Today Sony Ericsson announced its first mobile phone to support Mobile Services Architecture (MSA), the next-generation Java™ umbrella standard (JSR-248). The Z750 is the first Sony Ericsson phone supporting High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) targeted for AT&T (Cingular), delivering data at speeds comparable to or better than fixed-line broadband access systems. Users will have exceptional quality for video streaming, 3D gaming and rapid access to Web browsing and other online services. The Z750 phone also has a 2 Mega pixel camera and integrated blogging features.   The handset comes in two colors: Rose pink and phantom gray. The Z750 clamshell phone is the first phone based on Sony Ericsson’s Java Platform 8 (JP-8), supporting a range of new Java programming features including instant messaging / chat and presence based functionality, handling banking, payment transactions, user identification and authentication through secure encryption technology, mapping and other location-aware applications. [Read]

Today Sony Ericsson announced the new W580 WALKMAN music phone.  This new handset stores up to 470 full-length tracks, has a 2.0 mega pixel camera tucked discretely within the slider itself, plus stacks of gaming, fun sports and entertainment features.  Available in two colors, Style White or Urban Grey the handset features “flick” open the slider and the phone becomes a real attention grabber, revealing hot orange color accents and stunning light effects along the sides. At only 14mm thin, you wonder where the W580 finds room for all of that music, the camera and the fun applications. It is incredibly easy to get music from your computer into the phone, since the Disc2Phone music management software and USB cable all come in the box. You can even use TrackID™ to identify music tracks you don’t recognize, regardless of whether they are playing out loud or via the phone’s RDS FM Radio. [Read]

Today AT&T Inc. and Napster announced a new offer that gives customers free unlimited access for one year to more than 3 million song tracks through Napster To Go worth $180.  consumers will be allowed to customize playlists on their PC and seamlessly transfer favorite tunes to compatible wireless phones and music devices. Available beginning Sunday, April 1, across the company’s nationwide wireless footprint with qualifying plans— as well as across the company’s entire 22-state traditional service footprint with qualifying wireless, home phone and broadband triple-pack bundles— the offer enables consumers to conveniently access their favorite songs across multiple screens, including the PC, the wireless screen and other compatible music devices. The offer builds on the company’s effort to deliver anytime, anywhere access to enhanced content. [Read]

Helio has launched the Helio Ocean by Samsung.  The Ocean is the world's first dual-slider combining a traditional numeric keypad and a separate full QWERTY keyboard in a single device. Ocean merges Instant Messages, text messages, picture messages and emails from all the major portals, ISPs and even corporate Exchange servers, in one location. A 3G media and content powerhouse, Ocean also delivers full over-the-air music downloads, video-on-demand, a high-resolution camera, an HTML browser, MySpace on Helio, GPS-enabled Google Maps for mobile, Buddy Beacon and much more.The Ocean slides vertically to reveal a traditional alphanumeric keypad for comfortably making calls, sending quick texts or surfing the web, and horizontally to reveal a separate full QWERTY keyboard suitable for the heaviest of emails or texts, web searches and full screen landscape viewing of crisp images and video. [Read]

SanDisk recently introduced the SanDisk Mobile Premier, a new line of performance-oriented microSD memory cards aimed specifically at the mobile phone market. The cards allow consumers to quickly transfer content to and from their mobile phones as well as increase storage for videos, music, ring tones, digital images and other files.  Also, SanDisk Mobile Premier cards feature SanDisk’s TrustedFlash technology, which allows network operators to sell premium content that can be downloaded directly to mobile phones, stored on the cards and played on other TrustedFlash-enabled devices authorized by the network provider. SanDisk Mobile Premier microSD cards will be offered in 1- and 2-gigabyte (GB)1 capacities, with suggested retail prices of $44.99 and $69.99, respectively.  The fingernail-size cards, which come with an adapter to fit standard SD card slots, are slated to be available this spring at many of the more than 200,000 stores worldwide where SanDisk products are sold.  [Read]

Sprint customers soon will have the power of a new robust GPS-enabled navigation service included at no additional charge in select Sprint data packs. (Wow! Something for free! Can't be!  Of course there's always a catch!)  Sprint Navigation powered by TeleNav will give customers the power of a full-featured GPS navigation device right on select Sprint phones, and unlimited use of Sprint Navigation will be included in the new Sprint Power Vision(SM) Navigation Pack, along with two other existing data packs. In addition, Sprint customers who subscribe to other Sprint data packs will have access to Sprint Navigation for just $2.99 per day. (Ok, that's the catch). Whether a customer is a frequent traveler needing directions, likes to explore local restaurants and shops, or is looking for the lowest gas prices, Sprint Navigation will give customers the power to do all of these things in the palm of their hands. Sprint Navigation will include the following features: [Read]

