Nokia Beta Labs Introduces The Ovi Mail Setup Application

Nokia Beta Labs today introduced S60 setup support for Ovi Mail. The Ovi Mail Setup application is available for a wide range of S60 devices (see Download and Installation for supported devices).

The setup application allows you to sign-up for an Ovi Mail account directly from your S60 device. If you already have an Ovi account it will provision Ovi Mail and configure the email client on the device. And it installs an icon in the Installations folder for easy access to Ovi Mail. This is not an email client. You will have to continue using the existing email client on your device. If you’re already successfully using Ovi Mail on your device you don’t need to install this.


Nokia Beta Labs also launched an update to their webmail interface. The navigation have been simplified on the left and it has been made more consistent from page to page. 4 additional languages have been added to Ovi Mail which includes Thai, Simplified Chinese, Russian and Finnish.

Motorola Ruby V13 Passes Bluetooth SIG

A new Motorola handset has been spotted at the Bluetooth SIG here and it’s actually the Ruby that could get launched as the Motorola V13. Although it did make its rounds in press photo circles after that, The Motorola Ruby clamshell was thought of to be canceled. The specs listed by the Bluetooth SIG includ : 2.2 inch QVGA internal display, 2 inch QVGA external touchscreen display, CDMA/Ev-Do connectivity, Bluetooth and 5MP camera with autofocus and flash.Sadly, there is no info on a release date concerning that phone as of now

Pantech Showcases Crystal IM-S500K

A brand new handset for the female gender from Pantech has just been announced. Pantech’s latest ladies phone, the Crystall IM-S500K, is designed to please women and only women. The new IM-S500K Crystal has a diamond pattern plate located on the front, which is covered by lights and icons
Its features list is pretty average, since the feminine phone packs a 2 megapixel camera module, a 2.4 inch QVGA LCD, an MP3 player, a dictionary and a subway map. Among others, The new IM-S500K Crystal has an interesting feature, it will have a biorhythm calculator which displays the user’s current mood on the cover itself .



Pantech Crystal IM-S500K will be available in three colors: pink, silver and black. It is no words about price.

Windows Mobile to reach 15% of smartphones in 2013?

In spite of common perception, Windows Mobile could take second place in the smartphone market in as little as four years, an iSuppli study predicted today. Analysts estimate that the phones shipped will triple from 27.7 million by the end of this year to 67.9 million in 2013, or enough to give it 15.3 percent of the industry behind Nokia's predicted 47.6 percent. Microsoft is expected to slip to third this year but to recover over time.

The return to form is founded in a belief that Microsoft has the "major cards" needed to have a successful mobile platform. Windows Mobile is already well established with carrier support and a substantial app library, while it now also has an app store (Windows Marketplace for Mobile).

Its age is considered a problem, as its interface is harder to use than an iPhone's and doesn't support the capacitive touchscreens needed for multi-touch and other more intuitive finger input. However, senior analyst Tina Teng believes the launch of Windows Mobile 7 in 2010 will render Microsoft "much more competitive" precisely because it should solve both of these problems. She also dismisses the losses of Motorola and Palm as clients for Windows Mobile, saying that neither were significant enough to make an impact while the recent addition of LG will be much more important. Windows Mobile has more licenses than anyone with 14 versus Symbian's 10.

The study doesn't address Nokia's own falling market share or outside factors, such as the maturation of younger platforms like Android and iPhone. Android has often been cited as the most direct competitor to Windows Mobile as it can be licensed by nearly any developer but is significantly less expensive to license and develop than Windows Mobile.

Nokia's 6350 handset coming to AT&T on October 4th

Nokia on Thursday launched the 6350, a flip phone specific to AT&T. The simple handset will be available in red and graphite and carry dedicated external music keys. Data over 3G and a 2-megapixel camera put it closer to the mid-range.

The higher-speed access gives it support for e-mail, one-way video sharing and the web, as well as a boost for AT&T's subscription mapping service. Talk time is rated at four hours. The Nokia 6350 will be available from AT&T online starting on October 4th and should cost just $30 with a two-year AT&T contract and after a mail-in rebate.

