Looks like one of the huge differences between the Apple iPhone and every other smartphone is getting smaller. However, I cannot help but wonder, “Is SkyFire an embarrassment to Microsoft or a triumph to 3rd party developers?” Continue →

Mobile phone maker HTC surged in popularity with phones like the HTC Touch, and the HTC TyTN II. However, recently HTC found discord with users for failing to deliver mobile phones with appropriate video drivers. Continue →

Yahoo opens up its oneSearch mobile search to all mobile phones with web access. They even go so far as to dare you to compare it to Google with a 21 page pdf. I think it’s a great idea, but with all the traction Google has been getting in mobile, even if it’s better, this may be too little too late. Continue →

In 2000 InfoWorld ran a story on the 10 commandments for mobile phone etiquette, times have changed, but the need for proper mobile phone etiquette still remains. Continue →

HotSpots
Picking up a story ran by the NYTimes, SmartMobs chimes in on McDonald’s and StarBucks charging for WiFi. This rings up there with the public library saying you can’t use FREE WiFi after hours.

There’s also comment on airports starting to charge for electricity. We may still have to fly but luckily we have user-friendly Panera Bread who happens to offer WiFi for FREE. Probably healthier for you anyway. Continue →

Here’s an interesting concept we recently spotted that actually looks possible and for the most part seems to be worthwhile, an analog joystick for mobile phones. The CompactAnalog Thumbstick seems easy to use. Doubleclick the thumbstick to unlock it for use, then pull it out. Continue →

Nokia, IBM, Verisign and Visa have come together to launch a worldwide payment system which can be administered via mobile phones. The new system announced during CES 2007 is going to start llightly and expand purchasing power in stages.

Initially users will be able to pay for groceries and other good and services by swiping their phones over a reader, which will complete the transaction. After swiping for payment, you simply press a button on your phone to confirm the transaction. Continue →

Rolling out in their “Sunday Best” during the North American International Auto Show are Ford and Microsoft with the “Sync” system. Looking to bring more media to users more often, we’ll all be able to connect via in-dash USB ports with our media players of choice (Zune / iPod) and control them with buttons on the steering wheel or through voice-activation. Continue →

TV and video are the hot spots for mobility right now and Cingular ATT is looking to offer services catering to what is already commonplace abroad, in the good ol US of A. A demonstration of the one-way video calling technology is scheduled to take place during CES 2007. Cingular expects to launch the service sometime later in 2007.

The service allows users to send a live video stream to a recipient during a standard voice call. Beginning with a normal phone call, customers can hit one button to add a live video stream, allowing the called party to see what the caller is seeing while they’re talking. The service also allows customers to switch the direction of the video stream during the same phone call.

Currently possessing the codename of Crossbow, the Microsoft OS for mobile phones was recently previewed by Mobile-Review. Crossbow, to be known in the future to the masses as Windows Mobile 6.0, was also handled by David Ciccone, who unfortunately, wasn’t very impressed with the upcoming Microsoft release. You can watch the video here, here or here. Continue →