Windows Mobile Gets Fall Fashion Update

Microsoft is edging closer to the consumer-friendly look RIM and Apple are known for with the latest updates to its mobile operating system for smartphones. Redmond still has some distance to close before it can match the popular appeal of those brands, however, suggested Jeff Bradley, AT&T's senior vice president for devices.

Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT)  is giving its operating system for smartphones a new look in time for the holiday shopping season.

The world's largest software maker said Tuesday that phones running the next version of Windows Mobile will hit store shelves worldwide on Oct. 6.
"Windows Mobile 6.5," as the new system is called, has an updated look that brings Microsoft's offering more in line with competitors such as Research In Motion's (Nasdaq: RIMM)  BlackBerry and Apple' (Nasdaq: AAPL) iPhone.

Windows Marketplace

Windows Mobile 6.5 includes a new version of its Internet Explorer browser for phones, along with changes that make it easier to use on touchscreen devices.
Microsoft also has developed a free service called "My Phone" that lets people synchronize text messages, contacts, photos and other phone data on the Internet, where it can be edited or transferred to a new phone.
Microsoft is also launching a mobile application store akin to Apple's store for iPhone apps on iTunes.
The company would not say how many developers have submitted applications for the Windows Marketplace for Mobile so far.

Roping In Consumers

AT&T (NYSE: T) Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S)  and Verizon Wireless will all market new Windows Mobile phones, Microsoft said.
AT&T will give people who use Windows Mobile 6.5 phones with certain data plans access to its network of WiFi hot spots without additional charge, a perk already enjoyed by iPhone and BlackBerry owners.
Microsoft is betting the updated smartphone system will lure more consumers while still appealing to the corporate technology gurus who like the way it works with company email servers.

Still Lagging

AT&T's senior vice president for devices, Jeff Bradley, said in an interview that the new system is a good step for Microsoft but certainly not its last.
"I don't think it catches them up to what is setting the bar today," Bradley said. "I think they've got a definite plan to introduce an even more consumer-friendly and competitive interface and set of services."
Microsoft would not comment on plans for the next version of the mobile operating system. 

Review of Camera-Equipped Apple iPod nano 5G

The outward appearance of the fifth-generation iPod nano remains largely unchanged from the fourth-generation nano that preceded it. You still get the shiny aluminum casing, the elongated body, and the white click wheel, but there are some obvious changes as well. The display is just slightly bigger and, more notably, there’s that new camera poking out the rear.

Dan Nosowitz of Gizmodo couldn’t help himself after the It’s Only Rock and Roll Event hosted by Apple earlier this week. During that event, Steve Jobs officially unveiled the iPod nano 5G, saying that the new MP3 player is on sale right away.

Going through Dan’s review, we learn that the screen goes from the 2.0-inches on the 4G nano to the 2.2-inches on the 5G nano. The resolution, as a result, gets a bump from 240×320 to 240×375. That’s not quite a 16:9 wide aspect ratio, but it is a widescreen nonetheless. The screen is also noticeably brighter and sharper than its predecessor. To make room for the bigger screen, the click wheel had to get a little smaller.

The embedded VGA camera will only do video (no stills), but it does come with a series of built-in effects and filters, including heat vision, tunnel vision, and security cam vision. The video quality is actually quite good, comparable to some of the standard-def pocket camcorders out there. It doesn’t do HD, but it does VGA at 30fps quite well. Just make sure your finger isn’t blocking the lens.

Other highlights include the new FM radio, a built-in speaker, pedometer, and a microphone with voice recorder. All in all, Dan says that the iPod nano 5G is a seriously good player and the inclusion of the “surprisingly good” camera is a huge bonus. That said, you have to realize that a 16GB nano is the same price as an 8GB iPod touch, so would you prefer to have a smaller form factor and a camera or would you want a touchscreen and the App Store?

Apple Homes In on the iPod's Next Conquests

It's safe to say Apple's iPod line has soundly conquered the media player market, so now it's looking for new arenas in which to do battle. Judging by the show Apple put on this week, portable gaming and pocket camcorders top its to-do list. Meanwhile, Sprint made new plans, Toshiba made peace with Blu-ray, and Rhapsody made it into the App Store.



