ShoZu Inc., announced today that it is now providing mobile social media services for the BlackBerry Pearl and the BlackBerry Curve Series smartphones from Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIM; TSX: RIMM). Owners of these smartphones will soon be able to use ShoZu’s service to quickly and easily transfer photos and videos from their BlackBerry smartphones to more than 30 social media sites including Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Picasa and Google Blogger, as well as receive automatic content feeds to their smartphones from select sites. With ShoZu, BlackBerry Pearl and BlackBerry Curve users can upload a given image and associated tags, titles and descriptions to any supported online community and/or email address, or mass-publish to multiple communities and emails simultaneously from the ShoZu menu without creating multiple messages.* In addition, BlackBerry smartphone owners who use ShoZu can easily stay connected with their friends and online communities through the service’s unique two-way multimedia capabilities. Users will immediately be able to receive and respond to friends’ comments from sites such as Flickr from the ShoZu interface. They will soon be able to have friends’ Flickr photos sent directly to their BlackBerry smartphones and more.The addition of ShoZu for the BlackBerry Pearl and BlackBerry Curve smartphones saves time for end users who regularly send images captured on their mobile devices to multiple destinations.The announcement reflects the growing importance of offering easy wireless connectivity for users to their online communities and friends. It also validates ShoZu’s strategy of providing an open gateway to multiple social destinations, aligns ShoZu with two of the most popular smartphones on the market, and brings the total number of ShoZu-supported devices to nearly 340 models from leading manufacturers.The ShoZu service will be available as a free download to BlackBerry Pearl or BlackBerry Curve smartphone users from ShoZu’s website (www.shozu.com) and WAP site (m.shozu.com). The download will also be featured on Mobile.BlackBerry.com, as well as the Built for BlackBerry and BlackBerry Owners Lounge web sites.“The BlackBerry Pearl and the BlackBerry Curve are among the best-selling smartphones today, and ShoZu enables users to wirelessly transfer their images to multiple preferred social media sites without complex navigation or repetitive actions,” said ShoZu CEO Mark Bole. “The value of our service is in blending the online and mobile spaces, providing the market’s broadest choice of community destinations from a single menu, and going beyond uploading to offer advanced services such as sending Flickr photo feeds and other content directly to the mobile device.”In addition to providing wireless image publishing capabilities to multiple online destinations, ShoZu is also the only service of its kind that allows users to upload the photos of their choice at either full or blog-quality resolution, send video clips up to 10 minutes in length, and add descriptions and tags before or after uploading.Online destinations currently supported by ShoZu include leading photo community and social networking sites such as Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Google Picasa, Faces, Buzznet, Kodak EasyShare Gallery, Webshots, Windows Live Spaces, Samsung Fun Club, Box.net, Moblog.uk, Dada.net, Pikeo, Faces.com and blip.tv. Other choices include personal blogging and citizen-contributed photojournalism sites such as Google Blogger, LiveJournal, Textamerica, TypePad, Vox, WordPress, MetaWeblog, CNN, the BBC and Scoopt. Users can also send images to multiple email and FTP addresses.
