Dec 19 2007

WiMAX Forum Begins Certification Testing for Mobile WiMAX Products

WiMAX Forum Begins Certification Testing for Mobile WiMAX ProductsPORTLAND, Ore –BUSINESS WIRE– Dec 19, `07 — The WiMAX Forum today announced its lead certification lab is now open for formal Mobile WiMAX certification testing and evaluation of Mobile WiMAX products.

WiMAX Forum vendors may begin immediately submitting their 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz Mobile WiMAX equipment for testing. The WiMAX Forum’s lead certification lab is headquartered at AT4 Wireless in Spain. The WiMAX Forum expects its four other certification labs in the US, Taiwan, China and Korea to open for formal Mobile WiMAX certification testing shortly.

“Certification facilitates Xohm’s model for open access,” remarked Barry West, president of Sprint’s Xohm Business Unit. “We applaud the WiMAX Forum for this important and timely step, which will encourage device innovation in anticipation of Sprint’s WiMAX network launch in the US”Throughout 2008, service providers are expected to expand current Mobile WiMAX deployments to broader populations in their regions. The WiMAX Forum currently estimates that more than 300 operators in over 65 countries have deployed Mobile WiMAX pilots and trials.

As Mobile WiMAX deployments continue to grow in size and scope in 2008, the WiMAX Forum plans to open new certification labs in India and Taiwan to address the demand for equipment certification. Based on the proliferation of certified equipment, the WiMAX Forum will conduct additional product interoperability activities for new Mobile WiMAX profiles and features, such as testing for the planned certification for 3.5 GHz and 700 MHz profiles and core network certification through Mobile WiMAX PlugFests in 2008. More at WiMAX Forum.


Dec 18 2007

Sprint Nextel Names Dan Hesse as President and CEO

Sprint Nextel Names Dan Hesse as President and CEOReston, VA –BUSINESS WIRE– Dec 18, `07 — The Sprint Nextel Board of Directors has named wireless industry veteran Daniel R. Hesse, 54, as president and chief executive officer of the company, effective immediately. He previously was chairman, president and CEO of Embarq Corporation.

“Dan Hesse is the right person to lead our company,” said board member Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr., who chaired the board’s CEO search committee. “He is a proven leader with deep wireless experience as a chief executive and an established track record of generating strong operating performance. He has the board’s full support to take decisive actions necessary to improve our performance.”

Hesse had been chairman and CEO since Embarq’s inception in 2006. Prior to the formation of Embarq, he served as CEO of Sprint’s Local Telecommunications Division for one year before the spin-off that created Embarq. Hesse previously has spent 23 years at AT&T, including serving between 1997 and 2000 as the president and CEO of AT&T Wireless Services, which was then the United States’ largest wireless operator. More at Sprint Nextel.


Dec 17 2007

OMRON Introduces World’s First Global WiMAX Antenna for Laptops

OMRON Introduces World’s First Global WiMAX Antenna for LaptopsMulti-radio antenna supports WiMAX service rollouts globally including the Sprint Nextel Xohm network.

In anticipation of major WiMAX roll-outs around the globe, OMRON Corp has announced the introduction of a new, global WiMAX band polymer antenna, the HAWK-WMX, for laptops, notebooks, tablet and ultra-mobile PCs. Significantly smaller than competing products, the HAWK-WMX fits under the lid of notebook PCs, enabling computer manufacturers to design smaller and lighter models for highly mobile users.

The HAWK-WMX, which employs the high dielectric polymer material and precision molding technology used in Omron’s award-winning UWB antenna range, measures just 30 mm x 6.6 mm but can deliver uniform RF performance across three global WiMAX bands (2.3-2.8 GHz, 3.3-3.8 GHz and 5.25-5.85 GHz). The HAWK-WMX is WiMAX MIMOi compliant, and with its global band attributes can also be used as a Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11n) MIMO antenna.

Computer OEMs and ODMs are already supporting multiple wireless protocols such as 3G, Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi and UWB, each of which usually requires a separate antenna. With mounting space at a premium, there is a clear need for ultra-small antennas that will enable products to function in any region with consistently high performance. The HAWK-WMX delivers a small footprint without compromising performance and can replace five notebook antennas for WiMAX and Wi-Fi with three smaller ones.” More at Omron.


