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WASHINGTON — Feb 01, `08 — Although a major auction of prime public airwaves, the 700 MHz, is far from finished, there already appears to be a big winner: the US consumer.

A bid on the largest portion of public wireless airwaves, now being auctioned by the US government, reached $4.7 billion Thursday, surpassing a threshold price that would trigger so-called open-access rules that would allow any legal mobile device or software program to use those airwaves.

While bidding was anonymous, analysts speculated that Google and Verizon Wireless, a joint venture between Verizon Communications and Vodafone Group, were the likely bidders on that swath, or about one-third of the total spectrum being auctioned.

Winners, however, will not be known until the entire auction by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission ends, a process that could take several more weeks. The auction began Jan. 24.

To retain the open-access conditions on that spectrum, a minimum $4.6 billion bid was required. The commission is selling a spectrum that is being freed as part of the switch to digital television in February 2009. The airwaves are considered especially valuable because the frequencies travel long distances and can easily pass through walls.

The rules, advocated by Google and a coalition of consumer and public interest groups, will help pry open traditionally closed wireless networks that prevent people from taking their phones with them when switching providers.

Google, AT&T and Verizon Communications are among 214 qualified bidders for nearly 1,100 licenses to pieces of the spectrum that vary from a nationwide swath to regional slivers.

Because of strict rules to prevent collusion, bidders won’t be identified until the auction ends, and companies are forbidden from commenting on their activity. Based on the limited bidding information available, Verizon is probably the high bidder on the open-access chunk, but Google is also a possibility, said Blair Levin, an analyst at brokerage Stifel, Nicolaus & Co.

“The amount of activity that we’ve already seen occurring demonstrates just how significant the interest is in this piece of spectrum,” FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin said.

“The openness requirement is important both in terms of the innovation it will lead to on the edges of the network and the ability of consumers to take advantage of that innovation,” Martin further added during a briefing with reporters yesterday.

Taipei, Taiwan — Dec 19, `07 — DigiTimes is reporting on Motorola’s plan to launch its next-generation Linux-based “Ming” handsets in the second quarter of 2008, with the hand input intelligence handsets to be available in both high-end and entry-level versions, citing Bill Chen, general manager of of mobile device business at Motorola Taiwan.

DigiTimes further reports, “While Motorola’s R&D center in Beijing will continue to handle the development of the high-end version of the new Ming handsets, the US vendor will outsource the production of the new entry-level Ming handsets to the Taiwan-based Inventec Group, according to market sources, who also noted that the new Ming handsets will continue to support the 2.5G standard.

Motorola on December 17 launched its high-end 3.5G RAZR V9 in Taiwan, and the company plans to introduce in Taiwan a Symbian-based ROKR Z8, Windows Mobile-based Q9 and three entry-level models, including the W360 and W213, before the end of this year, Chen said.” More at DigiTimes.

Washington — Dec 18, ‘07 — A venture led by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has applied to bid in an upcoming auction of 700 MHz wireless airwaves, according to FCC’s “Accepted Applications” list released on late Tuesday, Reuters reports.

Allen was listed with an entity called Vulcan Spectrum LLC among the applicants who filed to bid in the FCC auction of 700-megahertz spectrum, which is scheduled to begin on January 24.

Allen and Vulcan Spectrum were on a list of scores of potential bidders who filed applications ahead of a December 3 FCC deadline. The auction applicants also included, Google, AT&T, Verizon Wireless and Qualcomm.

The FCC-run auction is expected to take several weeks, or even months, of daily, back-and-forth bidding, with the identities of the bidders kept secret. The radio waves are being returned by broadcasters as they move from analog to digital signals early in 2009. The signals can go long distances and penetrate thick walls.

FCC List of “Accepted Applications“, “Incomplete Applications” (in pdf). More at FCC (in Word).

White Plains, NY — Dec 03, ‘07 — Nokia today applauded Verizon Wireless’ announced plans to develop and deploy a fourth generation (4G) mobile broadband network. The Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology Verizon Wireless chose is an open and global specification for next generation networks that will bring scale and efficiencies for manufacturers, choice in network equipment and device for operators, and ultimately better value and richer experiences for consumers.

Broadband wireless technologies have the power to change the way people work, live, play and communicate. As the world leader in converged devices, Nokia is dedicated to offering a wide choice of mobile devices to consumers and remains committed to openness and innovation. Nokia is proud to expand our collaboration with Verizon Wireless to develop products that allow consumers to experience the benefits of mobility and the Internet.

