Recent Cellular News

Apple: Multitasking coming to the iPhone this summer, iPad in the fall

April 8, 2010

One of the biggest criticisms leveled at the iPhone and the iPad — that it can't run third-party apps in the background — will be fixed at last (partially, anyway), with a little help from iPhone software 4.0, Steve Jobs announced Thursday. The major OS revision will arrive this summer for the iPhone, while iPad users will have to wait until the fall.

The new iPhone software will pack in more than 100 new features, Jobs promised, including (besides multitasking) a unified email inbox, support for Apple's new iBookstore, a social gaming network, a series of interface enhancements (such as app folders and wallpapers for the home screen) and — yep, it was bound to happen — a new, Apple-controlled mobile ad framework, with Apple set to keep a generous 40 percent of future ad revenue for itself.

Without further ado, then, let's get down to the nitty-gritty:

Multitasking
Here's how it'll work: If you're running an app on the iPhone — anything from the core Mail app to, say, a game like Tap Tap Revenge — you just double-click the Home key to pull up a small window shade at the bottom of the screen, which can show four apps at a time (just swipe to scroll through more running apps). Tap an app in the new multitasking "dock" and you'll switch to the app, with the first app's state saved in the background.

So, will all these apps actually be running in the background? Well, no (if they did, they'd slow iPhone performance to a crawl and eat up battery life, Jobs said). That said, Apple will be allowing a few selected processes to run in the background, including music, VOIP, and location-based apps.

For example, Pandora will still play music while you're browsing on Safari (you can even pause Pandora or skip tracks using the iPhone's "lock" control bar), you'll be able to answer and maintain VOIP calls (think Skype and the like) while you're working in other apps, and location-aware apps like Loopt will be able to track your location in the background via cell-tower triangulation. (An icon will appear in the iPhone's top status bar to warn you if a background app is tracking your location; you'll also get to tweak a series of new location-based privacy settings).

Universal e-mail inbox
Here's a feature that's been a long time in coming. Currently, iPhone users checking multiple email accounts have had to switch back and forth between those accounts to see their respective in boxes (a process that takes several more clicks than it should). With iPhone OS 4.0, however, users will at last get a single, unified in box, just like BlackBerry users have enjoyed since ... well, forever. You'll also be able to "fast switch" between accounts, sort messages by thread, and open attachments with a third-part app (nice). Also, good news for Exchange users: No longer will you be restricted to a single Exchange account.

Home screen enhancements
You know how the iPhone won't allow you to select wallpaper for the home screen? (That's the home screen with all your app icons, not the lock screen with the digital clock and the "slide to unlock" thingy). That's all set to change once iPhone OS 4.0 comes out. You'll also be able to create "folder" icons that contain a series of apps — say, for all your games — effectively boosting the number of apps that can be displayed on the iPhone's home screen from 180 to more than 2,100.

Social gaming network
The Xbox 360 has Xbox Live, the PS3 has the PlayStation Network, and now the iPhone will have Game Center, a new social gaming system that'll let you earn achievements, invite pals to your personal gaming network, compare top scores on leaderboards, and square off with other players via matchmaking. Third-party developers who've already set up their own social gaming networks for the iPhone (such as Gameloft and OpenFeint) aren't gonna like this one bit.

A word from our sponsors
Plenty of iPhone apps already feature in-app advertisements, but Steve Jobs (unsurprisingly) thinks Apple can do it better — thus, iAd, a framework for dynamic new in-app, HTML5-powered ads that "deliver interaction and emotion" (I know, I know). Jobs showed off a series of demos, including a full-motion app for Pixar's "Toy Story 3" (shocker!), a Nike ad that lets you design your own shoe, and a Target ad that lets you set up your dorm room. Ads won't pull users out of a running app, Jobs promised, and you'll also be able to play videos, games, download wallpaper, and view maps from within the ad itself. Last but not least: Apple says it'll split ad revenue with advertisers 60-40, with Apple keeping the 40-percent cut. Look who just got into the advertising business.

Other enhancements
Expect the iBookstore to come to the iPhone with OS 4.0, along with a series of enterprise enhancements (in-app encryption, wireless app deployment for an entire workforce, etc.) and support for Bluetooth keyboards.

