IntoMobile

Seesmic Released for Android and BlackBerry

Simon Sage — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:43:19 +0000

Heavy-duty social networkers will be familiar with the name “Seesmic“, a desktop and web Twitter client. It has officially gone mobile for Android and BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM), with the expected features such as home screen notifications, picture sharing, timeline viewing, saved searches, and basic tweeting. The one thing I haven’t seen elsewhere on a BlackBerry twitter client yet is lists support; more specifics can be found on the BlackBerry page. The Android version has a few cool tricks, like saving tweets as drafts and video sharing, but to get a closer look, check out Seesmic’s Android page. To get downloading, point your mobile browser to seesmic.com or find it in the Android Market.

[via Seesmic]

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This week is fake devices: 5 totally different clones

Dusan Belic — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:14:27 +0000

And we’re continuing with our “this week in fake devices” series. We have 5 different phones to talk about:

Nokia (NYSE: NOK) 5730 clone – check out that stylus. It’s a clear mark we’re talking about a clone here, as the original 5730 doesn’t have a touchscreen.
Ferrari flip phone ripoff – this is far from being the first fake Ferrari-branded device. This time, however, we’re talking about a clamshell-shaped phone.
Aston Martin mobile phone ripoff – this is new, as we’ve haven’t seen Aston Martin-branded phones in the past.
Micky Mouse mobile phone ripoff – although it looks like your child’s next mobile, we urge you to skip the purchase.
Winnie the Pooh mobile phone ripoff – similarly to Micky Mouse phone, this clone lacks quality.

And that wraps it up. Again, we cover fake devices to warn you NOT to be tricked into buying them. Stay safe.

[Via: JampBLOG]

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Texter-friendly Pantech Impact launched by AT&T; Could be yours for 100 bucks on a contract

Dusan Belic — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:31:49 +0000

AT&T (NYSE: T) has added a new texter-friendly device in its portfolio – Pantech Impact. The phone comes with both full QWERTY keyboard and numeric keypad, which [numeric keypad] interestingly sports haptic-enabled keys. Rest of the specs include a 3G radio, GPS, music player, camera that can take both photos and videos, email and IM clients.

As for the availability, AT&T will start selling the Impact starting from tomorrow, November 22nd, when interested users will be able to grab it for $99.99 on a contract and after $50 mail-in rebate, in either bright blue or soft pink…

[Via: Unwired View]

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Deal: Nokia N900 available for $480 on Amazon!

Dusan Belic — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:30:32 +0000

Despite the fact Nokia (NYSE: NOK) announced that its N900 will sell for $649 in the U.S., the good ol’ Amazon is offering the Maemo-powered device for $480 ($479.99 to be more precise). As you probably already know that money buys you one of the most capable smartphones on the market today with features that include tons of storage (32GB), GPS, WiFi, great 5-megapixel camera, and so on. Exact shipping date is unknown at the moment, but I assume you won’t have to wait for too long to grab the N900, in case you want to.

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

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Samsung unveils S5150 Olivia and S7070 phones, part of the new Diva series

Dusan Belic — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:28:53 +0000

Samsung has unveiled two new phones, part of the (again) new “Diva” series, that targets female consumers.

First comes the clamshell-shaped S5150 Olivia, which reminds me on some Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) models. The device prides itself with a 2.2-inch QVGA screen, 3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth connectivity, music player, and a microSD memory card slot.

As for the S7070, it’s yet another Samsung’s all-touchscreen-er, rocking a 3-inch WQVGA resistive display, 5-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, media player, FM radio, and a microSD slot.

Both devices are expected to be available during the first quarter of 2010…

[Via: SamsungHub]

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Pizza Hut’s iPhone app scores to MMA awards

Dusan Belic — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:03:55 +0000

We’ve already reported about Pizza Hut’s success with its iPhone app. Well, in addition to the numbers achieved ($1 million in sales), the company is all proud to announce that it also won two MMA’s (Mobile Marketing Association) global awards: Mobile Display Campaign in North America, and Emerging Technology Campaign in North America.

