TechLuver.com

SAN JOSE, Calif — Dec 17, `07 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — As a founding member of the Open Handset Alliance, SiRF today announced it will rapidly implement key end-to-end location-awareness features needed to enable mobile devices powered by the Android platform to provide an optimal location awareness experience for consumers.

SiRF has joined with Google and more than 30 other companies worldwide to develop and deploy Android, the Alliance’s open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices. SiRF’s commitment to Android is the latest in the company’s efforts to bring the power of location to the mainstream market by making location an intrinsic part of the mobile experience.

SiRF is actively working on the Android platform to include some of the more innovative features of Secure User Plane Location (SUPL), a standards-based protocol that allows a mobile handset client to communicate with a SUPL Location Platform (SLP), including transport layer security (TLS) for location privacy and multiple session capabilities to provide the most compelling user experience.

SiRF is also implementing support for Android-based assisted GPS (A-GPS) handsets, including mobile station based (MSB) and mobile station assisted (MSA) positioning methods to facilitate the Android platform passing Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) and 3GPP conformance testing for third-party certification.

DUBLIN, Calif –BUSINESS WIRE– Dec 03, ‘07 — Sybase, a leading provider of enterprise infrastructure and mobile software, today announced that it plans to expand its support of mobile platforms to include devices based on the Android platform.

Sybase currently targets a wide range of devices and platforms across its mobile middleware and mobile services offerings, supporting more than 230 Windows Mobile, Symbian, Palm, RIM and iPhone handheld devices, as well as Windows laptops and tablets. With this announcement, Sybase continues to be proactive in addressing the mixed device requirements of today’s businesses.

“It is exciting to see that the emergence of platforms such as Android, combined with the backing of the companies in the Open Handset Alliance, including Google, are fueling even more rapid innovation across the entire mobility industry, and will continue to blur the line between consumer and enterprise use,” said Dr. Raj Nathan, chief marketing officer, Sybase.

“This is consistent with Sybase’s Unwired Enterprise vision. We see a future where information can be shared from any system to any user, with the same rich and consistent user experience whether in the office or on the road, on any device.”

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.

Taipei — Nov 21, ‘07 — Digitimes is reporting on “3Q07 North America” a report from Strategy Analytics. “Handsets from Motorola and LG Electronics (LGE), collectively accounted for seven of the top-ten best selling consumer handsets in the US in the third quarter of 2007, according to research firm Strategy Analytics.”

Digitimes further writes, “3G devices accounted for 55% of the top selling device volumes. That share will continue to grow during the fourth quarter,” states Chris Ambrosio, a director in the Wireless Practice at Strategy Analytics. “While the iPhone gets the headlines, the “Sync” from Samsung and the “Chocolate” from LG quietly stole the show in the category of iconic, 3G feature phones. Samsung, in particular, is well-positioned to dominate 3G sales during the critical fourth quarter holiday season.” More at Digitimes.

Ok let me repeat, “3G devices accounted for 55% of the top selling device volumes”, and still Apple’s so called revolutionary iPhone is NOT 3G, though rumors of 3G iPhone making rounds on the internet for a while.

WASHINGTON/SAN FRANCISCO — Nov 19, ‘07 — Reuters is reporting on, Google considering bidding alone on coveted airwaves to launch a US wireless network, as a deadline nears to declare bidding plans, citing sources familiar with the situation.

Reuters further reports, “One source underscored that Google had made no decision as of Friday on whether it would bid with partners or on its own in the auction of 700-megahertz spectrum due to begin January 24.

Bidding could pit Google against top wireless carriers AT&T and Verizon Wireless. Going it alone at the government auction of airwaves would not rule out later signing up partners if Google were to win the necessary spectrum to create a network, the source said.

Google executives discussed the auction last week with Federal Communications Commission officials, including FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, sources familiar with the meeting said.

At the talks, executives for the Web search leader gave the impression of “inching more towards” a bid, one source said. Another said it is “within the realm of possibility” that partners could be brought on later if Google wins. Google has talked to a number of prospective partners, not just carriers.

The 700-MHz band airwaves, which are being returned by broadcasters as they move from analog to digital signals early in 2009, can go long distances and penetrate thick walls. The auction is seen as a last chance for a new wireless player.

