Mobility Phones - Mobile Phones

The latest survey of GSM/EDGE network deployments by GSA, the Global mobile Suppliers Association, highlights continuing expansion of GSM/EDGE networks and services across the globe. The survey results are summarized in a new EDGE Fact Sheet, confirming that EDGE networks are now commercially launched in 147 countries, compared to 113 countries in May 2007.The GSA survey identified 363 EDGE network commitments in 165 countries (May 2007 = 287 commitments, 142 countries), including 313 EDGE commercial network launches in 147 countries (May 2007 = 223 launches, 113 countries).

EDGE is now widely available throughout Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For example, EDGE is now available in several new markets in Africa. Throughout the world, many operators have made significant investments to enhance the capacity and coverage of existing networks, often extending EDGE capabilities to their full GSM coverage area.

A major driver for EDGE deployments is the capability provided to network operators to offer high speed Internet access to their customers. Over 60% of HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) network operators have also deployed EDGE for service continuity and the best user experience of mobile broadband services.

GSM/EDGE, a software enhancement to GPRS networks, is a mature global technology supported by a well developed ecosystem. The number of EDGE enabled user devices, including phones and PC datacards/modems, is estimated to have more than doubled in the same period to over 1,200 products now launched. The first commercial EDGE network was launched in June 2003. Over 75% of GPRS operators have since committed to the EDGE enhancement, delivering significant data traffic and revenue growth.

T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced that the company has taken the first commercial step in the rollout of its third-generation (3G) wireless network by launching its UMTS/HSDPA network in New York City. T-Mobile plans to continue the rollout of its 3G network across major metropolitan markets through the year. By year’s end, T-Mobile expects its high-speed data network will be available in those cities where a majority of its subscribers currently use data services.”The launch of our 3G network comes at a time when 3G phones and services are more affordable, capable and appealing to our consumer marketplace than ever before,” said Cole Brodman, chief development officer, T-Mobile USA. “We benefit not only from the economic scale of 3G, but also from the extensive commercial experience of 3G in our European markets. Today, T-Mobile USA customers already have among the highest adoption of data and messaging services in the industry. Through our 3G network, we look forward to delivering a rich portfolio of new and meaningful services to enrich our customers’ lives.”

T-Mobile’s 3G network supports voice and data services consistent with available service and handset offerings. The company today offers multiple phones that are able to operate on the UMTS network. The phones are designed to automatically connect to the best available network (3G or GSM/GPRS/EDGE) to provide the great call quality and rich communication services customers expect from T-Mobile.

Customers using a 3G-capable handset from T-Mobile will also experience faster data speeds when accessing the Web, or downloading content from the T-Mobile t-zones content portal, for example.

In the coming months, T-Mobile plans to offer its first HSDPA device, along with new and compelling data-centric, all-in-one devices that help make the most of T-Mobile’s high-speed data network.

The launch of the 3G network also enables T-Mobile to accommodate and serve more customers more efficiently through the use of its AWS spectrum, effectively doubling T-Mobile USA’s spectrum position, and laying the foundation for the company’s future growth. T-Mobile and the U.S. government, namely the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice, continue to work closely and effectively together to make available AWS spectrum that will give consumers access to the 3G network.

As the 3G service rolls out in targeted major markets, T-Mobile will continue to build upon its T-Mobile HotSpot Wi-Fi network — its wireless high-speed Internet offering that launched in 2003 — and its nationwide voice and data network, to empower customers to effortlessly stay connected using the best available network.

T-Mobile International is following a common technology path across all of its markets in Europe and the United States, from GSM/GPRS/EDGE to UMTS/HSDPA. T-Mobile USA greatly benefits from T-Mobile International’s 3G experiences in Europe, where adoption of non-messaging mobile data is growing dynamically; and with more than 120 million customers worldwide, T-Mobile International is able to generate significant global procurement synergies.

With this new revolutionary product, Sagem Communications launches a leading edge product that will address the market requirements for the ever increasing number of applications which implement embedded M2M communication. Utilising the latest GPRS technology in a module which is no larger than a stamp! The SAGEM HiLo module will give M2M developers the ideal solution they have been asking for, in terms of features, size, price, usability, and reliability.GPRS quad band with embedded TCP/IP stacks, SAGEM HiLo is perfectly suited to applications that have space limitations, which require a small and compact design, such as point of sales terminals, trackers and security.

With its extremely small size - 27×27 mm - and weight - 4 grams - the SAGEM HiLo is the smallest wireless M2M module available on the market.

