Provider of IP multimedia processing solutions, Global IP Solutions (GIPS), announced its Android offering, allowing developers to build VoIP-enabled clients with GIPS VoiceEngine Mobile. And they already have the first customer — the folks behind the popular mobile social messaging app – Nimbuzz.

I’m not sure whether this will drive the explosion of VoIP-powered apps in the Android Market, and I’m don’t know whether that makes much sense, but having a choice is always a good thing in my eyes.

Commenting on the announcement, GIPS’ CTO Roar Hagen said: “GIPS VoiceEngine allows Android developers to build VoIP-enabled applications that offer HD voice, while tackling all the typical IP network issues – such as delay, jitter, packet loss, bandwidth constraints, noise and echo. Today, mobile users desire a smartphone that offers a unique experience, which includes the ability to have great quality communication. With GIPS engineering expertise, developers can quickly and effectively build their applications enabling them to concentrate on their core business.”

By now I would expect that every single bank in the western hemisphere has a mobile banking option. Not so, as I just caught the press release from Frost Bank, which has launched Frost Mobile “just in time for the holidays.”

Frost Mobile allows users to view account balances, account activity, pay bills, and transfer funds between Frost accounts and between financial institutions.

It’s not a mobile application, but a mobile website, which works from (almost) any phone’s web browser. The service is free to all Frost customers who are registered for My Frost Online Banking, exclusive of any fees that mobile carriers charge for data services.

Finally, before I wrap this up, Frost wants us to know they’ll add an SMS service next year, “making mobile banking even more accessible.”

AT&T (NYSE: T) has added a new netbook in its offering – HP Mini 110, which the carrier is offering for $199 with a two-year contract, after mail-in rebate; and which BTW is also available on Verizon.

Specs wise, the HP Mini 110 comes with a 10.1-inch screen, 1GB of RAM, Intel Atom CPU, 160GB hard drive, WiFi… whereas Windows 7 is running the show.

As I said, a mobile broadband (AT&T DataConnect) plan is needed, which starts at $35 per month and includes 200MB of data…

U.S. Cellular has introduced the Overage Protection service, which includes sending users an SMS when they’ve used 75% of available minutes or text messages, and another when they reach 100%. The idea is, of course, to inform customers how they’re managing their pre-paid accounts.

In order to sign-up for the free services, customers should visit the carrier’s retail store, contact customer service or access their account at uscellular.com. Then they decide who will receive the alerts. The service runs nightly, calculating the usage. If a predefined threshold is reached, a text alert will be sent the next day during normal business hours.

We like the idea and I can see virtually every U.S. Cellular customer signing up for Overage Protection…

A company called gridMob is bringing what they say is the “first true karaoke experience for iPhone and iPod Touch” to the AppStore. The application is called iOKi and in addition to putting a karaoke machine in your pocket, it also allows users to browse and purchase tracks from a vast catalog of songs – they’ve signed contracts with all major labels.

And the news doesn’t stop that. In addition to the “generic” version of the application (which is still not available in the AppStore), gridMob has also announced a special, Lady Gaga-branded application, who [Lady Gaga] I’m not sure I like. But considering just how popular Lady Gaga seems to be these days, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the app becoming a bestseller. It comes with four Lady Gaga karaoke tracks featuring her master recordings, plus the newly released “Bad Romance” from her soon to be released album “Fame Monster.” All this could be yours for $4.99 (a dollar per song). Moreover, gridMob prepares to release other versions of iOKi app, branded by other artists later in the year…

Lady Gaga iOKi [iTunes link]

And we’re continuing with our “this week in fake devices” series. We have 5 different phones to talk about:

• Nokia (NYSE: NOK) 5730 clone – check out that stylus. It’s a clear mark we’re talking about a clone here, as the original 5730 doesn’t have a touchscreen.
• Ferrari flip phone ripoff – this is far from being the first fake Ferrari-branded device. This time, however, we’re talking about a clamshell-shaped phone.
• Aston Martin mobile phone ripoff – this is new, as we’ve haven’t seen Aston Martin-branded phones in the past.
• Micky Mouse mobile phone ripoff – although it looks like your child’s next mobile, we urge you to skip the purchase.
• Winnie the Pooh mobile phone ripoff – similarly to Micky Mouse phone, this clone lacks quality.

And that wraps it up. Again, we cover fake devices to warn you NOT to be tricked into buying them. Stay safe.

[Via: JampBLOG]

AT&T (NYSE: T) has added a new texter-friendly device in its portfolio – Pantech Impact. The phone comes with both full QWERTY keyboard and numeric keypad, which [numeric keypad] interestingly sports haptic-enabled keys. Rest of the specs include a 3G radio, GPS, music player, camera that can take both photos and videos, email and IM clients.

As for the availability, AT&T will start selling the Impact starting from tomorrow, November 22nd, when interested users will be able to grab it for $99.99 on a contract and after $50 mail-in rebate, in either bright blue or soft pink…

[Via: Unwired View]

Despite the fact Nokia (NYSE: NOK) announced that its N900 will sell for $649 in the U.S., the good ol’ Amazon is offering the Maemo-powered device for $480 ($479.99 to be more precise). As you probably already know that money buys you one of the most capable smartphones on the market today with features that include tons of storage (32GB), GPS, WiFi, great 5-megapixel camera, and so on. Exact shipping date is unknown at the moment, but I assume you won’t have to wait for too long to grab the N900, in case you want to.

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

Samsung has unveiled two new phones, part of the (again) new “Diva” series, that targets female consumers.

First comes the clamshell-shaped S5150 Olivia, which reminds me on some Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) models. The device prides itself with a 2.2-inch QVGA screen, 3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth connectivity, music player, and a microSD memory card slot.

As for the S7070, it’s yet another Samsung’s all-touchscreen-er, rocking a 3-inch WQVGA resistive display, 5-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, media player, FM radio, and a microSD slot.

Both devices are expected to be available during the first quarter of 2010…

[Via: SamsungHub]

We’ve already reported about Pizza Hut’s success with its iPhone app. Well, in addition to the numbers achieved ($1 million in sales), the company is all proud to announce that it also won two MMA’s (Mobile Marketing Association) global awards: Mobile Display Campaign in North America, and Emerging Technology Campaign in North America.

Commenting on tha announcement, Pizza Hut’s Bernard Acoca said: “It’s an honor to be recognized as a mobile marketing leader by the MMA with wins in two categories. The Pizza Hut iPhone App continues to be an applauded breakthrough digital innovation that connects with consumers and industry organizations.”

Now I’m hoping other restaurants will follow Pizza Hut’s example and make the food ordering as simple and convenient as it should be, and ultimately make more money along the way.