An updated version of Google Maps was launched that provides Street View images right on your mobile device. You will now be able to get the same “street-level imagery” that you do on your standard desktop computer on your cell phone.
This is really pretty convenient, because you are given the opportunity to see storefronts and locations. After all, how often have you been 100% certain that a particular shop was an old favorite based on its name and general location, only to find out you’ve never been there before!
Also built into Google Maps for your phone are business reviews and walking directions, which was just released on the desktop version as well. This update should also provide a speedier experience, greater accuracy and more. You can download it now for your BlackBerry or any phone with Java enabled. Google says they’re working to bring this function to other platforms as well. Check out a video of Google Maps mobile with Street View below.
[via Google Mobile Blog]
Showing posts with label Mobile. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mobile. Show all posts
Mobile Projector First Look
Mobile projectors have been shrinking in size for years now, with the smallest models on the market right now being not much larger than a CD case. While these projectors are travel friendly, the ultimate business travelers still want something smaller, perhaps even built into a notebook or cell phone. This year at CTIA, two companies made incredible advances in this technology, bringing projector technology into devices no bigger than a cell phone or iPod.
Why are we talking about mobile projectors designed for cell phones? Because most industry insiders agree that mobile projectors will be integrated with notebooks sometime within five years or less.
As ultraportable notebooks get smaller and smaller we've had to accept the fact that our screens get smaller as well. Not anymore. Imagine a 10-inch notebook with a mobile projector hidden inside the lid. When you're on the road you can use the 10-inch LCD, but when you arrive at your office or hotel room all you need to do is press a button and you've got up to a 60-inch display with 1080i ... someday.
At this time Microvision was the only company with set plans on releasing their product in the upcoming months. If they are available at a reasonable price, you can bet my iPod, ThinkPad, and PS3 will have a new best friend.
[Source]
Why are we talking about mobile projectors designed for cell phones? Because most industry insiders agree that mobile projectors will be integrated with notebooks sometime within five years or less.
As ultraportable notebooks get smaller and smaller we've had to accept the fact that our screens get smaller as well. Not anymore. Imagine a 10-inch notebook with a mobile projector hidden inside the lid. When you're on the road you can use the 10-inch LCD, but when you arrive at your office or hotel room all you need to do is press a button and you've got up to a 60-inch display with 1080i ... someday.
Texas Instruments brought their DLP technology to the table, bringing the component size down by an incredible amount, letting them build a projector into a gutted concept cell phone. While this prototype is just a simple working model, it shows just how small they can make them once they get companies on board who want this technology inside their products.
Here is a video showing a demo of the TI phone prototype in action. Please note that the phone was not functional, except for the projector. (Video comes courtesy of our sister site Brighthand.com)
Microvision was also showing off a prototype micro projector, with their model being more refined, almost to the point of being a finished product. The model was based off a technology that used three laser modules that fired at a wobbling mirror which scanned lines on whatever surface you pointed it at. Compared to the Texas Instruments version, this had a few advantages. The three lasers give a much brighter screen, there is no focusing adjustment needed if you changed the distance from the wall, and in dark rooms the projector made viewable screens upwards of 80" and 90". Microvision planned on selling the external projector first, and then moving to internal projectors for cell phones or notebooks when the technology became more refined.
Below is a video showing the Microvision Pico Projector in action. In both settings they are showing off an Ipod Nano connected to it, but in one clip the video is paused.
At this time Microvision was the only company with set plans on releasing their product in the upcoming months. If they are available at a reasonable price, you can bet my iPod, ThinkPad, and PS3 will have a new best friend.
[Source]
ShifD In Beta a Mobile-to-PC c unveiled by New York Times
The New York Times Company has introduced its latest application called ShifD, which has the ability to flawlessly transfer information between computers and mobile phones. The beta launch of ShifD enables users to save important details to both computer and mobile device at the same time, without the need to do it separately.
All the information that has been collected through various methods of web surfing can easily be stored into the ShiftD account, which then gets automatically updated on all devices.
There are three different categories available for consumers to add or save their information via the beta launch such as:
ShifD is an experiment in giving users the power to bring their content with them by easily shifting it among all of their Web-enabled devices. We see a future for device-independent media, with convergence around the user experience and not any particular delivery platform.
Nick Bilton, who is the design integration editor and user interface specialist for The New York Times, and Michael Young, creative technologist, research and development for The New York Times Company, have developed ShiftD that will work on most of the mobile phones and BlackBerries in the US.