Its very low power consumption (

Adroit Claretdene Infotech today announced the launch of a new mobile email solution — email@mobile which will allow worldwide mobile users to own a free mobile email ID which shall be accessed over any ordinary mobile phone capable of internet browsing.Users can now use their existing mobile phone with WAP 1.2 & above browser to wirelessly access their new e-mail box as well as register for new email ID through their basic mobile phone. email@mobile is the first solution of its kind which allows users to register for new email ID through a mobile phone.

Unlike other free Web-Mail services, email@mobile is built on the idea that users should neither have to rush to their computer nor buy an expensive mobile phone just for accessing their emails.

“So far people have heard the concept of Free Web Mail which allows one to check emails on one’s computer via a web browser, with email@mobile email IDs we have introduced the concept of Free Mobile Mail, accessible on ordinary GPRS enabled mobile phones, which will be more spontaneous, effective, and convenient” explained Arvind V. CEO with Adroit Claretdene Infotech. “There are companies providing mobile access to existing web-mail but the device compatibility and monthly subscription charges are the major constraints” Arvind added.

Users can read text/attachments, reply or compose new email, delete or send email, set up address book and avail other features what a web-mail program offers - from a basic mobile handset. Users neither have to buy any smartphone/PDA nor install any software on the mobile phone. All that is required is a mobile phone capable of internet browsing.

Users can sign up for this free solution at www.emailatmobile.com over a web browser or wap.email@mobile.com from mobile browser on the mobile phones.

Sony Ericsson today unveiled the T303, an attractive phone that is small and neat enough to carry with you on every occasion. This compact slider phone has been given the high-end treatment, with a mirrored screen, metal housing and chrome finish.Sony Ericsson T303

*Provides pocket-sized convenience

*Promises premium good looks thanks to a metal and chrome finish

*Does the basics well, whether that’s camera, Bluetooth or FM radio

Big in looks, mini in size

The T303’s diminutive size is distinctive for all the right reasons. Because it doesn’t take up much room, it’s perfect for those nights out when space is limited and not everything can come out with you. The T303’s compact size means that this phone will always be one of the chosen few.

Chic and smooth, reflecting your every move The T303’s metal and chrome finish makes it hard for those around you not to be impressed by its premium appearance. Its soft shape and smooth sliding mechanism make it a feel-good experience that you can enjoy every day. And the mirror glass display on the front of the phone goes yet further in making the T303 even more stand-out in its appearance.

Picture perfect

The T303’s megapixel camera is ready to take pictures in an instant. So if you come across the perfect shoes whilst out and about, but want a second opinion, just one quick snap and you can send a picture message to one of your friends. You can use Bluetooth technology to transfer photos wire-free from your phone to a compatible computer, and then email them to any number of helpful style-advisers. Or just to send the photos of a day’s adventure directly to a friend’s phone.

Play-as-you-go

With life being ever more hectic, it’s essential to be able to slow down the pace and take time out, whenever you get the chance. The T303 comes with a built-in FM radio, meaning you can tune in, chill out, and let time just pass you by. It also has its own media player and comes preloaded with Sony Ericsson’s TrackID feature. Record a clip of a song in a bar or cafe and find out instantly what track it is and who sings it.

Accessorise

The Protective Case IDC-22, part of Sony Ericsson’s Design Collection, gives you the opportunity to develop your stylish look still further. Not only will it help keep your phone looking good, but it also has room for all of those essentials–your credit cards, keys and your T303.

The Sony Ericsson T303 will offer designer good-looks without the price tag to match. The T303/T303c is a GSM/GPRS 900/1800/1900 phone that will be available in selected markets from mid 2008.

The T303a is a GSM/GPRS 850/1800/1900 phone that will also be available in selected markets from mid 2008.

The total number of 4G subscribers worldwide, including both LTE and WiMAX, is expected to exceed 90 million in 2013, but a number of milestones must be passed en route, according to a new forecast from ABI Research. At the end of 4Q 2007, says the firm, there were nearly 3.4 billion mobile subscribers worldwide, with 2.7 billion on GSM/EDGE/GPRS networks.Worldwide WCDMA subscriber numbers hit 180 million in 4Q 2007. ABI Research expects migration to HSPA+ to begin in early 2010, and migration to LTE will commence by the middle of the same year. Vice president Asia-Pacific Jake Saunders comments, “We forecast the total number of WCDMA subscribers (including HSPA) to approach 720 million in 2013.”

Research analyst Hwai Lin Khor adds, “Some operators may not be ready to move on to LTE, as the peak data rates of 100 Mbps downlink and 50 Mbps uplink are achievable only with a 20 MHz spectrum band. That is a luxury that most operators may not have, and many may be content with the capabilities of HSPA+ or settle for suboptimal LTE data rates with whatever they have at the time.”

