Novatel Wireless has announced that Pannon, one of Hungary’s leading mobile operators, is the first Hungarian operator to launch Novatel Wireless’ MiFi 2352 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot.

For those of you that don’t know/remember, the funky little MiFi takes a 3G SIM card, and creates a mobile network connection, then spews out a WiFi connection locally that can channel through the mobile connection – meaning in simple terms, you have a portable mini-WiFi cloud at your disposable – a nice change from the chunky USB mobile broadband dongle most of us are familiar with!

The internal (ROM) storage, up to 16GB of expandable memory via MicroSD creates a flexible and robust platform capable of supporting a variety of location-based applications and enabling the storage of personal content such as music, video and pictures.  MiFi does not require any type of installation or previously installed software.  Users simply need to turn on the unit to connect to Wi-Fi enabled handsets or devices.

MiFi is currently available at Pannon’s selected shops and via Pannon’s Netshop.

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Novatel’s GSM MiFi Mobile HotSpot hits Telefonica Spain first!
• Hands-on with the Novatel MiFi Portable Hotspot router @ CES Las Vegas 2009
• Novatel MiFi portable WiFi hotspot does CDMA and GSM 3G
• Verizon preparing $100 Novatel MiFi 2200 Portable HotSpot?
• UK: Carphone Warehouse Signs Distribution Agreement for Novatel Wireless Intelligent Mobile Hotspot 2352

BBDC was unexpectedly busy – hear how the devs feel about it all!

If you haven’t been following, the 2009 BlackBerry Developer Conference was the source of a lot of big announcements, like OpenGL support enabling some rich 3D graphics, an Adobe partnership that cements Flash on BlackBerry, and a long-overdue LinkedIn app. This episode of The Signal focuses a lot on themes, as we have the fine folks from BlackBerry Theme Park and themes4bb giving us our take on the new Theme Builder Studio. The winner of the BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) Partner’s Fund challenge, James Shannon from DevelopIQ, gives us some feedback from the app developer side, and how all of the various announcements impact the 7digital music store. No conference is complete without hooking up with some fellow bloggers – Ronen Halevy from BerryReview and Kevin Michaluk from CrackBerry weigh in on the show overall, and what RIM’s future with developers is looking like.

At points it’s a little technical, but if you’re into BlackBerry, development, or user interface stuff, this is the podcast for you. Hit the jump!

Sorry about the audio quality,  it was tricky finding a quiet spot to record.

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 47 ) – iTunes – RSS – (45:40)

Headlines

RIM Announces Flash Tools for Developers

OpenGL ES Arrives on BlackBerry, 3D Gaming in Tow

BlackBerry Lookin’ Good with GUI and Theme Developer Tools

OpenGL ES Arrives on BlackBerry, 3D Gaming in Tow

Themes, Widgets, and Carrier Billing Announced for BlackBerry App World

P.S.: The guy who hops in around _____ is CB’s very own Bla1ze.

Related News from IntoMobile:

• BlackBerry Lookin’ Good with GUI and Theme Developer Tools
• Themes Coming to BlackBerry App World November 9?
• Themes, Widgets, and Carrier Billing Announced for BlackBerry App World
• RIM Announces Flash Tools for Developers
• Free ‘AppleBerry’ Theme for the BlackBerry Storm

This is, I think, the best Sat Nav application on the iPhone, so you’d be spending your money well

ALK Technologies have just released another update to their hugely popular navigation app for the iPhone.  The latest update brings a number of improvements, including enhanced GPS performance as well as iPod controls within the application.  This means that users can now control their iPod through the CoPilot Live application, making the application even more simple to use.  This automatic update is free to all existing users.

This is, I think, the best Sat Nav application on the iPhone, so you’d be spending your money well

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Update: CoPilot Live Satellite Navigation arrives for iPhone in US too!
• CoPilot Live iPhone Sat Nav App gets a free update
• CES: CoPilot Live demoed on Apple iPhone, T-Mobile G1
• CoPilot Live Satellite Navigation arrives for iPhone
• HTC Touch Diamond2 to come pre-loaded with CoPilot Live HD in UK

In today’s world, it seems a lot of smartphone users tend to rely on their own entertainment to get through air travel.  Movies, TV shows, even games can keep us busy for a good chunk of our flight.  Nippon Airways recently announced they will be making some changes to their New York City to Tokyo flights, one of which is the addition of allowing passengers to connect their iPhone / iPod to their individual LCD screen to display videos and pictures.  Best of all, the iPhone / iPod connectors also charge your device while it’s being used.

