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Dockers shakes up mobile ad space with motion-sensitive iPhone plugs
Seriously, what will these marketing gurus think up next? As if banner ads and pop-ups weren't enough to draw our attention to whatever product a given company is attempting to sell, Dockers has reportedly whipped up the world's first motion-sensitive ad for Apple's iPhone. The so-called "shakable" ad (dubbed Shakedown 2 Get Down), which is "available" in a number of popular iPhone apps (iBasketball, iGolf, iBowl and iTV just to name a few) takes advantage of the built-in accelerometer and gives iPhone owners the ability to believe they're playing a game while they're subliminally being talked into buying a new pair of pants. We're hesitant to even speak it, but we get the feeling that Dockers and partner OMD have just created a monster here.[Via AdAge]
Samsung's MBP200 pico PJ, i7410 projector phone get ship dates
Two of Samsung's smallest beamers just got prices and release dates, but sadly, neither are in US dollars. The MBP200 pico projector will reportedly ship this May across the pond for €499 ($637), while the i7410 (more commonly referred to as the Show) will hit during the summertime for a price still to be determined. We know, it's not the bucketful of information you wanted, but it's something to whet your appetite until the suits at Sammy give us the dirty details we're really after.
Sirius XM developing iPhone / iPod touch streaming radio app
My, my -- now isn't this something? Shortly after narrowly avoiding a dastardly collision with bankruptcy, Sirius XM is looking to connect itself with profitable enterprises in an attempt to build market share and regain interest from budget-conscience consumers. Just weeks after hearing that the sat radio company could be preparing a few Sirius / DirecTV bundles, CFO David Frear has now confirmed on a recent earnings call that the outfit is indeed developing an iPhone / iPod touch app. It's interesting to think that a satellite radio firm could be warming to delivering more content via the internet, but it's the apparent diversion from being a standalone offering that has us even more intrigued. It should be interesting to see how the pricing model works with this forthcoming app -- will users be able to get an iPhone subscription only? Will it be tossed in gratis with traditional subscriptions? So many questions, not enough patience.[Image courtesy of SiriusBuzz]
Vodafone's music catalog goes DRM-free for mobiles and PCs
We were wondering (seriously, it has been on our conscience at night) which carrier would be the first to go completely DRM-free in respect to its music catalog, and now Vodafone has stepped in to claim said throne. This week, the operator has inked deals with Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and EMI Music to bring tunes to handsets and PCs sans any nasty DRM, and for those who already downloaded DRM-laced files in the past, they'll be able to upgrade to DRM-free without a charge so long as they do it soon. And to think -- something like this would've been stopped cold at the drawing board by record label execs just a few years back. Desperate times call for desperate measures, right?
Music-focused event on tap for Nokia this week
Hot on the heels of MWC, it seems Nokia's got another secret that it wants to get off its chest this week. Why the company didn't bundle this announcement with the MWC stuff is unclear -- but with the E55, E75, and N86 all unveiled in Barcelona, maybe they're just looking to give the new gear some spotlight time of its own. Actually, calling this "gear" might be overstepping -- for all we know, Nokia could simply be announcing new Comes With Music markets or something along those lines -- but naturally, our hearts and minds are always pining for new hardware. Look for this to go down at 10:00AM Central European Time on Wednesday the 11th, which works out to a bright 'n early 5AM for you New Yorkers, so bring plenty of coffee with the popcorn. Any good theories? [Via The Nokia Blog]
Oh, by the way: Nokia 5800 works with Amazon Video On Demand
Quietly mentioned at the NAM 5800 XpressMusic's launch was its ability to sync up with Amazon's Video On Demand service, bringing over 40,000 movies and TV shows (though how many of those we'd actually want to watch remains unclear) to the surprisingly capable 640 x 360 display in your pocket. Unfortunately, you can't buy and download over the air -- you'll need to install the PC-based Video On Demand software first, then download the portable player for the 5800, then download content by tethering up to the machine, which isn't the optimal solution. With HSDPA on board, we're hoping Amazon eventually figures out that there's a better way to do this -- this is the company that runs Whispernet, after all. [Thanks, Mia]
Nokia aiming for DRM-free implementation of Comes With Music
Make no mistake -- there's no need to wait for Nokia and its partner studios to implement a DRM-free version of Comes With Music to enjoy your subscription tracks on any device you want, but at least the handset maker -- along with those in control of the jams -- are working towards a legal way to strip your downloads of that pesky rights management stuff. According to an article on the matter from Singapore today, Adam Mirabella, director of Global Digital Music Retail at Nokia, had this to say: "We have dialogs going with all of our partners and Digital Rights Management-free (DRM-free) is also on the roadmap for the future integration of Comes With Music." No further details were spilled, but we'd say that's clear cut enough to get one's hopes up. Just don't bank on this going down anytime soon -- you should know there's lots of red tape to cut before those CmW tunes are freed of their shackles.[Thanks, Masa]
Unify4Life AV Shadow app to soon turn BlackBerry Storm into remote
Apple's iPhone probably has too many remote apps for its own good, but Unify4Life is looking to provide RIM's BlackBerry Storm with just one -- the best one, in fact. The company's admittedly impressive AV Shadow software, which we happened to experience ourselves at CES, is reportedly coming soon to RIM's first ever touchscreen 'Berry. How soon? Try "later this week." If you're interested to know precisely what you're waiting for, give that play button above a push.