As for the iPods, it looks like Apple is throwing some punches at other device makers in general -- not necessarily other MP3 players. The iPod nano now has a video camera, and Apple made a point of comparing it to a much less compact pocket camcorder from Flip that sells at a similar price.
The iPod touch did not get a camera, but it will now go all the way up to 64 GB of storage if you're willing to pay top dollar. The big theme for the touch, though, was gaming. Top-shelf game makers like Electronic Arts (Nasdaq: ERTS)  got some stage time to show off their new stuff. Apple wasn't shy about shoving around its gaming rivals, either: It called out the PlayStation Portable and the Nintendo  DS, the two big names in portable systems. Neither of those guys has nearly the same game selection that can be found in the App Store, Apple said. Plus, their games are more expensive -- and you have to actually get off your duff and go to a store in order to buy them.

Sprint Shakes It Up with $69.99 Everything Plan

Are you tired of paying far too much on your monthly cell phone bill? You want to have those minutes, those text messages, and that wireless data, but you don’t want to break the bank to do it? We’ve seen other “everything” plans in the past, but I don’t think any of them are anywhere near as cheap as the new $69.99 plan from Sprint. Yes, you get everything for under seventy bucks (before tax).

The new “Any Mobile, Anytime” plan from Sprint will run you just $69.99 per month and this will afford you with unlimited minutes to any US-based mobile phone. You also get as much data as you can ingest, as many SMS and MMS messages as you’d like, all-you-can-view Sprint TV, and as much GPS navigation as you can possibly use.

But what about phone calls to non-mobile numbers? Well, that’s the catch. It’s not a true “everything” plan, since you “only” get 450 minutes to use with landlines. To me, that still sounds like a lot, but you can bump up to a completely unlimited plan for $30 more. The $99.99 Simply Everything plan is the fully unlimited option.

I don’t know about you, but I think $70 for unlimited (almost) everything is one killer deal, considering that you can easily spend that much money on a lot less through other carriers. It also helps that Sprint currently has the exclusive on the Palm Pre (and the upcoming Palm Pixi).

Will T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T come forward with a competing (almost) everything plan? I think so.

Motorola Cliq Google Phone Unveiled for T-Mobile

Struggling handset maker Motorola today unveiled the Cliq -- its first handset using Google software with easier access to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

The Schaumburg, Ill.-based company said the Cliq features a touch screen display, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 5.0-megapixel camera and software that aggregates contact information from various social networks and email accounts.

When Motorola co-CEO Sanjay Jha took the helm of the troubled company in August last year, he reorganized its handset unit around Google's Android software, hoping the partnership with the Internet search giant would help it win back shoppers.

The Cliq is the first phone to emerge from the alliance and seen by many as the handset maker's last chance to regain lost market share from rivals Apple's iPhone and Research In Motion's BlackBerry devices in the fast-growing smartphone market.

The centerpiece of Motorola's Android strategy is its "MotoBlur" software -- an interface that pushes updates from contacts, emails and text messages along with postings and photos from Facebook and Twitter into the device's home screen.

In addition, contacts, messages and log-in information are backed up on a MotoBlur secure server, so that when users can retrieve lost information with the entry of a username and password.

Consumers will also be able to erase data from a lost or stolen handset remotely and locate the device through an online Web site.

Motorola said the Cliq will be available from T-Mobile in time for the holiday season. Pricing information has not yet been released.

The company said it plans to unveil a second handset, for Verizon, in the coming weeks.

Nokia Twist Glows to Alert Users, to Launch for Verizon

Verizon plans to launch the Nokia Twist -- a unique swivel phone with a "light ring" that glows to alert users of incoming calls and messages -- on September 21. 

The Basking Ridge, N.J.-based carrier said the Twist has a compact, minimulist design and opens to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard. Its large 2.4-inch display shows nature-inspired themes that change throughout the day, while external keys provide a slight vibrating response when a selection is made.

