Mobility Phones - Mobile Phones

Photo Marketing Association Show Serves as Forum for Samsung’s Innovative Camera Phones

Camera phones are the fastest growing consumer electronics product in history, and this year they will represent more than 75 percent of digital cameras sold worldwide, according to wireless imaging experts.(1) Fueling this dynamic growth, Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) is showcasing six advanced wireless imaging phones that highlight why the company is the world’s leading manufacturer of converged camera phones.

Samsung expects more than half of its wireless phones for the U.S. will have digital camera capabilities in 2005. Among these, the company is planning to introduce the first camera phones with two mega pixel, 3.5 mega pixel and five mega pixel capabilities. These devices will feature designs that are familiar to consumers using traditional digital cameras, helping drive adoption.

Samsung’s latest camera phones are advanced multimedia devices that allow consumers to take and send pictures and video, as well as view select television content via Video on Demand and download and play MP3 files. Through these advanced features and innovative product designs, Samsung is at the forefront of driving the wireless imaging revolution.

“Wireless phones are becoming much more than simple voice devices. They are the center of consumers’ social interactions,” said Pete Skarzynski, senior vice president, Samsung. “First with text messaging and now with pictures, video and music, consumers want their digital devices to connect them to what’s important in their life. And, Samsung’s phones do just that.”

Samsung will showcase the following products at the DigitalFocus media event held in conjunction with the Photo Marketing Association’s trade show in Orlando, Fla. from Feb. 20 to 23:

• a800: Samsung’s first two mega pixel CDMA camera phone in the U.S., supporting direct printing capabilities via PictBridge, camcorder capabilities, and optical character recognition technology for business card scanning
• p777: Samsung’s 1.3 mega pixel camera phone operating on high speed EDGE wireless networks in the U.S.; the p777 features 60 minutes of video recording capabilities and 100MB of internal memory for pictures, videos and MP3 files
• a890: Samsung’s 1.3 mega pixel camera phone operating on high speed EVDO wireless networks in the U.S. allowing consumers to take and share pictures with ease; the a890 also features Video on Demand capabilities and an oversized screen for enhanced viewing
• p735: Samsung’s 1.3 mega pixel camera phone featuring camcorder capabilities, 64MB of internal memory, an external memory slot and a unique twisting screen giving users a familiar form factor for capturing video
• MM-A700: Samsung’s 1.3 mega pixel camera phone with built in camcorder capabilities and streaming video and audio capabilities (CNN, FOX Sports, The Weather Channel)

 

About Samsung Telecommunications America
Samsung Telecommunications America, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd., researches, markets and develops wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, see STA’s website at http://www.samsung.com/wireless .

About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2003 parent company sales of $36.4 billion and net income of $5.0 billion. Employing approximately 88,000 people in 89 offices in 46 countries, the company consists of six main business units: Corporate Technology Operations, Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is the world’s largest producer of color monitors, color TVs, memory chips, TFT-LCDs and VCRs. For more information, visit http://www.samsung.com/

New Mobile Solutions Create Innovative Ways to Capture, Edit, Share, Store and Print High Quality Images

Seven years after introducing wireless image sharing to the world, Nokia (NYSE:NOK) is demonstrating its commitment to excellence in imaging by joining the world’s photography leaders at the 2005 Photo Marketing Association (PMA) convention. At booth #4641 of the Orange County Convention Center, Nokia will be demonstrating not only its range of megapixel-plus imaging phones, but also new technologies that allow these high-quality images to be edited, shared, stored and printed.

“When Nokia took the industry’s first steps toward mobile imaging in 1998, few people could have predicted that in less than a decade the camera phone market would grow larger than the conventional digital camera market, yet that is where we stand today,” said David Watkins, director of imaging for Nokia. “In 2005, over 100 million megapixel-plus imaging phones will be sold worldwide, producing images that are suitable not only for quick e-mails and messages, but for capturing, saving and printing truly important moments.”

Capture
Nokia is introducing its highest resolution and most feature-rich imaging phone for the Americas market, the 1.3 megapixel Nokia 6682 smartphone, at the 2005 PMA convention. Imaging features of the Nokia 6682 imaging smartphone include a 6x digital zoom, integrated LED flash, sequence mode for shooting up to six frames in rapid succession, self-timer and user-adjustable white balance and color tones. Also featured at the Nokia booth are the 1-megapixel Nokia 7610 and Nokia 6670 imaging phones.

Edit
As camera phones and smartphones converge, the technology allowing for the editing of images and video directly on the handset is becoming increasingly advanced. At PMA, device-based image editing, video editing and Movie Director software will be demonstrated on the newest Nokia imaging smartphones. Image editing software allows the addition of text and frames and for cropping, rotating or adjusting still pictures. Video editing software allows individual video clips to be merged together, still clips to be pulled from a video, and the addition of special effects and transitions to captured video content. Movie Director automatically adds music and special effects to captured video to add fun and excitement to everyday events in just a few simple steps.

Share
Unique applications and accessories designed to facilitate the sharing of mobile images will be showcased in the Nokia booth. Examples include the Photoring image viewing application, the Nokia Image Frame and the Nokia Image Viewer. The Photoring image viewing application allows users to display a virtual slideshow right on their Series 60 smartphone — complete with retro-style spinning photo previews, just like old fashioned slide projectors. For a slideshow experience suited for a larger audience, products such as the Nokia Image Frame and Image Viewer allow users to share their mobile images on the Nokia Image Frame’s built-in LCD screen, or to a full-size TV screen from the Nokia Image Viewer.

Store
At the Nokia exhibit, a number of demonstrations will show how captured mobile images can be easily transferred from an imaging phone and stored elsewhere, saving memory on the device, and protecting images if a phone is lost or stolen. The Nokia Lifeblog application creates a virtual diary from captured images and sent and received messages by automatically sorting them into a daily timeline. These images and messages can then be uploaded over the air, stored and shared using a Nokia Lifeblog compatible blog provider. Additionally, Nokia will be highlighting the storage of mobile images on a PC using the Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 application with Nokia PC Suite for easy transfer and cataloging of pictures.

Print
New technology including the new Nokia XpressPrint solution will be showcased, demonstrating how high-quality prints can be made using the latest imaging phone technology. The Nokia XpressPrint solution bundles a number of printing options into a simplified user experience. Along with Bluetooth image transfer and MMC card exchange, the Nokia XpressPrint solution includes PictBridge connectivity, allowing some new and upcoming Nokia imaging smartphones to connect directly to a number of compatible printers via a USB cable with no PC needed. Also being exhibited in the Nokia booth are the newest commercial printing kiosks, which allow users to easily create professional prints at retail locations around the country.

