Huawei E5 Portable 3G Wireless Router

To be announced in China this month, Huawei E5 is a portable wireless router that makes use of 3G wireless signal to share the connection via wireless network. E5 is compatible with HSUPA/HSDPA/UMTS 2100 MHz and EDGE/GPRS/GSM 1900/1800/900/850 MHz network, supports up to 7.2 Mbps HSDPA and 5.76 Mbps HSUPA data connection. It can also be used as a microSD card reader with the built in microSD card slot. Powered by a USB connection, the little portable router has a built in battery to share the internet access for approximately 4 hours at a single charge.

Motorola mulls eCoupled technique for wireless charging

Is it possible to transfer energy from one circuit component to another wirelessly? Well, yes, it’s possible via a shared magnetic field that suffices no need for power cords. eCoupled calls it ‘inductive coupling’. As per rep, Motorola seeks to gain entrée to the eCoupled know-how. It wishes to use the technique in wireless charging of cellphones. I think substituting battery capacity with a stand-in battery pack and an induction coil is far better an idea. What say? As of now, the project may take some time to become a reality. Nonetheless, it’s definitely worth the wait.

[via CellPhoneBeat]

Sprint's Sierra Wireless Compass 597 is tiny and sleek - USB EVDO Rev. A modem with style

If there's one thing that gets attention in the tech-world, it's Apple products. So, it makes sense that Sierra Wireless wanted to leverage the MacBook Air's "hotness" to publicize their newly announced Sierra Wireless Compass 597 EVDO Rev. A USB modem.

The MacBook Air initially got my attention. Then I noticed the yellow-lit USB dongle sticking out of the Air's notoriously slim and widely incompatible USB port. The Air's design necessitates that everything be as slim and small as possible, and as such, the ultra-portable notebook from Apple suffers from a too-small USB port - many USB dongles and flash drives just don't fit in the port.
So, imagine my surprise when I saw this super slim USB modem stuck into the side of the MacBook Air!

Sierra Wireless has kept the formula simple with EVDO Rev. A allowing 3.1Mbps download speeds and upload speeds of up to 1.8Mbps, and built-in GPS allowing, well, GPS-related stuff. The included microSD card slot makes the Sierra Wireless Compass 597 a microSD card reader, too.

The bright-yellow indicator light on the tip of the Compass 597 lets you know when you're locked on to Sprint's network, and adds some pop to the otherwise nondescript USB modem.

Expect a Q2 2008 ship-date for the Sierra Wireless Compass 597. I'm waiting on my review unit to come in, so stay tuned to see how this slim little USB modem performs in the real world!

[Source]

Alltel Wireless BlackBerry Pearl 8130 for $149.99 after a $100 mail-in-rebate

Alltel Wireless today announced that the new BlackBerry Pearl 8130 is now available on www.shopalltel.com and in Alltel retail stores. This smartphone makes the perfect holiday gift and includes email, Web browser, text messaging, instant messaging and organizer applications.

The phone also features GPS capabilities and mapping applications such as TeleNav and BlackBerry Maps; a 2 MP camera with flash, zoom and video capture; an advanced media player with 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth® stereo support and dedicated volume controls; 64 MB of built-in memory with an expandable microSD/SDHC memory card slot; and much more.

Alltel Wireless is offering the BlackBerry Pearl 8130 for $149.99 after a $100 mail-in-rebate.

[via MobileWhack]

Nokia Wi-Fi access

Boingo Wireless announced that Boingo Mobile is now available for selected Nokia mobile phones. With the addition of Boingo Mobile, selected Nokia mobile phones and Internet Tablets can automatically connect to the Boingo wireless network of hotspots across the world for only USD 7.95 - EUR 5.95 - GBP 3.95 per month. For a limited time, people who sign up for this internet service will receive the first month free.

Nokia Wi-Fi enabled mobile phones

Owners of compatible Nokia Wi-Fi enabled mobile phone - including selected S60 based smartphones and Linux-based Internet Tablets - can download and install Boingo Mobile software, which enables roaming access to the world's largest network of public hotspots. The Boingo software identifies hotspots and automatically authenticates users with their Boingo user account.

Boingo Mobile wireless internet

"Nokia mobile phone users can use Boingo Mobile to effortlessly connect to Boingo's hotspot wireless network, allowing them to experience intensive bandwidth applications at ultra-fast speeds," said Dave Hagan, Boingo president and CEO. "Boingo Mobile simplifies the connection process and eliminates the cumbersome task of navigating public Wi-Fi walled gardens.", added Mr. Hagan.

Nigel Rundstrom

"This agreement reinforces Nokia's commitment to become an Internet driven experiences company - offering not only great devices but also exciting services around them," said Nigel Rundstrom, vice-president, Nokia Multimedia. With the introduction of Boingo Mobile software and service on selected Nokia S60 devices and Nokia Linux-based Internet Tablets, consumers now have an affordable, unified Wi-Fi roaming experience across the globe that is extremely easy to use.", added Nigel Rundstrom.