Google has said it would be prepared to bid at least $4.6 billion for the biggest chunk of spectrum if regulators agreed to policies to promote open use of such networks.

Google won half of what it asked: The FCC imposed a condition on a large portion of the spectrum that would require the winning bidder to open up networks to allow consumers to use any device or applications that works on those frequencies.

But the FCC did not require open access to network capacity to be resold to independent mobile service providers on a wholesale basis, another Google request. Under the auction terms, if no one meets the $4.6 billion minimum bid, the auction for the open-access portion of the spectrum would be rerun without the open-access conditions.

Google unveiled this month plans to offer Mobile Operating System software, Android, for building Internet-ready cell phones in an alliance - Open Handset Alliance - of network operators and device and software makers. The first phones to result from it are due out in mid-2008, partners say.” More at Reuters.

According to the various reports / rumors on the internet, AT&T  is in talks with Google to join the Open Handset Alliance.

So far only T-Mobile USA and Sprint Nextel have signed on as carrier partners for Google’s Android alliance.

According to reports from last week, T-Mobile, not Sprint, will likely be the first carrier to launch Android-powered mobile phones.

But, this could all change if AT&T signs on for Android. As the largest carrier in the U.S., AT&T has the subscriber base and the clout to help make Android a hit with consumers.

As the leading business-focused wireless carrier, AT&T could conceivably help push Android phones into the business market, especially if AT&T were to white label Android devices designed specifically for business users. Of course, this is still a rumor at this stage.

Nov 17, ‘07 — iSuppli.com have an in-depth article on Google’s entry into mobile OS, Android, in which iSuppli is discussing whether Google will succeed with its mobile platform.

Excerpts from iSuppli:

- The promise: ubiquitous, mobile Internet access for millions of users worldwide.
- The stakes: a market of 324 million units and advertising revenue of $3.8 billion by 2011.
- The risk: embarking on an ambitious effort to establish a consortium to promote a new platform for mobile computing/communications, an endeavor that others have tried before—and have achieved only high-profile failure.
- The news: Google Inc.’s bold initiative to reshape the mobile-phone market by establishing a consortium of companies intended to promote a new platform for mobile-handset software that will bring Internet access to smart phone platforms.

For users, Google’s move could mean that Internet access will no longer be limited to the confines of the PC. For Google’s rivals, the establishment of the consortium means the arrival of a powerful new competitor—one that could cannibalize their sales. For Google, this initiative could allow it to achieve its goal of dominating the potentially lucrative market for mobile advertising and Location-Based Services (LBS).

Opening up handsets
Google recently announced the formation of the Open Handset Alliance, a multinational coalition of top technology and mobile communications firms. The Open Handset Alliance will focus on developing the Android software stack, a set of programs consisting of an operating system, middleware, a user-friendly interface and applications. Platforms based on Android are intended to deliver a superior user experience and improved Internet access compared to existing smartphones.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of Android is the fact that Google intends to offer the software to mobile-handset OEMs for free, or very close to free. This represents an alternative to existing software solutions like Windows Mobile, Symbian and various flavors of Linux, which incur considerable expenses for mobile-handset OEMs.

The smartphone market
Google’s announcement comes at a time when interest in such products has been stimulated by the arrival of Apple Inc.’s iPhone, which offers high-quality Internet access. Global shipments of smartphones are expected to rise to 324 million units by 2011, up from 124.3 million in 2007, according to iSuppli.

Google’s goal
Google’s goal with the establishment of the Open Handset Alliance is to become the main provider of LBS and mobile advertisements on wireless handsets, replicating its success in PC-based ads and location-oriented services like Google Earth.

Google’s interest in this area is so great that it may consider an acquisition of a provider of map navigation software. More at iSuppli.

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.

Nov 12, ‘07 — To help developers get started developing new applications,Google is offering an early look at the Android Software Development Kit.

What is Android:

The Android platform is a software stack for mobile devices including an operating system, middleware and key applications. Developers can create applications for the platform using the Android SDK. Applications are written using the Java programming language and run on Dalvik, a custom virtual machine designed for embedded use which runs on top of a Linux kernel.

