mywaves, a new mobile video company that delivers Web video entertainment directly to consumers' cell phones, today unveiled its 10,000 channel mobile video service. Through a major new software release rolled out today, mywaves can now deliver the broadest offering of on-demand content directly to the mobile phone, ranging from sources like CNN to popular Web videos such as "Ask a Ninja," as well as personal videos.The mywaves service, which is free to consumers, works globally across all 3G carriers and most video-capable mobile phones. The company launched a beta version of their service (limited to 500 channels) in October this year. Since then, more than 20,000 users a week in 85 countries have been signing up to enjoy what's playing on mywaves. And today, the mywaves channel lineup increases to thousands by leveraging its patent- pending Web-based video syndication technology.  [Read]

New York City Cingular Wireless cardholders will be testing a new service that allows them to make purchases with their cell phones. Cingular announced yesterday that they are joining forces with Nokia, Citigroup and MasterCard Worldwide to try new cell phones that have MasterCard PayPass contactless payment capability. The trial will last 3-6 months and will allow the companies to determine if the "tap and go" payments using cell phones will be fast and convenience to consumers.  Several Citi MasterCard cardholders with Cingular Wireless accounts have been chosen to participate in the trial. The participants will receive a Nokia handset with "near-field communication" (NFC) technology and the MasterCard PayPass payment function built in. Using the phone, trial participants will be able to make purchases wherever MasterCard's PayPass is accepted by simply holding their phone near the card reader.  [Read]

LG Electronics, a worldwide technology leader in mobile communications, and Prada, one of the world’s leading brands in the luxury goods industry, today announce an exclusive partnership to develop an innovative and iconic mobile phone.The first Prada telephone by LG will combine high-end technology with avant-garde design offering the best in both style and performance. This forward-thinking product is the result of a different approach to the typical fashion designer and mobile phone manufacturer co-branding exercise.Leveraging on their respective expertise and know-how, Prada and LG have jointly explored and developed all aspects of this new product. [Read]

Skype recently released the beta version of Skype™ 2.2 for Windows Mobile that supports smartphones and enhances support for Pocket PC devices. Now available for smartphones powered by Windows Mobile software, as well as Pocket PCs, including those using lower-power processors, the latest incarnation of Skype software further extends Skype use beyond desktop or notebook computers. Skype is now supported by over 120 devices that run Windows Mobile software, giving more people the freedom to use Skype anywhere in the world where they have high-speed wireless access to the internet. Travelers who make Skype-to-Skype calls or use SkypeOut™ to call regular landlines can save considerably on roaming charges. [Read]

BlackBerry is suing Samsung who has recently launched the new "BlackJack" smart phone.  BlackBerry is charging Samsung with trademark infringement by claiming that "Samsung's use of the name "BlackJack" in connection with a smartphone" amounts to "unfair competition and trademark dilution."Cingular Wireless last month introduced the BlackJack in the United States by, which will compete strongly with BlackBerry devices and e-mail service. The BlackJack features a full "QWERTY" keyboard  for thumb typing messages, a concept first popularized by the BlackBerry.In BlackBerry's suit, filed last Friday, RIM suggested it was no accident that Samsung used a different name overseas, where BlackBerry is less popular, and then chose the BlackJack name for the market where BlackBerry is best known. [Read]

Samsung Electronics Co. today announced that it has developed a prototype fusion memory chip that can significantly increase the data processing speed between processors in mobile applications.Samsung's new fusion solution OneDRAM is expected to be specified in the design of handsets, game consoles and in other digital applications, especially those that use 3-dimensional graphics.The 133MHz 512Mb device incorporates a dual-port approach to sharply increase the time that it takes to transfer data between processors. Data managed by the processors is housed in a shared bank where the space for storing data can be adjusted accordingly. This meets the JEDEC low power double-data-rate (LPDDR) memory standard. [Read]

Sprint Nextel has launched the second dual-mode iDEN/CDMA handset; the Motorola ic402. The ic502 was launched last month. These dual-mode handsets are an important part of Sprint's integration strategy with Nextel by making Voice calls via Sprint PCS network and the walkie-talkie via Nextel iDEN network.  Main features of the Motorola ic402 include:iDEN and CDMA connectivity128×160 pixel screen with 65k colorsPush-to-Talk using Nextel Direct ConnectSpeakerphoneJava Enabled Weight: 4.41 oz: Dimension 3.69 x 2.11 x 0.98 in Internal Display: 1.8" 128 x 160 pixel CSTN Form Factor : Clamshell w/ retractable antenna [Read]