About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. http://www.nokia.com/ .

Company’s Design-in Accepted; To Supply Camera Components for Use in NEC Mobile Handsets

Comtech Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:COGO), a leading module design solutions provider in China focused on the mobile handset and telecom equipment industries, today announced that it has begun providing camera modules to NEC for use in its mobile handsets.

Comtech’s camera module design was adopted by NEC’s original design manufacturer (ODM) earlier this year. Comtech has begun generating revenue from this specific design-in and anticipates that by the end of the first quarter 2005 the Company will have generated more than US$1.0 million in revenue. Comtech believes that the revenue stream generated from this specific design-in will continue through 2005.

“Comtech is achieving more success as its modules are designed into more products from multinational brands,” said Jeffrey Kang, Chairman, President and CEO of Comtech Group. “As an increasing number of multinational companies move product development to China, either through their internal staff or through ODMs, we believe that we will have more opportunity to provide our module designs and products to these multinational companies directly or through their ODMs.”

About Comtech
Comtech Group, Inc. aims to be a gateway to the technology industry in China. The Company is a module design solutions provider in China, focused on the mobile handset and telecom equipment industries. The Company designs solutions for mobile device products, including liquid crystal display (LCD) modules, camera modules, persistent storage modules, input/output modules, sound system and power supply modules. In the telecom equipment industry Comtech targets optical solutions, data communication solutions, public switched telephone network (PSTN) switching and wireless base stations.

The Sprint PCS Vision Multimedia Phone MM-5600 by Sanyo was selected out of the hundreds of digital products on display at the Photo Marketing Association 2005 Convention and Trade show in Orlando, Fla, to receive the prestigious DIMA (Digital Imaging Marketing Association) Innovative Digital Product Award. The award is presented by DIMA based on a comprehensive evaluation by a blue-ribbon panel of digital imaging editors and writers.An Innovative Digital Product of PMA 2005 was defined by the judges as a product utilizing new technologies and/or applications in such a way as to make it either unique or the first of its kind. The MM-5600 by Sanyo was introduced in the United States as Sanyo’s first 1.3-megapixel camera phone with flash, digital zoom and macro setting for capturing close-ups, and a video camcorder for catching special moments. The device comes packaged with a 16MB removable miniSD memory card and adapter, and USB cable for printing photos directly from the phone to any PictBridge-enabled printer.

The miniSD card enhances the many features of the MM-5600 by offering a simple, portable way to store high-resolution images, video clips and music files. The files on the card can be easily downloaded to a PC for backup. With the included adapter, the miniSD card can be used to easily exchange data with select SD-compatible devices, such as card readers, photo kiosks, digital cameras and other devices.

The built-in 1.3-megapixel camera with flash, digital zoom and macro settings for snapping close-ups captures photos with resolution quality to make very good 4 in. x 6 in. prints. The MM-5600 by Sanyo features a QVGA-resolution TFT LCD screen. The 260,000-color screen and 240 x 320 resolution provide sharp detail of objects when viewing videos, photos, games and other images on the phone.

In accepting the award, Andy Kodera, group vice president and general manager of Sanyo Fisher Company’s Wireless Communications Division, commented, “In today’s highly competitive digital photo marketplace, it is a tremendous honor that the MM-5600 is recognized as an innovative digital imaging product.” Kodera added, “This is a third prestigious award for our handsets in recent months.” Sanyo ranks “Highest In Overall Customer Satisfaction With Wireless Mobile Phones,” according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 U.S. Wireless Mobile Phone Evaluation Study(SM)*. In addition, the Sanyo MM-7400 Multimedia phone was named an Innovations 2005 Design and Engineering Showcase honoree in the Wireless Communications category. Innovations 2005 is the Consumer Electronics Association’s (CEA) prestigious competition that honors product excellence in Design and Engineering.

*J.D. Power and Associates 2004 U.S. Wireless Phone Evaluation Study(SM) is based on responses from 13,458 U.S. households that have owned their current wireless phone for less than two years. For more information, visit www.jdpower.com.

About Sanyo
Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ:SANYY) is a $24 billion manufacturer and distributor of consumer and commercial electronics, including multimedia and telecommunication products. Based in Chatsworth, California, Sanyo Fisher Company (a division of Sanyo North America Corporation, a subsidiary of Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.) markets PCS phones, audio systems, portable and mobile electronics, televisions, DVD players/recorders, dictation devices, digital camera/camcorder combinations, home appliances, LCD projectors, security video equipment and air conditioning systems.

For more information, visit Sanyo Wireless Communications online at www.sanyowireless.com.

About Sprint
Sprint offers an extensive range of innovative communication products and solutions, including global IP, wireless, local and multiproduct bundles. A Fortune 100 company with more than $27 billion in annual revenues in 2004, Sprint is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state-of-the-art network technologies, including the United States’ first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network; an award-winning Tier 1 Internet backbone; and one of the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide wireless networks in the United States. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/mr.

Mobile Photo Weblog and Newsfeed Reader for Java Enabled Mobile Phones. Read any weblog or newsfeed and view associated photos formatted exactly to the size of the mobile display

Mobile phone users wanting to read weblogs and newsfeeds from anywhere at anytime will benefit from 49PM’s Photo NewsReader. The application will read any RSS or Atom newsfeed through a backend server which preformats the data before sending it to the mobile phone, keeping download time to a minimum. Any associated photos are formatted exactly to the size of the user’s mobile display by the server and can be saved and viewed at any time.

Users add any newsfeed to the mobile application by entering the location of the feed. Or, they just enter the web location of the weblog or news page - in most cases the server will find the Atom or RSS newsfeed automatically and then send the newest posts to the user’s phone.

“The backend server is a vital component”, says 49PM’s CEO Chris Ritke. “Mobile phone connection speeds are still slow and display sizes relatively small. Using a server to preformat the text and image data keeps download times short and allows the mobile application to utilize as much of the display area as possible for images. This is great if you use the application to view Flickr photostreams on your phone, for example.”