T-Mobile G1s get Android 1.6 update today, myTouch 3Gs tomorrow?

T-Mobile may be on the verge of updating its Android phones with the 1.6 update with "Donut" features, a last-minute leak has confirmed. Starting today, the carrier is reported by TmoNews to be giving both G1 and myTouch 3G users the upgraded features, which are known to include device-wide search, gestures, text-to-speech and likely the redesigned Android Market. A handful of G1 owners have had the update as of midnight; 24 hours from that point, some myTouch 3G owners should also get the update barring technical issues found in the test rollout.

The release will follow the approach T-Mobile took for the 1.5 update and stagger the update over coming days across all Android phones on the network rather than patch all of them at once. T-Mobile hasn't yet confirmed the update plans, but a small number of G1 owners report already receiving 1.6 on their phones and haven't mentioned issues that would preclude the myTouch update this evening.

Mark/Space intros Missing Sync for Android

Developer Mark/Space has announced The Missing Sync for Android, expanding the company's phone support. The new program allows users to sync with a phone based on Google's Android platform, such as the HTC Hero. Version 1.0 supports syncing contacts with Address Book and Entourage, as well as copying over music, photos, podcasts, ringtones and/or videos, primarily from an iTunes or iPhoto library.

Users can also sync PDF, Word, Excel and PowerPoint files. The app cannot sync DRM-restricted content however, and features such as calendar, note and bookmark sync will not be introduced until later v1.x releases. Options like Wi-Fi sync and the ability to save call and SMS histories are also planned. Public previews of Missing Sync for Android are scheduled to become available next week, followed by an official v1.0 launch "later" in October.

Moto Sholes to reveal as the Droid

Motorola's Sholes has received a new name, and details of when it should be unveiled, through a new slip of information. Unnamed contacts for BGR have claimed it will simply be called the Droid when it ships and that it should be unveiled for Verizon in two weeks. They add that, unlike the Cliq, the phone should be a full "with Google" device and will run a regular version of Android instead of Motorola's social network-heavy MOTOBLUR.

The news follows posts of several photos of the Droid from the user of a pre-release example that confirm the look of the device as well as that it should be running at least Android 1.6, which supports the new-look Android Market. Google's Latitude friend service has also been spotted running in the map utility.

Electronista has been able to independently confirm additional rumors as to the shipping timeframe of the Droid. People familiar with Verizon's plans expect the 5-megapixel touchscreen slider to ship in early December.

Samsung Giorgio Armani SPH-W8200 poses for the camera

Images and specs of the Samsung Armani W8200 have finally been spotted online, some five months after it was first promised. What has been gleaned is that the device sports a 3.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen along with a slide-out hardware keypad. The device will support high-speed HSDPA data networks.

Otherwise, there is a DMB TV tuner, Bluetooth and a 5-megapixel camera. Storage will be expandable through a microSD memory card slot, but it's unknown how much internal memory is retained. Unlike what was previously expected, however, it appears the device won't ship with Windows Mobile but rather a proprietary Samsung OS.

Despite the leak, shipping dates or pricing for the Samsung Armani handset are unknown. Judging from the source of the images, it's likely the device will launch in Korea first.

Philips to Launch New Phones: X806 and C702

Philips never lets us forget the fact that it’s still making handsets. And some of its latest cell phones look better than you’d expect. The latest models are the X806 and the C702 but you might have a rough time getting one since they’ll most likely go to China.

The X806 will sport quad-band GSM/GPRS, a 3.5-inch touchscreen display, a 5-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, FM radio, 47MB (nice round number) of internal memory upgradeable via microSD card. The C702 knows how to handle CDMA 1x connectivity and it comes with a 3.4-inch touchscreen display, 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, GPS, 70MB of internal memory also upgradeable via microSD cards.

How much would you pay to get one of these Philips handsets?

Your mobile and desktop search history now in sync

Google announced today that when you do a search on your desktop computer, you can now easily repeat the same search on your mobile phone.

Google has launched in the U.S. "Personalized Suggest" for Android, iPhone and Palm WebOS. This makes it easy to repeat past searches on the go.

