Just a quick OS update notification here for the Storm2 9520 users out there. Looks like OS 5.0.0.436 has gone official on multiple carriers, as listed below. If you’re rockin’ the 9520 and decide to update, be sure to backup your device and take all necessary precautions before you install. After installation, be sure to let us know of any major changes or fixes you see in this build. Happy OS updating!

• Download OS 5.0.0.436 from MTN >
• Download OS 5.0.0.436 from Vodafone UK >
• Download OS 5.0.0.436 from Vodafone Netherlands >
• Download OS 5.0.0.436 from MTC Touch (noDRM) >

[Via: BBOS]

NAVIGON, developers of the MobileNavigator have introduced a significant update to their feature-rich navigation app. New key features include the following:

• in-app connectivity with Facebook and Twitter
• Panorama View 3D with 3D terrain views provided by NASA
• Personalized route delivery via NAVIGON MyRoutes

While I haven’t got my hands on this app (yet), I’m intrigued by the 3D terrain view. It promises to ‘deliver an accurate depiction of surrounding environment, and what lies ahead with digital landscapes that include elevations, shadows, and geographic images’. Neat-o.

The NAVIGON MyRoutes system also takes directions to a higher standard. The route recommendations given are customized for you and your location based on driving data, driving habits, day of the week, and more.

So how much does it cost? Normally you would be asked to throw down $89.99 in the App Store for this bad boy. However, during MacWorld (Feb. 11-13) a special promotion price of $69.99 will be available (actually, the sale price ends on Feb. 15). If you happen to be heading down for Macworld, you can visit NAVIGON at booth #575. For more information, hit up NAVIGON.

[Via: BusinessWire]

Motorola DROID users will soon be able to get their hands on Android 2.1. This, according to Motorola’s Facebook page. Details of the update are still fuzzy at best, but the good ‘ol team over at Engadget have jotted down their thoughts on what may be coming in 2.1 for the DROID:

• The update is based on Android 2.1. Build currently in the works is 2.1 version 1.
• Google (NSDQ: GOOG) Goggles is pre-installed
• Browser is now multi-touch enabled
• News and weather widgets intro’d on the Nexus One will be included
• No active wallpapers or home screen updates

Keep in mind this is all speculation… There’s only one thing for certain here: The DROID update is being tested by the good folks at Verizon (NYSE: VZ), and we’ll see it real soon (provided the testing goes smooth as butter). I’ll keep my ear to the ground for more details as they become available.

Note: Canadian ‘DROID’ seekers… Still nothing new on the TELUS Motorola Milestone yet. I still suspect we’ll see it by the end of the month… I’ll be sure to let you know once I hear anything official.

In their latest version, WorldMate Live has included some new functionality with professional social network, LinkedIn. Basically, this would broadcast your travel plans to all of your connections so they have an opportunity to meet up with you if the opportunity’s there. Even if you don’t have the time to check your LinkedIn feeds to see who’s going where, mobile alerts through the app will now let you know if any connections are in town.

WorldMate Live is one of my favourite travel planning apps for BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM), hands-down. In plugs into Outlook, it’s easy to update your itinerary with new items (hotel, travel, meetings, etc.), and access flight info for peace of mind. The social networking aspect of travel apps isn’t entirely new, though – TripIt recently made its way to BlackBerry, and established itself initially for sharing location information with LinkedIn contacts. I’ll have to compare the two at some point, for Mobile World Congress next week, I’m going with WML. Hit up WorldMate Live for more info, or App World to download the free version – a premium Gold subscription provides a few extra goodies for the serious globetrotters.

Sprintboard is a neat little app, which I believe should come bundled with the iPhone/Mac OS. Basically, it allows users to swipe over the dotted area, right above the dock icons, to move between the screens faster. You can think about it as the alphabet bar within Contacts – sliding your finger over the dots will take you to the screen you want. It’s that easy, and as I said, it should come standard with the iPhone/iPod Touch now that we have so many apps (and therefore so many screens) installed on our devices.

The application requires a jailbroken device and can be downloaded from either Cydia or Rock.

[Via: JustAnotherIphoneBlog]

The first Bluetooth 3.0-enabled device, Samsung S8500, has been blessed with the FCC approval. It looks like a European version, so we wonder why the Korean company had to take this route, anyway.

Full specs are still a mystery, but we know few things – the S8500 will ship with a 3.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen, quad-band GSM radio, WiFi, Bluetooth, 1000 mAh battery and a microSD memory card slot. As soon as we hear something new, you’ll be the first to know. Stay tuned…

[Via: SamsungHub]

After the iPhone (AppStore link) and BlackBerry, Urbanspoon is “going Android.” The application keeps all the functionality (and UI) of the iPhone version, allowing users to find restaurants based on price, current location (nearby) and culinary style. Moreover, Urbanspoon users can rate and review restaurants, providing other folks with the real-life information that can be/is useful when picking a place to dine.

Probably one of Urbanspoon’s most popular features is the random local restaurant finder, and it’s of course included in the Android version. Simple shake the phone, and the application will suggest a place nearby.

As for the Android-specific features, I haven’t caught much. Actually, it’s fair to add that it takes advantage of the bigger screen found in devices such as the Nexus One and Moto Droid/Milestone to show more options.

And that’s about it. If you like it, simply search for “Urbanspoon” in the Android Market and take it from there.

[Via: mashable]

Walmart’s iPhone app has been updated recently (it’s in version 1.1 now) to allow users to access products from all departments at Walmart.com. That’s a major step forward, considering that the original app allowed users to browse products from the electronics section, only. Guess the thinking at that moment was that the iPhone is for the gadget freaks only. Now when Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) has shipped so many devices, it’s not only computer geeks who like the iPhone… and iPod Touch.

The application remains free and AppStore link unchanged.

[Via: JustAnotherIPhoneBlog]

Australia’s Optus plans to acquire spectrum licenses for 10MHz of paired spectrum in the 2100MHz band from Qualcomm (NSDQ: QCOM)’s local subsidiary. As a result, Optus could double its 3G spectrum in the eight capital cities from 10MHz to 20MHz to “support retail and wholesale customer demand for Optus’ increasing range of data services.”

The transaction is subject to approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) and clearance from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed…

[Via: CellularNews]

ZTE will finally get a spot in the major U.S. carrier’s portfolio, as Verizon (NYSE: VZ) is preparing to launch the Chinese company’s first handset – ZTE F350. We don’t have all the details about the device, but it seems like a basic phone with features that include Bluetooth, voice commands and a camera. No word on the mobile OS it runs, if any.

It’s also worth pointing out that Verizon is already offering another ZTE product – the AD3700 USB modem, but this would be the first ZTE phone in their offering.

Unfortunately, we’ve no idea when will Verizon officially launch the F350, but something tells me we’ll hear more from ZTE in the coming weeks and months…

[Via: Unwired View]