Vodafone, Orange Remove VoIP from the Nokia N95
IT Week is reporting that both Vodafone and Orange in the UK have removed the built in VoIP capabilities from the new Nokia N95 that recently began shipping. While users can still download and install third-party VoIP applications, utilizing the integrated VoIP services is not possible on branded handsets from these carriers.
The competition between traditional network operators and VoIP providers has been heating up of late, due in no small part to many of the latest handsets providing integrated support for VoIP solutions. VoIP services can threaten income streams of network operators, providing cheaper calls over data networks such as WiFi. Some carriers have embraced VoIP, such as 3 with its new X-Series deals, though most are banning VoIP services over their networks.
A spokesperson from Orange maintains that the move was made because there was not enough time to test the VoIP capabilities thoroughly, and that VoIP services could be enabled in future handsets. It is up for debate whether this is the case, or if the carriers had more sinister motives.
Virtual BlackBerry Environment Comes to Windows Mobile! and mor for you...
Research In Motion has announced plans to bring to market a virtual BlackBerry environment for Windows Mobile 6 devices. This environment will be launched from, and run within, Windows Mobile 6 and provide users with virtual BlackBerry email, phone, calendar, address book, tasks, memos, browser, instant messaging, and other applications.
"This new software will provide a range of important benefits, including easier support of Windows Mobile-based devices within BlackBerry Enterprise Server environments, a consistent user interface for BlackBerry applications across various devices, and the ability to run third-party applications developed for the BlackBerry platform," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion.
The virtual application suite also brings support for the BlackBerry Mobile Data System to Windows Mobile, allowing organizations to develop applications in-house or deploy third party applications that will run on both Windows Mobile 6 and BlackBerry devices. This should ease the burden on IT departments that need to support the two platforms.
Though its involvement is not totally clear, AT&T is working with RIM on the Blackberry application suit, so it is probable that the carrier's business customers will be first to benefit from the new suit. Expect to see the application suit released later this year.
The worldwide mobile phone market demonstrated continued growth during the first quarter of 2007. According to IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, vendors shipped 256.4 million units, a year-on-year increase of 10.0% for the first quarter of 2007. However, the shipments were 13.8% lower than the record shipments in the previous quarter; the decline was expected owing to the seasonality of the market.
The first quarter of 2007 marks the first quarter of slower growth in the mobile phone market, a significant change from the growth exhibited each quarter during all of 2006. Year on year growth during each of those quarters topped 20%, significantly higher than the 10.0% growth posted at the start of 2007. This reflects IDC's expectation that as more subscribers are added to the network, fewer new subscribers are left to be added. Consequently, mobile phone shipments increasingly move from being new handsets for first-time users to replacement handsets for seasoned users, and overall growth will continue, but at a slower rate.
"The increase in worldwide phone shipments was driven, in part, by new subscribers in emerging markets and, in part, by replacement sales in mature markets," notes Ramon Llamas, research analyst with IDC's Mobile Devices Technology and Trends group. "Since basic voice connectivity and affordability are often the key components of demand in emerging markets, device vendors, appropriately, seek to supply low-cost handsets in these markets, which, in turn, has the unfortunate effect of dragging down device ASPs. To stem the decline in ASPs, device vendors are taking steps to rationalize platforms, improve supply chain logistics, and relocate production to low-cost regions."
“While rankings did not change among the top five vendors, some interesting trends have begun to unfold,” says Ryan Reith, research analyst for IDC’s Worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker. “Samsung was able to benefit from Motorola’s misfortunes by recording a positive sequential growth in the first quarter, which is uncommon given the effects of seasonality on this industry. While Motorola announced plans to revamp growth, the sudden shift in momentum demonstrates how competitive this industry is and how innovation on product development is essential."
Top Five Mobile Phone Vendors, Shipments, and Market Share, Q1 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
Let your Symbian-based handheld work harder for you with these easy tips.
Nokia has huge brand name recognition in the U.S. for lower-end handsets, but their smartphone lineup had been decidedly lacking. That all changed this year; with the introduction of the sleek E-series line of handhelds, Nokia vaulted into the smart device big leagues. The Nokia E62 in particular is surprisingly powerful given its low entry price, just $149 with a 2-year contract from Cingular.
That said, figuring out how to get the most out of the E62 isn't always obvious, especially if it's your first Symbian-based handheld. I compiled a list of some of my best tips and shortcuts for the Nokia E62. Try these tricks to speed up common tasks; even if you've had one of these sleek devices for a while, you might find something you didn't already know.
• To launch the Web browser, press and hold the 0 key.
• Press Function + 1 at any time in the Web browser to bring up your Bookmarks list. If you're headed to a new site, press Function + 9 to open the address bar.
• To dial a number with letters (1-800-FREE-CAR), hold down the Character key and tap out each letter on the QWERTY keyboard.
• Press and hold the E-mail key to instantly bring up the Compose New Message window.
• Tap the Caps Lock key twice to lock it, and press it once to unlock it.
• You can also lock the Function key: press the Function key twice to lock it. Tap out numerous characters printed above the keys (such as %, &, and !) in this mode. Press the Function key again once to unlock it.
• To use letters with accent marks (like e, a, and i), press the Character key, followed by the desired letter.
• The CTRL key can be used for document editing in the same manner as on a desktop PC. Toggle italics with CTRL + I and bold with CTRL + B. Use CTRL+C to copy text, CTRL-X to cut text, and CTRL+V to paste text.
• To delete multiple E-mail messages in your inbox, press and hold the Shift key. Press down on the joystick to highlight multiple messages, then press the Backspace key.
• Set the alarm clock by pressing the Menu key, and selecting Office -> Clock. Then select Options and choose Alarm. You can place the phone in Offline or Silent mode to turn the ringer off; the alarm will still ring in the morning.
• Looking in vain for that lost e-mail attachment? To open an attachment you saved, just press the Menu key. Choose Office -> File Manager. Then scroll to the correct file and open it.
• To set up a conference call, dial the first number. Once that call is connected, press Options and select New Call. Dial that number (or choose it from your Contacts book by pressing Find). When both calls are connected, press Options and choose Conference.
• Interestingly, the E62 can announce each caller's name, provided that they're entered in your address book. To activate, press the Menu Key. Choose Settings -> Profiles -> Options -> Customize. Select Say Caller's Name from the menu and turn it on.
soon it will be mor information about mobile and soft downloads...
