The New York Times has an interesting article talking about Cell Refuseniks which is what it calls those people that refuse to use a cell phone. Can you believe that’s happening? In this modern day and age where communication is so important, the cell phone is no longer a luxury item but a necessity. We want to talk to our friends, send SMS messanges and emails, Twitter and update Facebook profiles as often as possible. Cell phones can get us out of various jams and I wouldn’t leave the house without my handest. But not everybody will agree with me!

I will have to admit that I was such a person a long long while ago. I saw cell phones as the enemy, a thing that will allow others to track me down whenever they felt like it. And I certainly didn’t want that. But now I can’t imagine not having a cell phone around.

How about you? Have you ever considered not using a cell phone anymore?

via New York Times

Tags: Cell Phones, Cell Refuseniks, handsets, Mobile News, mobile phones, Portable Devices, smartphones

Sprint has announced the availability of 28 new bird call ringtones in association with the National Audobon Society. Among the new bird call ringtones include the Field Sparrow, Red-belled Woodpecker and the Black-capped Chickadee and are compatible with all Sprint handsets that include the recently released Samsung Reclaim.

The ringtones can be downloaded by texting BIRD to 1111 or by going directly to the Sprint website. Standard text rates will be applied when downloading these ringtones. These new ringtones aim to raise the awareness of Audobon’s directive to protect and conserve birds and their natural habitat.

(Source) Press

Tags: aim, bird call, birds, black capped chickadee, Cell Phones, field sparrow, handsets, national audobon society, natural habitat, new bird, ringtones, Samsung, Samsung, Sprint, Sprint, woodpecker

Three popular handsets are now available over at Vodafone UK. The three phones are the Sony Ericsson Satio, LG GM750 and the HTC Tattoo. The best part of it is that you get the phones free if you sign up for a 2 year contract with varying monthly rates. The monthly rates for the three handsets are as follows:

• Sony Ericsson Satio (£35)
• LG GM750 (£25)
• HTC Tattoo (£25)

And if you think that is already a good deal, if you buy online you will receive a whopping 300 minutes per month extra, game on Vodafone. This is one deal you should not pass up so check it out!

(Source) Phones Review

Tags: Cell Phones, handsets, HTC, HTC, LG, Mobile News, Satio, Sony, Sony Ericsson, Sony Ericsson, three phones, Vodafone, Vodafone, vodafone uk

As the Holiday season starts to draw near, T-Mobile USA has announced its special mobile phone lineup. The new phones to be offered carry 3G connectivity, touch-screen and stylish flip phone features. The upcoming batch promises to appeal and deliver to the consumer’s needs, particularly the ones who have made mobile phones a prime gadget to use for texting, calling and web interaction. Among the phones up for grabs this coming Holiday season include the following:

• T-Mobile myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition
• Samsung Behold II
• Motorola CLIQ with MOTOBLUR
• T-Mobile Tap
• Nokia 3711

These phones are for a limited time offer only. Prices will vary and interested buyers must avail of T-Mobile voice and data plans to be eligible.

(Source) Press

Tags: Cliq, fender, flip phone, gadget, grabs, handsets, holiday season, interested buyers, limited edition, limited time offer, Mobile News, mobile phone, mobile phones, mobile usa, mobile voice, Motorola, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, T-Mobile, T-Mobile, tap, touch screen, web interaction

VTech announces the availability of their first cellular cordless phone system that integrates cellular and landline technology into one. The VTech DS6321-3 is the first cordless phone system in the world that allows users to download up to 6,000 phonebook directories using BlueTooth connectivity. With this new feature, owners can now be able to enjoy the freedom of making and receiving cellular and landline calls via a cordless handset that will retail for $99.95.

The DS6321-3 can transfer calls or conference calls between handsets, as well as an intercom system, making it ideal for home or small office environments. Other key features include an extra large LCD with blue backlighting for easy viewing, a digital answering system with up to 14 minutes of recording time and caller ID/call waiting.

(Source) Press

Tags: backlighting, Cell Phones, connectivity, cordless handset, cordless phone system, digital answering system, freedom, handsets, intercom system, new feature, office environments, phonebook, Portable Devices, that allows users, vtech

As the laws barring drivers from using their handsets continue to be cracked down, here is another solution that should aid people who just cannot keep their hands off their mobile phones. The new solution is the BlueAnt Q1 Voice Controlled headset. The headset will be sold in various Canadian retailers and comes with an array of features that should be good enough to accommodate your mobile phone needs.