Owners of mobile phones and computers can also update information from any web browser for instance by text messaging from the handset via a mobile web browser or with the help of the downloadable application on Adobe AIR.
All the information that has been collected through various methods of web surfing can easily be stored into the ShiftD account, which then gets automatically updated on all devices.
There are three different categories available for consumers to add or save their information via the beta launch such as:
- Notes – save everything from your grocery list to the book title your friend recommended.
- Links – save links to news articles or links to sites from around the Web to be viewed later.
- Places – save addresses with corresponding maps.
ShifD is an experiment in giving users the power to bring their content with them by easily shifting it among all of their Web-enabled devices. We see a future for device-independent media, with convergence around the user experience and not any particular delivery platform.
Developing services that allow users to access content wherever they are and on whichever device they choose is an important part of our strategy,” explained Michael Zimbalist, vice president, research and development operations, The New York Times Company.
Nick Bilton, who is the design integration editor and user interface specialist for The New York Times, and Michael Young, creative technologist, research and development for The New York Times Company, have developed ShiftD that will work on most of the mobile phones and BlackBerries in the US.
Video: ShakeSMS, a feature I want to see in every mobile device
Symbian Freak brings us a video demonstration of ShakeSMS, a new application that utilizes the accelerometer inside Nokia’s Nseries lineup to bring up your text messages in one easy motion.
Scenario: You get an sms. Take your phone out of your pocket (remember it is still locked), shake it, it brings up the text message you just received. Shake it again, phone goes back to the home screen and locks the keys. It will be interesting to see how it reacts if you have your device in your pocket, that is the only thing that worries me.
[via IntoMobile]
Scenario: You get an sms. Take your phone out of your pocket (remember it is still locked), shake it, it brings up the text message you just received. Shake it again, phone goes back to the home screen and locks the keys. It will be interesting to see how it reacts if you have your device in your pocket, that is the only thing that worries me.
[via IntoMobile]
Sony Ericsson Adds 5 Million Songs To Mobile PlayNow Service
Sony Ericsson announced the expansion of their PlayNow arena app today at the MidemNet conference in Cannes, France. Mark Wilson of Gizmodo relayed news this afternoon that the “over-the-air”(OTA) music service has signed with 10 major record labels such as Sony BMG, Warner Music Group, EMI, and more to add 5 million music tracks to its library. The service is also adding a new feature named TrackID to PlayNow arena, allowing users to identify songs they hear on the radio or in a coffee shop, and subsequently purchase the songs from online catalog wirelessly. They will also be able to browse charts of songs that PlayNow users have searched for. Specific searches as to one’s location will be possible.
For the mobile gamers amongst Sony Ericsson’s customer base, 250 new games have also been added to the service from companies such as EA Games, Gameloft, and THQ. This gives Play Now arena one of the largest catalogs of mobile gaming in the industry.
Residents of Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland can expect the new service in May 2008, with more European markets by the end of June. Americans and Asians will have to wait until the last half of the year to enjoy the newest perks of the service.
Source: Mashable
YouTube for Mobile Update Brings Happiness to Millions of Users
By Daniel Nicholas
The update Google’s popular video sharing web site made to its Mobile service brought much joy and happiness to millions of mobile phone users, as now YouTube for Mobile can be used on handsets that can run video streaming and are supported by any 3G operator.
YouTube announced the big thing on Thursday; this update of its mobile applications will significantly expand the number of supported mobile phone technologies that can allow the viewing of the popular web sites’ millions of videos.
Until now, YouTube for Mobile was available only through deals with Verizon, Apple and Helio; but from now on, any user that owns a mobile phone running video streaming is able to access YouTube on his or her handset, as the service is supported by any 3G operator. According to YouTube, about 100 million devices will be able to access YouTube for Mobile thanks to this recent update.
In addition to this important improvement, new YouTube for Mobile features will allow users to personalize their use of the videos; they can access YouTube Favorites, Videos and Channels, as well as their accounts on their mobile phones, for example. Furthermore, from now on people will be able to upload video directly from their mobile devices, as they will also be able to rate and comment on videos directly from their phones.
The new mobile offerings will be available in 11 languages, in 17 countries.
© 2007 - 2008 - eNews 2.0 All Rights Reserved
The update Google’s popular video sharing web site made to its Mobile service brought much joy and happiness to millions of mobile phone users, as now YouTube for Mobile can be used on handsets that can run video streaming and are supported by any 3G operator.
YouTube announced the big thing on Thursday; this update of its mobile applications will significantly expand the number of supported mobile phone technologies that can allow the viewing of the popular web sites’ millions of videos.
