Sony Announces 12.25 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor “Exmor” for Mobile Phones

Sony announced the commercialization of “IMX060PQ”, a new type 1/2.5 CMOS image sensor “Exmor” for use in camera enabled mobile phones which has a 12.25 effective megapixel resolution. Furthermore, Sony will also commercialize “IU060F”, a type 1/3.2 lens module with 12.25 effective megapixel resolution, and “IU046F”, a type 1/3.2 lens module with 8.11 effective megapixels. Equipped with lens and auto focus functions, the two modules claimed to be industry’s smallest and thinnest in their class. Does this also mean we are on the track to what Ericsson had predicted?



Above: Lens modules (from left to right) “IU060F”*2 “IU046F”Below: CMOS Image sensors “Exmor” (from left to right)”IMX060PQ” “IMX046PQ” “IMX045PQ”
Source: www.slashphone.com

How GPS Phones Work

by Tracy V. Wilson
Imagine driving to a job interview and realizing that you're lost. Your first impulse would probably be to call the business that's interviewing you and ask for directions. But if you're not sure where you are, getting directions can be tricky.
But suppose you use your phone for another purpose -- to figure out exactly where you are and to get turn-by-turn directions to where you're going. New phones that include global positioning system (GPS) receivers can do exactly that. With the right software or service package, they can pinpoint your location, give directions to your destination and provide information about nearby businesses.
In this article, we'll review the basics of how cell phones and GPS receivers work. Then, we'll explore how phones combine these technologies.
Cell Phone BasicsA cell phone is basically a sophisticated two-way radio. Towers and base stations, arranged into a network of cells, send and receive radio signals. Cell phones contain low-power transmitters that let them communicate with the nearest tower.
As you travel, you move from one cell to another, and the base stations monitor the strength of your phone's signal. As you move toward the edge of one cell, your signal strength diminishes. At the same time, the base station in the cell you are approaching notices the strength of your signal increasing. As you move from cell to cell, the towers transfer your signal from one to the next.
In remote locations, towers may be so far apart that they can't provide a consistent signal. Even when towers are plentiful, mountains and tall buildings can interrupt their signals. Sometimes people have a hard time getting clear signals inside buildings, especially in elevators.
­ Even without a GPS receiver, your cell phone can provide information about your location. A computer can determine your location based on measurements of your signal, such as:
· Its angle of approach to the cell towers
· How long it takes the signal to travel to multiple towers
· The strength of your signal when it reaches the towers
Since obstacles like trees and buildings can affect how long it takes your signal to travel to a tower, this method is often less accurate than a GPS measurement.­­
GPS Receiver Basics
Like a cell phone, a GPS receiver relies on radio waves. But instead of using towers on the ground, it communicates with satellites that orbit the Earth. There are currently 27 GPS satellites in orbit -- 24 are in active use and 3 act as a backup in case another satellite fails.
In order to determine your location, a GPS receiver has to determine:
· The locations of at least three satellites above you
· Where you are in relation to those satellites
The receiver then uses trilateration to determine your exact location. Basically, it draws a sphere around each of three satellites it can locate. These three spheres intersect in two points -- one is in space, and one is on the ground. The point on the ground at which the three spheres intersect is your location.
A GPS receiver has to have a clear line of sight to the satellite to operate, so dense tree cover and buildings can keep it from getting a fix on your location.
GPS receivers and cell phones have a lot in common, and both are very popular. In the next section, we'll look at some of the features of GPS-enabled cell phones.
GPS Phones
Nearly all new cell phones sold in America have some GPS receiving capability built in. Those that don't can connect to a server that uses techniques discussed in the last section to analyze their signals and determine their location. This allows the phones to transmit a person's location to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) after dialing 911. But that's all a lot of phones can do with their GPS.
However, some phones have a complete GPS receiver located in the phone or can connect to one with wires or through a Bluetooth connection. These GPS-enabled phones can understand programming languages like Java and can provide turn-by-turn directions or information about nearby businesses and attractions. Others can work like a tracking device. To use any of these features, you must have:
· A GPS-enabled phone or a compatible GPS receiver
· A calling plan that supports transmission of maps and GPS data
· A service plan or software that provides the actual maps and directions or provides information about the phone's location
Common uses for GPS phones include:
· Location Tracking: Some employers use GPS-enabled phones to track their employees' locations, and some business offer location tracking services for GPS-enabled phones. The Wherifone locator phone provides GPS coordinates and can dial emergency phone numbers. Parents and caregivers can track the phone's location by phone or online and can receive notification if it leaves a designated "safe area." Wearable Environmental Information Networks of Japan has also introduced the Dog @ Watch, a GPS watch phone for children.
· Turn-by-Turn Directions: GPS-enabled phones with view screens can often display turn-by-turn directions as well as announce them through the phone's speaker. In general, companies that offer these services charge a monthly fee and use a database of maps to provide the directions. The services are only as good as their database -- outdated maps can provide inaccurate directions. Some turn-by-turn direction services include:
o TeleNav
o ViaMoto
o MapQuest Find Me
o smart2Go, which requires a separate Bluetooth GPS receiver and a memory card
o Destinator SP, which is a software package for smartphones
· Outdoor Location Services: Trimble Outdoors offers maps and location-based services for hiking, mountain biking, geocaching and other outdoor activities.
· Other Location-Based Services: Some companies hope to deliver news, coupons, advertisements and other information to cell phone users based on their location.
Some other GPS-enabled phones include:
· Mio A701 Smart Phone
· Several Motorola phones offered through Sprint/Nextel
Follow the links on the next page for lots more information about cell phones, GPS systems and related technology.
Related HowStuffWorks Articles
· How GPS Receivers Work
· Cell Phone Quiz
· How Cell Phones Work
· How Buying a Cell Phone Works
· How Smartphones Work
· How Cell-phone Radiation Works
· How Radio Works
· How Microprocessors Work
· How Telephones Work
· How Intelligent Highways Will Work
· How Satellites Work
· How Location Tracking Works
· How Compasses Work
More Great Links
· GPS Cell Phone
· Global Positioning System Overview
· Cellular Telephone Basics
· Wireless-Assisted GPS
· GPS World
Sources
· Aquino, Grace. "GPS Phone Leads the Way." PCWorld, June 2004. http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,115893,00.asp
· Ellison, Carol. "GPS Phone to Take the Stage at CTIA." eWeek.com, March 10, 2005. http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1774953,00.asp
· "GPS-Enabled Cell Phones Taking Off." TechWeb, September 16, 2004. http://www.techweb.com/wire/mobile/47212213
· "New GPS to be Built into Cell Phones, Study Says." InformationWeek, May 13, 2005. http://informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=163101789
· Hamblen, Matt. "Don't Count on Using your Cell Phone for Disaster Rescue." PC World, July 7, 2005. http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,121744,00.asp
· Aquino, Grace. "Phones Use GPS to Show You the Way." PC World, August 2005. http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,121417,00.asp
· Levy, Steven. "A Future with Nowhere to Hide?" Newsweek International, June 7, 2005. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5093170/site/newsweek/
· Rojas, Peter. "Garmin Brings GPS to a Handful of Sprint Phones." Engadget, September 8, 2005. http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000667057924/
Source : http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gps-phone1.htm

