Report: Verizon eyes 4G pricing shift

Verizon Wireless is reportedly looking at new pricing models for its 4G network, and one option is to charge based on data speeds. (Seriously??? How is this competitive with Sprint?)

In a Wall Street Journal interview, Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg said the company's Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network opens up a bevy of pricing options. Verizon hasn't set any formal pricing plans, but options look like this:

• Charge by data speeds.
• Pay based on what you consume, or tiered data pricing.
• Some mix of both formats.

Meanwhile, Verizon didn't completely rule out unlimited plans either. Seidenberg indicated that the company is working to "figure out what the customer thinks is fair, and go from there.

LightSquared Launches First Satellite

LightSquared marked a major step forward in its plans for a hybrid satellite-terrestrial LTE network with the successful launch of its first satellite yesterday.

The SkyTerra 1 satellite was launched by International Launch Services from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome at 11:29 a.m. Central on Sunday, followed by spacecraft separation and on-schedule signal acquisition about nine hours later.

The Boeing 702HP satellite is designed to provide wireless services to "millions" of subscribers, LightSquared said. According to the company, the satellite is one of the most powerful commercial satellites ever built, with a 22-meter L-band reflector-based antenna which LightSquared says is the largest commercial antenna reflector ever to be put into service.

The company said the satellite will provide ubiquitous nationwide coverage and satellite-terrestrial service on products which are similar to today's typical mobile devices in terms of size, capabilities and build costs.

"Today, LightSquared has achieved a major milestone in the realization of our mission to revolutionize the wireless industry in the United States," said company CEO Sanjiv Ahuja in a statement. "LightSquared is launching the world's first truly integrated satellite-terrestrial network, combining our 4G-LTE terrestrial network with ubiquitous satellite coverage that will connect rural America and support emergency communications."

The launch of the satellite could help reassure investors in the hedge fund backing LightSquared that the network is a viable proposition. Last week, several of Harbinger Capital Partners' most high-profile investors submitted withdrawal notices to the fund, according to reports from Bloomberg andThe Wall Street Journal.
The withdrawal notices from Blackstone group and Goldman Sachs don't necessarily mean the companies plan to pull their investments, but allow the companies the flexibility to exit the fund by the end of the year.
LightSquared has yet to secure all the necessary funding to finance its ambitious LTE network.

Angry Birds Updated for Android: 45 New Levels!

We all know how Angry Birds is one of the worlds most addicting games for mobile devices. Many of us (myself included) have been glued to our phones trying to blow up those damn pigs. For all those who have cleared every level, and for the ones that have gone back to collect all the stars, a new challenge awaits. Rovio has updated Angry Birds with an all new 4th level bringing 45 new scenarios (192 total) on board. The new update will also bring support for more Android devices as well as QVGA support. I have already started to play on my HTC EVO and the new levels look great, and are somewhat challenging. So drop your work, work-out, or what ever else your doing and start slaying those pigs now!
via: gadgetsteria

Can a Smartphone Make Your Car Smarter?

Industrywide, automakers have seen the future — and it involves integration of digital technologies that people use every day into the cars they drive every day. This is why we are seeing more new automobiles that can interface with handheld devices such as cell phones and digital music players. Motorists can already make hands-free telephone calls or even stream Internet radio through their vehicle's sound system using the phone's wireless capabilities.

But now automakers and some aftermarket manufacturers are focusing efforts in another direction: smartphone applications that provide some level of control over the vehicle itself, letting users remotely lock and unlock doors or even kill the engine when needed, for example. And that's not all these apps and devices can do. While the current selection of software is limited, here are five apps that mark the beginning of the next big development in automotive technology: using your smartphone as a universal remote control for your car.

Read:  Drive-By Apps

Mercedes-Benz mbrace

Mercedes-Benz mbrace Application for Blackberry.

What it does: Key fob makers beware — the first wave of car control apps can do everything your products can, and more, simply by a driver tapping a button on a smartphone's keypad. Mercedes-Benz's mbrace app, for instance, can do simple functions, such as lock or unlock the doors. It can also pinpoint a vehicle's location using GPS technology. Security concerns hobble the app slightly, requiring a code for the locks, and limit location-tracking to within a mile of the phone. But as the kinks of wireless car control are worked out, users will have other features to play with, such as access to a concierge to make restaurant reservations or track down concert tickets.

