January 29, 2006 | Back

BRATZ MOBILE Phones Launch at Wal-Mart

Does your ten year old have a cell phone yet? NO? What kind of parent are you?!? Well, MGA Entertainment is banking on the belief that they should. The consumer entertainment products company and manufacturer of the wildly popular BRATZ brand of fashion dolls and accessories, has joined forces with Ztar Mobile to bring to market the first BRATZ MOBILE phone. The phone is now shipping to select Wal-Mart locations nationwide.

BRATZ MOBILE phones are completely customized with exclusive BRATZ wallpapers featuring JADE, CLOE, YASMIN and SASHA, voice ring tones by ROXXI and SASHA, screen savers and BRATZ custom skins featuring BRATZ doll favorites. The phone has parental controls, emergency 911 service, and other features geared for convenience and safety.

The phone is pre-loaded with 50 minutes of nationwide airtime, and can be refilled at 20 cents per minute for US calls. Now YOUR brat can talk all she wants!

> Source: MGA Entertainment
> Estimated price: $69
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 06:16 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

December 12, 2005 | Back

Boost Mobile Introduces Motorola i875 Phone with Multimedia Player

Pay as you go provider, Boost Mobile, has introduced a new flagship phone to its line up of youth-oriented handsets, and it "sounds" sweet! Offered exclusively from Boost Mobile, the Motorola i875 features a multimedia center that enables Boost customers to play MP3 songs, watch MPEG videos and display JPEG pictures. The Motorola i875's media player is supported by internal as well as external memory so Boost customers can store multimedia on the phone, or use the removable flash memory card for additional storage space.

MP3 songs, MPEG videos and JPEG pictures are quickly transferred from a PC to the phone's 32MB removable memory card via a USB card reader and connection cable, included with purchase. Also included is software that enables Boost customers to convert audio tracks to MP3 files. There are also extended memory cards available at most electronic retailers. The handset is kinda pricey for its targeted youth market, but feature rich for a prepaid variety. Boost up the volume with this one.

> Source: Boost Mobile
> Estimated price: $399
> Date released/expected: N/A

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October 18, 2005 | Back

Micro-Power Fuel Cells for Mobile Devices

Micro-power fuel cells, intended to power portable electronic devices such as cell phones, PDAs and laptop computers, will be the key technical and economic driver for the entire fuel cell market -- including stationary and automotive applications -- said Jim Balcom, president and CEO of PolyFuel.

The reason, said Balcom, is that the great engine that drives rapid technological progress is "true market demand." And of the three key segments of the long-awaited fuel-cell market, portable applications will be ready for liftoff first. Cost and performance of the technology are in line, volume distribution channels are already in place, and a huge, pent-up market demand is developing. Only regulatory issues -- principally the carriage of small fuel cartridges on airplanes -- remain an impediment, one that is widely expected to disappear within the next 18 months.

"According to recent published studies, portable device power demand is increasing three times faster than the rate of battery improvement," stated Balcom. "This gives rise to what we call a 'run-time gap' -- the difference in the demand for energy in devices like PDAs, smartphones, laptops, or MP3 players, and that actually available with contemporary battery technology. By 2010, the demand for energy is forecast to be four times that which is available."

> Source: PolyFuel
> Estimated price: N/A
> Date released/expected: N/A

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September 05, 2005 | Back

Logitech Launches Mobile Traveller and Mobile Express Headsets

Can you hear me now? No? Get a new headset! Logitech, a provider of peripherals with Bluetooth wireless technology, has expanded its award-winning line of mobile phone headsets with the introduction of two new compact Bluetooth mobile phone headsets: the Logitech Mobile Traveller Headset and the Logitech Mobile Express Headset. Both headsets feature a very small form factor and use advanced Bluetooth 1.2 technology, which includes Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH) technology to reduce interference. The Mobile Traveller headset also includes the company's patent-pending WindStop technology, to ensure clear conversations even in windy conditions.

The Mobile Traveller Headset features a compact design that is polished silver in color with chrome-colored accents. The headset is lightweight -- weighing only 0.6 ounces. It offers seven hours of continuous talk time and up to 300 hours of standby time, and supports several features built into many mobile phones, such as voice dialing, three-way calling, and mute.

The Logitech Mobile Express Headset is very lightweight -- weighing just 0.6 ounces. It provides a secure and comfortable fit with its adjustable wrap-around earpiece and small in-ear speaker. The headset can be worn on either the left or right ear. Smoke in color with silver accents, the headset features a call/answer button located directly on the side of the headset, and offers four hours of continuous talk time and up to 110 hours of standby time. Hello! Did you hear all that?

