Symbian Mobile OS Goes Open Source

The Symbian mobile operating system is the world's most widely used smartphone platform. On Thursday, the Nokia-backed organization that controls the code took a step to further increase its popularity. The Symbian Foundation said its Symbian OS is now fully open source and open to contributions from developers around the world. As open source software, Symbian can now be used or modified by developers "for any purpose," the Foundation said, "whether that be for a mobile device or for something else entirely."

"The development community is now empowered to shape the future of the mobile industry, and rapid innovation on a global scale will be the result," said Symbian Foundation director Lee Williams, in a statement.

Nokia bought out Symbian for about $410 million in 2008 with an eye to bringing the OS into the open source community. Symbian gives phone manufacturers an alternative to commercial mobile operating systems such as Microsoft's Windows Mobile. Symbian held about 47% of the worldwide smartphone OS market last year. Research in Motion's Blackberry was second, with a 20% stake, and Windows Mobile third with 12.4% of the market.

All 108 packages containing the source code of the Symbian platform can now be downloaded from Symbian’s developer web site (tiny.symbian.org/open), under the terms of the Eclipse Public License and other open source licenses. Also available for download are the complete development kits for creating applications (the Symbian Developer Kit) and mobile devices (the Product Development Kit). These kits are compatible with Symbian^3, the very latest version of the platform, which is now fully open source and will be "feature complete" during Q1 of this year.

Read more about this migration to Open Source on the official Symbian Foundation website, in the News & Media section.

Motorola confirms they are working with Google on a new phone

You've probably seen it or heard about it. You've probably even hopped to have one. You've maybe prayed the rumors were true. Well people, it seems they were. Motorola confirmed that they are working with Google on a new phone to be sold directly to consumers.

No one knows yet it the phone is question is the one that the concept pictures showed, but it is certain that the new phone will have the Android operating system and since Motorola and Google are working together on this one, the nickname of Nexus Two that has been given to the not yet released handset (also known as Motorola Shadow), is very appropriate. This phone might even be a crossover between a Nexus and the very popular Motorola Droid.

We'll just have to wait and see what will they finally come out with and until then we might even try to soften or completely obliterate the Apple iPad hype that's been going around lately. Although I doubt that's even possible.

You can read more about the new Motorola Shadow (or Nexus Two) smartphone on electronista.com or on gizmodo.com.

From the web - December 18th 2009

UBUNTU: Canonical has lifted the curtains on some ambitious plans to reinvent the GNOME panel. The changes, which could potentially debut in the next major version of Ubuntu, will help simplify the desktop user experience and clean up superfluous panel clutter. Although the proposed changes look very promising, getting third-party application developers to integrate with the new panel functionality could prove challenging.
Read the rest of this story on Ubuntu Geek.

LG LAUNCHES FIRST EVER NETBOOK IN THE US: LG X120: LG Electronics Mobilecomm (LG Mobile Phones) announced today the newest addition to their innovative product line-up with the launch of the LG X120 netbook. The first of its kind from LG, the LG X120 delivers the benefits of netbook functionality and gives users a shortcut to the fun stuff with a unique Smart On™ interface that makes staying connected faster, easier and just seconds away. Available at RadioShack, the LG X120 is the perfect computing companion for social networkers, college students and young professionals on the go.
The rest on the official press release.

Android: Crashing the Smartphone Party: Digital measurement firm, comScore is reporting that consumer awareness of Google's Android is growing rapidly, due in large part to the Verizon Droid ad campaign. Further, of those American consumers in the market for a smartphone, 17 percent are considering the purchase of an android-supported device in next three months, compared to 20 percent indicating they plan to purchase an iPhone.
Full story on cellular-news.com.

Sony Ericsson C903 Cyber-Shot mobile phone

The Sony Ericsson C903 Cyber-shot™ mobile phone is primarily made for taking memorable pictures – just slide down the protective lens cover and shoot! The slim slider has dedicated camera keys and an impressive five megapixel camera to create big pictures with rich details and true colors.

Packed full of features the Sony Ericsson C903 Cyber-shot™ will give you the best picture possible with Face Detection, finding up to three people in the frame at a time and Smile Shutter™ which automatically picks out beaming smiles. Snap up to nine images in quick succession using BestPic™, pick your best and delete the rest.

“The C903 Cyber-shot™ adds a creative and stylish mobile phone to our mid-range segment.” said Daniel Sandblom Global Business Marketing Manager at Sony Ericsson. “The C903 Cyber-shot™ furthers Sony Ericsson’s digital camera heritage and makes capturing special images even more memorable.”

