Why type when you can talk? That is apparently the new technology that IM+ now carries which can surely make mobile communications a whole lot easier. SHAPE has joined forces with Yap Inc., pioneer of the first fully automated voice-to-text platform, to add the first of its kind, thumbs-free message dictation feature to IM+ for BlackBerry smartphones.

IM+ with speech recognition will allow users to dictate their instant messages and send them as text to their contacts in Facebook, AIM/iChat, MSN/Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo!, ICQ, Jabber, Google Talk and MySpaceIM. Recent studies indicate that over 70% of consumers prefer using voice to interact with their mobile devices rather than typing. Speech-enablement increases message creation speed and greatly improves the usability of instant messaging on mobile devices.

The beta version of IM+ with voice recognition will be showcased at this week’s Wireless Enterprise Symposium (WES) in Orlando, Florida, and the full release is expected at the end of May 2009.

(Source) Press

Tags: Apple, beta version, BlackBerry, Cell Phones, dictation, Google, instant messages, instant messaging, iPhone, jabber, message creation, mobile communications, mobile devices, Mobile Software, orlando florida, smartphones, speech enablement, speech recognition, voice recognition, windows live messenger, wireless enterprise

A new compact flip phone has been unveiled by Samsung Electronics in cooperation with Metro PCS Corp. The sleek, compact flip design of the Samsung Tint makes it both durable and fashionable. The Samsung Tint includes grey and pink faceplates as a standard accessory to help match the user’s style.

Additional faceplates are also available in various colors. This handset also features customizable wallpaper, banner themes and fonts to personalize the visual experience on the Samsung Tint.

The Samsung Tint is equipped with a powerful feature set, including an integrated camera, SMS, MMS, email and IM messaging capabilities, advanced voice recognition, Bluetooth wireless technology and speakerphone for easy, hands-free operation.

For immediate access to family and friends, the Samsung Tint offers ChatLINK℠ a push-to-talk social networking tool that works like a walkie-talkie. Users can simply push a button and talk without dialing to individuals or groups with compatible phones.

With the Samsung Tint, MetroPCS subscribers will be able to navigate the mobile Web, download ringtones and graphics and interact with social networks without having to use a laptop or PC.

MetroPCS’ plans for its wide variety of other phones range from $30 to $50 per month and allow subscribers to talk all they want, 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week. Unlike most carriers, MetroPCS does not require a signed contract, which means that consumers can activate service without going through a credit check or paying a deposit.

The Samsung Tint is available at all MetroPCS authorized dealers and company-owned retail locations. Visit MetroPCS’ website at www.metropcs.com for specific locations or to purchase the Samsung Tint and sign up for service plans.

(Source) Press

Tags: authorized dealers, bluetooth wireless, Cell Phones, compatible phones, day seven, faceplates, flip phone, integrated camera, metro pcs, MetroPCS, mobile web, networking tool, Samsung, samsung electronics, social networking, social networks, speakerphone, visual experience, voice recognition, Walkie Talkie

As the model connotes, this wine-colored LG UX280 is a mid-entry level phone designed for users who need easy to use mobile solution. Though the LG UX280 seems to sound basic, it is something any new cell phone owner would be proud to show off thanks mainly to its design.

LG UX280 Wine phone integrates dedicated keys that give easy and instant access to features and functions. It has an internal screen of 240 x 320 pixels which can generate 262k colors and an external screen of 1.3 inch. The Wine phone incorporates a 1.3 megapixel camera and a voice recognition feature.

Equipped with Bluetooth connectivity that will help Wine users to share and transfer data, GPS support is also found on the device. Besides providing powerful navigation applications, other features like a calculator, speakerphone, calendar, alarm clock and a phone book are also integrated in the phone.

The LG UX280 is priced at $29.95 after a $50 mail in rebate with a two year contract. It is also available at $179.95 without the agreement.

(Source) Tech Gadget

Tags: calculator, cell phone, clamshell, gadget, LG, mid entry, mobile phones, phone book, voice recognition

Motorola’s M990 mobile phone recently cleared the FCC hurdle. A GSM phone, it looks like the phone was in development for quite a while, as the user guide is dated October 2007. The M990 presents a jog-dial interface for the user and features a Smart Key that lets you do a number of things like:

Activate voice commands and select various menu items by saying their name

Dial to a name stored on the phone by saying the name

Dial a phone number by saying the number

Create a voice recordThere’s also a built-in GPS receiver that can be used by a compatible Java app to aid you in navigation. A class 2 Bluetooth device, you can go wireless up to 10 meters, and can be used with Bluetooth headsets or transfer files to another device.

The Motorola M990 also supports microSD memory cards up to 2GB.

No word on the pricing or availability yet, but check back with us soon.

(more…)

Tags: Cell Phones, fcc, GPS, java, m990, Motorola, Motorola, smart key, voice recognition