January 18, 2008
iPhone 1.1.3's Lesser-Known Features [Cellphones]
You already know the main features of iPhone 1.1.3 from our hands-on and from the keynote, but there are a few interesting tweaks that got lost in all the other Apple coverage. ' The SMS storage has been upped from 1,000 to 75,000, which means you probably won't need to ever clear a conversation unless you really enjoy texting. ' The keyboard now allows two-finger typing, so holding shift + a key lets you type caps. ' Gmail on the phone automatically defaults to IMAP, which means deleting messages on your phone affects stuff server-side. ' Various bugs hit on Bluetooth and email checks, but workarounds have been found. [iPhone Atlas] [TUAW]
From iPhone 1.1.3's Lesser-Known Features [Cellphones]
Posted by Jason at 11:56 AM
January 16, 2008
iPhone 1.1.3 Firmware Update is Official [Apple]
The iPhone got its expected firmware upgrade, delivering version 1.1.3 that we've seen and debated about before. It delivers new features like the ability to send SMS messages to multiple recipients at once, faux-GPS on Google Maps via triangulation, Google Maps showing the hybrid map view, drag and drop icons on the home screen and bookmarks on the home screen (i.e. Webclips). There are also some new features, such as videos with chapters, the ability to display lyrics on music. Check out some screenshots below and hit the jump for the official press release. Apple Enhances Revolutionary iPhone With Software Update MACWORLD SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apple(R) today announced a free software update for its revolutionary iPhone(TM) that allows users to automatically find their location using the redesigned Maps application*; text message multiple people in one message; create Web Clips for their favorite websites; customize their home screen; and watch movies rented from the new iTunes(R) Movie Rentals right on their iPhone. With its revolutionary multi-touch user interface and pioneering software, users can easily add significant new features to their iPhone through software updates whenever an update becomes available. New iPhone products shipping from the factory will include the software update and existing iPhone customers will automatically get the update for free when they sync their iPhone with iTunes (http://www.itunes.com). "iPhone doesn't stand still -- we're making it better and better all the time," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We've delighted millions of users with this revolutionary and magical product and it's great to share these improvements with them." Maps, one of the most popular and helpful applications on iPhone, has a new interface that is simpler and easier to use and adds incredible new features such as the ability to find your location automatically. With just the tap of a button, iPhone can now triangulate your position using nearby Wi-Fi base stations or cellular towers. You can use this as a starting or ending point for directions or to find local points of interest. The new hybrid map view combines map view and satellite view so you can see major street names overlaid on satellite imagery. Users can now create Web Clips -- icons on the home screen that take you directly to your favorite websites, including to the exact spot you have zoomed into. Web Clips are a great way to easily track websites that you frequently check such as news, blogs, sports sites and movie listings. In addition, users can now customize their home screen by repositioning any of the icons, and even create up to nine different home screens that they can easily flick between. iPhone's new software update also adds the ability to send the same SMS text message to multiple people, and iPhone saves a history of your text messages, so with one tap you can send a new message to the same group. With Apple's new iTunes Movie Rentals, movie fans can rent movies on their computer, easily and quickly transfer them to their iPhone, and watch them anywhere on iPhone's gorgeous 3.5 inch screen. Users can also now navigate forward or backward through their movies by chapters, select alternate language tracks and view subtitles, if available. Pricing & Availability The iPhone software update 1.1.3 is available immediately for free via iTunes 7.5 or later for all existing iPhone customers in the US, UK, Germany and France. New iPhone products shipping from the factory will include the software update and existing iPhone customers will automatically get the update for free when they sync their iPhone with iTunes (http://www.itunes.com). iTunes Movie Rentals are available in the US only. Further information for iPhone can be found at http://www.apple.com/iphone. *Availability and precision of Maps positioning features will vary depending on actual location.
From iPhone 1.1.3 Firmware Update is Official [Apple]
Posted by Alex at 09:21 AM
January 12, 2008
Motorola Drops Bluetooth and Wired Peripherals [Peripherals]
In addition to the phones Motorola showed off yesterday, they announced a bunch of headsets for your music listening needs. Here is a roundup of the lot: ' Motorola EQ5 and EQ7. These are Motorola's first entry into the wireless speaker market. The speakers will allow the user to take phone calls in speakerphone mode, with stereo sound. Connectivity relies on Bluetooth supporting the A2DP profile. ' Motorola S9-HD. This new Bluetooth headset is an upgrade of the likeable MOTOROKR S9. SRS WOW HD technology support is added, but styling remains true to the original. ' Motorola S605 Bluetooth Stereo Clip Headset. S605 is a traditional Bluetooth headset. Motorola's standalone Bluetooth headsets are not some of our favorites, but you choose your poison. ' EH70, EH50, EH25 and EH20 wired stereo headsets. Again, these are traditional wired headsets. Nothing exceptional here, standard stereo headsets for on the go music listening. 3.5mm jack connection. Check below for the entire press release: Wireless and Wired Accessories: Complete the Experience Motorola's new companion products provide consumers with a number of ways to enjoy their music. Motorola EQ5 and EQ7 are the first wireless speakers from Motorola that enable consumers to play music and take phone calls in speakerphone mode, with rich, stereo sound and elegant style. The portable speakers can easily connect with almost any MP3 player, PC or mobile phone through wireless Bluetooth technology (including A2DP Bluetooth profile) or a wired 3.5 mm jack The Motorola S9-HD Bluetooth headset, an upgraded version of the award-winning MOTOROKR S9, adds surround sound with SRS WOW HD technology, reduces ambient noise and provides more comfort with redesigned ear buds The Motorola S605 Bluetooth Stereo Clip Headset is an affordable and lightweight clip-on pendant and headset that provides wireless connections to Bluetooth enabled phones, while staying simultaneously connected to streaming music from and MP3 player or FM radio The EH70, EH50, EH25 and EH20 stereo headsets satisfy any style preference and add comfort, design and incredible sound to the mobile music experience. [Motorola PR Release]
From Motorola Drops Bluetooth and Wired Peripherals [Peripherals]
Posted by Stephen at 05:38 PM
December 21, 2007
Nokia Patent Shows N-Gage Revamp?
