Sales of MultiMedia Phones Fly Past TV Sales

By 2011, about 9 of 10 mobile phones will include basic multimedia capabilities; today about 60% have those features, says MultiMedia Intelligence.

Worldwide shipments of multimedia-enabled mobile phones will exceed 300 million units next year, surpassing shipments of television sets, according to a research report being released this week by MultiMedia Intelligence. Sales of such phones will generate over $76 billion in revenue.
By 2011, about 9 of 10 mobile phones will include basic multimedia capabilities, which consist of an image sensor, MP3 audio support, and video playback. Currently, these capabilities are available in 60% of mobile phones, according to the report.

In general, MultiMedia Intelligence defines basic multimedia phones as those that have at least a 1.0-megapixel camera, MP3 audio and video playback capabilities, Java, USB, Bluetooth, 16-bit screen color, QVGA resolution, as well as Wireless Application Protocol and Multimedia Message Service support.

Wireless carriers view multimedia phones as a great opportunity to attract new subscribers. Consequently, they're turning to leading manufacturers, such as Nokia (NYSE: NOK), Motorola (NYSE: MOT), Samsung, LG Electronics, and Sony Ericsson, for exclusive phones with innovative form factors and multimedia features.

A touch screen will be another prominent feature on mobile phones in the near future. The number of phones with touch screens will reach almost 200 million by 2011.

Read the Full Story at Information Week

Will Google Lead the Cell Phone Market?

For years, American technology leaders have gotten used to seeing the United States no longer globally technologically dominant. But nowhere is that lack-of-dominance more pronounced than with cell phone technology.


Whether it's interacting with digital signage, communicating with stores about inventory or paying for products directly with phones embedded with RFID (radio-frequency identification) chips, cell phones are proving to be clever and adept communication tools in key parts of Europe and Asia but not here.


With mobile payment, for example, the blame is placed on the U.S. mobile market's structure, with banks much more dominant overseas. Here, it's the cell phone carriers that own the landscape and call the shots.


That's why I saw this week's Google Android news as something that was exciting in its potential to shake up the industry. Trust me, this is one sector that truly needs a lot of shaking up.


The key question, though, is whether Google and the initial 34 members of the Open Handset Alliance will be able to do that shaking. (By the way, can you please tell me how Google could simultaneously use such a cute sci-fi OS name as Android and on the same day also roll out such a dorky and named-by-committee moniker as the Open Handset Alliance? Was this designed to establish some sort of equilibrium on the cool/uncool naming scale?)



Read the full post http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,2213173,00.asp

Wide Spread Nokia Battery Recall - Danger of Explosion

Nokia on Tuesday issued a product advisory for its BL-5C battery. The pnokia1.jpgroblem: The battery, which may affect as many as 46 million devices, could explode.

In the advisory, Nokia said the battery was manufactured by Japan’s Matsushita Battery Industrial Co. between December 2005 and November 2006. The BL-5C battery is one of 14 used by Nokia. The advisory comes amid a spate of issues with batteries in laptops and other electronic devices.

Read the whole report from ZDNet!

Sprint Well Kept Secrets!!!!

DID YOU KNOW THAT SPRINT WILL CREDIT YOU $0.50 FOR EVERY DROPED CALL YOU HAVE.

Simply dial *2 after you drop a call and say "droped call" and your account will be credited $0.50

E-Mail Alerts on Your Phone

There is more than one way to get E-mail on your phone, I have a few favorites I would like to share.

In this company were always getting emails with vital information, But we are not always able to be near a computer to check it.

The First method is to set up Email forwarding, all email providers have this option, Even webmail. You can forward the email directly to your phone (as an sms) this is the easiest, but should only be done if you have an unlimited texting plan, or you can forward your email to the email address provided to you by you phone carrier. (ex: user@sprintpcs.com).

When forwarding directly to your phone as an (SMS), find the email forwarding option in your email, It is usually under settings, and use the below Carrier Specific templates.

Alltel (from: 50, msg: 116, total: 116)
10digit-number@message.alltel.com


Boost (from: 30, msg: 120, total: 120)
10digit-number@myboostmobile.com

Cingular (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
10digit-number@mobile.mycingular.com

Nextel (from: 50, msg: 126, total: 126)
10digit-number@messaging.nextel.com

Sprint PCS (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)
10digit-number@messaging.sprintpcs.com

SureWest Communications
10digit-number@mobile.surewest.com

T-Mobile USA
10digit-number@tmomail.net

Verizon Wireless
10digit-number@vtext.com.

