Device Arena

High Tech Computer (HTC) has recently been in talks with MediaTek to evaluate the possibility of using MediaTek’s WCDMA-based solutions, according to industry sources. HTC declined to comment on the report. MediaTek began testing its WCDMA platform in the second quarter and the company is choosing handset partners at present, the sources said. As HTC owns mature technology on 3G handsets and it has its own telecom service customers in Europe, the USA, Japan and Asia and Pacific markets, MediaTek is targeting HTC as its top priority partner, noted the sources.

More on DIGITIMES

Apple Inc, which helped spawn the PDA market with its Newton MessagePad line in the early ’90s, plans to give the concept another go with a modern day reincarnation of the old fan favorite based on the company’s new mutli-touch technology, AppleInsider has learned.

For Apple, the ongoing project represents its second stab at reinventing the PDA since the Newton met its fate in the late 90’s — the first of which never saw the light of day and is only known to have existed based on a one-off comment from chief executive Steve Jobs over three years ago.

Speaking at the 2004 edition of the Wall Street Journal’s D: All Things Digital conference, Jobs stated that he was proud not only of the products Apple had released in recent years, but also the products the company had decided not to ship.

When asked by an audience member to elaborate, Jobs said simply, “an Apple PDA.”

It appears that Jobs and Co. never gave up hope, and instead returned to the drawing board. For the past 18 months, well-respected sources tell AppleInsider, a small team of Apple engineers have been at it again, this time tapping the company’s revolutionary multi-touch technology as a foundation.

During that time, sources have observed the project slip in and out of limbo, as Apple struggled to meet its self-imposed June, 2007 launch date for the iPhone. In at least two instances, the company pulled software engineers off the project to assist in the completion of the iPhone software, only to return those same engineers to the their original task months later.

With the initial iPhone now out the door and two successive models well underway in Apple’s labs, it’s believed to be full steam ahead for the modern day Newton project. Like iPhone and the iPod touch, the new device runs an embedded version of Apple’s Mac OS X Leopard operating system.

Externally, the mutil-touch PDA has been described by sources as an ultra-thin “slate” akin to the iPhone, about 1.5 times the size and sporting an approximate 720×480 high-resolution display that comprises almost the entire surface of the unit. The device is further believed to leverage multi-touch concepts which have yet to gain widespread adoption in Apple’s existing multi-touch products — the iPhone and iPod touch — like drag-and-drop and copy-and-paste.

More broadly characterized as Apple’s answer to the ultra-mobile PC, the next-gen device is believed to be tracking for a release sometime in the first half of 2008. Assuming the project remains clear of roadblocks, sources believe it could make an inaugural appearance during Jobs’ Macworld keynote in January alongside some new Mac offerings. Still, manufacturing ramp and availability would seem unlikely until closer to mid-year, those same sources say.

As AppleInsider has hinted, the next-gen PDA will signal the advent of a fifth core business segment (fourth if you discount Apple TV) for Apple, but at the same time represent just smidgen of what’s to come from the company’s new multi-touch platform, which has already proven to be a game-changer.

AppleInsider

Spb Software House, a leading Windows Mobile software maker, joined efforts with VimpelCom, a major Russian mobile operator, to deliver innovation directly to the Windows Mobile devices of Beeline subscribers, within the framework of the “Activation” service.

VimpelCom launched a service, offering its Beeline subscribers to download and install a batch of customized and specially preset software directly onto their Windows Mobile-based communicators and smartphones. As mobility is introduced into new aspects of life, and timely responsiveness and efficiency are becoming expected in everyday professional and social interaction, the world’s most advanced mobile operators look for ways to answer the growing need for mobile content, and this is where the software vendors can help.

“We are honored to have contributed to building ‘Activation’, and we are happy to partner with VimpelCom, a modern and forward-thinking enterprise, that understands the growing demand for customization of mobile services, and the importance of software in this task,” comments Sebastian-Justus Schmidt, Spb Software House CEO. “We are also grateful to Microsoft for creating such a powerful and developer-friendly operating system to support mobility,” he concludes.

“More than 18 thousand applications are made for Windows Mobile and the search of the most appropriate could take time,” said Vassili le Moigne, Mobile Communications Business Lead, Microsoft Central & Eastern Europe Area. “But now users of Activation service, created thanks to VimpelCom and Spb Software House efforts, will be able to quickly and easily install useful and effective programs for Windows Mobile.”

“VimpelCom is strongly committed to offering its customers world-class, reliable, effective and easy-to-use solutions. Spb Software House fits in well with business people needs, offering a wide range of popular and necessary content and software. Our new ‘Activation’ service helps people use their communicators and smartphones to the fullest,” comments Oksana Belyaeva, Marketing Director, Business segment & Roaming, VimpelCom.

The Activation bundle includes special, custom-designed editions of Spb Mobile Shell, Spb Insight, and Spb Weather, as well as software by Abbyy Software House, and Google.

