Walmart has announced another special holiday promo, this time for the Blackberry smartphones from all four major carriers (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless). For any purchase of Blackberry smartphones with a 2 year contract, customers will be getting a $100 Walmart Gift Card upon purchase which they can use on a later transaction.

The $100 Gift Card should be something handy to use especially for shoppers who are aching to get some breaks for their Holiday gift needs. This promo will be effective starting November 14 up to November 20. Among the phones covered by this promotional $100 Walmart Gift Card include:

• AT&T Curve 8310
• AT&T Bold 9000
• Sprint Curve 8330 (Red & Titanium colors)
• T-Mobile 8520 (Black, White, and Frost)
• T-Mobile Pearl 8120 (Emerald)
• Verizon Storm
• Verizon Storm II

(Source) Press

Tags: At&T, black white, BlackBerry, Cell Phones, colors, contract customers, Curve, emerald, gift card, holiday gift, Mobile News, november 14, shoppers, smartphone, smartphones, Sprint, storm ii, T-Mobile, T-Mobile, titanium, Verizon, Verizon, Verizon Wireless, Walmart

Blackberry owners who want to be up to date with what is hot and going on in the news can now easily do so thanks to this new app from NewspaperDirect. They have launched the PressReader app which aims to deliver daily reads from over 1,300 newspapers and magazines. The app is available for free at RIM’s Blackberry App World online store which should put millions of Blackberry 8900, 9000 and 9500 users to work for current events and information.

(Source) Press

Tags: blackberry 8900, Cell Phones, current events, information source, magazines, Mobile News, Mobile Software, newspaperdirect, newspapers, RIM, smartphones

Everyone is aware of mobile payment or making use of your mobile device for various means. And now it looks like the Android smartphones are going to have that luxury as well as Charge Anywhere LLC unveils its first secure mobile payment gateway services with the CHARGE Anywhere for Android. Now available at the Android Market, the Charge Anywhere app becomes a credit-card type of a device that makes shopping and settling some bills easier.

CHARGE Anywhere’s mobile payment software and payment gateway solutions are supported by all major card processors allowing for seamless integration with your merchant account provider. Learn more about the latest Charge Anywhere app here.

(Source) Press

Tags: card processors, credit card type, Google, merchant account provider, mobile device, mobile payment, Mobile Software, payment gateway services, payment gateway solutions, payment software, seamless integration, smartphones

After the Blackberry and the iPhone, a Mobile Spy software version meant for the Android smartphones has finally been released. With the Mobile Spy app, users can now silently track GPS locations, incoming and outgoing text messages and call information of children and employees.

It runs on stealth mode and is untraceable. After the software is set up on the phone, it silently records GPS locations at a rate decided by the owner of the phone. The entire text of all SMS text messages, along with the associated phone number, is also recorded. The Mobile Spy app is another software from Retina-X-Studios LLC and can be checked out here.

(Source) Press

Tags: BlackBerry, Google, gps locations, iPhone, Mobile Software, phone number, retina, smartphones, sms text messages, software version, spy software, stealth mode, x studios

When will we see cell phones capable of delivering WiFi N speeds? It might be a lot sooner than you think actually. It looks like Atheros has developed a new AR6003 chip capable of bringing 802.11n WiFi connectivity to portable devices. The chip will deliver speeds of up to 85Mbps via the 5GHz band and it will be very energy efficient. In fact the new chip will use 20% less energy than the current AR6002 WiFi chip which is great news for smarpthone users. One of the main issues with WiFi N chips is that they consume a lot of energy.

The product is currently being tested by various companies and we might see it arrive on future smartphones and other portable devices really soon.

via Electronista

Tags: 802.11n, AR6002, AR6003, Atheros, Mobile News, smartphones, WiFi

Technology has been known to perk up businesses and this time around, Vocera has unveiled its own batch of smartphones, aiming to assist medical professionals and staff in rendering efficient patient care and flexible mobile communication as well. The Vocera smartphone was jointly developed with Motorola, offering a one-touch voice-user interface running on the Mobile 6.1 operating systems.

