Google Announces Android, an Open Source Operating System for Smartphones

“A broad alliance of leading technology and wireless companies today joined forces to announce the development of Android, the first truly open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices. Google Inc., T-Mobile, HTC, Qualcomm, Motorola and others have collaborated on the development of Android through the Open Handset Alliance, a multinational alliance of technology and mobile industry leaders.This alliance shares a common goal of fostering innovation on mobile devices and giving consumers a far better user experience than much of what is available on today’s mobile platforms. By providing developers a new level of openness that enables them to work more collaboratively, Android will accelerate the pace at which new and compelling mobile services are made available to consumers.With nearly 3 billion users worldwide, the mobile phone has become the most personal and ubiquitous communications device. However, the lack of a collaborative effort has made it a challenge for developers, wireless operators and handset manufacturers to respond as quickly as possible to the ever-changing needs of savvy mobile consumers. Through Android, developers, wireless operators and handset manufacturers will be better positioned to bring to market innovative new products faster and at a much lower cost. The end result will be an unprecedented mobile platform that will enable wireless operators and manufacturers to give their customers better, more personal and more flexible mobile experiences.Thirty-four companies have formed the Open Handset Alliance, which aims to develop technologies that will significantly lower the cost of developing and distributing mobile devices and services. The Android platform is the first step in this direction — a fully integrated mobile “software stack” that consists of an operating system, middleware, user-friendly interface and applications. Consumers should expect the first phones based on Android to be available in the second half of 2008.The Android platform will be made available under one of the most progressive, developer-friendly open-source licenses, which gives mobile operators and device manufacturers significant freedom and flexibility to design products. Next week the Alliance will release an early access software development kit to provide developers with the tools necessary to create innovative and compelling applications for the platform.Android holds the promise of unprecedented benefits for consumers, developers and manufacturers of mobile services and devices. Handset manufacturers and wireless operators will be free to customize Android in order to bring to market innovative new products faster and at a much lower cost. Developers will have complete access to handset capabilities and tools that will enable them to build more compelling and user-friendly services, bringing the Internet developer model to the mobile space. And consumers worldwide will have access to less expensive mobile devices that feature more compelling services, rich Internet applications and easier-to-use interfaces — ultimately creating a superior mobile experience.Open Software, Open Device, Open Ecosystem”This partnership will help unleash the potential of mobile technology for billions of users around the world. A fresh approach to fostering innovation in the mobile industry will help shape a new computing environment that will change the way people access and share information in the future,” said Google Chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt. “Today’s announcement is more ambitious than any single ‘Google Phone’ that the press has been speculating about over the past few weeks. Our vision is that the powerful platform we’re unveiling will power thousands of different phone models.””As a founding member of the Open Handset Alliance, T-Mobile is committed to innovation and fostering an open platform for wireless services to meet the rapidly evolving and emerging needs of wireless customers,” said René Obermann, Chief Executive Officer, Deutsche Telekom, parent company of T-Mobile. “Google has been an established partner for T-Mobile’s groundbreaking approach to bring the mobile open Internet to the mass market. We see the Android platform as an exciting opportunity to launch robust wireless Internet and Web 2.0 services for T-Mobile customers in the US and Europe in 2008.””HTC’s trademark on the mobile industry has been its ability to drive cutting-edge innovation into a wide variety of mobile devices to create the perfect match for individuals,” said Peter Chou, Chief Executive Officer, HTC Corp. “Our participation in the Open Handset Alliance and integration of the Android platform in the second half of 