Dec 13 2007

Sprint and MySpace Announce Mobile Web Partnership

Sprint and MySpace Announce Mobile Web PartnershipSprint and MySpace Announce Mobile Web PartnershipHOLLYWOOD, Fla –BUSINESS WIRE– Dec 13, ‘07 — MySpace and Sprint announced today that Sprint will be the first US wireless carrier to link to the free MySpace Mobile Web site once it officially launches in early 2008, at no additional charge to Sprint data subscribers.

This means that Sprint customers with enabled phones will be able to click to access MySpace from the Sprint portal. The new version of MySpace Mobile will feature rich graphical design, a revamped email interface and other new features. The site is currently in beta at http://mobile.myspace.com.

In addition to the new MySpace Mobile, Sprint customers will also be able to directly link to other leading mobile Web sites from Fox Interactive Media (FIM), including IGN, FOXSports.com on MSN, RottenTomatoes, AskMen, its network of MyFOX local affiliates and the newest addition Photobucket. The agreement was announced this morning by FIM President Peter Levinsohn at Sprint’s annual Application Developer Conference in Hollywood, FL.


Dec 05 2007

Sprint to Soft Launch XOHM ‘In A Few Days’?

Sprint to Soft Launch XOHM ‘In A Few Days’?Dec 05, ‘07 — PhoneScoop is reporting on Sprint Nextel soft launching its XOHM WiMax network in the next few days, citing Bin Shen, VP of Product Management and Partnership Development.

PhoneScoop further writes, “Chicago, Washington DC and Baltimore will all go live at soft launch, and though Shen did not discuss what devices would be available, a number of data cards have been tested on the network. XOHM will officially launch in the second quarter of 2008 as will several laptops with WiMax embedded in them. Later in the year a number of special purpose devices will launch, as will dual-mode CDMA / WiMax handsets.” PhoneScoop.


Nov 30 2007

Google Will Bid for 700 MHz Mobile Spectrum

Google Will Bid for 700 MHz Mobile SpectrumMOUNTAIN 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.


Nov 19 2007

Is AT&T to Join Google’s Open Handset Alliance - Android -

Is AT&T to Join Google’s Open Handset Alliance - Android -Is AT&T to Join Google’s Open Handset Alliance - Android -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 09 2007

Sprint Nextel and Clearwire Terminate WiMAX Letter of Intent

Sprint NextelWiMAXRESTON, Va.–BUSINESS WIRE–Sprint Nextel and Clearwire have mutually agreed to terminate the Letter of Intent (LOI) signed in July 2007. The two companies could not resolve complexities associated with the LOI and failed to reach final agreement on the terms of the transaction.

Sprint remains fully committed to developing WiMAX services and deploying a WiMAX network that will allow customers to realize the benefits of a mobile broadband Internet experience. Sprint expects to continue to work together with Clearwire on future opportunities to enhance the deployment of robust WiMAX capabilities through ongoing discussions that include the possibility of roaming, frequency interference coordination, spectrum exchanges, technology evolution and development and network standards.

We are on track for soft launch late this year in the Chicago and Baltimore/Washington markets and commercial launch in 2008, said Keith Cowan, Sprints president of Strategic Planning and Corporate Initiatives. In line with Sprints mandate of improving the customers experience and simplifying our operations, we look forward to working with Clearwire on opportunities such as roaming and standards.

In light of this announcement, Sprint is reviewing its WiMAX business plans and outlook and the company expects to comment further on these topics early next year.

Sprint intends to provide services under the Xohm brand, supported by an ecosystem of device, chip and other partners, including Intel, Motorola, Nokia and Samsung. The company also has selected Google to bring search, interactive communications and social networking tools through a new mobile portal to future WiMAX mobile Internet customers.


Nov 05 2007

Google Announces “Android”, Open Platform for Mobile Devices

Google

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 2007

Is Google Set to Announce “Open Phone” / “Google Phone” Coalition?

Google_Open_Phone_Google_Phone_CoalitionNov 05, ‘07 — Leslie Cauley of USA TODAY is reporting that, Google is set to announce its highly speculatedGoogle 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.


Nov 02 2007

Google to Reveal “Google Mobile Apps” / “Google Phone” Plans on Monday?

Google Phone Google Mobile AppsApparently 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 2007

Sprint Too in Talks with Google on Mobile Apps

GoogleSprint Nextel

New York, NY–Oct 31, ‘07–It sounds like every wireless carrier in the US is in line to get ‘Google Phone’ / ‘Google Mobile Apps’. On the heels of Verizon, Sprint Nextel is also in talks to put applications from Web search leader Google on its cell phones. 