You would think this kind of service would only be available to first-class fliers, but thankfully, Nippon Airways is offering the service to all of their passengers.  I definitely see the benefit for offering this service since I for one love to watch some TV shows or movies that I’ve got ready for travel, but having the video right in front of you instead of your lap can make the experience that much better.  All I ask is that no one bugs me for a spare earbud to watch an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm along with me.  I likes to hear my Larry David with both ears, thank you very much.

Now… if I could only find a reason to fly to Japan…

Related News from IntoMobile:

• United Airlines becomes iPhone/iPod friendly
• Netflix bringing ‘Watch Instantly’ streaming movies to iPhone?
• Delta Air Lines to offer fleet-wide broadband WiFi internet access
• Sony Ericsson launches PlayNow arena with movies
• Mercedes takes the iPhone seriously

There’s no denying the almost magical draw of the iPhone and the world of good it’s done for Apple (NSDQ: AAPL)’s bottom line. A new report from Gartner today backs up that notion with data that has the Apple iPhone accounting for 17.1% of global smartphone sales in Q3 2009. That figure puts Apple in the No. 3 spot, behind Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and Research In Motion (BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM)), as far as global smartphone market share.

Apple shipped some 7 million iPhones in the third quarter of 2009. The continued success of smartphones like the iPhone is fueled by a disproportionate growth in the mobile phone market that has the smartphone segment growing 12.8% year-on-year while the overall mobile phone segment languished with just 0.1% year-over-year growth.

It’s clear that smartphones are here to stay and will soon become the “norm” in the mobile space. Can Apple sustain its third-place position in the face of hot new smartphones running the Android operating system? It’s going to be a tough battle, and we can’t wait to watch it all unfold.

[Via: MacRumors]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Apple iPhone keeps getting stronger in smartphone segment
• Apple clinches No. 3 spot in global smartphone market, RIM sees crazy growth, Nokia easily No. 1
• HTC posts 26% revenue growth in July
• Mobile OS market share stats confirm RIM, Apple leading the charge
• Smartphone gains boost Apple and RIM marketshare at Nokia’s expense

A quickie here for the BlackBerry Theme lovers out there. The good folks at Elecite have released yet another Premium BlackBerry Theme… Called ‘Stasis’, the theme features some real killer animations and a totally custom look. Check out the video above for a preview chalked-full of awesomeness.

Stasis is available now for $6.99, and is compatible with the BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) 8350i, 85xx, 8900, 96xx, 97xx, 9000, 95xx (4.7) and 95xx (5.0).

Hit up Elecite for more >

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Chiron Premium BlackBerry Theme from Elecite Now Available
• Premium WM6.5 Zen Theme for BlackBerry
• Elecite Launches Premium ‘Hero’ Theme for BlackBerry
• Elecite Unveils Premium Blossom Theme for BlackBerry
• Premium XBerry Theme for BlackBerry

In case you missed it, back on Tuesday Samsung announced their new mobile OS dubbed ‘Bada‘. While the announcement was all well and good, there was absolutely no mention of features, screenshots, or anything else that may have tickled our curiosity bone. Boo-urns on Samsung for sure… Boo-urns. For those of us that want to know more, we’re going to have to wait until December, when the Korean company will unveil Bada at an event in the UK.

It’s quite interesting to note that Samsung develops hardware for Symbian, Win-Mo and Android… yet, I suppose that’s not enough. They want their share of the OS market and are going for it. Good on ‘em, but me thinks it’s going to be a tough slog.

Today, a shot of what appears to be Samsung’s first Bada OS handset has leaked out via GSMHelpDesk. You can of course check it out above. No details, specs, pricing or anything else has been found, which leaves me wondering if this is real or not. Photoshop or not, what do you think? Stylish and sleek? Or are you one of the crowd that says ‘Who cares, show me the OS’!?

Show me the OS Samsung, show me the OS! Bada-Bing!

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Samsung announces new mobile OS, forgets to mention why anyone would like it
• Samsung Gravity 2 User Guide Leaked
• Samsung Q3 handset shipments surpass 50 million
• Samsung’s ambitious plans for Taiwanese handset market
• Samsung Senior Vice President Don Joo Lee: We’re not making Symbian devices anymore

Vodafone (NYSE: VOD) has expanded their marketing reach in Taiwan. They’ve signed yet another co-branded marketing deal with Taiwan’s Chunghwa Telecom… Under terms of the deal Chunghwa will get exclusive access to many Vodafone devices, services and products from the good folks at the big V.