Which iPhones/the iPad will be compatible with OS 4.0?
The iPhone 3GS and the third-generation iPod Touch will be fully compatible with the new OS, multitasking and all, Jobs said. If you have the iPhone 3G or the second-gen iPod Touch, they will run "many things" in OS 4.0, but multitasking won't be one of them. Finally, the iPad will also be getting all the new OS 4.0 features — including multitasking — but not until this fall. Jobs didn't mention the original iPhone or iPod Touch, nor did he mention a fee for iPod Touch users wishing to upgrade (as we've seen in the past).

What we didn't get
No Flash support (just "no," Jobs reportedly said). No status-bar notifications for new email or SMS messages (which already exist on WebOS and Android phones). And no mention at all of an iPhone for Verizon.

Source: (www.news.yahoo.com)

Federal Court Nixes FCC Net Neutrality Ruling

April 7, 2010

A federal appeals court has sided with Comcast and negated the Federal Communication's Commission's citation against Comcast (issued in 2008) for throttling internet traffic. The FCC had scolded Comcast for reducing the broadband speeds of users who accessed high-bandwidth file-sharing services. The appeals court says that the FCC doesn't have the authority to issue such citations nor to govern how private companies run their networks. The court said in its ruling, "The commission has failed to tie its assertion of ancillary authority over Comcast's Internet service to any statutorily mandated responsibility." The decision could have a wide-spread affect on how net neutrality is addressed in the future.

Source: (www.phonescoop.com)

Apple Announces April 8 iPhone OS 4.0 Event

April 7, 2010

Today Apple issued invitations to an event it is holding on April 8 to announce iPhone OS version 4.0. The iPhone hasn't seen a major software update in months. iPhone OS 4.0 is expected to be a major overhaul of the OS.

Source: (www.phonescoop.com)

Is competition finally getting to RIM?

April 2, 2010

Research In Motion's revenue and device shipments may have been up for the fourth quarter of 2009, but analysts worry the company's days at the top of the smartphone market are numbered as it succumbs to pressure from competition.

On Wednesday, RIM reported increases in its quarterly profit and revenue, but the company still disappointed Wall Street, which was expecting bigger gains. The company also announced slightly lower phone shipments, which also raised eyebrows. And average selling prices on its phones fell slightly. Shares in the company's stock fell roughly 5 percent Thursday on the news.

This "disappointment" comes as the company actually reported better-than-expected subscriber growth and strong growth in international markets.

So what's the problem? Why are investors down on RIM? The bottom line for RIM, maker of the popular BlackBerry line of smartphones, is that when you're on top, it's hard to stay there with rivals, such as Apple and Google, breathing down your neck.

"Weak offerings in touch (phones) and 3G leave the company heavily exposed to a slew of new smartphones now hitting the market," Ed Snynder, an analyst with Charter Equity Research, wrote in a note to investors. "While it will certainly maintain its lead in email-based smartphones, we see little chance it can sustain its market share, pricing or margins long-term."

Prices already seem to be under pressure. The average selling price of a BlackBerry in the fourth quarter was about $311. This is below management's own estimate of $320. The company said it expects first quarter 2010 shipments to average $305 to $310.

Some analysts see this as a warning sign that stiff competition is forcing prices down. But others say the dip is attributable to one-time inventory adjustments left over from the busy holiday season. What's more, January and February are typically slow months for cell phone sales.

Still, there are enough troubling tidbits to make investors wary. Even though the company added more new subscribers for its phones, it actually sold fewer phones than it had expected. RIM said it shipped 10.5 million devices. The estimate was that it would sell about 11 million phones.

RIM is facing stiff competition from other phone makers, especially Apple and the slew of competitors offering phones using Google's operating system. Microsoft may also become a stronger competitor later in the year when the company introduces its Windows Phone 7 software.

Apple and the Google Android phones have been strong competitors to RIM in the consumer market. But Microsoft, which doesn't require companies to buy an expensive license fee for its server, could challenge RIM's dominance in the corporate market, RIM's bread and butter.

RIM recognizes that license fees could be an issue for some of its corporate customers. In February at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona the company announced it will offer a free version of BlackBerry Enterprise Server software for small- and medium-size business customers, as well as for businesses that want to let employees use their own phones to access corporate e-mail.