BlueAnt Q1 headset features include:

• Voice Control
• True Multi-point
• Noise Reduction
• New Level of Comfort and Style

The BlueAnt Q1 Voice Controlled Headset is now available and will retail for C$149.99.

(Source) Press

Tags: array, canadian retailers, handsets, Headphones, headset features, mobile phone, mobile phones, new solution, noise reduction, q1, voice control

It seems that most business are getting into the mobile application binge. And with a falling industry, perhaps this new app made for people searching for ideal property to invest in, may just be a positive direction towards reviving the faltering real estate sector.

HouseRebate.com breaks the ice, offering a new GPS home search app made for popular handsets known today such as the iPhone and the Blackberry. As far as San Diego is concerned, customers can locate homes in the San Diego area with one click of a button.

There are two ways to get this free app/service. One is to text “MAP” to 87778 into their phone to get this home buying tool or alternatively, visit HouseRebate.com. All collected personal information will be kept confidential.

(Source) Press

Tags: binge, BlackBerry, Cell Phones, click of a button, confidential source, GPS, handsets, home search, iPhone, map, mobile application, Mobile News, mobile phones, Mobile Software, positive direction, real estate sector, san diego area, two ways

Otterbox has announced a new batch of protective casings for two of the popular handsets in the market today, Blackberry and Nokia Eseries. For the Blackberry Curve 8520, the company offers the Otterbox Defender Series Case. These new cases promise to provide better protection for Blackberry Curve 8520 owners. This new case features a trackpad, camera, media key and retails for $49.95.

For the Nokia Eseries, Otterbox offers a rugged Defender Series case as well together with two hybrid Commuter Series cases for the Nokia E63 and E71. All three cases offer full device interactivity with access to a camera, USB and micro SD ports, volume keys, light sensor, power key, microphone and ear piece. The Defender Series retail for $49.95 while the Commuter series retails for $34.95.

Keep your handsets from dents, scratches and unlikely falls. The Otterbox Case series are bound to be your auxiliary solution for a well-protected handset to use.

(Source) Press

Tags: Accessories, blackberry curve, camera usb, case series, Cell Phones, defender series, dents, ear piece, handsets, interactivity, light sensor, media key, microphone, Mobile News, new case, Nokia, nokia e63, nokia eseries, otterbox case, ports, protective casings, rugged defender, scratches

Parents need all the help they can get when it comes to providing the quality attention and care for their babies. And as far as technology is concerned, the digital age has come up with a lot of applications accessible via handsets like the iPhone. And one such app is the new version of the Total Baby app which has recently released its version 1.2 at the Apple App Store. The app can be downloaded for $4.99.

The Total Baby app is a digital organizer that will surely aid parents to keep track of their child. It comes with a ton of features like a modern day baby book that helps folks monitor the progress of their child. The app also comes with timers for instances like diaper changes, sleeping time or when they need to drink their meds. Overall, this is one useful iPhone or iPod Touch app a parent should have.

You can even catch a short video to understand the app better here.

(Source) Press

Tags: Apple, Apple, babies, baby book, baby version, diaper changes, digital organizer, handsets, instances, iPhone, iPhone, meds, Mobile Software, parents, quality attention, sleeping time, timers

At first glance, this new iPhone accessory seems like any standard lighter plug-in charger for any iPhone or iPod everyone has today. But take a look closer and you will find that it can deliver more than that. The device is the Sirius XM Skydock which is actually the first-ever radio dock solution made for iPhones or the Ipod Touch.

Through the iPhone OS 3’s support for third-party hardware, this device transforms Apple handsets into full-fledged satellite radios. It is designed to operate via the car cigarette lighter to allow you to listen to all XM and ”The Best of SIRIUS” channels. It also charges your iPhone or iPod Touch while listening and plugged in.

The Sirius XM Skydock for the iPhone or iPod Touch retails for $119.00. No clue on when it would be available and has yet to gain full approval from the FCC. For now, it has been granted preliminary approval and is being further evaluated.