“Nokia has long been committed to working closely with operators in the US and around the world, and is very pleased to support Verizon Wireless in their choice of LTE as their global 4G evolution path,” said Mark Louison, President, Nokia Inc., the North American arm of Nokia.

“It is very exciting to see Verizon Wireless, one of the world’s leading wireless providers, announce their open development initiative for devices and their decision to evolve their network to the open, global specification of LTE.”

Within the next 10 years, Nokia sees that demand for an enriched mobile experience and mobile computing will continue to grow at exponential rates. LTE will help to enable faster, richer multimedia services such as multi-player gaming with rich 3D graphics and simultaneous Instant Messaging or voice calls and a host of other applications providing a much more compelling mobile experience for consumers everywhere. Nokia.

TORONTO, ONTARIO –Marketwire– Dec 03, ‘07 — Nortel has successfully tested a solution with Qualcomm that will improve the mobile phone experience for users by allowing them to continue conversations uninterrupted and avoid additional roaming charges when a caller is moving between different wireless networks.

The completion of testing between Nortel’s IMS-based Voice Call Continuity (VCC) network solution and the Qualcomm chipset solution that uses their IMS/VCC device client is a major step towards the availability of out-of-the box VCC-enabled mobile phones.

VCC helps decrease mobile phone charges by seamlessly switching voice calls, without interruptions, between WiFi and cellular networks. Airtime and long distance charges do not apply when the user roams into areas of WiFi coverage - which can be in the home, office or some public retail locations.

As an IMS-based application, VCC moves beyond traditional cellular solutions by enabling service providers to offer innovative multimedia services on mobile phones like network-based real-time, multi-player gaming, enterprise service integration and interactive blogging.

“Because Nortel’s VCC is based on IMS, it will allow operators to deploy more multimedia services compared to other FMC solutions,” said Alf Decardenas, general manager, Carrier Multimedia Networks, Nortel.”

Also, Nortel’s VCC solution supports seamless voice calling across a wide range of next-generation technologies, as well as Femto cellular access points that are able to connect to the network using residential DSL or cable broadband connections.

Nortel is a leading contributor to VCC standards and our successful completion of testing with Qualcomm illustrates that we are committed to deploying commercial VCC solutions in the market, making them available to service providers within their current networks or as they evolve to 4G solutions such as WiMAX, UMB and LTE.”

Testing included authentication, calls on cellular/WiFi, in-call handover using manual and automatic triggers and a variety of error cases. Both Nortel and Qualcomm have implemented the VCC standards defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the global standard for 3G mobile phone systems.

The Nortel VCC network solution is expected to be commercially available from Nortel in the first quarter of 2008. VCC-ready devices are expected to be available from Qualcomm in the market mid 2008.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif — November 30, 2007 — Google announced today that it will apply to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s upcoming auction of wireless spectrum in the 700 megahertz (MHz) band.

As part of the nationally mandated transition to digital television, the 700 MHz spectrum auction — which begins January 24, 2008 — will free up spectrum airwaves for more efficient wireless Internet service for consumers.

Advocacy by public interest groups and Google earlier this year helped ensure that regardless of which bidders win a key portion of the spectrum up for auction (the so-called “C Block”), they will be required to allow their users to download any software application they want on their mobile device, and to use any mobile devices they would like on that wireless network.

The winner must ensure these rights for consumers if the reserve price of $4.6 billion for the C Block is met at auction.

“We believe it’s important to put our money where our principles are,” said Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO, Google. “Consumers deserve more competition and innovation than they have in today’s wireless world. No matter which bidder ultimately prevails, the real winners of this auction are American consumers who likely will see more choices than ever before in how they access the Internet.”

Schmidt also praised the leadership of FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and his fellow commissioners for adopting the new rights for consumers earlier this year.

Google’s formal application to participate in the 700 MHz auction will be filed with the FCC on Monday, December 3, 2007 — the required first step in the auction process. Google’s application does not include any partners.More at Google.

Bidding separately instead of assembling a coalition does not rule out Google later signing up partners if it wins the bidding, said a source familiar with the company’s strategy. But the FCC has “anti-collusion” rules that prevent deal-making between potential bidders during the auction period.

The auction is expected to take several weeks, or even months, of daily, back-and-forth bidding, with the identities of the bidders kept secret. Big spectrum bidders typically draw up elaborate strategies, often with input from game-theory experts.

FCC officials hope the company’s participation will mean a possible new player in the wireless business and boost the amount of money the government can bring in from the auction.

BASKING RIDGE, NJ, Nov 29, ‘07 /PRNewswire/ — Verizon today announced plans to develop and deploy its fourth generation mobile broadband network using LTE — Long Term Evolution – the technology developed within the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards organization.

