Smartphone Thoughts - Daily News, Views, Rants and Raves

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

UMA Based Smartphone Prototype from Chi Mei Spotted at the CTIA 2006

Posted by Kris Kumar in "HARDWARE" @ 05:50 PM

http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/ctia_2006/?p=4

"HTC wasn't the only manufacturer showing off new Windows Mobile devices. Chi Mei also had a new Smartphone at the show. The unnamed device was a prototype smartphone with UMA technology for seamless roaming between GSM networks and personal Wi-Fi networks at home. The Chi Mei UMA phone is surprisingly small. It seems smaller than recent HTC smartphones like the SDA and 2125. Its features are pretty standard: 1.3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, memory card slot, etc."

User submitted image

UMA stands for Unlicensed Mobile Access, it enables seamless delivery of mobile voice calls over Wi-Fi networks and it also enables seamless transitions between cellular and Wi-Fi networks. There is considerable speculation that T-Mobile will be launching a UMA enabled phone soon. While I am sure that it will not be this Chi Mei Smartphone, but it would be good to see a Smartphone in the UMA enabled list. ;-) I definitely like UMA based solution over Skype like VoIP applications. What are your thoughts?

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Tags: prototype, smartphone, 2006, from, ctia, based, spotted

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Verizon to Offer Location Based Tracking for Children

Posted by Mike Temporale in "OFF-TOPIC" @ 08:15 AM

http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2006Jan/bpd20060123034363.htm

"Verizon Wireless plans to add a location-based service to accompany its cellphone, designed for young kids, called the Migo. Software for the location based service, created by Autodesk, will allow parents to track their child's Migo phone within yards of their own phone or Internet site. Amazingly, the phone will even alert a parent via a text message if their child leaves a pre-designated area. The service is expected to cost between US$10-15 a month and has a planned launch in May."

That sounds like a great service, but $10 a month? Isn't that a little on the pricey side? It looks like Verizon has a nice service here, too bad they're ruined it with the price. :(

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Tags: offer, verizon, tracking, based, location, children

Tuesday, January 3, 2006

Motorola Announces Mobile Phone Based Music Service: iRadio

Posted by Mike Temporale in "NEWS" @ 03:30 PM

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8ETELQ00.htm?campaign_id=apn_home_down&chan=db

"Motorola Inc., after nearly a year of vague pronouncements, unveiled Tuesday an ambitious music radio service for cell phones that also plays over car and home stereos. Motorola iRadio, featuring 435 channels, would be sold by wireless service providers to their subscribers for between $7 and $10 per month -- a few dollars cheaper than the satellite radio networks that would be among the phone-based service's immediate rivals. No wireless carriers have signed on yet to carry iRadio, which may also be adapted for non-Motorola phones if carriers request it, company officials said. ...Not surprisingly, Motorola sees the phone as the focal point of this new model, not only serving as a portable music player but emerging as a roving conduit and repository for music that can feed a home or car stereo."

Leaving Apple behind, Motorola has pushed into a new venue for music on a mobile phone. Instead of just carrying 100 songs with you, you will now be able to tune into various channels and feed music into other devices. This sounds like a pretty nice solution, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it works once it's released. :D

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Source: Rebecca

Tags: service, phone, music, mobile, motorola, announces, based, iradio

Monday, June 13, 2005

JAVOskin Now Available for C500 and SP3i Based Models

Posted by Mike Temporale in "HARDWARE" @ 05:00 AM

http://www.javoedge.com

JAVOedge is now offering their JAVOskin case for the C500/SMT5600 line of devices, along with the i-mate SP3i/xPhone2/Qtek 8020 line of devices. You can pick-up a case for just $21.55, or you can get them bundled with a 3 pack of screen protectors for $37.22. (Bundle links here, and here.)