Android Developers Blog:

Following last week’s announcement of the Open Handset Alliance, today we’re happy to offer an early look at the Android SDK. We’re eager to get feedback from lots of developers in our discussion group. We’re also providing developer documentation and this blog to help you get up and going.

You’re probably wondering about what’s available today. This preview of the SDK will allow you to develop Android applications that you can run, test, profile, and debug using the emulator and the other included tools. Note that the look and feel of the user interface in the emulator is a placeholder for a final version that is under development.

One of our goals in releasing the Android SDK is to unleash the creativity of application developers on the platform. We’d also like to get feedback early enough that we can make changes before the first Android-powered devices are available to the public. We plan to release updates to the SDK regularly which means that there will be additions and changes to the APIs and user experience — subscribe to this blog to stay up to date.

We’re really looking forward to seeing all the amazing applications that developers will create on an open mobile phone platform. In fact, you may even want to enter your application into the Android Developer Challenge — a USD$10 million challenge sponsored by Google to support and recognize developers who build great applications for the Android platform.

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.

Taipei — Nov 09, ‘07 — Digitimes is reporting on Microsoft welcoming the competition from the newly enacted Open Handset Alliance (OHA)/Android, but believes there is still a long way to go before the OHA catches up with Microsoft, according to Eddie Wu, managing director of Microsoft ODM embedded devices, Asia.

Digitimes further writes, “So far, more than 140 Windows Mobile-based handsets have been launched by 50 handset and other mobile device vendors in cooperation with more than 160 telecom service providers, Wu stated.

By comparison, only four out of the 34 OHA member companies are handset makers and seven are telecom carriers, Wu noted.

Global shipments of Windows Mobile-based devices have surpassed 11 million units, with the volumes likely to top 20 million units by June 2008, the Chinese-language Commercial Times quoted Wu as saying.

Wu was also quoted by the paper as stressing that the relationship between Microsoft and High Tech Computer (HTC) will remain unchanged and that Microsoft respects HTC’s decision to join the OHA.” More at Digitimes.

Nov 06, ‘07 — Digitimes is reporting on HTC to manufacture 1 million handset based on much hyped open platform for mobile devices, “Android”.

“High Tech Computer (HTC) is expected to ship about one million Android-based handsets in 2008 following an announcement by the Open Handset Alliance (OHA) on November 5 of the availability of the Android open platform for mobile devices, the Chinese-language Commercial Times quoted securities firm Morgan Stanley as saying.

Morgan Stanley estimates that shipments of Android-based models will account for 8% of HTC’s total shipments in 2008, according to the paper.” More at Digitimes.

In line with earlier rumors and  speculations, Google has finally unveiled its plans, open platform for mobile devices - Android - to dominate the Mobile industry along with (almost every one in mobile industry worldwide except Microsoft, Nokia & Apple obviously) HTC, Intel, T-Mobile, Sprint, Qualcomm, Broadcom, SiRF, Samsung, nVIDIA, eBay, LG, Motorola, NTT DoCoMo, TI and others.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.; BONN, Germany; TAOYUAN, Taiwan; SAN DIEGO, Calif.; SCHAUMBURG, Ill. –November 5, 2007 – A broad alliance of leading technology and wireless companies today joined forces to announce the development of Android, the first truly open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices. Google Inc., T-Mobile, HTC, Qualcomm, Motorola and others have collaborated on the development of Android through the Open Handset Alliance, a multinational alliance of technology and mobile industry leaders.

This alliance shares a common goal of fostering innovation on mobile devices and giving consumers a far better user experience than much of what is available on today’s mobile platforms. By providing developers a new level of openness that enables them to work more collaboratively, Android will accelerate the pace at which new and compelling mobile services are made available to consumers.

Thirty-four companies have formed the Open Handset Alliance, which aims to develop technologies that will significantly lower the cost of developing and distributing mobile devices and services. The Android platform is the first step in this direction — a fully integrated mobile “software stack” that consists of an operating system, middleware, user-friendly interface and applications. Consumers should expect the first phones based on Android to be available in the second half of 2008.

The Android platform will be made available under one of the most progressive, developer-friendly open-source licenses, which gives mobile operators and device manufacturers significant freedom and flexibility to design products. Next week the Alliance will release an early access software development kit to provide developers with the tools necessary to create innovative and compelling applications for the platform.

