News

TracFone Debuts $45 Unlimited Plan Via StraightTalk

Today, 3:35 PM   by Eric M. Zeman

TracFone recently added a new calling plan to its list of pre-paid services. StraightTalk offers unlimited calling and messaging plus 30MB of data for $45 per month. Users can also select 1000 anytime minutes with 1000 messages for $30 per month. StraightTalk offers just three phones -- the Motorola RAZR V3a and W385, and the LG 200CM. At $45 per month, StraightTalk is now the cheapest calling plan to offer unlimited calling and messaging. TracFone is an MVNO that operates using Verizon's network.

Google Brings Mobile Optimized Search to Nearly All Phones

Today, 10:55 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Google recently announced that most smartphones and feature phones in 60 different countries (and 38 different languages) will now see Google search results delivered in a format that is optimized for that particular device. Google says that, when available, News, Images, Blog, Video and Product Search information will be folded into the results. Google is also providing tools such as local results and links to phone numbers that should let users place calls from within the browser by selecting the phone number link. Google search is available via the web browser in most phones.

UTStarcom, PCD Come to Terms Over Supply Suit

Today, 10:05 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

UTStarcom and Personal Communications Devices recently announced a settlement agreement to "satisfy potential liabilities relating to certain inventory delivered to PCD" that came about during a merger agreement the two companies signed in July 2008. UTStarcom has agreed to waive certain benefits and the right to make any future investments in PCD. UTStarcom will also have to pay PCD $11.1 million to cover the inventory liabilities, and allow PCD to regain some of the equity it sold to UTStarcom.

Quickie:
MediaFLO Expands Across Large Portions of Florida

Today, 8:20 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Today Verizon Wireless announced that its V CAST mobile service will be available starting July 3 in a number of Florida cities, including Orlando, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Tallahassee and Gainesville.

Nokia's Ovi Maps 3.0 Reaches Official Release

Today, 7:54 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Today Nokia announced that the 3.0 version of Ovi Maps is now out of beta. The new mobile mapping product offers a number of new features and enhancements. Ovi Maps 3.0 has 2D/3D satellite terrain maps and 3D landmarks for 200 cities, enabling flyovers and flybys. It has an improved weather service, and offers point-to-point directions for both walking and driving. It also includes more points of interest. Nokia is also offering a beta version of Ovi Maps on the web, where users can organize and store POIs, favorite locations, plans and store routes and sync to their phones. Both are free. Ovi Maps 3.0 requires a PC for installation and supports S60 3rd Edition and S60 5th Edition.

Zer01 Is Now Fully Open for Business

Yesterday, 12:24 PM   by Eric M. Zeman

Today Zer01 officially began offering its wireless services in the U.S. For $70 per month, Zer01 users will get unlimited voice and data service across the U.S. Zer01 customers will need to provide their own smartphones. The company uses Veritable Mobile Convergence (VMC) technology, which bypasses carrier circuit-switched channels by funneling voice communications through a VoIP system and onto a virtual private network that accesses the Internet. This is what allows Zer01 users to make voice calls or access the Internet through AT&T's network. For an additional $10 per month, customers can add international calling to 40 destinations.

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Sprint: BlackBerry Tour On Sale July 12 for $200

Yesterday, 10:20 AM   by Eric M. Zeman   updated Yesterday, 12:20 PM

Today Sprint announced that it will begin selling the BlackBerry 9630 Tour via telesales, online and its business channels on July 12 for $200. That's the same date the phone goes on sale at Verizon Wireless and at the same price point.

Apple Offers iPhone Developers a New SDK

Yesterday, 9:03 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Apple recently made a new software development kit available to those writing applications for the iPhone. iPhone SDK 3.1 has lots of new tools for developers to take advantage of. Some of the changes include better control over the iPhone's video editing software which preserves the original recording. Third party applications have also been given access to the video editing software, and the modem software has been updated. iPhone SDK 3.1 also has the MMS feature turned on by default with the AT&T carrier profile update 4.2 included as part of the SDK. Apple has not indicated when iPhone OS 3.1 will be available to end users.

Nokia's N97 Gets New Firmware, E75 Gets IM Client

Yesterday, 8:04 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Today Nokia released a major firmware upgrade for the N97 device. Some of the fixes included in N97 software 1.1 (11.x.021) are improved widget performance, fixed user interface transitions, fixed photo gallery smoothness and numerous other bug fixes. The firmware can be found through Nokia's software updater. Nokia also released a beta version of a new Java-based Messaging/IM client for the E75. This new client brings all your IM conversations together in one application, background updates when new IMs arrive, and offers the ability to save conversations. This new service is still in beta and only works through on the E75.

Nokia Offers Java Runtime 2.0 for S60

Yesterday, 7:32 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Nokia recently made a new version of Java Runtime available for S60 phones. It includes some usability and performance improvements and a host of other under-the-hood changes. Nokia says it will be easier to install applications, and applications will boot easier. Nokia also said that from now on Java updates will come separately from core system software updates. Java upgrades can be accessed via the built-in Nokia S60 Software Update feature. Right now, Java Runtime 2.0 is available only for S60 5th Edition (the 5800 XpressMusic and N97). Nokia didn't say when it would become available to S60 3rd Edition phones.

Skype 3.0 for Windows Mobile Adds SMS and File Sharing

Tuesday, 8:53 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Skype 3.0 for Windows Mobile devices has left beta and offers several new features. With Skype 3.0, Windows Mobile users will be able to send files back and forth via Skype-to-Skype, including Word documents and Excel spreadssheets. Skype 3.0 also lets users send SMS messages from the application itself (when connected via Wi-Fi). This could let users avoid text fees if roaming abroad. The new version also sees some minor user interface tweaks. The application is a free download.

Verizon Wireless to Offer BlackBerry Tour July 12

Tuesday, 7:32 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Today Verizon Wireless announced that it will begin selling the recently revealed BlackBerry Tour starting on July 12 for $200 after rebates with new agreement. Those interested can pre-order the Tour online starting today.

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