The selection of LTE provides Verizon and Vodafone — joint owners of U.S.-based Verizon Wireless - - with a unique opportunity to adopt a common access platform with true global scale and compatibility with existing technologies of both companies.

Verizon and Vodafone have a coordinated trial plan for LTE that begins in 2008. Trial suppliers include Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia- Siemens, and Nortel. These suppliers, along with others in the world community, have contributed significantly towards development of the standards in 3GPP.

Discussions with device suppliers have expanded beyond traditional suppliers such as LG, Samsung, Motorola, Nokia, and Sony Ericsson, as consumer electronics companies anticipate embedded wireless functionality in their future products.

“We fully support Verizon’s decision to select LTE as their next generation wireless broadband solution,” said Steve Pusey, Vodafone’s global chief technology officer. “LTE will build on the capabilities of Vodafone’s 3G broadband High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) network technology, which is available across the entire Vodafone 3G footprint.”

“Today’s 4G announcement, coupled with our Open Development initiative announced earlier this week present a major growth opportunity for Verizon Wireless,” said Doreen Toben, chief financial officer of Verizon. “Fourth generation’s higher data speeds wi usher in a new era of wireless applications and appliances, all of which can benefit from connecting to the nation’s premier wireless network.”

More at PRNewsWire.

Taipei, Taiwan — Nov 26, ‘07 — Taiwan-based GPS navigation device maker Mio Technology is expected to expand its product mix to include 3G GPS PDA phones in the second half of 2008, according to market sources. Reports DigiTimes.

DigiTimes further writes, “Mio’s move is a countermeasure against the strategy adopted by a number of handset vendors, including High Tech Computer (HTC), Asustek Computer, E-Ten Information Systems and BenQ, who have all extended their smartphone product lines to include 3G GPS smartphones, the sources noted.

Mio’s 3G GPS PDA phone is expected to be built using the 3.5G platform from Qualcomm and will feature integrated application services, including photo navigation, TMC (traffic message channel) and LBS (location base service), indicated the sources.” More at DigiTimes.

Neubiberg, Germany –Marketwire– Infineon Technologies AG a leading supplier of communication ICs, On Nov 20, announced it has shipped its one billionth RF transceiver.

With more than 230 million handset transceivers shipped in 2006, Infineon holds the leading market share in a total addressable market of just over one billion units, reports the market research company Strategy Analytics. Infineon has shipped communication ICs for more than 15 years to all major companies in the mobile phone segment, including Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and LG.

“We produce seven RF transceivers every second and approximately every fourth mobile phone worldwide has Infineon’s RF transceiver technology integrated,” stated Stefan Wolff, Vice President, Communication Solutions Business Group and General Manager of the RF Engine business unit at Infineon.

The newest member in the Infineon family is the SMARTi LTE, the world’s first highly integrated Long Term Evolution (LTE) RF transceiver.

The SMARTi LTE is the world’s first RF transceiver supporting LTE functionality in a single CMOS-process. Measuring just 5 x 5 mm in a WFSGA-81 package, Infineon’s LTE transceiver provides outstanding RF performance to enable handset manufacturers the ability to provide high data rate up- & downlink connections for upcoming LTE network field trials.

Covering the entire spectrum of allocated LTE RF bands (Band I to X) and providing switchable baseband filtering (up to 5, 10, 20 MHz), Infineon’s SMARTi LTE fits global RF requirements and band combinations.

Sample silicon has been provided to selected customers. Volume shipments are expected to be available by 2010. Infineon.

Taipei, Taiwan — Nov 19, ‘07 — Steve Shen of DIGITIMES is reporting on Quanta Computer shipping a 3.5G smartphone, the RoverPC G6, to Russia-based Rover Computers, citing sources in Taiwan’s handset industry. The G6 is powered by a Marvell PXA270 processor and is equipped with a 2.7-inch touch-control display and a 2-megapixel camera.

Shen further writes, “In addition to the G6, Quanta is also manufacturing the Q6 and N6 smartphones for Rover Computers, making Quanta the largest handset contract supplier for the Russia-based vendor, the sources noted.

Rover Computers also outsources the production of its handsets to a number of other makers, including Cal-Comp Electronics of Taiwan and Lenovo, TechFaith Wireless and Amoi Electronics of China.” More at Digitimes, (google translated) Rover Computers.

SAN DIEGO  —  November 14, 2007 — Qualcomm today announced that it is delivering the first groundbreaking chipset products from the Snapdragon platform to numerous device manufacturers. The QSD8250 and QSD8650 are now shipping to customers worldwide, offering an unprecedented combination of mobile data processing, multimedia performance, 3G wireless connectivity and the lowest levels of power consumption for all-day battery life.