Show off your images with the crystal clear, auto rotating 2.4” display, send them to your blog or connect to your TV screen using the TV-out function and get up close and personal.

The C903 Cyber-shot™ phone also comes complete with aGPS – never lose track of where you took an image or where you are – simply tag your photos to a location or use the feature to find your way home or to the pub.

Some of the key features that this Sony Ericsson phone displays include:

• Snap really clear, big pictures with auto focus and the five megapixel camera
• Turn your subjects into stars with Smile Shutter™ and face detection
• View images on the big screen using TV-Out cable
• Tag a place-name to your memories or stay on track with aGPS

The C903 Cyber-shot™ supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and UMTS/HSPA 900/2100. C903 Cyber-shot™ will be available in selected markets from Q2 in the colours Lacquer Black, Techno White and Glamour Red.

The full specifications of the Sony Ericsson C903 mobile phone are listed below:

• Camera
  
  • 5.0 megapixel camera
  • Up to 16x digital zoom
  • Photo fix
  • Picture blogging
  • Video blogging
  • Auto focus
  • Smile Shutter™
  • Face detection
  • BestPic™
  • Photo flash
  • Video recording
  • Image and Video stabilizer
  • Snapfish™
• Music
  
  • Media player
  • Album art
  • PlayNow™
  • TrackID™
  • Mega Bass™
  • Album art
  • Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
  • Music tones (MP3/AAC)
• Web
  
  • Access NetFront™ Web browser
  • Web feeds
  • Photo feeds
  • Picasa™
• Communication
  
  • Speakerphone
  • Polyphonic ringtones
  • Vibrating alert
  • Video call
• Messaging
  
  • Email
  • Picture messaging (MMS)
  • Predictive text input
  • Sound recorder
  • Text messaging (SMS)
  • Exchange ActiveSync
  • Chat View (TBC)
  • Instant messaging
• Design
  
  • Picture wallpaper
  • Wallpaper animation
  • Auto rotate
• Entertainment
  
  • 3D games
  • Motion gaming
  • Java
  • FM radio with RDS
  • Video streaming
  • Video viewing
  • Media
  • YouTube™
  • Walk Mate
  • Tracker
  • TV-out
• Connectivity
  
  • Bluetooth™ technology
  • Modem
  • USB mass storage
  • USB support
  • Synchronization
  • PictBridge
• Organizer
  
  • Alarm clock
  • Calculator
  • Calendar
  • Flight mode
  • Notes
  • Phone book
  • Stopwatch
  • Tasks
  • Timer
• Location-based services
  
  • Geo tagging of photos
  • Google Maps™
  • aGPS
  • Wayfinder Navigator™ (3-month trial version)
• Accessories
  
  • In-Box: C903, Battery, Battery Charger, Stereo portable handsfree, User guide (e-manual on the phone
• Facts and Figures
  
  • Size: 97 x 49 x 16 mm
  • Weight: 96 grams
  • Colours: Laquer Black, Techno White, Glamour Red
  • Main screen: 262,144 colour TFT, scratch-resistant
  • Resolution: 240 x 320 pixels
  • Size: 2.4 inches
  • Phone memory: Up to 105MB
  • Memory card support: Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™)
  • Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 10 hrs
  • Standby time GSM/GPRS: Up to 400 hrs
• Networks
  
  • C903: GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS/HSPA 900/2100
  • C903a: GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS/HSPA 850/1900/2100

The official product page for the Sony Ericsson C903 Cyber-Shot mobile phone can be found here.

LG Chocolate BL40 revealed

LG Electronics officially revealed today in a press release the full image and key specifications of the new LG Chocolate phone, model LG-BL40.

The fourth handset of the Black Label Series has a distinctive 4.0-inch wide screen high-definition LCD with an 800x345 pixel resolution for a superb viewing quality. The wide screen breaks away from conventional screen designs with a 21:9 aspect ratio for a panoramic, cinema-like quality and optimal mobile computing experience. With the enlarged screen, users will experience a surprisingly convenient and efficient mobile environment.

Browsing the Internet with 800 pixels wide at one’s disposal is quite easy, there is no need to scroll horizontally to read entire web pages. The 4.0-inch display also features a Dual Screen UI that can efficiently display two different types of content simultaneously. The wide HD LCD “Real VGA” screen provides a full range of natural colors for displayed images, making photos more crisp, videos more true-to-life, games more dynamic and documents more readable.

“The initial response to the new LG Chocolate phone has exceeded our expectations by a wide margin,” said Dr. Skott Ahn, CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications. “Although much interest seems focused on the striking shape of the handset, the real surprise will be when people discover the advantages of the 4.0-inch screen in terms of viewing pleasure and ease of use.”

