IntoMobile - Mobile Phone News, Information, and Analysis

Idea: Nokia should make the E61i with VGA screen!

Dusan Belic — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:51:48 +0000

After using the Nokia E71 for two weeks, I figured what is missing - a bigger, hi-res screen. Now, I know that would make the device larger and thus uglier, but I really need more space on the screen, so I could do some serious writing with a mobile phone and connected Bluetooth keyboard. And I’m ready to bear the consequences of having an uglier device.

That being said, I argue that the perfect Nokia smartphone would be the E61i with a VGA screen (640×480 pixels). If the rest of the specs are unchanged (when compared to the E71), that would be just fine. Can you imagine such a device? Sure, design of the E61i doesn’t come close to E71’s fine lines, but it has a 2.8-inch screen which can perfectly accommodate VGA resolution. We’ve seen HTC doing so (using 2.8-inch VGA screens) with their Touch Diamond and Touch Pro models. Nokia could also include a touchscreen in the mix, but that really is not that important — or at least that’s my take.

The way I see it, the end result would create the ultimate business handset. The technology is already there — S60 can perfectly work on different screen sizes — so why wait?

Do you like the idea? Would you be interested in such a device? Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts…

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Consumer Reports launches iPhone app just in time for Christmas

Dusan Belic — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:49:35 +0000

It’s all about timing and Consumer Reports knows that. Hence, they are launching a new application for iPhone and iPod Touch users just in time for the holiday shopping season. Available for free at Apple’s AppStore, the ConsumerReports.org application features expert tips and buying advice “aimed at helping shoppers make better purchasing decisions.”

The Consumer Reports iPhone app gives users instant access to consumer news, advice, and best buy information from the testers and editors in the following product areas - cars, electronics, money, home & garden, babies & kids, safety, health.

Commenting on the announcement, Consumer Reports’ Jerry Steinbrink said: “Consumer Reports continues its mission of providing expert, independent, buying advice to consumers in different forms of media. From print, to online, to mobile phones, and now on iPhones and the iPod Touch, putting Consumer Reports in the hands of consumers at the point of purchase will help them make better purchasing decisions.”

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Blyk eyes Asia Pacific for expansion

Dusan Belic — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:46:16 +0000

Blyk is preparing to expand to Asia Pacific region. Apparently, the ad-supported MVNO is currently studying the most suitable markets and host networks in the region.

In an interview with GSMA Mobile Asia Congress Show Daily, Blyk’s head of strategy and advertising business development - Timo Ahopelto, said: “Both the advertising environment and mobile behaviour in Asia perfectly suit Blyk.” He also added that the business model would remain the same and that the operator would maintain its youth-orientated focus. “Asia is the most natural next step in building global youth media,” he said.

As a reminder, in September Blyk announced their 200,000th subscriber in the UK. They also unveiled their plans to expand to other European countries — including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Spain.

According to Ahopelto, Blyk ran over a thousand campaigns in the UK in its first year recording average response rates of over 25%! “This makes us the most effective and fastest growing youth media in the UK,” he added.

[Via: GSMA]

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Juniper Research: Mobile games market to reach $10 billion by 2013

Dusan Belic — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:42:33 +0000

The arrival of the iPhone has generated quite a positive response from mobile games publishers and developers, but the volume of paid-for mobile game downloads has nonetheless flatlined across North America and Western Europe, according to Juniper Research.

The report titled “Mobile Games: Subscription & Download 2008-2013 (Fifth edition)” found that although the retail value of the global mobile games market is expected to rise from $5.4 billion in 2008 to more than $10 billion in 2013, the potential for growth in many key markets is being dampened by a combination of limited on-portal revenue share for publishers and poor games marketing.

Report author Dr Windsor Holden argues that Apple’s model where publishers get 70% of the revenue generated is “incredibly attractive” to games developers hence they’re jumping on-board. “The danger is that if operators do not respond with a similar business model, publishers faced with low margins may simply exit Java completely, thereby reducing consumer choice in the longer term,” he added.

The report also found that while ad-funded downloads are growing in popularity, the revenues accrued from advertising are unlikely to be sufficient for developers or operators. With CPM rates likely to fall in the face of pressures on advertising budgets, advertising would be largely employed by publishers as a means of monetizing older content.

However, Juniper’s study remained optimistic about prospects for growth in regions such as the Indian Sub Continent, Africa/Middle East and South America. Two key reasons are: increased mobile adoption, and low levels of penetration of both games consoles and fixed Internet. These in turn contributed to make a mobile phone the de facto gaming device.

