Filed under: WIRELESS | Tags: Apple, Garmin, Global Positioning System, GPS, Microsoft, Mobile phone, Smartphone, Windows Mobile
It was revealed at WWDC that Apple would soon push out a service that allows for applications to run in the background, but in a different manner than what we’re used to with other smart phones. The Push Notification Service doesn’t run in the same manner as Windows Mobile task manager, though. The PNS connects to a server that watches the threads through a persistent IP connection that would push out notifications, so you can close out AIM, for instance, and go about your business until someone IMs you. (http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/07/31/apple-hands-out-push-notification-service-api-to-developers-background-apps-ftw 7/31)
Garmin, a maker of GPS devices, has pushed back the introduction of its Nuvifone cell phone from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the first half of 2009, the company said while also lowering its outlook for this year because of slowing sales for GPS devices. Garmin cited obstacles in dealing with the various individual needs of each cell phone carrier for the delay. The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Newswires (subscription required) (7/31)
A Microsoft executive blamed delays in bringing some wireless products to market for falling 2 million units shy of reaching its goal of selling 20 million licenses for its Windows Mobile operating system last year. But despite the shortfall and heightened competition, the executive said, Windows Mobile still increased its share of the global mobile market. Seattle Post-Intelligencer (7/30)
Filed under: WIRELESS | Tags: Cellphones, ESeries, Global Positioning System, GPS, Nokia, Nokia N95, Nokia N96, Tessar
Image by nechbi via Flickr
Nokia is planning a new group of E-series enterprise phones and the top-of-the-line N96 multimedia device in the third quarter. Observers expect the E-phones will feature GPS, a 3.2-megapixel camera and 128 megabytes of memory, while the N96 — the $870 follow-up to the highly profitable N95 — is expected to hold 16 gigabytes of memory. (The Washington Post/Reuters 6/9)
Filed under: TECHNOLOGY | Tags: Apple, Global Positioning System, GPS, iPhone, Sony, Video, Wi-Fi, YouTube
Myvu’s personal video system comes in two models, Crystal and Shades, allowing a theaterlike experience from any portable video player. The gadgets provide four to 10 hours of watching, respectively, per battery charge. (ElectronicHouse.com 6/5)
A Japanese robotics company named iXs Research Corp. has developed a new teddy bear robot for your car equipped with a GPS navigation system and sensors that detect movement, touch and even the presence of alcohol. Stop suddenly and the bear warns you to be careful. Have a few drinks and the bear reminds you that you may be impaired. iX hopes to release the first commercial version of the robot next year, planning to offer different characters and sizes. (Cynopsis 6/6)
The plug-and-play accessory lets users create a dedicated Wi-Fi network to broadcast the Vudu movie service throughout the house, including HD content. The Vudu Wireless Kit is available for $79 and requires an existing broadband router. (CED Magazine 6/08)
YouTube and Wired.com are being added to the video providers for a $300 module Sony sells for its LCD flat panel TVs. The Internet Video Link module is a small box that fits into the back of some LCD TVs. Other existing video providers include Sports Illustrated and Style.com. (Iwantmedia 6/6, http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080605/ap_on_hi_te/tec_sony_youtube 6/5)
The company is adding seven LCD models to its Bravia XBR TV line and lowering price points for some of the line’s features such as its Triluminos and Digital Media Extender technologies. The new models will hit stores this fall. (TWICE 6/5, Broadcasting & Cable 6/5)
A report from Coleman Insights has found that 41% of people 15 to 17 turn to MP3 players when they want to listen to music, 27% go to the computer and 22% tune in to FM radio. Nevertheless, 78% between 14 and 17 listened to the radio every day. (Radio Ink 6/5, Radio Online 6/5, RBR.com 6/5)
Filed under: WIRELESS | Tags: Blackberry, Business, Global Positioning System, GPS, High-Speed Downlink Packet Access, HSDPA, MicroSD, Wi-Fi
Although now pulled, a BlackBerry 9000 was up on eBay just long enough for folks to grab some eye candy. A screenshot shows it’s running on OS 4.6, and that the model number is, in fact, 9000. Aside from that, we already know it’ll be running on a quicker processor and higher-res screen, and packing GPS, Wi-Fi and HSDPA, an externally-accessible microSD memory card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. (http://www.blackberrycool.com/2008/04/29/007091 4/29)
Filed under: WIRELESS | Tags: Business, Global Positioning System, GPS, Telecommunications
GPS-enabled handsets are expected to total more than half a billion worldwide in five years, Berg Insight predicts. To date, on a global basis, 175 million handsets support GPS technology. (The Boston Globe 4/17)
