LightSquared donates phones to North American tribes, keeps the rural connectivity flame a burnin'

It looks like LightSquared's crush on rural America is still ongoing, folks. The firm announced today it'll donate 2,000 satellite phones to the Indian Health Service and other tribal organizations, allowing them to make calls in areas that terrestrial networks don't cover. Sadly, no details on exactly what gear it's deploying, but according to Computerworld the devices are voice-only, meaning IHS employees better get pretty damn crafty if they want to surf Engadget whilst on the job -- can you say dial-up tether? Either way, with connectivity headed to facilities in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Arizona, can the firm's wholesale debut be that far off? We'll have to see, but in the meantime, indulge in the official PR beyond the break.

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LightSquared Delivers on Promise to Indian Health Service, Tribes and Tribal Organizations

RESTON, Va., Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- LightSquared™, the nation's first wholesale-only integrated 4G-LTE wireless broadband and satellite network, announced today the delivery of satellite devices for tribal nations in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Arizona. These satellite phones represent LightSquared's commitment to assist the Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribes and Tribal Organizations in reaching American Indian and Alaska Native communities located beyond the reach of landline and cell phone networks.

LightSquared agreed to donate to IHS up to 2,000 satellite phones along with the service to support them. The donation is a reflection of LightSquared's broader mission to bring twenty-first century communications to rural regions including Tribal areas that in some cases still lack basic telecommunications service.

"These satellite phones will play a critical role for health care workers who often find themselves in locations beyond the reach of traditional communications services. For Public Health Nurses (PHNs) and Community Health Representatives (CHRs), the ability to communicate to doctors and other health professionals while visiting patients in the remotest parts of Indian Country has a critical impact on delivery of health care," said IHS CIO Charles Gepford.

IHS is the lead federal health care agency for American Indian and Alaska Native populations. The first wave of LightSquared-provided satellite phones has already been delivered to IHS. These phones will be distributed to Tribally-operated health care facilities including the Coquille Indian Tribe Community Health Center in Coos Bay, Oregon; the Nisqually Tribal Health Clinic in Nisqually, Washington; the Benewah Medical Center in Plummer, Idaho; and facilities in the Tohono O'odham Nation in Sells, Arizona.

Federal and Tribal CHRs, PHNs and ambulances who work from these and other medical centers will be able to use the satellite phones as they travel in remote locations to provide medical care.

LightSquared has a history of providing communications services for improved connectivity in Tribal communities. Through its business partnerships, LightSquared provides equipment and services to Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement vehicles and to school buses operating on Tribal lands in New Mexico and Arizona.

With a similar focus on communities in need, the company has delivered essential communications services to areas hardest hit by natural disasters and destruction such as Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf, the earthquake in Haiti and the tornadoes in Joplin, Missouri.

"When providing health care to Tribal communities, medical providers need to focus on the task at hand, not on whether technology will work in rugged conditions," said Sanjiv Ahuja, chairman and chief executive officer of LightSquared. "We're happy to partner with IHS, Tribes and Tribal Organizations to bring critical communications equipment to these underserved communities."

About LightSquared
LightSquared's mission is to revolutionize the U.S. wireless industry. With the creation of the first-ever, wholesale-only nationwide 4G-LTE network integrated with satellite coverage, LightSquared offers people the speed, value and reliability of universal connectivity, wherever they are in the United States. As a wholesale-only operator, LightSquared will deploy an open 4G wireless broadband network to be used by existing and new service providers to sell their own devices, applications and services – at a competitive cost and without retail competition from LightSquared. The deployment and operation of LightSquared's network represent more than $14 billion of private investment over the next eight years. For more information about LightSquared, please go to www.LightSquared.com, www.facebook.com/LightSquared and www.twitter.com/LightSquared.

Google slams Apple and Microsoft, claims 'hostile, organized campaign' against Android waged through 'bogus patents'

It, as they say, is on. Google's Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, David Drummond, made an appearance on the company's official blog today with a post not-so-subtly-titled "When patents attack Android," which directly addresses what he calls a "hostile, organized campaign against Android by Microsoft, Oracle, Apple and other companies, waged through bogus patents." Drummond then goes on to cite a number of examples of this "organized campaign" from those trying to "strangle" Android, including Apple and Microsoft teaming up to buy Novell and Nortel's old patents "to make sure Google didn't get them," Microsoft seeking $15 licensing fees for each Android device, and lawsuits against the likes of Barnes & Noble, HTC, Motorola, and Samsung.

