Nokia to bring out its first touchscreen phone

Nokia’s answer to the iPhone was shown the Evans Data Developer Relations Conference in California earlier this week. The Finnish handset maker’s first touch screen phone is uncannily reminiscent of the Apple device.

Although it still hasn’t been launched, the phone made its first appearance already last summer at Nokia’s GoPlay event in August 2007.

The device will be named Nokia Tube 5800. However, the discussion surrounding the device has dubbed it ‘Nokia’s iPhone killer’.

Nokia’sTube has some advantages over the Apple device. It has a 3.3 mega pixel camera, while the iPhone only has 2 mega pixels. It also comes with 3G, Wi-Fi, GPS, a TV output port, but only has a disappointing 140MB of memory.

Although the Nokia version beats the iPhone in some features, such as 3G functionality, the phone will only be launched later on this year, by which time the 3G iPhone will probably be out already.

Cell phone alerts coming soon

Federal regulators Wednesday approved a plan to create a nationwide emergency alert system using text messages delivered to cell phones.

Text messages have exploded in popularity in recent years, particularly among young people. The wireless industry's trade association, CTIA, estimates more than 48 billion text messages are sent each month.

The plan stems from the Warning Alert and Response Network Act, a 2006 federal law that requires upgrades to the nation's emergency alert system. The act tasked the Federal Communications Commission with coming up with new ways to alert the public about emergencies.

"The ability to deliver accurate and timely warnings and alerts through cell phones and other mobile services is an important next step in our efforts to help ensure that the American public has the information they need to take action to protect themselves and their families prior to, and during, disasters and other emergencies," FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said following approval of the plan.

Participation in the alert system by carriers is voluntary, but it has received solid support from the wireless industry.

Cell phone subscribers would be able to opt out of the program. They also may not be charged for receiving alerts.

There would be three different types of messages, according to the rules.

The first would be a national alert from the president, likely involving a terrorist attack or natural disaster. The second would involve "imminent threats," which could include natural disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes or even university shootings. The third would be reserved for child abduction emergencies, or so-called Amber Alerts.

The alerts would be delivered with a unique audio signature or "vibration cadence."

The service could be in place by 2010.

source : http://www.cellular-news.com/

No U.K. iPhone price cut from O2

Germany’s T-Mobile generated a wave of media attention with its decision to subsidize the purchase price of the iPhone in a new €99 (US$155) deal, announced last week, but Apple’s U.K. partner, O2, has no immediate plan to emulate the discount.

T-Mobile’s plan has been seen as predicated by one of two reasons: to stimulate flagging sales of the device in Germany, or to clear stock from the network’s channel, pending the coming release of a 3G-supporting model of the device.

Apple’s German iPhone network partner has been selling the 8GB model of iPhone for €399, but reduced the cost of that model to €99 late last week.

O2 mobile has not chosen to emulate T-Mobile’s move, at least, not yet. An O2 spokesperson told Macworld UK: “We regularly examine all of our offerings to ensure they remain competitive and meet customer demands. We currently have no updates regarding iPhone pricing.”

While this response leaves the door open to future price cuts on the part of Apple’s UK network partner, it does mean there’s no immediate price discount plan to be announced.

source : http://www.macworld.com/

Samsung D780 Mobile Phone boasts its Dual SIM Feature

If you use two phones, one for work and one for personal use, then here’s a solution to your problem of carrying two phones. The Samsung D780 proudly displays its Dual SIM feature, where two SIM cards can be used on the same phone.

Samsung mobile phones plans to concentrate on launching the D780 in the Asian and European markets, but there is no word on its launch date or pricing. The phone apart from its unique selling point of Dual SIM also shines in its black armor, shoots with a 2MP camera with video recording capabilty and displays a satisfactory widescreen of 2.1 inch 256k color QVGA resolution.

Like any other latest phone, the Samsung D780 mobile phone also has a Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0 connectivity, microSD memory card slot, MP3 playback and an integrated FM radio. The Samsung D780 will be a perfect fit for those busy chatters who use two SIM cards, eliminating the need of carrying two phones.

source : http://www.mobiletor.com/

LG’s new mobile phone

LG Electronics (LG) launched a new mobile LG-KF510 with a dynamic functional design.

The eye-catching colour gradations of LG-KF510 are the first ever to be used on a mobile phone, with choices of Stardust Dark Gray and Sunset Red on the full metal exterior. It adds a lustrous sophistication while the 10.9mm slim and durable inner slide of the phone subtly underscores its sleek style.

Leave your cell phone at home

For the time being, most North American airlines are not following the lead of France and Europe in allowing mobile phones and wireless communication technology to be used while in the air. The European Union has officially announced that airlines are now allowed to permit passengers to make and receive calls on their cell phones, use e-mail communication and send text messages once the plane has reached an altitude of 10,000 feet.

Government agencies in Canada believe that using mobile phones may pose a safety risk. Currently no mobile phone is allowed even after the aircraft has landed and is taxiing at the airport.

WestJet is one carrier that suggests passengers may actually enjoy a flight without interruption of fellow passengers chatting away. They have, however, indicated they will be watching the developments in Europe to determine the feasibility of in-flight wireless communication.

source : http://www.aviation.ca/

Vodafone Offers Samsung SGH-F490 Touchscreen Handset

The latest phone to land on Vodafone's network in the UK is the Samsung SGH-F490. The F490 was originally introduced back in January of this year and looks very similar to Samsung's recently announced M800 Instinct for Sprint in the U.S.

The Samsung SGH-F490 is a touchscreen device with a large 3.2" display with support for 262k colors. The design, similar to that of the LG Prada, does away with a keyboard and offers the company's Croix user interface, which is optimized for finger control. The F490 comes with a built-in 5 megapixel camera, video capture and playback, a music player, and A2DP Bluetooth stereo support.

The SGH-F490 is a 3G capable phone that offers UMTS/HSDPA connectivity as well as GSM/EDGE. The Samsung F490 is available now online at Vodafone.

source : http://www.mobileburn.com/