All4SmartPhone.com

[#23] New Sony Memory Stick Pro Boasts 2GB

Sony has announced the roadmap for new Memory Stick storage devices, including a 2GB module that should be available in November.

Sony Electronics is providing Memory Stick PRO media users with an expanded range of enhanced media that not only offers higher capacities and are high-speed read and write capable, but are also compatible with a vast array of current Memory Stick PRO devices.

The updated Memory Stick PRO (High Speed) media features capacities of up to 2GB in the standard-size media and 1GB in the Memory Stick PRO Duo media size and are designed to support both read and write speeds of up to 80Mbps (10MB/s.). Among the fastest in the flash media industry, this higher speed will be especially beneficial for transferring data-intensive images, such as high-resolution digital photos, to and from PCs and other devices that may incorporate a high-speed parallel data transfer interface in the future.

"With the introduction of this faster speed Memory Stick PRO media, we are preparing for the development of new applications and devices that will demand high reading and writing speeds," said Mike Kahn, senior product manager of digital imaging accessories for Sony Electronics. "Higher quality, more data-intensive video capture might be one such application, but engineers now have the latitude to dream up even more."

"By year's end at least one-third of American households will be able to take digital photos," said Chris Chute, senior analyst with IDC. "As the trend for higher-megapixel cameras continues to increase, Sony and other manufacturers who offer large capacity, high-speed memory cards will be at the forefront of the flash memory market."

The high-performance media also offers greater reliability in extreme temperatures with an improved operating temperature range of -13°F to 185°F. Whether your Memory Stick PRO media is in your backpack on the ski slopes or in the trunk of your car on a hot summer day, you can trust your media will perform as expected. Sony will offer this expanded reliability on all Memory Stick PRO media beginning this fall.

Easily recognizable by its striking new red color and "High Speed" marking, Memory Stick PRO (High Speed) media will be available later this year as follows:

October:

• 256MB Memory Stick PRO (High Speed)
• 256MB Memory Stick PRO 256MB Memory Stick PRO
• 512MB Memory Stick PRO (High Speed)
• 512MB Memory Stick PRO
• 1GB Memory Stick PRO (High Speed)
• 256MB Memory Stick PRO Duo (High Speed)
• 512MB Memory Stick PRO Duo (High Speed)

November:

• 512MB Memory Stick PRO Duo
• 1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo (High Speed)
• 2GB Memory Stick PRO (High Speed)

On top of its improved line of Memory Stick media, Sony is announcing the general availability of its versatile three-in-one USB reader/writer. The new MSAC-USM1 USB reader/writer will feature slots that accept standard-size Memory Stick and Memory Stick PRO media, the smaller Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo media, as well as MicroDrive and CompactFlash (Type I/II) cards. It will accommodate the petite Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo media without the use of an adaptor.

Along with the flexibility for transferring files among digital devices, the MSAC-USM1 reader/writer will also allow users to transfer content from one media card to another without first saving to a PC. The reader/writer will work with USB 2.0 and parallel interfaces to achieve high-speed data transfers when used with compatible hardware devices.

[#24] T-Mobile launches Sharp TM150 megapixel camera phone

T-Mobile today released its first megapixel camera phone, the Sharp TM150.

This is also Sharp's first phone for the US market. It features tri-band GSM (900/1800/1900), a QVGA display (262,000 colors), SD memory card slot, and 40 chord polyphonic ringtones.The only thing that appears to be missing is bluetooth (as far as we can tell, it doesn't have it). A great handset none the less.

[#25] File encryption solution for text messaging

Nokia teams with Pointsec Mobile Technologies to deliver advanced security for mobile devices

Nokia and Pointsec announced that they have jointly developed a solution designed to protect enterprise customers' data on mobile devices. The new Pointsec file encryption solution enables the encryption of user data such as email, SMS and MMS messages, calendar and contacts as well as memory card data. The solution will be available for Nokia Series 60 and Nokia Series 80 devices, starting with the Nokia 9500 Communicator.

"Nokia strongly believes that security is a key enabler for business mobility," comments Panu Kuusisto, Director, Alliances at Nokia Enterprise Solutions. "As devices become increasingly sophisticated and more company sensitive information is stored on them, it is vital to bring the same level of security to mobile devices as currently exists on wired IT devices such as laptops."

"Mobility significantly boosts the employee productivity and the capabilities of the real-time enterprise, but it also creates new security and management challenges", said Stephen Drake, program manager for IDC's Mobile Infrastrucutre Software service. "Organizations must begin to address both mobile security and mobile device management technologies such as data protection on mobile devices to safeguard confidential information from getting into wrong hands via loss or theft of a mobile device".

"We are delighted to cooperate with Nokia to be able to extend our mobile data protection solutions to also include the Nokia product range," said Peter Larsson, President and CEO for Pointsec. "Pointsec for Symbian offers not only powerful, real-time data encryption, but also unique PicturePIN user authentication that ensures data will not be accessed by unauthorized individuals."