BlackBerry Express Server is software that syncs BlackBerry phones with Microsoft Exchange or Windows Small Business servers. Previously, RIM had charged all companies a licensing fee for using this software, which not only provides access to corporate e-mail but also adds security.

Source: (www.news.cnet.com)

IPad to Launch With Payload of Ads

April 2, 2010

Marketers from Nike to Fidelity Investments have been scrambling to land a spot on Apple's iPad in time for its launch this weekend. But for all the excitement about its advertising potential, the device has posed serious challenges in crafting campaigns.

Source: (www.wirelessweek.com)

CBS, ABC Plan Free iPad Shows

April 2, 2010

CBS Corp. and Walt Disney Co.'s ABC are adapting episodes of their TV shows to be viewable free of charge on Apple Inc.'s new iPad, according to people familiar with the matter, offering Apple new TV content as it prepares for the multimedia gadget's Saturday release.

Source: (www.wirelessweek.com)

New iPhone By Summer, Verizon iPhone By Fall

April 2, 2010

Today the Wall Street Journal reports that Apple will debut a new version of the iPhone by summer. The WSJ also notes that Verizon is working on a version of the iPhone that will be compatible with Verizon's network. No new features were disclosed, and the WSJ cited sources "familiar" with Apple's plans. No official comments were provided by Apple.

Source: (www.phonescoop.com)

Sprint Changes New Customer 30-Day Trial Policy

April 2, 2010

Today Sprint announced some alterations to its 30-day trial period for new customers. Starting April 1, new customers who are in the first 30 days of the contract and wish to cancel will have all fees returned to them. That includes the device and activation fees, the early termination fee, a full refund for service plan monthly daily charges, all associated taxes, and all Sprint surcharges associated with these charges. Previously, customers canceling in the first 30 days of a contract were subject to at least some fees, including a per diem rate for the number of days they service was used. Sprint calls this policy change "Satisfaction Guaranteed or Money-Back."

Source: (www.phonescoop.com)

AT&T Had Apple Tweak iPhone to Reduce Network Strain

April 2, 2010

The Wall Street Journal reports that AT&T sent two of its wireless networking experts to Apple during 2009 to find a way to reduce the iPhone's strain on AT&T's network. The two companies worked together and Apple invented new technologies that changed the way the iPhone connects with AT&T's cell towers. Based on continued meetings between the two companies, the iPhone now puts less stress on the network when seeking cell towers and checking for text messages. In addition to these changes within the iPhone itself, AT&T has taken measures to improve the network itself. It is still tweaking cell tower configurations, adding cell tower backhaul capacity, and adding cell sites as part of a 100-day improvement plan.

Source: (www.phonescoop.com)

Freeing the iPad from AT&T

March 31, 2010

AT&T isn't the only company hoping to cash in on wireless service for Apple's iPad.

In the runup to the Apr. 3 U.S. release of Apple's (AAPL) highly anticipated tablet computer, Wi-Fi service providers and cellular carriers are angling to sell consumers and small businesses that buy iPads add-on wireless data services. The services would be alternatives to monthly 3G cellular plans from AT&T (T), which is Apple's chosen data-plan provider for the iPad.

Boingo Wireless, which sells Wi-Fi access in airports, convention centers, and other public places, on Mar. 29 announced it would begin selling $2-an-hour access to more than 125,000 Wi-Fi hotspots for iPad users. Consumers can purchase the access directly through Apple's iTunes online store. Boingo Chief Executive Dave Hagan says he expects especially strong demand in New York and San Francisco, where AT&T's cellular network has suffered from congestion. "If it's not working very well, Wi-Fi is there," he says. The iPad "is going to be a very big opportunity for companies like ours."

Other wireless service providers see a market, too. Sprint Nextel (S), the third-largest U.S. cellular carrier, plans to market to iPad owners its Overdrive mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, which for a $60-a-month subscription lets users connect as many as five mobile computing devices to its next-generation 4G cellular network. "In our view the iPad will make a very compelling 4G device," says Sprint spokesman Scott Sloat. Sprint says its 4G network offers download speeds that are as much as 10 times as fast as AT&T's 3G network.

Customers of Verizon's (VZ) FiOS Internet access service already receive free, Verizon-branded access to Boingo's hotspots and could use the service with their iPads as well, according to Boingo's Hagan. Verizon Wireless declined to comment.
"Looking Outside of AT&T"

Analysts estimate that Apple could sell anywhere from 2 million to 6 million iPads this year. One million to 2 million buyers "will be looking outside of AT&T" for wireless service, estimates independent wireless industry consultant Chetan Sharma.

