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D-Link, the end-to-end networking solutions provider for consumers and business, today announced a new line of “V-CLICK” dual-mode phones that allow users to switch between cellular and Wi-Fi networks with the click of a button.When it begins shipping during the first quarter of 2007, the new D-Link V-CLICK line of phones will feature tri-band GSM (900/1800/1900 Mhz) and 802.11 Wi-Fi (2.4Ghz) access. By sliding a cellular service provider’s SIM Smartcard or chip into the V-CLICK phone, the user automatically gains GSM access. Stored phone numbers and address books are also automatically taken into the phone via the SIM Smartcard or chip.With a simple press of the V-CLICK button, the phone activates or deactivates the Wi-Fi connection that allows users to access websites or an Internet phone service, and enjoy the convenience of reduced communication costs, faster transfer speeds and increased productivity resulting from dual-mode phone access.D-Link V-CLICK phones boast a sleek, polished black compact form factor (h 4.17″, w 1.73″, d 0.75″), with additional colors planned to fit any lifestyle. The V-CLICK phones support Opera Mobile™, a mobile browser for logging into Wi-Fi® hot spots, web surfing and email functionality on the V-CLICK’s two-inch (176×220 pixels) bright color screen.In addition to operating like regular cell phones that communicate within a nationwide wireless network, D-Link V-CLICK phones will significantly reduce cell phone service costs by switching to the 802.11 wireless mode and connecting to lower-cost Internet telephone services. These services are available by way of well-advertised affordable consumer plans or from a cellular service provider network.”D-Link’s involvement in dual-mode technology is the next step to evolving wireless phone communication,” said Steven Joe, president and CEO of D-Link Systems, Inc. “Similar to our popular flip-style Wi-Fi® phone, the V-CLICK phones are open and unlocked.”We view the V-CLICK phone model as the ideal way for us to meet the ever-increasing demand from both consumers and business for a mobile device that allows for easy transition from wide-reaching cellular services to the much faster Wi-Fi and more affordable VoIP technologies,” Joe added. “The market for dual-mode phones looks very promising, and the more than 10 years we’ve had in researching and developing 802.11 wireless and VoIP technologies make this a natural extension of our product offerings.”For regular cell phone coverage, the D-Link V-CLICK phones will be “unlocked”, allowing users to use their existing SIMs and pre-paid SIMs from traditional GSM cellular service providers anywhere in the world. By pressing the V-CLICK button, users activate a configurable wireless and SIP profile. Multiple profiles are available that make usage between home and office automatic.The V-CLICK feature is increasingly valuable as many cities continue to invest in metro 802.11 wireless technology designed to turn entire communities into Wi-Fi® zones.As wireless phones become more complex, they also have become more power-hungry. The V-CLICK phone lets users return to normal cell phone operation for increased battery life and increased standby and talk time.Standards-based wireless encryption (WEP™, WPA™ and WPA2™) built into the V-CLICK phone enables enhanced security of transmission.Key features of the D-Link V-CLICK phone include:
Wi-Fi® profile roaming for uninterrupted service between wireless zones
Opera Mobile™ browser for hot spot log-in and Web surfing
Email functionality – 50 emails can be stored in up to 10 accounts
Large color screen display with 176 by 220 pixels
Sleek, compact form factor (height, 4.17″, width, 1.73″, depth, .75″; weight, 3.32 oz)
Smart text input
Talk time – up to 5 hours GSM, 2 hours 802.11 wireless mode
Messages – up to 30 messages can be stored at 459 characters each
Phonebook – up to 300 contacts
Data storage – up to 24 megabytes for documents, images, music and video files.
Tasks – stores up to 100 entries
Calendar – up to 100 events, 160 letters per event
Charging – 3 hours, first time charge 8 hours
Compact design with internal antenna
Power-saving mode for maximum standby and talk time

D-Link V-CLICK phones will be a “pay-as-you-go” device, allowing users to purchase call time from service providers that will load up the phone’s SIM card.Pricing and AvailabilityD-Link’s first V-CLICK dual-mode, tri-band mobile phone is scheduled to ship early next year through the company’s network of value-added resellers, solution providers and distributors, and online at www.dlinkshop.com. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price is expected to be $599.99. D-Link also plans to offer accessories for its new dual-mode phone products.About D-LinkD-Link is the global leader in connectivity for small, medium and large enterprise business networking. The company continues to strive for excellence as an award winning designer, developer, and manufacturer of networking, broadband, digital electronics, voice and data communications solutions for the digital home, Small Office/Home Office (SOHO), Small to Medium Business (SMB), and Workgroup to Enterprise environments. With millions of networking and connectivity products manufactured and shipped, D-Link is a dominant market participant and price/performance leader in the networking and communications market. D-Link Systems, Inc. headquarters are located at 17595 Mt. Herrmann Street, Fountain Valley, CA, 92708. Phone (800) 326-1688 or (714) 885-6000; FAX (866) 743-4905; Internet www.dlink.com.

