Mention the name Google in cell-phone software circles these days and you're likely to get a lot of blank stares and awkward silence.
It's not that these Silicon Valley startups have nothing to say about the world's largest Web search engine. The problem is, they can't. Many mobile-software developers in the Bay Area and beyond are hard at work cobbling together services and tools they hope will be packaged with a wireless operating system under wraps at Googleplex--and they've been sworn to secrecy.
Word's getting out. Among the companies jockeying for a place on Google's platform, BusinessWeek.com has learned, are Plusmo, a Santa Clara (California) company that pulls together blogs and news items and sends them to cell phones, and Nuance Communications, a Burlington (Massachusetts) maker of speech-recognition software used in mobile directory assistance services. Plusmo is owned by Reify Software, and its services are already available on phones made by Motorola, Research In Motion, and devices that use the Microsoft mobile operating system. Nuance technology, on devices such as Palm's Treo 755p, lets users dial, dictate, and search using voice commands. Neither company would comment for this story.
Code Unlocked
Another startup said to be working with Google is 3Jam, a software maker in Menlo Park, Calif., that lets users send text messages to groups of friends. Representatives of 3Jam declined to comment.
Google also is mum on its plans, but the ongoing work with developers may give further evidence the company is moving ahead with a platform, possibly named gPhone, that brings together a range of services--from news to instant messaging to social-networking features to Web browsing--for mobile phones. "If they are evangelizing to mobile developers, they probably have a product coming soon," says Toni Schneider, chief executive of Web publisher Automattic, who created Yahoo!'s developer program. For developers, the Google platform could open a wide range of opportunities, including changing the way programmers use and build Google applications for mobile devices. And the interplay between Google and software developers is likely to leave an indelible mark on how wireless services are built and distributed--and who gets to share in the spoils.
Google's platform is expected to consist of an operating system, mobile versions of Google's existing software, and built-in tools that make it easier for developers to dive in. Google is expected to open up much of its gPhone programming code, known in industry parlance as the application programming interface (API), enabling mobile developers to easily integrate Google's applications with their own software and to distribute those applications to all users of the gPhone platform, whatever phone model or carrier they happen to use.
Cooler Apps
The idea of unlocking software code to outside developers is gathering currency across the tech landscape. Case in point: Thousands of companies have embedded Google Maps into their Web sites to help customers and clients find offices. At the same time, Google offers a range of third-party applications, such as the online encyclopedia Wikipedia, on its customizable home page iGoogle.
Still, that same cross-pollination has yet to take off in wireless circles, where carriers and handset makers control which applications are available to users. Earlier this year, Google had to strike a special agreement with handset manufacturer LG to get its YouTube video application onto an upcoming mobile device. Carrier AT&T and handset maker Apple handpicked the Google applications--Google Maps, search, and YouTube--that would be available on the iPhone, introduced in June.
The relatively closed system gives service providers and cell-phone manufacturers tight control over what users get--and pay for--on their handsets, but it keeps the makers of cool applications on the sidelines. On a typical smartphone running the Symbian operating system, fewer than 40 percent of the applications came from third-party developers, according to Symbian data.
Not only would the Google model mean more cool new apps and open sales avenues for developers, but it's also likely to influence how the industry deals with other mobile operating systems. Says Thomas Howe, head of communications software consultancy the Thomas Howe Co.: "The world will break open."
» via ZDNetAsia
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Google's gPhone draws a crowd
Nokia 6555 3G mobile phone available from AT&T
A unique "smoothback" design, which eliminates the sharp edge found at the hinge of most conventional folding phones, makes the Nokia 6555 phone both remarkably comfortable to hold and strikingly beautiful to behold.