Until now, YouTube for Mobile was available only through deals with Verizon, Apple and Helio; but from now on, any user that owns a mobile phone running video streaming is able to access YouTube on his or her handset, as the service is supported by any 3G operator. According to YouTube, about 100 million devices will be able to access YouTube for Mobile thanks to this recent update.
In addition to this important improvement, new YouTube for Mobile features will allow users to personalize their use of the videos; they can access YouTube Favorites, Videos and Channels, as well as their accounts on their mobile phones, for example. Furthermore, from now on people will be able to upload video directly from their mobile devices, as they will also be able to rate and comment on videos directly from their phones.
The new mobile offerings will be available in 11 languages, in 17 countries.
© 2007 - 2008 - eNews 2.0 All Rights Reserved
TwinMOS Mobile Disk P1 Flash Drive is Awfully Flashy
USB flash drives are a dime a dozen these days. Most units that you'll find at the local Best Buy feature a plain plastic casing and very little in terms of additional features. To attract that sparkle in your eye, TwinMOS equipped their Mobile Disk P1 USB flash drive with a mirror finish and a huge smattering of twinkling lights.
All in all, there are six colorful LED indicators blinking up and down the the side of the already shiny body. I'm not really sure how useful all these lights will be, but they'll certainly grab your attention. Instead of having a cap that is easily lost, the Mobile Disk P1 features a sliding mechanism similar to that found on the Sandisk Cruzer Micro.
Naturally, the Mobile Disk P1 flash drive from TwinMOS is USB 2.0 compliant. It'll work with just about every operating system from Windows 2000/XP/Vista to Mac 10.1+ and Linux 2.4+. The drive rocks 4GB of memory.
Virgin Mobile Deals A Musical 'Wild Card' Cell Phone
The MNVO's latest handset is a refined version of the Switch Back, an e-mail and text messaging phone that Virgin Mobile introduced last year.
The carrier's new Wild Card phone, weighing around 4 ounces, is intended for multimedia and Web browsing. At first glance Wild Card's front face looks like a typical cell phone with a dial pad and other options for voice calls. It can also be tuned sideways and flipped open revealing a wide screen with speakers and a full QWERTY keyboard.
"This is another Virgin Mobile phone that appeals to so many of our customers' interests -- especially those who love to text and listen to music," said Howard Handler, the company's CFO, in a statement.
Wild Card is the refined version of Virgin Mobile's Switch Back, an e-mail and text messaging phone that was introduced last year.
Wild Card streams music through an application called Headliner, which works like a jukebox and lets customers listen to individual tracks for 25 cents each. Additionally, the subscription service serves up concert tour updates, music news, artist information, and music charts. Headliner costs $2.49 a month.
The music service is paired with a messaging offer, which includes unlimited text, IM, e-mail, and picture messaging for $20 a month.
Wild Card comes with an optional service called "Contact Vault" for customers that want to store, retrieve, and transfer their personal contacts list if their phone is lost or if they upgrade to a new phone. Contact Vault costs $2 a month or $10 for six months.
The phone costs $100 and is available at Best Buy, Radio Shack, Target, and Wal-Mart. It will be available for purchase on Virgin Mobile's Web site starting next week.
Virgin Mobile USA on Friday unveiled "Wild Card" by Kyocera Wireless, which is the carrier's first cell phone with streaming music capability.
While carriers in the United States offer the option to get pre-paid services on phones, Virgin Mobile's business model (Mobile Network Virtual Operator or MNVO) is entirely based on providing plans without annual contracts ranging from pre-paid to pay-as-you-go services.
The carrier's new Wild Card phone, weighing around 4 ounces, is intended for multimedia and Web browsing. At first glance Wild Card's front face looks like a typical cell phone with a dial pad and other options for voice calls. It can also be tuned sideways and flipped open revealing a wide screen with speakers and a full QWERTY keyboard.
"This is another Virgin Mobile phone that appeals to so many of our customers' interests -- especially those who love to text and listen to music," said Howard Handler, the company's CFO, in a statement.
Wild Card is the refined version of Virgin Mobile's Switch Back, an e-mail and text messaging phone that was introduced last year.
Wild Card streams music through an application called Headliner, which works like a jukebox and lets customers listen to individual tracks for 25 cents each. Additionally, the subscription service serves up concert tour updates, music news, artist information, and music charts. Headliner costs $2.49 a month.
