Phone thefts are something common and with the rising number, people are getting wary of carrying out high-end mobile phones as well as the data contained. Today, most phones today are used by people and professionals as far as storing confidential data. In fact, you may say that these are equally important like the actual phone itself.

F-Secure unveils a new software security solution that comes with an anti-theft feature. Now, stolen phones may end up unusable at all. This is because auto-locks on the data and the phone itself in case the thief tried to use another SIM card will activate the theft-control feature and instantly locks the device.

In case of data protection when the phone falls into the wrong hands, one simple SMS message will automatically lock the phone. As an ultimate safety measure to prevent misuse, remote wipe erases all of the data on the phone when its user sends an SMS message to the device.

F-Secure Mobile Security 5 with anti-theft will be available by June 24, 2009. It is already available for S60 3rd and 5th edition smartphones through the F-Secure eStore

(Source) Press

Tags: auto locks, confidential data, control feature, june 24, mobile phones, mobile security, Mobile Software, new software, phone thefts, safety measure, security solution, sim card, smartphones, sms message, software, software security, theft control, thief, wrong hands

Taleee, a leader in revealing to consumers what products and services are top rated by millions of consumers, announces the launch of Bellhop, the first mobile application that allows anybody with an iPhone, Palm Pre, smartphone or any Web browser, to find the top rated hotels in over 70,000 cities worldwide.

Now travelers can now find the best hotels, rated 4 stars to 5 stars, as rated by millions of travelers across the Web. “With Bellhop, travelers anywhere, anytime can look up any city worldwide by entering a city name or postal code and instantly see what the top rated hotels are based on millions of consumers across the Web,” said Taleee CEO Steve Harmon. To use Bellhop please visit hotels.taleee.com

Tags: Bellhop, consumer, hotel, ratings, software, Taleee

Microsoft is really looking to shine in the consumers eye recently announcing that for every completed download of Internet Explorer 8 the will donate 8 meals (or $1.15) to the Feeding America Network.

This promotion is apparantly called ‘Browser for the Better’ and will run from June 10th to August 8th so if you’re looking to get some meals donated you better get downloading.

Sure, Microsoft still holds the top spot in browser market share but with more and more people switching to alternatives such as Google Chrome and Mozilla’s Firefox will this ‘Browser for the Beter’ program help sway the market back into their favor? Only time will tell.

Oh, did I mention that in order to promote the ‘Browser for the Better’ promotion Microsoft rounded up some artists to construct the Empire State Building and Golden Gate Bridge with food cans? No? Check the image above.

Read (Neowin)

Tags: browser for the better, charity, google chrome, internet explorer 8, microsoft, Mozilla Firefox, software, web browser

No it’s not an iPhone or a Palm Pre, hell it’s not even running Android, but instead it’s Samsung’s previously unannounced Jet. This phone came seemingly out of no where but from the looks of the specs its shaping up to be an amazing device.

The phone features an 800MHz processor (as compared to the iPhone 3G S‘ 600Mhz) a 5MP camera, a 3.1-inch touchscreen AMOLED display, A-GPS, 2GB/8GB of internal storage with a microSD slot for an additional 16GB and last but not least a Samsung developed Webkit-touting web browser entitled Dolfin. OS wise its said to be running TouchWiz 2.0 which is a Samsung developed UI hoping to make for a more immersive and intuitive experience.

Now unfortunately there is no word on if we will ever see the Samsung Jet hit stateside but if/when it does its sure to generate quite the buzz. You can get more information on the Samsung Jet, courtesy of Samsung USA, here.

Tags: a-gps, AMOLED, Cell Phones, dolfin, jet, Samsung, Samsung, software, touchwiz 2.0, webkit

Personalizing the alerts on our mobile phones has been a practice that dates back to the 90’s. And while we are over the RTTL format era, today it has become easier to modify and create ringtones with the right software. However, not all mobile users have that privilege and some don’t even want to bother buying one since they can always download one from certain websites.

