Motorola Mobility and Nextel Launch Motorola i867w in White (Brazil)

By Editor on April 30, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Motorola Industrial Ltd and Nextel launched a white version of the Motorola i867w smartphone with exclusive Push-to-Talk (PTT) technology, designed for people with style and a lot to communicate. The new Android-powered smartphone offers instant high-performance communication, mobile Web access and text and picture messaging.

As per the company, Wagner Mendonça, iDEN sales director, Motorola Mobility Brazil, said that the Motorola i867w has a differentiated design that combines elegance with rapid communication. Whether one chooses the i867 for work, play, or both, the Motorola i867 lets one manage it all with best-in-class PTT and Android mobile technology.

The device is packed with features including Wi-Fi, 3.1 inch touch-screen, MP3 Player, Bluetooth stereo technology, a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a 3 MP camera. Store images, videos and music on the included 2-gigabyte microSD HC memory card, or replace it with up to a 32 GB card, sold separately, to hold even more data.

More than 500,000 applications are available to browse and download on Google Play and the five customizable display screens let you access frequently used items rapidly. Users can also follow their social networks and use Google Mobile Services, including Google Maps with Navigation, Google Talk and Google Search right on the handset.

The Motorola i867w is commercialized with the Nextel Email application, enabling access to email accounts and messaging in real time. It enables up to ten personal email accounts and one corporate account with calendar. The handset features SWYPE for easy text entry and has two microphones with noise cancellation technology, allowing clearer conversations in noisy environments.

Filed under Brazil, Latin America, Mobile, Mobile Smartphones and Devices · Tagged with Android-powered smartphone, Google Maps, Google Mobile Services, Google play, Google Search, Google Talk, mobile Web access, Motorola i867w, Motorola Mobility, NEXTEL, Nextel Email application, Picture Messaging, Push-to-Talk (PTT) technology, SWYPE, Text, Wagner Mendonça

Zuckerberg may launch the new Facebook phone with HTC (USA)

By Editor on April 26, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Rumours regarding the Facebook phone had been doing the rounds a while back, but were clarified by Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, to be false. However, with the overwhelming success of smartphones in the market recently, and majority of consumers using smartphones as their primary means to stay connected, the company may be rethinking the Facebook phone strategy.

According to latest reports, Facebook may have partnered with Taiwanese maker HTC to develop an Android based smartphone, which would enable Facebook users to access all the social website’s services via that mobile phone. Further, as the handset would be specifically built for Facebook, it may not include certain popular Google features such as Google Maps, Google Play and Gmail.

As per industry sources, the phone may be released towards the end of 2012.

Filed under America, Mobile, Mobile Smartphones and Devices, USA · Tagged with Android, Facebook, Facebook phone, Gmail, Google, Google Maps, Google play, HTC, launch date, Mark Zuckerberg, release date, smartphones, social website

Google Maps redesigned for Android Ice Cream Sandwich (USA)

By Editor on March 30, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Every day, millions of people turn to Google Maps for Android for free, voice-guided GPS navigation to guide them to their destination. So far, Navigation on Google Maps for Android has provided 50 billion kilometers of turn-by-turn directions, the equivalent of 130,000 trips to the moon, 334 trips to the sun, 10 trips to Neptune or 0.005 light years.

In the latest release of Google Maps 6.5 for Android Google has redesigned the Navigation home screen in Android 4.0+ to make it easier to enter a new destination or select from recent and favorite locations by swiping left or right, according to Google’s official blog.

For phones with a high pixel density screen, such as the Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy S II, Droid Razr and others, users will get higher resolution map tiles that take better advantage of the pixels-per-inch on the screen. The result is a crisper, less cluttered map that is easier to read.

The road network is easier to see, less obstructed by labels, and has more color contrast. At more zoomed-in levels, users will notice a more controlled amount of maps labels to avoid cluttering the map and blocking out street names. The new style also helps maps react faster to panning, zooming and twisting.

