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RIM unveils BlackBerry Bold 9790, Curve 9380, hitting the market within weeks
Now that we've seen all the leaks and heard all the rumors, RIM has finally announced the BlackBerry Bold 9790 and Curve 9380, welcoming two new members to the OS 7 family. Picking up where the Bold 9780 left off, the comparatively higher-end 9790 boasts a 2.44-inch touchscreen display with 360 x 480 resolution, and is powered by a 1GHz CPU. The QWERTY-equipped handset also ships with 8GB of onboard memory and features a microSD slot that offers up to 32GB of additional space. The Curve 9380, meanwhile, is an all touchscreen affair, with a 3.2-inch, 480 x 360 display and a five megapixel camera. RIM hasn't offered any other details on the 9380's specs, though the company did specify that both devices will offer NFC and augmented reality support, and will come pre-loaded with BlackBerry Messenger, Documents To Go Premium, and BlackBerry Protect. No word yet on pricing or availability, though RIM says to expect a launch "over the coming weeks." Find more details in the full PR, after the break.
Pogoplug Cloud offers 5GB of free mobile storage, a home for your Beatles collection
Is that 2GB of free storage from Dropbox just not enough to house all of your mobile music habits? Don't fret, as Pogoplug Cloud now offers 5GB of secure space for all your storage, sharing and streaming needs. The service offers Dropbox-esque folder sharing and automatic uploads for all those vacation pictures without time lost to manual syncing. If that's not enough extra space for your coveted Jericho episodes (and the Season 3 comics), you can spring from the 50GB and 100GB paid plans at $9.95 and $19.95 per month. You'll also be able to post your cloud activity, should you so desire, to Facebook, Twitter or Google+ via native smartphone apps. All of the aforementioned services are available now via the coverage link below -- after you install the free Android or iOS app, of course.
Mystery BlackBerry smartphone pops up at FCC, teases us with REA71UW model number
REA71UW. Mean anything to you? Us either. What we do know, however, is that this is indeed a RIM-made BlackBerry smartphone, and so far as we can tell, it'll ship with BlackBerry 7 OS onboard. It's also clear that this guy's rocking the requisite bands for use on AT&T's 3G network (850 / 1900), but outside of that, most everything else remains a mystery. Hit the source link to dig into the associated SAR reports, and keep it locked for more as it turns up.
Nokia Suite sheds its beta skin, officially sends Ovi Suite to pasture
Nokia Suite triumphantly dropped its beta training wheels yesterday, with the release of version 3.2.100. The upgrade, which replaces version 3.2.98, brings a "refreshed look and feel" to the Windows app, along with a new "Support view" interface, where users can easily find information about their devices and storage capacities. You'll also find a streamlined sync log, which keeps meticulous notes on all the changes that undergo during a given sync sesh. What you won't find, of course, is the word "Ovi." You can download it now, at the source link below.
Nokia Champagne handset spotted on Windows Phone app, dancing the Tango?
Has a Windows Phone app just popped the cork on a new Nokia handset? It very well may have, based on the above image. Extracted from the "I'm a WP7" app and first identified by the folks over at WP Central, this screenshot purports to reveal a Nokia device codenamed "Champagne" -- a rather delectable moniker that, until now, wasn't even on our radar. At this point, little else is known about this mystery phone, though according to WP Central, it's running Windows Phone 7.10.8711 -- suggesting, perhaps, the presence of Tango, the Mango successor for low-end devices. Could this be a mythical, LTE-equipped Lumia 900 / Ace handset for Verizon Wireless? Could we see it at this year's CES? Only time will tell, but we'll let you know as soon as we hear more.
Assa Abloy developing NFC-enabled key cards for BlackBerry handsets, locked doors
The BlackBerry of the future may just unlock new doors -- literally. This week, RIM inked a new partnership with Sweden's own Assa Abloy, the company behind those NFC-enabled door locks we've seen in recent years. In a statement released Tuesday, Assa Abloy said it was working with the handset manufacturer to develop similar key card technology for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930, as well as the BlackBerry Curve 9350 and 9360. According to the company, the idea is to allow BlackBerry users to enter corporate facilities using only their handsets, thereby replacing traditional access cards, though the technology could also be incorporated into residential buildings or garage doors. This would marks the first time that Assa Abloy has implemented its NFC systems into a mobile system, though the firm pointed out that its deal with RIM isn't exclusive, suggesting that similar arrangements with other manufacturers may be in the pipeline.
