After earlier news report that a cell phone critically burned a man nd damaged the man's apartment, a California fire investigator reversed the earlier finding and said today that the cell phone was not the cause.According to investigator William Tweedy's written report issued Saturday claimed that a cell phone malfunctioned, igniting the fire, however, today Tweedy stated in an interview that the phone was not to blame, based on a test conducted by a Nokia phone expert.The victim Luis Picaso, 59, remains in critical condition at the University of Cailornia at Davis Medical Center. Picaso has undergone surgery yesterday and is recovering. Fire officials have not been able to interview him since the surgery. Tweedy said he called Nokia for assistance in the investigation and did not feel compelled by any source to revise his findings. "I called Nokia and their expert performed the test in front of me," he said. [Read]

Today LG Electronics and PRADA unveiled the first completely touch screen mobile phone, the PRADA Phone by LG (KE850). (Apple's iphone and NTT DoCoMo Inc. D800iDS recently announced their phones also has a touch screen)The PRADA Phone by LG introduces eliminates the conventional keypad making the overall usage experience a highly tactile one. An extra wide LCD screen maximizes visual impact, allowing the user to benefit from several key features of the phone, including the 2 megapixel camera featuring Schneider-Kreuznach lens, video player and document viewer capacity. Above all, these features contribute to the phone’s beautifully sleek and simplistic appearance.Glowing icons on the face of the phone disappear when not in use to reveal a pure, un-adulterated black exterior. The phone is ultra thin (just 12 mm), nonetheless it hosts an array of additional multimedia functions, including an MP3 player and a music multitasking function for messaging. It also boasts an external memory slot, allowing the user to increase memory capacity for images, music and film clips. [Read]

Today, NTT DoCoMo Inc., Japan's top wireless operator, unveiled the D800iDS, a mobile phone featuring a touch-sensitive screen, like the popular Nintendo DS portable game console, and another model that gives off a relaxing scent.The D800iDS by Mitsubishi Electric Corp., is a clamshell equipped with screens on the upper and lower halves.  Users input characters by writing on the touch screen with their fingers or a stylus. They can also call up an on-screen keypad to dial a number or type a message, or touch the buttons shown on the display to browse the menu screens. The recently announced Apple Iphone is also a touch-screen.NTT DoCoMo unveiled nine other mobile phones today, which includes a model by Sony Ericsson that features a 3-inch Bravia flat-panel screen. [Read]

According to a recent report, last Saturday in Vallejo, CA, a man who was seriously burned after his cell phone caught fire and ignited his clothing.  Apparently, this is no unusual. The 59-year-old resident of The Travelers Hotel on Georgia Street in Vallejo suffered second and third-degree burns on half his body. An activated sprinkler confined the fire to the immediate area and firefighters found Luis Picaso on the floor of the bathroom. It was possible a button on the phone inside Picaso's pocket was depressed for a long time causing overheating, a short circuit or other malfunction. A couple other cases were reported in California in the past few years.  In 2004, Ontario, CA, a 16-year-old girl suffered second-degree burns when her cell phone in her back pocket caught fire. [Read]

T-Mobile and Research In Motion today launched the new white BlackBerry® Pearl, featuring a stylish new color for the award-winning phone. The new white BlackBerry Pearl is now available in the United States exclusively from T-Mobile.The BlackBerry Pearl is myFavesSM-enabled, allowing customers to have quick, one-touch access to their favorite five friends and family2.   In addition to calling, instant messaging and texting, consumers are also just a tap away from sending an email to one of their five myFaves contacts – helping people stay effortlessly connected to the people who matter most.Key features of the BlackBerry Pearl include:BlackBerry® Internet Service - allows access to up to 10 supported personal and corporate email accounts, including most popular ISP email accountsPopular instant messaging clients: AOL®, Yahoo!® MSN® and ICQ®31.3 megapixel camera with 3 zoom levels (up to 5X) and built-in flash [Read]