The Company will be demonstrating the Snapdragon platform running both Windows Mobile and Linux to deliver productivity applications, entertainment applications and advanced user experiences at Qualcomm’s New York Analyst Meeting.

The QSD8250 supports HSPA data rates of up to 7.2 Mbps on the downlink and 5.76 on the uplink, with full backward compatibility. The dual-mode QSD8650 supports HSPA, as well as CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rev. B, with full backward compatibility. The two solutions feature a custom gigahertz microprocessor core paired with Qualcomm’s sixth-generation DSP core running at 600 MHz for unsurpassed mobile performance delivering an instant-on and always-connected user experience.

Snapdragon’s support for HD video decode, 12 megapixel camera, GPS, broadcast TV (using MediaFLO, DVBH-H and/or ISDB-T), Wi-Fi and Bluetooth deliver even greater opportunities for device manufacturers to design compelling mobile products that make the promise of constant, seamless connectivity in an extremely thin and small form-factor a reality. More at Qualcomm.

New Low-power QSC Solutions Offer Latest Modem Technologies, Multi-band Transceiver, High-performance Application Processor, Bluetooth, FM Radio and GPS in a 12mm x 12mm Package.

SAN DIEGO  —  November 13, 2007 — Qualcomm today introduced three new 45 nm single-chip solutions designed to enable mass-market smartphones with an unsurpassed range of capabilities. The QSC7230 for HSPA+ devices, QSC7830 for CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rev. B devices, and multi-mode QSC7630 for both HSPA+ and EV-DO Rev. B, all feature the highest levels of integration in the wireless industry today and deliver support for third-party operating systems. These three single-chip solutions are the fifth generation of dual-core solutions from Qualcomm, comprising the next evolution of the Company’s MSM7xxx-series dual-core chipsets.

The products offer the most advanced cellular modem technologies, a multi-band RF transceiver supporting all frequency bands worldwide, an ARM11 application processor running up to 600 MHz, Bluetooth 2.1 EDR, FM radio and GPS - all in a single 12×12 package. Additionally, the three chipsets feature new power-saving innovations to deliver more than 80 hours of music playback, a full day of talk time, and more than a month of standby time.

The QSC7230 supports UMTS Release 7 (HSPA+) and Cat. 9 UMTS for 10.2 Mbps HSDPA and 5.76 Mbps HSUPA data speeds. The QSC7830 supports EV-DO Rev. B for up to 14.7 Mbps on the downlink and 5.4 Mbps on the uplink. The QSC7630 supports both EV-DO Rev. B and HSPA+. All three products feature full backward compatibility to previous-generation networks, as well as:

· ARM11 applications processor running at up to 600MHz
· Support for 5 megapixel camera, VGA display resolution and TV-out
· Support for third-party operating systems such as Windows Mobile and Linux
· 45 nm CMOS process technology
· 2D and 3D hardware-accelerated graphics
· Fully integrated GPS, FM radio and Bluetooth, eliminating the need for many external components
· Integrated support for worldwide cellular frequency bands

- For CDMA2000: 450MHz, 700MHz, 800MHz, J-800MHz, 850MHz, 1500MHz, AWS, KPCS 1.8GHz, 1.9GHz, 2.1GHz, 2.5GHz
- For UMTS: 700MHz, 800MHz, 850MHz, 900MHz, 1500MHz, AWS, 1800MHz, 1900MHz, 2.1MHz, 2.6GHz
- 4-band EGPRS support in 900MHz, 1800MHz, 850MHz, 1900MHz

· 12mm x 12mm package size

The QSC solutions are scheduled to sample in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Qualcomm Makes First Call with Chips Using TSMC’s 45 nm Technology

Qualcomm today also announced that it has made the first phone call on a 3G chip manufactured with 45 nanometer (nm) process technology. The next generation of CMOS semiconductor manufacturing, 45 nm technology enables chips that feature higher speeds, lower power consumption and enhanced integration, all with reduced die cost by providing more die per wafer. Qualcomm’s call was made on the first 45 nm chips received from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the world’s largest dedicated semiconductor foundry. More at Qualcomm here and here.

Paris, France and Neubiberg, Germany – November 13, 2007 – Today at the Cartes Trade Show in Paris, Infineon Technologies AG announced a strategic technology collaboration for the development of optimized chip solutions for high-density (HD) SIM cards with Intel Corporation.