Samsung INNOV8

Samsung INNOV8 also known as the i8510 is the company’s latest smartphone sporting Symbian S60 OS. The Innov8 takes the form of a slider handset having a 2.8-inch QVGA LCD capable of displaying 16 million colors.
The Samsung Innov8 is a photographer’s dream phone; featuring a massive 8-megapixel autofocus camera that offers image stabilization and blink, smile, and face detection, for the best possible photos. The camera also takes panoramic photographs, and uses the handset’s built-in GPS receiver to geotag images with location information. The Innov8 is also capable of recording QVGA video at up to 120 frames per second and VGA-resolution video at up to 30 frames per second, with a full suite video editing tools right on the Innov8.
The Samsung Innov8 is a photographer’s dream phone; featuring a massive 8-megapixel autofocus camera that offers image stabilization and blink, smile, and face detection, for the best possible photos. The camera also takes panoramic photographs, and uses the handset’s built-in GPS receiver to geotag images with location information. The Innov8 is also capable of recording QVGA video at up to 120 frames per second and VGA-resolution video at up to 30 frames per second, with a full suite video editing tools right on the Innov8.
If music is your thing, there’s a lot to love about the Innov8 - thanks to the built-in FM radio, 3D surround sound, and a standard 3.5mm audio. The Innov8 comes with 16GB of built-in memory in addition to a microSD card slot for even more storage options. Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support for stereo headsets makes wireless music much more enjoyable!
The Samsung Innov8 is the first Symbian S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2 smartphone to feature quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900MHz), and dual-band UMTS/HSDPA (900/2100MHz) support is also built-in. Other features include WiFi, built-in accelerometer, and a decent size 1200mAh battery for extended use.
by Vincent Nguyen source : http://www.phonemag.com/author/vincent/

AT&T announces the Nokia 6650’s release date November 14th

AT&T and Nokia have announced that the Nokia 6650 will be available on November 14th. This stylish phone features the Symbian-based S60 platform, running on the nations fastest 3G network, the 6650 offers a broad range of mobile services including. AT&T Video ShareSM and AT&T Mobile Music.

