Android users need not envy iPhone users for their NPR iPhone app. The folks responsible for the National Public Radio’s NPR News app will soon launch an Android version of the app on the Android market. And, with custom-content features that aren’t available with the iPhone, it should be iPhoners that envy the Android app.…
TD-LTE BlackBerry Coming to China Mobile
Hot on the heels of their Chinese distribution deal, RIM has announced that they’re working with China Mobile not only on a TD-SCDMA handset, but one compatible with China’s emerging TD-LTE standard. This is the first time we’ve heard RIM talking firmly about LTE, and it’s pretty exciting to think about what they’ve got planned…
Apple bans iPhone developer and pulls 1000 apps for faking app reviews on AppStore
With something like 100,000 apps now available for the iPhone, the AppStore is a solid target for iPhone developers without scruples looking to scam the system. The good news is that Apple isn’t going to stand by and allow these kinds of iPhone devs to sully the AppStore’s good name. One iPhone dev house has…
Digital China Picking up BlackBerry
China Mobile has been offering limited BlackBerry devices and service for about two years so far, before which consumers had to buy both from Hong Kong and roam, but selection is about to get a bit better as RIM has struck a deal with distributor Digital China. While it doesn’t look like they manage much…
Google’s Mobile Barcodes – Because typing in business searches is so 2009
As we usher in the new year, Google is ushering in a new way for people to use mobile technology to search for businesses. Following on Google’s launch of Place Pages, Google is pushing the 2D Mobile Barcode format as a camera-friendly way to discover and save money at businesses in your area. The search…
AT&T giving away free smartphones to new U-verse customers
AT&T’s U-verse TV service is looking like an even better deal this month. In the spirit of the holidays, AT&T is giving new U-verse customers a $200 prepaid Visa card, which can be used to purchase a new AT&T smartphone. Customers who opt for a qualifying triple-play bundle (TV, Internet and Wireless service) will get…
AT&T gets creepy with anti-Verizon ads
AT&T’s latest TV commercial continues to point out the weaknesses in Verizon’s 3G network. Namely, that Verizon’s flavor of 3G is slower and doesn’t support simultaneous voice and data communications. AT&T knows it can’t compete with 3G coverage maps, so it’s strategy is to focus everyone’s attention on their faster data speeds. The latest ad…
FCC: Hey Verizon, what’s up with your “advanced devices” ETF?
If you thought Verizon Wireless’s decision to double their Early Termination Fee (ETF) for “advanced devices” was a little confusing, you’re not alone. The FCC has officially requested more information on the new ETF from Verizon’s VP of Legal and External Affairs. By the looks of it, the FCC isn’t as concerned with Verizon’s $350…
Tests show AT&T 3G network outperforms Verizon, coverage maps be damned
Verizon has been going all-out with advertisements that poo-poo AT&T’s 3G network and its relatively spotty coverage maps. AT&T has been fighting back with their own ads that point out their superior 3G speeds and the ability to handle voice and data communications simultaneously. But, with Verizon’s almost Jedi-like influence over public perception of their…
Obopay honored with World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneer 2010 award
We love the mobile banking and payment provider Obopay, and perhaps more importantly, Nokia loves them — hence they’ve launched the Nokia Money service in partnership with Obopay. In that sense, I’m glad to report that Obopay has been chosen by the World Economic Forum as a Technology Pioneer 2010 for its “innovation, transformational technology,…