For example, before you depart for the airport, you quickly check your flight status by searching for "american airlines 19" using google.com on your computer. Later you can open google.com on your mobile phone, click in the search box, and choose "american airlines 19" from the list of search suggestions.

To use search history make sure you are signed in the same account on your phone and desktop and that "Web History" is enabled in your Google Account. Mobile users can turn on/off history by selecting "Save searches" or "Do not save searches" under Settings on google.com.

LG-SU630/KU6300/LU6300

LG Electronics has been making waves with its LG Chocolate BL40 mobile phone and now, its Black Label Series has finally found its way towards the Korean market. The LG-SU630/KU6300/LU6300 features a widened 21:9 display with a 4” WVGA LCD Touch Screen boasting of a 800×345 resolution. It comes with DivX support for mobile phones without the assistance of a standard PC allowing people to enjoy videos.

Among its standard features include a system memory of 4GB Nand Flash and 2GB SDRAM. For user memory, SU630(80MB), KU6300 (133MB) and LU6300 (68MB). Provisions for external memory can accommodate up to 16GB for user MP3 and video files. It also comes with a Schneider built-in 8 megapixel camera, BlueTooth connectivity and Li-ion batteries.

Verizon Wireless Introduces the Razzle by PCD

Verizon Wireless today introduced the Verizon Wireless Razzle, a fashionable phone developed by Personal Communications Devices, LLC, that boasts a unique tilt-and-swivel design for more comfortable text messaging and quicker access to the built-in music player. Music can be downloaded from Verizon Wireless’ V CAST Music with Rhapsody service (subscription and PC downloads) and stored on the pre-installed 1 GB microSD card. The Razzle will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning Oct. 6. It will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores later this month.

Key features:

* QWERTY keypad and music controls on tilt-and-swivel bar
* Large 2.2” 262K color TFT display
* Built-in 1.3 megapixel camera
* 1X, Dual-band CDMA (1800/1900 MHz)
* Bluetooth®-capable with support for the following profiles: headset, hands-free, stereo, phonebook access, and object push for vCard and vCalendar
* Color: Sleek and shiny black case with lime green highlights

Lifestyle features:

* Access to Mobile Web
* Media Center-capable for easy downloading of games, ringtones and more
* VZ Navigator(SM)-capable – Customers get audible turn-by-turn directions to more than 15 million points of interest and can share the directions with others
* Text, picture and voice messaging
* Task bar for shortcuts to menus
* T9 predictive text
* Voice commands
* Up to 1,000-entry phone book
* Speakerphone
* Bilingual Interface – English and Spanish languages

Price and availability:

The Verizon Wireless Razzle will be available online for $69.99 with a new two-year customer agreement. The Razzle will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores later this month.

Nokia 2705 Shade comes to Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless introduce the Nokia 2705 Shade, a compact flip phone that fits in a pocket or purse for stylish connectivity. Available initially as an online exclusive, customers will have the option of purchasing the phone with or without a camera. The Nokia Shade also allows the customer to have the ability to choose the color of their choice with Xpress-on covers, sold separately.

Key features:

* Large display on one of the smallest devices available at Verizon Wireless
* VZ Navigator(SM)-capable to give customers access to more than 15 million points of interest
* Connect in color with Xpress-on changeable covers (sold separately)

Lifestyle features:


* Stylish and sleek with interchangeable covers for added personalization
* Stores up to 1,000 contacts
* Light-weight and easily fits into a pocket or purse
* Text, picture and voice messaging capabilities
* Up to 300 minutes of usage time or up to 360 hours of standby time
* 1.3 megapixel camera
* Bluetooth compatible with support for the following Bluetooth profiles: headset, hands-free, phonebook access, basic printing, and object push (for vCard and vCalendar)
* Micro USB 2.0 compatible
* Access to Mobile Web

Price and availability:

The Nokia Shade with camera will be available online beginning Oct. 6 at www.verizonwireless.com for $29.99 with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers can purchase Xpress-on changeable covers in blue, red and purple for $19.99 by visiting www.verizonwireless.com.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Because purple is the awareness color for domestic violence, those who purchase the Nokia Shade with a camera online during Domestic Violence Awareness Month will receive a free picture frame phone lanyard and a purple Nokia Xpress-on Cover while supplies last. Additionally, the Nokia Shade features pre-loaded wallpapers that highlight HopeLine, Verizon Wireless’ phone recycling and reuse program, and it is the first Verizon Wireless phone to have #HOPE pre-programmed into the contact list. When customers dial #HOPE, they are connected to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, where they can receive information or help with domestic violence situations or questions. To learn more about Verizon Wireless’ efforts around Domestic Violence Awareness Month, visit www.verizonwireless.com/HopeLineDVAM.