Additional features include a 3.0-megapixel auto-focus camera, access to Verizon's VCAST Video, Music and Navigator services, stereo Bluetooth and a microSD expansion card slot.

On Wednesday, Nokia unveiled the N97 Mini, X6 and X3, new music phones that integrate Facebook's social-networking service, and the Mural for AT&T, a clamshell that lights up in blue, red, green, orange, purple and pink colors to alert users of incoming events.

Although Nokia has weathered the global recession better than some handset makers, it is having to work harder to maintain its market lead amid increasing competition from Apple's iPhone and Research in Motion's BlackBerry.

Last week, the company announced its own high-end smartphone, the N900, running Linux software.

Verizon said the Nokia Twist will hit store shelves on September 21 for $150 with a two-year contract.

Sprint Offers Unlimited Calling to Any Phone in U.S.

Sprint is offering a service plan for unlimited calls made between mobile phones as aggressive competition in pricing continues to intensify. 

The Overland Park, Kan.-based company said its "Any Mobile, Anytime" plan starts at $70 a month and allow customers to make unlimited calls to any mobile device in the U.S., regardless of the carrier, including unlimited text messaging and data services.

Customers also get 450 monthly minutes for calls made to landline phones. For $90 a month, they get 900 minutes.

A family plan covering four people is also available for $170.

"We don't think our customers want to have to keep track of or only talk to friends, colleagues or family members who make the same choices they do," said Sprint CEO Dan Hesse.

AT&T recently launched its "A-List" plan, which mimics T-Mobile's MyFaves and Verizon Wireless's Friends and Family offering.

As Sprint continues to suffer heavy subscriber losses, it has pushed hard to undercut rivals Verizon Wireless and AT&T.

Samsung Rogue, Intensity Released for Verizonro

Verizon Wireless, largest U.S. wireless provider, today released the Samsung Rogue and Intensity -- two new messaging phones with access to Facebook and Twitter. 

The Basking Ridge, N.J.-based carrier said the Rogue has a touch display and slide-out QWERTY keyboard for optimized text messaging.

The handset comes with threaded messaging and access to popular social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and Photobucket.

The Intensity features threaded text, picture and voice messaging, instant messaging and mobile email.

Verizon also introduced two new data plans -- 25MB for $10 a month and 75MB for $20 a month.

The Samsung Rogue and Intensity costs $100 and $30, respectively, with a new two-year contract.

Sony Ericsson to Launch See-ThroughSony Ericsson to Launch See-Through Phone Phone

Sony Ericsson plans to launch the Xperia Pureness, a see-through handset inspired by water, in November. 

The joint venture between Japan's Sony and Sweden's Ericsson said that it approached the Pureness as a work of art rather than technology, crafting it with a transparent screen and hidden keypad -- revealed only when the device is activated.

Unveiled at a media event, the handset is the first phone to reflect the company's new "make believe" advertising campaign.

Sony Ericsson didn't release any details on the Pureness, but said that it would be released worldwide in select cities in November.

Last month, it teamed up with fashion house Dolce & Gabbana to design the Jalou -- a device with 24-carat gold accents. The company also collaborated with vintage brand Ed Hardy to release a tattoo-inspired phone in the U.K.

Posting a $398 million second-quarter loss, Sony Ericsson has been struggling to compete with the rising popularity of smartphones like Apple's iPhone and Research in Motion's BlackBerry.

On Wednesday, the company announced the Xperia X2, a new Windows Mobile 6.5 devicethat shows frequently used phone activities, missed incoming activity, emails and text messages.