If you do not have an unlimited texting plan, you can forward the emails to the email address you phone carrier has provided (ex: user@sprintpcs.com)

But my personal favorite is to set up the emails to forward to (sms), and to a gmail account by google. this way I will be alerted when an email hits the inbox and i can read the first 160 characters of the email, if its something i need to read right away, I can launch my google mail app from my phone, and check it on the fly.

Hope this helps
Tristan McGowan

Closing Techniques

Here are some spectacular closing techniques
http://changingminds.org/disciplines/sales/closing/closing_techniques.htm
the skill level of the techniques range from first time salespeople to
Ms Claudia (Expert) techniques i would be confident in saying that there is not one salesperson in the world right now that has completely mastered the art of sales and has a 100% closure rate
and that everyone could learn at least one new close from this site
in addition i strongly advise picking up a copy of dawsons 10 power of persuasions for salespeople

Video Reviews of Cell Phones

Ever have a customer who just can't make up their mind? Or perhaps they want to get a high end phone, but just don't know it yet? Google Video and Phone Scoop to the rescue!

SAMSUNG SYNC


Sanyo M1


Samsung A900


LG Fusic


Palm Treo 750


Samsung UpStage

The Hidden Talents of Cell Phone Sales People

Yes. You sell cell phones. But is that all you are made of? I think not!

The Disappearance of Bees Tied to EMR - Cell Phone Industry Facing PR Crisis

I found this pretty interesting article on Life Technology. It discusses scientific principals that radio waves (we now have 3 billion cell phone users) are causing bees not to be able to make it back to their hive.

Maybe we should all invest in honey futures, since the mobile phone industry doesn't seem to be going anywhere soon.

EMR Causes Disappearance of Bees

Sprint Novatel U720 Running on OSX with Verizon Access Manager

Of course now you can get the drivers from Sprint directly (for MacBook and MacBook Pro - intel based macs ONLY), but for the old school here you go! For the new and improved way, click through to the Sprint Business Downloads page, choose your operating system and have some FUN!

Sprint doesn't support Macs, but here we are running the Verizon VZAccesss Manager for Mac, controlling the latest USB U720 modem on a MacBook Pro.

Sprint Express Card Running on MacBook, MacBook Pro and Powerbook G4

A demo of a Novatel V640 ExpressCard running on both a MacBook Pro and an PowerBook G4 15 inch

Pantech PX-500 vs Novatel U720

Here is a great video that covers the differences between the Pantech PX500 and the Novatel USB U720 cards.

So, which is faster an EVDO PCMCIA or EVDO USB Modem? This video gives you the answer.

5pr1n7 H4ck5 ( 1|= `/0|_| (@|\| |23@[) +|-|1$ |-||_|6 @ |-|@(|<3|2 )

Today i will be teaching you how to do the following "Hacks" on your Sprint phone
i am not responsible for what you do after this point with this knowledge


How to get an application on your phone for Free
How to get My space Mobile on your phone for Free


Tools needed
Sprint phone (preferably a 8300 or newer)
Data Plan
Text messaging


How to get an application on your phone for Free
1. Choose an app. Todays Tutorial will be using flurry
which can be found at http://www.getjar.com/products/3916/flurry (tons of apps and junk there )
2. download the .jar and .jad file into a folder on your desktop called phone (To make it easier to find the files later)
^JAR file is a file format based on the popular ZIP file format and is used for aggregating many files into one. A JAR file is essentially a zip file that contains an optional META-INF directory.
JAD files are commonly used to package Java applications or games that can be downloaded to mobile phones ^
3. go to http://www.funformobile.com/pages/game/gamemain.php
select you carrier ( can be done on other carriers but most apps are made for sprint)
input your phone number
select the jad and jar files
hit upload
4. you will recive a text to your phone ,open text and select go (steps differ on each phone if you have problems email me
5. Scroll down to download and press ok
6. you will get a message about a non trusted file press continue (just a way of sprint to scare you into buying there stuff)
and viola you now have new stuff in your applications folder

How to get My space Mobile on your phone for Free
The installation Steps are the same as above
Jar and jad can be found at
http://www.getjar.com/products/8381/MySpace

get the jar and jad for your type of phone
if you phone is not listed use the one for samsung
if you cannot find one of the apps to work with your phone
type this address into you phones browser
http://www.vcellspace.com


If you found my tutorial helpful or at least amusing please comment im an attention whore so if you stroke my ego ill show you how to do even cooler things lol
maybe next time ill show you how to get sprint tv and all other sprint apps for free
also so al of you know 3gforfree.com is done for