Exclusively available in the U.S. from AT&T, the Nokia 6555 makes it easier than ever to quickly access powerful AT&T services via dedicated function keys. By pressing the CV key, Nokia 6555 users can immediately access AT&T's streaming video content service, which includes local weather forecasts, the latest in sports and entertainment and broadcasts from leading cable news outlets - all displayed on a crisp 16 million color QVGA screen. The dedicated AT&T MEdia Net key provides an immediate connection to the best Internet content, ranging from financial news and sports scores to movie times and reviews or the latest ringtones and mobile games.
"The Nokia 6555 represents a stylish and simple way for our customers to access and enjoy video, messaging, music and more," said Carlton Hill, vice president of Voice Products and Devices for AT&T's wireless unit. "We are pleased to have worked with Nokia to launch yet another great product on AT&T's 3G network."
Music fans will have access to the AT&T Mobile Music portfolio of services, including subscription services from Napster and eMusic, music videos, MusicID song recognition, "The Buzz" music news portal, XM Radio Mobile and more. The included music player and MicroSD card slot lets owners store and enjoy thousands of digital music tracks on an optional 2GB MicroSD memory card.
"The unique smoothback design of the Nokia 6555 will appeal to the design-conscious consumer while the high speed 3G capability will satisfy the needs of those looking for powerful wireless technology," said Ian Laing, vice president of Sales for Nokia. "The Nokia 6555 is a direct result of our collaboration with AT&T to develop a compelling product specifically for their customers. It marks the latest chapter in our long history of working together to bring innovation and quality to customers."
Staying in contact with friends and family through voice calls, text and photo messages is made easy with included push-to-talk functionality, an integrated instant message client and a built-in 1.3 megapixel camera and video recorder to capture and share special moments. Bluetooth technology makes it convenient to connect to PCs, wireless headsets and speakers, as well as an increasing number of vehicles that come with built-in wireless hands-free capability. The analog clock standby mode adds an additional touch of elegance to the Nokia 6555 phone's design.
The Nokia 6555 will be available in select AT&T retail stores and online beginning September 12 for $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and a two-year service agreement.
» via Physorg
Double Your Cell Phone Battery Life With New Display
Unipixel is aiming to create a new display for mobile phones that will effectively double the battery life. And there are no sacrifices on your part. You see, with current displays, only 5% of the light generated by the backlight ever makes it to the screen. This is due to a series of filters and light polarizers. The Unipixel solution aims to attack this inefficiency, creating a display that is illuminated by LED lights on the sides. No filters, more brightness.
A working prototype is expected by the end of the year. Until then, Unipixel's revolutionary display is just vaporware.
» via MobileMag
Cell Phone Use Not Linked To Brain Cancer, Study Suggests
Mobile phones have not been found to be associated with any biological or adverse health effects, according to the UK's largest investigation into the possible health risks from mobile telephone technology.
The Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research (MTHR) Programme published its conclusions on September 12 as part of its 2007 Report.
The six-year research programme, chaired by Professor Lawrie Challis, Emeritus Professor of Physics at The University of Nottingham, has found no association between short term mobile phone use and brain cancer. Studies on volunteers also showed no evidence that brain function was affected by mobile phone signals or the signals used by the emergency services (TETRA).
The MTHR programme management committee believes there is no need to support further work in this area.
The research programme also included the largest and most robust studies of electrical hypersensitivity undertaken anywhere in the world. These studies have found no evidence that the unpleasant symptoms experienced by sufferers are the result of exposure to signals from mobile phones or base stations.
The situation for longer-term exposure is less clear as studies have so far only included a limited number of participants who have used their phones for ten years or more. The committee recommends more research be conducted in this area.
The MTHR programme also investigated whether mobile phones might affect cells and tissue beyond simply heating them. The results so far show no evidence for this and the committee believes there is no need to support further work in this area.
Professor Lawrie Challis, Chairman of MTHR, said: “This is a very substantial report from a large research programme. The work reported today has all been published in respected peer-reviewed scientific or medical journals.
“The results are so far reassuring but there is still a need for more research, especially to check that no effects emerge from longer-term phone use from adults and from use by children.”