Boingo Internet Wi-Fi access pirce & availability

Boingo Mobile is available as a downloadable software application via the Nokia Download site on the Nokia N95, N80, N80 Internet Edition multimedia smartphones, and throughout the Boingo website for selected Wi-Fi enabled Nokia S60 based cell phones. The availability of Boingo Mobile on selected Nokia Wi-Fi enabled mobile phones represents the successful realization of a mutual vision to deliver a robust multimedia experience on mass market mobile devices.

Source

Telenor Pakistan Selects Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email

NEW YORK, November 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nokia today announced that mobile operator Telenor Pakistan will offer Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email to its consumer customers, small-medium enterprises (SMEs), and large corporations. The service, branded as "SmartMail", is currently available.

Telenor Pakistan started mobile operations in March 2005 and today owns the fastest growing and the largest mobile data network (EDGE based), in the highly competitive mobile market of Pakistan. According to Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) the mobile penetration rate reached approximately 43 percent in August 2007. By comparison, Pakistan's fixed line market is moving slowly, reaching only a tenth of the mobile teledensity.

"Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email supports all kinds of mobile devices from entry level phones to high-end smartphones for professionals, this together with Telenor Pakistan's largest EDGE coverage in Pakistan will provide customer convenience to all service subscribers" said CMO Telenor Pakistan Sigvart Voss Eriksen. "A fast growing market such as ours demands a flexible solution that offers not only the possibility to host the solution for consumers and SMEs, but also to meet the special requirements of large corporations," Eriksen added.

"Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email supports more than 100 devices from various vendors - the broadest support in the industry -- allowing Telenor Pakistan to deploy email on a range of devices to meet the needs of various customers," says Scott Cooper, senior vice president, Mobility Solutions, Enterprise Solutions, Nokia. "Given the highly scalable platform, Telenor Pakistan is well prepared for further fast growth of their customer base, followed by increasing demand for mobile access to email."

Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email is part of Nokia Intellisync Mobile Suite that provides access to powerful collaboration tools such as email, contacts, calendar, device management and synchronization of files, data and enterprise applications. Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email works in any groupware environment - ISP, Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Notes or Groupwise and can run on any kind of device platform - Symbian, Windows, Palm J2ME, or Pocket PC. The highly scalable email solution supports for more than 100 different devices in addition to Nokia Eseries portfolio.

About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobility, driving the transformation and growth of the converging Internet and communications industries. Nokia makes a wide range of mobile devices and provides people with experiences in music, navigation, video, television, imaging, games and business mobility through these devices. Nokia also provides equipment, solutions and services for communications networks.

http://www.nokia.com

Verizon Wireless makes available Samsung Gleam mobile phone

Verizon Wireless and Samsung have together announced the availability of Gleam mobile phone.

Gleam is a thin clamshell cell phone which has been designed to provide entertaining features to Verizon customers.

Samsung Gleam device is compatible with the Verizon Wireless’ V Cast service and would be able to receive both music and videos from this service.

Owners would be able to download music wirelessly from V Cast. The device comes with a microSD slot which can be fitted with a card of up to 4GB capacity.

The device is also Mobile Web 2.0 capable and this would let the users access web services using advanced technologies.

Verizon added that they are making available this phone for $150 after a $50 mail-in rebate and two-year subscription.

Sierra Wireless AirCard 595U EVDO Rev. A USB modem to be available on Verizon Wireless August 30

Wow, we’ve been waiting quite a long time for this thing to drop. After missing it’s initial shipping date for last year, we fully expected the Sierra Wireless AirCard 595U EVDO Rev. A USB modem in April. Well, now it’s August, and it seems that Verizon Wireless is finally offering the 3G AirCard on their network.

The USB modem can be plugged in directly to your computer, or connected through a dock. The Sierra Wireless 595U comes bundled with VZAccess Manager software and features a removable battery. It’s gonna cost you a lot more than the expected $49.99 price point - $179.99 to be exact (after two-year contract and rebates, of course).


We’re expecting this thing to drop on August 30, let’s hope Big Red keeps true to the launch window this time around.

Press release

Now It Is Even Easier To Get The Info You Want With Mobile Web 2.0 From Verizon Wireless

Mobile Web 2.0 from Verizon Wireless just got even easier to use as the company unveiled its new, redesigned service that makes it easier to get the information you want when you want it with new features and functionalities.

With Mobile Web 2.0, customers can still access e-mail, news, sports, weather, and information from the nation’s top content providers, including ESPN, Bank of America, USA TODAY and MapQuest.


The new features include:

* New Content Channels – Local, Connect, Tools, Commute, and Money give customers more options
* New Search functionality – Allows both keyword and local search, enabling customers to easily discover sites and content of local interest
* Improved graphics – Tabbed graphics, top headlines with photo links and refined features improve cursor discovery and location
* Dropdown headlines – Allow customers to select up to seven headlines, for faster access to articles
* 10 Button Navigation – Improved navigation and menu structure provides customers with more options on each page
* Numbered article and information pages – Enable one-click access, eliminating the need to click through multiple links
* Navigational Shortcut Menu – Dropdown menu at the page bottom provides links to other locations, providing faster and easier navigation
* Improved content placement – Makes it easier for customers to find what they want

Mobile Web 2.0 can be self-provisioned, eliminating the need for customers to call customer service or visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store to sign up for the service. Verizon Wireless customers with Mobile Web 2.0-capable handsets automatically view the new redesigned portal when they navigate to Mobile Web 2.0. Customers simply register for Mobile Web 2.0 on their Mobile Web 2.0-capable handsets by visiting the News and Info category under the Get It Now menu on their phones.