The iPad will let users interact with a touchscreen to browse the Web, use e-mail, view photos and videos, and perform other tasks. Apple plans initially to sell three models, starting at $499, with built-in support for Wi-Fi wireless networking. Three additional models that can communicate over high-speed 3G wireless networks will go on sale later in April, and start at $629.

The iPad will ship configured to readily purchase data plans from AT&T. Buyers of the 3G-enabled iPads will be able to access AT&T's cellular network for $15 or $30 per month depending on how much data they plan to consume. Those plans will also include access to AT&T's more than 20,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in the U.S. AT&T tyAT&T isn't the only company hoping to cash in on wireless service for Apple's iPad.

In the runup to the Apr. 3 U.S. release of Apple's (AAPL) highly anticipated tablet computer, Wi-Fi service providers and cellular carriers are angling to sell consumers and small businesses that buy iPads add-on wireless data services. The services would be alternatives to monthly 3G cellular plans from AT&T (T), which is Apple's chosen data-plan provider for the iPad.

Boingo Wireless, which sells Wi-Fi access in airports, convention centers, and other public places, on Mar. 29 announced it would begin selling $2-an-hour access to more than 125,000 Wi-Fi hotspots for iPad users. Consumers can purchase the access directly through Apple's iTunes online store. Boingo Chief Executive Dave Hagan says he expects especially strong demand in New York and San Francisco, where AT&T's cellular network has suffered from congestion. "If it's not working very well, Wi-Fi is there," he says. The iPad "is going to be a very big opportunity for companies like ours."

Other wireless service providers see a market, too. Sprint Nextel (S), the third-largest U.S. cellular carrier, plans to market to iPad owners its Overdrive mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, which for a $60-a-month subscription lets users connect as many as five mobile computing devices to its next-generation 4G cellular network. "In our view the iPad will make a very compelling 4G device," says Sprint spokesman Scott Sloat. Sprint says its 4G network offers download speeds that are as much as 10 times as fast as AT&T's 3G network.

Customers of Verizon's (VZ) FiOS Internet access service already receive free, Verizon-branded access to Boingo's hotspots and could use the service with their iPads as well, according to Boingo's Hagan. Verizon Wireless declined to comment.
"Looking Outside of AT&T"

Analysts estimate that Apple could sell anywhere from 2 million to 6 million iPads this year. One million to 2 million buyers "will be looking outside of AT&T" for wireless service, estimates independent wireless industry consultant Chetan Sharma.

The iPad will let users interact with a touchscreen to browse the Web, use e-mail, view photos and videos, and perform other tasks. Apple plans initially to sell three models, starting at $499, with built-in support for Wi-Fi wireless networking. Three additional models that can communicate over high-speed 3G wireless networks will go on sale later in April, and start at $629.

The iPad will ship configured to readily purchase data plans from AT&T. Buyers of the 3G-enabled iPads will be able to access AT&T's cellular network for $15 or $30 per month depending on how much data they plan to consume. Those plans will also include access to AT&T's more than 20,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in the U.S. AT&T typically charges users who don't subscribe to its data plans, such as those for the iPad and iPhone, $4 per session or $20 per month to use its hotspots.

"One thing that will attract people is our great pricing," says AT&T spokesperson Mark Siegel. "It's all prepaid, done on the device itself, and charged to your credit card."
Price Pressure

Yet 3G-enabled iPads could conceivably work on other carriers' networks, including that of T-Mobile USA, which uses similar network technology as AT&T. There are no technical limitations that would preclude that, says Apple spokesperson Natalie Kerris. She wouldn't comment on whether Apple is in discussions with other U.S. carriers to offer iPad service plans. T-Mobile didn't return a request for comment.

The push by wireless service providers to grab a piece of the iPad service pie from AT&T could benefit consumers by pushing down prices for wireless access, analysts say. "I'd be surprised if, before [the iPad's launch], one other player doesn't come in with Wi-Fi presence," says Richard Doherty, research director of tech industry consultant The Envisioneering Group.

