This post was written by Tara Singer
Asus AiGuru S1 looks like a rather old mobile phone, but it’s hardly unattractive. The biggest disappointment about this phone is that it still requires the computer to be on and it needs a separate wireless dongle to work. If you look past this issue, it’s a solid phone that works reliably. The dock is a nice touch, and the streaming music could be really handy. Functionality is rather limited for music playback – there is no way for fast forwarding through a track and skipping from track to track is slow.
Verizon Wireless’s new Blitz is an inexpensive, effective little texting and e-mailing phone for kids. This funny, chubby (3.5 by 2.6 by 0.7 inches HWD, 5.1 ounces) little slider phone looks like some sort of portable gaming device. The QWERTY keyboard has keys used for dialing numbers are small and close together, which can make them a little difficult to press and can cramp the phone’s gaming experience. But the Blitz has one major advantage: It’s available on prepaid plans, from Wal-Mart, for $99.
Nokia and Rogers Wireless have announced the Canadian availability of the Nokia E71. The sleek, stainless steel Nokia E71 design optimizes the user experience inside and out with a one touch key to access email, a full QWERTY keyboard, and intuitive calendar. It is the thinnest full QWERTY smartphone in Rogers’ extensive line up of innovative mobile devices, offering Canadians a range of functions for both their professional and personal needs. Business users who use Microsoft Exchange can access email using Mail for Exchange mobile email client which comes pre-loaded on the Nokia E71.
On Crave, Nicole Lee reveals that Verizon Wireless is coming out with yet another G’zOne rugged phone, and it’s called the Boulder. The phone measures 2.02 inches by 3.94 inches by 0.91 inch, which makes it slightly slimmer than the Type-S (which is around 1.1 inches deep). Boulder will be available in both black and orange colors.
Sierra Wireless and SoftBank Mobile has launched the new Sierra Wireless Compass(TM) 888 USB Modem. The product will soon be available exclusively in Japan to SoftBank Mobile customers. The Compass 888 is the first Sierra Wireless PC adapter to be available in Japan, with an expected launch date in December. It will be sold as the SoftBank C01SW USB modem. The Compass 888 will deliver high-speed wireless access to SoftBank Mobile’s 3G network for notebook computer users, providing a reliable connection for mobile consumers in an industry-leading small form factor.
Interop Technologies, a leading provider of advanced wireless technology solutions for the global wireless, packaged goods, and content industries, has announced that content from VeriSign Messaging and Mobile Media, a division of VeriSign Inc. (“VeriSign”) will be made available to the Interop Common Short Code (“CSC”) Gateway. The CSC Gateway extends national short codes, premium short codes, campaign and voting participation, and subscription content to the many wireless network operators served by Interop. VeriSign’s assistance will help mobile content providers distribute and bill for their products through wireless operators to assist the rapidly growing Interop client base.
Voitel Wireless has launched a wireless cell phone service designed for Market America Distributors. The company said that they will now be providing mobile service to Market America customers on the nation’s largest wireless network. In order to address the changing needs of the Market America distributor, Voitel Wireless said that they will also assist distributors in selling the wireless product to their customers, in addition to providing cell phone service.
According to reports from AP, the head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants to regulate fees charged to cell phone users who cancel their wireless contracts early. At a news conference, FCC chief Kevin Martin said he supports regulating fees at a federal level, even if it affects a series of class-action lawsuits against carriers in state courts.