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Google Phone

2009-07-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK - T-Mobile USA's follow-up to the first "Google phone" will go on sale in early August, the carrier said Monday. The "T-Mobile myTouch 3G with Google" will be a touchscreen phone and will lack the physical keyboard of the T-Mobile G1, the first phone that used Google's Android software. The G1 went on sale in October. T-Mobile has sold more than 1 million of the phones. Google is giving away the software, because the company's goal is to make Android the basis for phones across the industry, stimulating the use of its Web services on mobile devices. Google is getting some traction. Verizon Wireless has said it will bring out an Android phone "in the near future." Motorola is betting big on Android, and aims to have its first products out late this year. But Android phones are facing strong competition. BlackBerrys from Research In Motion are gaining ground among consumers. Apple launched a new iPhone model Friday and said that it sold more than a million units in the first three days. The Pre from Palm has gotten favorable reviews.

The myTouch looks much like an iPhone and has many of the same features, including a similarly sized screen. It will cost $199 with a two-year contract. It will ship with software that allows it to connect to corporate e-mail servers. Such software became available for download to the G1 some months after it launched. Cole Brodman, T-Mobile USA's chief technology officer, said the new phone should appeal to a much wider audience than the G1. "We believe a lot of this market will come from people who are moving into the smartphone space for the first time," Brodman said. G1 buyers "were much more of a tech-enthusiast, early adopter-type crowd." G1 owners will likely not be eligible for the subsidized $199 price for the myTouch, because the G1 came out so recently that T-Mobile has yet to recoup its subsidy through service fees. Many iPhone 3G owners are facing the same conundrum, as AT&T will not subsidize the newly released upgraded model until subscribers have "paid off" the subsidy. Both the G1 and the myTouch are made by HTC Corp. of Taiwan, which cut its teeth making Windows Mobile-based smartphones. more details here.

iPhone Vs. Nokia N95

2008-08-23T01:32:00.000-07:00

Nokia N95

Top 5 advantages of Nokia N95 as compared to Apple iPhone:

1. GPS: The Nokia has a fully functional GPS with which you can really navigate and marks a step forward for convergence. The on-board software which is key to this provides you the ability to find addresses and location by street name, location and postcode. However, automatic turn by turn voice instructions are a premium service that can be upgraded to from the handset.

2. Messaging: The N95 supports IMAP4, POP3, and SMTP e-mail accounts and comes with a full attachment viewer. The N95 does support a number of push e-mail solutions, as well as Microsoft Exchange Server synchronization. Here the main advantage is the support for Microsoft Exchange server which is missing in the iPhone.

3. Ability to view MS Office documents: An application called QuickOffice lets you view Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents, and it optimizes the pages for the phone's screen, so you don't have to scroll all over the place to read text. This is an important feature for business users.

4. Digital Camera: The phone sports a 5 mega-pixel digital camera uses Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, and also comes with controls for 4 ISO settings, white balance, sharpness, contrast, and flash. The camera can also record VGA-quality video at a maximum resolution of 640 by 480 at 30fps.

5. Radio: The N95 also has an FM radio, though you'll have to use the included headset to access the radio, since it acts as the tuner.

Another big advantage of the Nokia N95 would have been that it 3G support, however I have not listed it in the top 5 advantages as it does not work on the United States' 3G network for high-speed web browsing and data transfer, which is a major disappointment, however if you are in Europe this is indeed a major plus. In fact, the European version also has the video calling feature. The reason behind it seems to be that Nokia never planned to launch the N95 in the US, but finally decided to launch it based on the interest it received.

Apple iPhone

Top 5 advantages of Apple iPhone as compared to Nokia N95:

1. iPod: iPhone is a not just a phone it is widescreen iPod with touch controls that lets you enjoy all your content — including music, audiobooks, videos, TV shows, and movies — on a beautiful 3.5-inch widescreen display (Nokia N95 only has a 2.6 inch screen). The N95 does have a good media player, however with all the iPod features and 4 GB / 8 GB space, it makes the iPhone the best music phone.

2. Advanced Safari browser: iPhone lets you see any web page the way it was designed to be seen, then easily zoom in by simply tapping on the multi-touch display with your finger which will change mobile browsing for the good.

3. OS X: All the power and sophistication of an advanced that gives you access to true desktop-class applications and software, including rich applications such as widgets, Safari, calendar, text messaging, Notes, and Address Book etc. iPhone is fully multi-tasking, so you can read a web page while downloading your email in the background. This software completely redefines what you can do with a mobile phone.

4. User Interface: iPhone features the most revolutionary user interface since the mouse. It’s an entirely new interface based on a large multi-touch display and innovative new software that lets you control everything using only your fingers.

5. Visual Voicemail: The iPhone lets you select and listen to voicemail messages in whatever order you want — just like email using a revolutionary new feature called the visual voicemail.
It would be interesting to know from you if Nokia which has been a leader in mobile phones for a very long time is ready for Apple's iPhone. more info here.