Other findings from the Juniper report include:

China and the Far East will remain the largest regional market for mobile games throughout the period covered by the report.
Global revenues from in-game advertising will rise significantly from 2008 to 2013.
Operators need to reduce data charges further for out of bundle customers to encourage casual mobile Internet usage and thereby stimulate the mobile entertainment market

More information about the report is available from Juniper’s website.

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Video: Another Sony Ericsson W705 demo

Dusan Belic — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:40:00 +0000

As soon as Sony Ericsson unveiled the W705 Walkman phone, we had the first demo video next day. Now we have another one which is equally interesting — or at least I like it. Scrap that, I like all their demo videos as they [videos] are short/long enough to make you interested in the device they’re promoting.

Anyway, here’s the new demo video for the Sony Ericsson W705. Enjoy!

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Three LG mobile phones honored with CES 2009 Innovations Awards

Dusan Belic — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:35:32 +0000

LG is all proud to announce that three of their handsets were honored with CES 2009 Innovations Awards. Among the awarded products are:

LG Dare (VX9700) - which features a 3-inch touchscreen that is enabled with handwriting recognition and tactile feedback, 3.2 megapixel camera with Schneider-Kreuznach certified lens, and much more. The Dare is also a “Best of Innovations” honoree.
LG Vu (CU920) — one of AT&T’s flagship handsets for their mobile TV service. Features touchscreen, Bluetooth, and more.
LG Invision (CB630) - the smallest mobile TV-capable phone in the U.S. which combines easy access to TV shows with the latest technologies in a stylish design.

In addition to handsets, LG Solar car kit/speaker phone (HFB-500) was also honored with CES 2009 Innovation Award, and so were 10 other products in other, non-wireless-related categories (video displays, video components, home theater speakers, home appliances, computer accessories and audio components). As we don’t care about those, you’ll have to read about them on some other site.

Way to go LG!

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Verizon Wireless brings Beyoncé’s latest album to V CAST subscribers

Dusan Belic — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:29:58 +0000

Verizon Wireless is all proud to be the first carrier to bring Beyoncé’s latest album, “I AM… SASHA FIERCE”, to its subscribers. Customers are able to download and purchase select full tracks including: “Halo,” “Satellites,” “Broken-Hearted Girl,” “Ave Maria,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Video Phone” and the current single, “If I Were A Boy.” As for the ringtones and/or ringback tones, all the mentioned songs are included in the mix, plus “Disappear,” “Radio,” “Diva” as well as Beyoncé’s current single, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).”

Commenting on the announcement, Beyoncé said, “I am happy to have my music available to my fans exclusively on V CAST through Verizon. There are songs here that are so special to me and really tell the story of my life and songs that are just about fun, dancing and celebrating…”

Hop over to this page to learn more about Verizon’s music offering.

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Sony Ericsson T700 available in Shining Black

Dusan Belic — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:28:35 +0000

Again we have Sony Ericsson quietly releasing an existing device in new color. We really wouldn’t mind to have an official release. I do understand it would be kinda dull to read about the new color option, but it would help websites and blogs spread the word more easily — it’s always a good idea to get information right from the horse’s mouth.

Anyway, it’s the T700 model, which is now available in additional color - “Shining Black.” We’ve no idea where you can buy the newly colored T700, but we like the way it looks. The black is always a viable option as you can mix it with whatever you’re wearing. We also don’t have any information about the price, but we guess it’s in the line with the original device’s pricing…

[Via: SEMC blog]

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Nokia N96 Bruce Lee Edition Available in China

James Falconer — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:34:25 +0000

File this one under ‘too cool’… Well, at least I think it’s pretty darn cool.

For those of you that dig those old Kung-Fu movies, or are just into the martial arts in general, have I got a device for you. Nokia China has announced that a special edition of the N96 is available. This is no ordinary N96… It’s the Nokia N96 Bruce Lee Edition!

The device has a great image of Bruce on the back cover, and it comes with a bluetooth headset and a special wrist-strap with some tiny nunchucks attached to add to the effect. To pick one up in China you’ll need ¥8,788 which works out to almost $1,300 USD. Yikes. A little pricy, but if you’ve gotta have the Bruce, you’ve gotta have the Bruce.

I wonder if the device will help you execute the perfect one-inch punch?

‘Walk on…’

[Via: UnwiredView]

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Samsung rolls out 115 mobile phone charging stations in US airports

Will Park — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:41:21 +0000

Samsung mobile charging station - Mobile phones, iPods, laptops are all welcome here

If you do any kind of traveling through the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you’re probably already well aware that Samsung Mobile has started distributing mobile phone charging stations throughout departure terminals. Samsung launched their airport mobile phone charging kiosks last year to help tech-addled travelers keep their electronic gadgets juiced up pre-flight.