The Nokia 6650 will be available in red and silver, perfect for the holiday season. As with all of Nokia’s phones running S60, there will be plenty of customization options and third party applications for this handset. The 6650 offers users up to 4 hours of talk time, which is not bad for a phone capable of ding so much. This mobile phone is great for taking pictures; the external soft keys work really well whit the 2-megapixle camera and 1.36-inch display.
“AT&T’s reputation of offering the best and broadest choice of mobile phones is strengthened with the addition of the Nokia 6650,” said Carlton Hill, vice president of Consumer Devices and Product Development for AT&T’s Mobility and Consumer Markets. “Adding another Symbian-based device to our lineup underscores our commitment to customer choice.”
The Nokia 6650 has a large variety of features including:
2.0 megapixel camera - Integrated flash that allows customers to capture quality photos
Brushed metal fold design - Features a sharp 2.2-inch display with QVGA (16 million colors) resolution
· AT&T Navigator - A dedicated key allows customers to access AT&T Navigator with a click of a button
· AT&T Video Share - The first-ever service in the U.S. that allows users to share live video over wireless devices while participating in a voice call
· AT&T Mobile Music - Customers can listen and download their favorite music from Napster, eMusic, XM Radio and more wirelessly over the air
The Nokia 6650 will be available tomorrow at AT&T retail locations nationwide for $69.99 USD after $50 mail-in rebate with a two-year service agreement.
by Shawn Brown
[Via Nokia]

Nokia E71 gets official on Rogers

In a move that has been very long in the making, Rogers has officially acknowledged that it will be carrying the Nokia E71 in the near future. With the N95 8GB being such a huge seller, Rogers is hoping that the E71 will prove to be popular not only with consumers who are seeking a device that offers a better compromise between business and pleasure, but with people who want a great 3G smartphone that isn’t the Bold or iPhone 3G. The specs of the Rogers E71 are as follows:
- Quad-band GSM/GRSP/EDGE
- 850/1900 MHz UMTS/HSDPA (3.6 mbps)
- 114mm x 57mm x 10mm, 127g
- 128MB RAM/256MB ROM
- S60 3rd Edition FP1, Symbian 9.2
- 320 x 240 display
- 802.11b/g and aGPS
- microSD
- microUSB
- Full-QWERTY keypad and metal body construction
- 10.5 hours talk-time, 408 hours stand-by
(via http://www.boygeniusreport.com/) thanks Michael Bettiol

Samsung M320 - red (Sprint)

