What's Next in Mobile Phones

BlackBerry Fires Up Torch

2010-08-05T16:45:00.024-05:00

Combining a full touch screen phone with its first ever slide-out QWERTY keyboard, Research In Motion is firing up the BlackBerry Torch 9800. This latest BlackBerry smartphone is also the first to run the new BlackBerry 6 operating system.

This new addition to a steady stream of latest smartphones expands popular BlackBerry messaging solutions. It taps into AT&T’s advanced messaging features for SMS and MMS as well as AT&T's Locations feature, which allows one to easily search for points of interest. GPS is built-in for location-based applications and geo-tagging.

Upon release soon, the BlackBerry Torch 9800 smartphone will be available through AT&T and other outlets including Amazon Wireless, Best Buy, RadioShack, and Wal-Mart.

Samsung Lines Up Galaxy S Phones

2010-06-30T22:44:00.011-05:00

Looking to mix it up with other smartphone trendsetters, Samsung is multi-launching a series of Android-based phones from its new Galaxy S portfolio.

Unlike most smartphones, the Galaxy S phones will be available from all major phone network services in the U.S. But look for these phones under different names.

The AT&T release will be called Samsung Captivate. Sprint's version is slated as Samsung Epic 4G. The T-Mobile edition will go by Samsung Vibrant. At Verizon Wireless, the same phone will be branded as Samsung Fascinate. All four phones should soon be available in the coming months.

Two other versions are expected from U.S. Cellular and Cellular South later in the fall of 2010.

EVO Android Phone Steps Up To 4G

2010-03-25T15:42:00.002-05:00

The world's first Android phone to operate at 3G and 4G wireless speeds is coming by way of the HTC EVO. Over Sprint's 4G network, EVO could potentially deliver download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.

"Not only is this feature-rich device incredible on our Sprint 3G network, but Sprint 4G speeds will take mobile multimedia, including live video streaming, gaming and picture downloads, to a whole new level," said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO.

Scheduled for summer availability, the new HTC EVO 4G phone leverages the trendy Android platform to provide new features such as searching with pictures instead of words and built-in voice-to-text technology for easier composition of messages, plus speed-enhanced applications, widgets and games.

Waterproof Rugged Phone Dishwasher Safe

2010-02-28T17:18:00.007-06:00

Cell phones and water usually do not mix. Rugged mobile phones are not necessarily waterproof and certainly not dishwasher safe, until now. Look out for SEAL CELL, the "world's first cell phone to be washable and antimicrobial," according to manufacturer Seal Shield. Resistant to mold, mildew and odor-causing bacteria, the trendsetting waterproof phone allows regular cleaning in the sink or dishwasher to help prevent the spread of germs, viruses and bacteria. Planned for release soon, the SEAL CELL phone receives calls while underwater. Features include camera with video, flashlight, background noise elimination, walkie-talkie function, Bluetooth, GPS and a ruggedized touch screen.

Motorola DEVOUR Features MOTOBLUR

2010-02-04T21:25:00.007-06:00

The growing lineup of Android mobile phones is on the up and up as the Motorola DEVOUR comes charging in, complete with MOTOBLUR. DEVOUR is the first Verizon Wireless phone to feature MOTOBLUR, Motorola's content delivery service created to make wireless phones more personal and customizable. MOTOBLUR syncs email contacts with posts, messages, photos and more from sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

Rugged G'zOne Phone Goes QWERTY

2009-11-05T21:02:00.005-06:00

When rugged meets QWERTY, chalk one up for G'zOne Brigade, Casio's latest military-tough mobile phone. Brigade will be the first in the G'zOne series of rugged phones to feature a full QWERTY keyboard. The push-to-talk Brigade phone joins the growing trend of keyboard cell phones, in addition to offering the usual complement of G'zOne all-terrain features.

Blockbuster Goes Mobile On Moto Phones

2009-08-30T22:51:00.004-05:00

Blockbuster OnDemand movies are coming to a Motorola mobile phone near you. An exclusive application on select cell phones by Motorola will soon provide on-the-go download access to Blockbuster's digital library of movies. Said Kevin Lewis, senior VP of Digital Entertainment for Blockbuster: "People are increasingly relying on their mobile phones to stay connected to the things they love the most - including their favorite movies and TV shows."

