Motorola today announced the launch of the MOTODEV Game Developer Challenge, a competition that will reward two talented MOTODEV developers with the rare opportunity to have their winning applications published by mobile entertainment company and contest title sponsor, I-play.The MOTODEV Game Developer Challenge is designed to recognize independent developers that are coding to create “the next big thing” in mobile gaming. Together with title sponsor I-play and marketing allies including Sun Microsystems and Microsoft, Motorola encourages MOTODEV developers around the globe to put their skills to the test by entering their unpublished games in one of two contest categories -- “Best Java® Software Game” submitted for play on the ultra-slim Motorola MOTOKRZR™ K1 handset or “Best Windows Mobile Game” for entertainment on the uber-functional Motorola MOTO Q™ family of devices. [Read]

Sharp has developed a widescreen Windows Mobile-based PDA (personal digital assistant) for a new Japanese cellular carrier (EMobile) that will begin service next month. It measures 140 millimeters by 70 millimeters and is 18.9 millimeters thick and weighs 250 grams including the battery pack.The EM-One is compatible with EMobile Co.'s high-speed 3G (third-generation) data service that will launch on March 31 and offer download speeds of up to 3.6Mbps. Also packed into the device is:802.11b/g Wireless LANBluetoothtuner for Japan's mobile digital television broadcastsfull QWERTY keyboard slides out from behind the display for typing and the device also sports a camera, [Read]

What's been going on with Apple's new iPhone, you ask? A lot I tell you. After much rumor and anticipation, Apple finally launched the iPhone. However, a few weeks before Apple announced the iPhone we found out that the name was already taken by Cisco Systems, however Apple still announced the iPhone. Didn't Apple do their homework to first determine if there was a trademark for the iPhone name? According to recent reports, Apple has 1 more week to respond to Cisco Systems Inc.'s trademark infringement lawsuit that threatens to keep Apple from using the iPhone name. The companies had previously agreed to extend the deadline until Thursday night, however, Cisco Systems said Apple has until Wednesday (2/28/07) to respond to the lawsuit filed last month in San Francisco federal court. Cisco, whose Linksys division began shipping a line of iPhones last spring, has said it would allow Apple to use the trademarked name but wants both companies' phones to be able to communicate with each other. [Read]

High Tech Computer Corp. today launched 2 smart phones from its Q1 2007 product portfolio at the 3GSM World Congress Conference and Exhibition. TC showcased the HTC S710, which has a semi auto-sliding QWERTY keyboard and is one of the first devices to use Microsoft Windows Mobile 6. Windows Mobile 6 offers new capabilities to view emails in rich HTML format, easier email management through new shortcuts and new calendar views that enhance how people can stay on top of their work when away from the office.HTC also showcased the HTC P3350 which is primarily for music and multimedia on the move. The HTC P3350 is a powerful mobile device that offers a full range of PDA features such as Microsoft Office Mobile for reading and editing Word and Excel documents, combined with HTC's powerful Media Hub for playing and managing music and videos tracks/clips, or creating ringtones. [Read]

Verizon Wireless today announced the availability of the SCH-u740 from Samsung. The handset’s allows for communications options both vertically and horizontally with its full QWERTY keyboard and offers customers the ability to access Verizon Wireless’ multimedia services, including V CAST Music and Video, Get It Now® and Mobile Web 2.0. The Samsung SCH-u740 is available in a stylish metallic champagne color with couture appeal and Ivy League brainpower. Text enthusiasts can open the phone horizontally to find a full QWERTY keyboard at their fingertips for ease of use in text messaging and e-mail using Wireless Sync, Verizon Wireless’ proprietary e-mail solution. With Wireless Sync, Verizon Wireless customers can synchronize their SCH-u740 with their home or office PC for easy access to their new e-mail, calendar, contacts and task information.  Open the flip vertically and the SCH-u740 is a stylish, thin clamshell phone with a 1.3 megapixel camera with flash, Bluetooth® capabilities, microSD™ card slot and extensive voice commands.  [Read]