“While the long-term roadmap for CDMA2000, especially in relation to UMB, looks more uncertain, CDMA operators are taking advantage of current upgrade possibilities,” notes Saunders. Many have upgraded portions of their networks to EV-DO Rev A during 2007 while new CDMA entrants start with Rev A. ABI Research expects the total number of CDMA2000 subscribers (including 1x and various versions of EV-DO) to approach 800 million by the end of 2013.

Offering customers the ability to stay connected through voice calls, email, and Web browsing around the globe, Sprint and Samsung Mobile today announced the upcoming availability of the Samsung Ace, a sleek, stylish and commanding smartphone powered by the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and Windows Mobile 6.The Samsung Ace delivers the versatility of a slim and compact smartphone combined with the experience of a personal computer, complete with Windows Mobile 6 capabilities. Operating in the U.S. on the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, the Samsung Ace provides clear voice calls, core PDA and organizational capabilities and easy access to exclusive Sprint content, including Sprint TVSM with more than 50 channels of live television and on-demand video and audio and On Demand with up-to-date information on sports, weather, news, money and more customized to the user’s zip code. With quad-band capabilities, the Samsung ACE also operates globally on CDMA and GSM/GPRS networks where Sprint has international roaming agreements. With the Samsung ACE Sprint customers can make or receive calls in approximately 180 countries and access professional and personal email, view documents and files, surf the web, and sync their Outlook calendar in nearly 100 countries.

Exceptional International Values from Sprint

Recognizing that cross-border trips into nearby countries make up a significant portion of travel outside the United States, Sprint provides clear value for its customers through the following offers:

* Canada Voice Pricing - All Sprint wireless calls placed within Canada are $.59 per minute regardless of the call destination. For $2.99 per month customers may subscribe to a special Canada calling plan and reduce their per-minute rate for these calls to $.20 per minute.

* Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam - Voice calls placed within any of these three countries where Sprint has coverage are billed the same as minutes used within the continental U.S for customers with roaming included in their service plan. Data roaming, available in Puerto Rico and Guam, is also billed the same way, allowing customers to use available services in these territories the same way they do in the continental U.S. based upon their individual data service plan.

* Special Business Pricing - Sprint offers a variety of special international pricing offers to enterprise and government customers under contract.

* Unlocked SIM Capabilities - In addition to taking advantage of any Sprint International Roaming services, Sprint customers can also use a third-party SIM for international voice and data services, giving them greater flexibility for their global communications needs.

* International Mobile Broadband Access for Laptop Users - Sprint is the only U.S. carrier to offer EV-DO data roaming in Canada and Mexico meaning a customer can use their Sprint Mobile Broadband cards in these North American countries for an affordable rate of $0.0002/kb, approximately $2 per Mb. Sprint also offers this same value for 1XRTT data roaming services in Israel and China

* North American Connection Card Plus Plan - For customers that travel to Canada and Mexico frequently they can take advantage of Sprint’s North America Connection Card Plus Plan which allows Sprint Mobile Broadband customers unlimited data usage with a laptop everywhere in the US, Canada, and Mexico for $109 monthly charge and a 1 year contract*.

In addition to its international capabilities, the Samsung Ace offers an impressive feature set, including:

* Slim, light form factor with a full QWERTY keyboard - The Samsung Ace measures 4.65″ x 2.32″ x 0.46″ and weighs just under four ounces

* Large 2.3″ TFT color display - perfect for viewing live and on-demand channels available through Sprint TV, as well as up-to-date information with On-Demand.

* Slide Click Wheel - Experience easy navigation between a multitude of applications

* Stereo Bluetooth Wireless Technology - Enjoy the convenience and versatility of hands free communication by pairing the Samsung Ace with headsets, car-kits and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

* External Memory - The Samsung Ace supports up to 2GB MicroSD card for storing music, videos and pictures.

* 1.3 Megapixel Digital Camera and Camcorder - Capture quality images with integrated digital camera and zoom. Shoot video clips to share with family and friends.

* View Documents - The Samsung ACE allows customers to view documents and files on the phone with Microsoft Office Word, Microsoft Office Excel and Microsoft Office PowerPoint.

Personal Computer Power in a Pocket-Sized Design

Thanks to Windows Mobile 6, the Samsung Ace from Sprint delivers a powerful personal computer to the mobile phone market with pinpoint connectivity across the globe. The Ace assists people in keeping track of contacts and schedules through Outlook Mobile, browsing the Web using Internet Explorer Mobile and viewing Word, Excel and PowerPoint files using File Viewer.

The Samsung ACE is available today in business sales channels, online at www.sprint.com and through telesales at 1-800-SPRINT1 for $199.99 with a two-year service agreement and $100 mail-in-rebate. The device will be available in Sprint retail stores beginning in March.