According to Drummond, those efforts amount to a "tax" that makes Android devices more expensive for consumers and manufacturers alike, and that "instead of competing by building new features or devices, they are fighting through litigation." He further goes on to bemoan the "anti-competitive strategy" that's "escalating the cost of patents way beyond what they're really worth," and closes things out by noting that he's encouraged by Justice Department investigations into the aforementioned Novell and Nortel patent issues. Hit the source link to read the full post yourself.

AT&T to launch BlackBerry Torch 9810 this month, Torch 9860 and Bold 9900 later this year

Research in Motion has had better days -- and years, for that matter -- but it's always had a loyal partner in AT&T, a company that's cranked out BlackBerry products faithfully for the past twelve years. The tradition continues, as the GSM giant has announced its intentions to bring the 4G BlackBerry Torch 9810 (aka the Torch 2) to stores sometime this month, followed by the 4G BlackBerry Torch 9860 and 4G Bold 9900 "later this year." No specific dates or prices were given on any of the devices.

The Torch 9810 comes with a 1.2GHz CPU, 3.2-inch touch display, a total of 8GB internal memory (with microSD expansion up to 32GB), and a 5 megapixel camera with 720p HD video capture. Oh, and about the "4G" in the title? An AT&T spokesperson confirmed to us that the moniker is simply referring to HSPA+, capping at 14.4Mbps. It's definitely a step up from the original Torch 9800, at least, but our appetite for 4G of the LTE variety runs deep. Will this be too little too late for the Canadian manufacturer, or can this year's fall lineup be enough to keep the company healthy until QNX rolls into town?

[Thanks, Gary]

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AT&T ANNOUNCES 4G BLACKBERRY PORTFOLIO

Exclusive 4G BlackBerry Torch 9810 to Precede 4G BlackBerry Bold 9900 and New, 4G, All-touch BlackBerry Torch 9860

DALLAS, Aug. 3, 2011 -

Key Facts

· AT&T* today outlined plans for its future portfolio of 4G BlackBerry smartphones including the exclusive 4G BlackBerry® Torch™ 9810, planned to be launched in August.

· Also planned for 2011, AT&T customers will have the opportunity to select the 4G BlackBerry® Bold™ 9900 and the 4G, all-touch, BlackBerry® Torch™ 9860.

· AT&T's premium BlackBerry lineup will be capable of speeds up to nearly four times the network speed capability of previous models, so you can talk and surf even faster on the nation's fastest mobile broadband network.

4G BlackBerry Torch 9810

Exclusive to AT&T customers, the next-generation 4G BlackBerry Torch 9810 is faster and more fluid with high performance hardware features and the new BlackBerry® 7 OS delivering an enhanced multimedia experience. It features the signature BlackBerry QWERTY keyboard that easily slides out to allow fast typing and a full touch screen display, and delivers high-speed 4G capabilities. The 4G BlackBerry Torch 9810 is planned to be available in August.

The new 4G BlackBerry Torch 9810 smartphone boasts significant hardware improvements including a 1.2GHz processor, 5-megapixel camera with HD 720p video recording, 8 gigabytes of onboard storage and a high resolution, 3.2-inch touch display powered by BlackBerry Liquid Graphics™ technology to deliver an incredibly fast, smooth and responsive visual experience.

A powerful evolution of the BlackBerry software, BlackBerry 7 OS delivers speed, efficiency and UI enhancements and enables new hardware capabilities, including HD video recording, more fluid and responsive graphics, digital compass, and augmented reality. Browsing with the new BlackBerry 7 based smartphones is up to 40% faster than BlackBerry® 6 based smartphones and up to 100% faster than BlackBerry® 5 based smartphones**.