> Source: Logitech
> Estimated price: Mobile Traveller $79 - Mobile Express $49
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 09:21 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

August 27, 2005 | Back

Samsung Unveils Its New Satellite DMB Phone

If you're looking for a portable TV, but really need a new cell phone, and are thinking about a digital camera, with MP3 capabilities, maybe this is for you. Samsung Electronics, a leading provider of mobile phones, announced the launch of its fourth satellite DMB phone (model: SCH-B250) following the release of the B100, B130 and B200.

The B250 is a folder type with pivotal LCD screen which rotates 90 degrees into landscape mode. The B250 follows the same basic design as the hugely popular SCH-V500 camera phone that went on the market in August of last year. With the B250, users can make phone calls or send and receive text messages even while watching TV. The DMB broadcast received by the phone can also be relayed to a regular TV.

The B250 has external buttons that allow users to play MP3 files without opening the phone, and comes equipped with a 2megapixel camera and the photo editing function has been upgraded. The File Viewer function provides access to Microsoft Office or PDF files, and a 330,000-word dictionary is included in the software. Ready to toss that laptop yet?

> Source: Samsung
> Estimated price: N/A
> Date released/expected: N/A

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August 05, 2005 | Back

Mobeon Brings Video Mail Users World's First Animated Mobile Buddy

Feeling fidgety about new cell phone technologies? Mobeon has just unveiled Fidgit, the world's first 3G video messaging interface featuring mobile buddies for cell phones. Mobile buddies are 3D animated avatars that replace the traditional operator voice by providing entertaining and personalized mailbox navigation to cellular subscribers.

Fidgit replaces traditional voice and text-based instructions, using the same 3D tools as leading Hollywood studios to create fun, lifelike characters. Fidgit has a fully interactive, quirky personality, which changes throughout the day. This offers an entertaining and unique service to take a user through their messages. He introduces the menus in the mailbox, talks the user through the options for each message, and also responds to callers who want to leave a message.

Research by Mobeon has proved that avatars would attract (you'll never guess) ---- the valuable youth market!. They even think it will get the kids to swap operators. I think they are probably right!

> Source: Mobeon
> Estimated price: N/A
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 05:19 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

August 04, 2005 | Back

Glu Mobile Launches AstroPop

Games, games, games. That seems to be the most frequently introduced cell phone app these days, and Glu Mobile is leading the pack. They have just launched AstroPop, an action-puzzler based on the original Web and PC title from PopCap Games.

AstroPop challenges gamers to guide their AstroPilot to reconfigure bricks to make groups of four. As bricks are matched, combos and powerups can be used to score additional points. The game allows you to unlock up to three unique AstroPilots, each with their own SUPA weapon that players can unleash to score big points. AstroPop also features two modes of play, countless levels, and unique bonus rounds, giving gamers endless hours of gameplay. A new way to goof off for hours. Fantastic!

> Source: Glu Mobile
> Estimated price: $3 monthly - $6 unlimited
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 09:47 AM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

July 29, 2005 | Back

Avanquest Software Introduces Ringtone Creation Software

Okay, this one probably isn't for the run of the mill thirtysomethings, but listen up kids - and technophobes of all ages. Avanquest Software has introduced Ringtone Media Studio, an all-in-one mobile phone ringtone creation and image-editing suite for the North American market.

Targeting a U.S. consumer ringtone market forecasted to exceed $500 million in 2005, Ringtone Media Studio is compatible with more than 450 popular mobile phones, enabling millions of consumers to personalize their mobile phones without the repetitive high cost of purchasing digital content.

Ringtone Media Studio provides everything consumers need to create real music ringtones from their existing music collections and customize polyphonic ringtones. It also allows them to personalize their phones with wallpapers using their favorite photos or digital images from the Web and includes a Video Studio that edits real video clips and transfers them to the mobile phone. Now, that's customization!

> Source: Avanquest Software
> Estimated price: $20
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

July 27, 2005 | Back

Nextel Helps Fans Give Their Phones a Facelift

Rev em up! Nextel Communications Inc., on August 1, will introduce eight new driver phone covers that fit the Motorola i205 handset. To celebrate this exciting launch, drivers with new phone covers posed with their new accessories last weekend at Pocono Raceway.

The new phone covers will be available for purchase trackside at the Nextel retail store, online at NEXTEL.COM or by dialing 877-7NEXTEL. Racy stuff!