(Source) Press

Tags: Accessories, Apple, cigarette, clue, fcc, handsets, iPhone, iPhone, iphones, iPod Touch, party hardware, radio, satellite radios, third party, XM

The brand may be a popular one but that doesn’t mean that they are immune to criticized handsets. That is what perhaps best sums up how the Nokia N97 Mini is as far as reviews from the critics are concerned. And among the main reasons for the thumbs down given to the Nokia N97 Mini is traced to its awful keyboard and downsized memory.

Up and close, the Nokia N97 Mini is a dead ringer for the N900. So if you compare both phones, why would anyone prefer the other one? In short, there may be little resemblance if no improvement at all if you are considering the newly approved N97.

The only thing going right now is what other features and pricing the Nokia N97 Mini has planned. Hopefully though there are more features to look forward to like perhaps a touch-screen feature? Keep your fingers crossed!

(Source) Slashgear

Tags: dead ringer, handsets, keyboard, memory, N900, Nokia, Nokia, Nokia N97, resemblance, touch screen

Research in Motion (RIM) has been making great strides through the years with its different smartphones despite the stiff competition that Apple via its iPhone is giving. And from the looks of it, the new battle plan will fall in the hands of two people with contrasting personalities. The two people who will be in the limelight are Canadian CEOs, Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazardis.

It is believed that two heads are better than one. But that is perhaps the interesting thing about these two; they have so many differences that the eventual beneficiary will be RIM in its efforts to boost the marketability of the Blackberry smartphones.

The strategy for growth by RIM is called “constructive management” as shared by Mr. Balsillie. One of the highlights of this strategy included outsourcing mobile phone manufacturing rather than make them independently. They partner with outsourced companies to do it for them thus resulting in less overheads and flexible options as far as getting various versions of their handsets.

Also, there are the usual targeted products for specific groups of customers. For most smartphone-crazy individuals, a certain mobile phone with features and specifications in mind exists. A clear example here is the social media market who look for easier means to use their smartphones with various social networking sites.

Finally there is the need to serve the global target market. It is no secret that aiming for a global market is the way to go if you really want to succeed. And for RIM, the smartphone demand has gone way beyond the borders of the United States. The regions are endless. It can be seen that Asian and European countries have shown promising opportunities as far as mobile phone requirements are concerned.

With two great minds at the helm of RIM, implement these strategies can only promise brighter days ahead for RIM. Apple may be there to dominate but don’t be surprised if RIM through its Blackberry phones suddenly breathe down their necks.

(Source) CNN

Tags: brighter days, Business, ceos, european countries, flexible options, global target, handsets, iPhone, Jim Balsillie, limelight, making great strides, marketability, Mobile News, promising opportunities, Research In Motion, RIM, smartphones, social networking sites, stiff competition, target market, two heads are better than one

For the many football fanatics, the NFL Mobile Live application is now available for the Palm Pre. This means that all Palm Pre owners can now gain access to NFL updates which should be fitting at this time since most of the NFL teams are in training camp.

Actually, customers can automatically get the app once they update to the Palm webOS 1.1.0. Most NFL teams are now preparing for the coming season and we all know how popular American football is and the large following it has.

The NFL Mobile Live app is available for most Sprint handsets with no additional charge. Plans start at $69.99. This includes Simply Everything, which combines unlimited nationwide voice, messaging and extensive data services for just $99.99 per month.

For people who want to get other handsets, they can still get the NFL Mobile Live by adding a Data Pack, starting at $15 per month.

(Source) Sprint

Tags: american football, Cell Phones, football fanatics, handsets, Mobile Software, nfl teams, nfl updates, Palm, Palm, Sprint, Sprint, training camp, voice messaging

One thing about headsets these days is that they cater to a specific platform and niche. And while many people need to be informed on the limitations for some headsets that they carry, TCM Mobile takes all that away. TCM Mobile unveils a new dual band headset that can be used over GSM cellular networks when users are outside the TCM coverage and Cellular VoIP networks. The new dual band headsets from TCM Mobile will make its debut this July.

By default, dual band headsets are set to cater to GSM cellular networks by default. With these new dual band headsets from TCM Mobile it is the opposite. They use the Cellular VoIP networks by default. The same technology may soon be covering a wide area of network if negotiations push through. Just the same, TCM Mobile is deploying on a gradual basis to provide them the convenience of carrying just one device without any problems along the way.

“While our new handset is scheduled for release in two to three months, we can currently take any existing dual band handset available on the market and, together with its manufacturer, embed TCM’s revolutionary, patented software into it. This represents a significant opportunity for these manufacturers to grow sales of their own branded handsets in conjunction with the deployment of TCM’s Cellular VoIP network,” said a TCM Mobile senior executive.

