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Tag: windows-mobile

  • Fujitsu-Toshiba Announced IS12T, the World’s First Windows Mango Phone

    The first smartphone that uses the new Mango OS is produced by Fujitsu-Toshiba and has been launched on Wednesday, during an event held in Tokyo.

    IS12T has a 3.7-inch screen and a 13.2 megapixels camera. The smartphone is equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and has included a CDMA modem. The new smartphone with Windows Mango weighs 113 grams and Fujitsu-Toshiba officials said the battery has a use of 11 days on standby and six hours on phone calls.

    IS12T has 32GB a built-in memory and is waterproof.

    The phone will be available only in Japan starting from September. Company officials have not disclosed the price.

    IS12T is the first in a series of devices to be launched in coming months, by which Microsoft hopes to signal that it is still a serious player in the smartphone market.

    In the same period last year, Microsoft was launching Windows 7 for smartphones, a system that failed to cope with the competition coming from Apple and Google Android.

    Despite the fact that it received thousands of applications and positive reviews, the new platform, which replaced Windows Mobile failed to obtain a significant market share on smartphones market. Microsoft had a market share of 2.7% of smartphones in the first quarter of 2011, according to IDC. But the year before, in the first quarter of 2010, Microsoft's market share was at 7.1%. As the number of smartphones sold with Windows 7 or Windows Mobile Phone, it fell from 3.9 to 2.8 million in the two periods.

    Mango, official Windows Phone 7.5, brings improvements to the Windows Phone 7, according to company representatives. Some of them include a new way to view e-mails, more efficient, Facebook Chat and Internet Explorer 9, for a faster web browsing.

    Besides Fujitsu-Toshiba, other manufacturers are also collaborating with Microsoft, such as the Taiwanese company Acer or the Chinese from ZTE, but the most awaited phones are expected to be launched by Nokia.

    IS12T is the first in a series of devices to be launched in coming months, by which Microsoft hopes to signal that it is still a serious player in the smartphone market.

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  • Nokia, At the Lowest Rate in 14 Years, on a Growing Market

    Nokia mobile phone market share dropped from 30.6% to 25.1%, reaching its lowest level since 1997, selling in the first quarter of 2011 107.6 million units, according to a study made by the research firm Gartner.

    At the same time, Samsung’s sales increased from 64.9 to 68.8 million units, and the producer has a market share of 16.1%.

    The list is completed by LG, which has sold in the first quarter of 2011 27.2 million mobile phones, representing 7.6% of market.

    Apple is ranked four in the mobile phones top, but also in the operating system top, with 16.9 million iPhones sold worldwide, double value than in the first quarter of last year. The company’s market share, both in smartphones and operating systems, increased from 2.3% to 3.9%.

    The sales of the Canadians from Research In Motion, the Blackberry manufacturer, have increased in the same period from 10.8 to 13 million units, the company having a market share of 3%.

    In the operating systems, Android has become the most popular platform in the world, increasing its last year market share from 9.6% to 36%.

    The market share of Symbian, at which Nokia will renounce in favor of Windows Mobile, has decreased in the last year from 44.2% to 27.4%.

    In total, in the first quarter of 2011 were sold 427.9 million mobile phones, an increase with 19% over the number recorded in the first three months of 2010. Gartner says that, despite this 19-percent increase in sales, would have been sold even more smartphones, but several companies have announced the launch of new terminals for the current quarter, and many customers have waited them and haven’t bought any phone in the first three months of the year.

    Smartphone sales have doubled up in the period mentioned, to 100.8 million units, according to the source.

  • IPsmarx Releases New Line of VoIP Mobile Dialers for iPhone, Android, and Windows Mobile

    IPsmarx announced the release of Breeze, their new line of VoIP Mobile Dialers that can be used with smartphones, such as the iPhone, Windows Mobile, and Android devices.

    By implementing IPsmarx Breeze, VoIP service providers can offer their own branded VoIP application that will enable their end users to make and receive calls using Wi-Fi or 3G on their smart phones.