Key Product Features:

Read any RSS or Atom weblog or news feed on almost any Java enabled mobile phone
View associated photos formatted exactly to the size of the mobile display
Enter only the web location of a weblog or news source, the application finds the associated Atom or RSS feed
Backend server preformats text and images, minimizing download time
Downloads only newest weblog or news posts to phone
Users can save images to the device and view again at any time

System Requirements:

Java enabled Mobile Phone with MIDP 1.0 or MIDP 2.0 and color display
Mobile Internet access

Pricing:
Free two week trial download
$19.50 service subscription for one year

FOR EVALUATION COPY:
Download it from www.49pm.com

About 49PM
49PM is a leading developer of networked mobile applications. 49PM, a privately held company, has been successful in identifying market needs and providing mobile applications and games to meet those needs including products such as MobiBots Boxing, Mobile Friends and Mobile TV Program Guide. 49PM has offices in California, USA and Itzehoe, Germany.

The New Sprint PCS International Phone IP-A790 by Samsung(R) Gives Customers Multimedia Capabilities on the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network and the Ability to Make Voice Calls in More than 130 Countries.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ — Sprint (NYSE:FON) today announced the introduction of its first digital quad-band phone, the Sprint PCS International Phone IP-A790 by Samsung, giving multinational business customers a wireless connection to the rest of the world at simple, flat-rate pricing in supported GSM countries abroad.

When used in conjunction with a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, the Sprint PCS International Phone IP-A790 by Samsung allows customers to make voice calls on both CDMA and GSM networks in more than 130 countries where Sprint has roaming agreements in place. The phone also functions as a multimedia device on the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network so customers can view on-demand streaming video and audio and shoot video clips with the embedded camera and camcorder. The IP-A790 by Samsung will be available beginning in March in Sprint business sales channels, Sprint Stores and online at http://www.sprintpcs.com/ for a suggested retail price of $549.99.

The feature-rich Sprint PCS International Phone IP-A790 by Samsung supports Sprint PCS Video Mail, Picture Mail(SM), multimedia streaming services and text messaging and is equipped with a 262K-color TFT main display, a 65K-color TFT external display; an MPEG4 video screen saver, an internal phone book that stores up to 500 contacts and advanced voice- recognition capabilities. The IP-A790 by Samsung also supports “+” key dialing so the phone will automatically dial the international access code for the country from which the customer is calling.

Differentiating by flat-rate pricing
To make it easier for customers to predict and manage wireless service spending, Sprint has established flat-rate pricing for GSM countries where it has roaming agreements in place. Customers now pay $1.50 per minute for making or receiving calls in those countries with long-distance included. Rates for the remaining covered countries where frequencies supported include CDMA and AMPS are $.50 to $.99 per minute plus varying long-distance rates, depending on where the call originates.

“The availability of simple pricing and a single device that works on CDMA and international GSM networks is a significant addition to Sprint’s portfolio of solutions designed to meet the needs of those customers whose work and play take them around the world,” said Harry Campbell, president - Emerging and Mid Markets, Sprint Business Solutions. “Besides having the convenience of a single phone number, receiving one invoice and having access to a dedicated international customer solutions team, our customers can now use a single device to stay in touch while in many countries of the world.”

Sprint has an array of wireless international roaming and long-distance solutions to give multinational business customers convenient and affordable access to coworkers or clients around the world, including roaming options on international PCS and WCDMA networks and special pricing for calls made from the United States to more than 200 countries. For more information about Sprint’s wireless international portfolio visit http://www.sprint.com/pcsinternationalldrates and http://www.sprintpcs.com/internationalroaming .

About Sprint
Sprint offers an extensive range of innovative communication products and solutions, including global IP, wireless, local and multiproduct bundles. A Fortune 100 company with more than $27 billion in annual revenues in 2004, Sprint is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state- of-the-art network technologies, including the United States’ first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network; an award-winning Tier 1 Internet backbone; and one of the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide wireless networks in the United States. For more information, visit http://www.sprint.com/mr .

About Samsung Telecommunications America
Samsung Telecommunications America, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd., researches, markets and develops wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, see STA’s website at http://www.samsung.com/wireless .

About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2003 parent company sales of $36.4 billion and net income of $5.0 billion. Employing approximately 88,000 people in 89 offices in 46 countries, the company consists of six main business units: Corporate Technology Operations, Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is the world’s largest producer of color monitors, color TVs, memory chips, TFT-LCDs and VCRs. For more information, visit http://www.samsung.com/ .

Top Designer Communicates Glam Rock, Vintage Sensibilities in Latest Creative Collaboration

The following was released today by Samsung Telecommunications America, Anna Sui and VOGUE:

Who … is Anna Sui?

Anna Sui, known for her unorthodox translation of fashion, lends her vision to Anna Sui Mobile by Samsung, a modern woman’s most fundamental fashion accessory.
An astute businesswomen, technology lover and trend-setting fashion designer, Anna Sui recognizes that women are empowered by high-fashion and high-technology.
“The wireless phone is the most visible accessory and should be an extension of your personal style and essence,” said designer Anna Sui. “Anna Sui Mobile by Samsung reflects my favorite things — purple, metallic black, a butterfly, glam rock, vintage-chic, all unmistakably Anna Sui.”

What … is her accessory?

Anna Sui Mobile by Samsung, a camera/camcorder phone, is the quintessential expression of your life and a portal to the outside world; it offers you the freedom to capture and share your latest retro finds or your boyfriend’s indie-rock debut.
Beginning February 22, 2005, on the heels of New York’s Spring Fashion Week, Samsung and VOGUE will debut Anna Sui Mobile by Samsung, a limited edition couture phone.
Accompanied by an Anna Sui signature case, a Sui Rouge #371 lipstick, and a designer phone charm, Anna Sui Mobile by Samsung is available with T-Mobile service on http://www.annasuibysamsung.com/ .
Anna Sui Mobile by Samsung, the limited edition version of Samsung and T-Mobile’s e315, features exclusive Anna Sui illustrations as screensavers.
Anna Sui styled the couture phone with her very own signature purple, flirtatious rosettes, a butterfly and a whimsical charm, all reflections of her distinct style.

Why …

Fashion and Technology:
With trends indicating that women outspend men in the gadget department, Samsung knows that on-the-go women desire full-featured multimedia phones in eye-catching and compact “fit in my evening purse” designs.
Anna Sui understands that women use the same discerning eye when selecting their wireless phones as they would any other accessory, so why sacrifice style?
Samsung Telecommunications America:

“Samsung, a global leader in design and technology, recognizes that a wireless phone’s form and function go hand in hand,” said Peter Skarzynski, senior vice president, Samsung. “The Anna Sui Mobile by Samsung was thoughtfully designed to outfit women with a compact, fashionable phone complementing their own unique style.”
As part of its expanding high-fashion marketing program targeting fashion influencers, Samsung has collaborated with VOGUE, the foremost authority on style, to develop exclusive promotional and multi-media content offerings with Style.com and visionary designers.
Anna Sui Mobile by Samsung will launch exclusively in the March 2005 issue of VOGUE in a special 8-page advertising section.