Spb Software House

With this contract Nokia Siemens Networks strengthens its position as one of China’s leading GSM network suppliers Nokia Siemens Networks deepens its ties with Henan Mobile Communications Company (Henan MCC) with a GSM network expansion, EDGE introduction as well as network planning and implementation services deal. The agreement further cements Nokia Siemens Networks’ position as the leading network supplier for the radio and core networks of Henan MCC.

Under the contract of close to RMB 2 billion (EUR 180 million), Nokia Siemens Networks will extend its cooperation with Henan MCC and become the sole supplier of EDGE for Henan MCC in addition to already being a leading supplier of its GSM networks. The company will provide Henan MCC with its GSM and EDGE core and radio networks equipment, mobile soft switching solution including MSC (Mobile Switching Center) Servers, MGW (Media Gateway) and HLR (Home Location Register), as well as system integration, network planning, rollout and support services for Henan MCC’s GSM and EDGE network.

“We’re pleased to be continuing our long-standing partnership with Nokia Siemens Networks,” said Henan MCC general manager Yuan Jianguo. “The stability, reliability and cost-effectiveness of Nokia Siemens Networks’ network systems will allow us to provide our more than 27 million customers with exciting mobile experiences in the province, whether it is in GSM voice communications or EDGE for high speed and data connectivity.” Henan MCC will provide EDGE commercial services for its customers from September.

“Nokia Siemens Networks is very proud to continue its strategic cooperation with Henan MCC,” said Zhang Zhiqiang, head of Nokia Siemens Networks’ Greater China region. “The GSM expansion and the move to EDGE will help operators build state-of-art networks and generate new revenues while preparing the network for future evolution.”

GSM radio access networks delivered by Nokia Siemens Networks connect more than 1.3 billion subscribers around the world. Nokia Siemens Networks is the global No. 1 in EDGE with 120 references. Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading supplier of GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks to over 20 customers in China, with the largest installed base in China Mobile’s GSM network.

Announced as a concept phone in October 2006, KDDI has finally commercialize the INFOBAR 2 mobile phone, continue its simple style from the first version which was released in 2005.

The innovative INFOBAR 2 features a distinctive shape - as if rectangular candy design began melting and became slightly rounded in the mouth which is an organic and natural change. The shape, therefore, fits perfectly in one’s hands and goes smoothly into a pocket. The evolution of INFOBAR 2 is synchronous with a gradual change of machines taking on the characteristic of human roundness. The smooth and lustrous single surface of INFOBAR 2 has operation keys of various colors and a display screen.

The INFOBAR 2 has a 2.6-inch display screen (240 x 400), microSD card slot, 2 megapixel camera and a battery charging station to let you dock your phone on it directly.

SlashPhone

The first Sony Ericsson touchscreen phone design attempt to become public wasn’t that impressive. But I told you that it’s just the beginning and we should see something more interesting soon.

Well, here it is - the new Sony Ericsson touchscreen slider, described in another patent application called “Housing arrangement for a portable device with display”:

The overall concept of reverse slider is similar to the ones explored by BenQ , Asus and LG, but with an added twist of a touchscreen interface.

This Sony Ericsson design is more interesting then the one described earlier, but I still don’t like it much.

C’mon SE, you can certainly to better for a touchscreen phone that should become your flagship model for 2008.

Unwired View

Specifications:

• Dimensions : 106.4 x 43.6 x 11.7mm;
• Weight : 91g;
• Volume : 56cc;
• GSM Triband (900/1800/1900MHz) or (850/1800/1900MHz);
• GPRS Class 10, EDGE Class 10
• Support Bluetooth 2.0;
• PTT (Push-To-Talk);
• Support Java 2.0 platform;
• IM (Instant Messaging);
• MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service);
• 2″ 240X320 pixels 16M colours TFT LCD display screen;
• 2M resolutions CMOS digital camera with video recorder/playback function;
• MP3/MP4/AAC/AAC+/eAAC+ player;
• FM radio;
• Internal antenna;
• Speakerphone;
• Voice dialing, commanding and recording function;
• 64 bit MP3 polyphonic ring tone;
• T9 text input predictive software;
• MicroSD/TransFlash card expansion slot;
• Pop-Port and USB 2.0 client;
• 7.8MB internal memory;
• Up to 350 hours of standby time;
• Up to 3 ½ hours of talk time.

PConline

Today IT168 posted a new Dopod C750 Windows Mobile smartphone, which is most likely the HTC Juno we saw in the rumor reports in the past few months. The Dopod C750 is said to have a VGA resolution display screen, the 480 x 640 pixel is one of the highest resolution in the current smartphone line up.

The Dopod C750 has a QWERTY keyboard on its slider body. It is not sure how fast you can go by having 2 character on the same key. The slider phone has a 2.6-inch display screen (480 x 640), though it will only output 65K colors. Powered by Windows Mobile 6.0 Standard and a OMAP850 201 MHz CPU, the phone comes with a 2 megapixel camera, mini-USB connector, microSD card slot and stereo speaker. The C750 will be available in November according to the report.

SlashPhone

Motorola announced it will be showcasing its mobile WiMAX chipset modem solution at booth #501 at WiMAX World USA. The chipset is part of Motorola’s new “controlled application centric architecture” that will efficiently support 3G and 4G mobile devices.