    According to press release, with Breeze, end users "enjoy the convenience of using their smart phones’ existing contact list and advanced features like Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, Music on Hold, and Call Transfer, while making cost saving calls using the internet."

    “The Pre-paid Press estimates mobile smart phone traffic to increase by 700% over the next five years and according to latest statistics published on itmag.com, the mobile VoIP market will be worth US $32.3 billion by 2013 and when 2019 rolls around, half of all mobile calls will be made over all-IP Networks,” said Andrea Lopez, Senior Tech Sales Representative for IPsmarx.

    “Consumers and businesses are changing the way they communicate and service providers have to stay ahead of this trend by offering VoIP on smart phones,” she added.

    Because IPsmarx maintains an in-house development team, they are committed to updating the Breeze application as smart phones and their operating systems evolve.

    “This furthers our mission to enable our VoIP Service Provider clients to stay ahead of VoIP trends and offer competitive features to differentiate their service in the constantly evolving VoIP marketplace,” said Arash Vahidnia, IPsmarx CEO,

    “By implementing Breeze, we expect to see our existing clients greatly expand their businesses. Service Providers who have not migrated to IPsmarx yet have the opportunity to use IPsmarx Breeze with their existing Softswitch or IP-PBX platform without having to invest in a new softswitch."

    Combined with the IPsmarx Multi-Tenant IP-PBX System, Breeze is a superior mobile VoIP application for enterprises as it can be used as an extension in the PBX system.

    Breeze also supports VoIP Tunneling Technology and if integrated with IPsmarx Tunneling server, it can work from blocked areas or from behind firewalls for both incoming and outgoing calls.

  • SPB TV for Windows Mobile Smartphones Gets a Major Update

    SPB Software has updated the Windows Mobile version of its flagship application SPB TV to version 2.0. Due to support from advertising revenues the program is now free-of-charge and subscription-free. Ads featured in SPB TV only last as long as channel buffering takes.

    According to SPB, in addition to existing features that include quick channel previews, a TV guide for more than 150 channels in over 20 languages, picture-in-picture mode, fast channel launching and switching, the new version offers also a video on demand option.

    Another enhancement is the Advanced Video Codec (H.264) support which improves video quality. “As a result even with substantial lower bitrates the resolution is strongly improved,” as the company claims. SPB TV 2.0 also allows users with low speed mobile network connections to watch TV.

    SPB TV also works on iPhone, Symbian, Android, BlackBerry and WebOS smartphones. The company has informed that last month SPB TV reached the one million users milestone.

    SPB says that mobile TV watching behaviour differs across countries. For example 71% of US users use SPB TV via 3G while in Greece and Poland only 10% of users use 3G and others use WiFi.

    "Taking all the statistics and feedback collected from our users into consideration, we created the new version of SPB TV, which not only offers our users better video quality but is also available to all Windows Mobile users absolutely free," said Sebastian-Justus Schmidt, CEO of SPB Software.

    SPB TV is also available as a solution for mobile operators. SPB TV Mobile Operator’s Solution allows carriers to couple SPB’s proven solution with their own infrastructure and various subscription models. Three mobile operators worldwide have already deployed SPB TV based mobile TV solutions.

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  • AT&T and TerreStar to Offer Integrated Cellular/Satellite Solution

    AT&T has announced plans to work with TerreStar to offer an integrated smartphone mobility solution that will combine primary cellular wireless connectivity with the ability to connect to a satellite network as a backup, using one phone number and one smartphone device.

    This new solution will provide users with an access to both cellular and satellite networks through a handset that is – as the companies claim – both smaller and more feature-rich than previous satellite devices.

    The TerreStar Genus smartphone combines GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA terrestrial wireless capability with satellite voice and data capability. The device runs on the Windows Mobile and includes 2.6” touchscreen, WiFi, Bluetooth® and GPS.

    The device gives users the option to access theTerreStar satellite network when AT&T’s cellular wireless network is unavailable.

    AT&T wireless users with a line of sight to the satellite will be able to access voice and data coverage in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands and in territorial waters.

