Archive for February, 2008
SonyEricsson C902
Feb 29th
Sony Ericsson is stepping up to the plate with a thier new MVP camera phone, the C902 is a global GSM phone with Media player, TV out, FM radio with RDS, TrackID. 262K-color TFT display of QVGA resolution. The camera is 5 MP with auto focus, image stabilizer, video, flash. However it is lacking the Xenon flash system and that is a bit of a disappointment.
Specs
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 2100
Exp. release 2008, Q2
Dimensions 108 x 49 x 10.5 mm
Weight 107 g
Display TFT, 256K colors
Size 240 x 320 pixels, 2 inches
Ringtones Type Polyphonic, MP3
Customization Download
Vibration Yes
Memory Phonebook 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call
Call records 30 received, dialed and missed calls
Card slot Memory Stick Micro (M2)
160 MB internal memory
Data GPRS Class 10 (4+1/3+2 slots), 32 - 48 kbps
HSCSD No
EDGE Class 10, 236.8 kbps
3G HSDPA, 3.6 Mbps
WLAN No
Bluetooth Yes, v2.0 with A2DP
Infrared port No
USB Yes, v2.0
Features Messaging SMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging
Browser WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront), RSS reader
Games Yes + downloadable
Colors Swift Black, Luscious Red
Camera 5 MP, 2592Ñ…1944 pixels, autofocus, image stabiliser, video, flash; secondary videocall camera
8 illuminated camera touch keys
- Java MIDP 2.0
- FM radio with RDS
- MP3/AAC/MPEG4 player
- TrackID music recognition
- Picture editor/blogging
- Organiser
- Built-in handsfree
- Voice memo/dial
Wireless Consumer Protection
Feb 28th
Good news out of D.C. in regards to creating legislation on many of the mobile industry issues that we so painfully have to deal with on a regular basis. They seem to have this right when you look at what has transpired so far. Here are a few examples:
Why does a customer of the wireless companies who gets no subsidy on a phone still get stuck with a $175 early termination penalty?
We’ll call this the “iPhone problem.†Wireless carriers say consumers are getting huge subsidies, and as a result they’re forced to charge consumers early termination penalties. But we see consumers who get no subsidies still being charged the full penalty, such as iPhone purchasers or customers who bring their own phones—and we don’t see any accounting whatsoever about the real benefits consumers get. We’re concerned that those benefits are lower than companies claim.
But it’s the cost to the consumer that matters, and U.S. consumers pay more—an average of $506 each year, higher than the average of $439, and way above countries such as Sweden ($246), Spain ($293), and Germany ($371).
The bill would require carriers to sell contract-free phones, provide rate plan information in a “clear, plain, and conspicuous manner,” disclose any phone subsidies hidden in the plan’s price, and offer price-comparable plans with no subsidy or early termination fee.
Yahoo! and T-Mobile take on Google
Feb 27th
More and more companies are starting to see Google as the threat they really are in the mobile landscape and are taking steps to ensure that their growth is tempered. Case in point, Yahoo! has jumped into bed with T-Mobile, while T-Mobile has kicked Google to the curb.
T-Mobile International announced plans to make Yahoo its exclusive mobile service in Europe at the end of March, saying it will offer Yahoo’s oneSearch to its customers as part of its web’n’walk service. The companies also announced plans to offer Yahoo services such as e-mail, instant messaging, weather information and the photo-sharing application Flickr.
The move effectively ends a 3-year-old relationship between T-Mobile and Google that had seen the Internet giant power web’n’walk since the offering came to market. And it gives Yahoo access to nearly 90 million wireless users in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Austria and eight other European markets.
Look for similar deals to become the norm as Google becomes a more prominent player in the mobile world with their Android platform.
Via RCR
Nokia’s concepts of the future
Feb 26th
Nokia continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with mobile communication devices and in true form announced a partnership to lead the innovative redesign of the mobile phone with a concept called Morph.
From Nokia’s Press Release
“Morph is a concept that demonstrates how future mobile devices might be stretchable and flexible, allowing the user to transform their mobile device into radically different shapes. It demonstrates the ultimate functionality that nanotechnology might be capable of delivering: flexible materials, transparent electronics and self-cleaning surfaces.”
Morph, a joint nanotechnology concept, developed by Nokia Research Center (NRC) and the University of Cambridge (UK) - was launched today alongside the “Design and the Elastic Mind” exhibition, on view from February 24 to May 12, 2008, at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. Morph features in both the exhibition catalog and on MoMA’s official website.
The Morph concept shows what might be possible in a decade or more.
However they are working on more immediate injections into the current mobile landscape most notably with the Eco Sensor Concept.
The concept consists of two parts — a wearable sensor unit which can sense and analyze your environment, health, and local weather conditions and a mobile device that builds on the “three Rs”: Reduce, reuse and recycle — using printed electronics, bio and reclaimed materials in the phone’s construction. The concept includes use of alternative energy sources.