Citing “a person familier with the matter” Reuters is reporting, “Google is in talks with some of the largest U.S. wireless carriers to make a deeper move into the mobile industry, an area it views as key to future growth. While the company has not commented on its plans or potential partners, industry experts believe it will soon launch new software and services for mobile phones.” 

“While the company has not commented on its plans or potential partners, industry experts believe it will soon launch new software and services for mobile phones”. More at Reuters.


Oct 26 2007

Sprint-Nextel Agrees to Unlock Phones, Settles California Class-Action Lawsuit

Sprint-Nextel Agrees to Unlock Phones, Settles California Class-Action LawsuitOctober 26, ‘07 — Wireless subscribers of Sprint Nextel Corp. may no longer have to buy a new phone if they jump to a new carrier.As part of a proposed class-action settlement, the Reston, Va.-based provider, with operational headquarters in Overland Park, Kan., has agreed to provide departing Sprint PCS customers with the code necessary to unlock their phones’ software.

That would allow the phones to operate on any network using code division multiple access technology, or CDMA. Competitors using that technology include Verizon Wireless and Alltel Corp.

The codes won’t work for Sprint’s Nextel-branded phones, which use iDEN technology, and don’t allow switching to AT&T or T-Mobile, which use global system for mobile communication, or GSM, technology.

Sprint made the offer as part of the proposed settlement of a California class-action lawsuit, filed last year, accusing the company of anticompetitive practices. The plaintiffs claimed the software “lock” forced anyone wanting to switch carriers to buy a new phone, throwing up a barrier to competition.

Sprint said it will share the unlocking code with all current and former subscribers once their phones are deactivated and their bills are paid. The company also will add information about the locking software and how to obtain the unlocking codes in the list of terms and conditions of service given to new customers, and instruct its customer service representatives on how to connect a non-Sprint phone to the Sprint network.

T-Mobile faces a similar class-action lawsuit in California. Users of the iPhone, which is locked to the AT&T network, filed two separate lawsuits last week against the carrier and Apple Inc., claiming its use restrictions and a software upgrade that disables unlocked iPhones constituted unfair business practices.

More at AP


Oct 25 2007

Vonage Settles Verizon Patent Suit

Tag: AT&T, Lawsuits, Patents, Sprint, TechLuver, VOIP, Verizon, VonageJack @ 2:16 PM

Vonage Settles Verizon Patent SuitVonage Settles Verizon Patent SuitNew York, NY–October 25, ‘07–Vonage Holdings said late Thursday it has settled its patent dispute with Verizon Communications. Vonage said the terms of the resolution depend on how the Court of Appeals decides its pending petition for rehearing regarding two of the Verizon patents.

If Vonage wins rehearing on either patent or if the injunction is vacated, Vonage said it will pay Verizon $80 million. If Vonage does not win a rehearing, or if the stay is lifted reinstating the injunction, Vonage will pay Verizon $117.5 million.

The lawsuit, along with two filed by other phone companies, had cast a heavy shadow over Vonage’s future. The company’s service enables subscribers to connect their phones to their broadband connections for about $25 a month using a Vonage adapter.

After setbacks in the litigation with Verizon, which began in June 2006, Vonage put $88 million in escrow. The settlement caps any payouts Vonage will make on top of that amount at $32 million. If Vonage wins a rehearing on either of the two patents at issue, its total payout will be $80 million.

The settlement was announced just after the 4 p.m. stock market close, which saw Vonage shares down 10 cents, or 6.2 percent, at $1.50. In after-hours trading, the shares jumped 67 percent to $2.50.

In March, a jury held that Vonage had infringed on three patents and awarded Verizon $58 million in damages, plus a royalty on future revenues. In September, an appeals court sent the remaining two patents in dispute back to the lower court for retrial.

“This settlement removes the uncertainty of legal reviews and long-term court action and allows us to continue focusing on our core business and customers,” said Sharon O’Leary, Vonage’s chief legal officer.

The settlement is a major step forward for Holmdel, N.J.-based Vonage, which earlier this month settled another patent dispute with Sprint Nextel Corp. for $80 million.

The settlement does not put Vonage’s legal troubles in the past, however. AT&T sued Vonage last week, also for patent infringement.

Vonage had a substantial war chest, thanks to an initial public offering last year at $17 per share that drew in more than $500 million but quickly turned into an embarrassment when the stock plummeted. The legal challenges have scared off customers and stalled Vonage’s growth. It now has about 2.45 million subscribers.


