News

Google Adds NYC Subway System to Maps for Mobile

Yesterday, 3:26 PM   by Eric M. Zeman

Today Google announced that it has added a new layer to its Google Maps for Mobile product. Smartphones running the BlackBerry, S60 and Windows Phone operating systems will be able to see a new layer that overlays NYC subway routes onto a map. Users can activate it by turning on the "Transit" layer in the menu systems of these phones. It can also be used to map out directions that take advantage of public transportation.

Palm to Offer Web-Based Developer Tools for webOS

Yesterday, 1:54 PM   by Eric M. Zeman

Palm recently demonstrated a new web-based platform it plans to offer to developers to help speed up the creation of applications for webOS. The platform, called Ares, will feature a drag-and-drop interface and won't require developers to download APIs or other tools. Ares will include debugging tools, the ability to share APIs, and a phone emulator that allows developers to see how their applications look in both landscape and portrait orientations. Ares will work in Safari and Firefox, but not Internet Explorer. It will be available by the end of the year.

FCC Approves Dell's Mini 3iX

Yesterday, 9:38 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Documents seen on the FCC site today reveal a few details about a new phone from PC maker Dell. The FCC confirms that the Mini 3iX has GSM/EDGE 850/1900 and WCDMA 850/1900 support, as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The documents don't confirm any other details, such as form factor, operating system or other specs.

AT&T Completes Centennial Acquisition

Yesterday, 9:08 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Today AT&T announced that it has fully acquired Centennial Communications. By purchasing the rural wireless provider, AT&T has bolstered its coverage footprint in the Midwest and Southeast United States (specifically, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio and Texas), and in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. AT&T will integrate Centennial's products and services into its own, and will begin transitioning Centennial retail outlets to AT&T outlets as soon as possible. AT&T said that it will be providing 3G coverage in approximately 200 of Centennial's markets, and Centennial's subscribers will be able to take advantage of AT&T's services immediately. In order to gain approval for the transaction, AT&T had to agree to divest eight markets (five of them to Verizon Wireless). The total cost of the transaction is valued at $2.7 billion.

Quickie:
Sprint Says No Change In Its ETF Policy

Thursday, 4:36 PM   by Eric M. Zeman

In response to Verizon's move to double early termination fees from $175 to $350 for advanced devices, Sprint said that it is keeping its ETF policy unchanged.

Best Buy Reps to Install Google App on Cell Phones

Thursday, 3:05 PM   by Eric M. Zeman

Today Best Buy and Google announced a new initiative that's part of Best Buy's "Walk Out Working" campaign. When customers purchase a new cell phone, the sales representatives will take the time to download and install the Google Mobile App that is compatible with that device. The goal is to help those who aren't familiar with cell phones learn about them and leave the store with a better understanding of how it works.

AT&T Dropping Mobile TV Price to $10/Month

Thursday, 1:51 PM   by Eric M. Zeman   updated Thursday, 3:48 PM

Starting November 8, AT&T will lower the cost of its MediaFlo-based Mobile TV service by $5 to $10 per month. The price drop only applies to the basic Mobile TV package. The premium package will also drop by $5 to $25 per month. The price drop coincides with the planned availability of the Samsung Mythic, which goes on sale November 8.

Quickie:
Curve 8530 Headed to Sprint, Too

Thursday, 1:11 PM   by Eric M. Zeman

Today Sprint said that it, too, will offer the BlackBerry Curve 8530. Exact pricing and availability wasn't disclosed.

Casio's Rugged Brigade Marching to Verizon Later this Year

Thursday, 10:03 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Today Verizon Wireless showed off a new Casio G'zOne device called the Brigade. This mil-spec rugged device is a sideways clamshell that has both a numeric keypad on the front and a full QWERTY keyboard inside with larger display. It also offers push-to-talk capabilities in addition to having a 3 megapixel, camera with flash, microSD card support, 2.5mm headset jack, dedicated music and messaging keys, Bluetooth and 3G for data. Verizon Wireless said the Brigade would be available in time for the holidays. Pricing wasn't disclosed.

Verizon Debuts Daily, Weekly or Monthly Prepaid Broadband

Thursday, 9:45 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Today Verizon Wireless announced three new wireless broadband plans that expand the choices its customers have. In addition to the $60 monthly plan that allows for 5GB of data, Verizon is now offering daily broadband at $15 for 75MB; weekly broadband at $30 for 250MB; and monthly broadband at $50 for 500MB. Verizon Wireless said that plans will be bundled together with a wireless USB760 modem, which includes a microSD slot. The bundles will be available starting November 16.

Verizon Takes Samsung's Convoy On the Road

Thursday, 9:30 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Today Samsung and Verizon Wireless announced the ruggedized Convoy, a new push-to-talk phone that meets mil-spec 810F standards for durability. It can withstand shock and dust resistance, vibration, salt fog, humidity, solar radiation, altitude and low and high temperatures. The Convoy features a high-quality stereo speaker, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS, a 2 megapixel camera and extended battery life. The Convoy will be available November 15 for $50 after rebates with new agreement.

LG's Chocolate Touch Kicks Out the Beats

Thursday, 9:15 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Today Verizon Wireless announced the availability of the LG Chocolate Touch starting immediately on November 5. The Chocolate Touch offers premium music features, including Dolby Mobile equalizer, FM radio with 12 presets, Song ID, and a "Join the Band" function. When using Join the Band, users will be able to interact with music by tapping on a virtual drum kit and playing a virtual piano on the screen. Other features of the LG Touch are a 3.2 megapixel camera with video capture that also has a panorama capture mode and facial makeover editing. The Chocolate Touch also has a dedicated social networking key that will let users perform automatic uploads to sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. The Chocolate Touch costs $80 after rebate with new two-year agreement.

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