Canada's Manitobans will get even more out of their cell phones now that MTS Allstream Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc., QuickPlay Media Inc. and Standard Interactive have developed two new mobile services, Streaming TV and Streaming Radio, for MTS Mobility subscribers.Powered by QuickPlay Media’s Personal Entertainment Server, the new Streaming TV service allows users to access TV clips in a variety of categories that include weather forecasts, sports highlights, comedy clips, movie trailers, horoscopes and much more. Clips start instantly when selected. With no need to wait for downloading time, the service provides quickly accessible entertainment and information. The new Streaming Radio service, launched in association with Standard Interactive., allows users to access more than 40 stations of digital-stereo, commercial-free music that is available 24 hours a day.  This live on-demand, strictly music content is streamed in real time and also available through IcebergRadio.com, Standard Interactive’s streaming audio site. [Read]

Consumers can now save money by transferring their cell phones to new carriers without having to purchase a new cell phone thanks to the Library of Congress who has recently allowed cell phone users to unlock their GSM and iDen cell phones.  Now the question is, "How to I unlock my cell phone?” [Discuss]Currently, only Cingular, T-Mobile and Nextel cell phones can be unlocked. Cingular and T-Mobile offers GMS cell phones (GSM Cell Phone Unlocking FAQ), while Nextel offers iDen cell phones. Sprint, Verizon and Alltel users are out of luck because these carriers use CDMA phones which have locks and have to be individually authenticated by their network. Even if you unlock a CDMA phone, if it isn't on the serial number list of the network you're bringing it to, it won't work. And the carriers won't add individual new serial numbers to their databases. [Read]

NTT DoCoMo, Inc. and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced today that some D06 series batteries manufactured through May 2006 and installed in DoCoMo FOMA™ D902i handsets could generate excessive heat and possibly rupture during charging if the batteries have been subjected to a strong external impact.The problem is due to deformed electrode plates installed in the batteries. If the batteries are accidentally subjected to a strong external impact that results in a surface dent or similar depression, the deformed plates could pierce the batteries' internal insulation, resulting in an electrical short during, or right after, charging.The companies estimate that some 1.3 million D06 series batteries were manufactured through May 2006. The labels on these batteries bear one of the following clearly marked three-letter codes: OKA, OLA, PAA, PBA, PCA, PDA or PEA. [Read]

According to a recent report by ABC News, the FBI can listen to everything you say on your cell phone or even when your cell phone is turned off!A recent court ruling in a case against the Genovese crime family revealed that the FBI has the ability from a remote location to activate a cell phone and turn its microphone into a listening device that transmits to an FBI listening post, a method known as a "roving bug."  Experts say the only way to defeat it is to remove the cell phone battery.A few months ago, we reported about a device (Logicube CellDEK) that can extract data from up to 160 mobile phones, providing leads to an arrest or solving an unsolved mystery. It can also extract serial number, stored multimedia, call histories and deleted SMS messages. The device now available to crime scene investigators.So criminals who use cell phones beware!  [Read]

Motorola today announced the launch of its new entertainment PDA – MOTOROKR E6. The MOTOROKR E6 is  the thinnest, slickest entertainment PDA ever. Measuring a mere 14.5mm thick, the E6’s sleek lines exude the classic understated prestige of Motorola's iconic handsets like the MOTOKRZR and the MOTOSLVR. Unlike its predecessors, however, most of this handset’s stylish exterior is taken up by a super-sized 2.4” 240x320 TFT Touch Window® screen – a first in a mobile handset – which allows users complete access to any of the E6’s functions in seconds. With such additional external features as a high-resolution 2 mega-pixel camera, 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, dedicated music keys, and a removable SD card memory slot, MOTOROKR E6 from the outset evokes true multimedia style.Mobile MultimediaWith its built-in 2 mega-pixel video camera, MOTOROKR E6 raises mobile video to a new level, and takes you right along with it! With high-quality CIF(352x288) video recording, making movies has never been easier. You can enjoy your favorite videos with the SD card storage and MPEG-4, H.263, RV compliant Realplayer®. [Read]

For a phone that reflects your style whether you’re at work or at play, picture yourself with the new Sony Ericsson Z310. Announced today, this stand-out phone has a flawless, polished finish. The front icon display is integrated into the design, hidden discretely beneath the surface until a message or call is received. There are even eye-catching coloured light effects that can be assigned to contacts in the phonebook; so you can know at a glance who is calling. The seamless, semi-transparent finish on the front of the phone allows the display icons (which signal when a new event takes place on the phone) to be ‘hidden’ beneath the surface. And a separate external display, also concealed under the surface of the phone, lets you know exactly who is calling. Adding to the striking design is a series of novel light effects that serve to both personalise the phone & allow the user to ‘color code’ their contacts. [Read]

Yahoo and Reuters are looking for amateur photojournalists and cell phone owners who happen to be in the right place at the right time. Yahoo is partnering with Reuters on a new service called You Witness News. While the Yahoo/Reuters service sounds intriguing, it might not be so welcome among professional photojournalists.According to Reuters, what makes a good news photograph is a picture that will be of interest to a wide audience. It may depict an event in the news: a train crash, a clash in the streets, deliriously happy fans the moment the big game is won.Or it may not be of a strictly 'news' event. It could be an out-of-the-ordinary moment in time in an otherwise ordinary day. Something that has novelty and impact. For example, a model falling over her huge heels on the catwalk, or a fox running up Downing Street, or a fire station catching fire, or a mouse hitching a lift on the back of a toad during a flood. [Read]

