January 20, 2008
iPhone Sales Fall 5 Percent Below Expectations in the UK [IPhone]
The Financial Times reports that UK sales of the Apple iPhone weren't quite up to par, selling 190,000 phones against a target of 200,000 in the first two months. Some analysts even projected sales in the range of 350,000-400,000. Many cite the high price of the phone, saying the average phone is free and the average plan is under 30. In the UK the iPhone goes for 269 and the plan is 899 over 18 months. In U.S. Dollars thats $529 for the phone and $98/month for the plan. Ouch. [Financial Times via The Inquirer]
From iPhone Sales Fall 5 Percent Below Expectations in the UK [IPhone]
Posted by Peter at 11:31 AM
January 12, 2008
FCC Chairman Kicking Cable and Wireless Ass in 2008 [Fcc]
The initials F-C-C don't usually engender excitement, but at least according to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, it's ground zero for most of the broadcasting, wireless and high-bandwidth landline innovations we'll see in the next couple years. Martin spilled on everything from the 700MHz auction to a rumored DirecTV/Dish network merger. (Seriously.) They covered a lot of stuff, here's the Cliff's Notes: 700 MHz auction and analog-to-digital TV switchover ' Martin says the neat stuff he saw at CES last year led in part to the 700MHz auction open-access rules ' He thinks it's "possible" we'll see 700MHz devices within a year'"which is why the "hard" analog cutoff date of Feb. 19, 2009 is important ' Speaking of, the cutoff date is engraved in frickin' stone, people'"no extensions ' He has no interest in "any particular company winning," just wants someone to make the minimum bid that would enforce open access ' Regarding big bidder Verizon, Martin said it "may win" the auction (Freudian slip?) ' Since poor broadband penetration in rural areas is the main reason we're so far behind Asia, the 700MHz will serve as a good bridge, and might even become the new broadband platform Cable ' Neither Martin nor CEA chief Gary Shapiro have any love for cable'"no wonder the FCC's been reaming them ' "We've seen a signficant decrease in prices" in everything the FCC regulates except cable'"that's gonna change ' It is "critical" that consumer-electronic devices are able to attach to cable networks and do two-way communication without a set-top box (i.e., two-way CableCARD is mandatory) ' Proposed pay-per-channel cable is a "real market solution" to cable sucking balls and "I'm doing everything I can" to make it happen ' Independent content providers such as NFL Network need to be able to get their shows on cable Comcast's Alleged Blockage of BitTorrent ' He's going to investigate it (FCC investigates "all complaints") and make sure no one is being blocked from access in a "discriminatory way" ' If a company engaged in "reasonable network practice" for traffic management they should be honest about it Satellite Radio and TV ' The FCC will look at XM and Sirius merger proposal "soon," but "isn't sure" it'll clear all the hurdles'"awaiting on Department of Justice ' Regarding a potential, but by no means proposed, merger of DirecTV and Dish, he doesn't know whether the XM-Sirius thing would set a precedent; at the bare minimum they'd have to enforce the same price protection XM and Sirius are proposing Broadband Penetration ' "We've done some very significant steps over the last three years" toward increasing the options for broadband'"in particular letting telcos get into IPTV so they'd invest in fiber optic pipes; busting up cable apartment contracts, etc. ' Wants to redefine the term "broadband" to higher speeds'"200Kbps is not broadband and people are getting hosed DRM ' "We need to make sure that consumers have fair use, reasonable expectations" that they can "copy things and use them themselves" which is "not only fair but important, and we need to continue to protect that." ' "I do believe that fair use" and protecting what "consumers are able to do in their home on their devices" is the "guiding principle," and that's a "reasonable and fair" expectation In sum, more openness, more competition, more consumer protections'"in theory. It could be a great year for us across the board at the expense of closed industries, particularly cable and wireless. I actually feel like the government is working for us for a change.
From FCC Chairman Kicking Cable and Wireless Ass in 2008 [Fcc]
Posted by Perry at 05:48 PM
Confirmed: Nokia N95 8GB USA Edition [Cellphones]
Nokia just told me that the N95 8GB USA edition with HSDPA support for 3G is official.
From Confirmed: Nokia N95 8GB USA Edition [Cellphones]
Posted by Ken at 04:30 PM
January 08, 2008
Hands On Sony Ericsson W350: Like a Japanese Art Phone But Thinner [Hands
The Sony Ericsson W350 a small phone that reminds me a lot of the Media Skin phone a ton of people carried around while I was in Japan'"there's a razor-thin flip plate that covers the keypad, though the W350 adds the twist of music controls on the front. It's not feature packed, but it'll probably be cheap when it drops and it's definitely pocket-worthy for someone wanting a slick budget media phone.
From Hands On Sony Ericsson W350: Like a Japanese Art Phone But Thinner [Hands
Posted by Chris at 04:50 PM
Motorola Drops Bluetooth and Wired 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
Posted by Gary at 09:29 AM
January 04, 2008
BlueAnt V1 Bluetooth Headset First Ever With True Voice User Interface
The Deal: BlueAnt, who we've seen some Bluetoothiness from before, is introing "the first ever Bluetooth headset with a true voice user interface," the BlueAnt V1. The VUI is powered by BlueGenie, which is the first time it's been used on a headset. Other than the big ant-stamped button, it should be pretty hands-free, with commands like "accept call" and "volume up" and "kick the guy in front of me." The Drag: Voice control can be wonky, so you might want to use buttons.
From BlueAnt V1 Bluetooth Headset First Ever With True Voice User Interface
Posted by Russell at 03:57 PM
December 18, 2007
iPhone SDK in the Wild
According to Wired's sources, while all developers will get the iPhone SDK in February, some "big ones" may already have it in their hands now, readying applications to "whet developers' appetites" (as if they needed any whetting) and tell Gizmodo to TFSU. [Wired]
Posted by Tom at 01:31 PM
December 11, 2007
DoCoMo's Child-Friendly 3G Phone Comes With RC Bracelet
DoCoMo, purveyor of multi-colored phones to Pantone fans in Japan has come up with a 3G phone aimed at kids. As well as having many safety features and a keyboard designed for small fingers, the F801i, which goes on sale in Japan December 20, comes with a bright yellow "amulet." Not to ward off evil phone spirits, but as a remote control and lost phone locator you wear round the wrist. See it, and a gallery with more info, below. 
When the alarm is activated, all sorts of things happen: A piercing 100-decibel alarm goes off, dazzling LED lights and the cell calls up to three pre-programmed emergency numbers of the parents' choosing. The child's location can also be sent via SMS to registered individuals. Actually, it sounds like the perfect phone for accident-prone technicolor dreamers. It's waterproof for up to 30 minutes, can withstand jets of water being squirted at it, lose it and, if you press a button on the spanky yellow bracelet, it will bleep if you are within 10 meters of it. If you're not, the phone will shut down automatically, sending a message to another DoCoMo cell if phone and bracelet are not reunited within five minutes. Available in light blue, orange, black and white, there was a massive, child-friendly launch in Tokyo this morning. [NTT DoCoMo Press Release via Wireless Watch Japan and Akihabara News]
From DoCoMo's Child-Friendly 3G Phone Comes With RC Bracelet
Posted by Mel at 10:28 AM