If you're looking for a low-end camera phone with a simple design, you can always count on Samsung. The company spins them out fast and furiously in the United States, particularly in the run-up to the holiday season. The Samsung SPH-M320 for Sprint is the newest model to fit this mold. Its design is minimalist and easy to use, and it offers a quality VGA camera. On the downside, the call quality is variable, and the display is a little two low-res for our tastes. But, in the end, it's not a bad handset for occasional callers. Alternatively, if you want the basic functionality without the shooter, the SPH-M220 is the SPH-M320's cameraless counterpart. The M320 is just $19.99 with service.
DesignThe SPH-M320 has a standard flip-phone design, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have its good points. The red color is attractive, and the light-catching mirror goes easy on the fingerprints and smudges. At 3.6 inches tall by 1.86 inches wide by 0.85 inch deep, and weighing 2.68 ounces, the phone is also slim, lightweight, and compact. The handset feels comfortable in the hand, and the hinge is sturdy, but the plastic skin feels a tad flimsy.
The external display is no bigger than a postage stamp, but it shows all the information you need, including the date, time, battery life, signal strength, and numeric caller ID. And with support for 65,000 colors (96x96 pixels), it also shows photo caller ID and works as a viewfinder for the external display, which sits just above. You can choose from a few clock styles and adjust the contrast. The remaining exterior controls include a volume rocker and a micro-USB port on the left spine, and a 2.5mm headset jack and a camera shutter on the right spine.
The SPH-M320's internal display measures a sizable 1.8 inches, but it supports just 65,000 colors (128x145 pixels). On a phone without a camera we wouldn't really mind, but even a handset with a VGA shooter deserves a higher-resolution screen. Colors were relatively bright and the menus are simple, but graphics and photos were far from sharp. You can change the backlighting time, the brightness, and the dialing-font size and color.
We very much approved of the SPH-M320's navigation array and keypad. Both have spacious layouts with tactile buttons. What's more, the numbers on the keys are large and the backlighting is bright. On the array there's a four-way toggle with a central OK button, two soft keys, Talk and End/power controls, and a back key. The toggle doubles as a shortcut to four features of your choice.
FeaturesThe SPH-M320's phone book holds 499 contacts, with room in each entry for five phone numbers, a URL, an e-mail address, a nickname, and notes. You can assign callers to groups and pair them with a photo and one of 20 polyphonic ringtones. Alternatively, you can compose your own ringtones using the integrated voice recorder. Other essentials include a vibrate mode, text and multimedia messaging, a calendar, a scheduler, a task list, a countdown timer, a memo pad, a world clock, an alarm clock, and a calculator.
Though it is miles from being a smartphone, the SPH-M320 offers a couple of extra options. Inside you'll find Bluetooth, voice dialing, and an airplane mode. It also offers instant messaging and browser-based POP3 e-mail. The latter isn't the most user-accessible experience, but it works in a pinch.
Reviewed by: Kent GermanSource : http://reviews.cnet.com

Nokia 6650 Available on AT-T US

AT-T and Nokia announced the availability of the Nokia 6650, a stylish mobile device featuring the Symbian-based S60 platform. Designed with premium materials and customizable illumination, the stylish Nokia 6650 will be available to AT-T customers beginning Nov. 14 in red and silver, colors fit for the holiday season.
The Nokia 6650 features external soft keys and a 1.36-inch display that allows customers to capture quality photos, control music and change profile settings without ever having to open their device. Other features includes:
· 2.0 megapixel camera - Integrated flash that allows customers to capture quality photos
· Brushed metal fold design - Features a sharp 2.2-inch display with QVGA (16 million colors) resolution
· AT-T Navigator - A dedicated key allows customers to access AT-T Navigator with a click of a button
· AT-T Video Share - The first-ever service in the U.S. that allows users to share live video over wireless devices while participating in a voice call
· AT&T Mobile Music - Customers can listen and download their favorite music from Napster, eMusic, XM Radio and more wirelessly over the air
The Nokia 6650 will be available from AT-T retail stores nationwide beginning Nov. 14 for $69.99 with a two-year service agreement.

Source : http://www.slashphone.com/

Verizon Wireless And Photobucket Launch Instant Mobile Photo Uploading

Verizon Wireless and Photobucket today announced the availability of a new mobile photo service on select Verizon Wireless handsets that enables Verizon Wireless customers to easily send photos from a mobile device to a Photobucket album. The application will launch exclusively for Verizon Wireless customers and cost a monthly subscription fee of $2.99. The subscription fee allows you to send unlimited mobile photos to your photobucket account.
To utilize the application, Verizon Wireless subscribers sign up for a Photobucket account and enter their log-in information to link their Verizon Wireless account to their Photobucket online photo album. Once the accounts are connected, the application instantly uploads photos already saved on the phone to the user’s Photobucket account. The Photobucket Mobile Uploader then automatically sends any future photos directly to the same Photobucket account.
Source: www.slashphone.com

FlyCast Goes Live On BlackBerry®!