    When cellular networks are unavailable, TerreStar’s satellite will act as a cell site in the sky to provide coverage to help users stay connected. The solution announced today is well-suited for government, energy, utility, transportation and maritime users. AT&T states that it can provide a critical communications back-up capability, important to public safety agencies, first responders, emergency services and disaster recovery groups.

    The integrated cellular/satellite solution will combine the satellite network-related charges on the customer’s regular wireless bill. AT&T’s monthly invoice will include the customer’s cellular voice and data service charges, the satellite network access subscription feature charge and the satellite voice and data roaming charges.

    It is expected to be available for enterprise, government and small business customers and their corporate liable users in the first quarter of 2010. AT&T informs that the company is working on a similar solution for consumers.

  • Windows Mobile 6.5 Phones Coming October 6th

    The new phones will be the first to feature Windows Mobile 6.5, the latest version of Microsoft’s mobile phone software.

    The company didn’t unveil any new details, they just promised “easy-to-use user interface”, “better browsing capabilities” and “access to valuable services”, which will be Windows Marketplace for Mobile (the company’s app store) and Microsoft My Phone (backup cloud service), that are also set to launch on October 6.

    “Windows phones bring together the best of the Web, the PC and the phone so you can connect instantly to the experiences you care about, no matter where you are,” said Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s CEO at Mobile World Congress 2009 in February this year, when the company revealed the new series of smartphones.

    In North America mobile operators like AT&T, Bell Mobility, Sprint, TELUS and Verizon Wireless, and phone manufacturers like HP, HTC, LG, Samsung and Toshiba are committed to updating or expanding their portfolios to include phones with Windows Mobile 6.5

    Also AT&T has informed that starting on September 14th, customers with Wi-Fi-enabled Windows Mobile smartphones and unlimited/other qualifying data plans will receive unlimited access to AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots nationwide.

  • Q2: Nokia Retains Lead but Apple and RIM Are Rising Fast

    “Smart phones continue to shine as one of the brightest spots of the technology industry, with shipments growing despite the global recession,” says the recent Canalys’ report on the Q2 key smartphone market trends.

    “Innovation in interfaces, design, applications and promotion continue to excite consumers, which, in contrast to the PC industry, is helping to keep average selling prices stable. The rise in data traffic seen by mobile network operators is finally generating a return on their investment in broadband capacity and will drive further infrastructure expenditure,” the autors predict.

    According to the report, Apple has established industry leadership in terms of industrial design, ease of use and application availability, offering one of the most desirable devices on the market and setting a standard that rivals are striving to emulate. It reinforced its position during the quarter by launching the iPhone 3GS.

    Pete Cunningham, Canalys senior analyst, said, “Apple has revolutionised the smart phone sector, leapfrogging more experienced rivals. The competition must move much faster to close the gap in terms of functionality and design and at the same time try to target Apple’s weak spots. These are primarily related to its business model, which requires premium upfront pricing, high cost of ownership and, in many countries, a restricted operator line-up.”

    The research shows that the competition is building in a number of different forms. RIM has successfully expanded its product portfolio to include a wide selection of devices and interfaces that appeal to a range of customers at different price points. This includes 2.5G models that are smaller, lighter, lower cost and have better battery life than most of its 3G rivals. Palm has received widespread acclaim following the launch of the Pre in the US during Q2.

    Chris Jones, Canalys VP and principal analyst, added, “As a relatively small company, Palm has shown what creative leadership and focused investment can achieve. By going back to its roots and developing its own operating system, it has produced an innovative and differentiated product. Investors have responded to this, with its share price growing over 70% this year. Palm still has plenty of challenges ahead – it must find the resources to launch the Pre on the global stage, while continuing to fund development of its product pipeline.”

    Another emerging trend is the rise of the Google-led Android OS, which is already taking 3% of the smart phone market. Success so far has been driven through HTC, but with many other vendors, including Samsung, joining the fray, volumes are expected to increase substantially. The free licence model, tight integration with Google applications and the potential for a high degree of vendor and operator customisation are all benefits attracting industry participants.

