Device Arena

Chunghwa Telecom, the largest telecommunication operator in Taiwan, has awarded a 3G network expansion and services contract to Nokia Siemens Networks that will enable the operator to provide enhanced, industry-leading 3G and HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) services to subscribers and reduce associated operational costs. The contract deepens the existing cooperation between Nokia Siemens Networks and Chunghwa Telecom.

The project will further expand Chunghwa Telecom’s 3G network coverage and also boost high speed Internet access by using 3.6/7.2/10.7 Mbps HSDPA service. A hybrid backhaul solution will allow Chunghwa Telecom to utilize IP transmission in base station backhaul to increase cost efficiency. Under the terms of the agreement, Nokia Siemens Networks will supply a total solution for Chunghwa including turnkey network implementation and system integration, consulting and competence development services for Chunghwa Telecom’s staff as well as software maintenance and hardware repair services to assure network quality and availability. Nokia Siemens Networks is also providing Chunghwa Telecom with its multitechnology NetAct™ solution to help the operator manage the network and service quality for their subscribers. Nokia Siemens Networks will not only ensure a successful network deployment but also collaborate with Chunghwa to speed up the commercial launch for a fast return on investment. Deliveries will start immediately and are scheduled for completion by September 2008.

With this expansion project, Chunghwa Telecom aims to provide to its subscribers enhanced 3G service to subscribers, such as HSDPA. This advancement is a breakthrough in the market and far beyond what is available today. Furthermore, this expansion project allows Chunghwa Telecom to lower operational costs with advanced equipments and solutions.

Nokia Siemens Networks is the industry leader in WCDMA/HSPA, to date having 99 WCDMA radio network references and enabling over 70 operators to launch HSDPA. Nokia Siemens Networks’ high-performing HSPA can be activated with a simple software upgrade to its existing WCDMA networks thus enabling cost-effective and fast rollout.

Vibo Telecom, one of the five operators of 3G mobile communication services in Taiwan, on September 27 announced the launch of V-Tube 538 (538 is the number dialed for access), a platform enabling 3G subscribers of any operator, including those traveling abroad, to use their video phones to watch videos and/or record/upload videos for sharing. The company has dubbed the service a mobile version of YouTube.

More on DIGITIMES

Mobile TV is still in its infancy in China and the technology needs to overcome four hurdles to attain steady growth, namely, the creation of a national standard, creation of a solid profit model, overcome low-quality user experience and bottlenecks in receiving devices, according to China-based research firm CCID Consulting.

More on DIGITIMES

You may remember the Asus P750 from a while back when a leaked shot showed what it looked like. Asus gave us confirmation of its existence then, and now, it has provided the missing bits of information. Yes, we have an official image and full specifications.
We knew from earlier that it will have HSDPA connectivity.

Other features include built-in GPS and a QVGA display. Unfortunately, RAM, which is the temporary storage used for running applications, remains at 64MB, same as previous P-series PDA-phones from the company. Some flagship models from other brands like the HTC TyTN II come with double that at 128MB.

Asus says the P750 will be available in Singapore from December. We are still waiting for information about its wider Asian availability.

Aside from Singapore, the P750 will also be available in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

CNET Asia

Following the huge success of the Vario portfolio, T-Mobile announces the launch of the much-anticipated MDA Vario III (HTC Kaiser in US).

The Vario III takes PDA handsets to the next level, with a unique tilting screen and sliding QWERTY keyboard which makes it even easier for those who want to continue their work or surf the Internet on the move.

As one of the first handsets with 3.6 Meg HSDPA, the Vario III will provide the highest quality Internet, video calling and email experience available on a mobile device. Coupled with T-Mobile’s web’n’walk service, the Vario III is set to give users the ultimate mobile experience, as they will be able to explore any site on the Internet as they would on their PC.

The next generation Vario III is packed full of the latest technology and runs on the new Windows Mobile 6 operating system – allowing users to access and edit familiar applications like Microsoft Outlook, Word and PowerPoint on the move. This is the ideal solution for busy professionals, who want to carry on with their work and pick up their emails easily whilst on the move.

The Vario III also boasts an in-built GPS receiver, and is fully compatible with the new CoPilot Live 7 satellite navigation system. Perfect for business people who need to travel, users can rely on spoken directions across the UK. CoPilot Live 7 also provides integrated live traffic information and mobile location tracking using T-Mobile’s network. In addition the device features a 3 mega-pixel camera with auto focus and a front facing camera for video calls.

The MDA Vario III will be available from 28th September to purchase from T-Mobile stores and online at www.t-mobile.co.uk. The device is from free when purchased on the Flext 50 tariff.

Key features of the MDA Vario III:

• Unique and stylish design with tilting touch screen
• One of the first devices to market with 3.6 Meg HSDPA
• Web’n’walk enabled – surf the real open Internet as you would on your PC
• Built-in GPS, with CoPilot SatNav software as an option
• Windows Mobile 6 – access and edit familiar applications on the move
• In-built Wi-Fi capability
• 3 mega-pixel camera with auto-focus
• Supports Microsoft Direct Push

The beloved FCC just unveiled the HTC Phoebus without giving any further details. But anyway, we know what HTC’s Phoebus is - it’s yesterday’s unveiled Dopod C750 aka the rumored T-Mobile Juno and since the device just received the FCC approval now, there are some real chances now, that T-Mobile US will indeed launch the HTC Phoebus/Dopod C750/T-Mobile Juno (however you want to call it) soon.