The music service is paired with a messaging offer, which includes unlimited text, IM, e-mail, and picture messaging for $20 a month.
Wild Card comes with an optional service called "Contact Vault" for customers that want to store, retrieve, and transfer their personal contacts list if their phone is lost or if they upgrade to a new phone. Contact Vault costs $2 a month or $10 for six months.
The phone costs $100 and is available at Best Buy, Radio Shack, Target, and Wal-Mart. It will be available for purchase on Virgin Mobile's Web site starting next week.
The Snooze mobile phone concept is also an alarm clock
The latest mobile phone concept to hit the internets is a hybrid mobile phone/alarm clock jobby. If you’ve ever wished your mobile phone could be more like your alarm clock, then the Snooze mobile phone concept is for you. On the front-side, the Snooze looks like a normal mobile phone - keypad and screen in a candybar setup. Flip the Snooze over, however, and you’ve got an alarm clock with convenient snooze button and red-LED clock display.
We can’t imagine why anyone would want a mobile phones that acts and looks more like an alarm clock than an actual phone, but the Snooze concept does highlight the need to make the alarm-clock function on many phones more accessible and convenient. It’d be nice to roll-over in the middle of the night and easily see just how much sleep we’ve lost - but not if the solution looks like this
Nokia 6301 UMA Phone announced, the Perfect Convergence of Mobile and Fixed/Land-Line Technologies
Nokia has introduced its latest Nokia 6301 mobile phone, which offers its owners flawless voice and data mobility across GSM cellular and WLAN networks through Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technology. The sleek Nokia 6301 makes use if UMA technology to bundle in the advantages of landline and a mobile phone, including seamless indoor coverage, sound quality and affordability.
Peter Ropke, Senior Vice President, Mobile Phones, Nokia said, “The convergence of mobile and fixed/land-line technologies means consumers are looking for products that can help make their lives easier.” Ropke added, “With the Nokia 6301 utilizing UMA technology, worldwide triband GSM coverage is combined with superior indoor WLAN coverage to create a device that people can use in virtually any situation.”
The UMA technology applied in the 6301 phone makes it possible for its owners to use the GSM network or a broadband Internet-connected WLAN network for mobile services. This guarantees awesome indoor coverage at the office as well as at the residence. The consumer can have one multi-mode handset that works everywhere with advanced and convenient voice services. And, WLAN/UMA offers excellent coverage and sound quality, even in areas where mobile phone reception has previously been poor.
What’s more, with UMA technology, the Nokia 6301 benefits operators as well, making it possible for them to deliver voice and data services to subscribers over WLAN, significantly increasing mobile service availability while decreasing the costs related to network deployment.
Orange has been chosen as the very first operator to offer the Nokia 6301, as part of its Unik/Unique portfolio.
Orange has been chosen as the very first operator to offer the Nokia 6301, as part of its Unik/Unique portfolio.
Yves Maitre, Senior Vice President, Devices, Orange stated, “The Nokia 6301 is a stylish new addition to our Unik range of converged fixed and mobile phones. Orange’s Unik offer brings together the convenience of a single phone and tariff at home and on the move and the widest range of UMA handsets. The Nokia 6301, with its sleek candy bar design and attractive stainless steel exterior adds to the appeal of Unik for Orange customers.”
Embellished in a sleek stainless steel design, Nokia claims that its 6301 phone is an evolution of the modern monoblock design.
The feather light Nokia 6301 weighs just 93 grams and measures less than 13.1mm thin. It comes with an attractive desk stand, making it perfect for home and office. The Nokia Desk Stand DT-23 holds the phone and keeps its battery charged while connected to WLAN.
The other key features of the Nokia 6301 mobile phone are:
- 2 MP camera with 8x digital zoom
- Full screen viewfinder
- 2-inch QVGA screen
- USB/PC Synchronization
- Internal user memory of 30MB and 128MB in-box microSD card, with support for up to 4GB microSD cards
- Voice dialing, voice commands and voice recording
- MP3 player, FM radio
- Integrated hands-free speaker
- Talk-time of up to 3.5 hours and a standby time of up to 14 days
Slated to start shipping by Q4 of 2007 in Europe, the Nokia 6301 phone is expected to be priced at around 230 euros (excl. subsidies or taxes).
Portable mobile signal jammer
Just in case you don’t want your kids to use their cell phones during a dinner, now you can block them in an elegant way. Instead of taking away their phones, you can use one of these portable mobile phone signal jammers and easily prevent GSM, CDMA, DCS, PHS and 3G signals from reaching your kid’s mobile phone.