Sony Ericsson today announced two high-performance additions to its popular Cyber-shotTM phone range with the launch of the C702 Cyber-shot(TM) and C902 Cyber-shot(TM). The two phones, packed with the latest camera technology, make it effortless to take perfect pictures of those spontaneous moments - day or night, at a bar or the beach - and instantly share them with friends and family. Sony Ericsson C702 Cyber-shotTM - Take pictures everywhere* Splash and dust resistant* - perfect for your active lifestyle

* Single-handed camera use - for spur-of-the-moment photos

* Built-in GPS with location-based imaging - sort and view your photos according to where you took them

Never too extreme

You can use the C702 Cyber-shot(TM) in a range of different conditions, as its unique design means its both splash and dust resistant*. This means that whether you’re off-road or just off to the mall, your C702 Cyber-shot(TM) phone can always be at your side wherever you go, whatever you do. After all, the best camera is the one you have with you. Never miss a shot

The C702 Cyber-shot(TM) is engineered to let you take pictures in any position. The camera key and the active lens cover are specifically designed and placed so that you can stabilise the 3.2 megapixel camera and capture the moment with one hand - perfect for an active lifestyle. Combine this with steady-grip materials and a wrist-strap provided in-box, and the C702 Cyber-shot(TM) really is geared to go more places. Never lost The C702 Cyber-shot(TM) integrates GPS and a range of location-based imaging services that really add a new dimension to taking and managing your photos. When you take a picture, information about where you are in the world is automatically added to the image. So you can always share your best moments with your friends and family according to where the shots were taken. Or you can simply sort the picture through your photo gallery on the PC or on the web. If you are lost on your travels, Google(TM) Maps for Mobile locates and guides you to where you want to go, enabling you to roam free with confidence. Use GPS to pinpoint your location and then get turn-by-turn voice guidance to your destination. Find your way home or to one of up to 20 million points of interest. Sony Ericsson C902 Cyber-shot TM - The image and style statement

* Slim Cyber-shot(TM) phone with unique slide-out lens cover. Camera-ready in an instant * Stand out design - instantly recognisable

* 5.0 megapixel camera with Face Detection and Auto Focus. Always capture the best shot possible

* Illuminated camera touch keys. Intuitive guidance around the camera settings

The slim line C902 Cyber-shot(TM) will have everyone wanting to have their picture taken. Ultra-compact, stylish and with a unique lens cover that slides open to reveal the 5.0 megapixel Auto Focus camera, the C902 Cyber-shot(TM) sports a camera performance beyond its sleek and slim looks. The phone’s lighting dramatically signals when you are in camera mode by switching from white to blue. The eight camera touch keys come to life and let you choose between camera modes, Photo Flash, Face Detection and Auto Focus, and more with just one touch without moving your finger from the shutter button. Just shoot

With the C902 Cyber-shot(TM) you just need to slide open the active lens cover and shoot. The Face Detection and Auto Focus capability enables the camera to detect and focus on the face of your subject rather than the background, so that you can take sharp and high quality pictures of your friends. Night shoot

With the C902 Cyber-shot(TM) you can be confident of getting the perfect shot. The phone incorporates the latest in lighting technology - Photo Flash - giving you better quality pictures even in low-light conditions. Also, a light solution has been added to the established BestPic(TM) feature - which lets you take nine photos in quick succession, choose the best and delete the rest. So now you can use BestPic(TM) wherever you are, perhaps even to capture the dance-floor action in a club! Create your own multi-media slideshow

Use x-Pict story(TM) to add music and transitions to your gallery of photos and automatically create your own multi-media slideshow to share with your friends. Lights, music, action Store and share

The C902 Cyber-shot(TM) comes with a 160MB built-in memory - the equivalent of storage for up to 100 full resolution photos - plus the possibility to add even more memory with the Memory Stick Micro(TM) (M2) that can be bundled with the phone depending on the market. Easy transfer wherever you are

You can transfer the images on your phone to your computer by using the CCR-70 M2 USB Adapter, also announced today. Save your photos to the phone’s memory card, remove it and pop it into the CCR-70. You then slot the card reader into your laptop and all your photos can be dragged across! Delete from your Memory Stick and you’re ready to go and fill it up again with more memories. The C702 Cyber-shot(TM) is a UMTS/HSDPA 2100 and EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 phone that will be available in selected markets in Speed Black or Cyan Blue from Q2 2008.

The C702a Cyber-shot(TM) and C702c Cyber-shot(TM) are EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 phones that will be available in selected markets within the same timeframe. The C902 Cyber-shot(TM) is a UMTS/HSDPA 2100 and EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 phone that will be available in selected markets in Swift Black or Luscious Red from Q2 2008.