VOGUE:

“More and more today technology is becoming the ultimate expression of fashion,” said Tom Florio, vice president and publisher, VOGUE. “It was a natural fit for us to bring Samsung together with Anna Sui.”

Movida Communications, Inc. today announced that it has teamed with the Cisneros Group of Companies, Sprint (NYSE:FON) and Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) to provide nationwide wireless voice and data services to the U.S. Hispanic market. Movida is the nation’s first Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) to offer pay-as-you-go wireless communications services specifically targeting the more than 40 million Hispanics living in the United States.

Movida will provide wireless voice and data communications using the Sprint nationwide wireless network, with rate plans that cater to the needs of the domestic Hispanic market. Through its arrangement with Wal-Mart, Movida plans to sell Movida-branded handsets and cards in Wal-Mart stores in select markets as well as other retail locations in the first half of 2005. Following its initial launch, Movida intends to offer added-value features and services that are both culturally and geographically relevant to Hispanic consumers, many of which will be provided through its relationship with its primary investor Cisneros.

“Movida is about understanding Hispanic consumers and offering them products and services that help them stay connected - both with their friends and family as well as their culture,” said Anthony V. Montoya, President of Movida. “We’ve built the perfect alliance to successfully reach this segment. With the best wireless network in the nation, the leading retailer in the country and one of the largest Latin American media and entertainment groups, we couldn’t ask for a better line up to launch and grow our business.”

Already the largest and fastest-growing ethnic segment in the United States, the Hispanic population is expected to grow to 17 percent of the domestic population by 2010. This, in addition to the fact that over 90 percent of Latin American wireless business comes from pay-as-you-go type services, clearly demonstrates the size of the opportunity.

Steven Bandel, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Cisneros Group, commented, “This is an exciting opportunity for The Cisneros Group since the rapidly growing U.S. Hispanic market has never been tapped by the major telecommunications providers. Our investment in Movida leverages our expertise in servicing the U.S. Hispanic market. Cisneros’ ownership and relationship to many content-providing companies in the United States and Latin America such as Univision and Venevision, as well as our years of experience marketing to the Hispanic segment, will be instrumental in Movida’s success in understanding and serving this market.” Mr. Bandel added, “Cisneros also brings expertise in the pre-paid mobile services market through our successful participation in Telcel Venezuela, Venezuela’s largest wireless provider and an industry pioneer in prepaid distribution.”

Appropriately, all Movida services will be offered primarily in Spanish. Its customer care mantra, “For English press two,” illustrates its Spanish focus, as well as Movida’s name itself, which means “on the move.” Movida’s marketing programs are not traditional programs simply translated into Spanish. Instead, they exemplify the specific nuances of the language and culture as well as the needs of the segment.

This agreement enables Sprint to leverage its nationwide network to provide wireless services beyond its traditional customer base. “We’re pleased to join forces with Movida to offer a uniquely different wireless experience for the growing Hispanic market,” said John Garcia, senior vice president, sales and distribution for Sprint Consumer Solutions. “Our relationship with Movida is consistent with our MVNO strategy of working with complementary resellers who plan to tap underserved segments of the wireless market.”

About Movida
Movida Communications, Inc. is a newly formed wireless services provider that offers pay-as-you-go wireless voice and data communications services exclusively to the U.S. Hispanic population, using Sprint’s all-digital, all- PCS nationwide wireless network. As then nation’s first MVNO targeted at Hispanics, Movida offers all standard custom calling features plus a suite of international voice and data services featuring culturally and geographically focused content in Spanish. Movida-branded cell phones will be available in select Wal-Mart stores across the nation as well as other major U.S. retailers. For more information on Movida, visit http://www.movidacelular.com/ .

About the Cisneros Group of Companies
The Cisneros Group of Companies is one of the largest privately held media, entertainment, technology, and consumer products organizations in the world. The Group owns or holds interests in companies ranging from broadcast television networks, pay television services and Internet service providers, to beverage businesses and supermarkets. Through its diverse businesses, the Cisneros Group of Companies delivers some of the top brands and the highest quality services to the 550 million Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking consumers in the Americas and Europe. The Group has recently expanded its activities from Ibero-America to countries worldwide.

The Cisneros Group’s holdings include majority and minority interests and may be held, directly or indirectly, through partnerships, joint ventures or alliances. Some of the Group’s holdings include interests in: Venevision, the leading broadcast television channel in Venezuela; Venevision International, a Spanish-language entertainment company with specialization in TV programming; Univision Communications Inc. (NYSE:UVN) , the number one provider of Spanish- language content to the U.S. Hispanic audience; Claxson Interactive Group Inc. (XSON), an integrated Ibero-American media and entertainment company; AOL Latin America Inc. (NASDAQ:AOLA) , one of the leading Internet and interactive service providers in Latin America; DIRECTV Latin America, a direct-to-home satellite TV provider with operations across the region; Cerveceria Regional, the second-largest brewery and beer distributor in Venezuela; Backus & Johnston, the largest brewer in Peru and the sixth-largest in Latin America; and Pueblo, one of the leading supermarket chains in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information, visit http://www.cisneros.com/ .

About Sprint
Sprint offers an extensive range of innovative communication products and solutions, including global IP, wireless, local and multiproduct bundles. A Fortune 100 company with more than $27 billion in annual revenues in 2004, Sprint is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state- of-the-art network technologies, including the United States’ first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network; an award-winning Tier 1 Internet backbone; and one of the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide wireless networks in the United States. For more information, visit http://www.sprint.com/mr .

 Delivering live concerts direct to the desktop, groundbreaking MyVBX.com chooses market leaders txtNation to deliver worldwide premium SMS reverse billing password solution.My Virtual Business eXchange (www.myvbx.com) has chosen m-commerce giant, txtNation (www.txtnation.com) to deliver their revolutionary new service broadcasting live concerts for viewers to watch from the comfort of their browser window. The concerts are password protected using SMS billing through mENABLE (www.m-enable.com), a service owned and developed by txtNation.The last concert has been broadcasted on the 18th February live from the Cockpit, Leeds, featuring the critically acclaimed The Go! Team. The concert is also now available to streamed after the event at http://MyVBX.com.