The jammer has a range of up to 40 feet and could be yours for about $40. Not that expensive for a quiet dinner, don’t you think?
[Via: Just Another Mobile Phone Blog]
Virgin Mobile announces Super Slice phone with Bluetooth support
Virgin Mobile USA just announced its new candybar-shaped phone Super Slice. The successor to the last year’s Slice model is the first phone offered by the MVNO which comes with the Bluetooth connectivity support. In addition to that, the UTStarcom-manufactured 10.2 mm thick Super Slice also comes with the VGA camera, speakerphone, new UI and the battery that promises to support up to 270 minutes of talk time. Naturally, being the prepaid carrier, Virgin Mobile USA is offering the Super Slice sans any contract and you can get it for $59.99 within a week or so.
Boost Mobile slims down with stylish Motorola i425t iDEN phone
Boost Mobile has gone official with their new, slim, and stylish candybar - the Motorola i425t handset for the Boost Mobile iDEN network. The sleek iDEN phone gives up some mainstream features in exchange for that cool design and the legendary PTT functionality. But did Motorola really have to do away with the camera and Bluetooth - we could have done without the camera, but we really like our Bluetooth connectivity. Still, you get integrated GPS and instant messaging packaged into one of the best iDEN phones we’ve seen to date. Oh, and that titanium gray/black slate color combo just oozes sexiness.
Pick up your own Motorola i425t for the Boost Mobile network next month - for $59.99 (which includes a $5 call credit).
Boost Mobile
Samsung Updates K5 & T9
While Samsung is already off to a flying start for this year's IFA with the YP-P2 that hasn't stopped it fleshing out the rest of its range with two cracking editions.
In the case of the S5 in fact 'size' is the key term since while the K5 received heavy criticism for its bulky proportions its replacement promises to hack this bulk right down. Sadly, Samsung hasn't revealed the S5's dimensions but it will weigh just 85g. It will also be available in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB variants and sport an increased battery life allowing 24 hours of continuous music playback or 5.5 hours of video goggling.
As for the T10 this matches the S5 with capacities up to 8GB, offers 30 hours and four hours of music and video playback respectively, has a 2in LCD and weighs a mere 43g.
Vitally both now sport Bluetooth with the former equipped with v1.2 and the latter with v2.0. Cleverly, the two models can also use their Bluetooth capabilities to handle calls from a paired mobile phone (as can the P2 I've recently learnt) – very cool.
Expect both models before the end of the year.
Could Samsung be set to make class leading products in yet another market sector? Looks that way...
The YP-S5 (right) and YP-T10 (left and middle) are successors to the quirky speaker touting K5 and Bluetooth sporting T9B. The latter has undergone the biggest makeover to bring its styling into line with the rest of the range, but both make sizeable improvements on their forebears.
In the case of the S5 in fact 'size' is the key term since while the K5 received heavy criticism for its bulky proportions its replacement promises to hack this bulk right down. Sadly, Samsung hasn't revealed the S5's dimensions but it will weigh just 85g. It will also be available in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB variants and sport an increased battery life allowing 24 hours of continuous music playback or 5.5 hours of video goggling.
As for the T10 this matches the S5 with capacities up to 8GB, offers 30 hours and four hours of music and video playback respectively, has a 2in LCD and weighs a mere 43g.
Vitally both now sport Bluetooth with the former equipped with v1.2 and the latter with v2.0. Cleverly, the two models can also use their Bluetooth capabilities to handle calls from a paired mobile phone (as can the P2 I've recently learnt) – very cool.
Expect both models before the end of the year.
Could Samsung be set to make class leading products in yet another market sector? Looks that way...
Proporta Mobile Survival Kit with USB Mobile Device Charger: Review
We all have gone through those seemingly ‘endless’ days when indispensable gadgets like mobile phones, MP3 players, and iPods lose their charge. This issue gets even more amplified when away from home or even on holiday.
Now, there’s no need to worry about missing those important calls- that is only if you have a USB Mobile device charger at hand. A tried-and-tested one that comes in the Proporta ‘Mobile Survival Kit’ will definitely do the job and more for a great and affordable price too!
Aptly named the Mobile Survival Kit, this is a perfect partner for frequent travelers who may often get stuck with little or no charge in their devices. The vital Survival Kit includes a high-powered rechargeable battery which can be charged from any standard USB port. This battery stores an impressive 3400 mAh of power.