But now, mobile owners may be able to personalize ringtones thanks to RingToneBANG.com. The site reveals that anyone can simply edit raw media files to the site where they can edit them as they wish. No software needs to be downloaded and you can do the editing online. So as far as taking up space through program installations, users don’t have to worry.

There is no charge for accessing or using the ringtone creator. Users pay a fee only when they download the ringtone or send it to their mobile phones. The company offers two payment plans: $.99 per ringtone or a monthly subscription of $9.95 which allows unlimited ringtone creations and downloads.

(Source) Press

Tags: Cell Phones, Mobile News, mobile phones, Mobile Software, mobile users, privilege, program installations, raw media, right software, ringtone creator, rttl format, software, taking up space

Jeeze, what don’t pirates get their hands on now a days? This time they have set their sights on Microsoft’s latest operating system Windows 7 with a near release build, build 7229.

Now you may be wondering, what is the difference between this and the freely distrubuted RC1 version of Windows 7. Well, this is apparantly a post-release candidate which means its a bit closer to the version we will be seeing when Windows 7 actually hits retailers later this year.

Should you care? Probably not but if you do head over to your favorite bittorrent site and do a search for Windows 7 build 7229. Of course, we don’t condone this and you should do it at your own risk.

Tags: 7229, build, Desktop PCs, Laptops, microsoft, operating system, post release candidate, rc1, software, Windows 7

Now of course, Mobilewhack doesn’t condone piracy or anything to do with it so we can’t tell you where to find the leaked version of iPhone OS 3.0 but we can tell you what it’s called.

Thanks to Gizmodo we know that the file itself is called Phone1,2_3.0_7A341_Restore.ipsw and clocks in at 230.1MB.

We also know that to install the leaked firmware you are going to have press either alt on a Mac or shift on a PC in iTunes and then click on the restore button which will let you select the downloaded file.

Remember folks, if you decide to do this make sure you back up all of the files on your phone via a quick sync and do so at your own risk.

Tags: 3.0, Apple, bittorrent, Cell Phones, iPhone, leak, OS, software, Torrent, wwdc

One of the main gripes consumers have had with the iPhone is that there is no proper turn-by-turn navigation software. Sure, Google Maps with GPS works but using it while driving is a safety hazard to say the least.

Thankfully, TomTom has stepped in and teamed up with Apple to introduce an application that does just that, provides users with the same turn-by-turn navigation you would see on a conventional GPS device.

Also showcased was the TomTom iPhone dock that will let you stick the device to your windshield just like a normal TomTom GPS system. There is no word on pricing but considering this app does exactly what a $100+ GPS system would do, it’s safe to say it won’t be cheap.

Expect the TomTom for iPhone app to hit the App Store sometime after iPhone OS 3.0 goes live.

Tags: 3G, a-gps, app, App Store, Apple, Cell Phones, GPS, iPhone, iPhone 3GS, software, tomtom

If you are an avid Facebook user and possess a phone that has the ability to render the site, chances are you are checking the website on the go. Alternatively, if you have a Blackberry running OS 1.6, chances are you are waiting for the ability to check the website on the go.

Well, Facebook and RIM have recently released a press statement that details the launch of Facebook for Blackberry 1.6. Below are the changes and additions made to the software courtesy of BoyGeniusReport:

• Status updates and highlights on the home page – you can now view your friends’ most recent status updates right on the home page. Highlights like photo uploads and wall posts are just a click away and you can comment on a photo, poke a friend, etc right from the home page.

• Wall access from within Facebook for BlackBerry – with one click on your friend’s profile picture from the home page, you can access their wall without having to go to the mobile site.

• Photo viewing in a simple, easy-to-use slideshow format – check out your friends’ latest photo albums with improved photo viewing, and view albums in a simple and easy-to-use slideshow format. Just scroll back and forth through the thumbnails along the bottom to display the larger picture in the center of the screen.