Commenting on tha announcement, Pizza Hut’s Bernard Acoca said: “It’s an honor to be recognized as a mobile marketing leader by the MMA with wins in two categories. The Pizza Hut iPhone App continues to be an applauded breakthrough digital innovation that connects with consumers and industry organizations.”

Now I’m hoping other restaurants will follow Pizza Hut’s example and make the food ordering as simple and convenient as it should be, and ultimately make more money along the way.

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Sprint offering YouMail visual voicemail service to BlackBerry and Android smartphone users for free

Dusan Belic — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:58:21 +0000

Sprint (NYSE: S) users with BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) and Android smartphones can now use YouMail-powered visual voicemail service free of charge. You know how it works, right? Just like on the iPhone, plus more:

You can scroll through incoming voicemail messages to see caller information including caller name, time of call, and length of message
Play voicemails by simply clicking on them
Share and forward voicemails as an email or post to a blog
Delete, archive or save voicemails, forever

In order to use YouMail on your phone, you’ll need the YouMail application. Search for it in the BlackBerry App World or Android Market, depending which device you use. Then go to YouMail’s website, sign up for a YouMail account and follow the brief instructions for forwarding unanswered calls to YouMail. It’s that easy.

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BBC launches mobile English language courses in Bangladesh

Dusan Belic — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:56:41 +0000

The BBC World Service Trust has developed English language courses for mobile phones and is currently offering them to over 50 million mobile phone users in Bangladesh. The idea behind the project is to extend BBC’s existing learning tool to mobile, in addition to TV and Internet, and reach more people.

For the endeavor, BBC has teamed up with all six of Bangladesh’s networks, which have agreed to cut the cost of calls to the service by up to 75%. Speaking of the course, it consists of over 250 audio and SMS lessons, and each lesson is a three-minute phone call, costing about 3 taka.

According to The Financial Times, more than 300,000 people have already signed up for the service, which is great!

[Via: textually]

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North Korea reaches the 70,000 mobile phone users mark

Dusan Belic — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:54:05 +0000

It was back in April when we reported that North Korea has reached 20,000 mobile phone users. Now, 6 months later, we’re glad to see that them number is approaching the 70,000 mark. As of the end of September, the sole mobile operator in the country koryolink, which BTS is majority owned by Eygpt’s Orascom Telecom, reported that its subscriber base has reached 69,261 users. Meaning that in the time you’re reading this, the 70,000 mark has been reached and even surpassed.

In the 9 months ending September 30, 2009 – koryolink reported revenues of $18.5 million with EBITDA of $10 million, representing a margin of 54%.

Currently, the carrier is working to extend the network coverage to the whole country…

[Via: CellularNews]

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Smart Thermostat lets iPhone/iPod Touch users remotely regulate temperature in their homes; Special equipment required, of course

Dusan Belic — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:50:19 +0000

A company called ecobee has released a new application in the AppStore called Smart Thermostat, allowing users with compatible (i.e. expensive) systems to remotely adjust the thermostat’s temperature, schedule or update vacation events, change the system and fan operating settings. In addition, the application alerts users about the status of the system.

See where that’s going? Soon enough every iPhone user will be able to have all the benefits of Bill Gates’ famous digital home. The problem, however, is not in the available apps, it’s the high-end equipment that costs fortune that keeps many folks, myself included, from pushing our homes into the digital age.

Anyway, AppStore link is here, and no, I don’t hate you if you can use it.

[Via: renewbl]

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Surf your Windows Phone with Remote Access

Will Park — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:11:57 +0000

There are plenty of apps out there that allow you to control your computer from your smartphones, but what if you want to browse your Windows Phone from your desktop computer? Well, then you’ll want to check out WiFi Remote Access for Windows Mobile. The new Windows Mobile app installs itself on your Windows Phone and acts as a bridge between the phone and your computer, allowing you to connect to your handset via WiFi and browse its contents through a web browser (like the one you’re using to read this very sentence).

Remote Access is still in beta, but doesn’t skimp on features. You can view photos, complete with thumbnails. You can listen to the music you have stored on the phone. You can even edit your Windows Phone’s registry through the app.