Microsoft Corp. today unveiled Windows Mobile® 6, the newest version of its mobile software platform. Windows Mobile 6 delivers the ability to view e-mails in their original rich HTML format with live links to Web and SharePoint® sites, which means text and images are displayed as they would be on a PC, and are available from a corporate e-mail server such as Exchange Server 2007, from Web-based accounts such as Windows Live Hotmail or from a myriad of other popular service providers. Windows Mobile 6 also includes Windows Live for Windows Mobile, which provides customers with a rich set of Windows Live services. For example, now through Windows Live Messenger, people can chat with more than one person at one time, express themselves through animated figures, quickly send a file or image, or record and send voice notes. [Read]

T-Mobile today announced the T-Mobile Sidekick III designed by NBA superstar Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat guard and 2006 NBA Finals MVP. Packed with the same technology as the T-Mobile Sidekick 3, the new D-Wade Edition is the latest in a series of T-Mobile's iconic devices. The handset features a crisp white color of Miami's South Beach, the T-Mobile Sidekick 3 D-Wade Edition is paired with tan and copper accents that emulate high-end automobiles. Wade's signature "3" stands out as the only detail in gold, symbolizing the NBA championship trophy. The device also debuts another Sidekick first, a realistic basketball-textured backing for added grip and comfort.According to Dwyane: “My T-Mobile Sidekick is a part of me. I don’t go anywhere without it because it keeps me in touch with the most important people in my life,” said Wade.  [Read]

At the annual 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona, Nokia introduced the new Nokia 6110 Navigator, a navigation-enabled mobile phone designed for the mass market. The Nokia 6110 Navigator brings together GPS (Global Positioning System) and AGPS (Assisted Global Positioning System) functionality with always-on mobile connectivity in a feature-rich, compact device. The Nokia 6110 Navigator is expected to begin shipping in the second quarter of 2007 with an estimated retail price of €450 before subsidies or taxes. The Nokia 6110 Navigator features full personal navigation experience with integrated maps, routing and navigation available with the click of the phone's one-touch Navigator key. With the Nokia 6110 Navigator, consumers can quickly and easily view their current location on the map, search for destinations, find specific routes, or locate services such as restaurants, hotels or shops that are nearby.  [Read]

Nokia today announced a new mobile internet video experience which enables enhanced internet video consumption by bringing YouTube videos into the hands of Nokia Nseries multimedia computer owners.  Last November YouTube announced it planned to launch a service for cell phones within a year. Later than month YouTube announced an agreement with Verizon VCast. YouTube videos are accessible with Nokia Web Browser with Mini Map through the new YouTube mobile site to be launched shortly.  Also, YouTube video RSS feeds can now be consumed through the new Nokia Video Center application.  The Nokia Web Browser with Mini Map enables mobile discovery of videos in websites such as the YouTube Mobile site in a similar way as with PC web browsers. With YouTube Mobile now also compatible with the AVC video format which is the most common format supported in mobile devices, the single-click playback of videos is also possible in the same intuitive way as with PC web browsers. The Nokia Web Browser with Mini Map and AVC video playback are standard features in all the latest Nokia Nseries multimedia computers. [Read]

Nokia today introduced the Nokia N77 multimedia computer offering an optimized mobile TV experience in a compelling and compact form factor with complete Nokia Nseries functionalities. With the Nokia N77, the latest integrated DVB-H device in the Nokia Nseries range, operators now have greater choice of devices as they further develop their broadcast mobile TV platform to launch and attract more subscribers. The Nokia N77 enables living room TV as viewers have come to know and understand, but is now available in a small and beautifully designed package to take on the go.  [Read]