2008 enables us to expand our device portfolio into a new category of connected mobile phones that will change the complexion of the mobile industry and re-create user expectations of the mobile phone experience.””The convergence of the wireless and Internet industries is creating new partnerships, evolving business models and driving innovation,” said Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, Chief Executive Officer of Qualcomm. “We are extremely pleased to be participating in the Open Handset Alliance, whose mission is to help build the leading open-source application platform for 3G networks. The proliferation of open-standards-based handsets will provide an exciting new opportunity to create compelling services and devices. As a result, we are committing research and development resources to enable the Android platform and to create the best always-connected consumer experience on our chipsets.””Motorola has long been an advocate of open software for mobile platforms. Today, we’re excited to continue this support by joining Google and others in the announcement of the Open Handset Alliance and Android platform. Motorola plans to leverage the Android platform to enable seamless, connected services and rich consumer experiences in future Motorola products,” said Ed Zander, Chairman and CEO of Motorola, Inc.Open Handset Alliance Founding Members Aplix (www.aplixcorp.com), Ascender Corporation (www.ascendercorp.com), Audience (www.audience.com), Broadcom (www.broadcom.com), China Mobile (www.chinamobile.com), eBay (www.ebay.com), Esmertec (www.esmertec.com), Google (www.google.com), HTC (www.htc.com), Intel (www.intel.com), KDDI (www.kddi.com), LivingImage (www.livingimage.jp), LG (www.lge.com), Marvell (www.marvell.com), Motorola (www.motorola.com), NMS Communications (www.nmscommunications.com), Noser (www.noser.com), NTT DoCoMo, Inc. (www.nttdocomo.com), Nuance (www.nuance.com), Nvidia (www.nvidia.com), PacketVideo (www.packetvideo.com), Qualcomm (www.qualcomm.com), Samsung (www.samsung.com), SiRF (www.sirf.com), SkyPop (www.skypop.com), SONiVOX (www.sonivoxrocks.com), Sprint Nextel (www.sprint.com), Synaptics (www.synaptics.com), TAT – The Astonishing Tribe (www.tat.se), Telecom Italia (www.telecomitalia.com), Telefónica (www.telefonica.es), Texas Instruments (www.ti.com), T-Mobile (www.t-mobile.com), Wind River (www.windriver.com). For more information about the Open Handset Alliance, visit the website at www.openhandsetalliance.com. About GoogleGoogle’s innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google’s targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com. About T-MobileT-Mobile is one of the world’s leading companies in mobile communications. As one of Deutsche Telekom’s three strategic business units, T-Mobile concentrates on the most dynamic markets in Europe and the United States. Almost 112 million mobile customers were served by companies of the Deutsche Telekom group by June 30, 2007. The common technology platform is based on GSM, the world’s most successful digital wireless standard. This also makes T-Mobile the only mobile communications provider with a seamless transatlantic service.About HTCFounded in 1997, HTC Corp. (HTC) designs, manufactures and markets innovative, feature rich smartphones. Since its establishment, HTC has developed strong R&D capabilities, pioneered many new designs and product innovations and launched a broad portfolio of smartphones for mobile operators and distributors in Europe, the US and Asia. These devices are available as HTC products and as products individually customized for operator and device partners. HTC is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile device market. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit http://www.htc.com.About QualcommQualcomm Incorporated (www.qualcomm.com) is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on CDMA and other advanced technologies. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Qualcomm is included in the S&P 500 Index and is a 2007 FORTUNE 500® company traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market® under the ticker symbol QCOM.About MotorolaMotorola is known around the world for innovation and leadership in wireless and broadband communications. Inspired by our vision of seamless mobility, the people of Motorola are committed to helping you connect simply and seamlessly to the people, information and entertainment that you want and need. We do this by designing and delivering “must have” products, “must do” experiences and powerful networks — along with a full complement of support services. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $42.8 billion in 2006. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit http://www.motorola.com.