Pointsec for Symbian OS also includes central management of security profiles, secure remote help and advanced data recovery in addition to third party device management support. Pointsec for Symbian OS supporting the Nokia 9500 Communicator is expected to be available in Q3 2004. The solution will be available through Pointsec VAR and system integration channels.

About Pointsec

Pointsec Mobile Technologies AB is a wholly owned subsidiary of Protect Data AB, publicly traded (PROT) on the Stockholm stock exchange. The company develops and markets access controlling and encrypting systems for stationary and portable computers, palmtop computers, smartphones, PDAs, etc. Pointsec Mobile Technologies has offices in Chicago, and Washington DC in the USA, Cambridge in the United Kingdom, Dьsseldorf in Germany, and Stockholm, Falun, and Sundsvall in Sweden. Pointsec is a registered trademark of Pointsec Mobile Technologies. All other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

[#26] Buy a Coke With Your Phone

Coca-Cola has developed a new Cmode automatic vending machine (Cmo2) as a next-generation automatic vending machine that supports NTT DoCoMo Inc's FeliCa-enabled mobile phones.

The Cmo2 is an advanced version of Coca-Cola's first Cmode vending machine (Cmo), which enables cashless purchasing of Coca-Cola products by nearing an i-mode mobile phone to the vending machine. The Cmo2 has added an interface that supports a contactless IC chip "i-mode FeliCa" in a DoCoMo mobile phone. The Cmo, its predecessor type, supports two-dimensional bar code and infrared communication.

Coca-Cola System will start installing the new machines from September 2004.

The Cmo2 can offer more convenience for the purchaser to obtain a product by a shortened delivery from selecting the merchandise, settling the payment to receiving the merchandise in 0.5 seconds. The purchaser can also play video game after the purchase using the LCD on the vending machine. With the new vending machine, the machine owner can set automatic discount sales during any designated time hours, automatic notification function when the products are sold out, the machine goes out of order, and so on. This will provide the owners with high added-value, the company explained.

[#27] New Samsung SGH-X460

Samsung mobile has released a new model with a integrated antenna

Our Czech colleagues from Mobil.cz have published early info and a photo relating to the release of a handset with the integrated antenna by Samsung – it’s the SGH-X460. The new Samsung SGH-X460 resembles greatly Samsung SGH-E100 in many features, except for the antenna that is built-in. The handset measures 85x44x22 mm and weighs 76 g.

[#28] New NEC models

NEC Telecommunications, a new brand in China created by NEC Corporation has plans to release three new mobile handsets, the N109, N100 and N110.

These target a wider range of people, from business to individuals, with friendly, simple and stylish designs. They are equipped with 300,000 pixels digital camera with various camera functions, 2.0 inch color large TFT screen with 65,000 colors, 40 polyphonic ring tones and also support JAVA.

"Get Personal" is a new branding platform to help NEC increase its awareness in the telecom arena and build brand loyalty in China. We are aiming to position the company as the most creative, leading mobile solutions company in China within 3 years. More than 20 varieties of mobile terminals will be introduced in China this year. This new branding strategy will be a dynamic step towards strengthening NEC's presence in the Chinese mobile market." said Brian Lu, President of NEC Telecommunications (China).

"Our latest challenge regarding current brand perception is to create a unique, human and user-friendly image, showing NEC`s deeper level of communication with consumers by defining ourselves as a "people company," which proactively reaches out to customers to gain knowledge about their needs in China. Then, customers can acquire not only the latest state-of-the-art technology but also a mobile phone that suits their own taste." said Wang Shanqi, Vice President and marketing director at NEC Telecommunications (China).

[#29] Another Mobile for the elderly

The Secufone offers a conventional GSM mobile phone, combined with always-on GPS and easy alarm reporting. Great for grandma.

Bringing the lifecall concept into the 21st century, the Secufone by the company of the same name offers up to date phone functionality combined with emergency location reporting for the elderly or disabled.

The Secufone is a simplistic candybar design measuring 66.0 x 139.0 x 24.9 mm and weighing a hefty 160 grams. It is dominated by a large color TFT touch screen. There is no numeric keypad, only four buttons on the front to let the user place calls out of the built-in address book. There are two address books, one with up to 60 numbers with name and picture caller ID and a secondary address book with 200 more numbers. As it lacks a keypad or camera, the address book is programed via USB connection to a PC.

Most other features of the Secufone are fairly typical these days. It offers a tri-band 900/1800/1900 GSM radio and GPRS connectivity for data. It includes a handsfree kit and supports ring tones and a vibrating alert. However, the Secufone also includes a large red "Alarm" button on top that automatically places an emergency call to Secufone. Intended for users who may need rapid access to emergency services, it is aimed at the elderly and disabled as well as professions such as doctors, security staff, and taxi drivers. The phone also includes an always-on integrated GPS receiver so that as soon as a call is placed it can report the user's location to the human operator on the other end. Because of the power draw of the GPS receiver, the battery is rated for only 24 hours of standby or 5 hours of talk time.