“Presenting the Toshiba 811T clamshell which supports W-CDMA and triband GSM (900 / 1800 / 1900 Mhz), The 3G phone features a monochrome oled external display so you can control the music player and reject calls without opening the phone. The 811T includes built in stereo speakers which deliver a decent output. The internal display is 2.4 inches wide supports a reolution of 240 x 320 pixels and 262,000 colors. It has a 3.2 Megapixel camera with LED Flash and a 0.3 Megapixel (QVGA) for video conferencing. Specs include Micro SD card for memory expansion (upto 1GB), Bluetooth, Infrared, GPS, and dedicated Yahoo access key.The Toshiba 811T is exclusive to Vodafone Japan and will go on sale by November.” via newlaunches.com

Nokia today introduced Wibree technology as an open industry initiative extending local connectivity to small devices. This new radio technology developed by Nokia Research Center complements other local connectivity technologies, consuming only a fraction of the power compared to other such radio technologies, enabling smaller and less costly implementations and being easy to integrate with Bluetooth solutions. Wibree is the first open technology offering connectivity between mobile devices or Personal Computers, and small, button cell battery power devices such as watches, wireless keyboards, toys and sports sensors. By extending the role mobile devices can play in consumers’ lives, this technology increases the growth potential in these market segments.The goal being to have the new technogy available to the market as fast as possible, Nokia is defining the Wibree interoperability specification together with a group of leading companies representing semiconductor manufacturers, device vendors and qualification service providers. The technology will be made broadly available to the industry through an open and preferably existing forum enabling wide adoption of the technology. The forum solution is under evaluation and will be defined by the time the specification is finalized. According to the current estimate the first commercial version of the interoperability specification will be available during second quarter of 2007.The current members of the group defining the specification are: Broadcom Corporation, CSR, Epson and Nordic Semiconductor having licensed the Wibree technology for commercial chip implementation and Suunto and Taiyo Yuden, contributing to the interoperability specification in their respective areas of expertise. “Wibree technology is an important development that opens up new market opportunities and a whole new range of possibilities for mobile users,” says Dr. Bob Iannucci, head of Nokia Research Center. “Our aim is to establish an industry standard faster than ever before by offering an interoperable solution that can be commercialized and incorporated into products quickly.” Technical details:Wibree technology complements close range communication with Bluetooth like performance within 0-10 m range and data rate of 1 Mbps. Wibree is optimized for applications requiring extremely low power consumption, small size and low cost. Wibree is implemented either as stand-alone chip or as Bluetooth-Wibree dual-mode chip. The small devices like watches and sports sensors will be based on stand-alone chip whereas Bluetooth devices will take benefit of the dual-mode solution, extending Bluetooth device connectivity to new range of smallest devices. For more information on Wibree see the website www.wibree.comAbout Nokia Research CenterInteracting closely with all Nokia business groups and Technology Platforms, Nokia Research Center is responsible for the strategic and long-term research in Nokia. Looking beyond current product development, the Research Center challenges current strategies and drives Nokia’s renewal through long-term technology exploration. Nokia Research Center participates in the standardization work and various international R&D projects in cooperation with universities and research institutes. Nokia Research Center employs about 1,100 people and has activities in Finland, USA, Germany, Hungary, China and Japan. About NokiaNokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.

Today, Nokia (NYSE: NOK), a world leader in mobile communications, and Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB), a leading innovator of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, announced a cooperative licensing deal on Trimble’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) patents related to designated wireless products and services involving location technologies, such as GPS, assisted GPS or Galileo. The licensing agreement is exclusive to Nokia for the wireless consumer product and service domain and includes sublicensing rights. In return, Trimble receives a non-exclusive license to Nokia’s location-based patents for use in Trimble’s commercial products and services. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed; however it will not be material to either company’s revenue or income. “Location-based devices and services are receiving mass market acceptance, offering a range of benefits to both consumer and commercial users,” said Steven W. Berglund, president and CEO of Trimble. “We are very pleased to be working with Nokia to incorporate our intellectual property into the most common consumer electronic device – the mobile phone. This agreement validates Trimble’s GNSS patent portfolio and offers us further opportunities to extend our presence in the mobile communications markets we currently serve.” “We strongly believe that location-based capabilities and services will be an important element of future mobile communications devices,” said Kai Öistämö, executive vice president and general manager of Mobile Phones, Nokia. “By licensing the world’s largest GNSS patent portfolio involving innovative location solutions, Nokia will be able to offer our customers – consumers and operators alike – an even more compelling mobile experience. Also, by licensing our solutions and these patents to other players, we believe this deal with Trimble will benefit the entire wireless industry by accelerating the adoption of location technologies. From Nokia’s perspective, the sublicensing rights under Trimble’s industry leading location patent portfolio will nicely augment our industry leading WCDMA/UMTS and GSM patent portfolios.” Today, the location-based services industry is experiencing significant growth in the area of navigation; for example car, pedestrian and maritime. Other services such as “local search” – finding relevant information based on one’s location – are also becoming increasingly popular. As more and more location-based services continue to be added to mobile devices, the mobile phone is expected to play a central role in the mass adoption of location-based services by consumers. About Nokia Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com About Trimble Trimble is a leading innovator of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. In addition to providing advanced GPS components, Trimble augments GPS with other positioning technologies as well as wireless communications and software to create complete customer solutions. Trimble’s worldwide presence and unique capabilities position the Company for growth in emerging applications including surveying, agriculture, machine guidance, fleet and asset management, wireless platforms, and telecommunications infrastructure. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Trimble has more than 2,400 employees in more than 18 countries worldwide. For more information, visit Trimble’s Web site at www.trimble.com