With this new device, doctors and clinical personnel will be able to access business applications as well such as clinic system alerts, asset tracking and medical reference. It even allows them to communicate since it has corporate e-mail provisions as well.

(Source) Press

Tags: asset tracking, business applications, Cell Phones, clinic system, doctors, e mail, healthcare professionals, medical professionals, medical reference, mobile communication, Mobile News, Motorola, Motorola, operating systems, Other Brands, patient care, provisions, smartphone, smartphones, user interface, vocera, voice user

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

In case you haven’t heard about WIND then you should know it’s a new carrier getting ready for the Canadian market. We don’t have that many details about it at this point but it looks like WIND has big plans for the future. Its smartphone lineup has been conveniently leaked so we have a pretty good idea of what to expect from it in the following months.

WIND will launch its 3G network and here are some of the phones it will sell soon: BlackBerry Bold 2 9700, HTC Snap, Huawei U8220 and a QWERTY slider phone from Samsung.

There are no pricing details and launch dates at this point but we’ll keep you in the loop. And if you’re already interested in WIND then you’ll be pleased to know that the new carrier is planning to start everything with three price plans that don’t require any signing of a predetermined contract. Any comments?

via themobileninjas

Tags: 9700, BlackBerry, Bold 2, Canada, HTC, htc snap, huawei, Other Brands, Research In Motion, smartphones, U8220, Wind

Handmark and Tantao News Network have announced the availability of the Tantao News Mobile Reader for Blackberry mobile phones, offering global and domestic news updates originating from Chinese news sources. With the new app, Blackberry users can now get unique content which they can also share via their social networks like Facebook and Twitter. As people continue to demand for immediate access for varying resources, the Tantao News Mobile Reader is a must have to broaden the scope of updated news and information.

The Tantao News Mobile Reader currently available for all BlackBerry smartphones with a trackball or touchscreen and will be available for additional platforms in the coming months. You can download the app here.

(Source) Press

Tags: BlackBerry, Cell Phones, chinese news, domestic news, Facebook, handmark, Mobile News, mobile reader, Mobile Software, news network, news sources, news updates, platforms, smartphones, social networks, touchscreen, trackball, twitter

Otterbox has now unveiled customized cases for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS with the Commuter Series and the Commuter TL Series. These new casings add strength and style to these iPhones, something consumers are sure to be looking for. If you have been following the posts here at MW regarding Otterbox releases, they had released something similar last month for the Blackberry smartphones. As before, these new Otterbox Commuter Series Casings aim to provide optimum protection and style through its hard plastic outer casing and inner protective silicone highlights.

Both Commuter and Commuter TL Series cases come with a microfiber cleaning cloth and installation card for easy application of the self-adhering screen. The Otterbox Commuter and Commuter TL Series retails for $34.95 and are available at the Otterbox website.

(Source) Press

Tags: 3G, 3gs, Accessories, Apple, BlackBerry, casing, casings, consumers, installation card, iPhone, iPhone, microfiber cleaning cloth, optimum protection, otterbox, silicone, smartphones

The title of this app may sound like another kind of game app made for smartphones but Electric Pocket Limited’s BugMe! is really an alert-type of an app that assists phone users to create notes and set reminder alarms to make sure they don’t miss any important appointment or schedule. And considering the number of Blackberry owners in the market today, the release of the BugMe! app couldn’t have come at a better time. BugMe! will automatically sound an alarm and pop-up an alert at the exact moment a reminder is needed.

The BugMe! for Blackberry is now available at the BugMe! website for $2.99.

(Source) Press

Tags: appointment, better time, BlackBerry, bugme, Cell Phones, exact moment, kind of game, Mobile Software, phone users, reminder alarms, smartphones

Any mobile device is susceptible to any potential slowdown which could be attributed to a lot of different factors. The only problem is identifying the cause unless you can get your hands on a reliable software that can aid you in diagnosing the problem. And known that not all smartphone users are techie enough to figure out why their device would operate at a snail’s pace, here is one software made for Blackberry smartphone owners which should speed up their devices.