Verizon launches HTC Imagio smartphone

Verizon Wireless and HTC today introduce the HTC Imagio, a stylish multimedia smartphone that combines an intuitive user interface with global roaming capabilities for data access in more than 185 destinations. Verizon Wireless’ first smartphone to support V CAST Mobile TV, the Imagio brings news, sports and entertainment from popular broadcast channels to life on its extra-large 3.6” color display. The HTC Imagio’s mobile productivity is made possible by Windows Mobile 6.5. It is a Windows phone that is engineered to keep customers connected to both entertainment and work.

Key features:

* Global roaming capabilities with data access in more than 185 destinations (Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 + 2100 HSPA)
* High-speed connectivity in the United States over Verizon Wireless’ Mobile Broadband network (CDMA/EV-DO Rev. A 800/1900 MHz)
* Support for Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
* Large 3.6” LCD touch-sensitive screen with 480 x 800 WVGA resolution
* 3.5-mm audio jack and five quick launch buttons, including one-touch access to multimedia capabilities
* On-screen QWERTY keyboard for fast and easy typing
* 1500 mAh battery delivers extended operating time

Lifestyle features:

* Support for Verizon Wireless’ V CAST Mobile TV and V CAST Video on Demand services, while the Imagio’s V CAST Mobile TV antenna doubles as a convenient kickstand for easy, hands-free viewing
* Support for Verizon Wireless’ V CAST Music with Rhapsody service gives customers access to millions of songs to download over the air; get the master copy of the songs on their PCs; and sync their favorite tracks, albums and playlists from their PCs to their phones using a separately-sold USB cable
* Complete Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional support with Microsoft Office Mobile and Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile
* Fully-customizable home screen with ability to add applications of interest
* Integrated communications and seamless access to social networks
* Intuitive HTC TouchFLO 3D interface to allow for easy navigation between menus
* 5.0 megapixel camera with auto focus to capture memories with friends and family

Price and availability:

The HTC Imagio will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning Oct. 6 and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores beginning Oct. 20 for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the mail-in rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. Monthly access package for V CAST Mobile TV is $15 per month.

Another picture of Samsung's 12MP with 3x optical zoom phone

Engadget is reporting that the Samsung SCH-W880 camera phone has been leaked ahead of the devices official launch. The handset has one very significant feature — a 12MP camera with 3x optical zoom.



Typically, camera phones have low resolution sensors and no optical zoom, so it’s good to see another camera phone that is actually focused on taking pictures. Other features of the phone include a 3.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen and HSDPA data support.

The camera phone also has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and a microSD card slot. One feature is disheartening for American’s though, the cam has an integrated DMB TV tuner meaning it will probably never come outside of Korea.

VTech unveils cordless home phone that syncs with cell phone

VTech has a full line of cordless phones for landlines with all sorts of interesting features. If you use your mobile phone more than you use your home landline, you may have wished that you had your mobile phone address book on your home phone more than once.


VTech has unveiled a new cordless home phone called the DS6321-3 that is the first cordless home phone to be able to download cellular phone contact lists over Bluetooth. The VTech device can be synced with up to four Bluetooth devices including smartphones and headsets.

Two mobile phones can be connected to the system at once and the device supports landline, and cellular phone calls simultaneously. The home phone sells for $99.95 and will support up to 12 cordless handsets costing $19.99 each.

Vodafone to Sell iPhone in UK and Ireland in early 2010

Vodafone and Apple today confirmed that they have reached agreement to bring iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS to the UK and Ireland in early 2010. Beginning today, Vodafone UK and Vodafone Ireland customers can register their interest in iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS at www.vodafone.co.uk/iphone and www.vodafone.ie/iphone respectively. Pricing, tariffs and availability information will be announced locally in the future.