The concert is the third to be broadcast by MyVBX, who have a full programme for 2005, bringing a number of top acts to the web. Further details will be announced on MyVBX.com for more details.

“MyVBX is determined to ensure that the fans receive the optimum concert experience online, and our investment in infrastructure, and the mobile payment solution provided by mENABLE certainly reflects this”, said Forbes Hamilton, Managing Director of MyVBX.

Jon Rowsell NBDD txtNation added, “We are pleased to be working with the highly innovative MyVBX. Premium SMS services are a key component in emerging and existing online services, and the best in category mobile solution; mENABLE gives MyVBX and our other worldwide clients, and their customers the opportunity to take advantage of these services instantly, safely and securely.”

txtNation offers their clients a highly profitable range of services, including mPUSH images to mobile, mobile video, SMS competitions, voting, sms subscriptions services, ringtones and truetones. With connections to mobile telephone networks, txtNation allows content providers to use SMS microbilling in 18 countries worldwide, with another 12 countries signed for arrival in the next 6 months. Besides, with txtNation’s services, clients cannot only produce revenues via SMS reverse billing, but credit card and IVR comes as standard.

This road of successful mobile business strategy shows txtNation is able to strengthen his leadership position, enhancing enterprise productivity and competitive advantage with feature-rich connectivity to mission critical applications.

Customers to Benefit From New Multimedia Phone With Removable miniSD Memory Card, Built-in MP3/AAC Player and 1.3-megapixel Camera Sprint (NYSE:FON) and Sanyo announced today the Sprint PCS Vision(SM) Multimedia Phone MM-5600 by Sanyo at this year’s Photo Marketing Association Annual Convention and Trade Show. The MM-5600 by Sanyo allows customers to listen to stereo-quality music; take, share and print quality photos; and view the latest video content from nationally recognized brands in the news and entertainment industry at up to 15 frames per second with the built-in media player, all from a single device. The MM-5600 by Sanyo has a 1.3-megapixel camera with flash, digital zoom and macro setting for capturing close-ups and a video camcorder for catching special moments. The device comes packaged with a 16MB removable miniSD memory card and adapter, plus stereo earphones and USB cable for printing photos directly from the phone to any PictBridge-enabled printer. Coming mid-March, the MM-5600 by Sanyo will be available nationwide at Sprint Stores and online ( http://www.sprintpcs.com/ ) for $429.99 or $279.99 after rebate. “This phone is the first to combine the power of mobile imaging with the portability of mobile music and entertainment,” said Jeff Hallock, vice president - Product Marketing and Strategy, Sprint. “The MM-5600 by Sanyo offers high function, high-quality imaging, streaming video and music along with Sprint PCS Ready Link(SM) to meet our customers’ needs to capture, share and experience life in motion.” The phone supports Picture Mail(SM) and Sprint PCS Video Mail optional services, making it easy for customers to instantly share pictures, video and audio right from the phone direct to other compatible phones or to any email address. Images can be stored on the miniSD card to expand storage space. The miniSD card enhances the many features of the MM-5600 by Sanyo by offering a simple, portable way to store high-resolution images, video clips and music files. The files on the card can be easily downloaded to a PC for backup. With the included adapter, the miniSD card can be used to easily exchange data with select SD-compatible devices, such as PocketPCs, digital cameras and other handheld devices. The built-in 1.3-megapixel camera with flash, digital zoom and macro settings for capturing close-ups captures photos with resolution quality to make very good 4 in. x 6 in. prints. The MM-5600 by Sanyo features a QVGA-resolution TFT LCD screen. The 260,000-color screen and 240 x 320 resolution provide sharp detail of objects when viewing videos, photos, games and other images on the phone. Photos in the camera phone are one thing, but being able to easily print them is the latest in useful innovation. The miniSD card with adapter can be used to print photos from a printer or kiosk that supports SD cards. Customers can also print images stored on the phone or miniSD card by connecting directly to a PictBridge-enabled printer. Pictures can also be sent directly to any participating Fujifilm “Get the Picture Online Service” retail photofinisher for in-store pick-up. Images and albums also can be managed, shared and sent to print at retail online at http://www.sprint.com/picturemail . With Sprint PCS Video Mail, customers can also shoot 30-second video clips with the built-in camcorder to be wirelessly shared. With an optional 128MB or larger miniSD card, customers can shoot up to 90 minutes of video. Mobile music also takes a giant leap forward with this phone’s high-quality MP3/AAC player and its stereo earphones, making it easier than ever for customers to enjoy their favorite music files via their phone. The USB cable, packaged with the phone, can be used to move unprotected MP3 files from the PC to a miniSD card in the phone — making the MM-5600 by Sanyo a portable music device and phone all in one. “Sanyo and Sprint have an established tradition of providing innovative and easy-to-use solutions, and we fully expect Sanyo handsets to remain at the top of the wireless handset market by continuing to offer more technological advancements and increased image and voice quality as well as ease of use,” said Andy Kodera, group vice president and general manager of Sanyo Fisher Company’s Wireless Communications Division. “Combined with the advanced data capabilities of the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network, the MM-5600 by Sanyo provides consumers the means to capture and share true-to-life quality photos and video right from their handsets. They can also enjoy and store stereo music with the built-in MP3/AAC player.” The MM-5600 by Sanyo is the third Sprint PCS Phone to offer an easy way to browse and view Sprint multimedia content such as ABC News, Cartoon Network, CNN, Discovery, E! Entertainment, FOX Sports, NBC Mobile, MUSIC CHOICE and The Weather Channel. Multimedia content is delivered to the handset from the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network. The MM-5600 by Sanyo also features Sprint PCS Ready Link, a walkie-talkie- like service that provides a quick and convenient way to communicate one-on-one or with groups of up to five. To learn more about the latest camera phones and their capabilities, visit Sprint at booth #3387-14 and Sanyo at booth #3387-17 at this year’s Photo Marketing Association Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Orlando Convention Center, Feb. 20-23. About Sprint Sprint offers an extensive range of innovative communication products and solutions, including global IP, wireless, local and multiproduct bundles. A Fortune 100 company with more than $27 billion in annual revenues in 2004, Sprint is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state-of-the-art network technologies, including the United States’ first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network; an award-winning Tier 1 Internet backbone; and one of the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide wireless networks in the United States. For more information, visit http://www.sprint.com/mr . About Sanyo Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ:SANYY) is a $24 billion manufacturer and distributor of consumer and commercial electronics, including multimedia and telecommunication products. Based in Chatsworth, California, Sanyo Fisher Company (a division of Sanyo North America Corporation, a subsidiary of Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.) markets PCS phones, audio systems, portable and mobile electronics, televisions, DVD players/recorders, dictation devices, digital camera/camcorder combinations, home appliances, LCD projectors, security video equipment and air conditioning systems.