The research programme has also funded some basic measurements of radio signals from microcell and picocell base stations such as those found in airports, railway stations and shopping malls. These have shown that exposures are well below international guidelines.
Additional studies also confirmed that the use of a mobile phone while driving, whether hand-held or hands-free, causes impairment to performance comparable to that from other in-car distractions. There are however indications that the demand on cognitive resources from mobile phones may be greater.
» via ScienceDaily
Cell Phone Use Banned for Teen Drivers
A law signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday will require those teens to put down all cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. Older drivers will be able to use hands-free devices but minors won't enjoy that luxury - in part because of the popularity of text-messaging among teens.
"The simple fact is that teenage drivers are more easily distracted. They are young, inexperienced and have a slower reaction time,'' Schwarzenegger said in a statement after he signed the legislation into law. "We want to eliminate any extra distractions so they can focus on paying attention to the road and being good drivers.''
The law barring cell phone use by drivers under 18 will take effect July 1, as will the law restricting cell phone use among older drivers, which the governor signed last year.
Violators will be fined $20 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses. Both laws include exceptions for drivers who need to make emergency calls.
Schwarzenegger's signature means California joins 15 states and the District of Columbia in banning the use of wireless communication devices for teenage drivers. Nearly a dozen other states are considering similar action, according to the American Automobile Association.
The governor cited statistics by the California Highway Patrol that cell phone use is a primary cause of accidents caused by distracted drivers. He also referred to a Ford Motor Co. study saying teens are four times more likely to be distracted than adults by cell phone use.
A 2001 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 16-year-old drivers have a crash rate three times higher than that of 17-year-olds, five times greater than 18-year-olds and almost 10 times greater than drivers ages 30-59.
» via guardian.co.uk
Sunday, September 9, 2007
LG Debuts Prada Phone
LG Electronics and Prada has unveiled the Prada Phone (KE850) - a touch
screen mobile phone that the company touts to be unique, sophisticated and
elegant.
The two companies have worked closely together on every aspect of the product - from handset development, attention to detail, to design and technological innovation.
President and CEO of LG Electronics, Dr. Scott Ahn said, "We at LG are exceptionally proud of the Prada Phone by LG. The two companies have worked together seamlessly towards a truly shared vision, to develop one of the most beautifully stylish handsets the market has ever seen."
President and CEO of Prada, Mr. Patrizio Bertelli said, "As we do with ready-to-wear and accessories, we were looking at a break-through. Consistent with our approach, we are not branding an existing product; rather, Miuccia and I have been working with LG to give this new phone a very strong character and unique style, both in its contents and in its design. We, just like our partners at LG, are known for the attention to detail and uncompromising quality of our products. And we find these characteristics in the new mobile phone."
The company claims that its PRADA Phone introduces the world's first advanced touch interface which eliminates the conventional keypad making the overall usage experience a highly tactile one. An extra wide LCD screen maximizes visual impact, allowing the user to benefit from several key features of the phone, including the 2 megapixel camera featuring Schneider-Kreuznach lens, video player and document viewer capacity. Above all, these features contribute to the phone's beautifully sleek and simplistic appearance.
Glowing icons on the face of the phone disappear when not in use to reveal a black exterior. The phone is ultra thin (just 12 mm), and hosts an array of additional multimedia functions, including an MP3 player and a music multitasking function for messaging. It also boasts an external memory slot, allowing the user to increase memory capacity for images, music and film clips.
The PRADA Phone by LG - Technical Specifications
Design
- Candy Bar (card type)
- Slim and simple design
- Wide LCD & Touch Screen, No Keypad & Navi-key
- Unique design: Black, simple and sleek with no buttons
- Capacitive Touch Screen
- Touch keypad: Touch keypad becomes ‘invisible' when not in use, keeping the handset's features simple and unique.