Touch Pro2 Smartphone Comes To America

2009-07-31T23:22:00.007-05:00

With a touchscreen that slides back and tilts up to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard, the HTC Touch Pro2 smartphone is set to launch on the T-Mobile high-speed 3G network. The new stylish device in a mocha finish will make its U.S. debut in August. The HTC Touch Pro2 sports a 3.2 megapixel camera with auto focus and is stereo Bluetooth capable. The new touchscreen phone features Straight Talk technology, an integrated e-mail, voice and speakerphone experience, plus HTC’s latest TouchFLO 3D interface integrated into a customized version of Windows Mobile.

Nokia E71x Mixes Thin With Smart

2009-04-01T20:00:00.003-05:00

In a few weeks, Nokia is releasing the E71x which it describes as the thinnest QWERTY smartphone on the U.S. market. Exclusive to AT&T, the stylish, black steel-colored Nokia E71x comes as a thin phone package, with high-speed 3G connectivity and WiFi, and features a built-in mobile music player and a 3.2 megapixel auto-focus camera. "The E71x is a lean, mean multimedia machine for busy people who want Internet-on-the-go capabilities in the palm of their hands," said Nokia President Mark Louison.

Motorola Evoke Eyes Social Circles

2009-03-30T19:30:00.004-05:00

With messaging, a touch-screen QWERTY keyboard, and a regular slide-out keypad, Motorola is loading up the Evoke QA4 mobile phone for release in the second quarter of this year. Add integrated widgets, personalized RSS feeds and a full HTML browser, and the new Motorola Evoke QA4 should keep you well connected with your social networks.

Motorola Stature i9: Thinnest iDEN Flip Phone

2009-02-03T23:51:00.004-06:00

Motorola, Sprint and Boost Mobile are taking the wraps off the thinnest flip phone in the Nextel Direct Connect lineup. The Motorola i9 phone debuts at Boost Mobile in late February, followed by Sprint. A stylish multimedia powerhouse, Motorola Stature i9 features external keys for quick access to iDEN-based Nextel Direct Connect, Sprint's push-to-talk service.

Motorola's ModeShift technology allows the exterior keys to change and illuminate based on the user's current application, such as camera operation or the media player. Other Stature i9 mobile phone features include two large screens, GPS, Bluetooth and up to 8GB of storage.

Nokia 6700 Phone: Blast From The Past

2009-01-31T17:20:00.009-06:00

Modeled after the Nokia 6300, which first made waves back in 2006, the Nokia 6700 is headlining a trio of new Nokia phones expected in the second quarter of 2009. The 6700 classic is joined by the Nokia 6303 and the Nokia 2700.

The Nokia 6700 mobile phone comes with a 5 megapixel camera, GPS navigation with Nokia Maps, and high speed data access for fast video. The Nokia 6303 includes a 3.2 megapixel camera, a large 2.2 inch screen and pre-loaded Nokia Maps. The Nokia 2700 offers up to 2GB of storage, an integrated digital music player and a 2.0 megapixel camera.

Bejeweled Twist Game Slated For Mobile

2008-12-09T22:49:00.005-06:00

PopCap Games is prepping the mobile version of its highly acclaimed Bejeweled Twist puzzle game for release in the second quarter of 2009. Bejeweled Twist will be PopCap's fourth in-house title in its series of games for cell phones.

"Gamers anxiously awaited the launch of Bejeweled Twist on the PC, and it has more than lived up to players' expectations, which is why we're thrilled to bring an amazingly accurate translation to the mobile market, featuring all the same game modes and challenges as the original," said Andrew Stein at PopCap.

"The mobile version is well suited for gaming on-the-go, offering four distinct ways to play from fast-paced action and strategy to a stress-busting, Zen-like experience."

Bejeweled Twist Mobile is expected to support touch screen phones.

ROKR EM35 Ups The Sound Of Music And Talk

2008-12-07T20:11:00.003-06:00

Combining its CrystalTalk technology with virtual surround sound, Motorola is putting finishing touches to the MOTOROKR EM35 mobile phone and music player. This latest addition to the ROKR family tackles the challenge of taking phone conversations in a noisy environment. Using a two-microphone design, the ROKR EM35 helps eliminate background noise. Add built-in dual speakers, stereo Bluetooth wireless technology plus a suite of dedicated music control keys, this latest ROKR mobile device sounds like it rocks.

