Archive for February, 2009
Nokia to Cut Phone Production
In response to a drop in demand for handsets worldwide, Nokia said that it would cut production volumes at its plant located in Salo, Finland. Nokia will layoff the entire staff of that plant on a rotational basis, with 20% -30% idle at any given time. It hopes to save $905 million per year.
Nokia’s Webmail on Ovi Now Live
The webmail version of Nokia’s Mail on Ovi service is now live in beta form. Webmail provides an application for managing an ovi.com email account, an address book for storing contacts, anti-spam and anti-virus controls, and a low-bandwidth version that works when broadband isn’t available. The service offers 1GB of online storage.
Loopt Expands to AT&T
Today Loopt announced that it is now available on a handful of handsets on AT&T’s network. Loopt now spans all the major U.S. wireless networks. Loopt, which is a location-based service that enables users to share their location information with friends, will work on the following AT&T devices: Motorola V9x and Z9, Nokia 6650, Pantech [...]
681 TV Stations Set to Kill Analog Signals Next Week
Despite the recent approval of a congressional bill supporting a four-month delay of the transition to digital TV signals, some 40% - 681 of about 1800 - TV stations plan to make the switch after February 17 anyway. The major networks, ABC, CBS, and NBC, said that would continue to broadcast in analog and digital. [...]
Qualcomm’s Chips Now NFC-Enabled
Qualcomm announced that its latest mobile chipsets will have Near Field Communication (NFC) technology on board. Qualcomm is working with its technology partners to add NFC support to its Mobile Station Modem chipsets. NFC can be used for short-range communications between devices for things such as mobile payment systems. Qualcomm did not say when these [...]
Verizon Wireless Revamps Prepaid Options
On February 11, Verizon Wireless will introduce new prepaid services for customers not interested in post-paid accounts. The Prepaid Unlimited Talk plan provides users with unlimited calling to any number on any U.S. network for a daily fee of $3.99. This fee is only charged on days when calls are made/received. Text messages will cost [...]
T-Mobile Waiving Activation Fees for the Weekend
Starting Feb. 13 and running through Feb. 16, T-Mobile will be offering credit towards its standard activation fee. The credit will be available online, in stores or by calling Customer Care.
Nokia’s E63 Now Available in the U.S.
Today Nokia announced that its E63 smartphone is not available at its flagship stores in Chicago and New York City, as well as official online retailers. The E63 will cost $279 and comes unlocked. It will come with a free 12-month subscription to Share on Ovi.
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Verizon Wireless to Share LTE Details
Verizon Wireless in planning to reveal more details about its planned Long Term Evolution roll out at the Mobile World Congress show. Verizon is already conducting trials with Vodafone, and will unveil its technology partners during the trade show next week. Verizon reaffirmed its commitment to begin building out its LTE network, which will co-exist [...]
Amazon Confirms E-Books for Phones
Amazon has confirmed that it plans to expand its Kindle service to mobile phones. Launch timing, pricing, and compatibility remain to be announced.
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