The Proporta Mobile Survival Kit also includes a USB to Mini USB cable, and a retractable cable which is compatible with the following interchangeable connector heads: 2x Nokia, 1x Sony Ericsson, 1 x iPod. If you happen to need another connector compatible with your device, you can always request Proporta to send it along in the package.
The best part about Proporta’s USB Mobile Device Charger is that not only can you charge your mobile phone and MP3 player with it, but also other electronics such as digital cameras, PDAs, smartphones and even GPS devices.
When we received the Mobile Survival Kit, the USB Mobile Device Charger already had a 75% charge, so we were able to juice up our dryed-out mobile phones at office itself. But, after charging dry devices from anywhere between three to five times, you will need to recharge the USB Mobile Charger once again.
To charge this battery, you just have to attach a mini cable to the battery’s small plug (labeled IN) and then attach the standard USB to the computer. A red light soon appears on the battery’s LED, which could mean either that the USB battery itself is charging, or that the battery is charging another device. When you see a green light, you know that your device has been fully charged.
Charging different devices using the USB Mobile Device Charger is quite a breeze. All you have to do is attach a suitable connector head to the battery’s USB via the provided cable and press the LED button on the USB battery.
Another great feature of the entire Proporta Mobile Survival Kit is that it is extremely easy to use, and is very portable. More than all of this, it is the most useful device to have around when traveling, or commuting to and from work (only if you have a laptop that is).
At just $45, the Proporta Mobile Survival Kit is truly a valuable buy. However, you must know that it is not compatible with Microsoft’s Zune digital music player. In times like ours, we can barely do without a mobile phone, let alone making do without it when it’s charge dies off. The Proporta Mobile Survival Kit is truly an essential piece to own.
Our Shout: We give the Proporta Mobile Survival Kit 9 out of 10 as this product is portable, user-friendly, and truly indispensable. Also, you won’t need to worry about compatibility issues, as you can hook up just about any gadget that needs to be charged using the interchangeable connector heads.
There are absolutely no cons on the horizon for the Mobile Survival Kit. Okay, just one small one; if you were stranded on an island, you would most definitely need a PC/laptop to charge this USB battery up, before you can charge up your GPS device, mobile phone, and digital music player!
Now, there’s no need to worry about missing those important calls- that is only if you have a USB Mobile device charger at hand. A tried-and-tested one that comes in the Proporta ‘Mobile Survival Kit’ will definitely do the job and more for a great and affordable price too!
Aptly named the Mobile Survival Kit, this is a perfect partner for frequent travelers who may often get stuck with little or no charge in their devices. The vital Survival Kit includes a high-powered rechargeable battery which can be charged from any standard USB port. This battery stores an impressive 3400 mAh of power.
The Proporta Mobile Survival Kit also includes a USB to Mini USB cable, and a retractable cable which is compatible with the following interchangeable connector heads: 2x Nokia, 1x Sony Ericsson, 1 x iPod. If you happen to need another connector compatible with your device, you can always request Proporta to send it along in the package.
The best part about Proporta’s USB Mobile Device Charger is that not only can you charge your mobile phone and MP3 player with it, but also other electronics such as digital cameras, PDAs, smartphones and even GPS devices.
When we received the Mobile Survival Kit, the USB Mobile Device Charger already had a 75% charge, so we were able to juice up our dryed-out mobile phones at office itself. But, after charging dry devices from anywhere between three to five times, you will need to recharge the USB Mobile Charger once again.
To charge this battery, you just have to attach a mini cable to the battery’s small plug (labeled IN) and then attach the standard USB to the computer. A red light soon appears on the battery’s LED, which could mean either that the USB battery itself is charging, or that the battery is charging another device. When you see a green light, you know that your device has been fully charged.
Charging different devices using the USB Mobile Device Charger is quite a breeze. All you have to do is attach a suitable connector head to the battery’s USB via the provided cable and press the LED button on the USB battery.
Another great feature of the entire Proporta Mobile Survival Kit is that it is extremely easy to use, and is very portable. More than all of this, it is the most useful device to have around when traveling, or commuting to and from work (only if you have a laptop that is).
At just $45, the Proporta Mobile Survival Kit is truly a valuable buy. However, you must know that it is not compatible with Microsoft’s Zune digital music player. In times like ours, we can barely do without a mobile phone, let alone making do without it when it’s charge dies off. The Proporta Mobile Survival Kit is truly an essential piece to own.
Our Shout: We give the Proporta Mobile Survival Kit 9 out of 10 as this product is portable, user-friendly, and truly indispensable. Also, you won’t need to worry about compatibility issues, as you can hook up just about any gadget that needs to be charged using the interchangeable connector heads.