The C902c Cyber-shot(TM) is an EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 phone that will be available in selected markets within the same timeframe. The CCR-70 M2 USB Adapter will also be available in selected markets from Q2 2008.

HSL (Hay Systems Ltd), an independent mobile network operator and provider of mobile services, today announced that they have commenced a major project to deliver a GSM/GPRS/EDGE femtocell primarily suited for consumer use in a residential setting.HSL plans to market the HSL 2.75G Femtocell to existing BTS vendors, directly to mobile network operators and additionally licensing hardware and software intellectual property. The femtocell will also be used in HSL’s own network in the UK. Software running on the femtocell and the associated Base Station Controller (BSC) is being developed by HSL with the hardware and lower layer software being designed by a 3rd party specialist.

The femtocell is expected to ship Q3 2008. Further details will be announced during the GSMA Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona, 11th - 14th February 2008.

Magellan today premiered its Maestro Elite 5340+GPRS connected auto navigation unit featuring Google Local Search that enables users to get deep, location-specific information on the go. Scheduled to ship in Q1 2008, the Magellan Maestro Elite 5340+GPRS will be the first GPS model to enable users to search for local events — from concerts to local library events — as well as local businesses and services. Magellan will be showcasing its new products in its booth at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show booth (no. 31247) beginning Monday, Jan. 7, 2008.Accessible on the Maestro Elite 5340+GPRS connected navigation device is Google’s real-time local search enabling users to search the Web for businesses in a specific neighborhood, providing detailed, Internet-based information about those businesses — not just the business name or category. For example, users can search for “Star Wars” and find “Target” and “JPM Comics,” among others, or get recommendations for the best banana cream pie near their point of reference. Users simply type in what it is they are looking for and Google displays relevant results around the user’s current location or a user-specified location.

Through the new Maestro Elite 5340’s wireless GPRS connection, Magellan also delivers real-time traffic information, local weather forecasts, and makes it possible for users to wirelessly send addresses and notes to the GPS device directly from a PC with an internet connection. The user can send destination addresses to the Maestro Elite 5340+GPRS in advance of the trip or have someone at home or back in the office send information from the Magellan website directly.

The Magellan Maestro Elite 5340+GPRS is the company’s premiere GPS model. Like all of the newly introduced Elite models, it provides rendered 3-D landmarks and buildings; 6 million points of interest (POI); a USB port; and advanced voice command functionality. The Maestro Elite 5340+GPRS also features a 5-inch WQVGA widescreen; a 533 MHz S-Media 3362 processor; and the ability to perform deep searches on local areas and receive information sent from a PC for on-the-fly changes.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with Magellan to provide users with detailed, relevant local information while on the road,” said John Hanke, director of Google Maps & Earth. “Magellan devices are powerful, interactive tools for navigation and discovery that serve as a cutting-edge platform for Google’s robust local search capabilities.”

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with Google to provide GPS users with the most relevant local data available in a format that puts people in control of their travel experiences more than ever before,” said Nelson Chan, president and CEO of Magellan. “Google’s renowned expertise in helping users search and organize information adds a powerful and compelling component to our new Magellan Maestro Elite line. As the GPS category begins to expand beyond basic navigation and into more versatile exploration uses, the personal navigation device (PND) will become a primary resource for drivers and travellers to search for and access real-time information, monitor traffic information about their specific routes, and transmit data between communications devices.”

“Connected PNDs can offer much more than just turn-by-turn navigation,” said Chris Jones, vice president and principal analyst at research firm Canalys. “The successful vendors in this area will combine the compelling, dynamic services the connectivity potentially brings, in a device that is easy to use, has an attractive design, is affordable (both the device and subscription cost) and is well-explained to the customer at the point of sale. The partnership with Google will provide the owners of this new class of device with a familiar and trusted local search engine.”

The Maestro Elite 5340+GPRS is scheduled to be available at retailers in March 2008 for an estimated MSRP of $1299.

The Maestro Elite 5340+GPRS will be compatible with Magellan VantagePointTM, the only desktop application on the market that helps people manage their GPS maps, information, and other content and easily sync it to their devices. Through VantagePoint, which is a free download from http://www.magellangps.com, Magellan customers can personalize and expand their GPS experience.

Sony Ericsson announced the MD300, a state-of-the-art business tool that allows busy professionals to quickly and easily connect their PCs or laptops to the internet whenever and wherever they need. The first Sony Ericsson Mobile Broadband product with a USB interface, the MD300 is simple to install and start up. It comes pre-installed with everything you need to go online, including PC software.”The MD300 combines high data download speeds with simple installation and configuration, making it the ideal choice for busy professionals who demand no-compromise connectivity,” says Johan Tysklind, Marketing Director Mobile Computing at Sony Ericsson. “The MD300 is the first offering in our forthcoming portfolio of mobile broadband products that will combine Sony Ericsson’s dependability with a stylish form factor.”

