AT&T built an ad campaign around it for the iPhone: the ability for mobile users to talk and access a mobile data network simultaneously. But just how important is it, and how will mobile operators deliver it on 4G networks? AT&T’s capabilities are a function of its GSM-based 3G network, Verizon’s limitations a measure of its CDMA technology. But what about on emerging 4G networks, in particular WiMax networks like Clearwire and Sprint’s?
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Unfiltered
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Archive for the ‘Wireless’ Category
Delivering simultaneous 3G/4G data and voice
Google’s AdMob delivers more mobile advertising tools
Continuing its strong mobile focus, Google today said that AdMob, the mobile advertising company it acquired last year for $750 million, is rolling out new tools to support a to make money from advertising — rather than be routed around by third-party networks like AdMob.
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Rumors point to Sprint WiMAX phone unveiling
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Sprint could roll-out its first WiMax-based phone at next week’s CTIA show in Vegas. According to the reports, the device will be produced by HTC and is dubbed the Supersonic. The phone will run on Clearwire’s WiMax network, in which Sprint holds a 56% stake.
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Lagging Droid upgrade shows Google’s OS/device challenge
It looks like Motorola’s Droid device will finally get a long-awaited upgrade to Android 2.1, starting today. Android 2.1 first debuted with the launch of Google’s Nexus One, which as we noted earlier this week is significantly lagging the Droid specifically and the overall Android market in general in terms of sales. Android 2.1 includes some key new features, including adding multi-touch capabilities across the device, bringing it up to par with the iPhone, as well as the ability to enter text via speech recognition across the advice, something the iPhone lacks. That makes the 2.1 release an important one for the future of Android.
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AT&T goes green with bills, chargers
In moves seemingly timed to catch a little “green” glow for the company, AT&T this week announced a new paperless billing initiative – targeting 1 million new customers – as well as a new more energy efficient cell phone charger
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Could the iPad ever live up to the hype?
iPad pre-orders started over the weekend, and the results so far are mixed. Fan-boys (and –girls) immediately swamped Apple’s Web site with orders to the tune of more than 100,000 sold in the first few days. But after that immediate rush, orders dropped off sharply. Which begs the question: is the iPad all hype, or something more real? And will it make the same impact on mobile operator networks that the iPhone had?
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ABI: 2009 wasn’t quite so dire for wireless vendors
From the way the vendors talked in last year’s earnings calls, you’d get the impression that 2009 was one of the most horrible years for the telecom infrastructure market. But ABI Research said it wasn’t as bad as the industry made it out to be. Rather than decline as much 10% to 12% as many analysts estimated, the equipment market saw a surge in the second half of the year, said Aditya Kaul, practice director for ABI. (more…)
CNN Mobile synchs up with FLO TV, but not VZW
Qualcomm’s (NASDAQ:QCOM) mobile television arm FLO TV announced today it has expanded its relationship with partner Turner Broadcasting to add CNN Mobile to its channel line-up, including content from CNN US and International, HLN and CNN.com. The channel will be available on FLO TV’s dedicated Personal TV device, its Auto Entertainment platforms and on AT&T (NYSE:T), although not Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ, NYSE:VOD) at launch.
CNN Mobile, first introduced as an exclusive to AT&T Mobile TV subscribers in 2008, provides political, world, health and entertainment news, including from Anderson Cooper, Larry King and Robin Meade, as well as live events, one of FLO TV’s best performing content categories. AT&T’s exclusive hold on CNN Mobile still holds today, so it won’t be made available to subscribers of VZW’s V Cast Mobile TV service. (more…)
Will you buy an Apple iPad? (poll)
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) began taking iPad pre-orders today for either the Wi-Fi-only version, available on April 3, or the AT&T (NYSE:T) 3G-plus-Wi-Fi version. Some analysts are predicting shortages, while others are pointing out the reasons you should wait to buy Apple’s computing device. The Wall Street Journal even breaks down whether a Wi-Fi-only iPad or 3G version, which even AT&T doesn’t believe will be most popular, is best for you. Will you be ordering either?
T-Mobile offering same plans (and data caps) for HSPA+
T-Mobile (NYSE:DT) is tripling the capacity of its 3G high-speed packet access (HSPA) network, which could mean near-home-broadband speeds for its laptop data customers. But it might also result in its customers eating up their monthly allotment of data much more quickly. Today T-Mobile revealed it will start selling its first HSPA+ USB dongle on Sunday with the same data plans–and their associated data caps–it offers for its regular 3G access service. (more…)