Archive for June, 2008

We already know that the next-generation iPhone 3G will be running computing cycles through its Samsung-sourced CPU, but what about the next next-generation iPhone? Previous speculation pointed to the iPhone 3G possibly including an Intel Atom processor, which proved to be off the mark, but not by much.

A research note from JoAnne Feeney at FTN Midwest indicates that Apple’s next iPhone may very well be powered by a processor from Intel’s new Atom family of low-cost, low-power processors. Intel is reportedly “well ahead” in their development schedule for the Atom family of processors.

We could see Intel debut their 32nm Atom chip at Intel Developers Forum in mid-August of this year. That would put Atom in line for applications in the next iPhone development cycle - likely aimed for a 2009 or 2010 launch. Of course, this is all speculation at this point.

Still, it would be interesting to see an Intel Atom-powered iPhone in the near future. You know, just in time to breathe fresh new life in to a by-then aging iPhone 3G.

[Via: SeekingAlpha]

Following on their previous announcement that Hutchison Telecom’s branded “3″ wireless network will offer the iPhone in Hong Kong and Macau, the carrier has today announced its iPhone rate plan pricing schedule.

Set to make AT&T iPhone 3G customers green with cashless-envy, Three will be offering their iPhone rate plans starting from just $24 ($188 HKD) per month.

The lowest-tier calling plan offers 500 wireless minutes, 500 heart-to-hear minutes, 25 multimedia messages, 15 SMS text messages, 500 MB of data usage and unlimited Intra SMS messages. Three customers choosing this calling plan can nab their own 8GB iPhone for $377 ($2938 HKD), or the 16GB variant for $479 ($3738 HKD).

iPhone hopefuls looking to subscribe to 3’s highest-tier calling plan will be asked to fork over $64 every month, in return for 2200 wireless minutes, 1500 heart-to-hear minutes, 150 multimedia messages, 50 SMS text messages, unlimited data usage and unlimited Intra SMS messages. The most expensive iPhone calling plan subsidizes the iPhone purchase to give customers a free 8GB iPhone or a 16GB iPhone for about $20 ($138 HKD).

Now, let’s consider 3’s iPhone offerings compared to, oh, say Rogers’ iPhone plans. 3 seems to have the right idea here. The lower iPhone calling plan tiers offer limited data plans while the higher-tier offerings include unlimited data use. Rogers might do well to take a page out of 3’s marketing playbook.

[Via: AppleInsider]

There’s nothing like a little friendly carrier-rivalry to give entrenched incumbents a good jolt. Competition ends up benefiting the consumer, after all. So, what better way to eat in to CDMA competitors’ giant wireless subscriber-base than to offer their customers a way to bring their CDMA Sprint or Verizon handsets to MetroPCS’s network?

MetroPCS has introduced their MetroFlash service, aimed at bringing Sprint and Verizon customers in to MetroPCS’s flat-rate calling network. MetroFlash aims to reprogram, or “flash,” compatible CDMA handsets to disable any annoying carrier locks and branding and allow handsets previously locked to Sprint and Verizon to work on MetroPCS’s airwaves.

While GSM customers (at least those with unlocked handsets) have been able to take their GSM handset from carrier to carrier with little regard for compatibility issues, MetroPCSs MetroFlash service is among the few CDMA-based offerings to attempt to replicate that same level of convenience.

CDMA handsets deemed compatible with MetroPCS’s network (read: tested by MetroPCS) can be “flashed” by MetroPCS to work on their CDMA network. Of course, the service is limited to CDMA handsets, as GSM handsets, like the iPhone, work on a completely different communications standard.

The MetroFlash service offers eligible customers unlimited flat-rate wireless service for $40 a month - a particularly attractive proposition to Sprint and Verizon customers that don’t leave their home-area often.

The new service will only be offered in markets covered by MetroPCS’s network, so make sure you can jump on the MetroPCS bandwagon before you tell Sprint or Verizon to bugger off.

[Via: InformationWeek]

Feel like being underwhelmed by yet another Motorola handset? In that case, head on over to the FCC’s website and take a gander at this newest Motorola handset to get the regulatory body’s thumbs-up. Motorola has managed to fit this unassuming candybar (monoblock) handset with a 3G radio, which is, unfortunately, more than we can say for the ailing handset manufacturer’s flagship Motorola ZN5.

We can see that a front-facing video-call camera is in the cards for this unnamed Motorola 3G handset, and there’s mention of Bluetooth in the testing docs. Strangely, GSM/EDGE was only tested on the 1900Mhz band, and there was mention of 3G capability - which could mean this latest Moto candybar is destined for a carrier like T-Mobile.

But, our money (and hopes) are on Motorola looking toward a decidedly different design philosophy as they go forward. Now, if only Motorola could figure out how to enable 3G data connectivity in their upcoming Motorola MOTOZINE ZN5, they’d have a sure-fire winner in any market.

