We’re quickly moving toward a future where your smartphone is the center of everything, as the good folks at Holiday Inn are testing a program where you can use your iPhone, BlackBerry or favorite device as a room key. The hotel is using technology from Open Ways (warning: that website is loud and annoying) to…
Congress aims to review telecommunications laws
The U.S. Congress will begin reviewing the telecommunications industry this June in order to create a modern legal framework. This move has the potential to reshape regulations and it could have a big impact on phone and Internet providers. Sen. John D. Rockefeller and Rep. Henry A. Waxman said they would hold meeting to review…
Bach, Allard out – Major Microsoft shakeup following failures in mobile
As it continues to struggle in the mobile space, Microsoft is shaking up its managerial structure and will be losing two high-profile executives. Robbie Bach, president of entertainment and devices division (which includes mobile), will be retiring at the end of the fall. J. Allard, the CTO of that E&D division, will also be leaving.…
AT&T could lose up to 40% of iPhone users to Verizon, says analyst
If Apple brought its iPhone to Verizon, as often rumored, AT&T could face a massive defection of customers, according to Davenport & Company analyst Drake Johnstone. The analyst said AT&T could lose as many as 40% of its iPhone subscribers to Big Red for various reasons. The main impetus to switch would likely be network…
AT&T agrees to unlock phones, except the iPhone
AT&T has agreed to provide unlock codes for your phones in a class-action lawsuit settlement but the agreement doesn’t include that fancy iPhone of yours. The company was facing some legal heat because it wasn’t properly disclosing that its handsets can’t work with other carriers without the unlocking process. The carrier denies any wrongdoing but…
Google: Android will ‘blow your mind’ in the next six months
In a long-ranging interview with Gizmodo, Google’s Andy Rubin said the next six months of Android will “blow your mind.” This bold proclamation comes a few days after Google introduced 2.2, or Froyo, which added significant performance improvements, a host of new tools for developers, support for Adobe’s Flash and AIR, and native tethering capabilities.…
Twitter changes dev policy, bans third-party ads
Twitter appears to be on a roll in terms of angering developers, as its official iPhone and Android clients are providing stiff competition and it has made a few changes to its platform in the name of “ecosystem clarity.” It has banned the use of third-party ad networks in apps and clients in favor of…
Sound ID brings out new Bluetooth headset with iPhone app
Sound ID is releasing a new Bluetooth headset, the 510, but what really makes this stand out is that it will also have an iPhone app. The app is called EarPrint and it expands the capabilities of your headset. You’ll be able to personalize the headset’s audio levels, use the “Find Me” feature to make…
LG Fathom brings Windows Phone to Verizon
While the IntoMobile team is anxiously awaiting Windows Phone 7 devices, companies are not shying away from releasing Windows Mobile handset. The LG Fathom will bring Windows Mobile 6.5.3 to Verizon Wireless in a business-centric form factor. The device itself actually looks pretty solid. It has a 3.2-inch capacitive touch screen, slide-out full QWERTY keyboard,…
Samsung Wave now available – first handset with bada OS
Samsung has finally made its Wave handset available in multiple markets and it will be the world’s first introduction to the bada operating system. The handset itself is just 10.9 mm thin and it has a nice aluminum finish with black trim. The Wave packs a gorgeous 3.3-inch Super AMOLED capacitive WVGA touchscreen that can…