Not surprisingly Cisco Systems is suing Apple over the iPhone name.  As we recently reported, "iPhone Unveiled by Linksys".  We assumed that Cisco Systems, owner of Linksys, had the name trademarked.  Well I guess we were correct.  The Apple iPhone was unveiled earlier this week after 30 months and millions of dollars in top-secret development. But the sleek new iPod-phone combination could wind up costing the company a lot more.Cisco today announced that it has filed a lawsuit to forbid Apple from using the name "iPhone." It obtained the iPhone trademark in 2000 after the acquisition of Infogear, which previously owned the mark and sold iPhone products for several years.Infogear's original filing for the trademark dates to March 20, 1996. Linksys, a division of Cisco, has held the trademark to brand a line of its own Internet-enabled phones that began shipping last spring and officially launched three weeks ago. [Read]

Samsung Electronics recently launched Bluetooth Navigator (STT-D370)  which is connected to mobile phones via Bluetooth. It also adopts the latest technologies, such as Transport Protocol Experts Group (TPEG) and terrestrial DMB.The Samsung STT-D370 is the first Global Positioning Systems (GPS) navigator to connect a mobile phone via Bluetooth® feature. The microphone and speaker phone, embedded in Bluetooth Navigator enable the users to make or receive phone calls and SMS text messages, without using a mobile phone.The Bluetooth Navigator also offers a built-in Real 3D map developed by Samsung, ensuring that the driver sees the road ahead in crystal-clear 3D graphics. The latest maps can be updated through Anycall Land (www.anycall.com). [Read]

Motorola recently announched the Motorola Bluetooth Active Headphones S9.  This new headphones leverages Bluetooth Stereo technology by making it easy to enjoy the freedom of wireless music. With an easy-to-wear and stable behind-the-head design, the ultra-light (barely one ounce) S9 stereo headphones are comfortable and let users listen to their favorite tunes and stay connected to a compatible Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. And listening could never be easier. Music mutes or pauses when calls come in and resumes when the call ends.Additionally, Sony Ericsson showcased the MBR-100, a Bluetooth receiver that makes it easy to play music wirelessly through a conventional hi-fi stereo system. It can connect into an audio system with either RCA or a mini jack. It should ship later in the first quarter. [Read]

Yahoo! Inc. recently launched a beta version of Yahoo! Go for Mobile 2.0 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2007 in Las Vegas. Yahoo! Go 2.0 is an innovative new application that redefines the mobile Internet experience for consumers through a unique product design, ability to personalize with content from the entire Internet and a reinvention of mobile search. With this launch Yahoo! expands its mobile Internet leadership.The Yahoo! Go 2.0 beta (http://go.yahoo.com) is available for consumers to download today on Motorola's new MOTORAZR maxx V6 and MOTORAZR V3xx devices as part of the two companies' ongoing alliance to deliver an optimized Yahoo! experience on the world's coolest devices. Beginning in the first half of 2007, Yahoo! Go 2.0 will be pre-loaded on select new mobile devices from Motorola. Consumers can also download Yahoo! Go 2.0 on more than 70 other mobile devices from major manufacturers worldwide and use it on most wireless networks. [Read]

Motorola recently announced the MOTORIZR Z6. This new slider handset brings a mid-tier music experience to consumers worldwide. The Linux-based MOTORIZR Z6 is compatible with Microsoft Windows Media Player subscription stores. It’s easy to take music on the go – simply plug in and sync music. Synchronize individual songs or full playlists in seconds with high speed USB 2.0. Up to 2GB of removable microSD memory allows users to store all of their favorite songs. Dedicated music keys make accessing and managing your library a cinch. Even listen wirelessly with Bluetooth™Stereo technology.Main Features include:Quad-band GSM plus EDGE2-megapixel cameramicroSD card slot105.5mm x 45.5mm x 16 mmQVGA 320×240 screen with 262k colorsMusic player with support for Windows DRM plus MP3, AAC, AAC+, AAC+ enhanced, AMR NB, WAV and XMFBluetooth with A2DP stereo support [Read]