Under the terms of the agreement, Infineon will architect modular chip solutions with Intel offering memory capacities from 4MB to 64MB. Infineon contributes its vast expertise in security hardware and will develop a 32-bit security microcontroller based on its existing SLE 88 family for use with HD SIM cards. Intel is contributing its leading-edge flash memory technologies, capabilities and manufacturing.

The close technical collaboration will allow Infineon’s HD security microcontroller to be optimally calibrated with Intel’s flash memory solutions for efficient integration into HD SIM cards. The initial development of the flash memory product line will scale up to 64 MB with NOR flash memory manufactured on 65-nanometer (nm) and 45-nm process technologies.

 The security microcontroller is currently produced on 130-nm process technology, which is state-of-the-art for chips used in smartcard applications.

Samples of the Intel / Infineon HD SIM card solution will be available in the second half of 2008, with high-volume production expected in the first half of 2009. The products will be sold in die form or in a chip card IC package. More at Infineon.

LONDON — November 12 2007 — HTC today launched the HTC Touch Cruise, the third member of the HTC Touch product family and the first to feature in-built GPS for personal navigation.

Building on the popularity of the HTC Touch and the HTC Touch Dual, the HTC Touch Cruise also includes 3G-HSDPA wireless connectivity.

Users on the move will easily be able to interact with the HTC Touch Cruise’s navigation functionality and can take advantage of HTC’s TouchFLO technology, which enhances finger touch scrolling and browsing of Web pages, documents, messages and contact lists, controlled by simply sweeping a finger across the screen.

The new Touch Cruise boasts super fast HSDPA/3.5G connectivity plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0, making it a highly connected device for consumers on the move. Its 2.8″ screen is great for enjoying mobile multimedia and because it runs on Windows Mobile 6, the built-in Windows Media Player is ideal for music and movies.

The HTC Touch Cruise utilizes mapping and navigation solutions from TomTom. Other key features include a three megapixel auto focus camera, FM radio and Micro SD memory card slot for adding to the 128MB RAM. The device will be available form both retailers and SIM free from HTC from this month.

Key Specs
- Windows Mobile 6.0
- GSM/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA up to 3.6Mbps
- 2.8″ QVGA Touch Screen
- Qualcomm 7200 chipset
- Built-in GPS receiver
- TomTom mapping
- 400MHz CPU
- TouchFLO UI
- 256MB ROM /128MB RAM
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, FM Radio
- Micro SD Slot

More at HTC.

World’s First Soft Modem to Achieve 2.8Mbps Transfer Rate Powers Samsung SGH-T578H.

EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands –BUSINESS WIRE–Nov 09, ‘07– Samsung, NXP Semiconductors and T3G Technologies today announced the world’s first TD-SCDMA HSDPA/GSM/GPRS/EDGE multi-mode mobile phone, which has also been demoed at the PT/Wireless Exposition in Beijing on October 23^rd. Powered by a software-defined modem capable of achieving data transfer rates of 2.8Mbps, the Samsung SGH-T578H enables about 20 times faster transfers than GPRS, allowing consumers to download several high-quality MP3 files in less than a minute. The phone is based on the T3G7210 system solution featuring the industry’s first soft modem empowered by NXP’s Embedded Vector Processor (EVP) to achieve high data transfer and multi-mode capability.

TD-SCDMA network deployments have been completed in 10 major cities across China where there are more than 70 million potential subscribers. This network is planned to be upgraded to support Release 5 (HSDPA) of the TD-SCDMA standard during the course of 2008. With the Samsung SGH-T578H mobile phone, users will be able to enjoy the widespread deployment of TD-SCDMA infrastructure to support high-speed streaming of multimedia coverage of the Beijing Olympics 2008. With this new milestone reached by Samsung, NXP and T3G, the TD-SCDMA standard is rapidly progressing towards the current W-CDMA capabilities.

“Samsung has always been at the cutting edge of mobile technology. Together with NXP and T3G, we have achieved several major milestones for TD-SCDMA phones – from the first TD-SCDMA video phone to this current high data transfer rate TD-HSDPA dual-band prototype,” said Mr. W.S. Lee, Vice President, Handset R&D Planning, Telecommunication Network Business, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. “Multimedia and sharing of content will be the drivers for next-generation handsets. The combination of T3G’s leading TD-SCDMA technology and NXP’s very innovative EVP technology make them obvious partners of choice to provide consumers a high-end multimedia experience in a run up to the Beijing Olympics.”

“The China 3G subscription is expected to grow rapidly. By realizing 3.5G capabilities on Samsung’s SGH-T578H, NXP is driving the commercialization and adoption of next-generation wireless technologies – not only for China’s TD-SCDMA standard, but also proving successful our EVP-based software-defined radio approach,” said Marc Cetto, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Mobile & Personal Business Unit, NXP Semiconductors.