Latest Keyboard Cell Phones

2007-10-31T20:31:00.000-05:00

With text messaging quickly becoming a way of life, keyboard cell phones are becoming a must-have. What are some of the latest mobile phones with full QWERTY keyboards? Look up Virgin Mobile's Wild Card phone by Kyocera. Or if you are up for a Windows Mobile smartphone, check out the Samsung SCH-i760. And if you prefer a double-keyboard design, the Pantech Duo just kicked off that trend.

Football Fantasy In A Mobile Snap

2007-08-31T09:15:00.000-05:00

Football season is coming up and so is some help with football fantasy updates via cell phone. Mobile search and live mobile audio entertainment service UpSNAP, teamed up with Xtreme Fantasy Football.com, is providing "Fast Five Minutes" podcasts for your mobile phone.

The five-minute fantasy football updates are produced daily Monday through Friday. Said UpSNAP CEO Tony Philipp: "With a simple text message and no complicated downloads, mobile users will find getting the latest fantasy football information is a snap."

From your cell phone, text "Pod ffootball" to UpSNAP's shortcode – 27627 (2SNAP) to get this free service.

Space Wars Mobile Game Launches

2007-08-08T17:58:00.000-05:00

Can your cell phone control the galaxy? It just might, if you are playing Space Wars - the latest of Cellufun's free games for cell phones. In Space Wars, you compete real-time against up to 120 other players for control of a virtual galaxy.

"The Space Wars experience is far-reaching and long-lasting because it offers interactive features not normally seen in multiplayer battles," says Cellufun CEO Arthur Goikhman. "We’ve seen our beta testers take unprecedented and creative approaches to the game, such as launching coordinated attacks in waves."

An advertising-supported massively multiplayer mobile game (MMMG), Space Wars joins Cellufun's other free mobile entertainment content, such as MobilePets, Sudoku, The Battle for Orion's Belt, Why Chicken Why? and Chess.>>>MORE ...

Phonecasting Goes Live

2007-06-30T10:12:00.000-05:00

Call from your mobile phone - or any phone, record your own episode content, create a channel phone number, offer it to 3.5 billion cell phone subscribers worldwide, and you're phonecasting.>>>MORE ...

Who Is Watching Mobile TV?

2007-04-30T10:43:00.000-05:00

If you are male and young, you are more likely watching TV on cell phones. That's according to a survey of more than 2,000 mobile phone users. Two of every three mobile TV subscribers are male and nearly half are under 35, and they prefer to watch traditional-style mobile TV content - the "entire TV show" not a condensed version.

"While the use of mobile TV is a growing trend among mobile phone users, its current devotees appear to be the early adopters of new technologies," said Serge Matta, senior vice president of comScore Telecom Solutions, which conducted the study. >>>MORE ...

Mobile Infotainment Gets Wild

2007-02-27T23:31:00.000-06:00

The plight of rare and endangered wildlife is serious business for environmentalists. Now the Center for Biological Diversity has found a cool way to get the message out - through mobile infotainment. It's collection of free wildlife ringtones is both informative and entertaining. The national non-profit organization is hoping the cell phone ringtones from the wild will produce a ringing endorsement for the green cause.

Cell Phone Meets Wrist Watch

2007-01-29T23:45:00.000-06:00

Cell phones are not just for talking anymore, and wrist watches are not just for telling time anymore. What else is new? Cell phones and wrist watches are cozying up.

Thanks to Bluetooth wireless technology, you can check your wrist watch for the caller ID of your incoming mobile phone call - if you are wearing a Fossil Bluetooth Caller ID Watch. Instead of reaching for your phone in your pocket to see who is calling, just glance at the display on your watch.

The new link between cell phone and wrist watch is just what the doctor ordered for those times when you need to be at your cell-phone-etiquette best. This is a cell phone trend to watch; pun intended.

New Music Video Shot By Cell Phone

2006-11-11T16:25:00.000-06:00

When Italian filmmakers earlier this year shot an entire 93-minute documentary using a Nokia N90 cell phone, it was only the beginning of a trend. Now Rob Dickinson's new music video - "Oceans" - takes the nSeries phones to the next level.

"Oceans" is the second single from Dickinson's debut solo album, Fresh Wine for the Horses. The new music video was shot on the Nokia N93, a 3.2 megapixel cameraphone with DVD-quality video and Carl Zeiss optics.

"The great thing about the Nokia N93 cameraphone is that we were able to go anywhere with it. We didn't have to lug a camera crew around thanks to the luxury of such a compact and versatile device," said Mike Hodgkinson, director of the music video.