• Facebook for BlackBerry 1.6 will also support three new languages:
  • Thai
  • Indonesian
  • European Portuguese

If you haven’t discovered why people tend to call Blackberry cellphones Crackberries, you’ll soon find out once you download the new Facebook app.

You can snag said app by pointing your mobile web browser to www.blackberry.com/facebook.

Tags: 1.6, BlackBerry, Cell Phones, changes, CrackBerry, Facebook, fixes, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Research In Motion, software, tweaks

It was only a few days ago that Microsoft launched their Google competitor, Bing, and now already they are diving headfirst into the mobile game.

Microsoft recently announced that they have launched Bing’s mobile version at m.bing.com. Now, I have to say, while it’s no Google, Bing’s mobile page loads very fast and looks just as nice using the iPhone’s web browser.

There’s no telling now if Bing will stand a chance against Google but even in the early stages Microsoft is doing a good job so we’ll have to see how this one unfolds.

Tags: Bing, Cell Phones, competitor, Google, microsoft, Mobile News, mobile web, online, search engine, software

Back in February, Windows 7 was rumored to be hitting retail sometime in September. Well, Microsoft has just release official word that the OS’ final version will in fact be available to the public on October 22nd.

So, come October 22nd, we will finally get the chance to see if Microsoft will be able to break free of its tarnished reputation due to early versions of Windows Vista.

In reality I think it will go something like this: Windows enthusiasts will love it, Mac enthusiasts will hate it and Linux enthusiasts will laugh at both of them.

Read (WSJ)

Tags: Business, Desktop PCs, Linux, mac os x, microsoft, release date, software, Windows 7, windows vista

Remember Microsoft’s answer to Google entitled Bing that we told you about last week? You know the one they invested over $80 million into? Yeah, that one.

Microsoft has recently released a press statement detailing the search engine’s launch which you can check out over at www.bing.com.

The verdict? Well, it certainly looks a bit different than Google but functions virtually the same way. Maybe it will catch on, but probably not.

Tags: Bing, competition, Google, press statement, search engine, software

After some false starts and a leak, Google and T-Mobile are proud to announce that Google Android version 1.5 (also known as ‘Cupcake’) has officially gone live for the G1.

If you haven’t gotten the update yet check your phone as their should be a notification telling you that the update is available for download.

For those not paying attention, this is the update that will add an on-screen keyboard, 3rd party widget support and a bunch of tweaks and fixes to make your Android experience more pleasent.

Read (Engadget)

Tags: 15, Android, Cell Phones, Cupcake, G1, Google, HTC, software, T-Mobile, virtual keyboard, widgets

Google’s debut web browser, Chrome, exited its beta form back in December of last year and now the company is ready to release version 2.0 of the software.

Included above is an informational video released by Google detailing the changes featured in version 2.0. As you can see, the feature list isn’t exactly extensive with the video showcasing the ability to remove thumbnails, go into a new full screen mode and use the new auto correct feature.

Missing from the video is Google’s announcement that the new version will be 30% faster than the previous. Hey, a little speed never hurt no one, right?

Tags: browser, Chrome, Google, software, Update, version 2.0

Not to be left off the Google OS wagon, Sony Ericsson has now announced that it wants a piece of the Android cake too.  And not just a Cupcake, but a Donut.  The company already has its fingers in quite a few pies already with Symbian and Windows Mobile handsets, and the addition of an Android 2.0 devices to its future lineup should dispel any rumors that it is thinking about bringing down the number of operating systems on its smartphones.  According to Peter Ang, Vice President of Marketing, Asia Pacific, the reason for the leap to Android 2.0 bypassing the current 1.5 Cupcake is that the 2.0 version “will provide more multimedia support” than the previous versions.  By the way, did everyone on T-Mobile receive their update yet?