AT&T BlackBerry Smartphone Portfolio

In addition to the 4G BlackBerry Torch 9810, AT&T plans to also add even more 4G-capable versions of BlackBerry smartphones to its portfolio later this year including the 4G BlackBerry Bold 9900 and the 4G, all-touch BlackBerry Torch 9860, which will be AT&T's first all-touch BlackBerry smartphone.

Quotes

"BlackBerry customers are passionate about their smartphones – and they know to come to AT&T for the best choice," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "From being the first carrier to offer the BlackBerry solution in 1999 to the broadest lineup of 4G-capable BlackBerry smartphones this year, we'll continue to offer our customers the leading BlackBerry portfolio in the U.S."

Walmart Now Selling the Sharp FX Plus for AT&T

Walmart is now selling the new AT&T Sharp FX Plus; a sleek slider phone that adds functionality to a smartphone.

The Sharp FX Plus features a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard for easy messaging, and also runs on the Android 2.2 platform!

The Sharp FX Plus is great for individuals looking for a device that has advanced capabilities offered though the Android OS but still meets the basic needs for messaging and entertainment capabilities.

The Sharp FX Plus also features a 3.2" full touchscreen display, a 3 megapixel camera with zoom, Google Mobile Services, and Wi-Fi capabilities.

Sharp FX Plus (AT&T) also includes:

FCC Announces 4G Wireless Broadband Spectrum-Sharing Agreements With Canada And Mexico

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has reached arrangements with Industry Canada and Mexico’s Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (SCT) for sharing commercial wireless broadband spectrum in the 700 MHz band along the U.S.-Canadian and U.S.-Mexican border areas.  The FCC also reached an arrangement with Industry Canada for sharing spectrum in the 800 MHz band.  These actions will help support commercial broadband services and public safety mission-critical voice communications. 

“These arrangements will unleash investment and benefit consumers near the borders by enabling the rollout of 4G wireless broadband service and advanced systems for critical public safety and emergency response communications,” Chairman Julius Genachowski stated after signing the documents.  “I appreciate the commitment and dedicated efforts of everyone who has been involved in these discussions to ensure that we are making the most effective use of this valuable spectrum.”  

LG Gelato shows up as LG Optimus Net P699

LG has mentioned back in June that LG Optimus Net P690 would be coming to North America with a QWERTY keypad at front, while other countries get a dual-SIM function and an NFC in another. However, there are no clues as to which carrier would launch it. This time, another appearance was just spotted down at the Bluetooth SIG where an LG Optimus Net P699 has sported the T-Mobile logo at the top.

Despite of the evidence, there is also a statement from the Bluetooth group that the rumored unit will be out in North America for AT&T by August of 2011. It could be the case that two carriers would launch LG Optimus Net P699, or it may be misinformation on their end, we do not know. One thing is for sure, and that P699 would be carrying an Android Gingerbread, an 800MHz processor, a 3.2-inch HVGA display, and a Bluetooth 3.0.

Source: PocketNow

Sony Ericsson's tiny Xperia Mini and Mini Pro on sale now in Taiwan and Hong Kong

They've been announced, manhandled (by us and the FCC), and now they're finally on sale... in Taiwan and Hong Kong. That's right, some of the first folks to put Sony Ericsson's latest Android phones in their pockets will be the citizens around HTC's very own turf. According to VR-Zone and our brethren over at Engadget Chinese, both the Xperia Mini and Xperia Mini Pro are on shelves now for NT$7990 / HK$2,098 (about US$270) and NT$8990 (US$310) / HK$2,198 (US$280) respectively. It probably won't be much longer now till these pair of itty-bitty, 3-inch Gingerbread phones hit the states but, if you're impatient, those two cities are only about a 13-hour flight away.

ViewSonic Drives Display Innovation with New 3D Vision LED Monitor

ViewSonic V3D245 monitor, NVIDIA 3D Vision, wireless glasse, 3D Vision emitter

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today continues its leadership in display innovation with the new V3D245 – a 24-inch 3D, full HD (1080p) LED monitor that includes a built-in NVIDIA 3D Vision wireless emitter and NVIDIA 3D Vision glasses. 