As compact and easy to use as a USB memory stick, the Sony Ericsson MD300 is a mobile broadband modem that plugs into any standard USB port. With Microsoft Windows software and drivers built in, the card installs and configures itself when plugged in, making it a matter of seconds to get connected. Mac drivers will be available for download. The MD300’s simple, intuitive Wireless Manager interface makes using it a breeze. This PC interface will also enable instant access through a pre configured button to the PlayNow(TM) mobile entertainment experience from Sony Ericsson.

The MD300 is all you need to get your mobile office up-to-speed, whether you’re on a HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE or GPRS network anywhere in the world. It’s versatile enough to use with your laptop or desktop computer at home or in your hotel room, with its portfolio of accessories including the desk stand and USB extension cable.

The MD300 will be available in luxury black and metallic silver in selected markets from Q1 2008.

The MD300 at a glance:

Form USB 2.0 (__) High speed

Compact size, 70 x 32.5 x 15 mm HSDPA - Up to 3.6 Mbps, downlink

Integrated antenna design

HSDPA/UMTS - Triple band 850/1900/ 2100 MHz

EDGE/GPRS Band - Quad band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz

Operating Systems - MS Windows 2000, XP, Vista, MAC-OS X supported

Features/Enablers - Sony Ericsson Wireless Manager, Auto-installation and auto-configuration, 128 MB addressable memory for the user, Multi colour LED illumination indicating communication status, 24 supported languages, Sony Ericsson update services

The Nokia 6110 Navigator, which began shipping this week, will have its navigation capabilities tested as it accompanies actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman as they take the “Long Way Down” to Cape Town on BMW motorcycles. With the Nokia 6110 Navigator routing the path, best friends Ewan and Charley have begun their monumental motorcycle journey from John O’Groats, Scotland to Cape Town, South Africa, with a number of stops planned along the way. Long Way Down follows on from 2004’s Long Way Round where Ewan and Charley motorbiked around the world from London to New York over 115 days. On such an arduous motorcycle journey across some of the most testing terrain in the world, the Long Way Down team will be relying on all of the Nokia 6110 Navigator’s features to keep them on the right track, but also to meet all of their media, communication and navigational needs in one. Whether it’s checking maps, surfing the net for information, taking photos and video or just keeping in touch with their friends and family back home, the team will be able to do all of this and more with the Nokia 6110 Navigator.

“During Long Way Round we kept getting lost and had to rely on anything from landmarks to advice from locals in all sorts of languages to find our way, so getting a proper navigational tool for Long Way Down was a real priority” said Ewan McGregor. “We’ve been playing around with the Nokia 6110 Navigator before setting off and it’s just what we need to stay on track”.

The Nokia 6110 Navigator brings together GPS (Global Positioning System) and AGPS (Assisted Global Positioning System) functionality with always-on mobile connectivity in a feature-rich, compact device. Operating on WCDMA 2100 and GSM 850/900/1800/1900 networks, the Nokia 6110 Navigator will be available in shops across Europe, Asia, Middle East, and selected countries in Latin America.

About Long Way Down

Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman will take to the road together once more as they bike through Europe and Africa taking the Long Way Down. Along the way they will stop to experience African culture, meet local people and visit UNICEF sites. Starting at John O’Groats and finishing in Cape Town, Ewan and Charley plan on going down the East coast taking in such countries as Libya, Sudan, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Namibia before reaching South Africa. www.longwaydown.com contains all the latest information on the trip. Producer/ Directors Russ Malkin of Big Earth and David Alexanian of Elixir films will produce the six part TV series for the BBC.

About the Nokia 6110 Navigator

The Nokia 6110 Navigator offers instant and easy-to-use maps, routing and voice guided navigation available with the click of the phone’s one-touch Navigator key. Consumers can quickly and easily view their current location on the map, search for destinations, find specific routes, or locate services such as restaurants, hotels or shops that are nearby. Featuring full turn-by-turn 3D navigation, the Nokia 6110 Navigator suggests the best route to follow to reach a location by car or on foot. The Nokia 6110 Navigator also features AGPS (Assisted Global Positioning System) to ensure greater performance and faster positioning.