This folks is something I have been waiting for ever since Kevin mentioned it even before the BlackBerry Developer Conference. Now while the wait was a little bit of a killer for me personally, I'm finally able to say the wait is indeed now over and was well worth the it. FlyCast has come to your BlackBerry and has come bringing all of what it promised.
Never heard of FlyCast? You should read CrackBerry more! With over 1,000 channels of Music and entertainment, FlyCast stands and delivers an experience that I think BlackBerry users have been waiting for, with all this content being able to be streamed directly to your device for no charge to you, who can refuse. Content is king and FlyCast brings it to you.
FlyCast delivers a massive spectrum of content including news, talk, sports, traffic, weather and of course music. All this content is rolled up nicely in a very easy on the eyes GUI that fits in quite nicely with the Curves and Bolds out there and I'm sure will look great on the soon to be launched Storm. Sorry Pearl users, there's no love for you on this one at the moment.
Now I have to admit not all was rosey with the launch of FlyCast but that has no real bearing on its uses and user experience at this point. The thing I'm referring to here is the set up process. Shortly after launch I was unable to register the application from my device (invalid USERID error), no big deal. I hit up the support forums and quickly found the answer I was needing. I headed to the online registration and was up and running in 2 mins.
First up, the user interface is right at home on your device - the controls are well laid out and easily identifiable as to what they are. The only complaint I can mention here was that often times I saw the clock (hour glass) spinning on my Bold, often causing a lttle bit of lag in the device, but not while outside the FlyCast application itself. It was only while in the app I saw this happening... it obviously is an app that takes up a lot of system resources.
Next we have content. With over 1,000 stations to choose from at this point, FlyCast has you covered! Wanna listen to oldies? Or maybe rap is your thing? No worries either way as it's all there. Heck maybe talk radio is what you dig...FlyCast even has you covered there! This is probably the closest you will get to sattelite radio on your BlackBerry aside from XM Mobile. [ Note: Some channels are uncensored as well - at least that was the case with some of the ones I listened to. ]
Now comes the most mportant thing. Connectivity. How does FlyCast handle the situation with streaming? Is it like trying to watch an online video using dial up? No where near it actually (from my experience). I tested all options with this, from EDGE to 3G to WiFi. My experiences with EDGE was what I would call "sufficient." It was not the BEST experience, with the odd buffering and stalling at times but of course all this is reliant upon coverage as well. If you are in a good EDGE area you can expect less of this happening. 3G on Rogers was rock solid for me as well as over WiFi. I guess this sort of performance should just be expected, but sometimes you can't help but to expect the worst with these types of apps. One thing I did notice, that I have no real explanation for, is that the stations ran by AccuRadio always seemed to stream better then some of the others... maybe their services have more server power behind them?
With some enhanced features built into FlyCast such as something they refer to as SongSkip, which allows users to skip ahead to the next song over the streaming audio (impressive), right down to StreamSlip, which allows for listening to music/shows without an active connection, I see FlyCast making a big splash on BlackBerry devices.
For those interested in FlyCast you can pick it up at http://www.flycast.fm and if maybe FlyCast turns out to not be your thing, be sure to check out Nobex Radio Companion - they were the BlackBerryCool 15 winners sponsored by the BlackBerry Partners Fund and offer a fabulous service as well for streaming radio.

source : http://crackberry.com

Blackberry® Bold Goes On Sale in the U.S.

After slight delays in October, the BlackBerry Bold has finally goes on sale in US, offered by AT-T. The BlackBerry Bold smartphone is available now for as low as $299.99. Unlimited corporate e-mail and data access via BlackBerry Enterprise Server or BlackBerry Professional Software are available from $45 a month when a qualified voice plan is also chosen. Voice plans start at $39.99 per month. BlackBerry Bold customers with unlimited data plans also qualify for free AT-T Wi-Fi service with more than 17,000 hot spots including Starbucks, Barnes and Noble and thousands of other locations.

“Election Day is all about choice, and the addition today of the BlackBerry Bold to AT-T’s industry-leading roster of smartphones gives AT-T customers yet another fantastic choice through which they can have a superior experience in accessing e-mail, making a phone call, browsing the Web or performing myriad other data functions,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president of Devices for AT-T’s wireless operation. “Quite simply, the BlackBerry Bold is the best BlackBerry smartphone ever, and it’s available from the world’s leading provider of BlackBerry services only to AT-T customers here in the U.S.”
The BlackBerry Bold comes pre-loaded with several popular applications including AT-T Navigator, CV (Cellular Video), YELLOWPAGES.COM Mobile and selections from AT-T Mobile Music service - XM Radio Mobile and MusicID. AT&T also provides customers with tens of thousands of uses for their BlackBerry Bold smartphone through content available in the AT-T MEdia Mall and from third-party partner sites.
The BlackBerry Bold smartphone features a lustrous black exterior, satin chrome-finished frame and a half-VGA (480 x 320 at 217 ppi) color display and a newly designed full QWERTY keyboard. On the inside, a powerful new 624 megahertz (MHz) mobile processor that provides impressive performance, more storage memory than ever before - 1 gigabyte (GB) on board and up to 16 GB via its microSD/SDHC expansion slot - and a rich set of multimedia capabilities, including a media player for music, videos and photos and a 2 megapixel camera with built-in flash, zoom and video recording, as well as an optimized Web-browsing experience with desktop-style depiction.
SlashGear has done an unboxing, hands-on and a review on the new BlackBerry Bold for AT-T, check them out if you are getting one!
Source: (www.slashphone.com)