"We were able to get some very creative shots with it, even underwater and we also created an aerial shot with a bunch of helium balloons - we really pushed the Nokia N93 to its limits, and it responded fantastically."

The Nokia N93 connects directly to your TV for a widescreen movie experience and you can upload your images and video to online albums or blogs. You can also create and burn home movies to DVD using the Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0 software bundled with the Nokia N93.

Speak Your Mobile Text Message - Soon?

2006-10-31T13:00:00.000-06:00

If you like sending text messages but don't like typing or "thumbing" them on that tiny cell phone keypad, you are not alone. And if Nuance Communications has its way you may be dictating your text messages soon.

To showcase its Mobile Dictation solution last week, Nuance challenged Guinness Book world champion texter, teenager Ben Cook, to a public man-versus-machine duel. The speech solution prevailed handily, completing a 160-character standardized message in 16.32 seconds. Cook's time was 42.22 seconds.

But hold your horses; this technology is still in trials with the phone companies. So until you can speak your text message, try using a QWERTY keyboard cell phone, or brush up on your text message shorthand.

Let The Free Mobile Games Begin

2006-09-30T16:21:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the ad-supported mobile games program by Greystripe, you'll likely be playing more free games on your cell phone. If that's got you jumping for joy, then look for mobile game collections like Greystripe's GameJump.com to open up a strong new trend in free games for cell phones.

The more than 150 free games at GameJump include titles by Ozura Mobile. Said H.E. Mah, vice president of marketing for Ozura: "Greystripe has figured out a business model that is beneficial to game developers, advertisers and people who enjoy playing mobile games."

Now that's a win-win game play.>>>MORE Games For Cell Phones ...

Wanted - Frequent Mobile Game Players

2006-08-31T21:28:00.000-05:00

There's a new, up-and-coming trend in cell phones - mobile loyalty programs that reward you with some bling for your gaming skills. Case in point is Sennari's PrizePlay mobile games service. You get skill-based pay-per-play mobile games and redeem prizes right on your cell phone.>>>MORE ...

Webster Defines Ringtone

2006-07-07T07:42:00.000-05:00

The trendy word "Ringtone" is here to stay. It has just been added to Merriam-Webster's latest update of its Collegiate Dictionary. As defined by Webster, a ringtone is the sound made by a cell phone to signal an incoming call. Now it's official.>>>MORE ...

Mobile, Vision, Sound Meet At Moviso

2006-06-30T13:18:00.000-05:00

What happens when you bring mobile, vision and sound together? You get Moviso. Get it? Moviso is Infospace's creative mix for its brand new mobile entertainment online superstore.>>>MORE ...

Nokia 8800 Cell Phone Gets A Red Dot

2006-06-26T15:44:00.000-05:00

With cell phones fast becoming fashion symbols, design matters as much as technology. So which phone is top dog in design? The Nokia 8800 mobile phone has just filled that slot by winning the presitgious Red Dot award at the world's largest design competition.>>>MORE ...

Disney's Gone Mobile

2006-06-22T07:20:00.000-05:00

Just in time for summer, Disney has gone mobile and there's "magic" in it for all in the family - tweens, teens and adults alike. Disney Mobile is offering stylish cell phones with wireless voice service, text and picture messaging, and a broad range of entertainment and content.>>>MORE ...

qtags Kicks Mobile Advertising Up A Notch

2006-06-14T18:44:00.000-05:00

Be sure to hang on to your cell phone. Sooner than later, if not already, your all-purpose mobile phone will be your ultimate ticket or your discount coupon. So what else is new? Well add another advertising program to the growing cast of mobile ticketing and coupon services. This one's called qtags.>>>MORE ...

Ultra-Thin Cell Phones Getting Thinner

2006-05-26T11:17:00.000-05:00

Motorola has found the perfect "diet" - for cell phones. It just announced the next four-letter-series phone to be known as SCPL, pronounced Scalpel. The word is that SCPL will be thinner than RAZR or SLVR. How thin can they go? For starters take a look at how skinny the latest ultra-thin cell phones have become, then stay tuned.>>>MORE ...

LG FUSIC Phone Ready To Rock

2006-05-24T21:59:00.000-05:00

How do you combine fun and music all in one device? It's called FUSIC, and that's the name of the latest trendsetting cell phone from LG. The new LG FUSIC phone is the first in the U.S. with an FM radio transmitter.>>>MORE ...