- Dimensions: 98.8 × 54 × 12 mm
Music
- MP3 Player quality sound
- Multi Codec support: MP3, ACC, ACC+, WMA, RA
- External Memory Slot (Micro SD)
- Music Multitasking (Messaging)
- Macromedia Flash UI
- FM radio
- 5 EQ effects (Normal, Classic, Jazz, Pop, Rock)
Camera / Video Camera
- 2 megapixels camera for clear shots
- Up to 6 Frame Multi Shots
- 3 filter special effects (Sepia/Grey/Negative)
- Digital Zoom up to 2X as well as set timer function
- High resolution LCD for clearer and sharper pictures and videos
- 8 MB Internal Mass Storage Memory and External 256MB MicroSD
Video
- Up to WQVGA (400x240) 30fps movie playback
- Video can be filmed endlessly according to memory capacity
- Video Player (MPEG4, H.263, H.264)
- Video playback
Connectability
- Internet
- USB Ver. 2.0 (full speed)
- EDGE Tri-Band (900/1800/1900)
- Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0, USB Mass storage
- GPRS
- Document Viewer (ppt, doc, xls, pdf, txt )
The PRADA Phone by LG is available from Vodafone and Optus retailers across Australia from mid September at a recommended retail price of $999
» Via SmartHouse.com.au
Motorola Q9m
The Motorola Q9m has a slightly different shape than the Q9h. The edges are a bit more rounded, but the keyboard is the same. That's a good thing since the Q9's keyboard is really well designed. In terms of hardware buttons, the layout on the Q9m is similar, but lacks the Internet and Email buttons.
On the left side there are some major differences. There's a regular MiniUSB jack for sync/charging where as the Q9h has a proprietary connector. There's also a flap that covers the MiniSD slot as opposed to the MicroSD slot on the Q9h.
On the top, there's a flap covering a standard 2.5mm audio jack. This is completely missing from the Q9h and is a very welcome addition to the Q9m.
On the right side, there's an actual jog wheel instead of the up/down buttons on the Q9h. Again, this is a superior interface. Spinning the jog wheels lets you scroll, pressing it selects the item (though a small ridge makes this a bit difficult), and there's an unlabeled button below which acts as the "back" button.
On the back is a slightly different arrangement of the camera lens and flash LED as well as a bit of a RAZR like ridge on the battery cover surrounding the stereo speakers.
Also note the extremely good looking red and black paint job on the Q9m. This is much better looking than the Q9h.
» via PocketNow
Google may try pitching a free iPhone alternative
If you weren't the first geek on your block with an iPhone, don't despair. There's still time to get in line for the GPhone.
That's G, as in Google.
Still warm from this summer's rollout of the stylish Apple iPhone, the Internet hype machine is whipping itself into a new frenzy over a mobile device that Google may -- or may not -- have up its sleeve.
Stealing a page from Apple's playbook, the search engine king is mum -- fueling the kind of rabid speculation that money can't buy.
Over at Engadget, a Web site for gadgeteers, they've been saying a Google announcement is imminent. Citing "inside sources" at Google, podcaster Mark "Rizzn" Hopkins claims the new phone is conceived more as a cheap wireless computer than as a threat to traditional cellular providers.
Some accounts suggest the GPhone will run a modified version of the Linux operating system, with a new Web browser and GPS location technology married to Google Maps and search applications.
And unlike the pricey iPhone, Google's device or its phone service may be free -- with a bombardment of ads.
"Google doesn't comment on rumor or speculation," is all Google spokesperson Erin Fors will say about any of this.
Here's what is known for sure: Google, which reaped $10.6 billion in revenues last year selling search-related ads online, sees mobile phones as the next frontier.
And with good reason: Research firm Frost & Sullivan predicts the U.S. market for mobile ads will jump from $301 million in 2006 to more than $2 billion in 2011. Another research firm, Gartner Inc., expects the figure will approach $4 billion in North America and nearly $15 billion globally.
Mobile versions of Google Maps, Gmail and Google's YouTube video-sharing site already are available.