Blackberry® Bold™

Some matters if you wish to know about Blackberry Bold, follow this information.
The BlackBerry® Bold™ smartphone is a symbol of what you’ve already accomplished – and the achievements still to come.
Discover Pure Innovation
Power the passions you pursue with a smartphone that expresses your style and simplifies your life.
The BlackBerry® Bold™ smartphone embodies elegant design — without sacrificing the features or functionality you expect from a premium smartphone.
Learn about the BlackBerry Bold smartphone features.
Feature :The BlackBerry® Bold™ smartphone is pure innovation. Discover how it can power the passions you pursue.
The BlackBerry Experience: No Compromises
With email, phone, IM and the Internet, it can connect you1. With an integrated organizer, it can help you stay on top of your day. With camera and video recording2, you can capture and share the moment with just a few clicks.
And that’s just the beginning. Learn about these great features:
Email
Advanced Phone Features
Instant Messaging
Internet Browser
Camera and Video Recording
Wireless Modem
Fast Performance
Do more - do it faster. The BlackBerry Bold smartphone was designed to take advantage of the speeds available on the HSDPA network1,3. Together, this high speed network and the 624-MHz processor help support your need to multitask and prioritize with access to your voice and data services at the same time.
Multimedia
The fun goes with you. Enjoy premier image and video viewing, build playlists of your favorite songs and organize your media files. You can even use BlackBerry® Media Sync to transfer desktop iTunes® music files to your smartphone. The BlackBerry Bold smartphone delivers a wealth of entertainment. Learn more about media on your BlackBerry Bold smartphone:
Media Player
BlackBerry Media Sync
Roxio Media Manager
GPS and BlackBerry Maps
Know where you stand. With built-in GPS capabilities, and BlackBerry® Maps, you get turn-by-turn directions, so you can pinpoint where you are right now and where you need to be1,4. Learn more about finding your way:
GPS Capabilities
BlackBerry Maps
Wi-Fi
Simple and straightforward. Lower your cellular costs and get service in areas where cellular network coverage may be limited or unavailable, with BlackBerry data services over Wi-Fi® networks.5
Wi-Fi Support
File Editing
With WordToGo and SlideshowToGo, you can work on Microsoft® Word and Microsoft® PowerPoint® slides while you’re on the go.1,6 Copy and paste, adjust font formatting and more.7 The stunning LCD display makes working on the go an invaluable option.
Mobile Streaming
The built-in mobile streaming capabilities on the BlackBerry Bold smartphone are designed so that you can watch online videos or listen to streamed music broadcasts.8 Access information and fun without using up the memory on your BlackBerry smartphone.
Mobile Streaming and other Browser functions
Brilliant Display
Color and clarity come to life. The screen of the BlackBerry Bold smartphone catches the eye and is designed to deliver color and clarity that exceed expectations. From the moment you turn it on, you’ll be blown away by explicit color and quality.
Power
With the BlackBerry Bold smartphone’s long-lasting, removable battery, you’ve got the power to get things done, whether you’re traveling, working away from the office or just on the go.4
Learn More
BlackBerry Bold Specifications
Where to Buy
1 Requires activation with data plan. 2 Depending on the amount of built-in memory available for use, a third-party microSD card may need to be properly inserted into the BlackBerry smartphone to enable the video recording feature. MicroSD cards may be sold separately.3 Actual speeds may vary by carrier and are dependent on network load.4 Only available where BlackBerry Maps service is available.5 Wi-Fi access may be blocked in certain locations. Users should also investigate the level of security available on any Wi-Fi network they are considering connecting to.6 Requires BlackBerry Enterprise Server v4.1.57 WordToGo does not support Microsoft Word 20078 The BlackBerry Bold smartphone is designed to access 3GPP RTSP mobile streaming websites. When streaming functionality is accessed via the WAP Browser, significant, additional charges may apply. Check with your service provider for supported features and services. 9 Results may vary. Network availability and coverage affect battery life and are dependent upon a number of factors, including location and transmission environment.
Source: na.blackberry.com

Meta4orce – Papervision Site for the BBC

I just caught this site via the blog of Iain Lobb (head of interactive at Bloc Media) who commented on my last post. It’s an incredibly slick site developed using the Great White branch of Papervision3D. The site is (for) a TV and online cartoon series, providing a nice cross media experience.
The main things that stood out for me were the production quality of the games and the audio which is very high quality and just as importantly, very well integrated.
There’s a game for each episode, the “Shock to the System” game is the last item in the Episode 2 menu, and reminds me somewhat of Tron. (Speaking of which, Tron 2 looks like a must see!).
You can read more about the development of the site over at Iain’s blog. Congratulations on the great work.