Wireless service providers are hoping that competitive prices and a choice of hotspots may be enough to peel some customers away from AT&T's fold.pically charges users who don't subscribe to its data plans, such as those for the iPad and iPhone, $4 per session or $20 per month to use its hotspots.

"One thing that will attract people is our great pricing," says AT&T spokesperson Mark Siegel. "It's all prepaid, done on the device itself, and charged to your credit card."
Price Pressure

Yet 3G-enabled iPads could conceivably work on other carriers' networks, including that of T-Mobile USA, which uses similar network technology as AT&T. There are no technical limitations that would preclude that, says Apple spokesperson Natalie Kerris. She wouldn't comment on whether Apple is in discussions with other U.S. carriers to offer iPad service plans. T-Mobile didn't return a request for comment.

The push by wireless service providers to grab a piece of the iPad service pie from AT&T could benefit consumers by pushing down prices for wireless access, analysts say. "I'd be surprised if, before [the iPad's launch], one other player doesn't come in with Wi-Fi presence," says Richard Doherty, research director of tech industry consultant The Envisioneering Group.

Wireless service providers are hoping that competitive prices and a choice of hotspots may be enough to peel some customers away from AT&T's fold.

Source: (www.businessweek.com)

Verizon Unveils Free, Exclusive Skype App

March 26, 2010

Verizon Wireless will begin offering free Skype calls and instant messages to nine of its Android and BlackBerry devices beginning Thursday as part of an exclusive deal with the mobile VoIP provider.

Users of the service will be able to place free, unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls and IMs, as well as low-cost calls to international wired lines and cell phones. Using the service will not count against their voice minutes or data plan with Verizon.

"This was something that seemed improbable at best to the industry who wondered why on earth a carrier would want to partner with Skype," said Skype General Manager Russ Shaw.

John Harrobin, senior vice president of digital media and marketing for Verizon, said that the offering was targeted at Verizon customers who frequently place international calls, such as business subscribers and foreign exchange students.

Harrobin also said Verizon and Skype were working to expand the free service to new platforms and capabilities, such as video.

Verizon is also working to expand the Skype offering beyond BlackBerry and Android devices, but declined to be more specific.

The free Skype app will route calls over Verizon's circuit-switched voice network instead of VoIP, which is traditionally used to handle voice calls. Harrobin says Verizon decided to go with its voice network over VoIP because of quality concerns with calls routed over IP.

"That's what the network was designed for – voice. Data networks are not designed for voice," he said.

Though Skype is available as an app for several different mobile platforms, the company said the capabilities of its Verizon app will remain exclusive to the carrier. "It will be the best Skype experience out there," Shaw said.

Beginning Thursday, the app will be available through download to nine BlackBerry and Android devices including the Motorola Devour, which will also come out on Thursday.

Source: (www.wirelessweek.com)

GSMA Collecting Text Message Spam Data

March 26, 2010

The GSM Association is starting a service to collect data from mobile carriers about text message spam. The GSMA Spam Reporting Service will be run by Cloudmark, Inc., and will initially collect data from a few carriers around the globe, including AT&T Mobility, Korea Telecom and SFR in France. The service will allow users to send a text to short code "7726," or "SPAM," to report spam SMS messages. From there, the GSMA will analyze the data and take action against spammers, including blocking these senders.

Source: (www.phonescoop.com)

T-Mobile to Offer Branded Inductive Charging Accessory

March 26, 2010

Today PureEnergy and T-Mobile announced that it will make an inductive charging accessory to the HTC myTouch 3G handset. The myTouch Drop and Go Charging Pad includes a new backplate for the myTouch 3G that when installed lets the device charge wirelessly when placed on the charging pad. It uses magnetic induction to transfer energy from the pad to the phone's battery. It works the same as Palm's Touchstone charger for the Pre and Pixi devices. The Drop and Go Charging Pad comes with three PowerDiscs which allow a wide variety of mobile phones and Bluetooth headsets to be charged. The custom backplate is for the myTouch 3G only. The charging pad will become available via T-Mobile retail stores in the coming weeks, pricing information was not disclosed.

Source: (www.phonescoop.com)

IPhone App to Sidestep AT&T

March 26, 2010

For a little $1 iPhone app, Line2 sure has the potential to shake up an entire industry.

It can save you money. It can make calls where AT&T's (T) signal is weak, like indoors. It can turn an iPod Touch into a full-blown cellphone.