> Source: Nextel
> Estimated price: N/A
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 02:24 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

July 14, 2005 | Back

Glu Brings Nickelodeon's Popular everGirl to Mobile

The best friend a girl ever had - the phone - has just gotten more enticing for any tweenager. Glu Mobile and Nickelodeon have launched everGems, a mobile game based on the popular tween brand everGirl. The everGems launch gives tweens enthralled with everything everGirl an engaging elimination puzzle game featuring the everCool icons and the everGirl characters that tweens adore. everGems offers a different mode of play for each of the four everGirls: Hope's everClever Gems, Joy's Just in Time game, Skye's everPower Play, and Starr's Sets.

According to research conducted by Glu earlier this year, tweens (ages 10 to 12) lead mobile gaming usage. The study found that more than 84 percent of tween mobile gamers play one or more times per day (compared to 64 percent of the general population of mobile gamers), and 20 percent of tween mobile gamers play five times a day, demonstrating tweens' demand for great mobile games. Holy smokes! Does that figure alarm you, too?

> Source: Glub Mobile
> Estimated price: $5 - $10
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 01:06 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

July 05, 2005 | Back

Kopin and MicroOptical Bring ''Big Screen'' Video to Cell Phone Users

France Telecom is giving new meaning to the term mobility. Their wireless unit, Orange SA, will soon roll out a new mobile video service that will let cellular phone subscribers view TV, movies, photos and broadband Internet content with a big screen viewing effect using Kopin-enabled video eyewear from U.S.-based MicroOptical Corp. Orange SA, one of the world's leading wireless companies with 52 million customers in 16 countries, will bundle a MicroOptical binocular video eyewear with Samsung's SGH-D600 cell phone as part of its new "Orange World" wireless multimedia service. The bundled package is scheduled to be available to Orange subscribers in October 2005.

MicroOptical's video eyewear contains two of Kopin's full-color, QVGA-resolution (320 x 240) CyberDisplay 230K microdisplays. This allows users to privately view large-size video or pictures equivalent to a 12-inch screen as seen from three feet away, yet simultaneously view their surroundings thanks to the small size of the frame and MicroOptical's patented optics which allow the user to see around the screen. Europe's AFP news wire service called the bundled technology "a sure fire hit," saying that the eyewear's "big screen effect" is stunning, especially when combined with built-in stereo earpieces.

> Source: MicroOptical
> Estimated price: N/A
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 02:21 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

June 15, 2005 | Back

Sony Ericsson Redefines Music on the Move With W600 Walkman Phone

"Can you hear me now?" "Nope, got the tunes blaring!" That may be an exaggeration (a slight exaggeration), but what better pairing than a cell phone and a Walkman? I can't think of one. Besides, the rest of the world is already doing it. As a matter of fact, some US companies have been doing it, and Sony Ericsson has just announced their second Walkman mobile phone, the Sony Ericsson W600.

With the W600 consumers can handle phone calls while listening to digital music on the move, capture great quality mega pixel images and video, experience 3D game play as well as access the Internet and e-mail. It's got lots of storage, a long battery life, and connects to most any Bluetooth device. Now, that's what I call "jammin'!"

> Source: Sony Ericsson
> Estimated price: N/A
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 11:09 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

Sony Ericsson Launches the S600 - The Swivel Phone That Parties

Listen up, kids! Sony Ericsson has a new phone just for you... The new Sony Ericsson S600 comes packed with features, including Internet browsing, stereo speakers, widescreen gaming, quality still imaging and video capturing, and loads of personalization options. Games can be played with the screen horizontal, enhancing the widescreen detail and excitement of games and giving a console gaming experience. The S600 also has an impressive 64 MB memory, which means it can download and store hundreds of games, movie clips, music videos and ringtones.

There are plenty of ways to personalize the S600, which is available in universe blue, orchid white and radiant yellow. You can also choose a different color from the range of additional Style-Up covers available in the market and match them with wallpapers, themes and start-up/close-down animations. There's no reason to ever get bored with this stylish, fun phone. And, isn't fun what cell phones are all about anyway?

> Source: Sony Ericsson
> Estimated price: N/A
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 10:58 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

June 13, 2005 | Back

AeroMobile Technology Showcased on Boeing Worldliner

The wireless providers will surely need to come up with a new calling plan - in-state, nationwide, and now UNIVERSAL? The Boeing company's new B777-200LR Worldliner will be equipped with flight-proven passenger mobile cellular technology from AeroMobile to leverage the systems already installed on the majority of today's long-haul commercial aircraft. The architecture making this possible will also support future broadband satellite solutions as they become available, yielding a future-proof solution for in-flight mobile connectivity. Now, if they could only figure out a way to order enough pillows...