Verizon Home wares show up on mobile portal
We knew Verizon was planning remote scheduling for its Home Media DVR, and its Hub is evidence of its willingness to dabble in whole-home devices, but this... this, is interesting. A tipster over at ZatzNotFunny has pointed out that Verizon already has a mobile portal up for its Home products, and given that it's accessible via mobile web, it's completely platform agnostic. We're also told (and shown, after the break) that the portal works despite its "beta" label, as the user was able to schedule a recording on his FiOS TV set-top-box from his handset. We're not sure when Verizon plans on making this more public than it has already become, but why not fire it up on your cellphone and see how it goes?[Via ZatzNotFunny]
Sony Ericsson outs CNN, Skype, Mytopia panels for XPERIA X1
Sony Ericsson's Panels interface hasn't taken off the way HTC's TouchFLO 3D has, but it's still a nice way to momentarily forget that you're being forced to use Windows Mobile 6.1. At any rate, those who plunked down some eight bills to procure an XPERIA X1 should probably give this a look, as SE has just unveiled the latest Panels for its first (and likely last) HTC-designed smartphone. Available starting in mid-March, users will be able to suck down CNN, Skype, Mytopia and 'On the Road' Panels. For specific details on what each will provide, you know where to head.
Will Liberty Media's rescue of Sirius XM lead to DirecTV partnerships?
It's the question that's everyone's wondering, so we'll just put it out there. Will Liberty Media's saving of Sirius XM lead to any sort of Sirius-DirecTV tie-up? Earlier this week, Liberty Media (which owns DirecTV) decided to loan the nearly bankrupt Sirius XM $530 million in exchange for a 40 percent equity stake. Now, DirecTV is a direct cousin of yet another satellite-based company. We already knew that both DirecTV and DISH were considering the merits of mobile TV, but according to a new report from Reuters, this could be the deal that finally urges the former to pursue it. Liberty Chief Executive Greg Maffei stated that it "would be looking at the possibilities of co-marketing DirecTV and Sirius XM to each other's subscribers and joint content deals, as well as working on a mobile video initiative." Of course, those weren't the primary reasons the deal was done, but only time will tell if it was lingering on the back of Liberty's mind as the ink dried.[Thanks, Vanbrothers]
TI's OMAP 4 bringing 1080p support to smartphones and MIDs
Right around this time last year, Texas Instruments was busy showing off its OMAP 3 platform, which enabled 720p playback from a mobile phone. At this year's MWC, we've got a real live handset recording 720p, and TI upping the ante once more with a chip that handles 1080p. For those still with us after being blasted with resolutions, the predictably titled OMAP 4 aims to bring 1080p support, 20 megapixel imaging and "approximately a week of audio play time" to mobiles and MIDs that house it. Granted, TI also calls this stuff "future-proof," so don't believe it's totally incapable of uttering some pretty outlandish stuff. At the heart of the platform is a dual-core ARM Cortex A9 chip, a programmable multimedia engine based on TI's C64x DSP and a POWERVR SGX540 graphics engine. We're told that it'll play nice with Linux variants such as Android and LiMo, Symbian and Windows Mobile, though it'll have to be mighty impressive to outgun NVIDIA's Tegra. Battle on, we say.[Via Linux Devices]
Ericsson debuts Pixl8r and Social Media Portal at MWC
Not that we're completely in disbelief to see Ericsson by its lonesome touching on this stuff, but we can't say we were totally expecting it, either. Here in Barcelona, the aforementioned outfit has revealed what it's calling an "innovative social networking portfolio for mobile network operators, the Pixl8r initiative and the Social Media Portal." The former is described as an "open-standard solution that allows photo sharing sites to interact in real time." In other words, subscribers can share social media across operator portals and get SMS notification of friends' activities regardless of network. As for the latter, it enables operators to deliver a Pixl8r-compatible social networking service "quickly and cost effectively," which probably translates into "costly" for consumers. Guess we'll see if anyone bites on it before we get all worked up.
Nokia also joins Adobe initiative, Flash 10 for (almost) all
We're not quite sure if you're seeing what's happening here, but Apple and RIM are working themselves right into the time-out corner. We already heard earlier today that Palm would be joining Adobe's Open Screen Project -- which, by the way, guarantees Flash 10 support on the Pre -- and now we're told that Nokia is following suit. What it all boils down to is this: Google, Microsoft, Palm, and Nokia are all expected to release platforms or handsets in the coming year or two which will support Flash 10, all while Apple's iPhone attempts to limp by with... YouTube support. Granted, we have heard that the suits at Cupertino are in talks to make it happen, but we've yet to hear as much at MWC. Also of note, it seems that a similar deal including RIM is also pretty far off, so BlackBerry users should probably order their daily dose of patience as well.[Via Macworld]
Samsung's flower-inspired BSP6000 Bluetooth speaker hits FCC
Samsung has a history of pumping out Bluetooth speakers with unorthodox designs, so we can't say we were totally taken off guard when this one popped up in the FCC's database. That said, it's hard not to be a little shocked when checking out a speaker that looks more like a pair of black flowers than an audio maker, but that's exactly what's presented in the BSP6000. This mobile companion not only allows for BT music streaming, but it also pairs with your handset in order to initiate / answer / end calls. Predictably, Sammy threw in a standard 3.5 millimeter auxiliary jack for connecting any other music source, and we're told that it'll work with your BT phone so long as it's within a 30 foot radius. Obviously, there's no mention of a price or release date (though that would be nice of you to find out, FCC), but we'll be sure to keep an eye out for more. Shouldn't be too hard to miss.