The MemoryBooster 3.0 has been rated by Fortune Magazine as one of the top apps for Blackberry Wireless handsets and aims to recover wasted memory which should be something common in today’s array of mobile devices. MemoryBooster can recover up to 15MB of memory per boost. So you can imagine the degree of aid that it can provide if this app is done regularly.

The MemoryBooster 3.0 is now available at the BlackBerry App World for download.

(Source) Press

Tags: apps, array, blackberry wireless, Cell Phones, fortune magazine, memory, mobile device, mobile devices, Mobile Software, pace, reliable software, slowdown, smartphones, snail, wireless handsets

SoundofMotion adds another handy application that can be integrated with Android smartphones with the release of VeloComputer7. This latest software virtually transforms mobile phones into GPS and tracking devices, a useful addition for the cyclists who often embark on long journeys.

It comes with a built-in accelerometer and all a cyclist has to do is attach the phone to his bike or his tights and he can get the proper navigation support. Likewise, it helps keep track of the pedaling done by the person, the built-in accelerometer detects up and down leg motion and calculates cadence in rotations per minute or RPM. This technology frees the bicycle from any sensors on a crankshaft.

VeloComputer is now available on Android Market, BlackBerry App World and Sony-Ericsson PlayNow Arena in 9 languages and retails for $14.95.

(Source) Press

Tags: accelerometer, bicycle, cadence, crankshaft, cyclists, Google, GPS, handy application, journeys, languages, latest software, leg motion, market blackberry, mobile phones, Mobile Software, navigation support, proper navigation, rotations, rpm, sensors, smartphones, sony ericsson playnow, tights

Otterbox unveils yet again another crop of hybrid cases. The new cases are the Commuter Series made especially for the Blackberry smartphones. Among the Blackberry phones they cater to include the Blackberry Storm, Tour, 8900, Curve 8520 and Bold.

These new hybrid casings are slender and sturdy to provide added protection to your valuable Blackberry phones. It is made up of a protective film which safeguards your main screen from potential scratches and a durable silicone mid-layer to support your smartphone’s from sudden impacts or falls.

(Source) Otterbox

Tags: Accessories, blackberry phones, Cell Phones, Curve, mid layer, protective film, safeguards, scratches, silicone, smartphone, smartphones, storm tour

Samsung has been gaining ground in the recent weeks with its varied mobile handsets and it is only fitting to know that they will be topping all of these releases with their very own App Store. Samsung will be opening its own on-device application store for all its Samsung smartphones this coming September 14 in the United Kingdom, France and Italy. After this, over 30 other countries will also be having their own Samsung App Store. However, only the Omnia II and OmniaLITE handsets can access the app portal for the time being.

And similar to most online application sites, the Samsung App Store will also be offering various handset applications ranging from games, references, social networking and other solutions. Omnia users who want to access the site need to download a mobile client at samsungapps.com while the I8910 HD just have to update their software.

(Source) Softpedia

Tags: application store, Business, device application, games, italy, mobile client, mobile handsets, Mobile News, Mobile Software, OMNIA, Samsung, Samsung, smartphones, social networking, software source, united kingdom

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

Your favorite carrier, AT&T, has decided to start making some changes regarding its smartphone division. It looks like the carrier will force users to get a data plan with each smartphone. The new measure will apply to everyone getting a new smartphone after September 6 which means that everyone else is safe for now. In case you will buy unlocked handsets the change will not apply to you but then again, not so many people choose to pay the full price for a smartphone, do they?

And AT&T is saying that it’s going to apply the new policy in order to make sure that customers receive a predicable bill each month. Here’s an internal AT&T email talking about the change:

Beginning September 6, 2009, customers who activate or upgrade to a Smartphone will need to sign up for an appropriate data plan. Existing Smartphone customers active prior to September 6, 2009 will be grandfathered and exempt from the new policy.