There are absolutely no cons on the horizon for the Mobile Survival Kit. Okay, just one small one; if you were stranded on an island, you would most definitely need a PC/laptop to charge this USB battery up, before you can charge up your GPS device, mobile phone, and digital music player!
LG Aloha, Virgin Mobile’s first LG Wi-Fi handset Introduced
Virgin Mobile USA and LG Electronics has teamed up to launch LG Aloha mobile phone. With this announcement, Aloha is stated to be the first mobile device from LG to carry a pre-paid Virgin Mobile lineup in the US. The clamshell delivers 65k internal color screen with conventional keyboard.
The sleek wireless Aloha is 3.5-inch long and 1.9-inch wide with 0.9-inch thickness. LG Aloha has the capacity to store 199 contacts. Users can also add five numbers, three e-mail addresses and one URL for each of the contacts saved.
In addition, it features real music playback, animated ring tones, speakerphone and voice-activated dialing. It also comes with pre-loaded games such as ZooZoo Club and battle Reversi.
LG provides a battery that offers 180 minutes of talk time and 150 hours of standby time. It also features Virgin Mobile’s new dynamic and intuitive graphic user interface.
Virgin Mobile LG Aloha handset is slated to be out in stores by September 2007, with the price tag of $34.99 (approx. Rs. 1400).
Virgin Mobile and its charitable partners have auctioned the Aloha through The RE*Generation to help young people at-risk and alone on the streets.
Boost Mobile launches "Crush or Flush" for mobile
If social networking, random dating, and Boost Mobile are all part of your life, you may want to check out Boost Mobile’s newest service - “Crush or Flush.” Well, it’s not really Boost’s service, but they’re offering their subscribers a chance to get their mobile-social-network-dating fix with IceBreaker’s “Crush or Flush” service. The mobile social network has drawn 250,000 users since it’s launch n January of 2007 - allowing eager dating-hopefuls to anonymously contact similar-minded users (a “Crush”) for a possible hook-up, or get turned-down (a “Flush”) and continue the search. “Crush or Flush has been a run away success with our subscribers during the application’s trial period,” said Craig Thole, director of value added services, Boost Mobile. “We see this as a great opportunity for us to better leverage the Boost Live platform and drive data consumption.”
Boost Mobile subscribers can expect to pay $0.69 for every day they spend searching for their “hook-up.”
[Via: MocoNews]
Now It Is Even Easier To Get The Info You Want With Mobile Web 2.0 From Verizon Wireless
Mobile Web 2.0 from Verizon Wireless just got even easier to use as the company unveiled its new, redesigned service that makes it easier to get the information you want when you want it with new features and functionalities.
With Mobile Web 2.0, customers can still access e-mail, news, sports, weather, and information from the nation’s top content providers, including ESPN, Bank of America, USA TODAY and MapQuest.
The new features include:
* New Content Channels – Local, Connect, Tools, Commute, and Money give customers more options
* New Search functionality – Allows both keyword and local search, enabling customers to easily discover sites and content of local interest
* Improved graphics – Tabbed graphics, top headlines with photo links and refined features improve cursor discovery and location
* Dropdown headlines – Allow customers to select up to seven headlines, for faster access to articles
* 10 Button Navigation – Improved navigation and menu structure provides customers with more options on each page
* Numbered article and information pages – Enable one-click access, eliminating the need to click through multiple links
* Navigational Shortcut Menu – Dropdown menu at the page bottom provides links to other locations, providing faster and easier navigation
* Improved content placement – Makes it easier for customers to find what they want
Mobile Web 2.0 can be self-provisioned, eliminating the need for customers to call customer service or visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store to sign up for the service. Verizon Wireless customers with Mobile Web 2.0-capable handsets automatically view the new redesigned portal when they navigate to Mobile Web 2.0. Customers simply register for Mobile Web 2.0 on their Mobile Web 2.0-capable handsets by visiting the News and Info category under the Get It Now menu on their phones.
Mobile Web 2.0 is available for $5.00 monthly access, plus airtime, if purchased as a standalone service from the phone, or as a part of the V CAST VPak, which also includes unlimited basic V CAST Video clips and access to ESPN MVP for $15.00 monthly access.
With Mobile Web 2.0, customers can still access e-mail, news, sports, weather, and information from the nation’s top content providers, including ESPN, Bank of America, USA TODAY and MapQuest.