If you want to learn more about these flexible skin cases, you can check out this review I did back in February. You'll never have to worry about the phone slipping out of your hand with one of these sleeves on it. :mrgreen:

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Tags: available, based, c500, sp3i, javoskin, models

Tuesday, May 3, 2005

Sprint Launches Location Based Services

Posted by Mike Temporale in "NEWS" @ 06:15 AM

http://www.phonescoop.com/news/item.php?n=1183

"Sprint yesterday announced new services for roadside assistance and directory assistance callers. When users of either service call in for help or directions, they can now ask the operator to locate them using their phone's assisted GPS instead of having to know where they are. There is no extra fee beyond normal charges for network location. Sprint also said they intend to extend location based services to user accessible data services like local weather, movies, traffic information and more."

Hopefully someday we'll have a GPS embedded Smartphone that can take advantage of this. :(

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Tags: sprint, launches, services, based, location

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

New Linux Based Smartphone OS from MontaVista

Posted by Mike Temporale in "THE COMPETITION" @ 08:30 AM

http://www.internetnews.com/dev-news/article.php/3500036

"MontaVista Software unleashed a new embedded operating system designed to make smartphone players like Microsoft and Symbian sit up and take note. The Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Linux vendor, known for its embedded Linux offerings, announced its Mobilinux 4.0 product designed for the $300 and $600 mobile and wireless device market. The operating system is scheduled to ship in the second quarter of 2005 and immediately benefit MontaVista's partners such as Openwave and palmOne as well as Motorola, NEC and Panasonic. ...The new operating system features a fast start-up (less than 1 second), a small footprint, and better performance while extending battery life. The operating system also features support for RFID, Bluetooth, and SAMBA."

1 Second? Something tells me that's not correct. Maybe they're talking about resuming from suspend or something like that. I just can't see a smartphone doing a full boot, such that I could dial a call or check email, in less than a second. Welcome to the party MontaVista, and be sure to hold on tight, it's going to be a bumpy road ahead. ;)

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Tags: linux, smartphone, from, based, montavista

Wednesday, March 9, 2005

Another Virus First for Symbian - MMS Based Virus Found

Posted by Mike Temporale in "THE COMPETITION" @ 09:00 AM

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?ContentId=4167

"Using MMS the CommWarrior.a virus, as SimWorks have named it, can instantaneously send itself to any mobile phone in the world. Multimedia Message Service (MMS) is a more advanced version of the text message service (TXT) familiar to millions of phone users, and allows rich content such as pictures, sounds, video, and applications to be sent as well as text. Unlike many recent �proof of concept� mobile viruses SimWorks has already received a report of CommWarrior in the wild which it is seeking to confirm. SimWorks CEO Aaron Davidson says �This is a significant development as until now mobile viruses have used Bluetooth to spread which only has a range of 10 meters surrounding the infected device. Using MMS viruses like CommWarrior have a much greater potential to spread globally�. CommWarrior scans the infected phone's address book and periodically sends MMS messages to randomly selected contacts. It sends a copy of itself and one of several predefined text messages designed to encourage the recipient to install the application."

Just like the other mobile based viruses that came before it, this one requires user interaction before it can get installed on your phone. I remember a simpler day, when PC based viruses tricked you into installing them by attaching themselves to innocent looking programs. It's only a matter of time before a weakness is found and the viruses are allowed to spread without an uneducated users assistance. If only the creators would put their efforts into something more productive. :evil:

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Tags: first, symbian, another, based, virus, found

Monday, January 31, 2005

PC Based Mobile Registry Editor

Posted by Mike Temporale in "SOFTWARE" @ 09:30 AM

http://www.breaksoft.com/Blog/Utilities/2005/1/Mobile_Registry_Editor.aspx

"As its name might suggest Mobile Registry Editor is an application that can be used to edit the registry of Windows Mobile devices. I wrote it because I wanted an application that would allow me to browse the registry on my Smartphone from my PC. With it you can browse the registry, edit values, export keys and save your favorite keys. Features such as renaming, creating and deleting keys/values aren�t on the top of my priority list so I�ve left them out for now."