The Secufone is expected to be available in August or September of this year in both Europe and the United States.

[#30] 3.1 million pixel handset with TV

Pantech & Curitel today releases the PH-S5000V 3.1 million pixel handset which enables customers to enjoy TV

The phones key feature, of course, is the 3.1 megapixel digital camera. The camera includes a mechanical shutter for automatically adjusting to light and motion conditions, as well as auto-focus and red-eye reduction. Not surprisingly, it also includes a built-in flash. The other main feature of the PH-S5000V is the included MDC module that offers TV receiver, video recorder, and FM radio functionality. PH-S5000V includes FM radio support and both VHF and UHF broadcast television support, including both NTSC and PAL encoding standards, and is capable of recording up to 90 minutes of video from either TV broadcast or through the built-in camera, courtesy of the 1 gigabyte of internal memory. The phones also function as an MP3 player.

[#31] New Nokia Communicator

Nokia plans to launch the new Communicator early next month. The Communicator 9300 is similar to it's bigger brother, the Communicator 9500.

Nokia will unveil a new model in its Communicator product line, the Nokia 9300, early next month, a Swedish newspaper reported. Daily Svenska Dagbladet said the 9300 would be a smaller, cheaper version of the Nokia 9500 Communicator, which was introduced in February and is due to go on sale in the fourth quarter. The company views the launch of the 9300 as the most important event this year, for its new division Enterprise Solutions, the paper said.

A spokesman for Nokia, the world's largest mobile phone maker, declined to comment.

The Communicator is a mobile phone with a small keyboard, which allows users to read and write e-mails and access the Internet. Thanks to its limited laptop functions, it has become popular among people who travel a lot for work. Svenska Dagbladet said the 9300, to be unveiled in New York on September 8, would be priced at around 6,500 Swedish crowns ($861.4) in shops. The Finnish company expects the 9300 model to sell in greater volumes than the 9500, the paper added.

[#32] World's First Treo 650 Pictures

The first pictures of the upcoming Treo 650

First pics of the Treo 650 (not the 610 as rumoured) have emerged. A poster on the Treo Central forums has come up with the goods, and it looks like the Palm smartphone has a removable battery, new backlit keyboard and Bluetooth. There's also a 1.3-megapixel camera and a high resolution screen. Apparently none of the 600 peripherals will work with the new handset.

• Bluetooth
• High Res
• Totally Different Keyboard Backlighting System
• Video Recording Built In
• 1.3 MP Camera

[#33] Samsung SGH-i530

Samsung is one of the few companies to make both Palm OS and Pocket PC devices. Recently, it announced a new addition to its collection of Palm OS smart phones, the SGH-i530.

At the time of the announcement, little was known about the i530 aside from the fact that it is going to be an upgraded version of the company's SGH-i500. Now, however, telefonino.net, a site based in Italy, has what it claims is a detailed description of this model. According to this site, it will run Palm OS Garnet 5.2. Its processor isn't known at this time, but the i500 uses a 300 MHz Intel processor. The i530 will have 32 MB of RAM and an SD/MMC slot for extra storage.

The i530 will supposedly have a 324-by-352-pixel, 16-bit, TFT, touchscreen as its primary display. It will also include a smaller 96-by-128-pixel, full-color, OLED display on its exterior to display time- and phone-related information. This will be a tri-band GSM/GPRS (900/1800/1900) device. It won't support EDGE but its current data capabilities will allow users to send and receive emails and SMS and MMS messages. It will also allow web surfing and WAP.

Reportedly, the i530 won't have built-in Bluetooth short-range wireless networking. The smart phone will, of course, run most Palm OS applications and it will support playback of MPEG-4 and MP3 files. The resolution of its built-in camera is not yet known, but it is expected to be better than that offered by the i500. The Samsung SGH-i530 will be available in late spring or early summer. The company plans to give one of these to over 22,000 VIPs, athletes, and officials at the Olympic games in Athens, Greece this summer.

There have been unconfirmed rumors that Samsung is also developing a CDMA version of this smart phone for Sprint.

[#34] Samsung Rolls out Horizontal Handset

Samsung Electronics introduced the first mobile handset (SCH-V500) with swiveling screen.

The LCD screen can rotate 90 degrees into landscape mode. The ratio of the LCD screen can be like that of TV screens.Samsung said that users can enjoy multimedia services such as VOD and 3-dimension games through TV screen-like LCD. SCH-V500 adopted CDMA 2000 1x EV-DO and has 2.4Gbps of transmission speed and built-in megapixel camera. It can record 240 minutes of video clips.