RIM: BBX smartphones will have same resolution, aspect ratio as PlayBook, BES support, too
Wondering what RIM's got up its sleeves for its forthcoming lineup of BBX-based handsets? According to the company, it's derived at least some of its inspiration from its very own BlackBerry PlayBook. Speaking to PC Mag, VP of Developer Relations and Ecosystem Development Alec Saunders confirmed that the manufacturer's next generation smartphones will boast the same 1024 x 600 display resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio that you'll find on the PlayBook, all squeezed into a smaller frame. He also reassured developers that apps designed for the tablet will be compatible with BBX handsets. "Look, if you build [an app] for the PlayBook, then it will run on BBX," Saunders explained. "We have maintained aspect ratios, BBX also has the ability to upload multiple dimension graphics... [and the standard resolutions] are the same as PlayBook." Oh, and as for those rumors that RIM's first BBX phone (Colt?) would lack BES support? Pure hogwash, according to Saunders, who said the phones will also feature a native e-mail client, and that users shouldn't expect BBX "to be behind the PlayBook."
Republic Wireless goes live, brings unlimited data, text and calls to LG Optimus users
Well, that didn't take too long. As promised, Republic Wireless flipped the switch on its new unlimited everything plan today, offering a smorgasbord of wireless talk, text and data for the flat fee of $19 per month. The trick, of course, is Republic's dependence upon the UMA wireless technology, also employed by T-Mobile. You won't have to open a dedicated app to use the service (currently in beta), though you will need a home connection speed of 80kbps both ways in order to actually hold a call. You'll also need a "Hybrid Calling"-enabled LG Optimus handset (bundled under the company's $199 startup fee), though the provider plans to add more devices in the near future. For more details, hit up the source link below.
Ice Cream Sandwich coming to Meizu M9, MX, Jack Wong confirms
Ice Cream Sandwich continues to march its way across the market. Next stop? The Meizu M9 and MX. Confirmation came earlier this week by way of Meizu CEO Jack Wong, who nonchalantly mentioned the forthcoming update on his company's forum. Affirming that the MX's December "release date remains unchanged," Wong went on to say that both the MX and M9 "will upgrade to [Android] 4.0 as soon as possible." No further specifics were offered, though the exec did explain the MX's delayed release, attributing it to his company's ongoing efforts to incorporate a sharper, back-illuminated camera within the handset. Rest assured, we'll keep you up to date with the very latest.
Optimus 2X to receive Ice Cream Sandwich update, LG confirms
If you've been wondering about the fate of Ice Cream Sandwich on the Optimus 2X, wonder no more. LG has just confirmed via Facebook that it the latest Android OS is indeed coming to the 2X and other "high-end smartphones," effectively debunking rumors to the contrary. Unfortunately, however, the manufacturer isn't quite ready to offer a release date, but promises that "detailed information" is on the way. As always, we'll keep you abreast of the latest. [Thanks, Simon]
ST-Ericsson's NovaThor to power Nokia's Windows Phone devices, loosens Qualcomm's grip
Earlier this year, as you may recall, we learned that at least some of Nokia's Windows Phone devices would be powered by a dual-core chip from ST-Ericsson. At the time, this report came as something of a surprise, considering the fact that Qualcomm had long enjoyed hegemony over the Windows Phone market. Today, however, it becomes official, as Nokia has now selected ST-Ericsson's NovaThor platform as its Windows Phone supplier. There is no sign, however, that this deal will be exclusive, so it's likely that the manufacturer will continue to use Qualcomm silicon in addition to ST-Ericsson's ARM-based line of U9500, U8500, and U5500 dual-core CPUs. We also have yet to hear any confirmation on the specific devices that these chips will power, or when they'll go into production, though we'll be sure to let you know as soon as we get word. Skip past the break for a really short press release.
