BlueAnt Wireless today announced the launch of the BlueAnt V1 Headset, the world’s first and only fully voice controlled Bluetooth headset featuring the BlueGenie Voice Interface and BlueAnt’s own Voice Isolation Technology.
The BlueAnt V1 changes the way consumers interact with technology and provides the only authentic hands-free calling experience. Using the BlueGenie Voice Interface from Sensory, Inc., the BlueAnt V1 allows users to easily control their headset with voice commands rather than pressing multiple buttons or even looking at the phone.
Unlike other headsets that only support voice dial capabilities through q mobile phone’s voice features, the V1’s voice control is embedded in the headset itself. Beyond voice dial capabilities, the V1 enables the user to control all headset features such as pairing, volume and connection status using only their voice. The V1 supports such commands as ‘Pair Me,’, ‘Redial,’ ‘Call Back,’ ‘Answer/Ignore Call,’ and ‘Call GOOG-411.’
Last February we reported that researchers at Simon Frasier University (SFU) in British Columbia have developed a wearable device that generates electricity from the natural motion of walking.
Well it seems M2E Power will be releasing a new gadget similar to this technology. The Boise, Idaho-based company startup will be announcing success of its motion-powered external cell-phone charger, which will be on sale next year from $25 to $40. The charger will provide talk time of about 6 hours from normal movement of about 2 days. How cool is that?
The device will feature a flip-down AC plug option, which can be used as a standard phone charger when there is not enough power stored from movement. Last November M2E Power raised $8 million from OVP Venture Partners, @Ventures and Highway 12 Ventures.
AT&T Inc. today announced expanded international data offerings to help keep iPhone customers connected around the world. Beginning tomorrow, AT&T will offer two new plans that accommodate iPhone customers' increasing reliance on data services while traveling abroad. The two new plans, which offer 100 megabytes (MB) or 200 MB a month, can potentially save customers hundreds of dollars compared to pay-per-use international data roaming charges.
For discounted international data usage in 67 countries,1 the 100 MB iPhone plan is available for an additional $119.99 a month, while the 200 MB plan costs an additional $199.99 a month.2 These new plans are in addition to existing plans for smartphones, including iPhone, which offer 20 MB and 50 MB in the same countries. There are no long-term commitments required, so customers can add or remove these plans to their existing packages on an as-needed basis.
HTC Corp. today announced the introduction of the HTC S740, a slim, compact, and stylish smartphone that provides the perfect combination of a traditional 12-key phone design with HTC’s signature sliding QWERTY keyboard for optimal messaging. The HTC S740 will be available across Europe from September 2008.
The S740 is designed to offer the most flexible and efficient messaging experience on the market. From the design of its 12-key keypad (ideal for super fast one hand messaging) and full QWERTY keyboard (perfect for those who prefer a two handed messaging experience) both input capabilities ensure efficient and accurate typing, as well as support for POP3, IMAP and Exchange push email. Instant messaging (IM) and SMS can also be accessed through the familiar 12-key interface on the front of the phone.
The HTC S740 features the fastest mobile broadband capabilities with a maximum download speed of 7.2 Mbps, up to 18 times faster than 3G.
Nokia today announced that the highly anticipated Nokia N96, unveiled earlier this year at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, will be made available for high-speed 3G HSDPA networks widely used in the Americas during the fourth quarter of 2008. Combining a large 2.8 inch screen, 16 gigabytes of internal memory and compatibility with a wide range of video formats, the Nokia N96 is a sleek, smart and powerful device that delivers an outstanding entertainment experience.
Support for popular video download services, including those using Windows Media format, means that Nokia N96 owners can easily explore, purchase and download their favorite movies, television shows and other video content on their PCs and sideload them to their devices to watch at their convenience.
The internal 16 gigabytes of memory, and expandable memory card slot, allows up to 40 hours of video content* to be stored on the Nokia N96. Additionally, the built in "kick stand" allows the Nokia N96 to be supported handsfree at an optimal viewing angle to ensure enjoyment of their favorite video content.