I don't know how useful this application will be if it's missing the ability to create, delete, and rename keys and values. :? If you're interested in trying out a PC-based registry editor, and for whatever reason, you don't want to use Smartione, then you might want to check out this app. :wink:

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Source: MS Mobiles

Tags: editor, mobile, registry, based

Thursday, November 25, 2004

Skulls Virus Hits Series 60 Based Mobile Phones

Posted by Mike Temporale in "THE COMPETITION" @ 07:00 AM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4033231.stm

"Those downloading the software could find all the icons on their 7610 phone swapped for images of skulls. When installed the malicious program also locks many of the 7610's functions making it hard to use and harder to repair. The program is only the latest in a series of viruses produced to attack mobile phones. The file, nicknamed Skulls, is thought to have surfaced on shareware sites where people can pick up free add-ons, such as wallpaper, games and ringtones, for their phones. Symbian said that it was not sure if the damage Skulls does was intentional or simply a result of bad programming."

This is not the first virus to hit the Symbian platform, however I do believe it is the first malicious one. And I'll help you out on this one Symbian, it's not the result of bad programming. :wink: The virus is not self-propagating, meaning it relies on human interaction to get installed on the phone. So the threat is greatly reduced.

I wonder how something like this would fair on a Windows Mobile device? Presumably, the privileged mode would prevent a virus from interfering with any of the phones basic and most important functions. However, I'm guessing that a lot of damage could still be done.

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Source: LoneSniper

Tags: mobile, phones, series, hits, based, virus, skulls

Wednesday, October 20, 2004

Bluefire Unveils Carrier Based Security Package For Wireless Users

Posted by Kris Kumar in "NEWS" @ 07:30 AM

http://www.bluefiresecurity.com/press/bluefire_pr_carrier_base_041019.htm

"Bluefire Security Technologies, Inc. today unveiled its Bluefire Mobile Security - Carrier Edition solution that allows wireless carriers to address subscribers� surging demand for security on mobile phones and handheld devices, while simultaneously creating new revenue streams and increasing average revenue per user (ARPU).

"Through the use of Bluefire�s Carrier Edition, carriers will be able to offer their subscribers an easy-to-use, over-the-air downloadable and remotely configurable security software package. Bluefire�s Carrier Edition includes remote password set/reset, remote device wipe (the ability to remotely remove data from a device when a user has determined that it has been lost or stolen), and a firewall that protects users� data from unwanted electronic intrusion by hackers as well as from viruses, worms and Trojan horses."

Bluefire Mobile Security solution will enable the carriers to address the security concerns of its customers, especially the enterprise customers. The ability to wipe out personal or confidential data on the Smartphone if it is lost or stolen is definitely worth paying couple of extra dollar bills to the carrier. What do you think?

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Tags: wireless, unveils, security, users, carrier, based, bluefire, package

Thursday, September 2, 2004

Enjoy Location Based Events With TinyGPS

Posted by Mike Temporale in "SOFTWARE" @ 09:00 AM

http://www.smartphone.net/smartphonethoughts/software_detail.asp?id=813

"TinyGPS enables receiving information about location of your phone in your GSM network. It also shows name of your current location (if your GSM operator provides it). You can teach your phone locations which are important for you like: home, school, work, train station, church etc. Then you can set up events based on entering or leaving chosen location. For example your phone can automatically switch profile to Silent when you come home. If you commute to work by train you can set up alarm which will wake you up when you arrive to the train station even if your train is late!"

User submitted image

Has anyone installed this yet? It should run on any unlocked 2003-based device. You are encouraged to try it before buying, just in case it doesn't work on your device. You can download a trial version, or purchase a copy for $17.95 here. [Affiliate]

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Tags: events, with, based, location, enjoy, tinygps

Tuesday, August 24, 2004

Two Of Three New Motorola Smartphones Are Linux Based

Posted by Kris Kumar in "NEWS" @ 07:00 AM

http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20040820A7030.html

"Motorola introduced a lineup of smartphone models for the second half � the A768i and A780 with Motorola�s new Linux smartphone OS and the MPx220 � in Japan yesterday. The three models will be launched in the second half of this year. The embedded Linux OS for Motorola�s smartphones is currently being developed at the company�s Personal Communication Sector (PCS) in Beijing, China. The company has plans to expand its offerings of Linux-based smartphones in the future, according to sources at the company."