FCC

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

Ngmoco is the newest mobile gaming start-up to hit the scene. With mobile gaming getting a renewed push from the iPhone, Neil Young decided it was time to leave his executive position at EA Games to form a new start-up aimed at making games exclusively for the iPhone. Apparently, a stagnated mobile games market was ripe for change and Young believes that “we are finally at the place where we can reinvent the experiences and the economics of the mobile games business.” Young adds that the mobile gaming industry “has been stagnant for a few years. I feel the iPhone is a real opportunity to change that industry.’”

Young rose to fame at Electronics Arts as the development executive responsible for the millions-sold success of the titles like “Lord Of The Rings” and “Sims 2.” After working on EA’s next big-hit, “Spore,” Young left the company to start Ngmoco.

Ngmoco will make and publish games for the iPhone, pushing the iconic Apple handset as a gaming platform poised to redefine the industry. Young looks at the iPhone 3G and the AppStore as perfect platforms to give mobile gaming the boost that the industry has so badly needed for the past few years.

But, that’s not to say that the iPhone and Mac OS in the mobile space will be the end-all be-all in terms of rejuvenating the mobile gaming market. Young is also looking to Google’s Android OS as another possible gaming platform worth developing for. Of course, we’ll have to wait for the platform to officially hit the scene before it’s viability as a gaming platform can be assessed.

Good luck, Neil and Ngmoco. We’re looking forward to mobile gaming of “Spore” caliber for the iPhone.

[Via: VentureBeat]

It was only a matter of time before Alltel’s popular “My Circle” unlimited calling offering was opened up to allow for unlimited messaging. The CTIA has estimated that something like 363 billion SMS text messages had been sent out in 2007, and Alltel is looking to cash in on the texting craze.

With Alltel’s new “My Circle” offering has now been extended to include unlimited messaging options. For an extra $7.99 per month, Alltel subscribers can now apply unlimited messaging to their “Circle” of friends and family. Or, if unlimited text messaging, regardless of whether the recipient is in-circle or not, is more your thing, Alltel is offering their “All Axcess Pass” for $19.99.

Of course, Alltel’s “My Circle” plans still allow for unlimited calling to anyone in-circle.

With EVDO Rev. A on the way and a newly expanded WiFi HotSpot service, Alltel’s network is looking more and more attractive.

Full press release after the jump.

Read the full article

Google has signed a long term license agreement with Tele Atlas that gives the search giant access to Tele Atlas Maps Worldwide for Mobile, Online and Desktop Applications, Tele Atlas Access To User Input for Map Changes for more than 200 countries around the world.

The agreement spans Google’s current and future map-based services and navigation offerings across mobile, online and desktop environments. These include the Google Maps and Google Earth services and mobile applications such as Google Maps for Mobile. The agreement also gives Tele Atlas access to edits for its maps from Google’s community of users, whose suggested changes can help the company further increase the quality and richness of Tele Atlas maps.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Verizon Wireless, Real Networks’ Rhapsody and MTV Networks today announced the launch of V CAST Music with Rhapsody service, to deliver “unlimited monthly access to music on up to three Rhapsody-compatible mobile phones and players and online on multiple PCs and Web browsers, for about the cost of a single CD.”

The monthly subscription cost $14.99 and provides users with unlimited access to Rhapsody’s 5 million songs. Individual song purchases are also an option — for PC downloads, a single song could be yours for 99 cents, while OTA music purchase cost $1.99, but also includes a complementary DRM-free master copy file which users can download from their PCs.

V CAST Music with Rhapsody works on V CAST-compatible phones such as LG Decoy, LG Dare, MOTO W755, Samsung SCH-u550, Samsung Glyde and Samsung Juke. Customers using the MOTORIZRTM Z6tv, MOTORAZR2 V9m or LG VX8700 may bring their phones into a Verizon store to receive a free software upgrade on their phones to access the service.

Google dedicated search app for S60 devices just got international. Now, Symbian S60 smartphone owners from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain and UK can join their U.S.’ buddies, and can search faster from their phone, while on the go. Not that the original application hasn’t worked outside the U.S., it’s just more convenient this way. Apparently, users will experience 40% faster search this way, according to Google.

The procedure stays the same, simple press the pen key on the idle screen and you’re ready to go.

To download the Google search for your S60 phone, go to the URL for your country (from the image above) using the phone’s browser and then choosing the download link for Search. That’s it!

[Via: Google Mobile Blog]

When you sell million units of a single device within a month, you certainly want to tweak it a bit to additionally drive sales higher. Samsung is a smart company and they know that, hence they’re launching the pink Samsung Soul in the UK.

Aside from the color, the device is same as the original silver-ish model, but seem targeted toward ladies who’ll know how to appreciate the pink color. It’s already available through Phones4U for free on an Orange contract.

[Via: slashphone]