multi-mode
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Multi-mode LTE chips predicted for 2009, WiMAX for "developing nations"
We may be savoring just a small taste of WiMAX here in these United States, forced to wait until "2010+" before getting to know the robust flavor of LTE (the next, next high-speed wireless standard), but that's not stopping analyst Philip Solis from predicting that multi-mode chips supporting both standards will be introduced sometime next year, ahead of LTE itself. He indicates that numerous providers like Vodafone are hedging their bets (though we know where CEO Arun Sarin is placing his), and so therefore mobile device makers should follow suit by supporting both formats in their laptops, netbooks, and MIDs. We're inclined to say he might actually be a year too pessimistic on that call, but more interesting is his comment that wireless broadband providers "will use LTE in industrialized regions, and WiMAX in developing nations." We're sure that Baltimore has some issues it needs to address, but labeling it a "developing nation" bit seems a bit harsh.
Samsung SGH-T578H: world's first TD-SCDMA HSDPA / GSM multi-mode handset
We knew NXP and T3G were working on an automatic handover between TD-SCDMA and GSM, and now both firms are buddying up with Samsung to gloat about the unveiling of the "world's first" TD-SCDMA HSDPA / GSM multi-mode handset. The celebrated mobile is being dubbed the Samsung SGH-T578H, which is equipped with a software-defined modem capable of achieving data transfer rates of 2.8Mbps. TD-SCDMA network deployments have already been completed in ten major cities in China, and it should be upgraded to support Release 5 (HSDPA) of the TD-SCDMA standard in time for users to enjoy streaming content from the Beijing Olympics. Regrettably, there's no mention as to when the aforementioned mobile will be released, but we're sure this trio won't let it go unnoticed should that day come.[Via MobileTechNews, image courtesy of 163]
T3G, NXP develop automatic handover between TD-SCDMA and GSM
It sounds like the days of dropped calls and endless frustration when leaving TD-SCDMA coverage and entering a GSM realm are nearing an end, as Beijing's T3G Technology and NXP Semiconductors have introduced the "world's first voice automatic handover of multi-mode TD-SCDMA and GSM/GPRS/EDGE in a handset." Just as it sounds, the technology will provide bi-directional on-the-fly, automatic handovers between TD-SCDMA and GSM networks, and any equipped mobile can "automatically scan for available networks" and switch over when necessary "without any adverse effects." Apparently, the two firms have already validated the claims on a number of Chinese network environments, but we've no idea how soon this peace making creation will get rolled out to the masses.