Customers Can Manage All Their Favorite Photos Taken on Both Digital Cameras and Sprint PCS Vision(SM) Picture Phones in One Place Sprint (NYSE:FON) has just made it easier for its customers to store, share and print their favorite digital pictures — even those taken on a digital camera — with an enhancement to Picture Mail(SM) from Sprint. The Picture Mail Web site, powered by Light Surf, makes it easy for customers to manage all of their digital pictures in one location, including both pictures taken on a digital camera and those taken on a Sprint PCS Vision Picture Phone. Customers simply upload any pictures from their computer and organize them into easy-to-use albums in their online Picture Mail account. Uploading pictures from a personal computer is as easy as one, two, three: Sprint customers go to their Picture Mail account at http://www.sprint.com/picturemail and select “Add Pictures from PC” from the options menu Browse the files on their PC to select the pictures they want to copy to their Picture Mail account Click “Upload” Once uploaded, customers can share their photos taken on a digital camera with friends and family via email or by sending them to a Sprint PCS Vision Phone where than can be used as a screensaver or with Caller ID at no additional premium charge. Customers can also order professional prints of any digital photos stored in their Picture Mail online albums. Sprint customers using Picture Mail can upload and store unlimited pictures in their online albums through April 1. After April 1, customers can hold another 30 MB worth of pictures using the digital photo upload feature as a standard benefit of the service. “Sprint customers can easily send photos taken on digital cameras to Sprint PCS Vision Phones from their Picture Mail account at no additional charge,” said Pierre Barbeau, general manager - Picture Mail, Sprint. “Customers will also benefit from the additional value offered by Picture Mail’s complementary online albums, editing tools and professional printing services.” Since Sprint PCS Vision was introduced in August 2002, customers have sent more than 400 million picture and video messages over the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network. Sprint customers can purchase a Sprint PCS Vision Pictures Pack for $15 per month, in addition to their current service plan. With this package, customers get unlimited Picture Mail to take, upload, send, preserve and enhance an unlimited number of pictures; unlimited Sprint PCS Vision access; 100 SMS text messages; and up to $5 credit per month towards the download of premium services. Sprint customers without a Sprint PCS Vision plan can pay $5 per month to take, upload, send, preserve and enhance an unlimited number of pictures. Casual data-usage rates of $.01 per kilobyte apply for sharing and uploading pictures. “The extension of Sprint’s Picture Mail service to include uploading images from digital cameras brings obvious customer benefits by providing a tool for storing, sharing and printing all of their digital images from any camera, regardless of whether it’s in a phone or not,” said Tony Henning, managing editor of the Mobile Imaging Report. “For the digital imaging industry, this also demonstrates Sprint’s commitment to drive further mobile imaging adoption and another step toward creating an end-to-end visual communication solution.” Participants at the Photo Marketing Association Annual Convention and Trade Show can stop by the Sprint booth, # 3387-14, in the Mobile Imaging Pavilion to see the Picture Mail experience. Sprint will team with Sanyo, Epson, Fuji and CEIVA Logic, to demonstrate how Picture Mail customers can easily and conveniently capture, share, save, edit, print and display images. About Sprint Sprint offers an extensive range of innovative communication products and solutions, including global IP, wireless, local and multiproduct bundles. A Fortune 100 company with more than $27 billion in annual revenues in 2004, Sprint is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state- of-the-art network technologies, including the United States’ first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network; an award-winning Tier 1 Internet backbone; and one of the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide wireless networks in the United States. For more information, visit http://www.sprint.com/mr .

Sprint Provides Ways to Capture, Share, Save, Edit and Print Camera-Phone Images as Sprint Customers Send 400 Million Picture Mail(SM) and Sprint PCS Video Mail Messages in Two and a Half Years

These days, you’re likely to see someone with a camera phone — or use one yourself — everywhere you go, capturing impromptu moments. Sprint (NYSE:FON) will team with several companies to demonstrate what consumers can do next with those special images at the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) Convention and Tradeshow at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Feb. 20-23.

Sprint will be the first wireless communications provider to have an executive participate on the keynote Visionaries Panel and have exhibit space in the 81-year history of the show, affirming the impact camera phones have had on the imaging industry and society as a whole.

“Consumers are seeing the real value in having a camera phone with them at all times to take and share photos instantly,” said Jeff Hallock, vice president - Product Marketing & Strategy, Sprint. “The rich, end-to-end Picture Mail experience available today from Sprint is just the beginning. Sprint is leading developments that will really make a difference for customers who depend on their camera phones to visually communicate and capture memories. Picture Mail from Sprint will continue to evolve as new, integrated camera phone features and services improve picture quality, picture sharing is extended to even more people, printing options are expanded, and other personal digital media solutions are offered to meet everyday needs.”

Hallock will participate in the keynote Visionaries Panel at PMA on Sunday, Feb. 20, along with executives from Eastman Kodak, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Epson and Fuji Film. Economist Stuart Varney will moderate the panel in a discussion on the evolution of the imaging business and technology and the impact they have on the domestic and global economy.

Sprint will showcase the enhanced Picture Mail experience and the latest camera phones in booth number 3387-14 in the Mobile Imaging Pavilion. Sprint will team with Sanyo, Epson, Fuji and CEIVA Logic to demonstrate how Sprint customers utilizing Picture Mail can easily and conveniently capture, share, save, edit, print and display images taken on camera phones.

In addition, Sprint will make additional announcements at the show, highlighting the launch of new products, services and relationships that will continue the evolution of Picture Mail.

With the number of customers using camera phones exploding, Sprint has reached a new milestone, with more than 400 million picture and video messages shared across the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network since Sprint PCS Vision(SM) was introduced in August 2002.