Combining world-leading LED technology with extraordinary power-saving performance, this 24-inch (23.6-inch vis.) monitor offers a stunning 120Hz frame refresh rate and ultra-fast 2ms video response time, and HDMI 1.4 input making it ideal for delivering a truly immersive 2D and 3D entertainment and gaming experience. Paired with a 1920×1080 full HD resolution, 20,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 300 nits high brightness, users can expect great color accuracy and picture detail for unsurpassed 3D image quality.

 

The integrated NVIDIA 3D Vision wireless emitter gives users the flexibility to connect to an NVIDIA GeForce-equipped PC to play more than 550 3D games in full 1080p, 60 fps resolution, view 3D videos and photos, and stream 3D web content. Users could also choose to connect directly to the latest Blu-ray 3D players or PS3 consoles via the standard built-in HDMI 1.4 input. Additionally, the integrated two-watt SRS Premium Sound audio speakers provide consumers the ultimate multimedia entertainment display.

 

“Gamers, movie buffs and photo enthusiasts will love moving up to 3D. And there’s no better way to do so than with ViewSonic’s V3D245 3D monitor, with its built-in NVIDIA 3D Vision technology, which produces the most immersive and crystal clear 3D images,” said Phil Eisler, general manager of 3D Vision at NVIDIA. “Set-up is quick and easy. Simply connect the monitor to your NVIDIA GeForce graphics card, put on the included NVIDIA 3D Vision glasses, and start enjoying games, videos and photos in a whole new way.”

 

NVIDIA’s 3D Vision drivers support more than 550 video games in 3D, with more being continually added. In addition, 3DVisionLive.com hosts hundreds of 3D videos and thousands of 3D photos that can be seen with a free web browser and a 3D Vision system. YouTube also supports 3D Vision, with thousands of videos now available for viewing in stereoscopic 3D.

 

“Whether for work, play or media enjoyment, our new V3D245 monitor offers the highest level of compatibility with both PC- and console-based 3D content, and is ideal for delivering an incredible 3D experience,” said Erik Willey, LCD monitor and PC product marketing manager, ViewSonic. “By pairing our exclusive 120Hz, LED-based 3D technology with NVIDIA 3D Vision technology, we are able to deliver a new world-class level of performance that will shape the future of 3D gaming and entertainment.”

 

The V3D245 comes standard with ViewSonic’s strongest pixel performance guarantee and 3-year limited warranty. ViewSonic’s V3D245 3D monitor and included pair of NVIDIA 3D Vision active stereo 3D glasses and will be available in North America during mid-to-late August for an ESP of $499.

 

Sprint Phone Connect, A landline replacement with unlimited calling

Sprint Phone Connect

Sprint Phone Connect, by Personal Communications Devices LLC, is a fixed wireless voice terminal that provides high-quality home and office phone service using the Sprint Network instead of a landline or broadband connection. This sleek plug-and-play device lets the user plug their current office or home landline phone into the Sprint Phone Connect terminal and activate it with an easy, over-the-air process. Sprint Phone Connect is compatible with most conventional corded and cordless phones. If your cordless phone supports more than one handset, plugging the main base into the Sprint Phone Connect will activate all the handsets (digital phones for use with PBX systems may not be compatible). It also allows both business and consumer users to replace their landline service and maintain the features they are accustomed to from a landline phone provider. The Sprint Phone Connect plan offers unlimited local and long-distance calling while on the Sprint network for one low price and allows the user to consolidate phone services into one single bill. Users have the option of maintaining their existing home or office phone number or activating a new one (more information on porting, including eligibility, can be found at www.sprint.com/bringyournumber).

KEY FEATURES:

                 Caller ID (phone number only)

                 Call Waiting

                 Three-Way Calling

                 Voicemail Notification

 

SPECIFICATIONS:

                 6.5 inch x 4.63 inch x 1.22 inch (165mm x 117.5mm x 31mm)

                 Dual Band (800/1900 MHz CDMA)

                 Two RJ-11 ports (bridged) to support multiple devices

                 AGPS/E911 Service

                 110 volt power adapter

1800 mAh Lithium-ion backup battery

 

Fast, Light and Multicoloured Nokia 500 Launched

Nokia 500

Today sees the launch of a new smartphone, the Nokia 500. Boasting a 1GHz processor, changeable back covers plus the Symbian Anna operating system, this is a nifty, personalisable performer that comes in at a price that won’t break the bank. Read on for all the details.