More info:
Nokia Research Center: NRC stands for open innovation for human mobility systems of the fused physical and digital world
Research in Motion numbers surge
Feb 22nd
The Waterloo, Ontario-based maker of mobile communications devices said earlier today that it now expects net subscriber additions for the quarter ending February to be 15% to 20% higher than the 1.82 million previously forecasted, as the anticipated seasonal slowdown did not occur. Total BlackBerry subscriber account base is expected to be approximately 14 million at the end of the quarter.
The company also said it still expected earnings for the quarter of 66 to 70 cents a share and revenue of $1.8 billion to $1.87 billion. The stock climbed 12% to $109.60 on the positive outlook.
“BlackBerry smart phones proved to be a big hit throughout the holiday selling season and we’re pleased to see RIM’s business momentum continuing in the new year,” Jim Balsillie, co-chief executive said in a release. “The seasonal slowdown in net subscriber account additions that we expected in the new year did not occur and our focused execution with partners has continued to produce strong results within both enterprise and consumer segments.”
“RIM is blowing the doors off with 100% year-over-year growth. It redesigned its products starting in 2006 to be more fashionable and consumer friendly — enterprise users are consumers, too — and is reaping the rewards. Palm is getting squeezed by RIM for enterprise users and by Apple for entertainment-oriented smartphone buyers,” said analyst Greengart.
The price of owning a Blackberry
Feb 21st
In the past few months Research in Motion has seemingly been pushed to the background by all the recent exciting product launches in the wireless industry. They appear to be loosing track to Apple’s iPhone, Nokia’s N series, and even HTC’s touch. Not to mention the new SonyEricsson Xperia X1 that is poised to be the next big thing in the SmartPhone world. It has been a long time since you heard something truly positive and exciting about the Waterloo company, that is of course unless you like network failures and lawsuits.
The main detractor remains that they are cost prohibitive and the Blackberry service has yet to come down in price like stand alone data plans have. One has to wonder if this is because customers have become so reliant on the service that the wireless companies feel they don’t have to make their plans very competitive.
Lets take a look at the prices by the major wireless companies:
AT&T
BlackBerry Personal Add on Unl Msgs $50.00/month
BlackBerry Personal Add on 200 Msgs $35.00/month
BlackBerry Personal Add w/no Msgs $30.00/month
Verizon
Blackberry Solutionâ„¢ Unlimited Data Usage $44.99/month
Email and Web for BlackBerry $29.99/month
T-Mobile
BlackBerry Unlimited w/Enterprise Email $29.98/month
BlackBerry Unlimited E-mail Add-on $9.99/month
BlackBerry Unlimited Add-on $19.99/month
Sprint
Sprint Power VisionSM BlackBerry Pack $30.00/month
Unlimited web browsing/email/text messages
10MB BlackBerry Email and Web $39.99
Unlimited BlackBerry Email and Web $39.99
Worldwide BlackBerry Data Plan $69.99
As you can see Sprint and T-Mobile have a somewhat reasonable price of $30.00/month. AT&T effectively prices themselves out of competition at $50/month and Verizon isn’t much better at $44.99/month. So at the bare minimum you can expect to have a $85 bill but more likely it will be in the $100 range and thats pretty painful. It is long overdue that the prices of the BlackBerry service get lowered, for no other reason than its longevity alone, as its been around as long as text messaging. Of course all this will take is one company like Sprint/Nextel to announce a $9.99 BlackBerry service and soon thereafter the other companies will follow. Les hope this will happen sometime this year and a lot more people can afford to tryout the service for the first time.
Its not all bad for the SmartPhone maker, the soon to be announced BlackBerry 9000 is creating some buzz but with conflicting ‘leaked’ images and mixed messages from the company itself on the new operating system they seem to be undermining themselves. They could learn a thing or two from Nokia and Sony about leaking info, however the info that has come out has gotten some excited. These include:
A super fast Intel 624 Mhz processor, 1 GB internal memory, WiFi, GPS, UMA, high end optics and multi Band HSDPA.
Some of the rumors on the design are that it could have a full screen interface without a tactile keyboard, scroll wheel or joystick. If thats the case it would be a huge departure from anything seen the company before and could signal a huge shift in their approach. Take a look at the two photos reported to be the new 9000 and decide for yourself.
Unlimted plans popping up everywhere
Feb 20th
As I alluded to yesterday, the wireless companies did react to Verizon’s unlimited offerings with plans of their own. AT&T essentially matched the $99 voice plan but only for non smartphone users, which is ridiculous as most power users don’t use flip or candy bar phones. As expected, soon thereafter T-Mobile matched the $99 a month price with unlimited SMS and MMS added as well. T-Mobile has always had the best value plans and have had to because they dont offer much else, so it was a no brainer that they would not only match but outdo their wireless counterparts.
Verizon just saved customers millions of dollars and companies all across the U.S. just saw their bottom line decrease and thats a beautiful thing in these uneasy financial times. I can guarantee that not one of the other wireless companies wanted this to happen as this will cut into profits and possibly affect ARPU (Avg revenue per unit) which is a barometer that wall street pays very close attention to. Verizon must feel that their buzz has been killed due to the announcements today but maybe being out in front on this will have its advantages. CHURN (customer turnover) rates should be very interesting for Q1 2008, as these plans could cause a large number of defectors.