Mobile Phones Poised To Overtake PCs

2006-04-29T10:07:00.000-05:00

Mobile phones could soon rival the PC as the dominant Internet platform in some markets, according to a new study by global market research firm Ipsos Insight. See why it's thumbs up for mobile browsing.>>>MORE ...

Kyocera's New Cell Phone For Teens

2006-04-25T01:35:00.000-05:00

Text-happy teens should have something new to smile about when Kyocera's latest camera phone with QWERTY keyboard hits the market in late April. It looks like a pretty complete package.>>>MORE ...

Jitterbug Swings Simpler Mobiles For Seniors

2006-04-05T02:34:00.000-05:00

If Samsung has its way, baby boomers will soon be making great calls on simpler cell phones. Jointly developed by Samsung and GreatCall, the Jitterbug cell phone for seniors promises an unprecedented level of wireless simplicity for boomers and their parents.>>>MORE ...

Satellite Radio Coming To Cell Phones?

2006-03-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

It's only a matter of time before satellite radio hooks up with cell phones. But that's not soon enough for some. While the business plans for mobile are reportedly still being conceived at XM and Sirius, some techies are already pushing the envelope to bring satellite radio to cell phones. Here's the low down on what's cooking.>>>MORE ...

Are Your Text Messages Short Enough?

2006-03-22T15:47:00.000-06:00

Text messages should be short and quick. But do coded cell phone text messages like "CU L8R M8!" or "IUKWIM" leave you puzzled? It's NBD (No Big Deal). Here's a tip - there's an online collection of text message shorthand and acronyms just for you. Even mobile phone texting experts will likely learn a thing or two.>>>MORE ...

Navigating By Cell Phone Gets Trendy

2006-02-28T20:28:00.000-06:00

Will the cell phone become the navigational device of the future? With turn-by-turn driving directions now being delivered as a new class of cell phone services, we are well on the road to the future. The new VZ Navigator fits this trend.>>>MORE ...

Cell Phone - The New Fitness Coach

2006-02-27T20:26:00.000-06:00

There's a new coach in town. Thanks to a suite of applications just released by Sprint-Nextel, your cell phone could provide the "push" for that extra mile of triathlon training or for that long walk around the neighborhood. Add physical fitness to the benefits of cell phones.>>>MORE ...

New Music Phone - SLVR Plays iTunes

2006-01-31T20:41:00.000-06:00

For those who think Motorola's ROKR hit the rocks, there's a silver lining in the clouds. The just-released ultra-thin Motorola SLVR L7 with iTunes comes rocking with expandable memory and lots of multimedia gizmos.>>>MORE ...

Bratz Mobile Phone - One For The Girls

2006-01-26T19:41:00.001-06:00

MGA Entertainment, maker of Bratz fashion dolls and accessories, has teamed up with Ztar Mobile to launch the Bratz Mobile phone, providing young girls with a new gadget for staying in touch with parents and friends.

The handset for this mobile phone comes from Sony-Ericsson. The word is that Walmart will carry the new gadget. Add one more to the growing list of cell phones for children.>>>MORE ...

Mobile Box Office For Cell Phones

2006-01-16T23:46:00.000-06:00

So much for ticket lines. Your cell phone is packing a lot more punch than you ever imagined. Now it can even buy your way to entertainment events - thanks to Mobile Box Office, which sends bar-coded messages to mobile phones.>>>MORE ...

Life's Good - Migo Phone For Little Kids

2006-01-05T20:27:00.000-06:00

The only thing more popular than the "cell phones for children" trend is the ongoing debate about cell phones for children. Add one more to the latest phones for kids - LG's VX1000, also known as the LG Migo.

It's in good company with the growing list of kid phones such as Firefly Mobile, Wherifone, iCare and Hasbro's toyish CHATNOW.>>>MORE ...

Most Wanted: Two-Day Battery Life

2005-12-12T14:28:00.000-06:00

What do consumers want most from future all-in-one cell phones? According to research by TNS, over 75 percent of mobile phone and PDA users in the U.S. rate "two-days of battery life during active use" as the most important feature.>>>MORE ...

Mobile Ticketing On Cell Phones

2005-11-30T23:59:00.000-06:00

Forget the cereal boxes. And look for redeemable two-dimensional tickets and coupons delivered through your mobile phone. Tickets and coupons by cell phone is becoming a likely scenario in your future.>>>MORE ...