Mr. Johan Pross, CEO of T3G, said, “The T3G7210 is the first cellular system solution to use NXP’s breakthrough embedded vector processor to support multi-mode and multi-standard platforms, also allowing us to deal with possible changes in the standard or operator requirements. It enables mobile phone makers to offer more commercialized handsets with a broad scope of 3G multimedia applications.”

Samsung’s SGH-T578H is based on the T3G7210 system solution which uses the world’s first 2.8Mbps HSDPA modem IC, TD60291. NXP’s Adelante VD32040 embedded vector processor enables the modem to achieve 2.8Mbps peak data rates and fully supports the 3GPP TDD-LCR Standard Release 5. The T3G7210 system solution also supports quad-band EDGE and dual-band TD-SCDMA with integrated multimedia accelerators to allow for the development of high-end feature phones without the need for additional external co-processors.

Seoul, Nov 08, ‘07 — Korea Newswire – Samsung announced today that it is mass producing a 16M-color display driver IC (DDI) for active matrix-based organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays used in mobile phones and other handheld devices. With outstanding image quality, AMOLEDs are attracting attention from device designers as the next generation display technology of choice.

The global mobile communications market is transitioning rapidly from 2.5G products to 3G technology platforms that support a wider range of multimedia functions and services, including digital media broadcasting (DMB) and video telephony. Samsung’s new mobile DDI for AMOLED displays support qVGA (quarter Video Graphics Array) resolutions (240 RGB by 320 dots) and is capable of producing a range of over sixteen million colors. It is well in step with the recent expansion of multimedia functions and services offered in mobile devices.

The AMOLED display is a self-luminous device that works by having electrical current flow between two thin films made of organic material. This allows for designs that are lighter and thinner than other display types. Images are shown at the speed of light, so they look natural without the ghosting effects seen in such fast-paced video sequences as sporting events. These characteristics have proven the AMOLED display to be ideal for video applications.

Samsung’s new 16M-color DDI self-adjusts the screen brightness, illuminating only those areas that need light. As a result, power consumption is minimized and battery life extended. The read-only memory (ROM) is built in separately, enabling red, blue and green (RBG) gamma compensation to reproduce more lifelike images.

The new 16M-color AMOLED DDI is currently in mass production and has been introduced in Samsung SDI’s AMOLED panels. Samsung’s broad line up of DDIs for LCDs, PDPs and AMOLED displays addresses the diverse needs of its customer base. .

According to market research firm Display Search, the global AMOLED market is expected to reach 7.82 million units in 2007 and increase to 127.71 million units by 2011, for a compound annual growth of 101 percent.

The LTE/SAE trial initiative (LSTI) delivers initial results and expands to include new members.

Espoo, Finland — Nov 07, ‘07 — The first phase in a trial of an evolved version of today’s mobile phone radio access technology designed to deliver much higher wireless data rates has proven a success. 

The LTE/SAE (Long Term Evolution / System Architecture Evolution) Trial Initiative (LSTI) launched in May this year has reported the successful delivery of the first in a series of test results aimed at proving the potential and benefits of LTE. LTE is being standardized by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) as a next generation mobile broadband technology.

The Initiative was founded by leading telecommunications companies Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, France Telecom/Orange, Nokia, Nokia Siemens Networks, Nortel, T-Mobile and Vodafone, and was recently expanded with China Mobile, Huawei, LG Electronics, NTT DoCoMo, Samsung, Signalion, Telecom Italia and ZTE joining as new members.

Initial results have confirmed that the technology will deliver high levels of data throughput both for stationary and mobile devices. In more detail, the group has confirmed that the LTE physical layer performance targets in terms of stationary and on-the-move peak data rates can be met. This confirmation was achieved using an agreed set of common transmission profiles, test procedures, and analysis methods. The joint tests were performed using prototype single and multi-antenna radio systems in both lab and urban field environments.

As mobile devices become increasingly sophisticated and handle more and more complex multimedia applications, the LTE/SAE technology is designed to give end users wireless access to growing levels of data throughput on the move.

From a technical perspective, 3GPP LTE technology aims to provide improved spectral efficiency, increased radio capacity, lower latency, lower operating costs for operators, and ultimately new high-performance mobile broadband end-user services. 3GPP LTE is specified to enable downlink/uplink peak data rates above 100/50 Mbps in initial deployment configurations.