Nokia today unveiled the Nokia N79, the latest addition to the Nokia Nseries range that combines intelligent and customizable design with a fully-loaded multimedia computer. Behind its sleek exterior, the Nokia N79 is a technology powerhouse. It offers a full range of multimedia experiences including integrated navigation, music with FM transmitter, high-speed connectivity, superior web browsing, at least 10 pre-loaded N-Gage games and an advanced 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics. The Nokia N79 is expected to begin shipping in October 2008, with an estimated retail price of EUR 350, before taxes and subsidies.
Perfect for the style conscious, the Nokia N79 comes with Xpress-on smart covers that are available in five cool colors: Light Sea Blue, Espresso Brown, Olive Green, White and Coral Red. A combination of three of these comes with each Nokia N79.
The convergence of photos, music and navigation in the Nokia N79 combines with high-speed 3.5G HSDPA and Wi-Fi to make it quick and easy to share experiences on websites, blogs or online communities.
Nokia today unveiled the Nokia N85, the latest Nokia Nseries multimedia computer made to set new standards for mobile entertainment, gaming and sharing. Along with an eye-catching 2.6" OLED screen and smooth, sleek finish, the Nokia N85 redefines the mobile experience. It boasts N-Gage gaming, music with in-built FM transmitter, 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics and geotagging capabilities, three month integrated license for turn-by-turn voice navigation and high-speed connectivity, all in one device. The Nokia N85 is expected to begin shipping in October 2008 with an estimated retail price of EUR 450, before taxes and subsidies.
With a strong lineup of multimedia features, the Nokia N85 is taking the world of mobile convergence to the next level. Gaming, photos, navigation and music blend together with the newest Ovi and third party services via 3.5G HSDPA and Wi-Fi connectivity to make discovering and sharing experiences quick and seamless.
The Nokia N85 is pre-loaded with at least 10 made-for-mobile N-Gage gaming titles that jump off of the screen thanks to the dazzling OLED display and a voucher to activate one full game license.
MediaFLO USA, which is owned by Qualcomm, has expanded its news coverage to include three new standalone full-time 24/7 news channels to its award-winning mobile TV service: CNBC and MSNBC from NBC Universal, and FOX News. The new channels significantly increase the amount of live breaking news and in-depth current affairs programming available to AT&T and Verizon Wireless subscribers and will launch in time for the political party convention season. MediaFLO USA's mobile TV service is available to AT&T subscribers as AT&T Mobile TV and to Verizon Wireless customers as V CAST Mobile TV.
All three channels will offer simulcast programming -- airing content at the same time as it appears on cable -- and will give consumers on-the-go access to many of the most popular news shows on cable TV, including "Squawk Box," "Mad Money with Jim Cramer" and "Power Lunch" on CNBC; "Countdown with Keith Olbermann," "Hardball with Chris Matthews" and "Morning Joe" on MSNBC; and "FOX & Friends," "The O'Reilly Factor with Bill O'Reilly" and "Hannity & Colmes" on FOX News.
Verizon Wireless has launched the UTStarcom Blitz. The smartphone is sesigned for the heaviest of texters. The Blitz comes complete with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and easy access to a dedicated My Messaging key, making this the must-have phone at schools from coast to coast.
The Blitz is a text messaging powerhouse with a 2.2-inch screen; ideal for browsing the Web or checking e-mail. The phone is a music player ready for any party, on or off campus. It is equipped with an MP3 player that can access Verizon Wireless' V CAST Music with Rhapsody's library of more than 5 million songs that can be downloaded to a PC and side-loaded with the included USB cable, synchronized with a Bluetooth speaker or played right from the speakerphone. Most music downloaded onto the PC using V CAST Music with Rhapsody is free of digital rights management software, which means the music can be played on multiple devices.
The Verizon Wireless Blitz is available for $69.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and a new two-year customer agreement. Customers can sign up for V CAST Music with Rhapsody for a $14.99 monthly subscription.
Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. has completed its acquisition of Helio, a joint venture between SK Telecom and EarthLink, Inc. that complements Virgin Mobile USA's postpaid products and services.
The acquisition was completed based on the terms and conditions outlined in Virgin Mobile USA's June 27, 2008 press release. All necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained.