Directed Electronics SmartStart

What it does: Replacing both the fob and the key, the SmartStart app can open door locks and pop the trunk without the user ever having to enter a pass code. It can also start the engine remotely. The catch here is the hardware: A remote-start unit must be installed in the vehicle, providing direct, secure wireless access to key systems. The system also allows users who shelled out for a compatible alarm system to activate or disable it with their phone, and to get text-message alerts if the alarm is triggered.

Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1012) Netbook fact sheet

Sprint expands its 4G product portfolio and becomes the first wireless carrier in the nation to offer a 3G/4G-embedded netbook, Dell™ Inspiron™ Mini 10 (1012), with Windows 7 Starter. Designed to deliver long battery life, on the go entertainment and maximum connectivity, Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1012) netbook offers blazing-fast Internet access in a compact and lightweight package that can easily fit in a purse, backpack or briefcase. This ultra-affordable netbook is perfect for students, consumers or small businesses that rely on Internet access, Web browsing and social networking to stay connected. Like the Dell™ Inspiron™ 11z notebook, this device has integrated connectivity to the Sprint 3G and 4G networks and allows customers to enjoy 4G performance in any Sprint 4G market or to use the reliable Sprint 3G network coast to coast. Sprint 4G is available today in 55 markets and continues to expand to new cities, delivering wireless speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.¹  Sprint 4G provides peak download speeds of more than 10 Mbps, average download speeds of 3-6 Mbps. Sprint 3G (EV-DO Rev. A) provides customers expected average upload speeds of 350-500 kbps and download speeds of between 600 kbps and 1.4 Mbps.

 

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Frequency: Dual-band: 3G and 4G
• Processor: Intel^® Atom™ Processor N450 1.66GHz, 512K cache
• Operating System: Windows® 7 Starter – 32 bit and Windows Live™ Essentials
• Display: 10.1-inch 16:9 LCD (1,024x600 WSVGA)
• Dimensions: Height: 25.5mm (1 inch) – 32.8mm (1.3 inches); Width: 268mm (10.5 inches); Depth: 197mm (7.8 inches)
• Weight: 3 lbs.
• Battery: 6-cell – 2,600mAh – supports up to nine hours depending on usage
• Memory: 1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 667MHz bus
• Hard Drive: SATA 250GB (5,400 RPM)
• Graphics Card: Intel^® GMA 3150 integrated graphics
• Color: Black

 

PRODUCTIVITY:

• Built-in 1.3MP Web cam
• 3-in-1 Media Reader: Secure Digital (SD/SDHC) Memory Card, Multi-Media Card (MMC), Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro)
• Three USB 2.0 ports, VGA, one headphone jack, one microphone jack
• Headphone/Microphone
• GPS enabled on 3G
• Wireless connectivity via Intel^® Centrino^® Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250 integrated WiFi/WiMAX

 

¹Up to 10x Faster claim: Based on download speed comparison of 3G’s 600 kbps vs. 4G’s 6 Mbps. Industry published 3G avg. speeds (600 kbps-1.7 Mbps); 4G avg. speeds (3-6 Mbps). Actual speeds may vary by plan or based on other factors.

Dell Inspiron 11z Notebook fact sheet

With the launch of Dell™ Inspiron™ 11z, Sprint once again expands its 4G product portfolio and becomes the first wireless carrier in the nation to offer a 3G/4G-embedded notebook. The full-featured notebook, powered by one of the latest processors from the Intel^®Core™ Processor family and with Windows 7 Home Premium, provides multitasking performance that is ideal for businesses users and consumers who want more computing power. It handles most business applications with ease and offers 2GB memory storage expandable to 4GB. The compact, ultra-thin and lightweight Dell Inspiron 11z has integrated connectivity to the Sprint 3G and 4G networks. The dual-mode access, also available on the Dell™ Inspiron™ Mini 10 (1012) netbook, allows customers to enjoy 4G performance in any Sprint 4G market or to use the reliable Sprint 3G network coast to coast. Sprint 4G is available in 55 markets today and continues to expand to new cities, delivering wireless speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.¹  Sprint 4G provides peak download speeds of more than 10 Mbps, average download speeds of 3-6 Mbps. Sprint 3G (EV-DO Rev. A) provides customers expected average upload speeds of 350-500 kbps and download speeds of between 600 kbps and 1.4 Mbps.

