|
|
|
|
AMEX unveils wireless USB remote, pointer, touchpad
AMEX Digital recently announced a multi-featured device, the RM-mp1, capable of acting as a computer's remote control, laser pointer and mouse touchpad. The ultra-wideband Wireless USB device is meant to act as an all-in-one presentation aid, allowing users to control slide shows originating from a PC, then pointing out any specifics with the integrated laser pointer. Its dedicated media buttons allow it to be used for personal, home-entertainment purposes as well. Connecting the 2.4GHz remote to a PC running a Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP or Vista operating system is accomplished via its Wireless USB connection. Computers without it built in communicate with the remote via the included Wireless USB receiver. The remote, available in either black or white, is made for…
|
Read full item...
|
China's e28 to be Google's Gphone Handset Supplier
With more and more mainstream news sources getting turned on to the upcoming gPhone, the usual flurry of “is this the first Google cellphone?!” stories begins in earnest. First up is The India Street who are pushing Chinese company E28 Limited’s latest smartphone, a moderate BenQ P51 lookalike, as a likely candidate for Google’s OS and software suite. According to an industry source, the manufacturer - who has a history of producing Linux-powered open-source handsets - has several choice phrases in their roadmap which might indicate interest from the search company. It’s a (tenuous) prospect that has got Wired’s Rob Beschizza screaming into his latt?: “Looking at the phone instead of the firm, let’s put it this way: if that’s the gPhone, there will be slack jaws and…
|
Read full item...
|
Mobile Ads Years Away From Breakthrough: Carrier Execs
A bunch of execs from advertising and telecoms groups has told the Reuters Technology, Media and Telecoms summit that “mobile advertising was inevitable and would become hard to resist”, although it would take time to reach its full potential. Maurice Levy, chairman and chief executive of advertising group Publicis, gave a succinct reason why mobile advertising was on the way: “Because it will be in the interest of the phone companies, consumers and advertisers. So it will be very difficult to resist.” The normal reasons are also given, such as the sheer number of people who will have mobile phones—many of whom won’t have access to other digital media—and the usual reasons were also given for its slow uptake...ie, that carriers and the ad industry are taking it slow…
|
Read full item...
|
Embarq looking to exit wireless business?
bites the dust. Well, not yet, but word on the street is that Sprint spin-off Embarq is considering taking a stage-left exit from the wireless game. Embarq customers still have time to decide what they want to do with their service. Embarq's CFO said that his company would continue to provide wireless service through 2009, but after that, Embarq is considering moving their customer base to another carrier. Having amassed just 112,000 wireless subscribers, Embarq isn't exactly enjoying any fruits of its labor, and definitely isn't making enough money to make the whole wireless venture worth the time and effort. So, it seems that folding up and moving on to new businesses is the most logical step for Embarq's management.
We'll have to wait and see what Embarq decides…
|
Read full item...
|
Survey shows that most Americans want in-flight data, not calls
How many of you out there want to sit next to a self-absorbed, inconsiderate "loud-talker" on your next 12-hour intercontinental flight? We thought so. A new survey from Harris Interactive basically confirms what we've been saying forever - most Americans really don't want in-flight cellphone calls. Of the 2,030 US adults polled in the survey, 74% want in-flight cellular services strictly limited to the non-talking variety. While the prospect of having to listen to a seat-neighbor's aching bunion is frightening to most people, it seems that in-flight data services (email, text messaging, web browsing, etc.) would be a welcome distraction from the yelling babies and strange odors polluting the cabin. Not that cellular voice-services are going to make it into…
|
Read full item...
|
Verizon pitches standardized early termination fee proposal to FCC
Good news for those of us who change carriers on a weekly basis: Verizon Wireless (with consultation from other major carriers) and the FCC are negotiating a proposal to standardize early termination fees across the wireless industry, limiting the damage the fees might do to your pocket. The proposal would allow consumers to cancel service within 30 days of the contract (which most of the major carriers already allow), or within 10 days of receiving the first bill. In addition, it would set a cap on fees, and prorate them based on how far the customer is into their contract (which some carriers, such as AT&T, have already announced plans to implement.) Of course, none of the carriers are looking to limit revenue without something in return, so the proposal doesn’t come…
|
Read full item...
|
Japanese Bra Charges Mobile Phones Using Solar Power
Japanese lingerie maker Triumph unveiled a Solar Power Bra featuring a solar panel that can generate enough energy to charge a mobile phone or iPod. The Solar Power Bra requires a solar panel to be worn around the stomach to gather direct sunlight. The concept bra will not be in stores anytime soon, said Triumph spokeswoman Yoshiko Masuda, as "people usually can not go outside without wearing clothes over it." The Green-colored brassiere should not be washed or worn in the rain as well. "It is very comfortable and I can really feel involved in eco-friendly efforts as well," model Yuko Ishida said. Eco-friendly items are now fashionable in Japan, and the Solar Energy Bra follows the company's other green-themed undergarments that include a bra that…
|
Read full item...
|
iPhone case maker shows off 3G iPhone's new look
iPhone case manufacturers are arguably some of the more reliable source for upcoming iPhone mock-ups. Why? Well, in order to get cases and accessories prototyped and pushed into different retail channels in time for a device-launch, certain manufactures are privy to precise and specific details on not-yet-launched devices' dimensions. The UI and other cosmetic details might not be accurate, but the 3G iPhone's dimensions help give us a pretty clear idea about the shape of Apple's next-generation iPhone. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see that XSKN, a little known iPhone case maker, posted images today that seem to show the upcoming 3G iPhone in all its tapered-edge glory. The images were meant to show off the "EXO Mask iPhone 3G," but they also give…
|
Read full item...
|
China allows bloggers, others to spread quake news
Almost nonstop, the uncensored opinions of Chinese citizens are popping up online, sent by text and instant message across a country shaken by its worst earthquake in three decades. "Why were most of those killed in the earthquake children?" one post asked Thursday on FanFou, a microblogging site. "How many donations will really reach the disaster area? This is doubtful," read another. China is now home to the world's largest number of Internet and mobile phone users, and their hunger for quake news is forcing the government to let information flow in ways it hasn't before.
A fast-moving network of text messages, instant messages and blogs has been a powerful source of firsthand accounts of the disaster, as well as pleas for help and even…
|
Read full item...
|
New Dior Phone Targets China, Russia
French luxury-goods company Christian Dior SA Wednesday will unveil a line of mobile phones, extending beyond its traditional fashion business to boost sales, particularly with brand-hungry consumers in new markets such as China and Russia. The new Dior phone -- priced from ?3,500, or $5,000, and up -- comes after competitors such as Prada SpA and Dolce & Gabbana have turned their fashion-branded mobile phones into significant businesses. "In the same way that we have developed our watch and jewelry lines, we want to increase sales with the phone," Dior Chief Executive Sidney Toledano said in an interview.
|
Read full item...
|
|
|
|