New Nokia Mobiles

2008-07-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

Nokia is the world's leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile and fixed telecom networks including related customer services. Nokia has added two new mobiles Xpressmusic 5220 and XpressMusic 5320 handsets to its existing range of XpressMusic Mobiles portfolio. The top-quality model is the Nokia 5320, which features a USB port to transfer data, HSDPA connection, Hi-Fi sound, and a good battery life of 24 hours. But the best feature is certainly the “Say and Play” which lets the user say the name of an artist/song, and it will instantly start playing the desired song. The latest music mobiles are good looking and decently priced handsets targeted towards the music lovers who love to play music on the go, these have dedicated music keys, 3.5mm audio jack with dedicated music chip. Today’s additions to the XpressMusic range up the ante with new ways for consumers to access their media as well as interact and share content with friends and communities anytime, anywhere.

XpressMusic 5320 features 3G capability with web 2.0 access, support for memory upto 8 GB, HS-USB for fast music transfer and HSDPA for fast access to data. With the innovative new voice-controlled say and play feature, users can merely say the name of a favorite artist or song to automatically play it. XpressMusic 5220 include up to 24 h ours playback time,2 megapixel camera with flash and video recording, dedicated XpressMusic keys and a 3.5mm audio jack. Featured for the first time on a Nokia XpressMusic device, a built-in lanyard makes the device easy to carry anywhere. Both handsets are compatible with the recently launched Nokia Music Store and offer easy music side-loading. With Nokia Music Store, consumers can choose from more than 2 million tracks from both major and independent labels; international and local artists and simply browse, download, stream and sync either to a PC or side-load directly to a mobile device. more info here.

Bluetooth in mobile phones

2008-07-12T08:22:00.000-07:00

Bluetooth (BT) is a wireless technology provides an easy way for a wide range of devices to communicate with each other and connect to the Internet without the need for wires, cables and connectors. It is supported and used in products by over 3000 companies, including large corporations such as Sony Ericsson, Nokia, Motorola, Intel, IBM, Toshiba, Motorola, Apple, Microsoft, and even Toyota, Lexus and BMW. A variety of products available on the market have short range Bluetooth radios installed, including printers, laptops, keyboards, cars and the most popular type of Bluetooth enabled devices - mobile phones, driving 60% of the Bluetooth market. The technology has already gained enormous popularity, with more than 3 million Bluetooth-enabled products shipping every week. According to IDC, there will be over 922 million Bluetooth enabled devices worldwide by 2008. The technology seams to be very interesting and beneficial, yet it can also be a high threat for the privacy and security of Bluetooth users. The idea behind Bluetooth technology was born in 1994, when a team of researchers at Ericsson Mobile Communications, led by Dr. Jaap Haartsen and Dr. Sven Mattisson, initiated a feasibility study of universal short-range, low-power wireless connectivity as a way of eliminating cables between mobile phones and computers, headsets and other devices.

It was later developed into the Bluetooth technology we know today by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), an industry association which was announced in May 1998 and formally founded in September 1998. The founding members were Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia and Toshiba, and later in December 1999, 3Com Corporation, Lucent Technologies, Microsoft Corporation and Motorola Inc. joined the Bluetooth SIG. After years of development the final Bluetooth technology uses the free and globally available 2.4GHz Industrial-Scientific-Medical (ISM) radio band, unlicensed for low-power use, and allows two Bluetooth devices within 10-100 m range to share data with throughput up to 723.2 Kbps, or 2.1Mbps with the new Enhanced Data Rate specification already released in 2005. Each device can simultaneously communicate with up to seven other devices per piconet. Bluetooth technology is also intended to be secure by providing authentication, encryption, quality of service (QoS) control and other security features. However, it will be shown that Bluetooth is vulnerable in a number of ways, opening the door for many malicious attacks now and in the future. more info here.

New Generation credit card

2008-03-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

The Credit card industry has witnessed a phenomenal growth over the last couple of years but even with all the growth and the statistical numbers there have been security and other issues. Now all those concerns could well be a thing of the past as the industry tries various innovative ways to work their way around all the existing problems. Amid all the promising technologies, the two main attractive innovations for now include gadgets such as radio-frequency credit cards and payment making cell phones. The cards are embedded with radio frequency chips and the owner can pay by tapping or waving the card in front of a specially equipped reader. Contactless credit cards have already been introduced in the US with a good success rate. Contactless cards are designed to entice consumers to put more spending on plastic by making it easier than paying cash and are the most visible sign of a transformation reshaping the credit card industry. Card executives bet they can reignite profit growth by using radio-frequency credit cards and other devices to capture more of the $4.4 trillion in annual U.S. spending now done through cash and checks. But getting the world to embrace new technology is not easy. Consumer advocates have already raised concerns about security of radio-frequency payments. And, like other longstanding habits, consumers appear reluctant to alter the way they've been paying for decades. But change is occurring slowly. Observers feel that radio-frequency credit cards are faster and more convenient both for consumers and retailers, saving them from having to make change or bother with signed receipts.

