swisscom
Latest
Google, Intel and Microsoft form data protection consortium
It's common to secure data when its sitting put or flying to its destination, but not so much when you're actually using it -- there's still a risk someone could peek at your content while you work. Industry heavyweights might help keep your info secure at every step, though. Google, Intel, Microsoft and seven other companies have formed the Confidential Computing Consortium to help in "defining and accelerating" open source tech that delivers truly private data access. Ideally, data will always be encrypted or otherwise limited to whoever is meant to be looking.
Oppo's Reno 5G flagship has a pop-up camera wedge and 10x hybrid zoom
If you thought the leak from two weeks ago had given the game away for Oppo's new Reno smartphone series, don't worry, as the real deal has more to offer. At the Shanghai launch event today, Oppo finally unveiled its first two Reno devices -- the Reno Standard Edition and the Reno 10x Zoom Edition -- while also teasing the Reno 5G which will be shown off in Zurich later today.
Mobile Miscellany: week of May 20th, 2013
If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This week brought hints of a revitalized Galaxy Exhibit for T-Mobile, news of two additions to the lineup at Cricket and a peek at the next GoPhone for AT&T. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore all that's happening in the mobile world for this week of May 20th, 2013.
Apple reportedly testing carriers on LTE performance
Apple's stance on 4G LTE is rather well-known already, and the company's embrace of the technology was dependent on several factors, ranging from network speed to battery life. Now, Telecoms reports that not only is Cupertino strict about what carriers have access to the new iPhone 5, but wireless companies must undergo Apple's own 4G testing and approval process before being allowed to promote the iPhone 5 as an LTE device. Telecoms learned of the previously unreported testing protocols from Swisscom, Switzerland's Bern-based telecommunications giant. "Apple only enables 4G access after testing their device on an operator's live network," a Swisscom spokesperson told Telecoms. Swisscom just enabled its own LTE offering a few days ago, but can't officially offer the iPhone 5 as an LTE device without passing Apple's test. In a press release, Swisscom noted that the iPhone 5 will gain LTE compatibility on its network "in due course."
Swisscom rolls out first LTE in Switzerland on November 29th
The European LTE landscape is unfortunately a fragmented one that favors large countries with large carriers. We can chalk up at least one victory for the smaller nation states, however: Switzerland is getting its first LTE network on November 29th. The country's main provider, Swisscom, is launching initial 4G coverage in 26 cities and regions using the LTE-equipped HTC One X (One XL abroad), quickly following up with the early December availability of the Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note II and Nokia Lumia 920. A Huawei USB stick and a ZTE hotspot will also be on tap. Customers won't need to spring for a new plan to use the new network on a basic level, although Swisscom's uncommon speed-based phone plans mean they'll be paying a stiff 169 francs ($181) per month to max out the 4G network. We imagine at least some will bite if it means speedy data in Zurich. [Thanks, Joël]
LiMo Foundation gains another half dozen members at MWC
While Android is sure enjoying the spotlight underneath that HTC Magic display, the LiMo Foundation is quietly building an army to rule the mobile realm once and for all. Dramatics aside, the Linux consortium did manage to secure another six members here at Mobile World Congress including Telefónica SA, Aromasoft Corporation, Casio Hitachi Mobile Communications, Marvell Semiconductor, Opera Software ASA, and Swisscom. Of course, all these formalities really mean nothing if the group can't manage to get a reputable handset out the door, so for now, we'll say "congrats" and "hurry up, why don'tcha?"
Swisscom places large FTTH order, world waits in wonder
We're no experts in dark fiber procurement, but when an outfit such asSwisscom places a massive fiber-to-the-home order with technology firm Huber+Suhner, we begin to assemble what pieces our feeble minds will allow. Reportedly, the order is indeed intended to extend Swisscom's fiber dominance directly into the home, making possible the deliverance of HDTV programming and high-speed internet. Obviously, H+S is staying pretty mum on the details, but those in Swisscom territory should certainly be on the lookout for something new in your 'hood here shortly.
Swisscom, Tangerine Global partner to deliver HDTV to hotels
Sick of seeing nothing but upconverted SD feeds on the brand new LCDs that seem to be finding their way into every new hotel room these days? Tangerine Global's package of HD channels are on their way to more hotels in North America, Europe and the Middle East courtesy of a deal with Swisscom Hospitality Service to add them to its new IPTV system. Swisscom is switching hotels over to a URL-based delivery system to feed guests their HD, as this new programming debuts in rious locations beginning in the third quarter of this year. Among its five channels Tangerine Global counts the NFL Network as part of its HD offerings, so football fans have one more thing to look for during a jaunt out of town next season.