The Nokia N-Gage gaming system has already returned in software form on current series phones, but this patent for a handheld-like device seems to show that Nokia wants to make another serious thrust into mobile gaming. As the picture shows, it looks more like a PSP than it does a phone (it's even got extendable grips like the DualShock), but it's supposed to have camera and calling capabilities. If they can make this thing actually look like a phone and not a plastic taco (the original N-Gage), then there may be a chance yet. The only tacos we'll put up in our face are made out of meat. [Unwiredview]
From Nokia Patent Shows N-Gage Revamp?
Posted by Doug at 11:22 AM
Alleged Nokia N96 Spy Shots Look Yummypianoblacklicious
There are no technical details on these alleged pictures of the new Nokia N96, except that they are strangely clear to be fake spy shots. Looking at the reflection on the pictures of its back, it seems these photos were taken with another N96. If real, Nokia's new smartypants flagship will come with a 5 megapixel camera and Carl Zeiss optics, black piano finish in the front and back with a metal rim all around. Looks nice and it seems thinner than the N95 on the photos from its side: If these are real, it looks like a good evolution on the N95. [Mobile Review Forum - thanks Yogi]
From Alleged Nokia N96 Spy Shots Look Yummypianoblacklicious
Posted by Greg at 09:16 AM
December 20, 2007
Obscure Company Launches WM 6, GSM/CDMA Smartphone...in the US...for Gamblers
Interestingly enough, Hop-On, a company once known for making disposable cellphones, has introduced a Windows Mobile 6 smartphone dubbed the HOP2001 that is AT&T and Verizon ready. The phone features dual-mode GSM or CDMA, a 320 240 touchscreen, a 3-Megapixel camera with 10x zoom, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi, 256 MB Flash ROM and 128 MB SRAM, microSD expansion, and Telenav compatible GPS. If that wasn't interesting enough, the press release states that the phone "will have the ability to become the world's first handheld slot machine, bingo, video poker or black jack device"'"although details are scarce on how that sort of functionality might work. No matter how you look at it, a dual-mode GSM / CDMA gambling smartphone aimed at the U.S. market is a little on the weird side. Still, the product should be available now '" somewhere for some unknown price. [Product Page via SlipperyBrick via Crunchgear]
From Obscure Company Launches WM 6, GSM/CDMA Smartphone...in the US...for Gamblers
Posted by Perry at 08:06 AM
December 17, 2007
PS3 to Hook Up With Your Cellphone
The Remote Play functionality on the PS3/PSP is great, but Sony intends to extensively develop the feature set for broader external connectivity. Sony's CEO, Sir Howard Stringer, appeared in Tokyo and detailed how Sony intends to push the ever-booming success of the PS3. It is Sony's vision that the PS3 will eventually be able to link up to mobile phones, streaming all kind of media goodness on the go. As you can imagine, the very prospect has our PSP phone speculation senses running into overdrive. The planned connectivity expansion is due to begin rolling out, in some form, by April 2008. Sir Stringer told Reuters, "PlayStation Network next year puts us in the direct line of fire with Apple and Microsoft." Competing with Apple and Microsoft, what on Earth could he possibly have in mind? We agree with the fine folks at Game Spot, who theorize the PS3's guns are lining up against iTunes and Xbox Live. What do you guys make of the comment? Just to get the ball rolling, here are a few PSP phone rumors of old. [Game Spot]
From PS3 to Hook Up With Your Cellphone
Posted by Alex at 11:53 AM
December 13, 2007
MAXRoam SIM Card, International Calls Made Local
When traveling between various countries, especially in Europe, it's easy for calls to become expensive and to rip through prepaid SIM cards like no tomorrow. MAXRoam is a new international pay as you go SIM card that seems like it could be an excellent way for travelers to save a few dollars on calls'"up to 80% according to press release math. Storing up to 50 different numbers per card, users can call up to 40 countries with a "local number." These local calls, in turn, save you money. Yeah, sounds almost too simple, doesn't it? And there are some other neat bonuses, too. These different numbers can be handed out to friends or colleagues if you'd like to have separate lines or you do business/booty calls internationally. Plus, the SIM includes separate call forwarding and automated away message features. At about $45, the MAXRoam SIM seems like a pretty good solution for international calls if you don't mind keeping up with a few extra phone numbers. The only catch seems to be a "small monthly fee," which we think is their $3/month fee per line...which seems pretty reasonable. [product via mobileburn]
From MAXRoam SIM Card, International Calls Made Local
Posted by Richard at 05:58 PM