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Tags: Android 2.0, Cell Phones, Cupcake, Donut, Google, software, Sony Ericsson

It seems that T-Mobile has recently announced that they are delaying the release of the Android 1.5 from May to June.

However, G1 owners need not be too discouraged as the updated was delayed just a week with a T-Mobile forum moderator by the name of Dominic giving the following statement:

We’d like to provide an update on the rollout of Android 1.5 for T-Mobile G1 customers.  
We are working diligently to get Android 1.5 out as soon as possible, while aiming to ensure a consistent, positive experience for our customers. We’re finalizing the build this week to ensure optimal functionality and smooth delivery. Therefore, the rollout schedule has been reset by approximately a week, and we expect all G1 customers will have the update by early June.

Your device will notify you when the update is available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

So, mark your calenders, Android 1.5 will officially be released for the T-Mobile G1 in early June.

Tags: Android 1.5, Cell Phones, Cupcake, G1, Google, HTC, HTC, OS, software, T-Mobile

Ah, yes.  The above statement should have most of our Windows Mobile users scrambling for a download link already, if they are as fanatic as me about Firefox Desktop, so here it is (9.4MB heavy).  But keep in mind that this release has been tested on the HTC Touch Pro only, so if you are installing it on any other device, just beware.  For those who still think Internet Explorer is the only gateway to browse the world on a Windows Mobile, give the Fennec a try and you might just end up liking it.  I just hope they have ideas to enable add-ons (just like the desktop version) when the final version is released.

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Tags: Cell Phones, fennec, Firefox Mobile, HTC, Mobile Software, Mozilla, software

If there is one weakness that the iPhone has right now, it has to be the ability to allow other processes to run in the background. Understandably, the iPhone is not expected to perform in the same way that PCs and notebooks can, allowing other processes to run while the main app is on the foreground. However, Apple seems to be seriously considering this option to push through.

One would think that if this were to happen, a lot of things may have to be considered. One is the ability of the iPhone to handle such processes and perhaps upgrading or replacing some chips or parts to provide more support to the default apps.

Earlier today, Dan Frommer of Silicon Alley Insider cited sources in the mobile industry saying that Apple was serious about allowing background applications. John Gruber of Daring Fireball backed this up , saying he heard something similar from a decent source a few months ago. I’ve just spoken with a trusted source who confirmed the news as well.

(Source) TechCrunch

Tags: Apple, Apple, background applications, background tasks, chips, daring fireball, foreground, iPhone, iPhone, john gruber, mobile industry, Notebooks, silicon alley, software

Fennec or Firefox Mobile is still in the making. That means that Mozilla is testing its mobile browser for various mobile platforms. Firefox Mobile is currently available for Windows Mobile 6 but it’s still in its alpha state.

The alpha has been particularly made for the HTC Touch Pro, so if you own one you can try the Fennec out. The alpha version will offer you the Awesome Bar search field front and center, suggested search terms and search history. Mozilla built the interface for alpha 1 for Windows Mobile using CSS. That means that Fennec will be able to adjust to various screen sizes and resolutions.

You should definitely try out the alpha 1 but don’t expect too much from it just yet. Bugs may still be present so make sure you offer some feedback about all that Fennec experience to Mozilla. And let us know what you think about it.

via cnet

Tags: Alpha 1, fennec, HTC, HTC Touch Pro, Mobile News, Mozilla, software, windows mobile 6

The world’s leading independent web and mobile instant messaging (IM) platform, eBuddy, announced the launch of eBuddy for Android, a free instant messaging application that enables users with Facebook, Yahoo!, AIM, ICQ, Google Talk, or MSN Windows Live Messenger to have multiple chats in one interface, and also provides a fast, high quality and reliable ‘on-the-go’ chat experience.

The eBuddy for Android multi-language instant messaging application will be available immediately as a phone download thru Android Market, the spot where consumers can download a variety of fun applications to personalize their Android-powered phone to fit their lifestyle.

Tags: Android, eBuddy, instant messaging, mobile, software