more 1080p
Filed under: Cellphones, Displays, HDTV, Home EntertainmentNewly LCD-focused HDTV maker Syntax-Brillian has teased a few details about its plans for CES, bringing a high-end feature from CES 2007, 120Hz, to its mainstream Olevia brand. No word on specific models or prices, but 1080p and 120Hz motion processing are the highlights of the 42-, 47-, 52-, 55- and 65-inch LCDs. Rounding out the CES 2008 plans are a JPEG/MP3 support, USB firmware upgrades, a new universal learning remote, and a whole slew of Olevia-branded accessories including HDMI cables, wall mounts and a wireless/waterproof LCD. Expect more details in a few days, and look for these HDTVs to hit shelves in the second quarter. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

Zealot leaps onto subway tracks to retrieve iPhone
Filed under: CellphonesAt first listen, one may assume that leaping onto subway tracks for an iPhone is completely and utterly insane, and while we’d tend to agree, it’s not like we haven’t seen folks do similarly zany things in the heat of the moment. Reportedly, a vacationer in New York recently dropped his iPhone down onto the subway tracks while shuttling back home, and after realizing his dear mobile was missing and backtracking quite a ways, his pal finally spotted it down below. As you can probably imagine, the crazed owner leaped down, snagged the scratched up (but still fully functional) device and managed to climb back out unscathed. Granted, we can only imagine how painful it would be to drop even more dough on yet another iPhone when all that stands between you and your current one is a leap of faith, but we’d probably just ask one of those friendly MTA employees to help us out before going mano a mano with the Reaper.[Via Switched] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

Android fever, catch it: Verizon joining Open Handset Alliance?
Filed under: Cellphones, HandheldsIn a recent chat with clients, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster did a little name dropping regarding Google’s Open Handset Alliance, casually mentioning in passing that Verizon “is a member.” Hold up there, chief; last time we checked, that isn’t the case. Among US national carriers, only T-Mobile and Sprint have publicly thrown their hats into the Android ring, so we’re not sure whether Mr. Munster knows something we don’t (which is entirely possible) or whether he’s just a little confused. For what it’s worth, we can understand why he’d be confused in light of Verizon’s recent commitment to open its airwaves to all comers — the initiative appears to share much of the same spirit as the OHA’s charter, after all — but by the same token, Google’s intention to snap up 700MHz bandwidth would seemingly pit the two juggernauts against one another. We’ll have to wait and see whether Big Red’s name magically appears on the Alliance’s member list, but if it does, the pressure’s gonna get pretty high on AT&T to cave, eh? Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

German court says T-Mobile can sell iPhone exclusively — Vodafone injunction dismissed
Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio, Portable VideoSurprise! The German courts have reversed the November decision and now say that T-Mobile has the right to sell the iPhone exclusively in Germany. As a result, the injunction granted to Vodafone has been dismissed. T-Mobile still has the right to seek damages. Ah well, there are still unlocked iPhones in France if anyone’s looking. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

Montclair State mandates use of GPS-enabled phones
Filed under: Cellphones, GPSNearly six months after Slippery Rock University introduced a RFID payment system for mobiles at its campus, we’ve learned that Montclair State University is requiring that all full-time undergraduates carry a school-issued mobile for their own safety. The handsets, which cost some $210 per semester, are already being carried by about 6,000 students, and feature a GPS function that can be activated to ensure campus police are alerted of their location if something goes awry. Aside from being able to send a request for help immediately, the phone will also call for assistance should the feature remain on for longer than a preset length of time. As it stands, the university has yet to see the Rave Guardian technology used in situations other than false alarms, but a 32-member police force is kept on staff in case any future calls prove legitimate.[Image courtesy of WCBSTV] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

Motorola’s DEXT, next?
Filed under: CellphonesRumors are circulating that Motorola is prepped to launch a series of multimedia handsets under the ZiNE brand. Meanwhile, Moto was just spotted (November 26th, to be exact) begging the USPTO for a trademark on “DEXT.” That’s the rather serious looking mark pictured to the right which sounds like a mashup of DECT and NEXT. The request covers “mobile telephones, pagers, radio transceivers, electronic personal organizers, headsets, microphones, speakers” and the related software for such things as the transmission of audio and video. We’ll just have to wait and see whether this has anything to do with their accidentally on purposely “leaked” 2008 lineup.[Via Trademork] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