(Source) Press

Tags: Accessories, Cell Phones, cellular networks, conjunction, convenience, debut, deployment, dual band, handset, handsets, Headphones, Headsets, Mobile News, negotiations, niche, tcm, three months, voip network, voip networks

Coinciding with the launch of the Motorola Clutch i465 phone boasting of a full QWERTY keyboard is the Clutch Combo Deal that carries an “Monthly Unlimited” service covering calls, text, wireless web and walkie-talkie service for only $50. Now that is a deal that people are sure to want especially now that we are all looking for great deals to help budget our needs.

“Motorola Clutch is a terrific addition to our diverse handset line-up. If you like to text as much as you talk, this is the device for you,” said Neil Lindsay, chief marketing officer, Boost Mobile. “Boost Mobile offers a full suite of solutions for every customer with a range of handsets to choose from and budget-friendly, dependable services such as our $50 Monthly Unlimited plan.”

The deal is something that any mobile phone owner would ream off. And with this new Motorola Clutch i465 being the pioneer of this special promo, expect it to grow as well as the “Service Unlimited Phone” to have which people are definitely going to avail.

Motorola Clutch i465 from Boost Mobile is available now at www.boostmobile.com with free shipping for the price of $129.99 with no contract, credit check or hidden fees. Following the online launch, the Clutch i465 will be available through various other Boost Mobile retail and distribution channels.

(Source) Press

Tags: Boost Mobile, budget, Cell Phones, Clutch, contract credit, credit check, full qwerty keyboard, great deals, handsets, launch, mobile phone, Motorola, new motorola, Pioneer, unlimited service, Walkie Talkie, wireless web

When you get telecommunication giants like Nokia, RIM and Vodafone in one event, you know something big is expected to come out of it. It is not just a matter of showcasing the latest handsets and gadgets demanded in the market today. Among the main itineraries include that of the lurking battle of which is the best App store, most of which have been put up independently by these icons of the telecommunication industry.

The key players of the open mobile ecosystem are set to gather over at London from June 10-11 for the Open Mobile Summit.

With the Nokia Ovi store launch imminent, and Vodafone’s recent announcement of plans to launch an App store, sparks may fly at the “App Store: Fad or Future?” panel on June 11th.

The Open Mobile Summit explores the move to open the mobile value chain, and deliver mobile as a mass media. Taking place 10-11th June at the Thistle Marble Arch, The Open Mobile Summit features heavyweight speakers from both the wireless establishment mobile operators, handset manufacturers and software players as well as Internet and media giants, mobile web and advertising execs.

(Source) Press

Tags: Business, Cell Phones, fad, handsets, industry giants, launch, mass media, mobile ecosystem, Mobile News, mobile operators, mobile summit, mobile value, mobile web, Nokia, nokia ovi, software players, telecom industry, telecommunication industry, value chain, Vodafone

No other than TracFone President and CEO FJ Pollak led the cheers on the new Wireless Prepaid Access Device Enforcement Act that was laid down which aims to put a stop toward illegal activities and hoarding of prepaid wireless phones for other purposes.

The growth of bulk ordering in the hundreds to thousands of handsets have become a cause for alarm for companies like TracFone. Rather than serving the U.S. consumers, syndicates have taken advantage of the situation, buying handsets in bulk for potential distribution outside of U.S. waters. The phones are hacked and modified so that they will not work with intended U.S. networks resulting in huge losses.

The Wireless Prepaid Access Device Enforcement Act of 2009 would make it a Federal crime to knowingly purchase new prepaid handsets in the U.S. for the purpose of modifying the phones’ software which prevents their use as intended on the U.S. carriers’ networks for which they were manufactured and sold. The Act would also prohibit a person from knowingly reselling or distributing new prepaid phones outside the U.S.

(Source) Press

Tags: Business, Cell Phones, consumers, enforcement act, handsets, illegal activities, Losses, Mobile News, pollak, prepaid phones, prepaid wireless phones, syndicates, tracfone

For the people looking for affordable and cost-effective calling plans for the international setting, National Geographic Wireless Service may have something helpful for you. National Geographic, together with Cellular Abroad, has introduced a new, affordable cell phone service that allows U.S. residents to make and receive international calls using the strength of the country’s largest digital wireless network. This new subscription-free wireless service provides users with a viable alternative to high monthly charges and long-term contracts and is now available online at CellularAbroad.com and in stores at J&R, Expansys, Fry’s and other select retailers.