“In the Internet you can come across the info on a future product by i-mate. We have some preliminary pictures of the communicator, which looks quite original.Available info at the moment:
Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone with AKU3 package
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
TI processor
miniSD slot
Two displays
Naturally this is non-official info. The approximate release date isn’t yet unveiled.” via mobile-review.com

“Measuring 62 x 16 x 89 mm and weighing just over 110 grams it is small and indeed light, more so than many PDA phones or Smartphones on the market. Styling is a bit like the PalmOne or even something from the Apple table with smooth corners and a silvered finish, the 2.8″ screen dominates the device which sits nicely in the hand and indeed the pocket. Inside the attractive Fujitsu unit sits the latest SiRF StarIII chipset providing pinpoint accuracy from the American owned GPS system, this copes well with built up areas, leafy roads and has a rather good TTF (Time To Fix) meaning you aren’t sat in car parks waiting too long.The Pocket Loox 100 is a Windows CE 5.0 Core Version device and seemed quite stable when running the main application which is the latest Navigon Mobile 6 GPS navigation software which ships with maps for 31 country’s on DVD with the UK pre loaded onto a 1gb mini SD card. Set-up of the device is simple and straight forward the N100 ships with both a car holder and car charger which enabled us to have it installed in minutes and still keep it fully charged. The unit is happy to operate in both portrait and landscape mode making it easy to place in car to gain the best use of the 2.8″ colour TFT screen which has a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels.” Read more here:

“Image Viewer has a simple job, and the title gives it away. It does it well and it doesn’t hide any of the directory structure of your phone – this is a hierarchical, directory based viewer. And I suspect this is one of the big strengths, especially for the more technical minded now that Nokia and Symbian have gone out of their way to hide the directory system from the user. Image Viewer does keep the right soft key fixed as ‘exit’, which is a bit annoying. I kept hitting it expecting it to be the back key and take me back up the tree. With S60 happy to keep applications in the background, it seems strange to have Image Viewer almost paranoidly shutting itself down whenever it can. Incidentally, when looking at a single image, the right hand key does act as ‘back’ here, and not ‘exit’, which in my jet-lagged haze is confusing the heck out of me.” Read more here:

“For several months now, users of Windows Mobile handhelds and smartphones have been able to watch TV programs streaming over the Internet from their Slingbox. Those with a Palm OS device, though, have been left out in the cold.There hasn’t yet been an official announcement from Sling Media — the maker of the Slingbox — but there’s strong evidence that this situation is about to change.Late last week, this company introduced three new Slingbox models with a range of features and prices. As part of this launch, a number of advertising pieces were shipped to stores that were carrying the new devices. Although Sling Media did its best to cover it up, the tech-oriented web site Zats Not Funny discovered that one of these ads indicates that a Palm OS version of SlingPlayer Mobile is slated for release.This same ad showed that a Symbian version of this application will be also be launched in the near future.At present, Sling Media’s Slingboxes are able to stream video from A/V equipment at the user’s home to Windows Mobile-based devices, as well as PCs and laptops. This allows users to watch everything they could on their home TV… but on their handheld or smartphone.” via brighthand.com

“Amidst the giddy mix of form factors and specifications in the smart mobile device world, there’s one particular combination of features which is rarer than you might think: a decent camera and a qwerty keyboard. I can’t believe I’m the only person wanting a device that can produce print (6″ by 4″) ready photos and also let me type notes, texts and emails on a proper (at least 20 wpm) keyboard. In addition to all the other functions of a smartphone, of course, from PIM apps to web browsing to telephony to 3rd party software compatibility.Here goes then, with the best candidates from the S60, Windows Mobile and UIQ worlds. With no hidden agenda, approaching all three devices from the standpoint of a neutral observer.” Find out more here:

“Cowon has introduced another product for the Korean market. This is a multi-function DMB-navigator-media player Cowon N2. It is equipped with a 7” WQVGA (480×234 pixels), an FM-tuner and a GPS SiRFstarIII module. The users can get the info on the road situation.Cowon N2 is powered by WinCE 5.0 running on AMD Alchemy 500 MHz processor, 128 MB DDR2 SDRAM and 32 MB flash ROM. There is the support of JPG, BMP and PNG graphics, MP3, WMA, ASF, OGG, WAV music and AVI, ASF, WMV, MPG video.There are two expansion slots for SD cards. The one flash card is supposed to store navigation maps, and the other some other content. I’d note the support of USB-host. Dimensions are 191x120x26 mm and weight – 540 g. The release is scheduled for October.” via mobile-review.com