Independent research and the fast growth in customer usage indicate that customers are pleased with Picture Mail from Sprint. Last quarter, Sprint announced an agreement with Fuji Photo Film USA that enables Sprint customers utilizing Picture Mail to send digital camera-phone images from their Picture Mail album to any participating retailer. An independent survey of Sprint customers who have used the print-at-retail service showed that 91 percent were satisfied with the overall experience.

“Our research shows that 40 percent of camera-phone users in the United States have printed their camera-phone images, and another 35 percent are planning to, but haven’t tried it yet,” said Jill Aldort, consultant, InfoTrends. “Sprint’s initiatives in the camera-phone industry are helping to make printing more appealing from a quality, cost and ease-of-use standpoint. These are the primary drivers of future higher-per-user print volume among a larger number of people.”

Sprint recently announced 6.2 million Sprint PCS Vision customers through the end of the fourth quarter 2004, leading the industry in the use of advanced data services. Sprint PCS Vision includes services that allow customers to take and receive photos; browse the Internet; check personal and corporate email; view streaming audio and video clips of news, sports and entertainment; and download voice ringers, graphically rich games and screen savers, all on the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network.

For more information on Sprint PCS Picture Mail, visit http://www.sprint.com/picturemail .

About Sprint
Sprint offers an extensive range of innovative communication products and solutions, including global IP, wireless, local and multiproduct bundles. A Fortune 100 company with more than $27 billion in annual revenues in 2004, Sprint is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state- of-the-art network technologies, including the United States’ first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network; an award-winning Tier 1 Internet backbone; and one of the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide wireless networks in the United States. For more information, visit http://www.sprint.com/mr .

Nokia 6682 Imaging Smartphone Includes Push E-mail Support, Integrated Flash and Simplified Printing Options

Today at the world’s largest annual photo imaging convention, the 2005 Photo Marketing Association show (PMA), Nokia (NYSE:NOK) unveiled its newest imaging device, the tri-band (GSM 850/1800/1900MHz) Nokia 6682 smartphone. Featuring a classic design accented by bright stainless steel trim, a 1.3 megapixel image sensor, a color screen displaying over 262,000 colors, integrated LED flash and Nokia’s exclusive XpressPrint printing solution, the Nokia 6682 imaging smartphone is among the most advanced imaging phones for the Americas market. Besides high- quality photography, the Nokia 6682 imaging smartphone supports a wide range of productivity tools, such as always-on e-mail delivered over high-speed EDGE networks, office document viewers, upgraded synchronization for PC users, and the optional Nokia Wireless Keyboard. The Nokia 6682 imaging smartphone, designed for the Americas market, is expected to be available during the 2nd quarter of 2005.

Image capture, printing and sharing made easy

Behind the active slide that covers and protects the camera lens while closed, and rapidly activates the imaging function when opened, is a 1.3 megapixel imaging sensor that can capture both high-quality still images and up to one hour of video. Standard video and image editing applications that can add black & white or sepia-tone effects among others, allow users to customize the captured content before sharing them with friends and family. Image printing has been simplified with Nokia’s XpressPrint solution, which enables connection to a wide range of compatible printers and photo kiosks using Bluetooth technology, with the hot-swappable reduced-size MMC card, or via industry-standard PictBridge connectivity. PictBridge connectivity makes it simple for users to print photos on a compatible printer via a USB cable without needing to use a PC. Images can also be shared via wireless e-mail, MMS or uploaded over the air to an online web album using the Nokia 6682 imaging smartphone’s high-speed EDGE connectivity.

For users wanting to share their experiences with the world, the Nokia 6682 imaging smartphone also supports the newest release of Nokia Lifeblog. This unique application allows users to transform their Nokia 6682 imaging smartphone into an electronic multimedia diary that organizes images, videos and messages into an easy-to-follow searchable timeline. Lifeblog information can be easily uploaded over the air, without the need of a PC, to a Nokia Lifeblog compatible online blog provider such as Six Apart’s TypePad service.

“The Nokia 6682 imaging smartphone represents an optimized balance between the joy of capturing and sharing high-quality images and the satisfaction of staying productive and connected while on the go,” said Nigel Rundstrom, vice president of Multimedia for Nokia. “Since helping to pioneer the smartphone category almost nine years ago, Nokia has amassed unparalleled experience in not only converging popular functions into a mobile device, but in making those functions simple, powerful and enjoyable to use.”

A powerful platform for productivity and fun

While the Nokia 6682 smartphone offers a wide array of high quality imaging features, it also doubles as a serious productivity tool. The e-mail application offers push notification when new messages have been received, and included document viewers easily handle a variety of common e-mail attachment types. Information access is simplified with an integrated multimode browser that supports both wireless Internet content as well as conventional HTML content for a desktop-like experience. The optional Nokia Wireless Keyboard, which connects to the Nokia 6682 imaging smartphone using Bluetooth technology, offers a full QWERTY keyboard in a compact foldable unit, and makes writing e-mails, composing documents using optional office application software and browsing the Internet faster and more convenient. The Nokia 6682 imaging smartphone also handles synchronization of contacts, calendar and to- do lists for PC users.

Built on the world’s leading smartphone platform, Series 60, the Nokia 6682 imaging smartphone can support a large, and ever-expanding, library of fun and useful applications. Thousands of Series 60 applications, offering synchronization, gaming, time management, entertainment and more are available for download from many operator websites and from the Nokia Americas Software Market at http://americas.softwaremarket.com/ . A number of applications are standard on the Nokia 6682 imaging smartphone including an enhanced MP3/AAC player application that takes advantage of the expandable reduced-size MMC memory and stereo audio capability of the device. This allows the Nokia 6682 imaging smartphone to double as a powerful MP3/AAC player, complete with intuitive controls and the ability to create custom playlists, so users can take their music collection with them without dealing with multiple devices. The Nokia 6682 imaging smartphone also supports the mobile music solution for operators that Nokia and Loudeye announced last week.

About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. http://www.nokia.com/ .

Motorola’s Ultra-Exclusive Black RAZR V3 Provided to Top Directing and Acting Nominees in Keepsake Package

Motorola makes its annual red carpet appearance at Hollywood’s most prestigious evening honoring the best in film at the 77th Annual Academy Awards. Continuing its tradition of providing the 25 top acting and directing nominees with a not-yet-available mobile phone, this year the nominees will receive a special-edition black RAZR V3 with three months of complimentary service from Cingular Wireless. With its razor thin design, the V3 can easily be slipped into the smallest evening bag or tucked away into a tuxedo jacket taking celebrity technolust to an all- time high for continuous award show communication. The nominees will be gifted a stealth-like, all black version of the most-coveted mobile of the season, the Moto RAZR V3, making them the only recipients of this eye-catching mobile marvel.