Whereas the Talk Abroad Travel Phone, offered through Cellular Abroad, is geared toward those traveling overseas, the new National Geographic wireless service is the ideal solution for those calling from within the United States. The domestic wireless service offered through Cellular Abroad provides competitive rates when calling locations across the globe, with the convenience of using a U.S.-based phone number.

Direct-dial calls from the United States to many international destinations, including Mexico, Canada, China and the United Kingdom, start at $0.17 per minute, while domestic calls are just $0.15 per minute. Users can choose from the Motorola V3 Razr Explorer Quad Band cell phone for $199 and the Motorola C139 Dual Band cell phone for $69. Both handsets using this service include 133 minutes of free domestic talk time.

With 24/7, toll-free, U.S.-based customer support, and no bills, activation fees, service contracts or other hidden fees, the National Geographic wireless service offers full flexibility. Each cell phone is preloaded with iconic images, wallpapers and ring tones from National Geographic’s award-winning archives and comes with a battery, wall charger, SIM card and user manual.

(Source) Press

Tags: Business, calling plans, Cell phone service, Cell Phones, direct dial, dual band, handsets, international calls, international destinations, mexico canada, Mobile News, motorola c139, motorola v3, motorola v3 razr, national geographic, Portable Devices, quad band cell phone, ring tones, service contracts, sim card, subscription free, talk time, term contracts, wall charger

Singapore Airlines has given people a better and convenient way to make sure that they don’t go through the hassles of booking their flights. Singapore Airlines has introduced a new service which will allow customers to check in for their flights with their mobile phones.

Passengers can check in using their handsets in the two days before their scheduled flight, and up to two hours before their departure time. The service is compatible with a wide variety of devices, including iPhones and BlackBerrys, and has been tipped to make travelling more convenient and hassle-free.

Singapore Airlines has confirmed that it is planning to expand its mobile services further down the line, possibly allowing people to book tickets with their handsets. The application can used by most web-enabled mobile phones and can be accessed anywhere in the world.

This comes shortly after SAS Scandinavian Airlines started a trial which involves passengers using their handsets to check in via text message and obtain a mobile boarding pass.

(Source) Velti

Tags: blackberrys, Boarding Pass, Cell Phones, departure time, flights, handsets, hassle, iphones, mobile check, Mobile News, mobile phones, mobile services, Mobile Software, sas scandinavian airlines, singapore airlines, text message

With rugged handsets slowly becoming a demand, Motorola has developed and released two new rugged handsets, the r765 and the r765IS. Both are custom-designed for the utility, petrochemical and industrial markets. These easy-to-use, rugged communications solutions for private iDEN networks provide mobile workers in noisy and hazardous environments with terrific call clarity and access to data applications, helping ensure they stay connected, informed and productive.

For workers at refineries or maintenance staff at a petrochemical plant where noise levels often reach extremes, the clarity of the message and access to business-critical information really matters. Leveraging the best features of a two-way radio, cellular phone, and paging and packet data, Motorola’s r765 and r765IS handsets are engineered to ensure loud and clear communications — even in high volume environments.

In addition, the ergonomic design and easy-to-reach controls enable mobile workers to change settings and make adjustments with the turn of a knob, helping users stay focused on the task at hand. The result is a reliable, secure and seamless communications solution that helps organizations empower their workers with the right information, at the right time.

The r765 offers an impressive 1.0 watt iDEN output power for greater range while the FM/IS-certified r765IS delivers 0.6 watt iDEN output power. Dual SIM cards allow for two unique accounts on one handset, enabling administrators to quickly customize handset operation for different users through a simple menu selection and operate the radios on either 800MHz or 900MHz networks.

The r765 and r765IS enterprise-grade iDEN handsets offer additional flexibility with customizable menus that let organizations tailor the interface for different users with as many or as few of the features as they choose.

The r765 will be available for purchase in the second quarter of 2009, while the r765IS will be available in the third quarter of 2009.

(Source) Press

Tags: clear communications, communications solution, customizable menus, dual sim cards, ergonomic design, handsets, hazardous environments, mobile workers, Motorola, petrochemical plant, seamless communications