The Nokia 6110 Navigator comes with a local map pre-installed on the memory card ready for immediate navigation. Additional maps and content - such as traffic information, weather services and travel guides - can be purchased online and transferred to the phone. The maps also show thousands of points of interest, such as restaurants, hotels, shops or other services nearby the location.

 u-blox AG, the leading Swiss provider of GPS receiver technology, today announced the LEA-4R GPS module with built-in dead reckoning technology that will ensure 100% road coverage.Continuous coverage allows for GPS-enabled applications such as car navigation, emergency vehicle services, asset and vehicle tracking products and road pricing systems, which require accurate, uninterrupted navigation.

“The LEA-4R enables GPS-enabled applications that require non-stop road coverage,” said Thomas Nigg, VP Product Marketing at u-blox. “The tiny 17 x 22 mm module has a built-in USB port that eases data transfer by providing connectivity flexibility and bandwidth”.

u-blox’ dead reckoning technology uses sensors that detect travelled distance and turn rate, supplementing GPS data and thus providing an accurate position in tunnels, indoor parking facilities, roofed logistics centers, urban canyons and any other environment where obstructed GPS signals hinder positioning.

Its built-in Enhanced Kalman Filter algorithm uses a combination of GPS and dead reckoning data that counters the respective disadvantages of each approach. Depending on the quality of the GPS signal and on how well the dead-reckoning sensors are calibrated, the technology uses a weighted mix of both data, generating optimal accuracy and coverage results. The LEA-4R’s algorithmic approach also eliminates multi-path effects caused by high-rise buildings, position inaccuracies, and distortions from jamming sources.

Overall satisfaction among owners of Global Positioning System (GPS) devices is high, and consumer interest for the technology is exploding, according to a research report released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). GPS - Exploring Ownership and Interest revealed an 80 percent owner satisfaction rate, which was strongly influenced by the ease of use and display quality of the devices, which are used primarily for navigation assistance in a vehicle.”Convergence has spread GPS across multiple product segments resulting in greater consumer awareness and budding adoption of the technology,” said Steve Koenig, CEA’s senior manager of industry analysis. “The availability of new services like real-time traffic information will continue to drive this segment forward in the coming years.”

While GPS ownership is still relatively small at 18 percent of online consumers, CEA market research demonstrates growing consumer interest, with shipment revenues nearly tripling between 2005 and 2006. Nearly one-quarter (24 percent) of online consumers are planning to purchase a GPS device within the next year, spending an average of $410, which could result in sales reaching $4.1 billion in 2007.

The study shows that 33 percent of future GPS buyers are interested in owning a cell phone that has GPS/navigation capabilities, making navigation on-the-go even easier. In addition to in-car navigation, owners of portable or hand-held GPS devices cite other uses for the technology, such as hiking (18 percent), walking (16 percent), boating (14 percent), biking (7 percent), running (6 percent) and even flying (4 percent).

Palm and Globe Telecom introduced the Palm(R) Treo(TM) 680 smartphone, a GSM/GPRS/EDGE quad-band world phone, in the Philippines.(1)Globe customers will find the Treo 680 smartphone easy to use, slim and compact, yet packed full of features beyond its stellar phone capability, such as email, web browsing, messaging, multimedia, calendar, contacts and more.(2) Palm believes this product, which is available now, will appeal to feature-phone users who want a more capable mobile-computing device.

“Globe is proud to be the first operator in the Philippines to bring the Treo 680 smartphone, with its award-winning operating system and ease of use, to its individual and corporate subscribers,” said Jesus C. Romero, head of the Enterprise Business Group of Globe Telecom. “The Treo 680 is the right step toward helping our corporate subscribers move to a richer and more full-featured mobile experience that helps them work efficiently while on the move. This is the kind of innovation that Globe is committed to bring to the wireless voice and data market.”

With the introduction of the Palm OS(R) based Treo 680 smartphone, Palm is targeting new users in the rapidly growing smartphone and feature-phone markets. Market research firm In-Stat estimates that 25 percent of all wireless handsets worldwide will be smartphones by 2011. Research conducted by Palm suggests a substantial population of feature-phone users have not purchased smartphones, fearing they were too expensive and too difficult to use. The Treo 680 will offer an affordable, and simple way to get started and stay connected.

“The Treo 680 smartphone is reaching new customers and markets, exemplifying Palm’s dedication to expanding both geographically and demographically,” said John Hartnett, senior vice president, global markets, Palm, Inc. “Small, sleek and fast, the Treo 680 will attract a broader range of users who want an easy-to-use solution to manage and balance their work and personal lives while on the go.”

More information about the Treo 680 smartphone is available at www.palm.com/Treo680.

Swiss sensor and telemetry-system specialist Sensile Technologies will be relying on the GE863-PY module from Telit. This powerful and compact GSM/GPRS module from the international M2M specialist will be used in remote measuring systems for liquid-gas tanks. The order comprises 12,000 modules in total. The deciding factors in choosing Telit were the unique BGA installation concept and Python capability of the GE863-PY combined with the excellent support offered by the company.

