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Motorola Atrix 2 Receives Maintenance and Security Update
Motorola has provided a system update for the Atrix 2, which is sold by AT&T. The software update, which must be downloaded via Wi-Fi, makes a number of adjustments to the Atrix 2. According to Motorola, the update improves the performance of the camera; adds the Google Music application; patches security holes; adds emergency alerts from government agencies; and improves the keyboard, device stability, and performance of the Webtop application. The update is free to download and install.
Apple Resumes Selling Older iPhones in Germany
Apple was able to convince a German court to suspend an injunction that went into effect earlier today that temporarily prevented it from selling the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPad 2 via its web site. Apple lost a patent ruling to Motorola in December that effects the aforementioned devices. The patents in question cover GPRS standards. Apple claims that Motorola is seeking licensing terms for the patents that don't comply with fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) rules. The iPhone 4S was excluded from the patent ruling because it uses a Qualcomm baseband rather than one from Infineon. Motorola had to post a $100 million bond for the ban to take effect., but Apple won a reversal. It isn't clear how long the reversal will last. Separately, German courts today issued another ruling against Apple and its iCloud service. Apple was found guilty of infringing on a Motorola patent concerning how email is synced between devices. The ruling gives Motorola leeway to inquire about past device sales as it prepares requests for damages. Apple is appealing the decisions.
Ting Launches 'Mobile Service That Makes Sense' on Sprint
A company called Ting has this week launched its cellular phone service using Sprint's CDMA and WiMax networks. Ting, which is operated by Tucows, provides inexpensive, no-contract access to mobile services. Potential customers will need to buy a Ting-branded phone from Ting, which range from the Samsung Reclaim for $45 to the Motorola Photon for $545. Phone prices are subsidized only slightly. Voice minutes, messages, and data can be each be ordered separately so that customers get the services they want at the cost they need. Voice plans range from "XS" at $0 per month for zero minutes to "XXL" at $52 per month for 3,000 minutes. Text messaging plans range from $0 to $14 and data plans range from $0 to $60 per month, depending on amounts. Users must pay $6 per handset per month at a bare minimum to keep the service active. The service includes voicemail, picture and video messaging, three-way calling, caller ID, tethering, hotspot at no extra cost. Ting is available anywhere Sprint services is provided.
Verizon Prepping Maintenance Update for Droid RAZR
Verizon Wireless has shared the details about a forthcoming software update headed to the Motorola Droid RAZR. The update does not include Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, but does introduce a wide range of enhancements and bug fixes. Some of the applications affected include the mobile hotspot, visual voicemail, VZ Navigator, Bluetooth performance, battery life, and MotoCast. The update also installs new applications, including V CAST and the Commercial Mobile Alert Service. The update will be available shortly.
Google Wallet Appears in Android Market for AT&T Phones
Google Wallet has become visible to AT&T variants of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S. The application was previously only available to the Sprint version of the Nexus S (though unofficial workarounds for other handsets were possible). The appearance of the application means that Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S owners will be able to download, install, and use the NFC-based Google Wallet mobile payment system to make purchases at select retailers in select cities around the U.S. Google Wallet is still officially unavailable to the Verizon version of the Galaxy Nexus.
Google Intros 'Bouncer' Security System for Android Market
Google today announced that it is taking more active measures to keep malware out of the Android Market. It said it is using a new service that it calls Bouncer to sweep through the Market for potentially malicious software It scans new applications, applications already in Android Market, and developer accounts for known malware, spyware, trojans and for apps that may be misbehaving. Google says that Bouncer has been running for a while now, and has seen the incidences of malware and spyware drop significantly in the last few quarters. Google also notes that it has built Android with security in mind, and sandboxes applications -- meaning that can't always share data back and forth. It also reminds users to use the permissions listings for each application, which could identify malware. Last, it said Android is designed to prevent malware from modifying the platform or hiding, so it can be easily removed if necessary.
LightSquared Caught Up in Bribery Scandal
Senator Chuck Grassley has accused LightSquared of bribery, claiming that the company insinuated that it would build a call center in Iowa if he "pulled his punches" in the government's investigation of LightSquared's GPS interference issue. LightSquared vehemently denied the accusation, saying that Grassley has misstated the facts to create the appearance of impropriety. Grassley has been a vocal critic of LightSquared's planned Long Term Evolution 4G network. LightSquares is awaiting FCC approval to begin building its network.