There’s no desktop installation required. Simply install the Windows Mobile app on your smartphone and point your desktop computer’s browser to the handset’s IP address. It’s that simple.

Find more information on Remote Access here. Grab Remote Access here.

[Via: FuzeMobility]

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Motorola Droid just $119 from Dell

Will Park — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:50:27 +0000

We love seeing hot new smartphones getting their price tags slashed mere weeks after its initial launch. The latest price reduction on the Motorola (NYSE: MOT) Droid comes from Dell.com, making it possible to put a Droid in your pocket for just $119 and a 2-year contract with Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless. The deal also applies to contract extensions, so you don’t have to wait until you’re eligible for an upgrade to take advantage of the low price.

If you like high-tech smartphones and want an Android-powered handset, the Droid fits the bill perfectly. If you’re not sure that the Droid is for you, check out our hands-on impressions and video. Keep in mind that the Droid is so far the only Android smartphone to rock the new Google Maps Navigation app.

To recap: Dell is selling the Droid for $119 with new 2-year contract (or a contract extension for existing customers), and will even ship the handset to you for free via Fedex. That’s one “hot deal,” to be sure.

Dell’s $119 Motorola Droid

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Motorola Droid Exposed – The Teardown Aftermath

Will Park — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:25:47 +0000

As we wind down our Friday afternoon and wind up for the weekend, we’re going to leave you with some intimate images of the Motorola Droid. The folks over at Phone Wreck managed to strip a Motorola (NYSE: MOT) Droid down to its bare parts, and they took some extensive photos for your viewing pleasure. These teardown pictures give us some interesting insights into the Droid, but they’re mostly just fun to look at.

The Droid teardown shows that the relatively small RAM/ROM chips (256MB/256MB) come from Toshiba (OTCPK: TOSBF). You’ll also want to take note of the beautifully integrated PCB that is so small, it actually turns out to be one of the smaller internal components of the Droid. Interestingly, the NAND Flash memory module bears handwritten markings that indicate the chips are sample units. And, no, we’re not ashamed to admit that handwriting on sample IC’s piques our interest.

Take a gander at the pics and think about just how much work went into making sure your Droid can stream sleepy puppies from YouTube.

Head on over to Phone Wreck for the full Droid teardown gallery.

[Via: PhoneWreck]

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The Signal 48: Windows Mobile A-Movin’ and Scosche reCOIL Giveaway

Simon Sage — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:53:36 +0000

Could Windows Mobile really be catching up?

Between the opening of the Marketplace for Windows Mobile 6.0 and 6.1, and some leaks about the upcoming version 7, it sounds like Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) is getting ready for a big push. Will is out judging Under the Radar, but we tap Windows Mobile blogger and Microsoft MVP Darren Humphries from MobileJaw for his take on the platform in the face of fresh competition on the smartphone circuit. We also talk about legal squabbles between carriers over “misleading” ads.

Of course, we never want to leave our listeners empty-handed – this week we’re giving out a Scosche reCOIL to one commenter in the U.S. It’s handy, simple car charger for the iPhone whose cable is retractable for easy stowing when not in use. Normally it retails for $29.99, but you can nab it for free just by leaving a comment.

Hit the jump to get started!

Music by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, as featured on Tap Tap Revenge for the iPhone.

The Signal is a part of the Tech Podcasts Network.

Download The Signal ( Episode 48 ) – iTunes – RSS – (32:38)

Headlines

Windows Mobile 7 Shown in Secret, Impressions Leak
Windows Marketplace open for PC, Windows Mobile 6.0 and Windows Mobile 6.1
Verizon to AT&T RE: Lawsuit: “The Truth Hurts”
TELUS Sues Rogers over Ads

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Avenir Telecom reduces customer churn on O2 to just 8%

Ben Robinson — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:56:42 +0000

Avenir Telecom (a distributor in mobile telecoms in the UK), has announced some pretty sweet results regarding its customer retention efforts…

In October 2009, Avenir Telecom and its dealer base reduced customer churn on O2 (NYSE: TEF) connections to just 8%. Avenir’s churn rate has been steadily declining each month over the past 12 months and is set to fall even lower in the coming months. This single-digit result is believed to be the lowest sustainable figure achieved by any distributor of Avenir’s size in the UK mobile marketplace.