And it can ruin the sleep of cellphone executives everywhere.

Line2 gives your iPhone a second phone number -- a second phone line, complete with its own contacts list, voice mail, and so on. The company behind it, Toktumi (get it?), imagines that you'll distribute the Line2 number to business contacts, and your regular iPhone number to friends and family. Your second line can be an 800 number, if you wish, or you can transfer an existing number.

To that end, Toktumi offers, on its Web site, a raft of Google (GOOG) Voice-ish features that are intended to help a small businesses look bigger: call screening, Do Not Disturb hours and voice mail messages sent to you as e-mail. You can create an "automated attendant" -- "Press 1 for sales," "Press 2 for accounting," and so on -- that routes incoming calls to other phone numbers. Or, if you're pretending to be a bigger business than you are, route them all to yourself.

The Line2 app is a carbon copy, a visual clone, of the iPhone's own phone software. The dialing pad, your iPhone Contacts list, your recent calls list and visual voice mail all look just like the iPhone's.

(Let's pause for a moment here to blink, dumbfounded, at that point. Apple's (AAPL) rules prohibit App Store programs that look or work too much like the iPhone's own built-in apps. For example, Apple rejected the Google Voice app because, as Apple explained to the Federal Communications Commission, it works "by replacing the iPhone's core mobile telephone functionality and Apple user interface with its own user interface for telephone calls." That is exactly what Line2 does. Oh well -- the Jobs works in mysterious ways.)

So you have a second line on your iPhone. But that's not the best part.

Line2 also turns the iPhone into a dual-mode phone. That is, it can make and receive calls either using either the AT&T airwaves as usual, or -- now this is the best part -- over the Internet. Any time you're in a wireless hot spot, Line2 places its calls over Wi-Fi instead of AT&T's network.

That's a game-changer. Where, after all, is cellphone reception generally the worst? Right -- indoors. In your house or your office building, precisely where you have Wi-Fi. Line2 in Wi-Fi means rock-solid, confident reception indoors.

Line2 also runs on the iPod Touch. When you're in a Wi-Fi hot spot, your Touch is now a full-blown cellphone, and you don't owe AT&T a penny.

But wait, there's more.

Turns out Wi-Fi calls don't use up any AT&T minutes. You can talk all day long, without ever worrying about going over your monthly allotment of minutes. Wi-Fi calls are free forever.

Well, not quite free; Line2 service costs $15 a month (after a 30-day free trial).

But here's one of those cases where spending more could save you money. If you're in a Wi-Fi hot spot most of the time (at work, for example), that's an awful lot of calling you can do in Wi-Fi -- probably enough to downgrade your AT&T plan to one that gives you fewer minutes. If you're on the 900-minute or unlimited plan ($90 or $100 a month), for example, you might be able to get away with the 450-minute plan ($70). Even with Line2's fee, you're saving $5 or $15 a month.

Line2 also lets you call overseas phone numbers for Skype-like rates: 2 to 5 cents a minute to most countries. (A full table of rates is available at toktumi.com.) As a handy globetrotters' bonus, calls home to numbers in the United States from overseas hot spots are free.

All of these benefits come to you when you're in a Wi-Fi hot spot, because your calls are carried by the Internet instead of by AT&T. Interestingly enough, though, Line2 can also make Internet calls even when you're not in a hot spot.

It can, at your option, place calls over AT&T's 3G data network, where it's available. Every iPhone plan includes unlimited use of this 3G network -- it's how your iPhone sends e-mail and surfs the Web. So once again, Line2 calls don't use up any of your monthly voice minutes.

Unfortunately, voice connections on the 3G network aren't as strong and reliable as the voice or Wi-Fi methods. Cellular data networks aren't made for seamless handoffs from cell tower to tower as you drive, for example -- there's not much need for it if you're just doing e-mail and Web -- so dropped calls are more likely. Fortunately, if you're on a 3G data-network call and you walk into a hot spot, Line2 switches to the more reliable Wi-Fi network seamlessly, in midcall.

Whenever you do have an Internet connection -- either Wi-Fi or a strong 3G area -- you're in for a startling treat. If you and your calling partner are both Line2 subscribers, Line2 kicks you into superhigh audio-quality mode (16-bit mode, as the techies call it).