    Jones continued, “It is noteworthy how differently the smart phone business is developing compared to the PC industry. PCs are a highly standardised, commoditised platform, where one model is often largely indistinguishable from another. Consequently, PC price points are incredibly low, which is good for customers, but the industry lacks excitement. Smart phones are different – Nokia, Apple, RIM and Palm have all achieved success by developing their own operating systems and delivering distinct devices and interfaces. Android customisation will further add to this diverse mix. As a result, new smart phones are front page news around the world."

    “The main loser has been Microsoft’s highly standardised Windows Mobile platform. Its smart phone market share has now fallen below 10% and the trend is likely to continue as many of its OEM partners, including HTC, Motorola and Palm, are focusing investment on other platforms,” he conclude.

    In addition to smart phones, netbooks are the other hot area within the technology industry in this difficult year. The competition and opportunities created between these platforms will be discussed at the Canalys Mobility Forum, taking place on November 17, near London’s Heathrow Airport.

  • ZTE to Unveil Range of Smartphones at MWC 2009


    ZTE Corporation is promising to reveal a full portfolio of smartphones at the Mobile World Congress 2009 in Barcelona.

    All in all, 10 different designs are to go on show, including customised handsets for Vodafone and China Mobile.

    The highlight is expected to the the VF 1231 model, which has been developed especially for Vodafone. The smartphone is based on Windows Mobile platform and has a single chip for GSM and EDGE.

    Other handsets due to be paraded in Barcelona is the ‘XIANG’ series of 3.5G super slim HSDPA/HSUPA handsets, the e760 (a

    ZTE’s e760 smartphone

    GSM-based handset custom-made for China Mobile) and the D820/D810 (a CDMA-based handset custom-made for China Telecom).

    Also expected to go on show is the U981, a top-end smartphone that was deployed by China Mobile during the Beijing Olympic Games.

    Xiong Hui, vice president of handset division of ZTE Corporation, said the demand for smartphones has reached the point where they are no longer seen as a luxury or a strictly work-related item.

    He said ZTE recognised this trend early on and invested in developing a range of smartphones.

    "ZTE is meeting the specific requirements of leading mobile operators such as Vodafone and China Mobile, and helping smartphones become a popular item worldwide," he said.

  • Toshiba Offers New Smartphone With 1GHz Snapdragon Chipset


    Toshiba could well steal the spotlight away from some bigger smartphone names with the launch of its latest high-end handset at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

    Called the TG01, it’s the first announced device with Qualcomm’s 1GHz Snapdragon QSD2850 chipset with dynamic speed control to ensure good battery life.

    The super-slim 9.9mm device has an impressive 4.1 inch WVGA resistive screen and features a virtual trackpad.

    As the successor to the G910, it also features Toshiba’s own 3D user interface, which boasts vertical blinds and swiping gestures.

    Phone calls can be answered by shaking the phone, and the accelerometer can also be used to rotate the screen.

    Armed as it is with the 1GHz chipset, it will runs Windows Mobile 6.1 at pace, as well as full Flash.

    The device has the standard Windows Mobile feature set: HSDPA, WIFI, GPS and microSD memory expansion.

    The smartphone is expected to be available in Europe in Q3 2009, but may be exclusive to some carriers.

    Pricing should be similar to the HTC Touch HD.

  • WinMo And Mobile Services Microsoft


    Interest continues to grow over Microsoft’s intentions for next month’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

    Among the expectations are an update to its mobile software and services strategy.

    This could extend to the unveiling of three mobile services:

    • SkyBox to synchronize a phone’s information with the web
    • SkyLine to synchronize with Microsoft Exchange servers
    • SkyMarket – a mobile marketplace.

    If they take place, the announcements will set them up against Apple’s MobileMe and App Store.

    Microsoft is also expected to reveal the latest update of Windows Mobile – version 6.5 – at the telco show.

    The first tranche of WinMo 6.5-based devices could then be available in the third quarter of the year.