Swisscom goes live with DVB-H service
Swisscom's DVB-H-based mobile TV service, Bluewin TV, is now ripe and ready for public consumption, offering up a full 20 channels of portable entertainment to subscribers who pony up the 16 Swiss francs (about $15.40) per month. Coverage is said to reach about 44 percent of the Swiss population, while anyone roaming beyond those airwaves can still enjoy the service via Vodafone's live! portal over UMTS and EDGE networks. The only phone available at the moment appears to be the rather dusty Nokia N77, so we wouldn't be surprised if these lucky gals and dudes become some of the first in the world to enjoy all the benefits of the upcoming N96.[Via mocoNews and MobileTechNews]
Official: Swisscom to launch iPhone in Switzerland -- 3G, GPS, mobile TV, video conferencing rumored
So there was a little rumor bouncing about yesterday which claimed that Swisscom would land the iPhone. Today, Swisscom confirmed the deal while saying little else. What's interesting then is what the rest of the rumor, started by the leading Swiss newspaper, Le Matin, had to say. Namely, the 3G iPhone will be on sale in Switzerland this summer (on sale in the US by June) offering 2-way video chats, mobile TV and GPS navigation all powered by an even beefier processor. That certainly sounds like the same 3G iPhone we're expecting to pop at WWDC now doesn't it?[Via MacPrime, thanks Stefan R.]Read -- Le Matin rumor Read -- Swisscom teaser
Motorola & Swisscom pair up on "advanced guest services" for hotels
Sure fitting in a few flat panels and a state of the art communications system is no problem in a brand new hotel, but what about existing ones? Swisscom's got an answer, signing a deal with Motorola to distribute the mT2a PowerBroadband system in hotels across Europe and North America. The key about this system, is everything needed to bring HDTV, VOD and high speed internet to a room, is included in a wallplate that replaces a traditional phone jack, no set top box needed. Cheaper and easier to implement makes it a little more likely that even a hotel you've been to many times before might be HD ready the next time you swing through.
iPhone coming to Swisscom on April 4?
So check it out, if this shot of a Swisscom ad flyer in the wild is legit, not only will our Swiss friends be able to sign up for an iPhone starting early next month -- they'll get a very special kind of iPhone, to boot. So special, in fact, that the screen will only be able to fit four icons vertically and three across. Here's what we don't understand: if this is fake, why would someone put so much effort into it and then bork the screen like that?[Via Everything iCafe]
Swisscom bolstering Bluewin TV lineup with four new HD channels
We're not exactly sure what's going on overseas, but the HD bug has certainly bit. Hot on the heels of Russia, Norway and the UK seeing their fair share of high-def expansion comes word that Swisscom is getting set to launch four new HD options on its Bluewin TV lineup. The IPTV service should be home to "BBC HD (English), Anixe HD (German), Arte HD (French) and the new channel HD suise from the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation" by the end of this month. Also of note, the latter station will be airing the UEFA EURO 2008 tournament in glorious high-definition, which is probably reason enough to look forward to the upgrade.
HTC P4550 "Kaiser" gets name, meet the HTC TyTN II
The GCF (Global Certification Forum for GSM and UMTS devices) has just approved the naming for HTC's upcoming flagship monster: the handset formerly known as Kaiser. OK, the naming is just getting silly with HTC devices, with the P4550 -- a.k.a. Kaiser -- now getting an extra a.k.a. thrown in as the HTC TyTN II. Sure, the name does make sense as it really just improves on the TyTN we all know and love, but we're thinking the Kaiser or P4550 was just fine. Also mentioned are a few carrier branded names to further muddy the waters with the Vodafone 1615, SFRv1615, the Swisscom XPA1615, and the rumored AT&T 8925 as examples. Manager of handset naming conventions over at HTC seriously has to get off the heavy caffeine doses as his twitchiness is making our heads spin over here.[Via the::unwired]
Ogo 2.0 announced for Switzerland
IXI Mobile looks to be shaking up its line of Ogo mobile messaging devices in a big way, today introducing the Ogo CT-25E, which the company says is the first in its new Ogo 2.0 family of devices. In light of recent developments, Swisscom will not surprisingly be the first to offer the handheld, which IXI is boasting will "do for Web 2.0 what the original Ogo did for the first generation internet services." While we'll have to wait and see about that, the device certainly looks to be a step in the right direction, with a QVGA display, full QWERTY keyboard, Bluetooth 2,0, and quad-band EDGE/GPRS connectivity, as well as some welcome PMP features, with a microSD slot providing some much-needed additional storage. If the device's integrated features are enough for 'ya, IXI looks ready to meet your expansion needs with its so-called OgoClips, which'll let you add everything from digital cameras to bottle openers (yes, bottle openers) to the device. Unfortunately, there's no word on an exact price or launch date for the new-and-improved Ogo, though you can check out plenty of pics of it and its various attachments in the gallery below.%Gallery-1644%
Toshiba rocks TS808 clamshell for Vodafone
Vodafone's tapped Toshiba to bring its latest music-oriented flip to market, answering the call with the TS808 shown off at IFA this week. The phone can't exactly be billed as high-end, sporting only a 1.3-megapixel cam and a meager 10MB of internal memory, but a miniSD slot helps restore some semblance of meaning to the external music controls and generously sized external display. Integrated stereo speakers, and of course, Bluetooth are also along for the ride on the phone, which is expected to launch on Voda-owned Swisscom Mobile this month.[Via MobileWhack]