The LTE/SAE Trial Initiative is divided into three main phases; Proof of concept, Interoperability and Trial. Joint testing, and reporting of ongoing results will continue out to the end of 2009, with initial LTE system deployments planned for the 2010 timeframe. More at Nokia.

Taipei, Taiwan – November 05, 2007 — E-TEN Information Systems today announced that the award-winning Glofiish X800 Pocket PC Phone has begun shipping worldwide. Highlights of the X800 include 3.5G high-speed connectivity, a pixel-sharp high-resolution VGA display and a new powerful mobile shell that make this the most advanced Glofiish device to date.

The X800 is E-TEN’s first handset to support 3.5G HSDPA connectivity for high-speed downloads delivering new and improved online services including faster more enjoyable surfing and email, streaming audio and video downloads, VoIP and instant messaging, and video calling.  
 
Glofish X800 Specs:

- OS: Windows Mobile 6 Pro
- 3.5G: Connectivity Upto 3.6Mbps
- HSDPA/UMTS: 2100/1900/850
- Quad Band GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, GPRS/EGPRS
- Processor: Samsung SC3 2442 500MHz
- Display: 2.8″, 640×480 VGA, 65K TFT-LCD
- GPS: SiRF Star III, Built-In
- Memory: 256MB ROM, 64MB SDRAM
- Camera: 2.0MP and 0.3MP
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g, Bluwtooth 2.0+EDR
- Expansion Slot: MicroSD
- Battery Life: 5-7 Hrs Talk Time
- Dimensions: 113.5×60.5×15.8mm, Weight: 147g(with Battery)

Introduces Glofish X600:

E-TEN is taking its range of award winning Glofiish Pocket PC Phones to a new level of convenience and affordability with its latest addition, the X600 offering Windows MobileR 6, GPS, GPRS and Wi-FiR connectivity in a handset that measures just 107 x 58 x 14.7mm and weights only 136g. It is lighter than previous models with a stylish metallic black and red design.

Specs:

- Windows Mobile 6 Pro
- Samsung SC3 2442 400 MHz
- 128MB ROM, 64MB SDRAM
- 2.8″, 320×240 QVGA, 65K TFT-LCD
- Quad Band GSM, GPRS/EGPRS
- 2.0MP Camera
- 802.11 b/g, Bluwtooth 2.0+EDR
- Embedded SiRF Star III
- MicroSD lot
- 5-6 Hrs Talk Time, 150-170 standby
- 107×58x14.7mm, 136g (with Battery)

PARIS and SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ — ONEMAX, a new and innovative broadband wireless access provider serving the Dominican Republic, and Alcatel-Lucent today announced the launch of the first-in-world WiMAX 802.16e-2005 (Rev-e) network in the 3.5 Gigahertz (GHz) spectrum.

ONEMAX is the first service provider in the Dominican Republic to offer subscribers and visitors wireless high-speed broadband Internet, multimedia and Voice over IP (VoIP) services. WiMAX is a flexible wireless technology that enables people to access high-speed, high-quality broadband wireless services wherever they are, providing truly “universal” wireless broadband access in fixed, nomadic and mobile environments.

“The launch of ONEMAX is generating a great deal of excitement in the Dominican Republic, an ideal market for WiMAX technology because of its strong economy and relatively large and young population of more than 9 million people whose rapidly growing demand for broadband services needs to be met,” said Raoul Fontanez, ONEMAX CEO.

“As the first operator to commercially introduce WiMAX Rev-e services, ONEMAX is truly a world pioneer and we are gratified to play such an important role in enabling them to develop the wireless broadband market in the Dominican Republic,” said Olivier Picard, President of Alcatel-Lucent’s activities in the Europe and South region.

More at PRNewsWire

San Antonio, Texas, October 18, 2007 — AT&T has announced that the Sierra Wireless AirCard^® 881 LaptopConnect card is now available, enabling laptop users to take full advantage of the faster broadband speeds the company is deploying in its 3G wireless network.

Compatible with High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) technologies, the AirCard 881 PC will enable average upload speeds between 500 Kbps and 800 Kbps as AT&T commences the industry’s first U.S. deployment of High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA). After completion of comprehensive testing and certification, AT&T is rolling out HSUPA technology in its network today, with availability to be announced in select U.S. markets later this fall.

The AirCard 881 PC also supports enhanced HSDPA download speeds ranging between 600 to 1,400 Kbps. The faster download speeds provide an optimal wireless Internet-browsing experience, while the upcoming faster upload speeds will enhance users’ ability to send large files, such as videos, photos or business documents.