Motorola doesn't believe in putting all its eggs in one basket. When it comes to Smartphones it has models based on Windows Mobile, Linux and Windows CE. It does prove beyond doubt that Motorola is serious about becoming a major player in the Smartphone market. Also the company must innovate if it has to maintain its position in the market. However, this news article reminds me of the earlier suspicions that people had regarding Motorola's commitment to the Microsoft Smartphone platform. That Motorola is going to make Windows Mobile Smartphones till its own proprietary Linux based Smartphone OS is solid and ready for prime time. What are your thoughts?

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Tags: linux, smartphones, motorola, based, three

Wednesday, March 31, 2004

VoIP Coming To A Windows CE 5 Based Device Near You

Posted by Mike Temporale in "THOUGHT" @ 01:30 PM

http://news.com.com/2100-7352_3-5182217.html?tag=nefd_top

There is an interesting article over at C|Net's News.com about the companies that have licensed Microsoft's upcoming Windows CE version 5. According to Microsoft this version "contains much improved technology for making phone calls on the Net with voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)". Currently there are 22 different manufacturers like LG and NEC, that have licensed Windows CE 5. One licensees is not a manufacturer, but a broadband service provider, Vonage. "Vonage plans to create a "soft phone" that can be added to any devices that use the new Windows CE operating system. Soft phones are computer programs that turn any device equipped with a speaker and a microphone into an Internet phone." So, my stereo could end up being a phone? Or my car? Video Cam-corder? TV (with a microphone)? 8O Cool. For starters, I want my mobile phone to use VoIP when there is a good solid WiFi signal, and regular GSM otherwise. Then, I want my laptop, stereo, alarm clock, and watch. :wink: :lol:

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Source: kris_kumar

Tags: windows, device, coming, voip, based, near

Sunday, February 22, 2004

Location Based Services Getting Closer

Posted by Robert Levy in "THOUGHT" @ 04:43 PM

http://blogs.msdn.com/cthota/archive/2004/02/22/78004.aspx

Chandu Thota works for the MapPoint group at Microsoft and posted an interesting photo to his blog today. This shows an app built using a pre-release version of the MapPoint Location Server. Man... that's one product with a lot of potential to stir up the industry. There's going to a few talks about this at MDC for developers who want to get the scoop on what it will do and how to use it.

User submitted image

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Tags: getting, services, based, location, closer

Friday, February 20, 2004

More Details on Motorola's Linux Based Smartphone

Posted by Mike Temporale in "THE COMPETITION" @ 02:26 PM

http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS3664493962.html

"Unlike the earlier Motorola A-760, which launched last fall, the A768 (Click images for larger views) includes full video services capabilities such as video capturing, playback, and download through GPRS/CSD.

The A768 also provides VPN support for access to corporate data, a PDA, Web brower, Email, MMS, SMS, and viewers for PDFs and various Microsoft Office file formats. Its phone software uses the GSM protocol. Like the earlier A760, the A768 is based on MontaVista Linux."

User submitted image

""Handset manufacturers, such as Motorola, are turning to the fast emerging mobile Linux OS as a platform for phone development because of the flexibility, control, and innovation offered by open source software," commented MontaVista CEO Jim Ready."

Is that why Motorola is expected to release 3 more Windows Mobile based devices this year bringing the total to 4, while this would be the second Linux based device? Fast, ya right. :roll:

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Tags: details, linux, smartphone, more, motorolas, based

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All posts tagged "based"

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Tuesday, January 3, 2006

Monday, June 13, 2005

Tuesday, May 3, 2005

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Wednesday, March 9, 2005

Monday, January 31, 2005

Thursday, November 25, 2004

Wednesday, October 20, 2004

Thursday, September 2, 2004

Tuesday, August 24, 2004

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