Shazam Teams Up with O2 for Mobile Music Discovery Service

Shazam, the world’s leading mobile music discovery provider, today announced that it has teamed up with O2 to make discovering and capturing music even easier for O2 customers. The agreement will mean that anyone on O2 will benefit from an enhanced mobile music experience, discovering music with Shazam and then purchasing it through their mobile, on the move.

O2 customers simply need to dial 2580 on their mobile and hold it up to the music for a few seconds. Shazam’s award-winning service will then text the user back with the details about the track, and O2 customers will then have a link embedded in that text that will allow them to immediately purchase that track.

“This is another great example of our strategy of working with the best companies in the world to deliver compelling music services for our customers,” said Matt Ward, Head of Music at O2. “We have joined forces with a leader in this space to allow our customers to have an even greater in-depth music experience on their mobile.”


Jonathan Symons, EVP Business Development, Shazam, continued: “O2 has a strong music presence through its relationship with The O2 and O2 Academy venues. We’re delighted to work with such a leading company to create added value for our IVR service and we look forward to working even closer with O2 in the future.”

The agreement is part of O2’s ongoing commitment to music and will be supported by an online, viral and outdoor marketing campaign. The campaign will include online advertising on O2 Active, interactive marketing at the O2 Academy venues and rolling on-screen advertising at The O2.

Samsung unveils Corby(TXT) and Corby(PRO) handsets

Samsung has added two new handsets to its line of Corby devices that are aimed at youths in Europe. The new Corby models include the Corby(TXT) and the Corby(PRO) that are offered alongside the original Corby S3650 handsets already available.



The Corby(TXT) is also known as the B3210 and it features a 2.2-inch LCD, 2MP camera with video capability, integrated FM tuner, changeable covers, and 40MB of onboard memory expandable via a microSD card slot. The phone operates on EDGE/GPRS networks on quad band. The handset will be available in Europe by the end of September.

The Corby(PRO) handset features a sliding QWERTY keyboard and operates on the HSDPA 7.2Mbps network at 900/2100MHz. The phone has a 2.8-inch LCD with full touch support and offers a 3MP camera. The camera can record video as well. Other features include a FM radio with RDS, changeable covers, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microUSB, 100MB of memory with a microSD card slot and more. The handset will ship in November.

Yetisports arrives on the iPhone

Yeti and Penguin are back! For the first time, the ill-assorted couple is taking off on the iPhone. After been kicked around for years, the Penguin finally gets to fly! Use the iPhones motion sensor to maneuver him trough 27 stages of all new level gameplay.

Download

Nokia Messaging in the Philippines

The Leading wireless services provider Smart Communications, Inc (SMART) has recently signed a deal with Nokia to offer Nokia Messaging on selected Nokia Nseries and Eseries devices. Nokia Messaging is an easy-to-use messaging service that will be available on a special data plan to SMART subscribers beginning September 26, 2009. The Nokia Messaging plan will initially be offered with the Nokia E75 and will also be offered to other Nokia Messaging capable devices in the near future.

“SMART is pleased to be the first operator to bring Nokia Messaging in the Philippines. More and more customers – even non-business users – are looking for a reliable service that allows them to have email pushed automatically to their handsets while on the move,” said Danilo Mojica, Head of Wireless Consumer Division, SMART.

“The Nokia Messaging service offers all consumers a chance to enjoy push email service on their Nokia phone. With just a single application on a mobile device, our customers can manage multiple email accounts anytime, anywhere. Nokia Messaging makes it effortless to set up a push email account, providing an unprecedented ease of use and convenience to our customers. Coupled with SMART’s unrivalled 3G/HSPA network, they will enjoy a superior mobile email experience and remain connected easily,” added Mr. Mojica.

“We want to make mobile messaging as ubiquitous as voice or SMS. Nokia Messaging gives people simple and affordable mobile access to the world’s most popular email accounts. We believe mobile messaging is a critical, must-have feature, and we deliver mobile messaging solutions to a broad range of Nokia devices, all easily activated with a few clicks,” said Benoit Nalin, General Manager, Nokia Philippines.