The first is Dopod C750, the second is HTC Phoebus:

And while we are talking about availability, the Bluetooth SIG just let us know, that the HTC Phoebus has a worldwide scope including Asia, Europe and North America:

Stays the question what the HTC Kii is since it’s not the T-Mobile Juno (anymore), which was one of my ideas.

the::unwired

Nokia announced today a new version of the Mail for Exchange mobile email software client, available now for business customers using Microsoft® Exchange Server and Nokia Eseries and selected Nokia Nseries devices. The new client will improve the user experience and offer access to popular Microsoft Exchange Server features, such as meeting request handling and directory look-up, on a mobile device. Mail for Exchange, a client application tightly integrated with the device for improved user experience, provides an end-to-end mobile email solution for businesses deploying Microsoft Exchange Server. Mail for Exchange 2.0 is available immediately.

Mail For Exchange delivers all of the features and benefits of full email to Nokia Eseries mobile devices and is native to the handset which means that inbox, calendar and contacts functions integrate seamlessly with Nokia Eseries devices. Mail for Exchange further extends Nokia devices’ position as a premier mobile email platform which also includes support for Nokia Intellisync Mobile Suite, Lotus Domino, Novell GroupWise, and consumer email solutions like Yahoo, Hotmail, and Gmail.

“Exchange Server 2007 includes built-in mobile access capabilities that go beyond what users expect,” said Jeff Ressler, Director for Microsoft Exchange. “With the release of Mail for Exchange 2.0, owners of Nokia Eseries and Nokia Nseries phones can stay productive on the go with these new Exchange mobility features, including remote corporate address books, the ability to accept and reject meeting invitations and other improvements.”

“As a means of enabling business mobility, our integrated solutions portfolio makes it easier for companies and operators to deploy mobile technologies,” said Antti Vasara, senior vice president, Mobile Devices, Nokia. “Offering Mail for Exchange on our Nokia Eseries devices aligns with our goal to overcome challenges related to mobilizing businesses by protecting customers’ existing investments and by expanding the choice of mobile applications for our customers.”

Mail for Exchange 2.0 uses the Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync® protocol and is compatible with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 and Exchange Server 2007. The added benefits of Mail for Exchange 2.0 are:

• flexible, cost-effective solution for IT Managers to benefit from the full power of Nokia Eseries devices in a Microsoft Exchange environment
• increased work efficiency by enabling inbox, calendar and contact management on Nokia Eseries devices including the ability for full attachments handling and to manage and respond to meeting requests
• optimal use of Microsoft Exchange Server investment by extending desktop features to mobile devices

The client is available for Nokia Eseries customers directly from their devices through the Download! application free of charge. Nokia customers with compatible phones can also download the client from Nokia for Business web site.

For widescale company deployments, IT departments can use Nokia Intellisync Device Management to remotely provision the client over-the-air to employees, along with the necessary server connection and user credential settings.

Compatibility
Exchange Server 2003, SP1 and SP2 (ActiveSync protocol versions 2.0, 2.1 and 2.5). Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 SP1 and R2. Exchange Server 2007. Compatible with Nokia E50, Nokia E60, Nokia E61, Nokia E61i, Nokia E65, Nokia E70, Nokia E90 Communicator, Nokia N73, Nokia N76, Nokia N80, and Nokia N95.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Sling Media today announced that its award-winning SlingPlayer™ Mobile software is now available in the U.S. for select Nokia Nseries and Eseries devices running S60 3rd edition software on Symbian OS™, including the just released US HSDPA (High Speed Download Packet Access) version of the Nokia N95. SlingPlayer Mobile gives Slingbox owners the ability to watch and control their home TV from a network-connected mobile phone. For a limited time Sling Media is offering Nokia N95 current and future handset owners in the U.S. a discount on Slingbox AV. In addition, all U.S. Nokia N95 customers will receive a free version of SlingPlayer Mobile (a $29.99 value).

“Customers have been calling for this software from the time we first announced support for Symbian OS last fall and I am thrilled to be answering the call with today’s announcement,” said Blake Krikorian, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Sling Media. “SlingPlayer Mobile really showcases the multimedia capabilities of the N95 and we are greatly enhancing the overall mobile experience on these Nokia handsets with our SlingPlayer Mobile software. People love their living room TV programming and simply want the ability to watch it on any device wherever they happen to be.”

“Using SlingPlayer Mobile on the new high-speed Nokia N95, you never have to miss your football game again,” said Andrew Elliott, Director, Multimedia Experiences, Nokia North America. “The award-winning Nokia N95 offers a first class entertainment experience with a large 16 million color display, built-in stereo speakers and industry standard 3.5 mm audio jack for a great personal TV experience on the go. In this sense, the Nokia N95 and SlingPlayer Mobile are excellent companions.”