Lets hope these type of changes in the mobile world are only the beginning and we start to see features like the Blackberry service drop to a far more reasonable rate
T-Mobiles plans start on Thursday the 21st of February
AT&T’s bogus version launches on Friday the 22nd of February
Verizon pulled the trigger yesterday and should be applauded for helping all this happen.
SideNote: Where is Sprint in all this? If any wireless company needed a boost they do and this can only be bad news for an already struggling company.
Verizon’s unlimited bonanza
Feb 19th
On Tuesday, February 19 Verizon will not only be launching an unlimited voice plan but 5 additional plans that add various features as well. Obviously this announcement is huge in the mobile world as this is the first major carrier that has done this and at the price point that they are talking about, they could eliminate any and all competition. Hopefully this will start a new era where we actually are charged more like a land line and features will no longer have limits (Hint Hint AT&T).
Obviously these plans aren’t for everyone but its a step in the right direction considering how little the wireless companies pay for minutes (pennies for a few hundred) of course they do have some overhead like the private jets and all the money they have to give to J.D. Power for all those ‘impartial’ awards.
Here are the rumored plans courtesy of BGR via Engadget via some dude on the street corner telling us that the world is gonna end in the near future.
- $99 - Nationwide Unlimited
- $119 - Nationwide Select Unlimited - Voice, SMS, MMS
- $139 - Nationwide Premium - Voice, SMS, MMS, VZNav, VCAST, and Email
- $149 - Nationwide Email and Messaging -Voice, SMS, MMS, and Data
- $169 - Nationwide Global Email and Messaging -Voice, SMS, MMS, and International Data
- $199 - Family plan with two lines, $99 per additional line.
Rumors are that the 5gb data cap is also lifted and that no contract extension will be necessary for existing customers and either one or two year contract options for new customers. This would also include nationwide long distance and the all you can eat roaming buffet but thats kinda a given if you ask me.
The Verizon website has all the info as well as another one of those models posing with a cell phone having the time of her life but this one seems to be hiding something in her left hand as the entire arm is hidden. Perhaps Verizon got a discount on a one handed model and came up with this pose specifically to hide this frugal attempt at marketing. Heck anyone that can laugh while wearing 6 inch heels after losing her hand is O.K. in my book, way to go one arm Verizon model lady.
Mobile phone industry trends
Feb 15th
Trends in the modern mobile phone industry continue to baffle those that have been paying close attention for the past 5-6 years. Why touch sensitive interfaces have become the norm is surprising, mostly because the technology has been around for so long, just ask Palm. I know that the iPhone is a good looking device and due to its design couldn’t really have that many tactile buttons. But what I don’t understand is why every other handset maker has jumped on the bandwagon and now everything is touch screen this and touchscreen that. 4 million units sold for Apple’s first foray into the mobile marketplace is a nice start but far from one of the best selling handsets of all time.
The main reason why I am not a fan of the touch interface is that I don’t want to be touching my screen with my hands, mostly because I don’t want to get it dirty or scratched. My goal with every mobile phone I own is to preserve the ability to see what is on the screen clearly and without distractive smudges that need to be wiped off all the time.
I am big proponent of clean lines and minimalism in regards to design but lets take a moment and realize its still a phone and not a piece of art. Unfortunately just like art, once a movement find success many jump on the bandwagon and attempt to recreate or just plain copy the original concept. Of course this tends to saturate the market and before long all phones start to look alike.
Change for the sake of change is also a dangerous road to venture down as well, case in point the Blackberry. They are now eliminating the scroll wheel, the single best mobile navigation device, on its new models. RIM’s decision to go to a joystick system is being received coldly and for good reason, the scroll wheel is perfect for one handed copy and pasting not to mention selection of multiple items which is essential on a mobile office type device. Reasons for the change revolves around aesthetic appeal and symmetry of the overall device. A case of form over function if I’ve ever seen one. RIM also made in my opinion the best keyboard ever for a smartphone (7730) and it has yet to appear on another model.
This is an amazing time for the mobile industry as all the features we have dreamed about for years are becoming standard. Phones now have great optics, fast data speeds, GPS, massive internal storage, MP3 and HD Video and the list goes on and on. With all of these advancements it would be a shame if everyone tried to emulate only one type of software instead of experimenting with innovative interfaces that could shape the mobile industry for the next decade.
T-Mobile is launching 3G……but this time its for realz
Feb 14th
T-Mobile’s CEO Hamid Akhavan decided to remind the world that they still plan on launching a 3G network in the US, hopefully by late summer. The CEO also claimed that it will be “the best 3G network in the country.”
I guess the 14 month delay in the launch of the service were spent testing and not just playing Scrabulous on Facebook as had been rumored. Of course if and when T-Mobile launches their super duper special 3G network virtually every other major network will be deploying 4G. So to say they are a tad late to the table would indicate they actually know what a table is and clearly that is not the case. T-Mobile also announced the future launch of an Android-based handset by the end of 2008, so expect that around 2010 sometime…maybe.
Other new developments on T-Mobile’s horizon:
A new 8 track mobile music phone