The new LG Chocolate’s wide screen is overlaid with curved tempered glass and is seamlessly encased in a glossy black finish and iconic red highlights. Although the screen may be much wider, the new LG Chocolate makes an incredibly slim and chic style statement that was also inherent in the original Chocolate.

Aside from the great large 4" screen that is very emphasized in the official press release, some of the other features that the new LC Chocolate BL40 include the 5.0 Megapixel camera, Flash-based 3D interface, multitouch, AGPS, WiFi, 7.2Mbps HSDPA and the tempered glass screen surface is apparently scratch-proof. Even so, the thin dimensions of the handset make it impossible to believe that all those things could possibly fit in there.

The new LG Chocolate will be available beginning Q3 in 54 countries. More information is available at www.lgmobile.com.

BlackBerry Curve 8520 for UK

Research In Motion has announced that the BlackBerry Curve 8520 phone will be coming to the UK in August. The operator / operators that will carry the device are unconfirmed as is the price.

The new Curve 8520 comes in two colours, black and frost and enables easy access to email, messaging and social networking sites. The phone has a full-QWERTY keyboard and comprehensive multimedia capabilities (music, game and other apps).

"More and more cell phone users are choosing to upgrade to a smartphone and the new BlackBerry Curve 8520 will undoubtedly convince many more people to make the switch. It delivers all the great messaging, social networking and multimedia features that have made BlackBerry the top-selling smartphone brand in the United States," said Carlo Chiarello, vice president, product management, Research In Motion.

Key features of the BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone include:

• Full-QWERTY keyboard and touch-sensitive optical trackpad for reliable, responsive typing and navigation
• 256MB Flash memory and a 512Mhz next generation processor for enhanced performance
• Premium phone features including voice activated dialing, and Bluetooth (2.0) support for hands-free use with headsets, car kits, stereo headsets and other Bluetooth peripherals
• 2 MP digital camera with zoom and video recording
• Advanced media player for music, pictures and videos, with dedicated media keys and a 3.5 mm stereo headset jack, plus BlackBerry Media Sync, which makes it easy to quickly sync music from iTunes or Windows Media Player with the smartphone
• Access to BlackBerry App World, featuring a broad and growing catalog of third-party mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry smartphones. Categories include games, entertainment, social networking and sharing, news and weather, productivity and much more
• BlackBerry Internet Service support for access to up to 10 supported email accounts, including most popular ISP email accounts such as Yahoo!, Windows Live Hotmail, AOL and Gmail; and BlackBerry Enterprise Server support, which provides advanced security and IT administration features for corporate deployments
• Expandable memory via hot swappable microSD/SDHC memory card slot, supporting cards of up to 16 GB today and expected to support next generation 32GB cards when available; a 1GB card is included
• Built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) with support for T-Mobile Unlimited Hotspot Calling service
• Quad-band world phone: EGDE/GPRS/GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)

For more information related to the yet not released BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone, you can visit the official website at this address.

Samsung Propel SGH-a767

The SAMSUNG Propel SGH-a767 is the slider that makes communication easy. Just slide open up this stylish phone and slide open the possibilities, from texting to email to Instant Messaging – all simplified thanks to a full QWERTY keyboard. The Propel is also packed with fun features like high-speed multimedia access, full Web browsing, AT&T Mobile Music, AT&T Navigator and much more. So slide open the SAMSUNG Propel and get the word out like never before.

The Propel has a slide-out, full QWERTY keyboard that lets you get the word out faster and easier. It gives you all the messaging options you want – email, text messaging, Instant Messaging and picture messaging. With AT&T Mobile Music and the Propel, you can play and download all your favorite tunes and ringtones. And thanks to the built-in microSD memory slot, your play list can go on and on. With AT&T Navigator, the SAMSUNG Propel gives you GPS-enabled turn-by-turn directions, maps, traffic updates and more. Even if you’re hundreds of miles apart, Video Share and your new SAMSUNG Propel make it all possible. Any two Propels (or other Video Share-compatible phones) can share real-time, one-way video of almost anything – all while talking on the phone. It’s nice to share.

Here are a few of the specifications taken from the official page:

• Weight: 3.79 ounces
• Dimension (HxWxD): 3.85" x 2.33" x .58"
• Display: 65k Color TFT Screen (220 x 176)
• Features: Video recording, Video messaging, Music Player, 72 Polyphonic Ringtones, MP3 Ringtone, JAVA™ Download, Voice memo & Voice mail, SMS / EMS / MMS, Email
• User Memory: 50MB Shared
• Phone book entries: Up to 1000 phonebook entries
• Personal Information Management: Calendar, To do list, Worldtime, Alarm, Currency converter, Calculator
• Speakerphone, Dialed/missed/received calls

More information can be found on the official Samsung Propel SGH-a767 page located at samsung.com.