Nokia drags more Comes With Music handsets out for Singapore launch
Slowly but surely, Nokia's Comes With Music is checking off locales on its tour around the world. Next up is Singapore, and rather than sticking to the same selection of CwM-equipped handsets as we've seen thus far, it'll be tossing in the lower-end 5320 XpressMusic and 5220 XpressMusic alongside the 5800, N96, N95 and N79. When the service and handsets launch in "the coming weeks," it'll mark the first nation in Asia to take part in Nokia's fun little all-you-can-digest music initiative. For those keeping score, this will make Singapore the first country on the planet to have access to a CwM 5800, though there's no word on how costly any of the previously mentioned mobiles will be. Patience, friends -- it's all we can count on these days.
Samsung Show projector phone landing this month in Korea, soon in Europe
We knew that Samsung's Show (or "the projector phone") would be headed to South Korea first, but now we've got official confirmation on exactly when from both Sammy and partner Texas Instruments. The W7900 is expected to go on sale later this month in South Korea, while Europeans will get the I7410 in the very near future. There's no mention of any other corners of the globe getting a taste after that, but maybe Samsung's just testing the waters before it really cranks up that supply chain. As for a price? Take a wild guess -- you might be close.
Microsoft readies Zune service for non-Zune devices, Marketplace appears in WinMo 6.5 screenshot
We're just days away from Mobile World Congress where Microsoft is expected to make a few notable annoucements. Until then, we have to settle for all the hints and innuendo we can gather as Redmond attempts to win back the hearts, minds, and pocketbooks of consumers infatuated with Android, WebOS, and whatever Apple's got cookin'. Like these supposed 6.5 screenshots above, this time showing what looks like a Marketplace store a la the Zune. We also have CNET reporting today that Microsoft quietly split its Zune team in two on January 22nd: software and services under Enrique Rodriguez, and hardware under Tom Gibbons who just happens to head-up hardware design at Microsoft's Windows Mobile unit. According Rodriguez, "Zune the service needs to transcend Zune the device" adding, "The goal is to make non-gaming entertainment a first-class citizen within Microsoft's business." That includes expanding the Zune service beyond the Zune and onto more devices than just Microsoft's. Or, "a little further out than just in Redmond," to quote Rodriguez directly. While he wouldn't say specifically when it was coming to Windows Mobile, he did say to expect products other than the Zune player to be using the Zune service sometime this year. Now, armed with those Zune-centric WinMo 6.5 screenshots and project Pink leaks, it's not too much a stretch to expect a Zune-like WinMo experience to be detailed in Barcelona. Besides, isn't it about time that Danger made good on that estimated $500 million acquisition?Read -- CNET interviewRead -- Latest WinMo 6.5 screenshos
Advasense and Creative Sensor invent world's smallest 5MP AF camera module
We know it sounds crazy, but there actually will be more than just new handsets at Mobile World Congress next week. In fact, both Advasense and Creative Sensor are planning to showcase the world's smallest 5 megapixel AutoFocus camera module at that very conference. The ASIO is a 5 megapixel, quarter-inch optical format, 1.4u FCP CMOS Image Sensor, which is incorporated into CSI's Compact Camera Module (which measures just 8.3- x 8.3-millimeters) in order to fit right into your next handset. There's no word yet on which mobile manufacturer(s) plan on placing the imager within their next crew of phones, but you can bet that representatives from both companies will be wheeling and dealing in Barcelona.[Via I4U News]
Samsung S8300 and updated TouchWiz UI previewed
While we've gotta wait until Barcelona to see Samsung's Ultra Touch S8300 slider for ourselves, a handful of outlets have already played around with a preview unit, complete with the TouchWiz UI makeover. It's not the slimmest of touch phones, measuring 110 x 51.5 x 12.7 mm, but props are given to the 8 megapixel camera and OLED touchscreen, unsurprisingly, as well as the simple drag-and-drop widget menu and three separate home screens for micro-app organization. Other than some of the icon graphics and the aforementioned menu updates, the UI is largely unchanged from its previous form. The lack of WiFi is gonna ruffle a few feathers, but the HSDPA will probably assuage some of that pain. Hit up the read links for impressions and video -- with any luck, we'll be getting our own hands-on time at next week's Mobile World Congress.Read - Mobile-reviewRead - GSMArenaRead - Stuff.tv