“Churn has been the industry buzzword all year,” remarks Avenir Telecom’s Managing Director, Andy Tow. “We’ve been working tremendously hard with our dealers on this, specifically with our dedicated customer retention team, which is about to celebrate its first anniversary. So it’s great to come to the end of the year with proof that our efforts are working, and that we’re leading the game.”

OK so it’s not big-ticket news that might excite the pants off you, but on the other hand, this does go some way to explaining why O2 are far and away leading the market in the UK at the moment – if you introduce exclusives like the iPhone and Palm (NSDQ: PALM) Pre, and then manage the customers that are potentially wanting to churn well, you’ve got both sides of the equation under control – customers coming in to O2’s network, and not many leaving – nice!

Avenir Telecom (a distributor in mobile telecoms in the UK), has announced some pretty sweet results regarding its customer retention efforts… ??In October 2009, Avenir Telecom and its dealer base reduced customer churn on O2 connections to just 8%. Avenir’s churn rate has been steadily declining each month over the past 12 months and is set to fall even lower in the coming months. This single-digit result is believed to be the lowest sustainable figure achieved by any distributor of Avenir’s size in the UK mobile marketplace. ??”Churn has been the industry buzzword all year,” remarks Avenir Telecom’s Managing Director, Andy Tow. “We’ve been working tremendously hard with our dealers on this, specifically with our dedicated customer retention team, which is about to celebrate its first anniversary. So it’s great to come to the end of the year with proof that our efforts are working, and that we’re leading the game.” ??OK so it’s not big-ticket news that might excite the pants off you, but on the other hand, this does go some way to explaining why O2 are far and away leading the market in the UK at the moment – if you introduce exclusives like the iPhone and Palm Pre, and then manage the customers that are potentially wanting to churn well, you’ve got both sides of the equation under control – customers coming in to O2’s network, and not many leaving – nice!

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FunMail for iPhone – MMS with a twist

Will Park — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:21:47 +0000

Quick, raise your hand if you sent an MMS from your iPhone this past week. Okay, how about this past month? If you’re not raising your hand, your either A) not following the rules of this game or B) just like the millions of Americans that just don’t send out MMS (picture messages) regularly from their iPhones. I fall into the latter category. Today’s release of FunMail might change all that.

FunMail for iPhone automatically analyzes your text message and serves up relevant images that you can embed into your message. The idea behind FunMail is to bring MMS out of the dark ages and allow people to use images for rich communication. Rather than send your friend a text message asking them if they want to eat, FunMail would have you send them the same text with overlaid on an image of a burger. You can even send that messages to Twitter and Facebook.

The trick to making picture-chats convenient is FunMail’s “Media Brain,” which pulls out the semantic meaning behind your text and gives the user a set of pictures that might fit the situation. If you’re talking about going to lunch, FunMail returns images of food. Talk about a birthday, and you get birthday-related images.

The app is free in the iPhone AppStore, so it won’t hurt to give it a shot. I personally can’t see myself using FunMail for everyday communication, but it’s definitely worth trying out at least once.

Check out FunMail’s demo video here.

FunMail for iPhone [iTunes link]

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Verizon Wireless adds cell site in Woodland Hills, CA

Will Park — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:54:02 +0000

This one goes out to all of you out there in Woodland Hills. In a puzzlingly region-specific announcement, Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless has announced that it has added a new cell site in Woodland Hills, California. Those of you living in the western San Fernando Valley will see improved 3G wireless coverage and performance on your Verizon handset.

Verizon’s press release also mentions that the carrier spent $600 million in infrastructure improvements in California during 2008. With all the back-and-forth between AT&T and Verizon these days, we can’t help but think that the $600 million figure is a jab at AT&T (NYSE: T). Although, we have to point out that Verizon is quoting numbers from a lifetime ago (which roughly equates to a year in the mobile world).