Richard Daly, the CEO of Vodafone Partner Markets commented on the deal:

“Our agreement with Chunghwa, the leading operator in Taiwan, is a great opportunity for Vodafone to build its presence in this economically important Asian market. This partnership will deliver enhanced roaming capabilities for our respective customers, as well as realise significant benefits for enterprises in the region through the superior connectivity achievable through Vodafone’s business products.”

Congrats to Vodafone, Chunghwa, and the mobile goers of Taiwan. Looks like you’ll be able to get your hands on some solid new devices in the near future!

[Via: CellularNews]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Apple bringing iPhone 3G to Taiwan’s Chunghwa Telecom
• HP will use Qualcomm’s Gobi chips in select business notebooks
• iPhone 3G Coming to Taiwan via Chunghwa Telecom on December 13th
• Nokia and T-Mobile team up to bring the benefits of S60 software to mainstream consumer markets
• Australia greenlights Vodafone-Hutchison merger in the country

Well what do we have here? A Palm Pixi sighting… at a Walmart? Yeppers, that’s exactly what we’ve got. PalmTwit reader Tom sent this in just awhile ago, while doing some late night shopping at a Walmart in Tennesee. The picture clearly reveals the Pixi, pressed up against the display case, just trying to get out! Apparently the device was listed for $400 retail, but no other on-contract pricing was available, as the device wasn’t in their system just yet.

While Sprint is due to release the Pixi on us this Sunday ($100 on 2-year contract), don’t be surprised if places like Walmart release the thing just a bit earlier. It happens… and by the looks of things it may happen again with the Pixi.

Stay tuned.

Related News from IntoMobile:

• WalMart Cranking Out iPhone 3G Adverts In-Store
• Watch Out for Falling Prices on Android Phones at Walmart
• Bell Gearing Up to Launch the Motorola Hint QA30
• WalMart to Sell the iPhone 3G Starting December 28
• Walmart Dishing Out $100 Gift Cards With BlackBerry Purchase (November 14th through 21st)

A couple of quick BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) OS leaks for you all over the last 24 hours or so.

First off, we have OS 5.0.0.348 for the BlackBerry Bold 9000. Seems to me it’s been awhile since I’ve read of any leaks for the 9000, so this one may indeed be a sizable jump for the original Bold users out there. You can grab it right here.

Next comes OS the same build, OS 5.0.0.348, but for the BlackBerry Curve 8900. To go ahead and download hit this rapidshare link.

As I always do, I have to warn that these are very unoficcial releases. If you decide to update, please backup your device and take all necessary precautions before proceeding! If you’re not sure what to do, just hold off. An official release will no doubt come down the pipe before you know it

Note: Props to BerryReview for spotting both of these leaks.

Related News from IntoMobile:

• BlackBerry Bold OS 5.0.0.90 Leaked Online
• Official OS Updates for BlackBerry Pearl 8110 and Curve 8900
• OS 4.6.0.241 Leaked for the BlackBerry Bold 9000
• BlackBerry Storm 9500 OS 4.7.0.151 Leaked Online
• OS 5.0.0.321 Leaked for the BlackBerry Bold 9700

Looks like my bud David over at TMoNews has managed to get his hands on some pricing sheets for the BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) 9700 and Samsung Behold II. The 9700 will run you $449.99 or $22.50/mth on no contract, or $199.99 on a 2-year deal. The Behold II will run you, well, exactly the same amounts.

There has been some waffling back and forth as to release dates on the T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) Bold 9700, but the latest I’ve heard is November 16th. Not far away. As for the Behold II, November 18th is looking realistic.

Which would I choose? No question, the Bold 9700 FTW. That is, unless, you really dig the uber confusing TouchWiz ‘cube’ UI packed into the Behold II. If that’s the case for you, purchase, and enjoy

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Samsung Behold II Custom TouchWiz UI Caught on Camera
• T-Mobile BlackBerry Bold 9700 Sorta ‘Confirmed’ for November 16th Release?
• T-Mobile launching Samsung Behold II on November 18th?
• T-Mobile BlackBerry 9700 Launching November 16th?
• AT&T Bold already on sale…. on eBay

In case you’re one of not-that-many people who own the Garmin-Asus nuvifone M20, here’s a piece of good news for you. The company (or that’s two companies) released the official Windows Mobile 6.5 updated for your navigation-friendly device.

The update is already available in some countries whereas others will get it by the end of the year. We strongly suggest you to visit Garmin-Asus’ website and search for the latest firmware. Prior to pushing any “Update” buttons, make sure to backup your data. Once that is cleared, get set for the revamped UI that comes with latest version of Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT)’s mobile OS, along with improved Pocket Internet Explorer, and access to Microsoft MyPhone and Windows Marketplace.