Android holds the promise of unprecedented benefits for consumers, developers and manufacturers of mobile services and devices. Handset manufacturers and wireless operators will be free to customize Android in order to bring to market innovative new products faster and at a much lower cost.

Developers will have complete access to handset capabilities and tools that will enable them to build more compelling and user-friendly services, bringing the Internet developer model to the mobile space. And consumers worldwide will have access to less expensive mobile devices that feature more compelling services, rich Internet applications and easier-to-use interfaces — ultimately creating a superior mobile experience.

Open Software, Open Device, Open Ecosystem

“This partnership will help unleash the potential of mobile technology for billions of users around the world. A fresh approach to fostering innovation in the mobile industry will help shape a new computing environment that will change the way people access and share information in the future,” said Google Chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt. “Today’s announcement is more ambitious than any single ‘Google Phone’ that the press has been speculating about over the past few weeks. Our vision is that the powerful platform we’re unveiling will power thousands of different phone models.”

“As a founding member of the Open Handset Alliance, T-Mobile is committed to innovation and fostering an open platform for wireless services to meet the rapidly evolving and emerging needs of wireless customers,” said René Obermann, Chief Executive Officer, Deutsche Telekom, parent company of T-Mobile. “Google has been an established partner for T-Mobile’s groundbreaking approach to bring the mobile open Internet to the mass market. We see the Android platform as an exciting opportunity to launch robust wireless Internet and Web 2.0 services for T-Mobile customers in the US and Europe in 2008.”

“HTC’s trademark on the mobile industry has been its ability to drive cutting-edge innovation into a wide variety of mobile devices to create the perfect match for individuals,” said Peter Chou, Chief Executive Officer, HTC Corp. “Our participation in the Open Handset Alliance and integration of the Android platform in the second half of 2008 enables us to expand our device portfolio into a new category of connected mobile phones that will change the complexion of the mobile industry and re-create user expectations of the mobile phone experience.”

More at Google.

Nov 05, ‘07 — Leslie Cauley of USA TODAY is reporting that, Google is set to announce its highly speculated “Google phone“/”Open Phone” later today, citing “people familiar with Google’s plans”.

“Google today plans to announce the formation of an “open phone” coalition, with the goal of developing an operating system for the so-called Google Phone. The new operating system, geared specifically for cellphones, will be used to showcase and promote Google’s ever-growing panoply of services, much like Microsoft has done for decades with its Windows operating system.

Google’s coalition partners, as of Sunday, included Sprint, Motorola, Samsung and Japanese wireless giant NTT DoCoMo, according to people familiar with Google’s plans. They declined to be identified because they weren’t authorized by Google to speak publicly.

The new G-system will be based on Linux, a 15-year-old computer operating system that is available free over the Internet. Google’s version will be overlaid with Java, a popular computer language.

The finished product, expected within months, will unabashedly favor Google applications and services. “What’s being developed is unlikely to be easily transportable to Yahoo and other (service) providers,” says Morgan Gillis, executive director of the LiMo Foundation, a non-profit group that supports the adoption of “Linux-based” operating systems in the mobile industry. More at USA Today.

Apparently it seems like, the search giant Google is closer to make official announcement about its much hyped “Google phone“.

Nov 02, ‘07 — Eric Zeman of InformationWeek is reporting on Google to unveil its plans for “Google Mobile Apps” on Monday, citing “sources”.

In his words:

“According to The Wall Street Journal, Monday will likely be the day we learn the fate of the wireless industry. Whether Google will move along an evolutionary or revolutionary path is completely unknown, but the result will probably shake up the industry either way.

At least two carriers, Sprint and T-Mobile, are on board with whatever Google is up to. Along with the carriers, handset vendors are working behind the scenes, too.

The Journal’s Amol Sharma writes:

“While Sprint appears to be agreeing to work with Google to put the Web giant’s new Linux-based open operating system into phones, T-Mobile will probably go even further: the company has worked with Google for months on plans to build Google-powered phones with a variety of Google software and applications. As far as handset partners for Google, Taiwan’s HTC is a likely bet, our sources say. Samsung, LG, and SonyEricsson are also possible, but we’ll wait and see the full roster. Equally interesting will be who isn’t on the list.”"