Samsung Mobile Introduces Samsung Freeform with Alltel Wireless

Dallas -- Samsung and Alltel Wireless announce the availability of the Samsung Freeform™ (SCH-r351). The Freeform is a sleek and stylish bar phone with a variety of appealing capabilities for Alltel Wireless customers.
The Samsung Freeform boasts a large 2.2 inch QCIF color display that makes pictures pop for a better viewing experience and is available in two color options, teal and red wine. The four-row QWERTY keyboard and multiple messaging options feature threaded text entry, which lets users send text messages instantly. Freeform users can access their favorite applications by clicking on customizable navigation keys.
The Freeform allows users to play individual music files or create full playlists, replicating a standalone MP3 player experience. The handset is equipped Stereo Bluetooth® Wireless Technology allowing users to truly go wireless and an expandable memory up to 16GB.
Additional key features of the Samsung Freeform include:
* Slim Bar Design with Four-row QWERTY keyboard
* Teal and Burgundy Color Options
* Music Player
* Stereo Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
* Multiple Messaging Options with Threaded Text Messaging
* Web-enabled
* GPS-enabled with Alltel Navigation
* Expandable Memory up to 16GB
* Speakerphone
* Voice Recognition
* Dimensions: 2.4” x 4.42” x .50”
* Main Display: 2.2” QCIF, 262K TFT LCD
Additionally, the Samsung Freeform offers various wallpaper and ringtones options through Alltel Shop. The Freeform also provides access to games, ringtones and wallpapers through downloadable content, as well as advanced voice recognition and speakerphone for easy, hands-free communication.
The Samsung Freeform is available at Alltel retail stores or at www.shopalltel.com. For more information, please visit www.samsungwireless.com or www.alltel.com.
1. Samsung Mobile is proud to provide ENERGY STAR-qualified power adapters with its mobile phones and accessories. ENERGY STAR qualified products use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment. Products that have earned the ENERGY STAR meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy.
2. Based upon reported shipment data, according to Strategy Analytics Q1 2009 U.S. Market Share Handset Shipments Report.

Nokia 7705 Twist(TM) Puts a New Twist on Messaging

Basking Ridge, NJ & White Plains, NY -- Verizon Wireless and Nokia introduce the Nokia 7705 Twist(TM), a fun phone with a unique square shape that swivels open to reveal a full QWERTY keypad. The phone's shortcut buttons provide quick access to messaging, the 3.0 megapixel camera, Web browsing, V CAST Music with Rhapsody®, voice commands, and speakerphone options. The Contact Light Ring, located in the lower right corner, can be customized to identify a message or a call from those listed in the contact directory. Customers may purchase the Nokia Twist online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning Sept. 13 and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on Sept. 21.
Available colors: Black with Xpress-on(TM) Covers in black and purple packaged with the phone
Features:
* Compatible with services including VZ Navigator(SM), V CAST Music with Rhapsody, V CAST Video, Visual Voice Mail, Mobile Broadband Connect and Corporate Email
* Habitat mode activates a unique interface for visualizing your social circle and allows customers to easily organize their calls and messaging history
* 3.0 megapixel camera/camcorder with flash and autofocus
o Dedicated camera/video key
o Resolution adjustment: 2048 x 1536, 1280 x 960, 800 x 600, 640 x 480, 320 x 240
o Self-timer: Off, three, five, 10 seconds
o White balance: auto, sunny, cloudy, tungsten and fluorescent
o Shutter sound: Shutter, Silent, Say "Cheese," and Ready! 1 2 3
o Color effects: normal, antique, black & white, negative
o Capture mode: landscape and portrait
o Photo editing: pan and zoom, rotate
o Customized slideshow
o Video capture and playback
* Media Center-capable for downloading games, ringtones and more
* Threaded messaging helps customers keep track of a variety of conversations
* "Post to Blogs" feature allows multimedia to be posted to a blog or social networking site
* HTML browser
* Support for Mobile Email, Mobile Web Mail, Chat and Blogs
* Built-in mirror
* Supported Bluetooth® profiles include headset, hands-free, dial-up networking, stereo, phonebook access, basic printing, object push (for vCard and vCal), file transfer, and basic imaging
* 2.4-inch, 262K TFT QVGA screen
* EV-DO Rev. 0
* 2.5 mm headset jack
* Dimensions: 2.71" x 2.71" x 0.59"
* Usage time: up to 270 minutes or
* Standby time: up to 312 hours
* Weight: 3.44 ounces
Price and availability
The Nokia Twist will be available for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. Additional information about the Nokia Twist will be available at www.verizonwireless.com/twist on Friday. For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.
Look Good and Support a Good Cause
From Oct. 6 through Oct. 29, while supplies last, customers who purchase the Nokia Twist online at www.verizonwireless.com will receive a free picture frame phone lanyard to raise awareness of HopeLine® and support domestic violence prevention.
Customers can donate their old phones to HopeLine, Verizon Wireless' mobile phone recycling and reuse program. Proceeds from HopeLine are used to provide wireless phones to victims of domestic violence and cash grants to non-profit advocacy organizations that promote domestic violence prevention and awareness. No-longer-used phones can be dropped off at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store. Customers can get more information on HopeLine at www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