Samsung Electronics showcases its brand new Ultra Edition II handsets. To make its debut, Samsung has chosen the 3GSM 2007. The Ultra Edition II portfolio consists of two stylish and functional sliders, the Ultra Edition 10.9 (U600) and the Ultra Edition 12.1 (U700); a metallic clamshell, the Ultra Edition 9.6 (U300); and a candy bar handset, the Ultra Edition 5.9 (U100). Each of these designs offers advanced features such as 3 megapixel cameras, high-speed web connectivity, as well as extensive multimedia and audio capabilities. Proving that Samsung truly is at the heart of consumer needs, each of these handsets incorporates innovative consumer driven design elements to improve the user experience, including external multimedia navigation keys for ease of use and jewel inspired casing, which enhance both the experience and appearance of using these handsets. [Read]

Motorola, Inc. today announced MOTORIZR Z8.  MOTORIZR™ Z8 also features Motorola’s first ever “kick slider,” a graceful mechanism that achieves a “fit-to-face” profile by gliding open in a curve to match the contour of your face.With high-speed connectivity via HSDPA, and a multimedia feature set that includes a brilliant 16 million colour 35x50mm QVGA full screen display, MOTORIZR Z8 boasts video playback speeds of up to 30 frames per second. In addition to its 90MB of internal memory, the device also supports expandable memory up to 4GB using MicroSD, enough space for full length movies, hours of music or tons of pictures.The unprecedented entertainment experience is brought to life via a partnership with BSkyB* which will users to access Sky's mobile content services. As well as offering access to an on-demand library of updating news, entertainment and sports, Sky’s ‘Anytime’ application also provides an access point to Sky’s range of live mobile TV services. [Read]

Motorola today announced the expansion of its Q platform with the availability of MOTO Q q9 and MOTO Q gsm. MOTO Q q9 operates on the next generation Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 platform and with Motorola’s Good Mobile Messaging technology, MOTO Q q9 provides easy and intuitive personal and corporate email, calendar access and content management wherever you are.HSDPA connectivity makes listening to music, watching videos or sharing pictures lightning fast and Windows Mobile “PlaysForSure” enables compatibility with music and video stores worldwide. A convenient side-load removable micro-SD card compliments MOTO Q q9’s 256MG of onboard memory to ensure users have plenty of room to store what’s most important.The second handset built on Motorola’s SCPL platform, MOTO Q q9 is optimized by design. It’s thin, lightweight, sophisticated frame includes an ergonomically-optimized keyboard and five-way navigation key to enable fast, accurate text entry.  [Read]

Motorola today announced MOTORIZR Z6, a multimedia masterpiece, merging the latest music features and a powerful digital imaging platform with a cutting-edge metallic slider design.MOTORIZR Z6 is Motorola’s first Linux-Java software based handset that incorporates Windows Media technology allowing users to sync music to their phone from over 200 music stores worldwide.¹The handset’s dedicated music key, enhanced audio capabilities and integrated music player, with support for multiple music formats, provides a compelling music experience.Cutting edge Bluetooth® enabled accessories for wireless music streaming like the new Motorola S9 deliver a true hands-free music experience for consumers. Stylish, comfortable and engineered with cutting-edge Bluetooth wireless technology, the Motorola S9 provides wireless access to music and calls from a compatible Bluetooth enabled phone while on the go. The lightweight Motorola S9 fits snugly around the user’s head and provides premium stereo performance for active-lifestylers on the move. [Read]

Motorola, Inc. today introduced the new MOTOSLVR L9, a premium handset that merges powerful multimedia features within Motorola’s sleek MOTOSLVR form factor.MOTOSLVR L9 provides users with a rich multimedia experience with impressive features including an integrated music player and FM radio, outstanding performance, powerful imaging and features Motorola’s new CrystalTalk™ technology, making it easy to hold conversations in noisy environments.MOTOSLVR L9’s integrated music player with stereo Bluetooth® wireless technology¹ allows users to freely enjoy music wirelessly on the go. Even when travelling, users can listen to their music uninterrupted in airplane mode.The complete music experience doesn’t just end there. MOTOSLVR L9’s integrated FM radio supports Radio Data System (RDS), providing radio station information – including such details as the song genre, song title, or radio station name – all on the handset’s main screen. [Read]