More at InformationWeek.

Oct 31, ‘07 — HTCAmerica has finally released Windows Mobile 6 ROM update version# 3.62.502.3 for AT&T 8525 after a long wait five months. Originally HTC was going to issue it in June ‘07.

As per HTC:

• This ROM is available from November 1, 2007 to February 1, 2008. After this date, the ROM will be removed from the website and will no longer be available for distribution.

• This ROM update is intended for the AT&T 8525 only and users should not load or attempt to load this version on any other device as it may cause serious issues/damage.

• At this time, Good Mobile Messaging is not supported on the AT&T 8525 with Windows Mobile 6. It is recommended that Good Mobile Messaging users not upgrade their device’s firmware at this time. Please note that once the latest firmware has been loaded, it can not be undone.

• HTC strongly suggests that users create a back up copy of this ROM and keep it in a secure place as all new and refurbished 8525 devices (including those received via Warranty Exchange) will come loaded with Windows Mobile 5 rather than Windows Mobile 6.

Get your AT&T 8525 updated at HTCAmerica, if you haven’t thru XDA-Developers already.

Oct 30, ‘07 — WSJ– Amol Sharma of The Wall Street Journal reporting on possibility of Google joining hands with Verizon to develope “Google Phone“. In his words, “After opposing Google Inc.’s moves to dramatically reshape the wireless industry, Verizon Wireless is now in serious discussions with the Internet company over carrying phones tailored to a new Google operating system, a person familiar with the discussions said.

Within two weeks, Google is expected to announce new software and services that handset makers could use to build customized Google-powered phones. The company needs wireless operators to sign onto the project in order to get Google-powered mobile devices in front of consumers by the middle of next year. A Google technology partnership might allow the carrier to offer cheaper phones, …

More at WSJ (subscripton required)

T-Mobile Shadow™ Attacks Complexity through Super-Simple Communication Interfaces Designed To Make Popular Calling, Messaging and Picture Sharing Features Quick and Easy to Use.

BELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct 28, ‘07–T-Mobile today announces the upcoming availability of the T-Mobile Shadow – the first phone in a planned franchise of phones under the Shadow brand, a name that will become synonymous with playful, easier and richer communications experiences offered only by T-Mobile.

Available beginning October 31, the T-Mobile Shadow is designed to significantly reduce the complexity often associated with many feature-rich devices, while maintaining all the powerful calling, messaging and picture sharing capabilities people crave to keep them connected.

“We’re calling the new line of devices ‘Shadow’ because they’re designed to help people stay effortlessly connected with those who are closest to them – the people you would choose to have with you all the time if possible – the people you love checking in with during a hectic day or to share special news,” said Robert Dotson, president and CEO, T-Mobile USA. “Shadow finally makes staying connected to people simple, fun and easy – and all without the hassle of using a complicated device. This is not a productivity tool. This phone is designed for people who have lives beyond work.”

Specs:

-Windows Mobile 6, Quad-band world phone (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
-2.6 inch display, 320 x 240 pixels, 65k QVGA GSM/GPRS/EDGE/Wi-Fi display
- 2 MP digital camera with video capture, -Slide out QWERTY-like keypad
-Stereo Bluetooth
-Four instant-messaging clients built in: Windows Live Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, and ICQ.
-Micro SD expansion slot supporting up to 4 GB of optional removable memory.
-Microsoft Internet Explorer, Office document viewing and editing
-Microsoft Vista compatible, Wireless Exchange synchronization with Microsoft Exchange 2003

T-Mobile Shadow

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. and BELLEVUE, Wash. — 10/17/2007 — Combining a dynamic touch screen experience with industry-leading network speeds, Sprint and HTC Corp., today announced the upcoming availability of Touch by HTC, a full touch screen wireless phone integrating Windows Mobile 6 with advanced entertainment features. Operating on the Sprint Mobile Broadband network, the stylish Touch by HTC brings together email and other essential business applications with Sprint’s exclusive multimedia content including over-the-air music downloads, live TV and more.