Nokia Messaging mobilizes email from thousands of internet and email service providers globally. Customers can have their personal email accounts pushed directly to their Nokia device from email service providers such as Ovi, Yahoo!®Mail, Gmail(TM), and Windows Live (TM) Hotmail®. Customers simply need to enter their email address and password to get emails pushed directly to the homescreen of their device. They can then read, send, forward and reply to emails as well as download, read, forward and attach files on the go. Small medium enterprises (SMEs) with their own POP/IMAP compliant email servers can also enjoy push email service with Nokia Messaging.

The Nokia E75 is the first Nokia device to ship with a horizontal slide-out QWERTY keymat and offers a unified messaging interface that combines email, MMS and SMS into one application.

SMART Gold subscribers will be able to enjoy unlimited Nokia Messaging push email service at an affordable price of P299 per month on the Nokia E75.

iPhone App Review: RedLaser 2.2

RedLaser is an application for the iPhone that scans the barcode of a product and then searches for that product and it’s prices.

Features:

* Scans UPC, EAN, and UPC-E (NEW) barcodes!
* Finds prices using Google Product Search, and Amazon (NEW)Email a list of products
* Send barcodes as email attachment (NEW) — Great for inventory!
* Search ANY website using a custom URL (How-To coming soon, NEW!)
* Automatic search localization for USD, EUR, and GBP, as well as Amazon (.com/.co.uk/.de/.co.jp/.fr/.ca/.cn) autoselection (NEW!)

LiMo foundation offers new handsets

The LiMo Foundation is a global consortium of mobile phone manufacturers and companies that include some of the more well know firms in the mobile phone world. The foundation is announced that several new handsets from LiMo Foundation partners have been unveiled. The handsets are from NEC and Panasonic.



The docomo PRIME series N-06A, N-07A, STYLE series N-08A, and SMART series N-09A models from NEC have debuted. Panasonic has introduced the docomo STYLE series P-06A, docomo PRIME series P-07A, docomo STYLE series P-08A, docomo SMART series P-09A, and docomo STYLE series P-10A.

The introduction of the new handsets brings the number of LiMo-compliant devices on the market to 42. The organization says that number is the most commercially available handsets produced by any collaborative development platform organization.

iHome ships iPhone speaker dock

I have checked out several docks for my iPhone over the years and some of them have been cool while others have been junk. The thing that most of them have in common is that the bass they produce isn’t that great.



iHome has announced that its new iP1 speaker System for the iPod/iPhone is available. The dock has 100 watts of premium sound inside a custom cabinet packed with 4-inch woofers and 1-inch silk dome tweeters.

The dock also features a remote control and component video outputs for connecting to other AV devices. The dock is available to buy at Apple stores and Best Buy as well as online for $299.

iPhone shot with 9mm pistol due to unhappy owner

Have you ever wondered what an iPhone looks like after it gets shot with three bullets, doused in kerosene and lit on fire? Me neither, but that’s exactly what the unhappy iPhone user featured in the above video decided to do after he got fed up with Apple’s ‘dictatorship’.


In the end, the video does a good job showing that the owner is unhappy but what’s more is we get to see how awesomely the glass cracks after a bullet pierces it. And remember kids, don’t try this at home.

New Motorola Shules rumors surface

I think that the most I have heard about a Motorola handset since everyone wanted a Razr has been about the Shules smartphone. The device is to be Motorola’s first Android handset and new rumors about the device have surfaced today.


New rumors claim that the Shules handset will launch running the Android Eclair OS and may even be the flagship handset for the new features the update brings. Shules is said to be a gaming beast with optimized 3D graphics and more.

One rather interesting rumor says that there is a GSM version of Shules in the works so AT&T or T-Mobile could get the device as well. As with all rumors, none of this can be truly confirmed until official announcements are made.

Apple to Launch New Products before September 7?

Apple’s future keynote hasn’t been properly announced yet but we hear the next event is coming in the week of September 7. According to these rumors, Steve Jobs might be present and Mac lovers have probably waiting for him to return for quite a while now.