T-Mobile has launched the Nokia 5300 Xpress Music.  Announced last September, the Nokia 5300 XpressMusic, which features a stylish slide design and holds up to 1,500 tracks, these music phones make it easier than ever to carry a single device by combining the best of mobile communication and mobile music. With today's announcement, Nokia broadens its portfolio of music-driven mobile products, giving consumers an unparalleled array of choice. The Nokia 5300 XpressMusic can hold over 100 albums worth of music (approximately 1500 tracks) on a 2GB microSD card. Thanks to dedicated music keys, consumers can easily control the playback of their music while simultaneously enjoying other functions such as texting, browsing or taking pictures.For an even better groove, consumers can plug in their favorite headphones or external speakers with a 3.5mm headset jack by simply connecting them to the Nokia 5300 XpressMusic using the inbox adapter. The Nokia 5300 XpressMusic swiftly transfers albums and music collections to a PC using a standard micro USB connector.  [Read]

Today Nokia announced that the Nokia N95 has started shipping to varous European, Asian and Middle Eastern markets. Future deployement of the Nokia N95 is planned in the coming weeks.  The N95 was originally announced last September.The Nokia N95 is an all-in-one multimedia computer with a unique 2-way slide design, integrated GPS functionality, a 5 megapixel camera and support for high-speed mobile networks, making it easier to watch and record videos, listen to songs, take high-quality photos, browse the internet, or catch up on email while on the move. [Read]

T-Mobile today launched the Motorola RIZR Z3.  This new handset first debuted at the 79th Annual Academy Awards. The handest is the first GSM slider in the U.S. The MOTORIZR features a thin, narrow slider form factor with familiar finishes, rich housing materials and a multi-modal design for using the phone in both the open and closed positions.The MOTORIZR also allows users to shoot photos both vertically and horizontally, capturing favorite moments at their best. Appealing to the senses, this sleek, new device boasts exceptional imaging, vivid color screen, enhanced music features and global connectivity. The RIZR Z3 also integrates a 2.0-megapixel camera with 8x zoom, high-intensity camera light, landscape view finder and dedicated external camera button.Sharing pictures is simple using T-Mobile's My Album, a personal online album that stores pictures, video and voice messages for easy viewing and sharing. [Read]

Check this out.  Apparently you can unlock your car with your cell phone. We haven't tried it yet.  But you can check out this YouTube video to view the process.If you ever lock the car keys in you car and have a spare car key at home, just call someone on your cell phone that has another set.  You then hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the other person at your home or wherever press the unlock button, holding it near the phone on their end.Your car door will unlock, saving you time to have someone from home driving to deliver your car keys to you. Distance is no problem. You can be hundreds of miles away and if you can reach someone who has the other "remote" for your car you can unlock the doors (or the trunk!). [Read]

Today Samsung showcased the high-class Bluetooth® Headset (WEP 420), designed by Bang & Olufsen, at Germany's CeBIT 2007.At CeBIT 2007, Samsung's designated a special booth do showcase Bluetooth® headsets, including the new products WEP 420 and WEP 500.  The company is targeting the rapidly-growing mobile accessory market. The WEP 420's buttons are hidden behind a sliding cover. The special sliding cover blocks static to increase the overall sound quality of this exceptional headset. To enhance its value, the WEP 420 comes packaged with a uniquely designed charger cradle that may be used as an interior decoration item.In addition, Samsung Electronics also showcased the newest Mini Bluetooth® Headset , the WEP500. Samsung emphasizes the compact size and distinctive design of the WEP500 for the first time at CeBIT 2007. The new Samsung WEP 500 prides itself on an innovative design of round shapes and easy-to-use features.  [Read]

AT&T wireless customers can now relive their favorite AMERICAN IDOL performances over and over again with Live Idol Videos and Live Idol Tones directly from their wireless phones. Each week, until the end of the season, the Cingular Video library will feature Live Idol Videos - video clips cut directly from actual performances of the remaining contestants subject to music clearances. To watch these performance clips, each of which is approximately two minutes in length, consumers simply need to have a 3G phone, such as the Cingular SYNC from Samsung or the Samsung Blackjack, and sign up for the $19.99 MEdia MAX Bundle, which includes unlimited Cingular Video. In addition to videos of the Top 12 contestants' performances, the Cingular Video library also features clips from this season's outrageous auditions.  [Read]

Rumors are floating around the Net that Google is working on launching their own cell phone, following Apple's recent launch of their own cell phone (iPhone).  Recently we reported that Google's CEO thinks Cell Phone Will Be free.  We are wondering if Google is really pursuing that belief.A Google job posting states, "Google is experimenting with a few wireless communications systems including some completely novel concepts...We are building a small team of top-notch Logic Designers and Analog Designers aimed at nothing less than making the entire world's information accessible from anywhere for free."  Qualifications include "extensive circuit modeling and analysis experience, excellent programming skills, experience with switch power supply design" and a ham radio license.  [Read]