TV Show Features "Talk" Ringtone

2005-11-29T18:12:00.000-06:00

What happens when CSI: NY investigator Danny Messer's cell phone rings to the tune of "Talk" by Grammy Award-winning band Coldplay?

Find out Wednesday, November 30, as television, music and cell phones link up in an upcoming episode of CSI: NY - the CBS TV drama series.

Then right after the show, you may want to download a ringtone from "Talk" in realtone format onto your cell phone.>>>MORE ...

Cell Phone Solution - Look 'Ma, No Clicks

2005-11-18T19:20:00.000-06:00

A new solution from Motorola now puts the mobile phone home screen zero clicks away from wireless Web content and cell phone services, including news, sports and entertainment. Motorola dubs it SCREEN3. With no buttons to push or browsers to launch, hello SCREEN3.>>>MORE ...

Jay Leno Goes Mobile

2005-11-06T22:12:00.000-06:00

You can now get your laughs on demand, with access to video segments from "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on your mobile phone, as part of Sprint TV service. TV on mobile phones is closer than you think. It's coming to a cell phone near you.>>>MORE ...

Have iPod Will Text-Message

2005-10-25T11:26:00.000-05:00

What do iPods and cell phones have in common? Well get this - iPod users are 2.5 times as likely (as non-users) to exchange text messages on cell phones, and three times as likely to take photos with a camera phone. That's according to a new Intelliseek study of 660 online consumers.>>>MORE ...

Samsung Phone Breaks Storage Barrier

2005-10-17T22:55:00.000-05:00

Samsung has taken cell phones to the next level with its release of the SPH-V7900 mobile phone. The new model packs a whopping three gigabytes of embedded storage. What does this mean for mobile infotainment?

You can cram three full-length digital movies into a cell phone or about 700 songs. Cell phones currently have a limit of about 300 songs or one gigabyte.

Coming at a time when storage capacity has become a key metric for the latest music phones, Samsung's direction is great news. The storage barrier has been broken. And it won't be the last time. You can count on it. >>>MORE ...

Remember Birthdays - Wirelessly

2005-10-13T06:31:00.000-05:00

Here's a tip for a free mobile phone service to help keep you in good standing with family and friends. Never forget a birthday again, with the text message-based reminder and mobile greeting card tools at MobileBday.com.>>>MORE ...

Mix A Ringtone - On Your Phone

2005-10-07T10:11:00.000-05:00

New options for cell phone ringtones are emerging. For example, Sprint's ToneMaker DJ service allows customers to create original Music Tones right on their mobile phones. So what will it be - Hip Hop, Rock, Funk, Electronic or Dancehall? You decide.>>>MORE ...

Barbie's Got A Brand New Phone

2005-09-16T14:50:00.000-05:00

Cell phones for children are hot. Not to be outdone, Barbie's getting a brand new phone and this time, it's not a toy. Mattel and Nokia have teamed up with Single Touch Interactive to deliver a doll-themed prepaid cell phone for children.>>>MORE ...

ROKR Launched With iTunes

2005-09-08T11:51:00.000-05:00

The gadget "formerly known as the mobile phone" just got kicked up a few more notches - in the direction of mobile infotainment. With yesterday's release of the Motorola ROKR with iTunes, your favorite songs from the iTunes collection on your Mac or PC are headed to your cell phone. Thanks to Motorola, Apple and Cingular.>>>MORE ...

Napster Does Cell Phones

2005-08-31T13:57:00.000-05:00

Napster is not just for MP3s anymore. Count cell phones in with Napster-compatible mobile gadgets. The music subscription service today announced mobile phone models that may download tracks from its 1.5 million-plus song catalog. >>>MORE ...

It's Showtime For Nokia 20Lives Game

2005-08-29T15:04:00.000-05:00

The countdown is on for Nokia's latest interactive adventure - the sequel to Nokia Game. Beginning today, mobile phone users can register to participate in the new Nokia 20Lives game challenge, scheduled for September 19 through October 13 across 21 countries in 11 languages. It's another day, another life. >>>MORE ...

Teens See Cell Phone As Social Necessity

2005-08-26T16:02:00.000-05:00

If a cell phone topped your teenager's back-to-school shopping list this year, welcome aboard. According to a recent IDC and SMS.ac survey of nearly 8,000 U.S. teens, ages 13 to 18 who use mobile phones, many in this age group perceive a cell phone as a social necessity - 35.9% of teens acquired their phones mainly to use text messaging while an additional 13.3% acquired them to talk with friends. >>>MORE ...