Google Maps 6.5 for Android now lets users choose to prioritize a particular transit mode (such as the bus or subway) and route option (like taking the recommended route, one with fewer transfers or one with less walking). Whether one just needs to get somewhere as fast as possible, or one wants to avoid the risk of a missed connection, users can get the transit directions that best suit them. Transit directions and schedules are available for 475 cities around the world.

To start using Google Maps 6.5 for Android, users can download the update from Google Play.

Filed under America, Mobile, Mobile App, Mobile services · Tagged with Android, Android 4.0, Android Google, Droid Razr, Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy S II, Google Maps, Google Maps 6.5, Google play, GPS Navigation, high pixel density screen, Ice Cream Sandwich

Apple introduces iPhoto app in new iPad for navigation services (USA)

By Editor on March 12, 2012 · Leave a Comment

U.S. giant Apple Inc has launched a new app with its latest LTE enabled iPad, offering users navigation service that is mapped from Apple’s own sources and does not require the Google maps feature. According to reports, till present Apple has been using Google’s resources for mapping data. However, the iPad maker has not renewed its contract with Google for the coming year.

As per reports, blogger John Gruber has said that Places still uses Google Maps, but the maps in Journals and slideshows are not using Google Maps and are Apple’s own stuff. Industry analysts have been speculating about such a service from Apple for a while now.

The new iPhoto app for iPad will allows users to edit photos with a number of advanced techniques, including lightening photos, adjusting the white balance and adding effects. Further, users will be given the option to share their photos through a number of platforms like Facebook and Twitter from inside iPhoto. Reports reveal that Apple claims it will sell iPhoto for iPad for $4.99. The app is also available for the iPhone.

This feature will help position the iPad as offering a variety of services and will also replace the use of other apps such as Adobe. The company is also updating its existing apps such as iWork, GarageBand and iMovie apps.

Filed under Mobile · Tagged with Adobe, Apple, Facebook, GarageBand, Google Maps, iMovie, iPhone, iPhoto app, iWork, LTE enabled iPad, navigation services, New iPad, twitter

Google Maps shows where Osama Bin Laden died

By Editor on May 2, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Google Maps has been updated with a pinpoint for Osama bin Laden’s compound in northern Pakistan.

The terrorist, who was reported dead Sunday night, was killed during a carefully coordinated U.S. military operation. The plan to kill bin Laden was put into action at Abbottabad, a city about 75 miles north of the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.

As elated crowds gather around the U.S. to celebrate, many Google Maps and Google Places users are posting “reviews” to the Place page to express their own elation. At the time of this writing, 233 reviews had been posted.

Filed under Mobile · Tagged with Google Maps, Mobile, Osama Bin Laden, Pakistan

Vodafone Czech Republic offers 3G coverage application

By Editor on March 28, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Vodafone Czech Republic in partnership with the server DSL.cz is offering an application with which customers can view a map with data on real speeds of mobile connection.

The application is designed for Android OS phones.

The application is available for free on the Android Market. The results of speed measurement can be shared on Facebook and Twitter. The application runs on Google Maps.

Filed under Mobile · Tagged with 3G coverage application, Android OS, Czech Republic, DSL.cz, Facebook, Google Maps, operator, twitter, Vodafone, Vodafone Czech Republic

NTT DoCoMo to sell Xperia arc from March 24 (Japan)

By Editor on March 22, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Japan’s NTT DoCoMo is all set to begin the sales of Xperia arc SO-01C smartphone nationwide from 24^th March.

The arc is powered by Android 2.3 and supports download speeds of 14 Mbps. It is a touch screen mobile featuring Wi-Fi connectivity, FM Radio, GPS, Camera, Email, Instant messaging, 3.5 mm audio jack, Google Maps and Media Player.