Samsung Instinct Touch Screen Phone by Sprint
“Sprint announced that Samsung Instinct will now be available to its customers. Featuring GPS navigation, TV and web browser, the Samsung Instinct features one-touch access to favorites. With a full touch-screen interface and large display, the screen features localized tactile feedback – called haptics – allowing you to sense the QWERTY keys as you type (something missing from the iPhone).A Voice to Action button provides many functions using voice activation, including call, text, picture messaging, traffic, movie, sports, news and search. The first EV-DO Rev A device, Samsung Instinct is also compatible with the Sprint Music Store from where you can download songs for 99 cents each. Sprint TV for live and on-demand entertainment is also available.The phone measures 2.17 x 4.57 x 0.49 inches and weighs less than 4.5 ounces. While pricing info is not yet available, a special plan with unlimited data is being touted for $69.99/month.” via mobilewhack.com
Nokia N810 Internet Tablet WiMAX Edition unleashes an open Internet experience
Ushering in the next generation of wireless broadband devices, Nokia today unveiled its newest Nseries device, the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet – WiMAX Edition, Nokia’s first device engineered to take advantage of new wide-area high-speed mobile WiMAX networks. This pocket-sized device lets consumers enjoy an open Internet experience, allowing for access to the full Internet without barriers, while on the go. The Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition is the latest iteration of Nokia’s popular line of Internet Tablet products. For the first time, the power and convenience of the Internet Tablet platform is combined with next generation wide-area wireless broadband capability, allowing users to easily and quickly access all of their favorite Internet services beyond local area hot spots. The Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition is expected to be available in the United States during the summer of 2008 in areas where WiMAX connectivity is available. WiMAX is a standards-based wireless broadband technology that delivers an open Internet experience similar to that of fixed broadband technologies with typical data download speeds of up to 2-4 Mbps per user with peak download speeds of up to 10 Mbps. Unlike current single point local area technologies like Wi-Fi which have a range of a few hundred feet, WiMAX networks consist of a number of interconnected base stations, each with a radius of up to 2-3 miles, that allow for handoffs from one base station to another as users move about a region or metro area. Additionally, WiMAX networks integrate technology designed to maximize the quality of service for each subscriber. “By delivering the kind of open Internet experience that consumers previously only expected on a desktop PC, the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition is a compelling example of how next generation broadband wireless technology will not only change the way people think about the Internet, it will change the very nature of the Internet itself,” said Ari Virtanen, Vice President of Convergence Products for Nokia. “Much in the way that the evolution of the fixed Internet from dial-up to broadband enabled a host of new Internet services and changed people’s expectations of what an Internet experience should be, the transition to a broadband Internet experience set free from the constraints of a fixed network will spark the next wave of new mobile Internet services, and will forever change the perception of what the Internet can be.” Along with a full featured web browser, powered by Mozilla, that takes full advantage of the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition’s large 4.13 inch touch screen and slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a variety of popular web-based services are also supported. Many of these applications can be found on Nokia’s dedicated OS 2008 User Site. To keep connected while on-the-go, a number of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Instant Messaging (IM) clients are available, including Skype(TM), Google Talk(TM), and Gizmo5, which can also take advantage of the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition’s built-in web cam for video calls. A client for the popular Rhapsody online music service is also available, transforming the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition into a portable jukebox with millions of songs available to enjoy at a few taps of the screen. Beyond these well-known services, an active developer community has also emerged around the Linux-based Internet Tablet platform, creating additional applications – from games to productivity tools. A number of additional features further enhance the utility of the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition. With built-in GPS, the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition can easily transform itself into a fully featured personal navigation device, complete with real-time on-screen maps. An integrated media player and 2 GB of internal memory, expandable to a full 10 GB of memory with the addition of an optional microSD memory card, allows the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition to store and play back a large library of music and video content. When not in range of a WiMAX network, the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition can also access the Internet over Wi-Fi or via conventional cellular data networks by pairing to a compatible mobile phone via Bluetooth technology. Also being introduced with the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition is the newest Internet Tablet operating system. This new upgraded OS2008 introduces useful new features to the platform, including an enhanced e-mail client, support for Chinese character rendering in the browser and RSS feeds and Seamless Software Update functionality to eliminate manual software updates, making periodic updates of the operating system quick and easy. While standard on the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition, current owners of Nokia N810 and N800 Internet Tablets with earlier operating systems will be able to upgrade their device to the revised operating system for free during the second quarter of 2008.