Why we are making this change?
We want our customers to have the best possible experience with their Smartphones. A predictable bill is a key factor in customer satisfaction, so effective September 6, 2009 Smartphone customers will need to subscribe to a data plan, as the vast majority of customers already do. Data plans let customers fully utilize their device, without the worry of bill shock.

How we will ensure an extraordinary customer experience?
The sales representative is the customer’s expert resource in helping select the right device for their needs. When a customer does not want a data plan, we will position other devices in our industry leading portfolio for the customer to choose from, as many devices do not require a data plan.

Action Required:
Sales Managers will review the Know the Facts, Job Aid, and FAQs (found under Related Links) with their sales teams and ensure all sales representatives fully understand the new policy and how to position the Smartphone data requirement to customers. A Sales Coaching Session will be available on September 5, 2009 (document to be distributed in advance).

What do you think? What carrier will be the next to apply similar measures?

via BGR

Tags: At&T, At&T, Data plans, smartphones

Platinum Protection joins the home security bandwagon as it releases its own versions of remote home security to enable people to monitor their homes via a live video stream to their phone. We have seen a lot of apps and interfaces launched from recent weeks and this time we see another made for the two leading smartphones in demand in the market today.

The home security system app provides live camera feeds from your home and also allows you to remotely adjust pan-tilt cameras and review stored video footages. In the event of a break in, the system will automatically record a video clip of the burglar and immediately send the home owner a notification by text that the alarm has gone off.

Once a homeowner receives the notification, they can open the app on their phone and view the saved video clip seconds after the break in occurred.

The Platinum Protection Security System is free for download at their site.

(Source) Press

Tags: Apple, apps, bandwagon, BlackBerry, burglar, cameras, Cell Phones, home security system, iPhone, iPhone, live camera, live video stream, Mobile Software, pan tilt, Platinum, protection security, smartphones, video clip, video footages

Leading wireless communication solutions provider Cellular South is reportedly set to unveil a new Android Smartphone within the year, possibly being the first wireless company to offer a smartphone with the latest Android open source platform.

Taking its cue from the growing demand for wireless solutions to date, it seems that Cellular South is setting its sights at overtaking the popular phones in the market, including the popular iPhone from Apple. And their marketing point for this transaction is that of the Android platform which is growing popularity, touted to be the top player in smartphones in the coming years.

Cellular South expects to release more details on the new Android smartphone device soon, including the introduction date, pricing, manufacturer, model and other product features.

(Source) Press

Tags: Apple, Cell Phones, cellular south, cue, Google, iPhone, iPhone, marketing, Mobile News, open source platform, popularity, product features, smartphones, solutions provider, wireless communication solutions

Hallmark became popular for its greeting cards, much of which are still in use but have slowly gone passé. While we see a lot of their competitors turn to something similar, like e-cards and the like, Hallmark has adapted a new kind of technology in sending greetings to loved ones and friends. The new transition is the Hallmark Mobile Greeting Service which launched a couple of days ago.

For starters, the Hallmark Mobile Greetings will be made available to a handful of mobile phones in the market. But just like most apps, expect them to cater to most of the smartphones which can be sent from one mobile network to another.

The Hallmark Mobile Greetings can be downloaded to a cellphone for free from their site. Users can then send greetings to other mobile phones. In addition, consumers also can send greetings directly from mobile.hallmark.com for delivery to a mobile device.

Each Hallmark Mobile Greeting costs 99 cents. Fees are billed as part of monthly service-provider charges and the sender is only charged if the recipient opens the mobile greeting.

(Source) Press

Tags: Cell Phones, Cellphone, consumers, couple of days, e cards, greeting cards, greeting service, greetings, hallmark, handful, kind of technology, mobile device, mobile network, mobile phones, Mobile Software, provider charges, recipient, service provider, smartphones, starters, transition