SlingPlayer Mobile gives consumers their entire home TV experience, including local channels, local sports teams, video on demand, pay per view, etc. Any program that you can watch on your sofa back home, you can now watch via a PC, Mac, Palm OS, Symbian OS and Windows Mobile-based devices via internet connections worldwide (3G Cellular, WiFi). In addition, SlingPlayer Mobile users can also control their home digital video recorder (DVR) to watch recorded shows, pause, rewind and fast forward live TV, or even program new recordings while on the road.

“SlingPlayer Mobile is a marvel of innovation and really comes to life on Symbian OS, which has been engineered to deliver the very best in mobile multimedia experiences,” said Jerry Panagrossi, vice president of US operations, Symbian. “This new release of SlingPlayer Mobile for Symbian smartphones brings compelling new data revenue opportunities to operators and a feature-rich service to consumers looking for convenient access to their home TV channel surfing, programming and viewing experience.”

The enhanced, personalized mobile TV experience is enabled by Sling Media’s breakthrough product, the Slingbox. The Slingbox redirects, or “placeshifts,” live or recorded TV from an analog or digital cable box, satellite receiver, DVR or DVD player to the viewer’s 3G or WiFi-enabled handset or laptop located anywhere in the home or anywhere in the world.

Sling Media is making this version of SlingPlayer Mobile for Symbian OS software available to customers in the U.S., Canada and in the UK on a select number of Nokia handsets at launch, and plans to extend support for additional handsets in the near future. The retail price of the application is $29.99 U.S., $34.99 CAD and £19.99 GBP, including VAT. To download the application, please visit http://downloads.slingmedia.com

MontaVista® Software announced the new 5.0 release of MontaVista® Mobilinux, the mobile operating system used in 90 percent of Linux-based smartphones. Mobilinux provides a commercial-quality, field-proven embedded Linux operating system (OS) optimized for mobile devices plus a rich development environment for the engineers who design them. Mobilinux 5.0 will enable manufacturers to deliver new mobile devices (such as phone handsets, GPS devices, portable medical devices, and wireless point-of-sale terminals) to consumers more quickly and with new functions, breakthrough connectivity, fast performance, NSA-level security, and battery-extending dynamic power management.

Leading handset manufacturers, including NEC, Motorola, Panasonic, and others have made MontaVista the most widely-used provider of commercial-quality Linux software to the mobile telephony market, and also the fastest-growing commercial operating system provider in that market, according to analyst firm VDC. More than 35 million smartphones, cell phones, and other mobile devices run on MontaVista Mobilinux, far more than any other commercial Linux. Unlike freely-available source code, Mobilinux is a field-proven production-quality OS, has been tested and debugged by MontaVista’s testing facilities, and is backed by MontaVista’s battle-hardened support team.

“Competition in today’s mobile device marketplace calls for differentiated software products that specifically address the requirements of both manufacturers and operators,” said Matt Volckmann, Senior Analyst with VDC’s Embedded Software Practice. “With Mobilinux 5.0, MontaVista has targeted improved power management, real-time performance, optimized execution, reduced footprint requirements, as well as many other features that allow customers to differentiate through the software stack and effectively deliver advanced Linux-based mobile devices to market.“

“No other mobile operating system today gives developers so many ways to unleash their creativity to add new functions,” said Jim Ready, CTO and founder of MontaVista Software. “Mobilinux 5.0 delivers new technologies invented by MontaVista for configurable dynamic power management, plus a powerful security framework that MontaVista’s competitors can only dream about. This is simply the best OS ever built for mobile devices.“

In addition to providing a platform for the features common in smartphones today (such as touchscreen control, email processing, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, video cameras, multimedia and Adobe Flash display, and more), the flexibility of Mobilinux 5.0 enables developers to easily provide custom functions. Mobilinux supports Linux standards, so designers can add functionality by including off-the-shelf Linux utilities without worrying about function loss due to incompatibility. Built-in support for emerging methods of connectivity and new I/O types (including a full-featured Linux networking stack with IPv6 support) increase device functionality by enabling devices to communicate and interact with new types of software and other devices.

“Today’s competitive marketplace requires differentiated products that address unique operator requirements while avoiding commoditization,” said Jeff Wender, Worldwide Marketing Manager, Software Solutions, Texas Instruments. “MontaVista has a successful history of enabling differentiated products across the entire OMAP™ product family through the flexibility of its Mobilinux products. We expect Mobillinux Edition 5.0 to maintain this focus and add the functionality necessary to address customer needs and deliver unique devices.“

MontaVista Mobilinux 5.0 will be available worldwide in November 2007. Initial platforms supported will include OMAP 2430 from Texas Instruments, with OMAP 3430 following shortly. Six additional platforms will be added in early 2008.

Hewlett-Packard (HP) has received a license from the China government for the manufacture and sale of its own-brand handsets in China, the China-based website ccidnet.com quoted sources at HP China as saying. The last time HP launched a smartphone in China was in late 2005 when the company marketed the hw6515 smartphone in cooperation with China-based Digital China, ccidnet.com reported.

More on DIGITIMES