Secret Unveiled: LG Launches the Third Black Label Series Handset LG Secret

Read the original press release here

LG Electronics, a worldwide technology and design leader in mobile communications, launched the third LG Black Label Series handset LG Secret (Model: LG-KF750) worldwide on April 24th, 2008 in London, U.K.

Following the success of its predecessors, LG Chocolate and LG Shine, the third model from the LG Black Label Series resonates a highly stylish design and enriched technological features including the slimmest 5 megapixel camera and innovative materials. The phone was developed to satisfy the refined tastes of trendsetters who desire a sophisticated design with an enduring elegance.

"The huge success of the previous models of the Black Label Series validated our approach to provide the ultimate mobile experience for today’s discerning consumers, who seek to embody personal style with their handsets," says Skott Ahn, President & CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "These are the enriched features that will diversify the way users interact with their handsets but most of all, the LG Secret was designed to be a style that lasts."

From the top we can see a predominant keyword in the LG press release: timeless. And in my opinion, in this high-speed modern age of ours, it's one of the most necessary things to keep us all on track. Of course, saying that, LG defines the terms on which this word applies:

• Timeless style - LG Secret will always look new thanks to the materials incorporated into the phone
• Timeless memories - Equipped with an advanced 5.0 megapixel camera built into the slimmest profile of any camera handset on the market (at 11.8mm), LG Secret boasts 120 fps video and DivX® certified playback
• Timeless entertainment - Entertainment features include Touch Media that takes advantage of the touch screen to directly access five multimedia functions in a single button – music, photos, games, documents, and FM radio
• Timeless convenience - LG Secret makes life easier with Bluetooth auto-sync that automatically synchronizes with the PC and users do not have to be hassled by tangled USB cables. The Auto Rotating Display shifts the image on the screen for viewing in any position

These and many other features, which are described in more detail in the original press release, make this phone proud to be one of the Black Label Series. LG Secret begins its launch in Europe followed by launch events in Asia, South America, and on to the rest of the world. Please also visit LG Secret Global Microsite at http://secret.lgmobile.com.

Apple iPhone prices - confirmed to be cut

Article from Macworld.com (visit original article)

O2 has officially confirmed its anticipated £100 (US$200) discount on the 8GB iPhone, offering the device for just £169 until 1 June 2008. The move matches a discount recently initiated by Apple’s German network partner, T-Mobile, but the discount isn’t being applied on sales of the 16GB iPhone, which continues to cost £329. The offer is available from April 16th on all O2 iPhone tariffs and is designed (according to O2) to add momentum to what it calls its “fastest-selling device”.

O2 notes that iPhone users are among its most satisfied customers and declared the aim of the deal is to “bring its benefits to an even greater number of customers”.

“The iPhone has also been hugely successful in attracting new high value customers to O2 who are also more likely to recommend O2 to their friends and family. Sixty percent of iPhone customers are new to O2 while iPhone customers spend on average 30 percent more than other Pay Monthly customers”, O2 explained.

The move - which occurs a little more than a week after O2 said it had no immediate plans to cut iPhone prices - also comes as expectation continues to build that Apple will introduce a second-generation iPhone that supports the fast 3G wireless standard, perhaps as soon as June. The move also seem designed to clear stock of the existing 8GB model, possibly indicating higher capacity models are on the road map. O2 explains its offer to be “subject to stock availability.”

Samsung SCH-u706 Muse

Samsung SCH-u706 Muse(Alltel) is described by the good people in the Samsung marketing department as "the phone with music in its soul". So let's see what's so special about it. There are so many mobile phones out there that can playback almost any of the popular audio formats. It's practically a "must have" these days. Why does this one has it "in its soul"?

The SCH-u706 Muse has a built-in MP3 player, naturally. And support for microSD cards. Nothing new there. But it also features a graphic equalizer, playlist management and support for album art. It also supports Bluetooth Wireless Technology so it can connect to a wireless headsets, hands-free car kits, printers and computers and has a high quality 2.0 megapixel camera phone, with an equally high quality camcorder.

No WAP or WiFi, but it has a touchscreen. No JAVA embedded games or JAVA download, but it has Mobile TV and a built in FM Radio. All of those "awesome" features and the "stylish" plastic look, make it no more than a cheap MP3 player that you can also use to take pictures and make phone calls.

Now, this was a waste or my time. I don't even know why I made a post about it. More info on the Samsung SCH-u706 Muse can be found here.