Lumia 800 to hit the UK on November 16th, Nokia confirms
We knew that the Lumia 800 would be making its way to the UK sometime in November, but today, that timeline has become slightly more specific. We've just received confirmation that Nokia's "first real Windows Phone" will indeed be available within the UK on November 16th, just a day before Samsung unleashes its Galaxy Nexus handset to British users. Last month, the company confirmed that the device would be priced at €420, though there's no word yet on what that price tag may look like in sterling. As always, we'll let you know as soon as we hear more.
HTC releases Q3 earnings report: profit up 68 percent, shipments soar 93 percent
It's been another stellar quarter for the folks over at HTC. According to the company's Q3 earnings report, released today, net income rose to NT$18.68 billion (about $624.6 million) this quarter -- a 68 percent increase over Q3 2010 and a seven percent bump over last quarter, when HTC reported record profits. Revenue, meanwhile, rose by 79 percent on the year to NT$135.8 billion (around $4.54 billion), which the manufacturer attributed to "strong brand recognition, leading product portfolio and expanded distribution channels." On a regional level, HTC saw the strongest growth in China, where sales increased by a factor of nine over the past year. This undoubtedly helped the company boost handset shipments, which increased by a whopping 93 percent over the year, to 13.2 million units. For more details and crunchy numbers, hit up the source links, below.
Report suggests Apple slipping in handset rankings
Last quarter was a transition quarter for Apple and its iPhone. Sales of the 18-month-old iPhone 4 fell slightly as the company prepared to introduce the iPhone 4S. This slowdown caused Apple to slip to fifth place in the global handset market and to the number two slot in the global smartphone market, according to Strategy Analytics. Strategy Analytics's report examines global handset shipments and reveals that Apple now trails Nokia, Samsung, LG and ZTE. Chinese manufacturer ZTE shipped 18.5 million handsets last quarter and beat out Apple which shipped 17.1 million. Nokia held onto its first place position by shipping 106.6 million handsets, most of which are feature phones. In the smartphone market, Samsung climbed past Apple with 27.8 million in quarterly smartphone shipments. In the June 2011 quarter, Apple had slid past Samsung to claim first position, but it's time at the top was short-lived due to several market factors. Neil Mawston, Director at Strategy Analytics says, "We believe Apple's growth during the third quarter was affected by consumers and operators awaiting the launch of the new iPhone 4S in the fourth quarter, volatile economic conditions in several key countries, and tougher competition from Samsung's popular Galaxy S2 model." Apple may be down this last quarter, but next quarter should be significantly better. During its quarterly earnings conference call, Apple CEO Tim Cook assured analysts that the holiday quarter should see iPhone sales return to record-breaking levels. Early sales of the iPhone 4S have been brisk and these numbers are expected to climb now that Apple is rolling out the handset to additional countries. [Via AppleInsider]
Sony to buy out Ericsson's stake in joint venture, call it quits after ten years
We all saw it coming and, sure enough, it's finally happened. After all the rumors and opaque comments, Sony has just bought out Ericsson's share of Sony Ericsson, effectively assuming ownership of the entire venture. Ericsson confirmed the buyout this morning, adding that it will receive a cash consideration of €1.05 billion in exchange for its 50 percent stake. Sony, meanwhile, will now have the chance to integrate smartphones more tightly within its arsenal of tablets, laptops and gaming devices. The agreement also gives Sony an IP cross-licensing agreement and ownership of "five essential patent families" pertaining to wireless tech, though the breadth of this coverage remains unclear. The separation won't be finalized, however, until January 2012, pending regulatory approval. Find more details in the full PR, after the break. Update: Sony president and CEO Sir Howard Stringer has just addressed the media on the proposed buyout and confirmed that the company will indeed move away from feature phones, as previously stated. This effectively heralds the death of the Walkman line and the dawn of Sony's exclusively Android era, though Stringer's not ruling out the possibility of bringing another OS on board. When asked whether his firm would consider buying webOS, the exec said simply, "Never say never." [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Nokia Lumia 800 shipping in November for $585, available for pre-order now
Nokia has just announced that its recently unveiled Lumia 800 will begin shipping in November to select markets, for around €420, or about $585. It'll roll out next month across France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK, before making its way to Hong Kong, India, Russia, Singapore and Taiwan, by the close of 2011. The Lumia 710, meanwhile, is priced at €270 (around $376), and will be available in Hong Kong, India, Russia, Singapore and Taiwan by the end of this year. Early birds, however, can pre-order the Lumia 800 now -- just click the source link below for more details.