Samsung Mobile has announced that they’ve installed an additional 115 mobile phone charging stations in three more US airports - George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (IAH), Miami International Airport (MIA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). The new charging stations will help keep busy travelers’ mobile phones and laptops topped off, allowing them to work before and throughout the flight without worrying about losing charge.

According to Samsung, “The Samsung Mobile Charging Stations have four outlets per station, allowing multiple travelers to re-charge their electronic devices. They are designed to re-charge personal electronics designed for U.S. voltage (i.e., 120 volts). The electrical re-charging stations are designed with a small shelf to hold electronic equipment.”

Samsung’s mobile charging stations help put the mobile phone maker’s brand in front of 395 million pairs of eyes annually, in 10 airports throughout the US.

[Via: CellularNews]

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T-Mobile launches Cameo picture frame

Will Park — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:57:58 +0000

Email or MMS pictures to the T-Mobile Cameo from anywhere in the world

Fancy yourself important enough, or liked enough by your friends, that you need to keep those close to you up to date with a digital picture frame that updates itself with pictures of you on vacation? Well, good news! T-Mobile has launched the cellular-connected “Cameo” digital picture frame for $99.99.

The T-Mobile Cameo’s claim to fame is its wireless connection that allows you to remotely upload pictures via MMS (also known as picture messaging) or email. The T-Mo Cameo actually has its own wireless phone number to which users can send in their pictures.

Sure, the microSD card slot and USB port allow pictures to be sideloaded in person, but the Cameo’s ability to update its picture-set with images from, say, your cameraphone on your trip to Bali is enough to make this digi-frame a class-act.

You don’t have to be a T-Mobile wireless subscriber to buy and use the Cameo, but T-Mobile will ask you to pay them a monthly $9.99 “messaging fee” to keep the Cameo’s wireless connection active and ready to accept all those emails filled with pictures of you on vacation.

Find the T-Mobile Cameo here.

[Via: MobileTechReview]

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Meizu M8 UI caught on camera

Will Park — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:35:49 +0000

It’s been a long and copyright-infringing road for the infamous iPhone clone. More than a year after announcing its intention to take on the iPhone in the touchscreen-slate smartphone market that Apple helped redefine, Meizu is closing in on their rumored launch date for the Meizu M8 MiniOne. To be fair, any touchscreen smartphone with a slate form-factor could easily be called an iPhone clone, but the Meizu M8 takes the whole “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” thing to heart.

Don’t believe us? Check out this newly leaked video, found by Engadget Mobile, of the Meizu M8 user interface in action - displayed on China’s YouTube rip-off, no less. If the graphical elements and UI animations look familiar, that’s because the M8 MiniOne you’ve probably seen the “inspiration” hanging out at your local Apple store. And you thought multi-touch was only available on the iPhone and iPhone 3G…

[Via: MP4Nation]

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Apple iPhone 3G outpaces Palm to No. 2 corporate smartphone spot

Will Park — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:57:51 +0000

There really is no stopping this wave of iPhone 3G adoption, it seems. The iPhone 3G is the most reliable smartphone, has been proclaimed the most satisfying handset among business customers, trumped the venerable Motorola RAZR in US handset sales, and has helped Apple become the second-largest smartphone vendor in the world. Now, Apple has taken the No. 2 spot in the corporate smartphone market.

A new survey from ChangeWave Research indicates that the iPhone 3G has added an additional 5 percentage points to its corporate smartphone market share. The boost in enterprise market share puts the iPhone 3G ahead of Palm, with 14% market share, making it the second best-selling corporate smartphone.

“In a further confirmation that the 3G iPhone is having a positive impact on Apple’s corporate business, nearly one-in-five respondents (18%) report the release of the 3G version has made their company More Likely to purchase Apple products in the future,” ChangWave says in its report.

Apple stole the No. 2 spot from Palm, which saw market share drop 4 points, leaving it with n 11% market share in the enterprise market. Even corporate-leader RIM lost a point to Apple’s iPhone 3G, leaving RIM with a 76% market share.

The news of Apple’s rise in corporate market share is dampened by ChangeWave’s findings that project 45% of companies looking to decrease or completely abandon their IT spending in Q1 2009. But, even in the midst of an economic crises that has companies looking to pull back on IT costs, ChangeWave projects that Apple will close in on RIM’s market share in Q1 2009. Of those survey respondents (companies) planning to buy a smartphone in the next quarter, a full 22% plan to purchase an iPhone 3G. RIM will maintain their market-leading position with 78% market share.

Note: RIM is most popular among large companies with 1,000 or more employees, while Apple relies on smaller companies with less than 1,000 employees to drive its market share.

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