If you’re looking for a low-cost, full-function smartphone, then the Nokia 500 should meet your needs and more. As you can see from the pictures, this is a touch-screen phone. It’s got a 3.2-inch capacitive touch display, with a screen resolution of 640 x 360 pixels. On the back, there’s a 5-megapixel camera that can also capture video – ideal for holiday snaps and days out.

 

The Nokia 500 comes with the latest Symbian Anna OS, offering a refreshed UI, a better browser and split-screen messaging. As you’d expect, preinstalled you’ll find the latest version of Nokia Maps for free drive and walk navigation, plus you can download every other app you might need from the Store. If you’re anything like us, then your first week with the phone will be occupied filling and then emptying the phone of dozens of apps. The music player is complemented by an FM radio receiver and Internet Radio access to all the music and news you might need, not just from your own country, but from around the world. Social Media is catered for through the Social app, bringing friends’ updates to your homescreen.

 

Under the hood, there’s the 1GHz processor – allowing for plenty of oomph when you’re multitasking lots of apps or doing something extra-demanding. There’s 2GB of storage memory, plus the possibility of increasing this by a further 32GB using the micro-SD card slot. Like all our recent smartphones, it offers pentaband radio coverage so world travellers need never be out of touch, 3G data up to HSUPA speeds [that’s a whopping maximum speed of 5.8Mbps nowadays, by the way]. There’s also Bluetooth 2.1 and Wi-Fi b/g, as you’d expect. The phone measures 111.3 x 53.8 x 14.1mm and weighs in at 93g – lighter than any other Symbian^3 phone to date.

 

It’s also worth mentioning the battery, which despite the faster processor, still manages to pull off a very respectable performance. For us, that’s an absolute priority. The battery will see you through 5-7 hours talk time, 450+ hours in standby mode or up to 35 hours of music playback, if that’s your thing.

 

The Nokia 500 will be available in black and white varieties, black first and then white before the end of the year. And there’s three different-coloured back covers in the box. More colours for these will become available soon – including purple, azure blue, pink, coral red, orange and dark silver. Having seen the hot pink versions of the Nokia N8 and N9, we’re convinced that colour will win a lot of fans.

 

Excluding any local taxes or operator subsidies, the Nokia 500 will cost just €150 before taxes and subsidies, and will be available from the third quarter of this year.

 

More details are available at http://www.nokia.com/500.

 

Windows Phone 7 Mango to be Released on More Handsets… Earlier

After the announcement that the Windows Phone 7 Mango will be first released via the Fujitsu Toshiba IS12T, it had been a signal to other competitors in the worldwide phone scene that they should also hasten their stride in bringing Windows Phone Mango out in the market. In fact, there have been reports coming out that HTC, Samsung, and LG would be making it on sale with units to be produced some time September. All of this has been done not just to lead the Mango market, but even get head to head with the rumored release of the iPhone 5, which would also happen on that same month.

Other brands reported include Acer and ZTE, with Fujitsu Toshiba already leading. HTC would be rolling out not just one, but various models, most of them being powered by a Qualcomm 1.5GHz single-core processor, with screens ranging from 3.8 to 4.7 inches. Looks like Mango is getting riper in numbers.

Source: DigiTimes

Eneloop:Sanyo’s New Mobile Booster

Sanyo has launched this week the details of its newly upgraded Eneloop Mobile Booster has been fully developed. Proponents Eneloop new phone has been designed not only to recharge smart phones and tablets like the iPhone and the iPhone, but also be capable of providing power to various devices with USB power Eneloop ports.

The new update is available in two models KBC-L54D equipped with a 5400mAh battery and the smallest KBC-L27D equipped with a 2700mAh battery. Both models will arrive in Japan in September 2011 for 5,000 and 3,500 yen respectively, but unfortunately no information on pricing or availability around the world has been launched.