The new features include:
* New Content Channels – Local, Connect, Tools, Commute, and Money give customers more options
* New Search functionality – Allows both keyword and local search, enabling customers to easily discover sites and content of local interest
* Improved graphics – Tabbed graphics, top headlines with photo links and refined features improve cursor discovery and location
* Dropdown headlines – Allow customers to select up to seven headlines, for faster access to articles
* 10 Button Navigation – Improved navigation and menu structure provides customers with more options on each page
* Numbered article and information pages – Enable one-click access, eliminating the need to click through multiple links
* Navigational Shortcut Menu – Dropdown menu at the page bottom provides links to other locations, providing faster and easier navigation
* Improved content placement – Makes it easier for customers to find what they want
Mobile Web 2.0 can be self-provisioned, eliminating the need for customers to call customer service or visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store to sign up for the service. Verizon Wireless customers with Mobile Web 2.0-capable handsets automatically view the new redesigned portal when they navigate to Mobile Web 2.0. Customers simply register for Mobile Web 2.0 on their Mobile Web 2.0-capable handsets by visiting the News and Info category under the Get It Now menu on their phones.
Mobile Web 2.0 is available for $5.00 monthly access, plus airtime, if purchased as a standalone service from the phone, or as a part of the V CAST VPak, which also includes unlimited basic V CAST Video clips and access to ESPN MVP for $15.00 monthly access.
Johnny Bravo goes mobile
In case you’ve enjoyed Johnny Bravo which airs on Cartoon Network, you’ll be glad to know that you’ll be able to play the game featuring the muscular hero on your mobile phone pretty soon. Apparently, GlobalFun has announced plans to release “Johnny Bee Good” in Europe. We don’t know much about the game nor have any screenshots at this stage. However, we DO know that it will be a platform game — i.e. you’ll make Johnny jump around to get some women.
At the end, it’s interesting to note that this is the first time we’re aware Cartoon Network’s traditional mobile games partner, Glu Mobile, wasn’t the one who developed the game for the broadcaster…
[Via: PocketGamer.co.uk]
Top 5 unique mobile phones
By Damian KohWe've seen our share of bizarre cell phones on the planet, some of them downright ridiculous, some a hair's breath from making the list of stupidest phones ever. Concept phones are nice to look at, but some are horribly flawed--like the one that requires the user to insert his finger into the appropriate keyhole to dial a number. That said, we did coo over the Transformers mobile bot. But before I digress any further, we've selected five mobile phones (yes, real ones) that are special in one way or another. We've also decided to include the Apple iPhone as an honorable mention, even though we're still sore that we have to wait till 2008 for it in Asia.
Touched by a screen: LG Prada Phone
So the iPhone isn't coming to Asia until 2008? Fine… whatever. The LG Prada Phone is a trendy touchscreen mobile phone that's available in the market now. Synonymous with class and style, the Prada Phone courts the well-heeled and fashion-conscious. It doesn't have the latest features, but beggars can't be choosers, right?
Bend it like Beckham: Moto Z8
Slider phones? Totally passé. The Moto Z8 re-jigged the whole sliding motion with a kick-slide mechanism that curves the phone closer to your mouth and ear. We must say the idea is pretty cool though we're not too sure how useful it will be. Remember the old Nokia banana phone (made famous in Matrix)? It's the same idea here. If you like that one, you'll probably fall in love with this Moto.
Glass act: Nokia 8600 Luna
When it comes to phones crafted from unique materials, Nokia comes to mind. Its 8600 Luna sports an opaque, smoked glass cover over its keypad. Did you just say glass? Yeah, we're still worried it might break if we drop the phone, but who can resist a handset that is romanticized as "mysteriously, it glows, magnetically, it calls", "inspired by moonlight, it pulsates with allure". We can't.
The show must go on: Samsung Ultra Video F500
Here's a candy-bar phone for movie aficionados who need their screen fix. Sit this Samsung on a desktop with the screen facing toward you and you're all ready to catch the latest blockbuster on this DivX-certified device. And when your boss walks past, you can flip the lid down and pretend you're talking to an important client on the earpiece. Quite easily done.
Just shoot me: Sony Ericsson K850iWe're still not convinced that camera-phones will replace dedicated digicams, although the upcoming Cyber-shot K850i may just change our minds. Sony Ericsson isn't the first to have a 5-megapixel shooter, but its Cyber-shot pedigree should have people clamoring for the K850i. Will this Sony Ericsson best the 5-megapixel Nokia N95 in terms of performance and image quality? We'll find out toward the end of the year.
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