Vodafone is planning on launching Internet-calling for cell phones  with Skype (owned by eBay inc.).   Vodafone showoff the application (Code-named Starfish) in the future zone of its booth at technology trade show, CeBIT. It is unknown exactly when the new service will be launched.According to Jan Holzberg, the manager for the product at Vodafone Group, "We have not yet decided if we will launch it, or the commercial terms and prices." Starfish allows a cellphone user to see a list of buddies from various chat and Internet calling groups, such as MSN, Yahoo, AOL and Skype, and send messages and make Internet calls.  [Read]

TiVo, who offer services for digital video recorders (DVRs), and Verizon Wireless today announced the availability of TiVo® Mobile scheduling, a downloadable application available only through Verizon Wireless.  Recently we reported that AT&T & Verizon to offer cell phone DVR programming. TiVo Mobile scheduling allows subscribers to purchase the mobile service through select Verizon Wireless handsets and schedule recordings on their TiVo Series2™ or Series3™ TiVo boxes.TiVo and Verizon Wireless bring consumers the convenience of scheduling television recordings while away from the living room. Whether you are away from home or discussing TV at the water cooler, all that is needed is a select Verizon Wireless Get It Now®-enabled handset to schedule recordings on your TiVo box.TiVo Mobile scheduling uses the TiVo interface to give subscribers the ability to easily search for and browse through listings to find shows that they want to record.  [Read]

Today Sony Ericsson announced the 3G Walkman phone W660 available in Record Black and Rose Red. Also introduced is a compact new music accessory, the Snap-on Speakers MPS-75, which let you play the tracks stored on your Walkman® phone out loud.Like several of the latest Walkman® phones, the W660 features TrackID™. If you ever need to identify a piece of music that you don’t recognise, simply record a few seconds of the track, either via the microphone or by tagging a clip straight from the phone’s FM Radio, and TrackID™ will send the clip to the Gracenote Mobile MusicID™ database. This quickly identifies the track, the artist and album and relays the information back to your Walkman® phone.The W660 Walkman® phone can store up to 470 full-length songs (in eAAC+ format) on the 512MB Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) supplied. As your collection grows you can expand the memory as you need and, by way of example, a 1GB Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) will hold up to 1,000 tracks. [Read]

NBC Universal will sell prime-time television (i.e., "The Office" and "Heroes") on demand to U.S. cell phone subscribers. NBC is teaming with MobiTV to provide the service.In addition to a robust primetime video-on-demand line-up, the two companies will offer select short form programming from Bravo, SCI FI Channel, USA Network, Telemundo and mun2 on five new ad-supported channels to subscribers, which will debut on the MobiTV® service in second quarter. CNBC and MSNBC were among the first networks launched on the MobiTV service in 2003 to create the world’s first commercially available mobile television service.Consumers will be able to access full episodes of select NBCU primetime shows starting at $1.99 for a 24-hour viewing period, although these rates are subject to change by participating wireless carriers.    [Read]

Most people take cell phones for granted.  When we think of cell phone companies we normally think of cell phone manufacturers such as Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, LG, Blackberry and carriers such as Sprint / Nextel, Cingular, Verizon and T-Mobile. However, there a host of other companies behind the scenes developing new cell phone technologies and applications.  Companies such as Fastap who has a has a patented keypad technology that adds all letters to your cell phone keypad in addition to the numbers and loopt who built a revolutionary "social mapping" service to change the way people use mobile phones to keep in touch with their friends. Below are just a few of the companies that are creating new cell phone technologies and applications. [Read]

Samsung Electronics is collaborating with Beyoncé to promote its Ultra Music SGH-F300. Samsung and Beyoncé will participate in TV commercials, advertisements, global concert tours, and other co-promotional activities.Samsung's Ultra Music TV commercial, starring Beyoncé, will kick off the campaign globally in April, starting from Europe and CIS and expanding to other countries where Samsung Ultra Music phones are available. In addition, Ultra Music mobile users will have exclusive access to Beyoncé's latest hit "Irreplaceable," which comes embedded in their mobile phones.Samsung mobiles cover a wide range of consumer needs with the right balance of stylish designs, form factors, and the latest technological features. Beyoncé is a talented individual who has shown her versatility in the entertainment industry through music, acting, and as a fashion icon.Samsung Ultra Music F300 novel dual-face handset design is fresh, unique and stylish. On one side is a large, clear screen with a sweep touch key that makes music control simple, intuitive, and fun. [Read]

AT&T today introduced an eye-catching, dark ruby-colored version of the BlackBerry Pearl and a striking crimson iteration of the Treo 680. The red BlackBerry Pearl is the first wireless handset to be branded for the new AT&T.Both new, colorful models are available immediately and exclusively to AT&T customers at Cingular Wireless retail stores, the Treo 680 initially at select outlets and the BlackBerry Pearl at all stores nationwide and online, AT&T's wireless business-to-business sales organization, authorized dealers and select national retailers.Although the Palm Treo 680 and BlackBerry Pearl from AT&T now come in a choice of colors -- AT&T continues to offer the attractive original models -- the compelling looks, features and functionality that have given them a broad following remain the same. [Read]