MetroPCS Revives $40 Smartphone Plan
MetroPCS today announced that is once again offering a $40 plan to all 4G LTE smartphones within its portfolio. This plan had previously been available only for the Samsung Craft, which MetroPCS ceased to sell in December. The new $40 monthly plan includes unlimited talk, text, 4G web browsing, and 100MB of streaming media. Customers may also choose the $50 or $60 monthly plans, which add access to more streaming media.
from MetroPCS
Skype Dials Up Support for Symbian Belle
Skype today released a version of its VoIP application for Nokia's Symbian Belle platform. The application matches the look and feel of the Belle user interface and includes most of the main features, such as Skype-to-Skype calling, instant messaging, and so on. The application is free to download and use over Wi-Fi.
Samsung and Corning Mate OLED and Glass Businesses
Samsung Mobile Display and Corning today announced a new joint venture that will create OLED glass substrates and panels for mobile phones and other devices. Samsung will supply its OLED expertise to the joint venture and Corning will contribute its Lotus Glass technology. The venture will supply OLED backplane glass substrates for Samsung Mobile Display, as well as for the broader market in Korea. The joint venture is an expansion of an existing partnership between the two companies. Growth in the smartphone market has increased the demand for low-cost, durable screens.
Qualcomm Claims First VoLTE-to-WCDMA Call Hand-Off
Qualcomm today announced that it and partner Ericsson have successfully completed the first voice call handover from an LTE mobile network (using voice over LTE -- or VoLTE) to a WCDMA network. The call used Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC), which is required for VoLTE calls to seamlessly switch to a WCDMA network when a consumer on a VoLTE call leaves the LTE network's coverage area. SRVCC and its predecessor CSFB (circuit-switched fall back) allow both LTE and 3G network connections to be supported on a single chip, which lets handset makers design smaller, less expensive, more power-efficient phones. The test was completed using an Ericsson handset with Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 MSM8960 3G/LTE multimode processor.
HTC Issuing Update to Fix Wi-Fi Security Bug
HTC is in the process of sending out software updates to some of its smartphones to address a security issue concerning the Wi-Fi radio. The problem revolves around applications with the "access_wifi_state" permission, and the ability to sniff out Wi-Fi passwords for networks to which the phone is connected. The affected handsets include the Desire HD, myTouch 4G, Desire S, Sensation, EVO 3D, Droid Incredible, and Thunderbolt. The update had already been distributed to some of the phones over the air, though HTC is working to make a manual update available to the last few. HTC suggests owners of the aforementioned phones check its support page the week of February 6 for more instructions.
Senate Looks Askance at Verizon's Spectrum Dealings
A U.S. Senate spokesperson has confirmed that an antitrust panel is going to hold a hearing to discuss Verizon's planned spectrum purchases. Verizon Wireless currently has three spectrum deals on the table with Leap Wireless, Cox, and SpectrumCo that will significantly bolster its AWS and 700MHz holdings. "The subcommittee carefully examines questions about competition in the wireless and video markets, with the ultimate goal of protecting consumers and reducing their cable and cellphone bills, and these deals are no exception," said Senator Herb Kohl in a statement. The hearing will likely take place in March.
Google Docs for Android Now Supports Offline Viewing
Google today announced an update to Google Docs for the Android platform. The chief new feature is support for document viewing when the device is offline. Users need only select to make specific files available offline, and they will be downloaded and stored on the device. Files can then be updated any time the device is reconnected to the network. Google has also improved the Docs viewing experience on Android tablets. Docs as viewed on Android tablets will offer swiping page navigation and high-resolution images, graphics, and other elements. The update to Google Docs for Android is a free download from the Android Market.
U.S. Cellular Launching LTE Network in March
U.S. Cellular today announced that it will launch Long Term Evolution 4G in a handful of markets starting in March. The first markets to have access to U.S. Cellular's faster network include Milwaukee, Madison and Racine, Wis.; Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport, Iowa; Portland and Bangor, Maine; and Greenville, N.C. According to U.S. Cellular, this represents 25% of its service footprint. It is advertising speeds that are 10 times faster than 3G. In addition to the timing of the launch, U.S. Cellular also announced its first two LTE-capable devices: the Samsung Galaxy S Aviator and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. The Aviator is an Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread smartphone that includes a 4.3-inch WVGA SAMOLED+ touchscreen, an 8 megapixel rear-camera, front-facing webcam, and an HDMI port. The Tab will be available in March, but the Aviator won't be available until April. U.S. Cellular said more details will be available closer to launch.