Your calling partners sound as if they're speaking right into the mike at an FM radio station. It's almost too clear; you hear the other person's breathing, lip smacks, clothing rustling and so on. After years of suffering through awful cellphone audio, it's quite a revelation to hear what you've been missing.

Now, this all sounds wonderful, and Line2 generally is wonderful. But there's room for improvement.

First, as you've no doubt already concluded, understanding Line2 is complicated. You have three different ways to make calls, each with pros and cons.

You miss a certain degree of refinement, too. The dialing pad doesn't make touch-tone sounds as you tap the keys. There's no Favorites list within the Line2 app. You can't get or send text messages on your Line2 line. (The company says it will fix all this soon.)

There's a faint hiss on Line2 calls, as if you're on a long-distance call in 1970. The company says that it deliberately introduces this "comfort noise" to reassure you that you're still connected, but it's unnecessary. And sometimes there's a voice delay of a half-second or so (of course, you sometimes get that on regular cellphone calls, too).

Finally, a note about incoming calls. If the Line2 app is open at the time, you're connected via Wi-Fi, if available. If it's not running, the call comes in through AT&T, so you lose the benefits of Wi-Fi calling. In short, until Apple blesses the iPhone with multitasking software, you have to leave Line2 open whenever you put the phone to sleep. That's awkward.

Still, Line2 is the first app that can receive incoming calls via either Wi-Fi or cellular voice, so you get the call even if the app isn't running. That's one of several advantages that distinguish it from other voice-over-Internet apps like Skype and TruPhone.

Another example: If you're on a Wi-Fi call using those other programs, and someone calls your regular iPhone number, your first call is unceremoniously disconnected. Line2, on the other hand, offers you the chance to decline the incoming call without losing your Wi-Fi call.

Those rival apps also lack Line2's call-management features, visual voice mail and conference calling with up to 20 other people. And Line2 is the only app that gives you a choice of call methods for incoming and outgoing calls.

All of this should rattle cell industry executives, because let's face it: the Internet tends to make things free. Cell carriers go through life hoping nobody notices the cellephant in the room: that once everybody starts making free calls over the Internet, it's Game Over for the dollars-for-minutes model.

Line2, however, brings us one big step closer to that very future. It's going to be a wild ride.

Source: (www.finance.yahoo.com)

Is there an iPhone in T-Mobile's future?

March 20, 2010

We've reported in the past on a few stories about the iPhone coming over to a new carrier, usually Verizon, and the source of the story is usually a tipster who hears something from his Uncle whose best friend's mail man knows someone that is friendly with a rep at Big Red. But the story takes on a much higher degree of believability when it is coming from the CEO of the parent company of one of the top four of the nation's carriers. When the Financial Times sat down with the CEO of Deutsche Telekom, Rene Obermann, the talk started moving in the direction of DT's U.S. subsidiary, T-Mobile. The Executive told the paper that despite talk of a spin-off, the German company was committed to turning around it's American division and continuing to build up its 3G service. The conversation turned to the iPhone, and the Financial Times wrote, "T-Mobile USA is hoping to start selling the popular smartphone later this year or next year." Obviously, the comment leaves plenty of room for interpretation. Was it the comment of an "in-the-know" executive who has explicit knowledge that the nation's fourth largest carrier will be soon offering Apple's touchscreen device? Or, is it just the wishful thinking of a executive whose U.S. division needs the shot in the arm that a product like the iPhone would bring. What is interesting about the comment is the way it dovetails with a story we reported on in January about an Investment Banker who expects the iPhone to become available at T-Mobile by this coming summer. So is Mr. Obermann giving us a clue about a tie-up between T-Mobile and the iPhone? Inquiring minds want to know.

Source: (www.phonearena.com)

Palm shares dive after sales shortfall

March 20, 2010

Palm Inc. shares plunged Friday after the handheld device maker's latest quarterly report raised questions about the its turnaround effort.

The company's stock was down $1.52, or 26.9 percent, at $4.13 in afternoon trading. The stock earlier set a new year low of $4.08. Its previous bottom of $5.29 was set Wednesday.

Palm's latest results showed tepid sales of its smart phones. The company shipped 960,000 devices during the fiscal quarter ended Feb. 26, but customers only bought 408,000.

That, in part, led to a revenue projection for this quarter that was less than half what analysts expected, according to Thomson Reuters estimates. Retailers will likely have to sell what they have before ordering more phones.