In connection with the acquisition, Helio shareholders SK Telecom and EarthLink and have received limited partnership units and shares equivalent to 13 million shares of Virgin Mobile USA Class A common stock, with a value of $38 million based on the average closing price of Virgin Mobile USA's Class A shares, as of two trading days before and two trading days after the date of announcement. In addition, SK Telecom and Virgin Group will each invest $25 million in Virgin Mobile USA for preferred shares.
Today Google launched the Gears Geolocation API for mobile and desktop browsers, while two third-party developers are launching the first location-enabled web apps using this API on Windows Mobile. The Gears Geolocation API enables mobile websites to provide you with customized information based on your current location, even if you don't have GPS. lastminute.com, a popular European website, now has location-enabled their new mobile restaurant finder to help you find restaurants near you without requiring you to type in where you are.
UK residents and visitors can go to fonefood at m.lastminute.com, and click the "Find your location" link on the home page. Then select the type of restaurant and lastminute.com will automatically work out which neighborhood and city you are in and find matching restaurants.
Motorola, Inc. today announced that it has released its next generation Push-To-Talk over Cellular (PoC) solution, optimized for CDMA 1x networks equipped with EVDO Rev A data capability. This solution leverages the improved performance capabilities provided by the CDMA 1x EVDO Rev A standard including higher speed data rates, low call set-up time latency and quality of service (QoS).
Motorola’s end-to-end Push-To-Talk over Cellular solution provides walkie-talkie like capability to mobile devices equipped with special PoC client software, connecting people to those they communicate with most. With the push of a button on their PoC-enabled handsets, both enterprise and personal users can connect directly with individuals or groups and quickly share information.
GPS Tracking is becoming very popular. Initially developed for the military, GPS tracking is used in cars, ships, airplanes and even cell phones. But did you know you can use a GPS Vehicle Tracking device to easily and cheaply track a vehicle so you can do things like monitor where that suspecting cheating spouse has been.
LandAirSea Systems, Inc. has developed a unique device called the "GPS Tracking Key" to track a vehicle’s driving history. The GPS Tracking Key is a pocket sized device that receives signals from the 24 GPS satellites (owned by the Department of Defense) orbiting the earth.
The GPS location is determined by the internal computer and is accurate within 2.5 meters. The GPS Tracking Key records location data every second and can be downloaded and viewed in Google Earth simply by plugging the Tracking Key into the USB port of a computer. The data logged by the GPS Tracking Key includes speed, time en route, route traveled, direction/orientation, arrival addresses and duration of stop and only costs about $200. How cool is that?
Sony Ericsson today announced the expansion of its carrier channels in the U.S. to include wireless leader T-Mobile USA, starting with the launch of the TM506 in early September.
Sony Ericsson will now reach more than 31 million wireless subscribers through this partnership. The TM506, Sony Ericsson’s first handset supporting T-Mobile’s AWS spectrum (1700/2100), is a compact and stylish clamshell phone that delivers an exceptional Web experience in an eye-catching design.
With an all around eye catching design, the TM506 was created for on-the-go consumers who want to express personal style with a feature-rich handset fully loaded for a multimedia experience. Users can reflect their personal fashion sense, choosing between Chrome with Amber or Emerald highlights with a sleek ebony gloss.
Compact power The TM506 proves that good things come in small packages. Its compact design fits into any pocket, purse or briefcase for consumers on the move.
Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies today launched the fuel cell industry’s first direct ethanol product, the Bio Energy Diversity Kit, which uses tiny amounts of alcohol and water as its fuel. The product marks another step in Horizon’s commercialization of fuel cells in portable electronics.
The Bio Energy Discovery Kit is a simple educational product used to introduce fuel cell technology to students, aspiring scientists, teachers and engineers. The kit features a fuel cell powered desktop fan that uses a 90‐ percent water, 10‐percent ethanol mix as the source fuel for transforming an electrochemical reaction into electrical energy.
Most fuel cell related developments targeting consumer electronics have so far focused on using liquid methanol (DMFC) as a fuel source. Horizon’s new direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFC) can generate small amounts of power for days or weeks at a time using tiny amounts of simple household alcohol, such as diluted vodka.