Adidas and Samsung - miCoach

Every day we see more and more technologies blended with one another, things that you would never thought that they would mix. I remember a few years ago some company released a refrigerator with an Internet connection. I still don't know what it was good for, but maybe others found some uses for that.

One of the things I never thought possible was the use of electronic technology in psychical training. Usually when someone works out, they try to lose as much as possible the extra accessories so nothing can slow them down. But these days almost no one is jogging without an MP3 or radio player. And when I think about it, it's not that much weight to carry around. So why not have something extra?

Adidas teemed up with Samsung and created a phone that acts as a personal trainer, monitoring you while you work out. The concept is nothing new but the innovation comes in the following: "miCoach is the only system that turns that data into a personal training plan based on your fitness level and goals. miCoach is designed to help all types of runners, from beginners to veterans, perform at their highest level, stay motivated and achieve their goals". So it also processes the data it gathers. That's useful, as there aren't many that now what their heart rate should be or other medical informations for that matter. I'm one of them.

The phone itself is also pretty good and within the current standards: MP3 player and Stereo FM Radio, WAP 2.0, USB 2.0 ant Bluetooth 2.0 ERD, 1GB internal memory, 176x220 TFT 262K display, 2.0MP camera (I guess this one is for when you take that well deserved break). On top of that it has a built-in pedometer, real-time coach narration during workouts (for the motivation), workout planning, managing, and tracking on miCoach.com. Since we mentioned Adidas was one of the master minds behind this project, you can imagine that the phone is compatible with Adidas adiStar sports apparel and it synchronizes with Adidas miCoach system: foot pod, heart rate monitor.

So that's another good gadget from Samsung. If you're interested in buying one Associated Press states that "miCoach hits retail stores in Europe this month and will roll out in the United States in 2009. It will cost $304 to $608 in Europe, depending on the service plan users select. U.S. pricing has not been set".

Samsung SGH-F250: Stylish and cheap

The market for electronics and gadgets has known an increased desire for style for a few years now. And the manufacturers of such products are trying to come forward with better looking devices every time. The glossy or shiny "toys" are a trend that doesn't seem to go away. Not like I'm complaining. I personally love them.

It seems like more and more people are discarding their old dull looking devices for the new eye-candy ones. One problem with these is that they're a little on the expensive side. Well, it seems good news are on the way, as Samsung prepares to release a new model in their mobile phone collection. The new SGH-F250 is intended to be a relatively cheap model, with nice looks and good functionality. According to Idealo News, it "should cost under £150 and be geared towards mobile phone users with average demands. Anyone who doesn’t want to pay too much, but still places a high value on a chic design as well as modern technology, will appreciate this model . Both the high value workmanship with shining chrome edges and the mirrored surface design have been imported from pricier models".

That sound pretty good I think. It's about time the average people could afford a nice mobile phone, that both works and is in trend. And as we are already used to, the new things are always the most expensive when they are released. So after a while this mobile phone will become even cheaper. And of course, others will release their own cheap and stylish models. It's the kind of trend I'm looking for. Nothing brings out the best of companies as the fear of competition.

Nokia Morph - mobile phone concept

I've seen it on Gizmodo and then I went over to Unwired View for the original article, and I simply had to write about it. Nokia proves again that they are one of the greatest names in the industry. I, personally, am a huge fan of Nokia's mobile phones. Any of them. Since the standby time is one of the key factors I take into consideration when I see a phone, Nokia beats the competition by the mile. That's my little narrow point of view.

And with this new phone, they're going to set new limits that others can't reach. From what I understand, the phone is not yet planned for mass production so we can't expect it to be available in retail stores any time soon. But then again, even if it would be, I don't believe there will be many people so eager to purchase it. Seeing as the Apple iPhone made such a big hype around it, another ground breaking mobile phone might not be properly appreciated so soon. It's not like we're made of money. Well, most of us aren't anyway. And speaking of costs, if it will reach the masses that is, let's take a little look at the technology it involves. According to Unwired View, the concept phone is made possible with the help of nanotechnology based flexible materials, transparent electronics and self-cleaning surfaces. That makes the phone flexible, stretchy and thus the user might be able to give it different shapes. I can just imagine future implications of this technology. The commercials might sound a little like:

Tired of the mobile phone giving you an uncomfortable feeling when you sit down? Tired of that pain in your thigh? Well rest assured, the new Nokia Morph will bend to your every desire!

OK, so that was corny. I guess that's why I don't work in marketing or advertisement. But you probably got the general idea.

In the end, let's take a look at that beautiful green piece of ... something. Look at the shapes, look at the infinite possibilities, just look.