Mobile Web 2.0 is available for $5.00 monthly access, plus airtime, if purchased as a standalone service from the phone, or as a part of the V CAST VPak, which also includes unlimited basic V CAST Video clips and access to ESPN MVP for $15.00 monthly access.

Verizon Wireless to Offer New Mobile Payment Service

Obopay, a mobile payment service, will soon make its services available to Verizon Wireless customers.

Verizon, the first U.S. carrier to offer the mobile payment service, says customers will be able to receive, send and spend money instantly through their mobile phones.

Verizon says users can immediately access their mobile money using an Obopay prepaid MasterCard, which can be used at any ATM or retail outlet that accepts credit cards.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., and BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Wireless customers will soon have another option when they shop other than just cash or credit – they will be able to pay using their wireless phones. Obopay, the first comprehensive mobile payment service in the U.S., today announced with Verizon Wireless, the leading wireless company with the most reliable voice and data network, they plan to make Obopay’s services available to Verizon Wireless customers in the coming weeks. Obopay is the first mobile payment offering for any major U.S. carrier, and it will allow Verizon Wireless customers to make purchases easily and directly from their mobile phone.

The Obopay service allows users to receive, send and spend money instantly and effortlessly via their mobile phones – whether shopping at their favorite store, going to the movies or dining with friends. Users can immediately access their mobile money using an Obopay prepaid MasterCard®, which can be used at any ATM or retail outlet that accepts credit cards. With Obopay’s user-friendly features, users can also check their account balances, collect money owed from other mobile users, view transaction histories, and invite friends to use the service.

“After a series of industry-firsts, Obopay has once again shown unrivaled leadership by working toward making its services available on the Verizon Wireless network,” said Obopay chief executive officer, Carol L. Realini. “We look forward to working with Verizon Wireless to deliver our mobile payments services to its customers.”

Obopay will initially run on Verizon Wireless mobile phones as a BREW application that can be downloaded from the Verizon Wireless Get It Now® online catalog. After downloading the application, users will be able to sign up for the service directly from their Verizon Wireless mobile devices or at www.obopay.com. Signing up friends will be easy – users simply send cash to prompt others to sign up or issue mobile alert invites. The service will also be made available as part of Verizon Wireless’s Mobile Web 2.0 service. Download charges for Get It Now applications vary and airtime charges apply when browsing, downloading and using certain applications. Customers need a Get It Now-enabled handset and Verizon Wireless digital service to access the Get It Now virtual store.

For more information Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 60.7 million customers. The largest US wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 66,000 employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Obopay
Obopay, Inc. (www.obopay.com) is the leading service provider for payments over mobile phones. Obopay delivers instant and effortless payment solutions that allow consumers, merchants, banks and carriers to easily embrace the power and convenience of instant mobile payments.

Source: Obopay

Nokia’s Wireless Wibree Technology merges with Bluetooth SIG

On Tuesday, the consortium behind the Bluetooth wireless standard announced that Nokia will be contributing a technology that promises to bring wireless connections to devices that are too small for regular Bluetooth chips.


The technology called Wibree technology has been developed by Nokia and will become part of the Bluetooth specification under an agreement reached by the Wibree Forum and the Bluetooth Special Interest Group.

According to Michael Foley, executive director of Bluetooth SIG, “We look at this as an addition to the Bluetooth family of specifications, enabling a new class of devices that Bluetooth isn’t really suitable for today.”

Bluetooth has been used to connect larger devices like handsets, keyboards and mice to stereos and PCs. With the help of Wibree, the technology will be able to connect smaller button-cell battery-powered devices such as watches or even sensors attached to a user’s body.

Wibree uses the same 2.4GHz frequency as Bluetooth. Also, Wibree has a much lower data rate and power consumption than Bluetooth.

Finland-based Nokia started developing Wibree in 2001, and announced this technology in October 2006. The company formed a Wibree Forum with other companies to license and utilize this technology.

From the very beginning, Wibree was designed to work with two implementation options- as an easily implemented extension to a classic Bluetooth radio, and as a stand-alone application.

“Nokia’s contribution of its Wibree technology into the Bluetooth SIG as the basis for ultra low power Bluetooth specifications will continue to enhance the consumer experience of connecting to anything and anyone from anywhere with Bluetooth wireless technology,” said John R. Barr, Ph.D., chairman of the Bluetooth SIG board of directors.

“This new technology, as the basis of a wide range of ultra low power devices, is a commendable advancement in Bluetooth technology,” he added.

The integration of Wibree, the low power technology within existing Bluetooth specification has already begun and the very first version of the specification can be expected during the first half of 2008.