Today MediaFLO USA Inc. and Cingular (owned by AT&T) they have will deliver mobile entertainment and information services to the wireless unit's subscribers. The two companies expect to make the service available to customers in late 2007.AT&T will launch the high-quality mobile TV services from MediaFLO USA on phones specifically designed with an intuitive, easy-to-use user interface that ensures customers receive the best live mobile TV experience possible. Additionally, AT&T will have access to advanced features MediaFLO USA expects to launch in the second half of 2007. Designed to create a unique consumer experience, these features include MediaFLO USA's multicast video clip distribution service; a datacasting application for realtime information and entertainment; and audio services. The MediaFLO USA service complements AT&T's existing voice, data and video-on-demand services, enabling AT&T to offer a unique mobile entertainment experience to its wireless subscribers. [Read]

It's alive I tell you!  Mobile ESPN has been resurrected after ceasing operations last September! ESPN and Verizon announced today an exclusive multi-year agreement to deliver an unmatched ESPN mobile sports content line-up to Verizon Wireless customers.Through the relationship, Verizon Wireless customers who sign up for a V CAST subscription will receive exclusive access to a variety of ESPN content choices, including Mobile ESPN, the award-winning, immersive sports content application which was the heart of the Mobile ESPN MVNO service. The Mobile ESPN application will be available only through Verizon Wireless.The exclusive agreement offers a variety of ways for Verizon Wireless customers to keep up to date with information from the undisputed sports leader, including:The Mobile ESPN application, which will offer real-time sports news, scores and information; personalization for favorite teams; scoring alerts; video and much more for V CAST customers. [Read]

LG Electronics today announced the UK launch of LG Shine (model: KE970), the latest handset in its premium Black Label series of mobile phones. LG announced the LG Shine last October which is a followup to the LG Chocolate.Shine is a full-metal bodied slider phone offering mobile users the best of both worlds with amazing looks and a high technical specification including expandable memory (MicroSD card) and an auto focus camera by Schneider Kreuznach.When closed, Shine has a reflective 2.2” screen. Slide open the super-thin brushed metal body and the ‘magic mirror’ full color screen comes to life, while Shine’s keys are bathed in a cool blue light. Access to Shine’s menu system is by an easy-to-use multi-function scroll key.Also, Shine's equipped with a comprehensive media player with multi-codec support (MP3, WAV and ACC++) and real spectrum display. Shine supports GPRS and EDGE network compatibility, Bluetooth and USB connectivity. [Read]

Today Samsung announced a new addition to its Ultra portfolio with the introduction of Ultra Smart F700. This new mobile phone will be showcased at 3GSM World Congress next week. The Ultra Smart is a part of Samsung’s Ultra portfolio which features a full touch screen as well as QWERTY key pad. It reflects the recent trend in telecommunications industry of touch screen user interface and, for users who are not yet familiar with a touch-screen-only user interface, it also implements a QWERTY key pad and VibeTonz technology which allows them to feel the buttons accompanied by responsive vibrations. A “Drag and drop” method of touch screen was adopted for easier menu navigation along with music play list control for an expanded multimedia experience. Volume, play lists, brightness of screens as well as other menu control can be controlled utilizing the touch screen. [Read]

MySpace.com and Vodafone announced today an exclusive partnership to offer Vodafone customers a MySpace experience via their mobile phones.   The deal marks the first extension MySpace.com into the Europe.Launching first in the UK, the partnership will enable millions of Vodafone customers to access MySpace Mobile, allowing them to edit their own MySpace profiles, find and add friends, post photos and blogs and send and receive MySpace messages while on the move.MySpace Mobile will be pre-loaded on future, selected Vodafone handsets to offer customers an 'out of the box' experience, and available for download from Vodafone live!. MySpace Mobile on Vodafone provides the most compelling MySpace features and functionality, translated for a rich, easy-to-use experience on a mobile.  [Read]