Full press release after the break

New Verizon Wireless cell site also adds capacity to stay ahead of demand for calls, email and text
IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire/ — Los Angeles County residents, businesses and visitors are enjoying improved service thanks to a new Verizon Wireless cell site. The site improves 3G wireless coverage from Santa Rita Street South to Rosita Street, and from Corbin Avenue East to Vanalden Avenue. The increase in network coverage and capacity means more calls, emails, text and picture messages for locals, plus expanded wireless access to the web.
Verizon Wireless invested over $600 million in California during 2008 to enhance service and coverage. Nationally, the company has invested more than $48 billion in its network since it was formed in 2000. The result is the nation’s largest, most reliable 3G network that powers services such as Mobile Broadband and email.
Businesses of any size can tap into the power of Mobile Broadband. The service allows users to connect to the Internet wirelessly while on the go to download music over-the-air, and access e-mail or corporate data. For example, customers can download a small 1 megabyte PowerPoint® presentation in about eight seconds and upload the same-sized file in less than 13 seconds.
Small business owners interested in Mobile Broadband, and other wireless solutions, can visit http://smallbusiness.vzw.com where they will find:
An online forum to share experiences and connect with other business owners
Access to Small Business Specialists in each Verizon Wireless store
Discounts and promotions to help businesses stretch their budgets
Summaries of mobile solutions like email, wireless Internet and Push to Talk service
24/7 tech support
Verizon Wireless tests its network and those of its competitors. The company determines if voice calls and data connections are successful on the first attempt and stay connected. Nationally, Verizon Wireless’ real-life test men and women drive 91 specially equipped vehicles almost 1,000,000 miles annually. They drive on Interstate, U.S. and state highways, as well as major roads and streets in high-population areas, based upon U.S. Census counts. Vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than three million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless’ network and the networks of other carriers.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving 87.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 87,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE: VOD) (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
SOURCE Verizon Wireless

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New GMail Icons Let you Know Which Friends Use Android

Simon Sage — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:57:18 +0000

Those who use GMail regularly be familiar with the Google (NSDQ: GOOG) Talk sidebar showing which of your friends are online, as well as the wide variety of customization options available. A new one fresh from the labs is Android icons that let you know if your contact is currently online thanks to an Android device, complete with yellow Away robots, and red Busy ones. This would be a great option even if it were just extra eye candy for the Android-obsessed, but knowing someone is mobile definitely helps contextualize the conversation, and potentially avoids anyone getting offended at short, terse replies. You can enable the option in GMail over here.

[via Official GMail Blog]

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Bell To Offer ‘Skullcandy Mash Up Package’ December 1st

James Falconer — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:44:55 +0000

Looks like Bell is getting ready to crank up the Holiday Promo Machine. According to a report over at MobileSyrup, on December 1st Bell will unveil a new ‘Skullcandy Mash Up Package’. The package will be available anyone willing to sign a new 3-year sentence, er, contract with Bell.

So what do you get? Well, for $69.95 you’ll get to choose one of the following packages:

Red and white Samsung Vice with matching red/white Skullcandy Lowrider headset
Black Samsung Vice with matching chrome/black Skullcandy Lowrider headset

I should also note that each package will come with 10 free Sony music downloads, to help you workout those new Skullcandy headsets.

Side Note: Check out the new Skullcandy NBA Player Series headsets, coming soon… Neat-o.

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Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 Priced at $860

Simon Sage — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:13:46 +0000

Ow, did anyone else feel like their wallet just got kicked in the crotch? At a Swedish press event, Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) revealed that their Android-powered X10 to be released in February will be costing 6,000 Swedish kroner (which works out to $US 860 at the current exchange rate). Even among high-end smartphones that’s pretty steep, and considering SE’s history with selling the xperia brand unlocked, odds are we won’t see X10 carrier-subsidized for awhile. We’ve seen the super-slick user interface built on top of Android, 8 megapixel camera, slim profile, 1 Ghz processor, and 4-inch display, but it is a very small niche that will shell out that kind of money for this device. Anyone out there unfazed by the pricetag?

[via WSJ]

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