Daily Marauder

WIRELESS

Earlier this morning, Nokia released a public beta version of its Mail on Ovi service, which enables users to sign up for a free e-mail account directly from their Series 40 handsets. The new service is available worldwide and available in a dozen languages, after a test period of one month during which users in India, Malaysia and the Philippines were able to try out the service. (http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/12/22/nokia-debuts-worldwide-mail-on-ovi-beta-service 12/22)

Google has announced improvements that provide for speedier searches on the Apple iPhone and T-Mobile G1, as well as several additional enhancements to its Android mobile platform. Bug fixes affecting e-mail and other functions and new features such as the ability to save MMS attachments are among the improvements scheduled to be completed by January. CNET (12/19) , CNET (12/19)

Best Buy has rolled out a new iPhone 3G promotion in its stores that offers shoppers a $10 discount, bringing the cost of the 8GB model to $190 and the 16GB version to $290. The discount will be offered through Dec. 31 and will be packaged with a free “walk-out-working” service, which includes e-mail setup, contact transfers and information on how to use the phone’s features. InformationWeek (12/19)