 

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Frequency: Dual-band: 3G and 4G
• Processor: Intel® Core™ i3-330UM ,1.20 GHz, 3MB Cache (has Intel® Hyper-threading technology to make your PC go faster) 
• Operating System: Windows^® 7 Home Premium 64-bit and Windows Live^TM Essentials
• Display: 11.6-inch widescreen, 16:9 WLED (1,366x760)
• Dimensions: Height: 25.5mm (1 inch) – 32.8mm (1.3 inches); Width: 268mm (10.5 inches); Depth: 197mm (7.8 inches)
• Weight: 3.44 lbs.
• Battery: 6-cell battery (2,600mAh) supports up to 6.5 hours depending on usage
• Memory: 2GB DDR3 SDRAM at 800MHz - expandable to 4GB
• Hard Drive: SATA 250GB (5,400 RPM)
• Graphics Card: Intel^® UMA (HM57)
• Color: Black

 

PRODUCTIVITY:

• Built-in 1.3MP Web cam
• 7-in-1 Media Reader: Secure Digital (SD/SDHC) Memory Card, Multi-Media Card (MMC), MMC+, xD, Memory Stick (MS/MS Pro)
• Three USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, VGA, one headphone jack, one microphone jack
• Headphone/Microphone
• HDMI output port
• GPS enabled on 3G
• Wireless connectivity via Intel^® Centrino^® Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250 integrated WiFi/WiMAX

 

¹Up to 10x Faster claim: Based on download speed comparison of 3G’s 600 kbps vs. 4G’s 6 Mbps. Industry published 3G avg. speeds (600 kbps-1.7 Mbps); 4G avg. speeds (3-6 Mbps). Actual speeds may vary by plan or based on other factors.

 

No Wallet No Problem

A new technology standard called "near-field communications," or NFC, will turn cell phones into credit or debit cards. A chip is embedded in a phone that allows you to make a payment by using a touch-sensitive interface or by bringing the phone within a few centimeters of an NFC reader. Your credit card account or bank account is charged accordingly.


Unlike RFID (radio frequency identification) technology, which also can be used to make wireless payments, NFC technology allows for two-way communication, making it more secure. For example, an NFC-enabled handset could demand that a password or personal identification number be entered to complete the transaction.
The NFC mobile-payment application is currently in trials in the United States, Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, and a few other countries. The technology is widely used in Japan, where people use their phones to pay for everything from sodas dispensed in vending machines to subway cards. Nokia announced the first fully integrated NFC phone, the Nokia 6131 NFC, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January, and the company is currently testing the 6131 with AT&T's Cingular Wireless in New York City.


Experts also note that NFC technology can be used for more than just retail transactions. It can be used to get data from an NFC-equipped business card, or to download tickets or other data from an NFC-equipped kiosk or poster.

update 2.3 (gingerbread) coming soon

Alvaro Fuentes Vasquez, a leader in the OHA, the following message to his followers over the weekend tweeted: “Prepare your Nexus One (Developer version) for Android OTA update 2.3 (gingerbread) for the next few days.”

The OHA is the organization that monitors development of Google’s Android platform. tweet before Vasquez, a time frame for Android 2.3 release gingerbread was anyone’s guess. Based on his tweet, it seems as if the developer is the official developer handset – the Nexus One – be the first to update their equipment to see the latest version of Android.

So what’s in Android 2.3 New? Google has said very little about the upcoming release of its Mobile Smartphone platform. A report provided some insight a few weeks ago about what to store in gingerbread.

The first and most obvious change in the operating system is that the graphics and icons have been updated. Based on a screenshot, the program icons have a consistent look and provider for a cleaner look for the operating system.

Earlier this year Google webOS designer Matias Duarte turned away from Palm. He was responsible for Android UI team down and the assumption is that he was brought on board to improve the look and feel of Android. The early screenshots seem to confirm this assumption. It is possible that the presence of Duarte has the intended effect: a better, more consistent user interface.

Beyond new icons and graphics, the user interface, more colors – especially green Android – and an expanded message drawer with prominent carrier branding. The UI will update and kinetic scrolling on long menus and add animations.

Functional changes are also reflected. First and foremost, it seems that Google has the GTalk-based code to Android, which will allow for native video chat features (especially now that third-party software like Qik is needed) included.

Second, Google has taken Google’s native SIP support voice applications for Android. This means it will be possible toanswer calls to your voice number via Google Wi-Fi or 3G reception. can this functionality only on gingerbread and later versions of Android, it does not back ported to Froyo or Eclair.

The update can developers on Android phones as early as this be made available Thursday 11 November. Google did not provide an update to Android since the May release of Android 2.2. Via InformationWeek.com

HTC EVO and FREE Apps from the Android Market

Hey There Friends,

I have finally received my HTC EVO with Sprint and absolutely love it. I have customized it to be 100% related to me. :)

With that in mind I am going to supply you all with some fun information that may make your HTC EVO just as enjoyable.