AT&T Blesses Samsung Infuse 4G with Gingerbread
AT&T today made Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread available to the Samsung Infuse 4G. The update brings a wide range of new features to the Infuse 4G, including a new touch keyboard, notification shade controls, new widgets and fonts, and improved power management. According to AT&T, the update can only be installed via a Windows PC. It cannot be downloaded over the air, or through Apple computers.
Casio G'zOne Commando Update Adds Push-to-Talk
Verizon Wireless has made a system update available to the Casio G'zOne Commando that adds support for free push-to-talk services. The update also makes improvements to security, replaces the V CAST Video app with Verizon Video, adds new system alerts, and fixes a variety of bugs. The update can be downloaded over the air.
Samsung Says Galaxy S II Successor Planned for First Half
Samsung today issued a statement indicating that it plans to announce a successor to the Galaxy S II smartphone at some point later this year. "The successor to the Galaxy S II smartphone will be unveiled at a separate Samsung-hosted event in the first half of the year, closer to commercial availability of the product," said Samsung. The statement was issued in response to speculation that the device would be announced at the Mobile World Congress event, which is taking place in Barcelona later this month.
from Samsung / The Verge »
Verizon Pushing Update to HTC Rezound
Verizon Wireless today said that it has begun pushing a maintenance update to the HTC Rezound. The update improves call quality and stability. The update is being delivered over the air during the next few days.
RIM Accepting Android Apps for Playbook OS 2.0
Research In Motion today indicated that developers who want their Android applications to be available for the BlackBerry Runtime for Android in PlayBook OS 2.0 when it launches next month need to submit them no later than Monday, February 6. The Android Player is a key addition to PlayBook OS, which will be able to run Android applications in an emulator environment. Android apps that can run within PlayBook OS 2.0 will also be compatible with BlackBerry 10 when it launches later this year.
Sprint Will Bail on LightSquared If No FCC Nod by March
Sprint has extended the deadline it gave to LightSquared to win FCC approval by six more weeks. Sprint struck a deal with LightSquared in October that would have the two companies share wireless spectrum, network construction, and equipment costs. At the time, Sprint gave LightSquared until the end of the year to gain government approval for its planned Long Term Evolution 4G network. At the end of December, when the FCC hadn't made a decision, Sprint gave LightSquared a 30-day reprieve. Today, Sprint is giving LightSquared six more weeks, unti March, to gain the approval it needs from the FCC to begin operations. LightSquared has been at odds with the GPS industry over interference issues. If LightSquared doesn't get approval by March, Sprint will terminate its agreement with the company.
Small Carriers Ask FCC to Prod Larger Rivals on Roaming
MetroPCS, U.S. Cellular, and other smaller, regional network operators have asked the Federal Communications Commission to institute a "shot clock" on the time it takes to negotiate data roaming agreements with their larger rivals. The small carriers claim the big carriers are stalling the process, despite FCC regulations that mandate that reasonable roaming rates be offered to the smaller players. The signees argue that a shot clock "would bring potential roaming partners to a point of offer, thereby essentially acting as a commission rule to incent the larger carriers to engage in good faith negotiations in a reasonable time frame." The FCC said it is considering the request.
Google Seeks to Clarify Privacy Policy Changes
Google today published a letter to congress in hopes to assuage fears that it is drastically changing its privacy policies. Google explained that the policies themselves are not changing at all. Google said that private information will remain private and won't be shared or made visible. Google is still allowing the public to get driving directions on Google Maps, and perform other tasks without signing into a Google Account. Google will still offer the Google Dashboard tool, which allows users to see and control their Google data. Google will still offer its data liberation tools so that users may close their Google accounts and take their data elsewhere. The goal of this consolidation effort is to make it easier for consumers to access and digest Google's privacy policies and make user data available to those users across all Google products when users are signed into its services. Congress had asked Google to provide an explanation for the planned changes, which go into effect March 1.
IBM to Buy Worklight
IBM today indicated that it intends to purchase Worklight, a company that specializes in software for smartphones and tablets. With the purchase, IBM will be able to offer its customers a platform that helps speed the delivery of existing and new mobile applications to multiple devices. It also helps smartphones and tablets connect to corporate systems securely. Worklight's tools will allow IBM to write applications once that run on Android, BlackBerry, and iOS smartphones. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.
PlatinumTel Intros New $45 and $55 Plans
PlatinumTel today announced two new voice, messaging, and data plans. For $45 per month, PlatinumTel is offering unlimited talk, text, and 150MB of 3G data. For $55 per month, customers can use 2GB of data instead of 150MB. Picture messages will cost 5 cents to send, but both plans offer free long distance, on-network roaming, voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, and three-way calling. Calls to 411 cost $1.29 plus airtime. PlatinumTel provides pre-paid cellular services.
