The fact that the $3.1 billion merger of Google and DoubleClick is being opposed by Microsoft and AT&T, on grounds of possible anti-trust violations, just goes to show that Karma has a sense of humor (peppered with irony). Microsoft, once involved in a Department of Justice showdown for violoating anti-trust regulations, is whining about the…
BenQ Siemens SF71 – Last Hurrah For BenQ Siemens
The new BenQ Siemens SF71 phone could be the final act for the partnership between the two mobile device design houses. The beautiful new clamshell will be announced in Taiwan and will rock a 2megapixel shooter with dual flash, 3G, 2 inch QVGA screen, A2Dp Bluetooth, and a video conference camera. And, as BenQ Siemens’…
Sun Acquires SavaJe’s Intellectual Property – Open Source Java-based OS To Follow?
SavaJe Technologies Inc., rushed onto the scene about three years ago with bold statements about its Java-based mobile operating system. Sun Microsystems just bought the rights to all of SavaJe’s intellectual property, including the rights to SavaJe’s java-based mobile OS. We don’t really know what Sun plans to do with their SavaJe IP acquisition, but…
iStockphoto, AMUSE launch mobile imaging service
Calgary’s iStockphoto is set for entering the mobile space, and is rolling out an initial stock photographic image offering in Europe. Getty Images owned iStockphoto is working with AMUSE Entertainment Group B.V. to allow mobile users to download wallpapers from a selection of 5,000 iStockphoto’s images. Two companies are working with the UK carriers to…
First carrier-branded mobile search launched by Alltel and JumpTap
Alltel Wireless and JumpTap announced the launch of the first carrier-branded mobile search application to be pre-installed on handsets with a dedicated search key. The new search key launches an Alltel-branded BREW client that presents the subscribers with a search box to find content, services and information. Two companies are arguing that the visibility of…
Sagem to make handsets for Vodafone
Vodafone Group and Sagem Communication (SAFRAN Group) announced an agreement, under which Sagem will produce a Vodafone-only branded mobile handset for sale across Vodafone markets. Announced agreement is an extension of Vodafone’s Original Design Manufacturers’ strategy to use the international recognition of its brand to help to leverage the production of a series of high-quality,…
In-Flight Cell Coverage Gets Grounded
Update!! If you are still hanging on to the sliver of hope for making cell phones calls while in-flight, you can let go now. We are sorry to update this post with the news that the FCC went official today with their intention to ground cellular activity for good. It’s really ashame that AirCell won’t…
Mexico City Wants City-Wide WiFi – Forgets Water And Power
Mexico City Mayor Mercelo Elbrad has pushed water and power shortage issues aside to push his new free city-wide wifi initiative. Evidently, this new mayor sees high-speed municipal wireless service as a higher priority than basic services like water and power. Well, whatever, the 8 million thirsty and shower-deprived citizens of Mexico City can still…
Text Message Based Mobile Banking For North America! – Canada
Canada has really been getting all the goodies recently! This time, that other North American country will be getting software-free, text-based mobile banking – another first for the continent. Telus, a leading telecom in the land of the maple leaf, is hooking up with Novato, California-based ClairMail for some mobile-banking bliss.
NTT DoCoMo to launch M702iS DOLCE & GABBANA
Don’t you just love the special editions? They allow you to see just how cool the existing handset could be when a pro is involved. That’s the case with NTT DoCoMo M702iS DOLCE & GABBANA, developed jointly by D&G, Motorola and DoCoMo.