The card transmits all the information to complete the transaction to the reader. The reader emits electromagnetic waves that activate the card's radio-frequency chip that then sends the cardholder's information to the reader. Critics on the other hand say that Card banks have to overcome questions about security as well but Credit card executives downplay concerns, saying cards only transmit when held within a few inches of the reader, making it difficult for fraudsters to intercept. And even if it is stolen, the data's encrypted, meaning scrambled into a secret code, card executives say. Further, they say, people generally have no liability when their cards are used fraudulently. Although banks haven't been entirely successful in dispelling security questions, contactless cards do seem to be catching on. Some big consumer applications for RFID technology are already here. One little known but widely deployed consumer application for RFID is in car keys. A sensor in the steering column detects the chip in the key and lets you turn the car on, preventing thieves from using a counterfeit key that doesn't have a chip. Many car companies use the chipped keys, and market research firm In-Stat estimated in January that about 150 million car keys have been outfitted with the technology since 1991.

Looking beyond contactless cards customers may soon be paying with their cell phones, their I-Pods or even their thumb prints. There have been a lot of tests including cell phones where the phones were embedded with radio-frequency chips so customers could pay by waving their phones in front of the readers. Which technology finally gets the nod from the consumers and the banks is still uncertain but one thing is sure that the Credit Card industry is slowly but surely looking to grow. more info here.

What is payday Loan?

2008-03-08T06:58:00.000-08:00

A payday loan is a temporary financial thing that is secured against your future paycheck. Having grown in popularity since the early 1990s as a means to combat NSF fees and late payment penalties, many individuals prefer this financial tool to supplement a temporary loss of income or cover an unforeseen expense over other methods, such using high interest rate title loans or pawn shops. Loans are direct-deposited into your account during the evening ACH sweep for the day you are approved. In many cases, lenders will not require you to fax any paperwork. 128-bit SSL encryption technology means that your confidential information is safe, secure, and private.

Is it possible to negotiate with a payday company?

When people hear the words "payday loan company" they automatically assume that they will now be dealing with a bunch of heartless people who want their money at all costs. They may be the case with some less then wholesome companies, but that does not describe the majority. So how possible is it to negotiate with your payday loan company regarding payment of your loan? Let's clear something up here. If you think that you will be able to negotiate the amount of money that you have to pay back then you are crazy. The payday company wants their money and they want to amount in full. But this should not stop you from going to the company and looking to set up some sort of payment plan. This is a way they will offer you some relief while still getting their money back in full. If this is the case then you will want to contact your payday lender as soon as you discover you are going to have trouble paying off the loan.

The main factor will be whether or not the company even allows payment plans. It does not hurt to approach them about the subject. It may all depend on how much you owe, how late your payment is, and how you have done with previous payments. It may turn out that a payment plan is the best thing for both parties involved. Sometimes they may make you take out another loan. But there are some times when your lender will not negotiate.

How to Buy a Cell Phone

2008-02-29T22:18:00.000-08:00

Cell phones are more than just convenient communication tools: They allow you to check e-mail, sync with the calendar and contacts on your PC, dial a number by the sound of your voice, look up breaking news on the Internet, take photos, play games, send text messages, view and edit documents, listen to music, and more. But choosing a phone--and the service plan to go with it--requires some legwork. Your choice of phone may depend on your choice of wireless service provider. If you're shopping for a carrier, you first need to figure out which carrier offers the best coverage and the best monthly service plan in your area. Then you'll have to select a phone from the assortment your chosen service provider offers. With the exception of a few handsets, most phones work only on one provider's system because carriers have mutually exclusive networks, and many carriers lock their phones so you can't take the same phone to another provider.

The third generation of mobile communications technology, commonly called 3G, is becoming more widely available. It's supposed to boost data-transfer performance to 2 megabits per second from the more common data-transfer rate of 19.2 kilobits per second, and is particularly handy if you use a phone to wirelessly access data such as e-mail, text messages, and the Web. The availability of 3G service remains a mixed bag. Sprint and Verizon Wireless use the Evolution Data Optimized (EvDO) network, which offers average download speeds of 400 to 700 kbps and potential maximum download speeds of 2 mbps. Cingular's 3G network, called High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), is available on only on select handsets. (Cingular's HSDPA is also available for use with PC Cards.) HSDPA promises average download data rates of 400 to 700 kbps with bursts to more than 1 mbps. Currently, most Cingular phones still support Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), which promises data transmission speeds of 384 kbps, and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), with an average speed of 40 kbps but a capability of going up to 115 kbps. fore info here.