Daily Marauder

WIRELESS

Last quarter, mobile phone sales in the U.S. dropped 15 percent to 32 million units, according to market research firm NPD Group. But in hard times, the strongest brands also take share. And that is exactly what Apple did.   The 6.9 million iPhones it sold last quarter catapulted the $200 device into the top spot among all cell phones, even beating out the much cheaper and still-popular Motorola Razr. (http://www.mobilecrunch.com/2008/11/10/the-iphone-is-now-the-best-selling-phone-in-the-us 11/10)

Nokia’s Vertu unit will issue three more models of its sleek Ferrari-branded handsets, the ultra-high-end line whose designs and materials are inspired by the famous sports car: Vertu puts the same leather and stitching on the phones that are in the cars. “The new Vertu Ascent Ti Ferrari editions are the definitive automotive-inspired handsets — bold, balanced and with the unmistakable character of the Prancing Horse,” said Frank Nuovo, chief of design for Vertu. cellular-news (U.K.) (11/9)

When it comes to charging for mobile apps, payments usually have to go through either the carriers or one of the emerging mobile app platforms such as Apple or Google’s Android. The problem with charging for an iPhone app through iTunes is that Apple takes 30 percent. A startup called Billing Revolution wants to charge about one tenth as much for a seamless, mobile one-click shopping experience. Already available on other phones, Billing Revolution is announcing availability today for iPhone, BlackBerry, and Android apps. (http://www.mobilecrunch.com/2008/11/10/billing-revolution-brings-one-click-payments-to-iphone-blackberry-and-iphone-apps 11/10)

Following American Airlines’ launch of Wi-Fi service on long-haul flights, Delta Air Lines plans to offer “the most extensive Wi-Fi network in the sky” beginning next year. Delta will roll out Aircell’s Gogo Inflight Internet in both first-class and economy cabins on hundreds of aircraft. Air Canada also plans to add the service on U.S. routes starting in the spring. FoxNews.com/LiveScience (11/5)