Nokia recently introduced the Nokia N93i, a compact and stylish digital camcorder and multimedia computer in one. Boasting a host of advanced features - from DVD-like quality video capture to direct video uploads - the Nokia N93i enables you to record great quality video wherever and whenever you feel inspired. You can shoot DVD-like quality videos with the Nokia N93i thanks to its MPEG-4 VGA video capture at up to 30 frames per second, stereo audio recording and digital stabilization. The Nokia N93i also boasts a 3.2 megapixel (2048 x 1536 pixels) camera with Carl Zeiss optics, 3x optical zoom, autofocus and close-up mode. With the 1 GB miniSD card included in the standard Nokia N93i sales pack, you can capture up to 45 minutes of DVD-like quality video or up to 1250 high-quality photos. With its slim and compact design, the Nokia N93i is now even easier to slip into your pocket. It also has a new metallic finish keymat and a mirror effect cover. [Read]

Nokia recently introduced the Nokia N76, a new multimedia computer that brings the complete Nokia Nseries experience to a sleeker body, with little compromise. With the Nokia N76 multimedia computer, technology and design come together to create a revolution in design for a multimedia computer. Nokia Nseries music fans will appreciate the dedicated quick cover keys on the Nokia N76, which let you quickly and easily control the device's music features from the outside of the folded device, for instant tunes wherever you are.  Holding up to 1500 tracks the Nokia N76 works with industry standard 3.5 mm headphones and supports the popular Windows Media  DRM for optimal use.Main Features include: Quad-band GSM + WCDMA 21002.4" QVGA display with 16 million colorsS60 3rd Edition softwareMusic player supporting Windows DRM along with almost everything else (MP3/WAV/MIDI/M4A/AAC/eAAC+/WMA) [Read]

Sony Ericsson has introduced the Sony Ericsson Walkman® W200 phone; a combination of easy-to-use mobile phone and the key features needed to make a first step into ‘music on your mobile’.With the W200 Walkman® phone you can store up to 37 full length tracks* (or about four albums) and it’s easy to replace them when it’s time for a change. Simply transfer music from your PC with the Disc2Phone music management software supplied. This latest addition to Sony Ericsson’s musical family will be available in two renowned Walkman® phone colours (Rhythm Black & Pulse White) and has stamina for up to 18 hours of music listening. So you can be sure that your favourite tracks are always with you!To make it easy to get to your music, the W200 features a dedicated Walkman® key that takes you straight to the Walkman player menu. If you need to share your music with friends then the 128MB Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) lets you do this in an instant.  [Read]

Cingular has launched the Palm Treo 750 which combines the power of Windows Mobile 5.0 with Palm ease of use. The Treo 750 provides access to your personal or corporate email, mobile internet, and critical personal or business applications-all at broadband speeds. Its innovative thinner design makes the device enjoyable as a one-handed device when typing a message, or placing a call. With simultaneous voice and data technology, you won't miss a call when surfing the web or responding to email. It takes up less space sporting a new thinner design and internal antenna. With high speed data and global coverage capabilties, the Palm Treo 750 will keep you connected anywhere business takes you.Included Features:Enhanced email, internet, messaging, and organizer all in oneMicrosoft® Windows MobileTM 5.0 with MSFPSlim style with full QWERTY keyboard and internal antennaType and edit MS Word/Excel files; view PowerPoint & PDF docsGlobal coverage - Tri-band UMTS; quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE [Read]

Verizon will be launching the Samsung SCH-u620 which will feature a 1.3 megapixel camera with flash, Bluetooth® support and enhanced speech recognition with dictation for multimedia messaging to support the recently announced V CAST Mobile TV service. Mobile TV is the obvious key feature for the Samsung u620.Features of the Samsung u620 include:QVGA (240×320 pixel) displayBluetooth with stereo A2DP supportEV-DO high-speed data with full V Cast support, including V Cast music1.3 megapixel camera with flashmicroSD card slotSpeakerphoneThe Samsung u620 will begin shipping exclusively from Verizon Wireless later in the first quarter. [Read]