GPS Wherifone Knows Where

2005-08-18T07:44:00.000-05:00

It's late afternoon. Do you know where your kid is? Just log on to a Web site, enter your password to see a road map or aerial photo of your kid's location. Science fiction? Hardly - not if your kid is carrying the GPS Wherifone, a new mobile phone coming this Fall. >>>MORE ...

Mobile Phone Pockets Required

2005-07-21T08:33:00.000-05:00

Look for more cell phone pockets in clothing fashion trends. High on the list of features for apparel maker Dickies is the ever-useful cell phone pocket. Its Fall 2005 line of denim jeans includes the tech-friendly cell phone pocket.

What else is on tap fashion-wise? >>>MORE ...

Fantastic 4 Mobile Hits Phone Screen

2005-07-15T02:19:00.000-05:00

Long after you watch Fantastic 4 on the big screen, your cell phone could remind you of scenes and voices from the new movie. Thanks to a suite of Fantastic 4 mobile products - games, wallpapers, cell phone themes, voice tones, ringtones and ringbacks. >>>MORE ...

What's Your Cell Phone CQ?

2005-07-06T23:01:00.000-05:00

It's National Cell Phone Courtesy Month and time to rate your CQ - as in courtesy quotient. Wireless carrier Sprint wants you to know how well you mind your mobile mannners. And there's an online quiz and lots of tips. >>>MORE ...

Can You See Me Now?

2005-06-30T00:50:00.000-05:00

A newly released eyewear gadget could make watching videos by cell phone a lot more attractive. Connected to a mobile phone, portable DVD player or digital camera, Teleglass projects high-resolution video on eyeglasses, creating a virtual 28-inch TV screen as viewed from seven feet away, says the Tokyo-based manufacturer. >>>MORE ...

Wimbledon Goes Mobile

2005-06-23T02:26:00.000-05:00

In a big boost for mobile infotainment, Wimbledon's first officially licensed cell phone tennis game, "Wimbledon 2005," has been launched in North America and Europe. Mobile carriers Verizon and Cingular will offer the new game as part of their cell phone services. Sounds like a winner for tennis buffs. >>>MORE ...

Japan Indicates Future Wireless Trends

2005-06-15T01:38:00.000-05:00

The mobile phone will evolve from a communication tool to an integrated communication device, media terminal, credit card and remote control, according to a new report by Ireland-based Research and Markets.

"Insights from the Japanese Wireless Market 2005" looks at the world's most advanced mobile market, Japan, for clues on how mobile technology and consumer behavior will evolve. >>>MORE ...

Mobile Users Prefer Musical Ringtones

2005-06-10T17:34:00.000-05:00

According to M:Metrics, 24.58 million U.S. mobile subscribers - 13.6 percent - downloaded a ringtone in April 2005, with nearly half purchasing tones from the Web.

The monthly benchmark survey also found that overwhelmingly, consumers prefer musical ringtones to sound effects or voice ringtones. Ninety-three percent of respondents said they downloaded a musical ringtone in April, with twenty-three percent of these subscribers downloading more expensive mastertones, or actual recordings of songs. >>>MORE ...

Who's Talking More - Wirelessly?

2005-06-03T23:29:00.000-05:00

For the fifth consecutive year, men continue to out pace women in cell phone usage, according to an annual survey conducted for Cingular Wireless.

Men talk 35 percent more on their wireless phones than women, more than double the 16 percent lead men held in 2004. Men are using an average of 571 minutes a month, compared to an average of 424 wireless minutes a month for women. >>>MORE ...

Goodbye "Ring-Ring," Hello Ringback Tones?

2005-05-25T18:00:00.000-05:00

As a caller, when you dial a cell phone number - or a regular telephone for that matter, you typically hear the standard "ring-ring" until the phone is answered at the other end. That's been normal, perhaps since the telephone was invented. But maybe not much longer.

If MyCaller, a fledgling cell phone solution, follows the cell phone ringtones craze, "ring-ring" may soon become ringback tones.

What are ringback tones? They can be music or other personalized sounds played based on a profile selected by the mobile phone subscriber you are calling. Ringback tones are similar to ringtones but work quite differently. >>>MORE ...