Kyocera DuraPlus Brings Durability to Sprint
Sprint today announced the upcoming availability of the Kyocera DuraPlus, a candybar-style ruggedized push-to-talk phone. The DuraPlus meets military standard 810G for protection from dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, humidity, blowing rain, and water immersion. This Direct Connect-capable handset also boasts an LED flashlight with a dedicated power button, and Group Connect, TeamDC, Nextmail, and One-Touch Direct Connect. The DuraPlus does not have a camera, but supports Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, includes a 2.5mm headset jack, has a power-efficient display, and a flat bottom so that it can stand up when placed on a level surface. Pricing and exact availability will be announced closer to launch.
T-Mobile Now Lets Parents Stalk Kids for Free
T-Mobile USA today announced the availability of FamilyWhere Check In, a new free service that lets members of family plans provide SMS-based location updates to others on the plan. Users can check in to specific locations and send an SMS with a map link embedded in the message. That map link can be viewed in any web browser so parents can see the whereabouts of their children. The application offers on-demand access to all the devices in a family plan; supports a wide range of devices (even ones with no GPS); and supports automatic alerts that are sent when family members stray from where they are supposed to be. The service uses SMS and normal messaging charges will apply, but there is no monthly fee to use it. FamilyWhere Locate is a richer service that provides a real-time view of family devices and better tracking abilities, but costs $9.99 per month. Family Where Check In is a free download from the Android Market.
Verizon Puts Six Subscription Apps on Sale for $13 Per Month
Verizon Wireless today announced the availability of a new app pack. The company is offering NFL Mobile Premium, Verizon Video, VZ Navigator, Visual Voicemail, Usage Controls, and a Ringback Tones subscription for $12.99 per month. Bundling these services together a la carte would cost more, for example, VZ Navigator alone costs $9.99 per month and Visual Voicemail costs $2.99 per month. Verizon says using this app bundle will save customers 55% per month. The Smartphone App Pack is available to Android and BlackBerry devices, as well as the iPhone. It also requires customers to have a data plan.
Vringo Offers Facetones to Symbian Handsets
Vringo today announced that the latest version of its Facetones application is available to Nokia devices running Symbian Anna and Belle. Facetones automatically pulls photos from users' Facebook accounts to create a slideshow of individual contacts that plays on the phone's display when that contact calls or when the user calls that person. Vringo expects to integrate Facetones with other social networks and photo sites in the near future. The app is already available for Android devices and the iPhone. Facetones for Nokia handsets is available from the Nokia Store.
AT&T Shakes Up Senior Management
AT&T has made a number of changes to its senior management team in the wake of its failed attempt to acquire T-Mobile USA. Ralph de la Vega has been named president and CEO of AT&T Mobility where he will focus on growing the company's smartphone business. Forrest Miller, a 30-year veteran of AT&T and the company's head of corporate strategy and mergers and acquisitions, is retiring. John Stankey was named Group President & Chief Strategy Officer, and has been given the responsibility to "develop the roadmap to maximize future growth opportunities." Andy Geisse, who has been with AT&T for 32 years, was named Senior Executive Vice President-AT&T Business and Home Solutions. Last, John Donovan was named Senior Executive Vice President-AT&T Technology and Network Operations. All these positions report directly to AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson.
EU to Investigate Samsung's Use of Essential 3G Patents
The European Commission has become more directly involved in the lawsuits between Apple and Samsung today by announcing it will investigate how Samsung is using its 3G patents to file lawsuits against competitors. The Commission "has opened a formal investigation to assess whether Samsung Electronics has abusively used certain of its standard essential patent rights to distort competition in European mobile device markets, in breach of EU antitrust rules." The EU is concerned that Samsung is distorting the value of "standards-essential" patents. Patents deemed essential must be licensed on a fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory basis -- a policy known as FRAND. The EU's entry into this battle stands to dramatically alter the outcome of a number of lawsuits between Apple, Samsung, and other smartphone makers in court rooms around Europe. The two companies have been waging a patent war since Apple sued Samsung in the U.S. in April 2010.
T-Mobile Says It's Hip to Use Square
T-Mobile USA today announced that it will support the Square mobile payment service for its small business customers. With Square, small businesses can accept credit card payments nearly anywhere in the U.S. at any time. Square will allow small businesses to avoid setting up and/or paying for standard credit card payment systems and services. They need only be subscribed to one of T-Mobile USA's small business plans. T-Mobile believes that by supporting Square, it will give its customers a chance to grow their businesses by keeping operating costs low. T-Mobile USA is also part of the Isis joint venture with AT&T and Verizon Wireless, which will eventually bring near-field communications mobile payments to cell phones.