Verizon Wireless recently announced V CAST Mobile TV, a new and unique service that will allow TV viewers to leave the house and still watch many of their favorite TV programs while on-the-go. V CAST Mobile TV from Verizon Wireless is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2007.With an initial launch in many major U.S. markets, V CAST Mobile TV will feature the best of broadcast and cable television with live content and other programming 24 hours a day from many of the world’s best-known entertainment brands, including CBS, Comedy Central, Fox, MTV, NBC News, NBC Entertainment and Nickelodeon, representing a variety of options for all types of TV viewers. [Read]

Finally Apple unveiled the "highly anticipated" iPhone.  This new device combines three main features, a mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls, and an Internet communication device with email, web browsing, searching and maps - into one small and lightweight handheld. Interestly, Linksys (owned by Cisco Systems) is using the same name.iPhone allows users to make calls by simply pointing at a name or number. It syncs all contacts from a PC, Mac or Internet service such as Yahoo!, so that users always have their full list of up-to-date contacts with them. In addition, consumers can easily construct a favorites list for their most frequently made calls, and easily merge calls together to create conference calls. iPhone's Visual Voicemail, an industry first, lets users look at a listing of their voicemails, decide which messages to listen to, then go directly to those messages without listening to the prior messages. [Read]

Verizon Wireless just announced the LG VX9400.  The new handset is a mobile TV compatible phone that will be one of two launch handsets for V Cast TV. The Samsung's u620, was also announced recently. Besides supporting broadcast TV on Qualcomm's MediaFLO network, the LG VX9400 features a form factor that's something between a slider and a swivel. The screen rotates up into a landscape orientation for optimal video viewing and to reveal the number keys.Main Features: VGA (320×240 pixel) screen with 262k colors Bluetooth with stereo A2DP support 1.3 megapixel camera with flash Speakerphone microSD card slot [Read]

At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week, Cingular will be the first wireless carrier in the United States to demonstrate a service that allows wireless phone users to easily make a "live" video share call. Wow!  It's about time.  From what I hear this has been available in Japan for years.The service allows users to send a live video stream to a recipient during a standard voice call. Beginning with a normal phone call, customers can hit one button to add a live video stream, allowing the called party to see what the caller is seeing while they're talking. The service also allows customers to switch the direction of the video stream during the same phone call.For example, a couple in San Antonio would place a regular voice call to their parents in Miami, and once the call is connected, hit the camera button on the phone to start the video session. The parents receive an invitation asking if they want to view the live video stream, and once accepted, they begin seeing the video shot by the kids in San Antonio. [Read]

Following Verison's lead, Sprint has added the Motorola Q to Sprint's Power Vision Device Lineup.  Sprint plans to begin offering the Sprint Mobile Broadband Smart Device MOTO Q™ by Motorola later this month in Sprint business sales channels and online. Sprint is expected to begin offering the MOTO Q in all channels including Sprint Stores in mid-February.Slim and stylish, the Moto Q offered from Sprint operates on the Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone Platform with the Messaging and Security Feature Pack and gives customers easy access to mobile email, Web, calendar, music, video and phone functionality in one pocket-sized device. Exclusive features available only from Sprint include:Sprint Mobile Broadband Service on the Sprint Power Vision(SM) Network.Customized Sprint Powerdeck - The NEW Sprint Powerdeck Located in the Internet Explorer Favorites Menu will provide users with Featured Content, optimized content links and an online searchable User Guide for convenient access to tips, troubleshooting techniques and how-to instructions.NFL Mobile – available exclusively from Sprint, this application brings the world of NFL to your handset.   More Images  [Read]