Microsoft Announces Windows Mobile 6.1
Windows Mobile is improving smartphones to better meet people’s rapidly expanding work and personal needs, Microsoft Corp. today announced. At CTIA Wireless 2008, the company unveiled the newest version of Internet Explorer Mobile, which adds desktop-grade Web browsing to Windows Mobile phones. In addition, Microsoft announced Windows Mobile 6.1, an update for its Windows Mobile software that includes new time-saving features, easier phone navigation and management, and increased security safeguards.“People want a single phone that’s flexible enough to meet their needs throughout their day, whether it’s connecting to work or your everyday life,” said Robbie Bach, president of the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “The innovations we’ve added to our Windows Mobile software ultimately make it easier to manage your world.”“Microsoft is taking the necessary steps to broaden its consumer appeal while also addressing the complex mobile needs of the enterprise,” said Ben Bajarin, analyst with Creative Strategies. “Internet Explorer Mobile and Windows Mobile 6.1 demonstrate Microsoft’s ability to harness its technologies to bring tangible innovations and benefits to customers and partners.” Updated Internet Explorer Mobile Brings the Quality of Desktop Web Browsing to PhonesThe new version of Internet Explorer Mobile adds the ability to easily view full-screen Web pages and multimedia on the Web with a smartphone. By taking advantage of Internet Explorer 6 technologies and supporting established and upcoming industry standards such as H.264, Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight, the updated Internet Explorer Mobile gives people a rich mobile Internet experience. The update will be available to mobile phone partners in the third quarter of 2008, with the first Windows Mobile phones using the new version expected to be available by the end of 2008.Windows Mobile Update Drives Simpler Experience Windows Mobile 6.1 features several key updates based on customer feedback, including the capability to make the most critical information readily available at a glance, quicker phone setup, and enhanced features adapted for the small screen. In addition, if coupled with System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 or Exchange Server 2007 SP1, Windows Mobile 6.1 provides the best experience for IT professionals to manage mobile phones for businesses. Windows Mobile 6.1 will help people get more from their phones by bringing updates to what they care about most. With Windows Mobile 6.1 users will be able to accomplish the following: • Stay up to date and share from a single location. Glance at and respond to notifications such as missed calls, upcoming appointments and new messages from the home screen as well as play music and share photos.• Get up and running in minutes. From setting up e-mail, a Bluetooth headset or Wi-Fi, the new Getting Started Center makes the phone experience intuitive and simple.• Save time with features adapted for the small screen. Easily flag, delete or move groups of messages and keep track of conversations through threaded text messaging. Zoom in on text or pictures, or view an entire Web page at once. • Help keep business information protected. Support for System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 helps administrators manage phones similarly to a Windows-based PC or access company data that may be behind a firewall; and support for Exchange Server 2007 SP1 advanced mobile policies helps businesses manage and administer security for phones while enabling people to find, share, and use information no matter where they are.More information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/apr08/04-01EnterpriseMobilePR.mspx. Industry Embraces Windows Mobile 6.1 Partners from around the globe are committed to updating or expanding their portfolios to Windows Mobile 6.1 beginning in the second quarter of 2008, demonstrating the strong industry demand for software that delivers one phone for all aspects of a person’s life. “AT&T customers select Windows Mobile phones because they’re a fit for their lives — whether that’s traveling the globe, managing the family’s schedule or staying in touch with colleagues,” said Mike Woodward, vice president, Business Data Service for AT&T Mobility. “We intend to update our most popular Windows Mobile phones to offer these new capabilities that help our customers get the most from their mobile experience where they live and work.” Other partners include Alltel Wireless, AT&T, ASUS, HP, HTC Corp., i-mate, Intermec Inc., Motorola, O2, Orange, Palm Inc., Pantech, Samsung, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, Sprint, T-Mobile USA Inc., T-Mobile International Inc., T-Mobile Germany, TELUS, Toshiba, Verizon Wireless and Vodafone. The following new phones and updates were announced today: • Mobile operators: • Alltel Wireless: HTC PPC6800, HTC Touch• AT&T: Samsung BlackJack II, MOTO Q 9h global, Pantech duo, AT&T Tilt by HTC• Sprint: A new Palm Treo and updates for the Mogul by HTC, Touch by HTC, MOTO Q 9c, Samsung ACE • T-Mobile International: T-Mobile MDA Ameo 16 GB, T-Mobile MDA compact IV • Device-makers: • ASUS: New phones including the P320, ZX1, P560, M536 and updates for the P527, P750, M930 • HTC: A new Touch Dual for the U.S. and updates for the AT&T Tilt, Touch by HTC, Mogul by HTC from Sprint, TyTN II• i-mate: 8502, 9502, 8150, 6150• Intermec: CN3• Motorola: MOTO Q 9c, MOTO Q 9h global, MC70, MC9000• Pantech: Pantech duo• Samsung: BlackJack II• Toshiba: Portégé G810,Portégé G910Read more inside and here for the review:
Symbian CEO pitches middle ground between iPhone, Android
“For a man staring down Microsoft, Google, and Apple, Symbian’s Nigel Clifford doesn’t have the deer-in-the-headlights look as much as you might expect.Perhaps because, at the moment, those three juggernauts are staring up at Symbian. Clifford, CEO of the company since 2005, has a dominant share of the market for smartphone operating systems and a strong backer in Nokia, the world’s largest handset maker.Still, Symbian is sitting on top of the market at a time when it appears destined for change. Apple’s entry into the market has galvanized the American consumer, who is barely aware of Symbian’s dominant presence in Europe and Asia. Google threatens to come at Symbian from underneath, hoping to unify mobile Linux and teasing carriers with the promise of mobile advertising revenue. Research In Motion shows signs it might be able to add consumers to its legion of CrackBerry addicts. And Microsoft is Microsoft; it hasn’t replicated its PC success in mobile phones but it continues to steadily improve Windows Mobile and is sitting on a load of cash.” Read more here:
Debuting in the United States, HTC Touch Dual with Slide Out Keypad and Win Mobile 6.1
“HTC Corp, a global leader in smartphone design and manufacturing, revealed that the popular HTC Touch Dual will debut in the United States this quarter. Announced today at the Cellular Telecommunication and Internet Association (CTIA) Wireless 2008 spring conference, the HTC Touch Dual combines an intuitive touch screen with integrated TouchFLO technology and slide-out keypad and Microsoft Corp.’s Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional software, making it easier for customers to communicate on the go.“HTC has witnessed incredible support and demand for the Touch product portfolio, and we are pleased to provide our customers with the opportunity to experience additional iterations of the Touch product family,” said Jason Mackenzie, vice president of HTC America. “The Touch Dual will be among the first devices in the United States to run Windows Mobile 6.1 and will be followed by a range of 6.1 updates for several other HTC products.” Software Upgrades Available on HTC Devices In partnership with Microsoft and key mobile operator partners, HTC will continue to extend the functionality of many current HTC devices both in the United States and abroad by providing Windows Mobile 6.1 updates. Windows Mobile 6.1, an update to Windows Mobile 6, provides new timesaving features, easier phone navigation and management, stronger security safeguards, and support for Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008. Some of HTC’s most popular smartphones including the Touch by HTC and Mogul by HTC from Sprint, AT&T Tilt, Alltel Wireless’ HTC Touch and PPC6800, and the HTC TyTN II, will be among the first of many devices available for a Windows Mobile 6.1 upgrade. Supporting existing customers and enhancing their experiences continues to be a focus for HTC; Sprint and HTC recently provided an update for the popular Mogul by HTC, making it the industry’s first EV-DO Rev. A-capable handset while also enabling additional GPS functionality.“Windows Mobile enhances people’s lives by providing them with an experience that keeps them close to what’s important to them — anywhere, anytime,” said John O’Rourke, general manager of the Mobile Communications Business, Microsoft. “HTC has a history of providing a great selection of popular Windows Mobile phones, and we are pleased to bring the latest in software to a range of its products around the world.”HTC Touch Dual Availability and Features Best Buy will be the first to offer the HTC Touch Dual, which will be available through select Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile retail outlets, online at BestBuy.com and htc.com.“At Best Buy we are committed to providing customers with a wide selection of high quality handsets,” said David Ryan, director of merchandising, Best Buy Mobile. “We look forward to adding the innovative HTC Touch Dual to our current lineup of unlocked phones.”Taking user control to a whole new level, the HTC Touch Dual combines an intuitive touch screen and keypad within a stunning design. The versatile device offers an interactive cube interface for quick and easy navigation to e-mails, text messages, calendar appointments and contacts. Features include the following:
Come Visit HTC America at Booth 1624At CTIA Wireless 2008, HTC will show the latest lineup of HTC devices, including the Touch Dual. Those interested should stop by booth #1624, located in the C hall, to see the latest innovations from HTC.