As a reminder, the nuvifone M20 comes with a VGA touchscreen, HSDPA connectivity, GPS, WiFi, 3.2-megapixel camera, and so on.

[Via: Unwired View]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Garmin-ASUS bringing Nuvifone G60 and M20 to Malaysia next month!
• ASUS tapped to manufacture Garmin Nuvifone
• Garmin nuvifone G60 bringing the Linux-love in June?
• Garmin Nuvifone approved by the FCC
• Windows Mobile 6.1 comes to ASUS P527

MetroPCS (NYSE: PCS) will be adding (in Q4) a new rugged handset in its offering – the Motorola (NYSE: MOT) Quantico, which BTW is already available on other smaller carrier – US Cellular. The mil-spec 810F compliance that’s included in-box means Moto’s baby can resist water dunks, heat and dust, all while providing users with a 3G connectivity (EV-DO) over 800 and 1900 MHz frequencies. Rest of the specs (aside from the mentioned 3G radio) includes a low-end 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth connectivity support, GPS and a microSD memory card slot.

In a nutshell, nothing too exciting, except in case you’re looking for a super dependable yet kinda dumb-ish clamshell. Otherwise, keep looking…

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Samsung launches SCH-W860 for SK Telecom
• Samsung to launch two low-end phones – E1110 and E2510
• Motorola EM330 aka “Ischia” music phone heading to AT&T
• Alcatel’s OT-707 and OT-800 bring touchscreen, QWERTY to masses
• Dual-SIM Samsung B5702 hitting Russia, other countries starting from May

Just caught this – a brand new Sony Ericsson X10 commercial. All (or at least some) of the phone’s features are shown in real-world. Or at least that seems like the main idea behind the clip. I like the handset maker’s approach – it’s the experience they want to sell, not the specs, even though we’re talking about the high-end smartphone which is powered by Qualcomm (NSDQ: QCOM)’s 1GHz Snapdragon CPU. But I’m talking too much. Here’s a clip, enjoy it!

[Via: SEMC blog]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Video: Sony Ericsson C902 James Bond commercial
• Sony Ericsson planning first Android smartphone for Summer 2009 – Android XPERIA?
• HTC to join Qualcomm’s Snapdragon party in Q2 2009!
• Video: Sony Ericsson W205, S312 demo clips
• Video: Sony Ericsson C905 Cyber-shot commercial

Switzerland is probably one of the most organized countries in the world. In that sense I was not surprised to learn that the country’s Federal Communications Commission (ComCom) has already instructed the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) to prepare the allocation of mobile radio frequencies which are either currently free or which will become free in the foreseeable future for tender in the course of the next year. The allocation of frequencies will take place by auction.

Current GSM and UMTS licences expire on 31 December 2013 and 2016 respectively, and the idea is to be ready when that happens. In addition, OFCOM also plans to release other frequencies from various mobile radio bands for the provision of mobile radio services.

There are two goals Swiss authorities try to achieve – enable any new operators to acquire mobile radio frequencies, and allow existing operators to equipping themselves with sufficient frequencies for the future.

OFCOM will now prepare the tender documentation and the design of the auction, whereas ComCom will decide on the next steps and is expected to launch the invitation to tender in the course of 2010. All interested companies will be able to participate…

[Via: CellularNews]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Ofcom pushes back UK phone spectrum auction
• Indonesia and Chile to auction 3G licenses in the next few months
• UK: Ofcom announces it’s plan to release spectrum (via auction) for Mobile TV
• Switzerland to allow 3G at 900Mhz
• O2 & Qualcomm in line for L-band spectrum in UK

Mobile application testing platform DeviceAnywhere is (finally) including Android to the mix, providing developers accessing the DeviceAnywhere Test Center with the tools and resources to “bring innovative and compelling mobile experiences to market at a minimum cost.”

As a result, interested developers will be able to remotely access a regularly updated library of Android devices, including the recently launched Motorola (NYSE: MOT) Droid and HTC’s Droid Eris; as well as the existing models such as the T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) G1/HTC Dream, Motorola CLIQ/DEXT, HTC Hero and Samsung Moment. In addition, DeviceAnywhere also said that Vodafone (NYSE: VOD)’s HTC Magic, and T-Mobile myTouch 3G will be added in the near future, too.

The company emphasizes that it has worked in collaboration with both carriers and device manufacturers to make sure its database is always up to date… More information is available from DeviceAnywhere’s website.