Today at ITU Telecom World 2006, Samsung Electronics and Microsoft launched the Samsung Ultra Messaging i600 powered by Microsoft ® Windows Mobile ® 5.0, the first 3G smartphone with HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) support. Measuring only 11.8mm and weighing a mere 99g, the Samsung Ultra Messaging i600 is the world's thinnest 3G smartphone with a full QWERTY key board . It blends the feature-rich, desktop functionality of the Windows Mobile 5.0 platform with multimedia capabilities to help people work on the go, stay in touch with family and friends or just have fun.The Samsung Ultra Messaging i600 is the first smartphone in Asia Pacific and Europe that supports the HSDPA network for faster data transfer speeds, as well as seamless communications through high-speed connectivity via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 EDR. It is also the first smartphone to support web applications such as podcasting and RSS Feeder. [Read]

Sprint has launched the SCP-7000 by Sanyo.  This new handset is ideal for those looking for a stylish, affordable, and durable handset that features a tough rubber Dura-Grip®, a high-quality SANYO speakerphone, nationwide walkie-talkie functionality with Sprint PCS Ready Link®, two large LCD displays, and the latest web and messaging capabilities. It also comes with built-in Parental Control features, and interchangeable color faceplates, making it perfect for the active family.SCP-7000 FeaturesSprint PCS Vision® capableDownload games, ringers, and screensaversBrowse the Web (WAP 2.0 browser) Sprint PCS Ready Link® capableNationwide walkie-talkie-style communicationCommunicate one-to-one or with groups of up to 5 other Ready Link users (6 total) [Read]

Sprint has launched the Sprint PCS Power VisionSM Phone M1 by Sanyo.  The powerful SANYO M1 music phone offers 1GB of internal memory, up to 18 hours1 of music playing time, a 2 megapixel camera with auto-focus, Bluetooth® wireless technology and many other advanced capabilities. Put more music, more media and more fun in the palm of your hand.Main FeaturesDigital Dual-BandUp to 3.8 hours continuous digital talk time.3.6" x 1.9" x 0.9" 3.8 ozDual Color LCD Displays 2.0-inch QVGA TFT LCD Main Display, 260K-color (240W x 320H pixels) 1.3-inch TFT LCD External Display, 260K-color (128W x 96H pixels) [Read]

Jitterbug has created simple cell phones (Jitterbug Dial and Jitterbug OneTouch by Samsung) and services for Baby Boomers and their parents to work the way they want them to. The phones feature larger keypads and a screen that displays larger words and numbers. The earpiece has a cushion for better sound quality.The company that created Jitterbugy, called GreatCall was founded by Arlene Harris, 45-year veteran in wireless and creator of the highly-regarded SOS emergency phone and Martin Cooper, "father of the first mobile cellular phone."The company's mission is to simplify technology and make it available to everyone. Jitterbug’s products, services and systems are centered on simplicity, personalization and ease of use. GreatCall is located in Del Mar, California.The Jitterbug retails for $147. GreatCall has teamed with Samsung Telecommunications to offer several service plans. The lowest-priced plan is $10 a month. For more information call (800) 550-6649 or go to jitterbug.com. [Read]

Apple Computer's latest patent (read patent), filed in August and released today, states that, "The portable computing device includes an enclosure that surrounds and protects the internal operational components of the portable computing device. The enclosure includes a structural wall formed from a ceramic material that permits wireless communications there through. The wireless communications may for example correspond to RF communications, and further the ceramic material may be radio-transparent thereby allowing RF communications there through."This highlights that wireless communications will be a part in an upcoming revision of the iPod and / or Apple's rumored mobile phone. With Microsoft's wireless-capable Zune media player, it's anticipated that Apple will add similar capabilities to its iPod. At the very least, this filing demonstrates that Apple's engineers are working on it. [Read]

Best Buy announced they are partnering with U.K. retailer Carphone Warehouse to test mobile phone-only stores at nine locations in Manhattan. The stores to be called "Best Buy Mobile" will carry over 80 cell phones from manufacturers like Motorola Inc., Sony Ericsson and Samsung. Shoppers also have the option to choose from seven mobile phone service carriers, which includes Cingular, Verizon, Sprint, Amp'd Mobile and pay-as-you-go plans from Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile, Verizon InPulse and Cingular GoPhone.Several months ago cell phone manufactures, Nokia, and Motorola have opened cell phone stores. Nokia opened its 2nd cell phone store in New York and its 1st store in Shanghai China last July. Motorola opened a cell phone store in Shanghai China.  [Read]