Nokia outs colorful 603 handset, coupled with NFC-equipped Luna Bluetooth headset
The leaves in your yard may be transitioning to the more subdued hues of autumn, but Nokia's new 603 smartphone certainly isn't. Available in six different back cover colors, this new Symbian Belle handset is powered by a 1GHz processor and boasts a 3.5-inch, capacitive touchscreen with 640 x 360 resolution. It also comes with 2GB of internal memory, a 32GB microSD slot and five megapixel camera, along with full NFC and Bluetooth 3.0 capabilities. Speaking of which, the folks in Espoo have also taken this opportunity to unveil their new Luna Bluetooth headset -- an NFC-enabled, in-ear accessory that delivers up to eight hours of extended talk time, as well as a rainbow of colors (see an image after the break). As far as pricing goes, the 603 will set you back €200 (about $275), with the Luna headset sitting at €70 (around $96). Neither will hit the market until Q4 of this year, but you can find more information in the full PR, looming after the break.
Shocker! Microsoft to produce dual-core, LTE Windows Phones, other modern things
This just in: Microsoft is ready to take the plunge into mobile modernity... at its own pace. During a recent interview with All Things D, Windows Phone President Andy Lees revealed a few details about Redmond's future crop of handsets, which will apparently include both LTE capabilities and dual-core processors. The exec confirmed that LTE-equipped devices are indeed in the pipeline, but declined to specify whether they'd hit the market this year or next. Turns out, Microsoft wants to wait until current LTE networks prove capable of supporting more power-efficient smartphones. "The first LTE phones were big and big [users] of the battery," Lees said. "I think it's possible to do it in a way that is far more efficient, and that's what we will be doing." Lees was similarly opaque about Microsoft's plans to incorporate dual-core CPUs into its mobile lineup, saying only that they're on the way. According to him, however, even single-core Windows Phones can hold their own against the dual-core competition: "They're all single core, but I suspect that they will be faster in usage than any dual-core phone that you put against it, and that's the point." Lees went on to wax Panglossian about Microsoft's strategy, claiming that the absence of LTE and dual-core processing doesn't necessarily mean that his company is behind the times. "I think that what our strategy is is to put things in place that allow us to leapfrog, and I think that's how we've gone from worse [sic] browser to the best browser," he explained, "and I think the same is true with hardware." Check out the full interview for yourself, at the source link below.
Samsung looks to block iPhone 4S sales in France, Italy
Not exactly a shocking development here, but Samsung has just announced that it's looking to block sales of the iPhone 4S throughout France and Italy, opening up yet another frontier in its ongoing patent war with Apple. In a statement, the company confirmed that it will file two preliminary injunction requests in Paris and Milan today, on the grounds that Cupertino's new handset infringes upon two patents related to WCDMA standards for 3G-enabled devices. And it looks like this could only the beginning, with the manufacturer stating that it plans to pursue similar actions in other countries, as well. "Apple has continued to flagrantly violate our intellectual property rights and free ride on our technology," reads Samsung's statement. "We believe it is now necessary to take legal action to protect our innovation." Apple has yet to comment on the filings, but we'll be following the drama very closely.
Sony Ericsson CEO: we should have taken the iPhone more seriously
Sony Ericsson CEO Bert Nordberg talked with the Wall Street Journal about the company's mobile phone strategy. During the interview, the CEO confirmed that Sony Ericsson should have taken the iPhone more seriously when it launched. Nordberg doesn't elaborate on this comment, but it likely refers to the company's slow transition from a feature phone manufacturer with Symbian as its primary OS to a smartphone manufacturer that's placing all its eggs in the Android basket. This move cost Sony Ericsson. Instead of being the leader of the pack, Sony Ericsson is losing precious market share. According to Gartner, Sony Ericsson had a 4.3% share of the global mobile phone market in Q3 2009 and dropped to a lowly 1.7% in the second quarter of 2011. During that same period, Apple grew from an insignificant level in 2009 to 4.6% in Q2 2011. This is an astounding jump for a company that sells only the iPhone and not an entire lineup of smartphones and feature phones.