Chalk One Up For Camera Phones

2005-05-19T15:32:00.000-05:00

It's cell phones to the rescue. Just as the major cell phone carriers are expanding broadcasts of "missing child" Amber Alerts to cell phones via text messaging, Dallas, Texas, police is encouraging you to snap a picture with your camera phone if you witness a crime and it is safe to do so.

Case in point - according to a Dallas NBC TV affiliate news report, a cell phone camera photo taken by a bystander has provided the lead police needed in a slaying outside a west Dallas gas station last Friday.

Although camera phones can be abused, cell phones and camera phones have tremendous practical benefits and applications.

New Cell Phone May Be What The Doctor Ordered

2005-05-17T13:54:00.000-05:00

What will they think of next. A new sporty cell phone by Nokia comes loaded with a Fitness Coach application - a personal trainer that encourages you to go the extra mile while exercising; an FM radio to keep you company if you are not already using the phone's audio messaging feature; and thanks to its camera phone, you can make your very own highlight reel of your proud performance.

The Nokia 5140i is designed for fitness enthusiasts and hooks up to sports instruments and heart monitors. Sounds likes an athlete's dream cell phone. >>>MORE ...

A Rugged Cell Phone For Hard Knocks

2005-05-12T10:06:00.000-05:00

Most cell phones are not built for hard knocks; they are not designed to be dropped too often, if at all. If you are prone to dropping yours, you may need a rugged cell phone. Here's a tip.

Nextel and Motorola have just released the Motorola i605, said to be the first rugged Bluetooth cell phone. It is designed primarily for industrial use, but it just might do the trick for consumers who need a durable phone. The i605 is not a bad looking phone either. Take a look. >>>MORE ...

A Round of Golf By Cell Phone Anyone?

2005-04-24T20:04:00.000-05:00

It's a rainy day around here - not a good day to be on the golf course. But maybe a round of golf with your friends is still a great idea - not on the golf course, but over your cell phones. Remember cell phones are not just for talking anymore. Some phones like Nokia's N-Gage models were designed specifically with gaming in mind.

Industry research indicates the trend in wireless phone gaming will produce a billion dollar market for U.S. telecom companies alone by 2006. Judging by this latest game called Golf Club 3D, the three-dimensional graphic effects are definitely on the up swing. >>>MORE ...

Cell Phone Data Eraser

2005-04-22T23:31:00.000-05:00

It's Earth Day and what better time to talk about recycling cell phones. Survey results published today say that over 47% of Americans hang on to their old cell phones when they get an upgrade. That certainly beats tossing cell phones in the trash, which would be bad for the environment.

But recycling is the way to go and there's a new tool that makes it easier to get your old cell phone ready to donate or sell. Called the Cell Phone Data Eraser, it provides a set of simple commands to clean your personal information from the phone. And it is free - that helps. >>>MORE ...

"The Spot Wireless" Turns One This Week

2005-04-18T14:25:00.000-05:00

Speaking of mobile infotainment, here's an early reminder about The Spot. Some call it the cell phone's wireless answer to TV reality shows. In any case, the web-based soap series will celebrate its one-year anniversary on Wednesday, April 20, with a special half-hour episode on www.TheSpot.com.

The mobile version of the soap drama is called The Spot Wireless. It is available to Sprint PCS Vision subscribers for $3.95 monthly and allows you to interact with the cast members via text and voice messaging following each Internet episode. >>>MORE ...

Mobile Infotainment

2005-04-17T17:13:00.000-05:00

What did we ever do without cell phones? Actually it wasn't that long ago when there were no cell phones. But look how far we have come. And if the latest cell trends in cell phones are any indication, we have barely seen the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

The cell phone is fast becoming the centerpiece of a new information and entertainment delivery mechanism like no other - mobile infotainment. Cell phone "bells and whistles" now include MP3 players, video recorders, radio-TV programming and, of course, digital cameras.

Does your cell phone do all that? Either way, you'll be ready for an upgrade sooner than later. But will you really be ready? Are you up on all the latest and greatest phones?

Let me introduce you to info4cellphones.com, a web site about what the cell phone is turning into - much more than just a cell phone.

Here's the plan. I'll periodically blog a summary of what's new in cell phones here for you, then you can click over to the web site if you want more information on:

Latest Cell Phones & Trends
Current Reviews of Cell Phones
Practical Benefits of Cell Phones
Tips & Tools for the Best Deals on Cell Phones

There's lots of helpful information to get you up to speed and keep you updated on what's new with cell phones and the trends in mobile infotainment.