The GSM-based LPG-SENTSTM remote measuring station from Sensile Technologies is a maintenance-free system which autonomously monitors the level of liquid-gas tanks. In order to ensure reliable M2M communication, Sensile Technologies has chosen to use the tried-and-tested GE863-PY quad-band GSM/GPRS module from Telit.

“Telit offers the best possible solution for Sensile Technologies. Our modules are extremely efficient and are ideal for cost-optimised medium- and high-volume telemetry applications thanks to features such as the BGA concept and Python script interpreter,” explains Dominikus Hierl, President Telit Wireless Solutions.

Successful cooperation

The cooperation between Telit and Sensile Technologies began in April 2006. In addition to Telit’s outstanding technical know-how, Sensile Technologies knows it can count on comprehensive support. M2M specialist Telit offers a high level of support during the product development phase, as well as direct support when the modules are integrated into the customers’ end units. Sensile Technologies has already benefited from the opportunity to use Telit’s own test laboratory to test and prepare its telemetry unit for the official EMC certification procedure.

“We are very pleased with our choice. We were impressed with the technical performance of the GE863-PY, and Telit provided excellent support during the product development stage. That kind of support is rare and could certainly benefit other companies,” said Cédric Morel, Managing Director Sensile Technologies.

“Sensile Technologies is an important customer for us. The cooperation will raise Telit’s profile further on the Swiss market,” explains Alexander Bufalino, Vice President Global Marketing, Telit Wireless Solutions.

Impressive M2M technology

In choosing a suitable GSM/GPRS module, Sensile Technologies opted for the Telit GE863-PY. This highly robust M2M module measures just 41.1 x 31.4 x 3.6 mm, weighs just 9 grams and is ideal for outdoor applications. It enables reliable operation at extreme temperatures of -30°C to +80°C. Like all modules in the GE family of products, the Telit GE863 features the unique BGA (Ball Grid Array) installation concept. This eliminates the need for costly plugs and cables. As with standard SMD components, the module can be connected directly to the PCB using a pick-and-place procedure which means that manual production steps are not required.

“In terms of the modules’ rapid integration, the GE863-PY BGA concept from Telit offers a major advantage over the systems of other providers. This was a critical deciding factor for us,” says Cédric Morel. “We were also won over by the M2M module’s Telit-specific Python feature.” With Python, users can develop simple software applications and run them directly on the module with no external microcontroller.

State-of-the-art management of LPG tanks

The LPG-SENTSTM remote measuring station can be quickly and easily installed for all types of liquid-gas tanks. To do this, a Hall-effect sensor and the H150-EEx telemetry unit are fitted directly to the tank; neither a fixed electrical connection nor a telephone connection is required, and the unit is run by a battery with a long lifespan. Wireless GSM communication via the Telit module provides the link to the central database. The remote measuring unit sends the liquid-gas levels via SMS to a central computer which records and evaluates the data automatically. A single telemetry unit can monitor up to four tanks in this way.

The users call up their tank data via the internet on a password-protected basis. The data they receive is always up to the minute and includes an overview of the individual fill levels and additional information regarding consumption and order times. Additionally, once the tank level sinks below a certain threshold, an automatic report is generated informing the user in good time via SMS, e-mail or fax.

Optimisation of processes

The Sensile Technologies LPG remote measuring system offers numerous advantages for the routine activities of petrol dealers and liquid-gas customers. Dealers benefit most from enhanced warehouse management, more cost-effective delivery programs and rationalised route planning. Because the customer tanks are replenished more efficiently, transport costs are reduced. For liquid-gas customers such as real-estate-management, transport and industrial companies, avoiding disruptions caused by a lack of liquid gas is a critical advantage. They also benefit from convenient Internet-based management and precise tank data received in good time. The purchasing processes for liquid gas are also optimised this way.

Telit on the Swiss market

M2M specialist Telit came to the attention of Sensile Technologies through the independent trading and service company Telion, which represents Telit as a distributor on the Swiss market. “We are primarily responsible for market development and control of sales activities, and we also provide technical support,” says Patrik Eggenberger, Product Manager Actives&Communication Telion AG, regarding the cooperation with Telit. Telion has now successfully established itself as an arm of Telit in Switzerland.

Telefonica Moviles Panama, which operates under the movistar brand, has chosen Nokia to build its GSM radio and GPRS network, thus continuing its commitment to pioneer in delivering the best and most advanced technology to its clients. The network will cover the whole country, and enable the operator to offer mobile data and voice services to movistar clients.