Audiovox SMT5600
January 31, 2005
The Audiovox SMT5600 for Cingular Wireless is based on the Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition Software. Underneath the candy-bar exterior, the SMT5600 is powered by a 200-MHz OMAP process from Texas Instruments, specifically designed to conserve battery life. The SMT5600 is available from Cingular Wireless at a post-rebate price of US$199.99 for a two-year voice and data service contract.
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Music Downloads on Verizon Wireless
January 31, 2005
Verizon Wireless and Vodafone will provide music video downloads from Warner Music on the VCast network. In addition to the $15 a month service charge for VCast, the music videos can be downloaded for $3.99 each.
Also, Verizon will sell games to VCast customers from gamemakers such as Jamdat Mobile and Gameloft from $2.99 (a month’s use) to $9.99 (unlimited use).
Motorola StarTac 2004
January 31, 2005
One of the most popular phones of the 1990s is making a comeback, of sorts. The Motorola StarTac 2004 is supposed to be an up-to-date version of the classic StarTac of the last century. Also known as the V.I.P. 10th Anniversary Edition, the StarTac 2004 has a hefty $1,600-$2,000 pricing suggestion. Availability currently limited to Verizon Wireless.
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Yahoo Local Goes SMS
January 30, 2005
Yahoo is now providing SMS text messenging for local searches done from your desktop PC. So, instead of jotting down directions on a napkin, all you need to do is SMS it from Yahoo.com. Another use would be to send directions to lost friends.
With the new SMS service, a person can look up an address on Yahoo.com, click “send to phone” and an SMS containing the name, address, phone number and cross street is sent to the recipient phone. Depending on the service carrier and phone, the person may be able to then directly dial from the phone.
Mapquest Mobile
January 30, 2005
Mapquest has come out with a new service called Mapquest Mobile Send to Phone where users can send driving instructions and maps from Mapquest’s website directly to their cell phones. Also, users can get directions directly from their phones using 3-digit airport codes.
More information at Mapquest.
Verizon VCAST Service
January 30, 2005
Starting February 1, 2005, Verizon Wireless rolls out its VCAST multimedia service. VCAST provides consumers with 3G Verizon phones multimedia video, games and music. The service will cost $15 a month for unlimited access to 300 and more daily updated videos; extra for music and games. Plus, internet browsing via Verizon Wireless’s proprietary Mobile Web 2.0 is included in the $15 a month fee.
VCAST-enabled phones include the LG VX8000, Samsung A890 and UT Starcom 8940. Video content will include NBA, NASCAR, MTV and certain network shows–Fox will create 3 new series for the VCAST service: Love and Hate, 24 Conspiracy and Sunset Hotel.
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Cell Phone Virus Protection
January 30, 2005
As cell phones become more multi-media and computer-centric, viruses and spam targeting mobiles are bound to increase. Now, a small company has developed a free (until June 2005) program for protecting multimedia mobile phones with Microsoft or Symbian operating systems. Trend Micro Mobile Security is designed to protect data-centric mobile devices such as smartphones against viruses and SMS spam. The integrated solution performs automatic, real-time scanning to detect and block malicious code.
For more information, visit Trend Micro.
Samsung SCH-A890
January 30, 2005
Verizon Wireless will debut its Vcast multimedia service next month on Samsung’s new SCH-A890 phone. The SCH-A890 comes with a rotating 1.3-megapixel digital camera with zoom, self-timer and flash.
The SCH-A890 with Vcast service will allow people to watch video clips from networks like Comedy Central, Fox, MTV and NBC. The cost of the Samsung phone is $249 after a $70 rebate and a 2-year agreement.
Hitachi Phone Fuel Cell
January 30, 2005
Hitachi, with a joint-venture partner, has developed a prototype mobile phone/small device methanol fuel cell system. The methanol cell is capable of generating enough power for 2 to 3 hours of voice communication.
(Photo: Reuters)
Motorola MPX Mobile Internet Phone
January 30, 2005
The Motorola MPX is the company’s latest attempt at merging telephony with multimedia with computing power with gaming with digital photos. Introduced late last year, the MPX has been fairly popular in Asia although its North American penetration has not been great.
Specs:
- compatibility with Pocket PC applications
- large dual-hinge landscape and portrait color display for an enhanced experience for gaming, as well as viewing streaming
- video, photos and applications
- external color display for selecting MP3 music
- display flips open vertically or horizontally
- integrated 1.2 megapixel camera
- 2.8 inch 240×320 TFT touch screen
- stylus
- QWERTY keyboard
- embedded 802.11b wireless networking
- integrated Bluetooth
- MMS-capable
- SD/MMC slot allowing up to 1 GB of add-on memory
- ability to sync with MS Office applications