What will Apple launch? We will probably going to see the next generation of iPod touches, you know, the ones with cameras and microphones. The new iPod touch will come in new sizes, 16, 32 and 64GB which will cost $199, $299 and $399. Considering that that hot new Zune HD is coming on September 18 we should very well assume that Apple is indeed launching the new iPod touch a week before.

What else can we expect? Will we see the tablet? A MacBook refresh? iTunes 9? Whatever it is, we’ll be watching!

CourseSmart’s eTextbook reader iPhone App

CourseSmart has recently announced that their eTextbook reader iPhone app has offically been made available via Apple’s App Store.

Available from launch are over 7,000 text book titles to choose from but there’s a catch, you won’t be storing these books locally. Instead, you will have to view them using CourseSmart’s servers which means the pain and suffering varies depending on your Internet connection.

Anyways, above is a demo of the software so watch it and ponder how much better your life would be studying from a 3.5″ screen rather than an actual book.

Verizon Launches the ZTE AD3700 Mobile Broadband Modem

A new USB broadband modem is available for your mobile and Verizon Wireless will have it in stores for you. The ZTE AD3700 USB modem is the new addition to Verizon’s lineup and it’s a gadget meant to work for you no matter where you travel. The modem will offer you support for EV-DO, GSM, GPRS, EDGE and UMTS. Feel free to travel anywhere and you’ll be able to use the device.

The ZTE AD3700 will be available in stores tomorrow for $79.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate provided you also choose a new 2-year mobile broadband plan.

AlgePrep App for iPhones Released for Students

As far as kids are concerned (and some teens), learning Algebra may not necessarily be the best subject they would be raving about. But just the same, we all know that Algebra is part of the learning process and sooner or later kids will have to deal with it.

Thanks to technology and the continuous development of software apps, the AlgePrep App can act as a virtual tutor to help hone up the Algebra skills that kids find hard to master. However, Modality brings a new kind of app for the iPhone or the iPod Touch, something handy that should condition the educational assistance that kids would need.

The AlgePrep app series focuses on a key algebra topic and features a “Practice Test” to help students build skills and gain confidence. The revolutionary capabilities of iPhone and iPod touch enable students to access a variety of learning content just by tapping the device screen. Questions in the “Practice Test” provide immediate feedback to the user in the form of quick tips and step-by-step video solutions from Elayn Martin-Gay.

Garmin Asus eyes China, plans to sell 1 million phones globally

Although it announced only two phones until now (Nuvifone G60 and Nuvifone M20), Garmin Asus plans to sell one million handsets this year and during 2010.

The joint venture will enter the Chinese market by the end of 2009, initially trying to sell its products unlocked, and only then to make agreements with China’s mobile carriers. If Chinese customers will find the Nuvifones appealing enough, Garmin-Asus has lots of chances to reach that 1 million mark – since there are more than 600 million mobile users in China.

As already reported, Garmin Asus is also getting ready to launch the Nuvifone G60 in the US, via AT&T, as soon as this quarter.



Jonney Shih, chairman of Asus, declared that the G60 will be marketed by Garmin in the US, since their brand is stronger than Asus’ in North America.

The Nuvifone M20 may also hit AT&T, but probably later than the G60.

Microsoft promotes higher prices for mobile apps

As it’s getting ready to launch Windows Mobile 6.5 and Windows Marketplace for Mobile in the next few months, Microsoft indents to attract as many app developers as possible on its side.

More exactly, the software giant encourages developers to price their apps higher than they do when offering them through other app stores.

According to TechFlash, Loke Uei, member of the Microsoft Mobile Developer Experience Team, said yesterday: “It’s up to you to play your pricing, but we would definitely want to promote that you make more money selling applications than selling your application in a dollar store.”

That “one dollar store” is a clear reference to Apple’s App Store, where there are countless applications priced at $0.99.



Microsoft’s idea is to promote high-quality applications that would have a higher price and thus bring more revenue to developers. End users should benefit from this too, since they probably prefer to pay $5 for a really good app rather than $1 for a crappy one.