First off you have to download from the Android Market, YouMail. this visual voicemail is Free (unless you want the Pro version but no need for it) and allows you to download your voicemail in mp3 format. You can edit and modify your greetings so that it says "hello Jennifer; Jason cannot come to the phone right now" and that personalization already has people asking me how I did that.


Next would be to make sure to have Facebook on your device, this app is called the HTC Sense Facebook app. In most cases it comes pre-installed but is essential with keeping up with your social site.

I also use MyFitnessPal. It is a Calorie counter that uses information from the web to determine how many calories you are ingesting along with how many you burn, depending on your activities throughout the day. All you do is type in what you are doing and it calculates your calorie intake. It will also monitor if you are trying to lose or gain weight.



Shazam is another app that I absolutely had to have. With keeping up with the music industry it is essential to be able to click a button on my phone when I hear a song and just cannot remember the artist or song. This app will listen for you and then bring up the information for the song. It will also give you the opportunity to download it for a price.




Next up is Easy Filter Call Blocker. This app blocks those unwanted calls and/or Text messages you just don't want to receive anymore. (I don't have an icon for it sorry)

 
Last but not least for your entertainment make sure to download Angry Birds. This game reminds me a little of Lemmings. Trust me, it is addicting. Please play with caution. Using a slingshot you use different types of birds to destroy pigs in order to get you eggs back.




You can download all of these through the Android App Market that is right on your device. Please standby because as I find more I will be adding them in this blog.

thanks for reading today:

Mobile Phones and Fraud

As mobile devices and content proliferate so does its threats. Increasingly malware is being aimed at mobile users - as well as the companies that advertise on these devices. New statistics from AdaptiveMobile find that the conversion rates of mobile spam are higher than PC-based spam. Worst of all is SMS, which has been found to generate more than $10 million in just three days (via the Telegraph).

History Repeats Itself?

Marketers that watched with dismay in the 1990s as spam became the dominant message in many people’s inboxes understand what this trajectory means: mobile advertising is in danger of becoming tuned out or blocked all together as users try to secure their devices. Click fraud via mobile devices is also proliferating, recent figures from Click Forensics show.

According to Paul Pellman, the chief executive of Click Forensics, the firm had begun seeing fraudulent clicks routed through mobile devices, like wireless Internet cards. (via the New York Times). This is problematic as such clicks are harder to detect than those coming from wired computers because the wireless card disguises the origin, he says.
Essentially they are lumped in with legitimate mobile users under a single originating address.

The Las Vegas Rock & Roll Marathon and Voda Communications

Isn’t it about time we dispensed with the idea that all techies are chubby, out of shape nerds?  Well, five companies in the telecommunications industries are saying it’s high time to convince techies of the importance of exercising muscles other than those in their craniums. 

Master agencies Telecom Brokerage Inc. (TBI),  Voda Communications , Advoda Communications,  as well as service providers Smoothstone Communications and XO Communications are supporting the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in Las Vegas on December 5, 2010.

Mike Saxby, chief strategy officer for TBI and the brainchild behind the Healthy Channel initiative, has instituted what he hopes will become a standard practice in the channel:  Joint participation in healthy activities among telecommunications companies to foster health and friendship.

TBI has a long history of doing this with its vendors and subagents via its annual ski trip. Saxby wanted to extend the model beyond his company’s partners to include other companies, their employees, and even their families.

Patrick Mc Carrick, Chief Technology Officer at Voda Communications has been sending out training tips to help others who are interested in improving their physical fitness.  Mc Carrick, a hardcore hiker, is activity involved with an international charity known as St Baldrick’s Foundation (SBF).  SBF is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancer and is the largest contributor to funding research in the USA after the US government.  Patrick has founded a division within SBF called Climb for Five, where his team climbs mountains around the world and encourages others to get out and hike and climb to raise awareness about childhood cancer. 

While there are personal benefits to the plan envisioned by Saxby, there are strong business reasons to foster a healthy lifestyle among channel partner employees.  Hundreds of studies have shown that a physically fit workforce is a productive workforce.  Fit employees perform more efficiently due to increased circulatory efficiency, better sleep patterns, and a general feeling of wellness. 

Of course, corporate insurance rates and costs fall as well, thanks to fewer injuries and illnesses among the workforce.

For the Vegas run, participants will get jerseys, goodie bags, and food as part of the day-of activities, which will be sponsored by XO Communications. 

Sign up to be part of the channel group at www.tbicom.com/vegasmarathon.

  (Full disclosure: PHONE+ has committed to be a media sponsor.)