Filed under Mobile · Tagged with 3.5 mm audio jack, camera, email, FM Radio, Google Maps, GPS, Instant Messaging, Japan, media player, NTT DoCoMo, operator, Sony Ericsson, Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, Wi-Fi connectivity, Xperia Arc, Xperia arc SO-01C

MTN Nigeria, Samsung enter data bundle partnership

By Editor on March 22, 2011 · Leave a Comment

MTN Nigeria has signed a strategic data bundle deal with Samsung Mobile. As per the agreement, a number of Samsung phones will be loaded with exclusive MTN bundle that offers special free downloads, voice/video calls and a free MTN SIM card.

According to Samsung Handheld Director Fady Khatib, the phones involved in the bundle offer were equipped with Google Android operating system and Google mobile services, including Gtalk, Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps and application store. The phones are also equipped with Samsung Integrated messaging solution, which supports multiple emails, IM and personal information management solutions.

He added that each phone comes with a 12-month warranty and after sales support. The trio of Samsung Galaxy 5, Samsung Galaxy S and Samsung Galaxy Tab are the three devices that will be loaded with the MTN data bundle.

He stated that the new Samsung Galaxy 5 was 3G compatible phone and it was pre-loaded with social networking applications such as Facebook and Twitter, among others. It also comes with an exclusive MTN Bundle of 750MB of free data downloads and is valid for three months. The retail price for this bundle offer is US$205.66.

Filed under Mobile · Tagged with data bundle partnership, Gmail, Google Maps, GTalk, MTN, MTN SIM card, Niger, Nigeria, operator, Samsung, Samsung Galaxy 5, Samsung Galaxy S, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Samsung Mobile, voice/video calls, YouTube

Android captures 22% share of Global Tablet Shipment in Q4 2010

By Editor on January 31, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Latest research reveals that global tablet shipments reached 10 million units in the fourth quarter of 2010. Apple maintained first position, while Android soared and captured a record 22% global share.

According to sources, Global tablet shipments grew 120% sequentially to reach 9.7 million units in Q4 2010. Apple maintained first position. Apple recorded an impressive 75% global market share during the fourth quarter, but it has slipped from a peak of 95% in Q3 2010 due to rising competition from Android.

Android tablet volumes experienced 2000% sequential growth and its global market share soared to a record 22% in Q4 2010. The Samsung Galaxy Tab was the main driver of Android’s success, as the model was launched in dozens of countries and promoted heavily by Samsung. Tablet makers like Android because of its perceived low cost and an accompanying range of compelling media services such as YouTube and Google Maps.

They also expect Android to increase share of the global tablet market during the first half of 2011. Several models from major vendors are scheduled to hit retail stores, such as the Motorola Xoom. The growing base of tablets will make Android a more attractive platform for media developers in the United States and worldwide.

Filed under Mobile · Tagged with Android, Apple, global tablet shipments, Google Maps, Mobile, Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy Tab, USA, YouTube

Globacom launches tracking service

By Editor on November 30, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Globacom has introduced a new and affordable tracking device known as GloWatch. The technology assists subscribers to track the movement, speed and location of their mobile assets such as cars, buses, motorbikes and boats anywhere in the country.

It is a GPS/GSM-powered device and works by delivering a stream of SMS communication between the mobile asset and the subscriber’s telephone set.

GloWatch gives the user automated reports such as speed and trip reports as well as date and time of events if the device has been pre-set for such reporting. The device does not rely heavily on network resources as it uses only the Glo SMS platform.

According to Globacom’s Head of Value Added Services, Samson Isa, the new product has an advantage over other tracking devices on the market. While such other competing products only allow signal tracking, GloWatch enables the subscriber to listen-in and eavesdrop on every conversation in the mobile asset at any point in time.

He added that there are over 20,000 pre-identified land marks in Nigeria for ease of reference and location, which can be zoomed into on Google maps. Pre-loaded landmarks are also available, thus offering the subscriber a very user-friendly experience and ability to track the asset with any mobile phone with a Glo SIM. GloWatch was developed to help tackle the menace of thieves. The subscribers can now sleep with both eyes closed while GloWatch watches over their mobile assets.