Written by Richard Leggett

Nokia announces 6 new low-cost phones

Nokia has announced a range of affordable mobile phones. These phones are Nokia 7100 Supernova, Nokia 5130 XpressMusic, Nokia 2320 classic, Nokia 2323 classic/2330 classic, Nokia 1202 and Nokia 1661.
Nokia 7100 Supernova
Of course, you can guess that the Nokia 7100 Supernova is an addition to the popular Supernova collection. The colorful device is highlighted by its large, high resolution color screen, FM radio and a 1.3 megapixel camera, support for Share on Ovi as well as other photo sharing sites. This phone will be available in the fourth quarter of 2008 with an estimated retail price of €75.
The Nokia 5130 XpressMusic is Nokia’s most affordable music phone to date. This phone has dedicated music keys, a digital music player, FM radio and a standard 3.5 mm connector for headphones, an integrated 2 megapixel camera. The affordable music phone also supports image sharing through Share on Ovi and expected to begin shipping in the first quarter of 2009 with an estimated retail price of €90.
Nokia 2330 classic, Nokia 2323 classic
The Nokia 2320 classic, Nokia 2323 classic and Nokia 2330 classic will support Mail on Ovi and Nokia Life Tools. The 2320 classic and the 2323 classic are expected to begin shipping during the second quarter of 2009 with an estimated retail price of €40, while the 2330 classic is expected to begin shipping in the same period with a retail price of €50.
Nokia 1202
The Nokia 1202 is Nokia’s lowest cost mobile device to date with price of €25. This phone includes standard features like a flashlight, extended battery life, loud ringtones and a phone book for up to five users and will be available in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Nokia 1661
The Nokia 1661 is Nokia’s lowest cost color phone including an FM radio, a large color screen, flashlight support, loud ringtones and multiple phonebooks. This phone is expected to hit the market in the first quarter of 2009 with a retail price of €30.[via Cellular News]

What if iPhone and Blackberry Supported Flash Lite?

I was looking over the e-Learning Guild’s 360 report on mobile learning, released several months back. What really jumped out for me was the survey regarding targeted devices. Granted the results are anecdotal and not from a scientific survey, but none the less it does reflect answers from 240 m-learning designers from numerous regions around the world.
Of the devices m-learning targets:
34% support Flash Lite (21% in the USA) - e.g. Symbian and Windows Mobile
62% target iPhone and Blackberry (76% in the USA).
After adding these numbers up, one could conclude that IF/WHEN Flash Lite is on the iPhone and Blackberry Flash Lite can potentially be used as the m-learning development tool for 96% of the devices currently targeted (97% in the USA).
Yes, this is all hypothetical, but I and many others are of the opinion that the iPhone and Blackberry will eventually support Flash Lite. Let’s just hope sooner than later.
The e-Learning Guild did provide the following links regarding the possibility of Flash Lite on iPhones:
http://www.alleyinsider.com/2008/6/adobe_flash_apple_iphone_maybe_someday
http://www.flashdevices.net/2008/03/adobe-flash-player-coming-to-iphone.html
written by Jeff Goldman