ETEN introduces Glofiish X600 ultra small Pocket PC Phone

“E-TEN is taking its range of award winning Glofiish Pocket PC Phones to a new level of convenience and affordability with its latest addition, the X600 offering Windows MobileR 6, GPS, GPRS and Wi-FiR connectivity in a handset that measures just 107 x 58 x 14.7mm and weights only 136g. It is lighter than previous models with a stylish metallic black and red design. “E-TEN is committed to delivering the best value and features to our Pocket PC Phone customers,” said Wayne Ma, President, E-TEN. “With the Glofiish X600 we will be able to satisfy an even wider range of consumers looking for an affordable, versatile mobile communications device.” The Glofiish X600 will be available starting mid-November.Feature highlights of the Glofiish X600 include:
Smaller and thinner pocket-friendly dimensions that measures just 107 x 58 x 14.7mm and weights only 136g.
Stylish metallic black and red design.
New mobile shell enables features including, photo speed dial, application launcher, and weather forecasts and world time.
Wi-FiR b/g for high-speed wireless connectivity to an office or home network or any of the public hotspots around the world.
Rapid positioning GPS with SiRF Star III for easy and precise navigation on foot or in the car.
Windows MobileR 6 the latest mobile platform supporting software applications including office productivity, dictionary and language utilities, travel, finance, games and more.
BluetoothR 2.0 allowing wireless connectivity to headsets and other accessories.
Affordable price.

ETEN Glofiish X800 Now Shipping

“E-TEN Information Systems is proud to announce that the award-winning Glofiish X800 Pocket PC Phone has begun shipping worldwide. Highlights of the X800 include 3.5G high-speed connectivity, a pixel-sharp high-resolution VGA display and a new powerful mobile shell that make this the most advanced Glofiish device to date.E-TEN’s next-generation Glofiish X800 Pocket PC Phone has begun shipping to channel partners around the globe. The X800 is E-TEN’s first handset to support 3.5G HSDPA connectivity for high-speed downloads delivering new and improved online services including faster more enjoyable surfing and email, streaming audio and video downloads, VoIP and instant messaging, and video calling.The X800 was first previewed earlier in the year at CeBIT where it drew considerable interest from show-goers and the media. The handset was next seen at Computex where it was again warmly received and earned a Best of Computex Award. Since that time E-TEN has continued to refine the X800 package and the device now includes E-TEN’s new mobile shell, an easy-to-customize interface that lets users display all of their most important information on a single screen.The new mobile shell enables features including, photo speed dial, application launcher, and weather forecasts and world time to be displayed and accessed from the Windows MobileR Today Screen offering powerful new opportunities for users to streamline their mobile experience.Measuring just 113.5 x 60 x 15.8mm the Glofiish X800 includes a high-resolution 2.8-inch VGA (640×480) display and GPS connectivity.The Glofiish X800 is based on the Window MobileR 6 platform and is available in several languages. Pricing and availability is subject to regional variation but the X800 can be expected to available in key markets within a few weeks.

Neonode N2 Review at phonearena!

Click to see a large image. “Remember the Neonode N1? We surely do, as it was one of the most unique phones when it was announced, something like the iPhone in the end of last year. The N1 was a small but powerful multimedia device with touchscreen, strange interface and just a few hardware buttons. Unfortunately it appeared on the market (in small amount) years after that and didn’t have much success. In February 2007, the Swedish manufacturer announced the second generation phone, the Neonode N2 which we are happy to present you here. It builds on the first one using the same OS and comes in even smaller dimensions that allow it to be packed in ultra small transparent package that definitely looks as unique as the phone itself. ” Read more here:

LG KS20 Smartphone Available in Europe

lg-ks20-3 “Launched in most of the region in Europe, LG-KS20 is a 3G smartphone powered by Windows Mobile 6.0. It supports HSDPA network, with up to 3.6 Mbps data connection speed. With a 12.8 thickness, the smartphone will not have a keypad design, but comes with a 2.8-inch touch screen. Other than the usual Windows Mobile UI, LG will also adding a customize shortcut menu at the bottom for quick access to applications, contacts and number dialer.LG KS20 Smartphone Specifications: Network: GSM Triband 900/1800/1900 MHz Windows Mobile 6 Professional Size: 99.5 x 58 x 12.9 mm Weight: 95 g Memory: 128 MB ROM ARM1136EJS MSM7200 2.8″, 240×320 pixel touchscreen GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 2.0 megapixel camera with auto-focus and flash, second video calling camera Bluetooth, WiFi, TV-out, FM radio microSD card slot” via slashphone.com