> Source: Telenor
> Estimated price: N/A
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 09:41 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

June 09, 2005 | Back

Glu Brings Mr. and Mrs. Smith to Mobile

Can't get enough of Brad and Angelina (and, NO, they are not a couple LOL)? Well, now you can BE Brad and Angelina (or at least you can be Mr. and Mrs. Smith from their upcoming movie). Twentieth Century Fox, one of the world's largest producers and distributors of motion pictures, and Glu Mobile, Inc., a creator and global publisher of mobile entertainment, have launched a mobile game based on the film, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Twentieth Century Fox will release "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," a New Regency production on June 12, 2005.

The mobile game pits John and Jane Smith against each other in the ultimate battle of the sexes. Consumers can choose to play as either character and use reconnaissance technology to distinguish undercover agents from innocent suburban civilians. Night levels test sharp-shooting skills and each mission victory is recorded to reveal the superior sex among the community of players. Is your sex superior? Hmmm. Keep playing.

> Source: Glu Mobile
> Estimated price: $7
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 09:17 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

June 03, 2005 | Back

Microtune's New Mobile MicroTuner - Enables TV on Handheld Devices

In case you haven't heard, Mobile TV is the next phase to wireless "everything." Keeping "in tune" with this cutting edge technology, Microtune, Inc. has introduced a new family of high-performance, ultra low-power, multi-band tuners targeted for mobile handhelds, including cell phones, PDAs and other multimedia convergence devices. When integrated into portable handheld devices, the MT2260 tuner, the first member of the new Mobile MicroTuner family, permits users to watch multi-channel broadcast TV with full-motion digital pictures and CD-quality sound. As a strategic advantage, its multi-band capability permits manufacturers to develop handset designs for global markets without the added expense and duplication of effort to design market-specific devices.

"Microtune is the only company to have shipped more than 15 million silicon TV tuners, and the rapidly emerging market for TV services delivered to mobile devices will not wait a long time for development of a reliable DVB-H receiver," said Gerry Kaufhold, Principal Analyst with In-Stat/MDR. "We expect that the World Cup Soccer matches in 2006 will set-up the need for rapid deployment of new video services for Europe, and Crown Castle and Qualcomm appear to be 'raring to get started' in North America. Mobile video services may roll out sooner than anyone expects."

> Source: Microtune
> Estimated price: $5 per unit if you get 10,000
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 08:46 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

May 12, 2005 | Back

Samsung has unveiled its third satellite Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) phone (SCH-B200)

Samsung's new B200 boasts a horizontal screen that allows users to not only benefit from easier viewing of DMB services, but also to comfortably enjoy multimedia functions, such as photography and games. In addition, it is the first model to adopt Samsung's innovative "slide and rotation" form factor, where the screen slides up and rotates horizontally, further enhancing user convenience. It also has a large capacity battery (1300mAh), allowing users to continuously view the screen for more than three hours, resolving the battery-depletion problem that has plagued DMB phones. The B200 has a 2-megapixel camera, enabling users to enjoy photo quality that is as good as digital cameras. The versatile phone offers a variety of multimedia functions, including an MP3 player and video viewer. Users can also enjoy clear video reception through the phone's 260,000-color, 2.2-inch wide LCD screen.

The B200 provides a TV-out function, while supporting external memory and offering a file-viewing function that allows fingertip access to a variety of files, such as Microsoft Word and Excel. What's more, it also opens your garage door from a distance of ten miles (kidding!). Great new phone. Be on the lookout!

> Source: Samsung
> Estimated price: Expected to be approx. $1,000
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 01:53 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments

May 10, 2005 | Back

Action Engine Previews Live TV on Mobile Phones at 3GSM

This gives a whole new meaning to the term "convergence!" Shattering the mobile usability barrier, Action Engine Corporation, a mobile application platform developer, will be integrating live streaming television into its Brand-n-Go turnkey mobile applications pack for wireless operators. Brand-n-Go currently gives wireless subscribers access to premier mobile Internet content from providers, such as Amazon.com, eBay, FOX Sports, and the Microsoft MapPoint Team.

Working in collaboration with SmartVideo, Action Engine will add a live broadcast TV application to the Brand-n-Go applications pack, giving users the ability to watch streaming television programs directly from their mobile phone. SmartVideo recently announced content distribution deals with national programmers, such as MSNBC and CNBC, ABC News and ABC News Now, The Weather Channel and DIC Entertainment. Look for this great new service at a wireless dealer near you!

> Source: SmartVideo - Action Engine
> Estimated price: Varies, based upon wireless carrier
> Date released/expected: N/A

Posted at 01:16 PM | Permalink | Email to a friend | Comments