With a nearly 3-inch display, Touch by HTC features integrated TouchFLO technology, developed by HTC, leveraging smooth navigation through menus with a finger swipe. In addition, the innovative TouchFLO cube brings a 3D cube interface allowing quick access to entertainment, communication tools and a “Dial-by-picture” photo caller ID screen.

Quick Specs:

Windows Mobile 6
2.8″ 240 X 320 LCD Touch Screen
Innovative TouchFLO 3D Cube Interface
TI-OMAP 850, 201 MHz Processor
128 MB ROM, 64 MB DDR SDRAM
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Stereo Bluetooth 2.0
2.0 MP Camera
Battery Life: Up to 5 Hrs Talk time, Up to 200 Hrs Standby time
512 MB Micro SD Card Included, Supports upto 4GB
4.0″x2.4″x0.6″, 4 ounces
Priced at $249.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement and a $100 mail-in rebate, Touch will be available on November 4, ‘07

Versatile and compact, Touch by HTC provides quick and easy access to Sprint-exclusive content, including:

• Sprint Music Store(SM), powered by Groove Mobile, which allows users to browse and wirelessly download full-length songs directly to their phone from a selection of more than 1.8 million songs
• Sprint Exclusive Entertainment (SEE), the industry’s only made-for-mobile sports and entertainment video programming network
• Sprint TV(SM) with more than 50 channels of live and on-demand video and audio.
• More than a dozen streaming radio stations , including Sprint Radio and SIRIUS
• On-Demand with up-to-date information on sports, weather, news, money and more customized by zip code.

More at Sprint

Techland Blogs at fortune.cnn.com under the banner of CNNMoney speculates, “Pssst, here’s the latest Google rumor: A UBS analyst has confirmed that Taiwanese handset manufacturer HTC will ship about 50,000 cell phones running on a mobile operating system made by the Mountain View, Calif.-based search giant by the end of this year.This isn’t the first time that HTC has been mentioned as a possible manufacturer of the Google phone, but none have nailed concrete details. Should the HTC/Google partnership turn out to be true, consumers can expect their Gphones sometime in 2008.

“These initial phones are not going to be for sale,” Benjamin Schachter, one of the analysts who worked on the report, said in a phone call earlier today. “These are going to be available for developers only to understand how the software works.”

More at CNNMoney

AT&T has announced that the AT&T Tilt, the most feature-packed smart device / PDA available in the United States, will debut exclusively through AT&T beginning Friday, Oct. 5. The AT&T Tilt is the first AT&T-enabled Windows Mobile 6 smart device and features an innovative slide-out QWERTY keypad design.

Quick specs:

• Windows Mobile 6 Professional
• 2.8-inch color screen
• 3-megapixel camera
• 3G data speeds from AT&T’s HSDPA
• Stereo Bluetooth 2.0
• MicroSD slot
• An integrated GPS receiver
• BlackBerry Connect support
• Wi-Fi

More at AT&T News Room…

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…

According to HTC press release ,  today HTC has launched three new devices from its Q4 2007 product portfolio to further cements its position as an innovator of Windows Mobile based smart devices and computers for business and enterprise users. The HTC Shift will be available across Europe from November this year, the HTC S730 from October and the HTC P6500 from November.

HTC Shift

Specs: Intel Stealey 800MHz & Qualcomm 400MHz processors, Windows Vista Business,  7″ 800×400 touch sensitive ’slide-n-tilt’ screen, 1GB RAM for Vista + 64 MB for SnapVUE & 128 MB ROM, 40/60 GB HD, 3.5G / Tri-band HSDPSA with Quad-band GSM/EDGE, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi, Standalone GPS, Slide out QWERTY, 1 USB 2.0, VGA out and fingerprint sensor.

HTC P6500

Specs: Windows Mobile 6.0 Pro, 3.5” Screen, 3MP camera, GPS, Tri-band HSDPA with Quad-band GSM/EDGE, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi, 1 GB internal memory, 2 SDIO slots, 2D barcode & business card reader, fingerprint sensor.

HTC S730

Specs:  400 MHz processor, Windows Mobile 6.0, 2.4” TFT screen, Auto-slide QWERTY keyboard, 3G/HSDPA with Quad-band GSM/EDGE, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi, 256MB Flash, 64MB RAM, Micro SD slot.

More at HTC Europe…