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Canada’s Rogers Wireless to offer Motorola Android phone next year
• Motorola CLIQ brings its A-game to Android!
• Video: Hands-on with Verizon’s HTC Droid Eris
• DeviceAnywhere brings Android-powered T-Mobile G1 to a computer near you
• T-Mobile announces Motorola CLIQ for November 2 launch

ABI Research’s latest report says that by the end of this year, the world’s mobile handset accessories market will have chalked up a value of nearly $55 billion, representing a small decrease from the 2008 figure.

The problem seems in the memory card segment market, which has been oversupplied, with selling prices being barely above production costs — something that could unfortunately change in the future. The good thing, however, is that handset makers are more often than not bundling higher capacity memory cards with their products, and now we have few handset models shipping with 8GB cards.

Of course, memory card makers don’t want to disturb consumers, hence they’re experimenting with new ways of increasing the card’s value (and justifying the higher price), such as pre-loading them with some mobile content or even apps and games.

As for the future, the accessory market will remain somewhat sluggish in 2010 and not until 2011 will the 2008 figure be surpassed… Additional details about ABI’s report titled “Mobile Accessories Market Data” is available from their website.

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Memory cards to become the single highest revenue-generating mobile phone accessory by the end of this year
• Research says Mem cards are biggest revenue-generating accessory
• PNY and EA do entire games catalogue on MicroSD card?
• UK: Picstop bargain: SD USB reader for 99p!
• Huawei E510 HSPA wireless card with a DVB-T Mobile TV tuner

In its latest video podcast, Gameloft released the trailer for its upcoming free-roaming iPhone skating game – Skater Nation. As you’re about to see – the game rocks, or at least promises to deliver tons of fun for skate-lovin’ folks.

You can select from eight different street surfing board jockeys and then browse around the city. Both accelerometer and touch controls are used, so you can show-off all the tricks you’ve learned… And now the mentioned video podcast featuring Skater Nation trailer. Enjoy!

[Via: PocketGamer.co.uk]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Gaming on the BlackBerry Storm: Nintaii Utilizes Accelerometer Controls!
• Cool lookin’ Red Bull X-Fighters heading to iPhone
• ‘Hill Billy’ Bringing First-Person Shooter Action to the iPhone
• Red Bull X-Fighters hits the AppStore
• Illusion Labs’ Touchgrind multi-touch iPhone game for skateboard fans

Intridea’s Car Finder for the iPhone is not yet another car finding application thanks to the use of augmented reality. In real life, this translates into a new layer displayed on top of the live camera view, showing directions to your car. Of course iPhone OS 3.1 is required and so is the latest iPhone 3GS (compass AND GPS are needed).

Prior to finding the car, you’ll need to mark where you parked it, so that application knows the final destination. Once that is cleared, next morning (I presume), simply start the app and follow arrows on the screen. Car Finder will even show you how far you are from your destination, which can come quite handy.

Finally the price – Car Finder could be yours for 99 cents. AppStore link is here.

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Apple gets real with iPhone “Remote” application
• Tap Tap Revenge 3 is in the AppStore
• People magazine goes iPhone, too
• Two iPhone finder 3rd party apps available
• $3 iPhone game shuts up cheapskates by raising price to $40!

Giesecke & Devrient (G&D), the company we’ve already seen co-operating with Nokia on mobile payments and fighting counterfeit products, has developed a new form factor for debit/credit cards called Convego Air Mobile, which has a form of a sticker, enabling contactless payments.

Once the thin and pliable foil has been affixed to a mobile phone or PDA, the device can be used to pay bills at all terminals supporting the contactless MasterCard PayPass standard. In that sense, the company sees this product as an important transitional technology on the way to contactless payment transactions.

Size wise, the Convego Air Mobile payment sticker measures 43×33 mm (1.7×1.3 inches) and is therefore easily affixed to any phone. In addition, its surface provides enough space for customer-specific designs and optical personalization by laser engraving — i.e. branding.

In terms of real-world use, Convego Air Mobile is already being used in several pilot projects by various banks in Europe and North America.

[Via: CellularNews]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Mobile Money Summit: Global Innovations in Mobile Money – An MNO viewpoint
• HiT Barcelona: AcCells enables NFC-like payments with any mobile phone!
• MasterCard, Bell Mobility trial mobile payments
• Mobile Money Summit panel: The Reality of Deploying the Latest Mobile Money Innovations
• Orange and Barclaycard form strategic partnership for Mobile payments