The BlackBerry® Storm™ 9530

The BlackBerry® Storm™ 9530 smartphone has the power and performance to drive your desires. Find out how you can connect to your world.
Easy Touch Screen Navigation
The BlackBerry Storm 9530 smartphone features a SurePress™ touch screen—an innovative, pressable touch screen that allows fast-navigating and accurate typing.
With a SurePress touch screen, typing is easy—simply touch the screen to highlight a letter and then press down to make that letter appear in your message or document. A subtle click lets you know the letter has been entered.
The SurePress touch screen also makes navigation a breeze. Like a mouse, your fingertip becomes the cursor as you navigate from application to application. To open an application, press down on the screen.
Get More Out of Your Day
The HSPA network and the BlackBerry Storm smartphone’s 528-MHz processor combine to support your need to multitask and prioritize without falling behind or out of touch. Designed to provide you with access to your voice and data services at the same time, it helps you get more out of every day.1
Take phone calls while sending and responding to email or browsing the Internet
Maintain GPS-based directions or maps on your display even while taking a call
Snap the perfect picture and send it out even when you’re already on the phone
Discuss and revise Microsoft® Word, Microsoft Excel® and Microsoft® PowerPoint® files—edit while using the speakerphone2
Flexible Communications
You don’t stay in touch with all the people in your life in the exact same way. Stay on top of what’s happening and be available to the people who need you with high-quality voice and text-based communications options, including:
Wireless email for your personal/web-based and business accounts3
Advanced phone features such as voice activated dialing, conference calling, speakerphone and voicemail attachment playback4
Instant messaging and text messaging (SMS and MMS)3
Access to social networking sites like Facebook® and MySpace®3
World Phone Edition
The BlackBerry Storm 9530 smartphone is designed to roam globally on UMTS/HSPA and quandband EDGE/GSM/GPRS networks. So you can travel around the world with mobile voice and data coverage, without having to change smartphones, phone numbers or email addresses.
Camera and Video Recording
At 3.2 megapixels, you can take sharp, print-quality pictures using the BlackBerry Storm smartphone. You can also rely on the auto focus and auto flash to help you capture the moment.
And when an event can’t be captured in a single instant, use sound and action to tell part of the story with the video camera.5
Multimedia
Whether you want to watch a video clip or tune out the rest of the world by listening to your favorite songs, your BlackBerry Storm smartphone delivers visual and sound quality that keeps up with your needs.
1 GB of built-in memory—add up to 16 GB more using microSD cards6
Sync your desktop iTunes® music files using BlackBerry® Media Sync7,8,9,10
Use Roxio® Media Manager to help create your own personal juke box
GPS and BlackBerry Maps
The BlackBerry Storm smartphone features built-in Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilities. Designed to work with BlackBerry® Maps and other location-based software, use it to help determine where you are and how to get to where you need to be.3,11,12

Enjoy large, clear maps on the HVGA touch screen.
Mobile Streaming
Stay in the know even when you’re on the go with access to the mobile versions of news, television and other media sites. Interested in a funny clip from YouTube or the incredible play from last night’s game? The built-in mobile streaming capabilities on the BlackBerry Storm smartphone are designed so that you can watch online clips like these or even listen to streamed music broadcasts.13
Learn More
View the BlackBerry Storm smartphone specifications
1 Simultaneous voice and data connectivity is only available when the BlackBerry Storm smartphone is connected to a HSPA GSM network.2 Requires activation with voice and data plan.3 Requires activation with data plan.4 Requires activation with voice plan.5 Depending on the amount of built-in memory available for use, a third-party microSD card may need to be properly inserted into the BlackBerry Storm smartphone to enable the video recording feature. MicroSD cards may be sold separately.6 The BlackBerry Storm smartphone accepts microSD cards of various sizes; the amount of storage is determined by card capacity. MicroSD cards may be sold separately.7 For BlackBerry Media Sync to work your media enabled BlackBerry smartphone must be connected to your computer via a USB cable. Certain music files may not be supported by the media player, including incompatible file types and files that contain digital rights management technologies.8 BlackBerry Media Sync is compatible with devices featuring BlackBerry Device software v4.2 or higher. Devices that do not feature built-in mass storage capabilities (significant amounts of on-board memory) will require a microSD card to be properly inserted. Please visit www.blackberry.com/mediasync/microSD for a list of devices requiring microSD cards.9 BlackBerry Media Sync is compatible with 32-bit editions of Windows XP Service Pack 2 which can be used with iTunes version 7.0 or higher AND 32-bit editions of Windows Vista which can be used with iTunes version 7.2 or higher. Not compatible with Windows 2000 or MAC OS.10 All applicable charges will still apply for the purchase of music from iTunes. 11 For details services and their coverage areas visit www.blackberry.com/maps.12 Only available where BlackBerry Maps service is available.13 The BlackBerry Storm smartphone is designed to access 3GPP RTSP mobile streaming websites. When the streaming functionality is accessed via the WAP Browser, significant, additional charges may apply. Check with your service provider for supported features and services.Source (na.blackberry.com) Related post: mobile4U. mobile4U Info : Getting the first full touch screen BlackBerry smartphone? Crackberry has posted the BlackBerry Storm 9530 manual, you can download the 249 pages user manual first to know about the smartphone in detail! Click here to download the file (1.14 MB)