“As our customers use our wireless network to access the incredible variety of information, entertainment and other services now available to them, the need for continuously improved data speeds is critically important,” said Michael Woodward, AT&T vice president of wireless products. “With the Air Card 881, our data customers will experience significantly improved download speeds today and will be able to take full advantage of faster upload speeds as HSUPA is deployed in the AT&T network.”

“We are excited about the potential of HSUPA technology to deliver a better mobile broadband experience for users and consider it a privilege to provide AT&T customers with the first devices that enable them to take advantage of the network upgrade,” said Dan Schieler, senior vice president, Worldwide Sales for Sierra Wireless. “The significantly higher upload speeds that HSUPA provides, combined with the card’s robust design and worldwide roaming capability, make the AirCard 881 a remarkably useful tool for mobile professionals and others who need a fast, reliable way to send and receive a lot of information while on the go.”

The Sierra Wireless AirCard 881 will be available for purchase across AT&T sales channels starting Oct. 18. The AirCard 881 will be available at no cost — after rebates — through Nov. 3 with a new two-year DataConnect contract of $59.99 a month or higher at AT&T retail stores nationwide, online at www.wireless.att.com and through AT&T’s business-to-business sales organizations.

AT&T HSUPA Deployment
The deployment of HSUPA will complete the transition of the AT&T 3G network to HSPA standards. HSDPA technology is deployed today across the company’s 3G footprint, which includes more than 200 U.S. major metropolitan areas. HSUPA will be added throughout the network in the remainder of 2007 and early 2008, and new AT&T 3G deployments moving forward will include both HSPA technologies.

More at AT&T

SANTA ANA, Calif. — A federal judge has said it’s up to chipmaker Broadcom Corp. if it wants a new trial on a claim that rival Qualcomm Inc. deliberately violated its patents.

U.S. District Judge James Selna tentatively overturned a $39.3 million award against Qualcomm because the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit recently made it more difficult to prove intentional patent infringement, a finding that allows a judge to triple a jury’s award. On Aug. 20, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington overturned a 24-year-old standard that patent owners merely had to show that the accused infringer knew about the patent and failed to avoid violating the invention.

“It would be an understatement to say that the Federal Circuit rewrote decades of case law interpreting the requirements for demonstrating willful infringement,” Selna wrote. If Broadcom drops its claim that Qualcomm acted deliberately, the verdict holding San Diego-based Qualcomm liable would stand, but the amount of the award would be revised, Selna concluded in his ruling Monday. David Rosmann, an attorney for Irvine-based Broadcom, said the company has not yet decided whether to seek a new trial.

The judge asked both companies to submit any additional briefs by Oct. 26 and said he would issue a written ruling the following week.

Digitimes is reporting according to its OEM sources, ” Apple reportedly is considering adopting Intel’s Moorestown MID (mobile Internet device) platform processor in a new iPhone, according to OEM sources.

Intel revealed a Moorestown-based MID product with functions similar to Apple’s iPhone at the recent Intel Developer Forum (IDF) San Francisco. The Moorestown platform is expected to launch in 2009 and Apple is considering developing an iPhone based on it, stated the sources.

Some channel vendors think that if Apple adopts Intel’s platform in its iPhone, it will reposition the MID market place and affect both notebook and handset markets.”

Wired adds to the story, “Moorestown will be based on Intel’s much-hyped 45nn manufacturing process, that could mean your future iPhone will see an exponential boost in power-efficiency (both in active and idle modes) and performance. Good news considering Moorestown will also likely support 3G (HSDPA), Wi-Fi, and WiMax.

Electronista also notes that the processor change would also bring the iPhone’s software closer in step with that of the company’s Mac computer range.”

More at Digitimes, Wired…

According to Moconews, ” HTC reports it has sold 800,000 of its Touch mobile phones since they went on sale on July 22nd. In roughly the same period of time (2.3 months) the iPhone sold 1 million units, although that was restricted to the US while the Touch was in multiple countries. Still, 800,000 isn’t for a company with no brand name, and indicates that higher-end devices are beginning to gain the attention of buyers.

I think the hype around the iPhone had a lot to do with generating that interest, rather than Apple, getting lucky and releasing the iPhone at the right time. HTC has beaten Apple to the launch of the next version of its handset (which is unsurprising considering it is a handset manufacturer and used to the market) with the Touch Dual phone. “France Telecom’s, mobile arm Orange will be the first operator to sell the phone - which can run on a 3.5G/HSDPA network - in the U.K., France, Romania and Poland, starting in October. The phone - which like Apple’s iPhone has a two-megapixel camera, touch screen and the ability to rotate images - will be provided free in the U.K. to Orange customers on a 35 pound-a-month tariff” reports Dow Jones.”

More at Moconews…