Oct 22 2007

Sprint Expands ”Unlimited by Boost” to 10 More US States

Sprint NextelSprint Unlimited By BoostOVERLAND PARK, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–October 22, ‘07–Sprint today announced that it is expanding the availability of Unlimited by Boost the regional flat rate wireless service offered by its Boost Mobile® division to 10 additional U.S. states, based on the success of its launch in California and Texas. Unlimited by Boost offers unlimited local and nationwide long distance calling from a home calling area for a fixed monthly price, which ranges from $45 to $55 depending on location. Customers making or receiving calls outside of their home calling area are charged 15 cents per minute.

As a result of the service and sales expansion, Unlimited by Boost is now available from participating wireless dealers in 12 states including: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. Starting next week, Unlimited by Boost will be offered at 938 Wal-Mart stores in all 12 states. Unlimited by Boost is now sold at participating RadioShack® retail store locations in California and Texas, and will include locations in the expansion states starting Nov. 5.

Starting Nov. 12, Boost Mobile will offer a wireless Web price plan that includes unlimited voice, unlimited text, unlimited picture messaging and unlimited Web browsing for as low as $55 per month depending on market. Customers can also purchase Unlimited by Boost rechargeable cards to replenish their accounts at participating 7-Eleven stores.

More at BusinessWire


Oct 22 2007

HP to Embed Sprint Mobile Broadband in Business Notebooks

Tag: 3G, Computers, EV-DO, HP, HP Compaq, Laptops, Mobile, Sprint, TechLuverJack @ 3:16 PM

HP Compaq 8510p Notebook PCPALO ALTO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–HP today announced that it will integrate Sprint mobile broadband capabilities into several HP business notebook PCs, giving mobile professionals convenient access to the fastest and largest U.S. mobile broadband network.

The companies will jointly market HP business notebooks that can take advantage of the dynamic features of the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, such as the faster data speeds provided by 3G EV-DO Rev. A technology.

When on the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, HP business customers will be able to enjoy wireless connections at broadband speeds to corporate networks, email and the Internet without being tied to a wireless hotspot. Customers also will be equipped for more powerful applications and services as they become available.

HP mobile broadband notebook PCs

Across the lineup, HP business notebook PCs feature security, reliability and ease of use innovations such as Drive Encryption for HP Protect Tools, HP DuraKeys and HP QuickLook, which with a touch of a button allows users to browse email, calendars and contact information in as little as 10 seconds. HP business notebooks that will integrate Sprint Mobile Broadband service, including support for EV-DO Rev. A technology, include the following models, as well as additional models expected later this year:

  • HP Compaq 2710p Notebook PC Weighing only 3.6 pounds, this sleek, ultra-thin convertible notebook combines conventional notebook productivity with tablet PC flexibility. It features an optional integrated camera for convenient video conferencing, image capture and integrated business card reader software, as well as HP NightLight on the keyboard to improve visibility in low-light conditions.
  • HP Compaq 6510b Notebook PC This notebook boasts a low-profile, 14.1-inch diagonal widescreen display that offers 30 percent more viewing content than the standard 15-inch diagonal XGA display.
  • HP Compaq 6910p Notebook PC With industry-leading battery life of up to five hours and 45 minutes and weighing only 4.7 pounds, this notebook is designed with enhanced reliability features for on-the-move productivity. The Ultra-slim MultiBay II drive bay allows users to swap optical drives for increased storage or optimal travel weight.
  • HP Compaq 8510 series This notebook PC and mobile workstation offer a choice of intense graphics from ATI and NVIDIA in a 6.1 pound, highly mobile design. Users also can develop, record, re-write and playback high-definition video, as well as store up to 50 gigabytes (GB) of data, with optional Blu-ray DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL Drive.

Pricing and availability

HP business notebook PCs with integrated Sprint Mobile Broadband service are expected to be available starting in October. Sprint Mobile Broadband service package pricing will vary. Estimated U.S. street prices for the HP Compaq Notebook PCs:

  • HP Compaq 2710p Notebook PC starts at $1,599.
  • HP Compaq 6510b Notebook PC starts at $929.
  • HP Compaq 6910p Notebook PC starts at $1,199.
  • HP Compaq 8510p Notebook PC starts at $1,479, and the HP Compaq 8510w Mobile Workstation starts at $2,049

More at BusinessWire


Oct 18 2007

Sprint Launches HTC Touch

Sprint HTC TouchOVERLAND 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