Meanwhile, Google has lobbied the Federal Communications Commission to set aside a valuable swath of broadcast frequencies for "open access," freeing consumers to use any device or software they choose for interactive services.
That's the opposite of the iPhone business model, which restricts users to AT&T services. Google is poised to bid billions of dollars for these frequencies, indicating a desire to offer wireless services or partner with others.
Late last month, Google filed for a patent on a mobile phone payment method. Dubbed "GPay," it would enable consumers to buy items from vending machines and retailers using text messages.
Google's acquisitions include Android, a mobile software startup co-founded by an inventor of T-Mobile's flashy Sidekick cell phone.
"Simpler" and less flashy than the iPhone, the GPhone sports a small BlackBerry-style keyboard instead of iPhone's touch-screen, according to unnamed entrepreneurs quoted by The Boston Globe. The paper said a wireless expert from Google's Cambridge lab has shown a prototype to Boston venture capitalists.
Famed for its "Don't Be Evil" credo, Google has legions of fans drawn to such free innovations as Google Earth, offering fly-bys of the earth and sky.
But "cool" alone won't cut it in the fiercely competitive world of wireless, analysts say.
"Unless they show some key differentiation points -- like really strong distribution -- I would not advise going into this market," says Tole Hart, Gartner's research director.
Greg Blonder, a partner at Morgenthaler Ventures in Summit and former chief technical adviser at AT&T, says Google's challenge is cracking the vast local ad market -- the countless pizzerias and nail salons that together rival national advertisers in size, but are harder to serve in a cost-effective way.
Blonder says Google must generate $25 a month per subscriber from advertisers to eke profits from GPhone if there is no charge for the phone or service. He calculates that means subjecting subscribers to 2,500 ads per month -- nearly 100 per day.
"The key is to engage the customer on the phone for at least two hours a day," with a Web browser, games or music player, Blonder says via e-mail.
He says the tricky part is converting free calls into paid calls, when users fail to view enough ads.
Despite the sketchy details, Blonder feels sure Google will take the plunge.
"Google will not cede half the advertising market to a competitor. Period. Since they cannot broker acceptable deals with carriers, they believe they have no other solution than to create their own physical presence with hardware and spectrum."
» via NJ
» author: Kevin Coughlin may be reached at kcoughlin@starledger.com or (973) 392-1763.
T-Mobile Germany leaks 16GB iPhone with 3G HSDPA - may launch November 12
Right, this is technically still in the realm of rumor and hearsay, but, seeing as how T-Mobile Germany has pretty much been confirmed as Germany’s iPhone carrier, we can’t help but think that this one’s got some credibility.
The T-Mobile Germany website had previously leaked an iPhone-specific page, and now it seems they may have let an iPhone advertisement slip through the cracks. Interestingly, the ad seems to confirm he existence and eventual release of a 3G iPhone - with a hefty 16GB of storage to boot. If the specs on the advertisement pan out, the 3G European iPhone will be capable of pulling down 3.6Mbps data on US wireless frequencies with HSDPA support.
According to the alleged ad, the 3G iPhone will be bringing the same 2 megapixel camera and Visual Voicemail goodies that we all know and love - with a launch date set for November 12.
Germans can expect a 499 Euros ($687) price tag and will get to choose from 3 different wireless plans - all including unlimited data. The “L” plan will offer 200 wireless minutes and 100 SMS text messages for 50 Euros ($69), “XL” gets you 300 minutes and 150 text messages for 60 Euros ($83), and “XXL” offers 400 minutes and 200 texts for 70 Euros ($96).
We gotta admit, the prospect of a 16GB-packin’ 3G iPhone in Europe has us turning a slight shade of green. Those Europeans get all the good stuff. But, at least we pay a lot less for our iPhone rate plans and get a boat-load of minutes. Yeah, that makes us feel a little better (barely).
» via IntoMobile