Motorola’s new WiMAX chipset modem enables mobile WiMAX for a variety of new experiences through voice and data-centric devices with a chipset solution that surpasses existing 3G technology:

• Cost - The 4G feature-rich implementation accelerates migration to 4G networks from existing 3G technologies in a cost effective solution.

• Size – The fully integrated memory enables a small footprint suitable for development of revolutionary form factors.
• Speed – DSL or cable-like speeds open up mobile broadband business models for carriers.
• Power – More efficient power consumption as compared to existing 3G technology, powers the true wireless internet to a consumer’s hand.

The new WiMAX chipset modem solution is scheduled to debut in Motorola’s line-up of WiMAX mobile devices beginning in 2008 for various carriers around the world, including Sprint’s Xohm business unit. This solution supports Motorola’s ongoing commitment to delivering WiMAX end-to-end solutions and specifically, to the development of the eco-system of devices enabled with WiMAX.

“The introduction of the WiMAX chipset modem solution marks yet another significant milestone in Motorola’s end-to-end WiMAX solutions portfolio, allowing users to enjoy a superior Mobile Internet experience,” said Gary Koerper, vice president Platform Planning and Systems Architecture, Motorola. “With this chipset, Motorola has been able to redefine what is possible for WiMAX mobile devices, enabling a wider portfolio of devices, from voice-centric handsets to multimedia terminals.”

Technical Details
Motorola’s new modem solution, consisting of a baseband modem and radio reference solution, has been tested with Motorola’s own market-leading WiMAX infrastructure solutions, and the core modem technology has been verified with infrastructure equipment from other leading vendors. The modem is designed for WiMAX 802.16e Wave 1.0 and 2.0 compliance, supporting advanced MIMO matrix A and B antenna configurations.

How much battery life do I really have left? Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) answers the question by introducing its system-side fuel gauge integrated circuit (IC) with Impedance TrackTM technology for smart phones and other handhelds. The 2.5 mm x 4 mm gauge predicts battery life with 99-percent accuracy to extend run-time, protect data and provide a better user experience for mobile handheld users.

“As mobile devices add more functionality, such as high-definition video and data transmission, consumers want to operate their devices just like notebook computers and expect to know remaining battery capacity,” said Dave Heacock, senior vice president of TI’s high-volume analog and logic business. “Today’s announcement builds on TI’s innovative battery fuel gauge technology, which is used in millions of notebook computers. Our portable device customers asked to incorporate the technology into their mobile designs - and now they can.”

The bq27500 system-side battery fuel gauge with TI’s patented Impedance Track technology accurately measures data from a device’s single-cell Li-Ion battery to predict remaining battery capacity under all conditions, even as a battery ages. The tiny IC analyzes precise state-of-charge by correlating between a battery’s voltage and cell impedance, or resistance, and its current integration to adjust remaining state-of-charge up or down the predicted discharge curve.

Most handhelds today do not accurately gauge remaining battery capacity, but simply measure the cell voltage to guess the capacity. Traditional gauging techniques used in some handhelds require static and unreliable modeling methods that attempt to compensate for discharge rate, temperature and age of the cell, and must also model self-discharge and other non-measurable currents. Since these models have an inherent error, which is difficult to minimize, an end-user will not accurately know how much run-time remains as the battery ages.

Predicting Remaining Capacity
The bq27500 directly measures the effect of a battery’s discharge rate, temperature, age and other factors to accurately predict remaining life within one percent error. By measuring and storing real-time battery impedance values, the IC automatically adjusts to changes in full capacity as a battery ages. State-of-charge and full capacity are calculated from the voltage and impedance measurements, eliminating the need to re-learn from a charge and discharge cycle.

Intelligent Power Optimization
As handheld systems provide more functions, the need has grown for accurate fuel gauging to intelligently manage available power, alert the user of system operating-time, and extend the run-time of the system as far as possible. Accurate battery data is used by applications processors, such as TI’s OMAP3410 processor with SmartReflexTM power and performance technologies, to optimize the system’s complete mobile power operating system. For instance, the system can leverage low-power modes, clock gating, clock throttling and dynamic voltage and frequency scaling capabilities based on battery capacity. The bq27500 provides an accurate reserve energy warning, which allows a system to save data to non-volatile memory at the end of a battery’s discharge, so work is not lost when battery life runs out.

System-Side Implementation
The bq27500 is implemented on the host system’s board, and can support an embedded or removable battery. System-side implementation allows a handheld manufacturer to save cost by designing an end-equipment that does not need extra electronics added to the battery pack. As batteries continue to shrink in size, integration of electronics on the battery becomes more of a challenge. System-side implementation of the bq27500 can control and manage other main battery management functions, such as battery pack authentication.

Pricing and Availability
The bq27500 is available today in volume from TI and its authorized distributors. Available in a space-saving 12-pin, 2.5 mm x 4 mm SON package, the device’s suggested retail pricing is $1.35 in 1,000-piece quantities. Evaluation modules of the bq27500, design application notes, user guides and TI’s software design tool are available through power.ti.com.

TI