Committee Says RIM CEO, Chairman Can't Be Same Person
A committee investigating the leadership structure at Research In Motion has decided that whoever serves as Chairman of the Board may not also be an employee of the company. It recommends that the company change its organizational mandate to reflect this decision. RIM's board recently removed co-CEOs Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, who also served as co-Chairmen of the Board. RIM replaced Lazaridis and Balsillie with Thorsten Heins as CEO, and appointed Barbara Stymiest as the new chairperson. This new structure ensures the board will act independently of company management.
House Wants Cell Phone Owners Warned of Tracking Software
A new bill being introduced by Massachusetts Representative Ed Markey would require cell phone makers and network operators to inform consumers about any location-tracking or information-sharing software/services that are installed on the device. "Consumers have the right to know and to say no to the presence of software on their mobile devices that can collect and transmit their personal and sensitive information," said Markey. "While consumers rely on their phones, their phones relay all sorts of information about them, often without their knowledge or consent. I am concerned about the threat to consumers’ privacy posed by electronic monitoring software on mobile phones. Today I am releasing draft legislation to provide greater transparency into the transmission of consumers’ personal information and empower consumers to say no to such transmission." The Mobile Device Privacy Act covers a wide range of scenarios and demands that customers be informed about what software is on board, what information it collects, to which entity it sends that information, and requires that the receiving entities store the information securely.
MetroPCS Kills Off $40 Unlimited Plan
MetroPCS has quietly discontinued offering its cheapest unlimited LTE data plan, for which it charged $40 per month. The company confirmed that the plan was dropped when MetroPCS ceased offering the Samsung Craft, its first LTE 4G phone, in late December. Moving forward, MetroPCS is offering its smartphone customers unlimited voice, messaging, email, and 1GB of streaming data for $50 per month. For $60 per month, MetroPCS customers gain unlimited streaming and access to Rhapsody and MetroStudio.
Samsung Galaxy Note Hits AT&T Feb 19 for $299
AT&T and Samsung today announced that the Galaxy Note Android smartphone will be available starting February 19. It will cost $299.99 with a new agreement. Pre-orders start on February 5. The Note has a 5.3-inch display and supports AT&T's LTE 4G network.
from AT&T / Samsung
McAfee Intros Mobile Security 2.0 for Smartphones
McAfee today announced Mobile Security 2.0, a new version of its protection software for smartphones and tablets. Mobile Security 2.0 offers antivirus and anti-theft services; web and app protection; call and SMS filtering; online device management and uninstall protection; and protection from potentially unwanted programs. The software works with Android smartphones and tablets, as well as smartphones running BlackBerry OS and Symbian OS. Existing users of McAfee Mobile Security can upgrade to 2.0 for free, but new users have to pay $29.99 for the software. It is available starting today.
Google and Other Email Corps Unveil Anti-Phishing Tools
Google and a handful of web mail providers today announced a new initiative to reduce the incidences of phishing. Phishing is when scammers attempt to get users to reveal personal information by sending emails with requests for data that appear to be from legitimate email addresses, but aren't. Google, with Facebook, LinkedIn, and PayPal, announced DMARC.org, which is in the process of creating a standard set of protocols that can be used by email providers to measure and enforce the authenticity of emails. Google and its partners are offering the DMARC specification to any organization that sends large volumes of email.
RIM Offering Cloud Services to Microsoft 365 Users
Research In Motion today announced the availability of BlackBerry Business Cloud Services for Microsoft Office 365. This service brings Microsoft Exchange Online to BlackBerry smartphones. It lets business and government users of Office 365 manage their employee BlackBerries by giving them the ability to do things such as access security functions, reset a device password, or remotely lock or wipe a lost/stolen device. It also includes BlackBerry Balance, which is meant to help employees better manage their business and personal data on a single device. The service is available to existing enterprise customers for free and works with BlackBerries on both business and consumer accounts.
FCC Wants Public Opinion on LightSquared's GPS Claims
The Federal Communications Commission is seeking public comments on a recent request made by LightSquared. LightSquared wants the FCC to agree that the GPS industry does not deserve to be protected from interference that may be caused by LightSquared's planned Long Term Evolution 4G network. LightSquared maintains that GPS equipment and services have been shoddily engineered and encroach on LightSquared's spectrum (not the other way around). The FCC is taking comments on the matter until February 27.
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