T-Mobile USA Unveils the Motorola CLIQ With MOTOBLUR

San Francisco -- T-Mobile USA, Inc. anounces the upcoming availability of the Motorola CLIQ™ with MOTOBLUR™, the first Android-powered device from Motorola, Inc. and the first device to feature the innovative MOTOBLUR solution. The CLIQ will be available exclusively in the U.S. from T-Mobile later this fall.
Developed by Motorola, MOTOBLUR is an innovative solution that manages and integrates communications – from work e-mail to social networking activity – on your CLIQ. Updates to contacts, posts, messages, photos and more are streamed together and synced from sources including Facebook®, Twitter™, MySpace®, Gmail™, and work and personal e-mail. MOTOBLUR automatically delivers these updates to the home screen in easy-to-view streams so there is no need to open and close different mobile applications to keep up with the latest content. A 3G-capable smartphone featuring a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and a full touch-screen display, the CLIQ is designed to keep the conversation moving, enabling fast messaging on the fly and easy navigation through MOTOBLUR’s streams and widgets.
Cole Brodman, chief technology and innovation officer with T-Mobile USA, jointly unveiled CLIQ with MOTOBLUR today with Sanjay Jha, co-CEO of Motorola and CEO of Motorola Mobile Devices, at GigaOM’s Mobilize 09 conference.
The CLIQ expands T-Mobile’s compelling lineup of Android devices and underscores T-Mobile’s commitment to the open, highly customizable platform that gives developers and manufacturers the opportunity to create truly unique experiences. This continued first-mover advantage with Android lets T-Mobile customers have access to incredible innovation in the Android Market™.
The CLIQ delivers a reliable mobile Web experience by harnessing the power and speed of T-Mobile’s 3G network and Wi-Fi. Additional CLIQ features include a 3.1-inch HVGA touch-screen display, a 5 megapixel auto focus camera with video capture and playback at 24 frames per second, a 3.5mm headset jack, a music player with pre-loaded Amazon MP3 store application, Shazam, iMeem Mobile, and a pre-installed 2GB microSD memory card with support for up to 32 GB of removable memory.
CLIQ also features multitasking capabilities and one-touch access to the Google™ mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search™ by voice, Google Maps™ with Street View, YouTube™ and Picasa™. Easy access to both personal and corporate e-mail, calendars, and contacts is supported by Exchange Server and Gmail. E-mail and contacts are also supported by Yahoo!, Windows Live Hotmail, and other POP3 and IMAP e-mail services. It also combines instant messaging support for Google Talk™, as well as AOL®, Yahoo! Messenger® and Windows Live Messenger.
T-Mobile’s 3G network is currently available in 200 cities nationwide and covers more than 150 million people. By the end of 2009, T-Mobile USA expects its 3G network to be available to approximately 200 million people across the U.S.
Availability
Motorola CLIQ with MOTOBLUR will be available exclusively to T-Mobile customers later this fall in two colors — Titanium and Winter White. Pricing will be announced at a later date. Customers can visit http://www.t-mobile.com/cliq for more information.
* MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The MOTOBLUR logo is a trademark of Motorola.

* Android, Gmail, Android Market, Google, Google Search, Google Maps, YouTube Picasa, and Google Talk are trademarks of Google Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the companies with which they are associated.