In keeping with Motorola’s Oscar phone efforts, the 77th Annual Academy Awards directing and acting nominees will each receive their phones in a custom-made Jonathan Adler lacquer box personalized with the recipient’s initials. This keepsake package serves as a reminder to each nominee of the special acknowledgement bestowed upon them by the Academy.

The Motorola RAZR V3 is the perfect fusion of form and function incorporating an advanced feature set into one of the slimmest and most stylish mobile phones on the market. A design marvel, the RAZR V3 is made almost entirely of metal including aircraft grade aluminum, magnesium and a first-of-its-kind nickel-plated copper alloy keypad. The feature set includes a built in camera with digital zoom, mpeg video player, speaker phone and quad-band technology which allows the phone to work in over 100 countries*. The V3 also features picture caller ID** and works with Bluetooth(R) wireless technology which can allow voice, image and video to be easily transmitted without wires. Great looking, great acoustics, incredible pictures, overall, a star in its own right!

About Motorola
Motorola (NYSE:MOT) is a Fortune 100 global communications leader that provides seamless mobility products and solutions across broadband, embedded systems and wireless networks. In your home, auto, workplace and all spaces in between, seamless mobility means you can reach the people, things and information you need, anywhere, anytime. Seamless mobility harnesses the power of technology convergence and enables smarter, faster, cost-effective and flexible communication. Motorola had sales of US $31.3 billion in 2004. For more information: http://www.motorola.com/ .

Please pardon the interruption, but I love you!

Cingular Wireless believes Valentine’s Day is a time to be in love, a time to be romantic … and, yes, a time to be courteous!

For the second year, Cingular Wireless, an industry leader in wireless safety and courtesy education, has commissioned a survey of adult cell phone users to determine if and how wireless technology has affected their love lives. The survey, conducted by ICR (International Communications Research), revealed that the rules of dating have remained pretty much unchanged since last year, with 29 percent of respondents admitting they would get upset if their date took a call while on a date, compared to 32 percent in 2004. Ironically, the unofficial mantra of all active daters — “do as I say, not as I do” — is also in full effect this year, with 26 percent of cell phone owners admitting to answering their phones while on a date. Shame, shame!

A total of 12 questions related to dating and wireless courtesy were posed, including:

• Have you ever ended a relationship over crude wireless behavior? (8 percent said yes)
• Has your wireless phone ever saved you from an uncomfortable date? (14 percent said yes)
• Have you ever used your wireless device to call another girl or guy you were interested in while you were on a date with someone else? (6 percent said yes)

 

“The key to living and dating in a wireless world is to know how to effectively — and responsibly — use your wireless device,” said Jim Ryan, vice president of data products, Cingular Wireless. “From sending flirty text messages, to capturing a special moment with multimedia messaging services, to simply calling to whisper sweet nothings, wireless services offer lots of creative ways to say, ‘I love you.’”

Compared to the 2004 survey, more cell phone owners now:

• Use text messaging to communicate with their date (24 percent vs. 16 percent)
• Say they have used text messaging news as a conversation starter (9 percent vs. 6 percent)
• Have had their date call someone that he/she was interested in from their cell phone while on a date with them (8 percent vs. 5 percent)
• Judged a prospective mate by the cell phone they use (3 percent vs. 1 percent)

 

Sense and Sensibility
In addition to playing wireless Cupid each Valentine’s Day, Cingular Wireless also is a year-round champion of wireless safety and courtesy. Through its award-winning program “Be Sensible,” Cingular helps educate consumers nationwide about safe and courteous ways to use wireless phones and devices.

To demonstrate that love and wireless courtesy can go hand-in-hand, Cingular offers a few courtesy commandments:

• Let your date know in advance if you’re expecting a call that you know you’ll need to answer. Hint: It had better be someone important — and impressive.
• On those occasions when you’re in a public setting and you need to use your phone to have a private conversation with your sweetie, text messaging may just be the best tool for the job. After all, sometimes love just won’t wait.
• Variety is the spice of life, so mix up your romantic wireless techniques by sending flirty text messages one day then a multimedia message with your favorite “couple” photo the next. To really add a little heat to the fire, add a love note to the photo. That’s sure to make even Cupid smile.
• Eliminate the “do you love me?” question forever by jazzing up your phone’s screensaver with a photo of your beloved. A picture is worth a thousand hugs!

 

Love, Cingular Style
Orange is the new color of love this Valentine’s day, thanks to some exciting data offerings from Cingular Wireless:

• No time to play the dating game? No problem. Cingular and Match.com have teamed to offer MatchMobile, a unique wireless dating service that allows love seekers to connect with potential dates in their area, conveniently and anonymously. For just $4.99 per month, Cingular customers can create a MatchMobile profile on their Cingular phone, as well as view profiles and pictures of MatchMobile members, potentially finding a date this Valentine’s Day. The service works on most Cingular handsets. For a complete listing or to sign up for Cingular’s MatchMobile service, visit http://www.matchmobile.com/ .
• This Valentine’s Day, Cingular is putting a different spin on the mood ring, with a colorful selection of ringtones from today’s most popular artists. Priced between $0.99 and $2.49, Cingular customers can fall “Crazy in Love” with Beyonce; “Step in the Name of Love” with R. Kelly; or simply rock “Happy Valentine’s Day” with Outkast. Log on to http://www.cingular.com/rings to download from hundreds of different ringtone options.
• The look of love is just a snap away thanks to a new, first-of-its- kind, photo postcard application from Cingular and Fujifilm. Cingular customers can now use their camera phones to send personalized Mobile Postcards(TM) to anyone in the country, via U.S. mail, directly from their Cingular handset. Mobile Postcards can be a modern twist to the traditional “Wish You Were Here!” postcard or serve as a state-of-the- art, digital alternative to a “Be Mine” request on Valentine’s Day. Mobile Postcards are available on most Motorola handsets, and the cost for creating and mailing the personalized photo postcard is just $1.99 each. For more information, visit http://www.cingular.com/postcard .

 

About Cingular Wireless
Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving more than 49 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE:SBC) and BellSouth Corporation (NYSE:BLS) , has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation — the ALLOVER network — and the largest mobile-to-mobile community of any national wireless carrier. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover, the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Details of the