Broadcom accepts verdict, owed $19.6 million by Qualcomm
Filed under: CellphonesWe’re tempted to believe that the latest news in the ongoing quarrel between Broadcom and Qualcomm is foreshadowing some form of closure, but considering just how long this thing has been going on, we suppose we shouldn’t be so hopeful. Nevertheless, Broadcom has just announced that it will not seek a new trial and will accept the $19.6 million in damages originally awarded in a patent infringement case. The proclamation came after a federal judge affirmed the jury verdict that Qualcomm infringed on Broadcom patents but “removed an award of double damages.” Of course, you knew these two bitter enemies couldn’t just shake hands and call it even, as Broadcom did note that it would gladly pocket the near-$20 million award and “pursue an injunction against Qualcomm’s infringing products.” Surprised? Nah, we didn’t think so. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

T-Mobile vs. Vodafone: November 29th, Germany — be there
Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio, Portable VideoThe gloves are off and the court date is set: T-Mobile faces off with arch rival Vodafone on November 29th in Germany. Will T-Mobile’s exclusivity on the iPhone continue unabated or will Germany’s other carriers (and their consumers) still not reap the benefits of an unlocked iPhone due to its prohibitively high, €999 cost? Tune in next week to find out.Pssst, hey Germany… yeah you. Just in case T-Mobile wins and discontinues the unlocked offering, November 29th is the same date that your neighbors in France will start selling their iPhones. Chances are, an unlocked version will be sold too. Just saying is all. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

T-Mobile vs. Vodafone: November 29th, Germany — be there
Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio, Portable VideoThe gloves are off and the court date is set: T-Mobile faces off with arch rival Vodafone on November 29th in Germany. Will T-Mobile’s exclusivity on the iPhone continue unabated or will Germany’s other carriers (and their consumers) still not reap the benefits of an unlocked iPhone due to its prohibitively high, €999 cost? Tune in next week to find out.Pssst, hey Germany… yeah you. Just in case T-Mobile wins and discontinues the unlocked offering, November 29th is the same date that your neighbors in France will start selling their iPhones. Chances are, an unlocked version will be sold too. Just saying is all. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: www.engadget.com

Sony rekindles rumors of PSP phone
Filed under: Cellphones, GamingIt’s been a hot minute since we’ve heard any marginally believable chatter surrounding the so-called PSP phone, but the idea of such a device has been given new life thanks to Sony Computer Entertainment co-chief operating officer Jim Ryan. Apparently, Mr. Ryan told the India Times that the “PlayStation is a proven success and so is Sony Ericsson,” and that “convergence with the two arms working together is definitely plausible.” Granted, he did note that it could be quite some time before such a device would see the market, and that if indeed it did, it would likely resemble a handheld gaming system with a phone blended in and not vice-versa. So yeah, we’re not really any closer to knowing whether this thing truly is somewhere in the pipeline, but here’s to hoping that we don’t have to wait another year or so to find out more.[Via Stuff] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: cellphones.engadget.com

T-Mobile replacing faulty Sidekick Slide with Sidekick LX
Filed under: Cellphones While we can’t help but feel all warm and fuzzy inside whenever a manufacturer owns up to defects that originated on its end, it’s even better when affected customers are looked after for their troubles. According to GigaOM, users dealing with a malfunctioning Sidekick Slide can swap their unit for a shiny new Sidekick LX free of charge, and if for whatever reason that doesn’t get your juices flowin’, you can opt to exchange it and put the purchase price towards another handset. If you’re dead set on just keeping your current Slide, you can simply wait things out until a fix is announced, but you won’t find us passing up on any offers to upgrade gratis. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: cellphones.engadget.com

Black Friday Giveaways (part 9): AT&T Tilt — over on Engadget Mobile
Filed under: Cellphones Ok everybody, round nine is an AT&T Tilt and it’s over on Engadget Mobile, so head on over there to try and pick it up. Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: cellphones.engadget.com

Vodafone to have exclusive rights to 3G iPhone in Q1?
Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio, Portable VideoIt’s been awhile since we’ve had a decent 3G iPhone rumor to kick about. Perhaps it was the collective disappointment of the 2.5G release on Europe which deflated all the mongering. Whatever it was, we all know it’s coming, it’s just a question of when. Well, the gossip coming out of Italy calls for a Q1 release of a UMTS iPhone. Italian site Morse.IT claims to have spoken to high-level sources and “confirms” in no uncertain terms that Vodafone has signed an exclusive deal with Apple. Right, the same company currently suing T-Mobile in Germany for their iPhone exclusivity. The launch of the 3G iPhone would occur simultaneously in all countries where the carrier operates but will not be announced until after the holidays (MacWorld?) to avoid impacting sales of the existing iPhone. The timing jibes well with other rumors calling for a 3G release before May. Still, a Vodafone iPhone sold in the UK and Germany would seem a violation of those long-term exclusive deals presumably signed with Apple by O2 and T-Mobile, right? Sure, unless of course, those contract were for rights to the “iPhone,” not the “iPhone 3G” you silly lawyers. [via Unwired View] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Source: cellphones.engadget.com