Given the shortfall, Barclays Capital analyst Amir Rozwadowski lowered his per-share estimate for the current fiscal year and reduced his share price target to $4.50 from $7. He left his rating on Palm shares at "Equal Weight."

Palm's smart phones, the Pre and the Pixi, face tough competition from Apple Inc.'s iPhone, Research in Motion Ltd.'s BlackBerrys and newer phones like Motorola Inc.'s Droid, based in Google Inc.'s Android mobile software.

In a client note, BMO Capital Markets analyst Tim Long said consumers seem to have little interest in Palm's phones, making "a turn around look less and less possible." He rates the company's stock "Underperform."

Source: (www.phonescoop.com)

AT&T Offering Cheaper Texting Option for Globetrotters

March 20, 2010

AT&T today announced a new package deal that will give customers traveling abroad 50 messages to send for a flat rate of $10 per month. Users can send SMS text or MMS messages with pictures and video. That flat rate translates to $0.20 per message if a user takes advantage and sends a full 50 messages per month, compared to the normal $0.50 per message charge on an international roaming, pay-per-use plan. If customers exceed 50 messages, they will pay $0.40 per message over the limit. The new flat rate doesn't cover received messages, which are still charged at the normal rate. It only covers outgoing messages. AT&T subscribers can add the Global Messaging 50 Package to their current calling plan starting tomorrow, March 20.

Source: (www.phonescoop.com)

Pocket Communications Launches BREW-Based Apps Store

March 20, 2010

Today Pocket Communications, a regional provider in southern Texas, launched a new application storefront for its customers. Pocket's subscribers will be able to shop for and download mobile applications and services from their phone, including ringtones, wallpapers, and 3D games. The store is based on Qualcomm's BREW platform, which is used by other carriers such as Verizon Wireless to deliver content to end users.

Source: (www.phonescoop.com)

RIM Offers Push Services to All Developers

March 17, 2010

Today Research In Motion announced that it is now offering its BlackBerry Push Service to all BlackBerry developers. Developers who choose to make use of BlackBerry Push Services will be able to have their applications send information or other content to handsets instantly. Users will receive a notification on their BlackBerries and can look at the information immediately if they wish. RIM is offering two levels of Push Services. One is completely free, and the other has tiered pricing that gives developers more content delivery options. RIM believes that this will let developers provider richer content and services to customers of BlackBerry devices.

Source: (www.phonescoop.com)

FCC Broadband Plan Aims to Boost Internet, Wireless Speed

March 17, 2010

Federal regulators today unveiled a sweeping plan to devote more airwaves to the anticipated explosion of mobile devices, signaling a battle to come when lawmakers are asked to help turn some unused broadcast spectrum over to wireless companies.

The plan from the Federal Communications Commission addresses the urgent need for more bandwidth to drive new smartphones capable of streaming television and voice calls.

The agency wants to persuade broadcasters -- including NBC, Fox, ABC and CBS, who hold spectrum licenses estimated to be worth $50 billion -- to give up their airwaves for wireless use. In return, it will seek permission from Congress to auction off the spectrum and pay the television stations.

"We've certainly heard from a number of broadcasters who have told us that this is a promising direction and they are getting ready to roll up their sleeves with us," said Julius Genachowski, the FCC Chairman. "We've developed a plan that is a real win-win for all involved. We've every expectation it will work."

But some analysts say the deal may not appeal to broadcasters unless they are offered a very large cut of the proceeds -- a move that could spark a public outcry since wireless auction payments typically go to the U.S. Treasury.

In addition, many broadcasters are worried that the plan may not be as voluntary as originally promised.

The FCC said it was leaving open the option of taking action, should the deal fall through, of adding new government fee for use of airwaves or requiring television stations share their channels "on a voluntary or involuntary basis."

The strategy is designed to shift airwaves from lesser used television stations to carriers like AT&T and Verizon, who are under pressure to increase their network capacity due to surging demand for wireless broadband.

The plan is also part of a larger Obama proposal to make existing high-speed broadband connections at least 10 times faster in the next decade and beyond. The administration is concerned that U.S. -- the country that invented the Internet -- is dangerously falling behind other nations that have speedier broadband connections at lower prices.

Source: (www.mobiledia.com)