3Gforfree.com is Dead

according to my sources
3gforfree.com is done
due to a copyright infringement lawsuit
and lack of donations
although there have been whispers of a site revamp
and or a possible sale of the domain name

Neat Sprint Trick

Heres a Cool Sprint trick.
##786# from 97% of sprint phones will open an menu where you can view the life timer of your sprint phone see if it has been refurbished see how much data you have used
and run a self test on your phone.

not terribly useful but kinda interesting

##3324# is the code for the debug menu on alot of phones
*investigate the specific codes for your phone before trying*
*changing some things or resetting things can brick your phone *

History

This blog is solely supported via click ads and donations. If you found this blog helpful, feel free to make a donation via PayPal.

Sprint Corporate Discounts

Fun Fact of the Day: Nextel Communications only gets a 5% discount thru Sprint.



Sprint Corporate Discounts
http://sprint-discount.com/indirect/

This is a great tool for any sales rep, It enables you to find out just how much, if any of a discount you’re customer is eligible to receive.

I have put together a list of 180 different transportation companies, many of witch most IC reps deal with on a daily basis and whom get at least a 5% discount.

This list is in excel format.

http://tristan.mcgowan.ic.googlepages.com/Discounts.xls


Tips:

Discounts cannot be applied to promotional monthly rates

For example the $59.99 Unlimited Data Connection Plan for Mobile Broadband Cards and USB Modems

Or the $39.99 Unlimited Data for Phone as Modem Plan.

Other things to watch out for.

If the corporate discount is not added the day of activation adding it later could change the customers billing period, This isn’t such a big deal is long as your customer doesn’t have a spending limit. But when a customer dose have a spending limit changing the billing period could reek havoc, due to the prorated charges. Encountered from adding a corporate discount in the middle of a billing period.
I have also put together a cheat sheet for discount prices on the Power Pack plans. With 5% discount increments

Writen By: Tristan McGowan

Vista Updates for Novatel s620, s720 and u720 plus Firmware for Linksys Router

Vista updates for the Novatel s620/s720/u720 along with the Firmware upgrade for the Linksys Mobile Broadband Router.

Novatel Vista Updates

Aircard Support CD

Aircard Support CD

For any District Managers, Store Managers, or Sales Reps. Who have access to an Internet connection and a CD Burner.

This CD will have all the files needed to support most technical issues you may run into.

This CD will support

Sprint:
Pantech PX-500 (Windows XP/Windows Vista)
Novatel U720 (Windows XP/Windows Vista)
Novatel EX720 (Windows XP/Windows Vista)

Cingular
Sierra 860 (Windows XP/Windows Vista)
Sierra 875 (Windows XP/Windows Vista)

The first step is to collect the necessary files for the CD
I have provided direct links to all files that will be needed to make this CD
(They are listed below)

http://www4.sprint.com/pcsbusiness/downloads/Pantech_px500_V3.02.021.zip
http://www4.sprint.com/pcsbusiness/downloads/PCS_CM3_Installer_V3.08.013.msi
http://support.installshield.com/kb/files/Q108158/IkernelUpdate.exe
http://support.installshield.com/kb/files/Q108158/IsScript7.zip
http://support.installshield.com/kb/files/Q108158/IsScript8.zip
http://support.installshield.com/kb/files/Q108158/IsScript9.zip
http://www.sierrawireless.com/resources/software/8x0/AC8x0-FW-U1_2_40.exe
http://www.sierrawireless.com/resources/software/watcher/build1298/3G_Watcher_Generic.msi


The Next step is to burn the CD containing the files you just downloaded.
Place the files on the CD in the directory setup shown below.

D:/Sprint/Pantech/Setup/Pantech_px500_V3.02.021.zip
D:/Sprint/Novatel/Setup/PCS_CM3_Installer_V3.08.013.msi
D:/Sprint/Pantech/ISScript/ISScript.pdf
D:/Sprint/Pantech/ISScript/IkernelUpdate.exe
D:/Sprint/Pantech/ISScript/IsScript7.zip
D:/Sprint/Pantech/ISScript/IsScript8.zip
D:/Sprint/Pantech/ISScript/IsScript9.zip
D:/Cingular/Sierra/AC8x0-FW-U1_2_40.exe
D:/Cingular/Sierra/3G_Watcher_Generic.msi

Now Burn the CD, take it to work, and Enjoy

Script Error with Pantach PX500

Thanks to Shawn Peters!

Occasionally, when installing the Pantech PX500 you will get an error message "ISScript.exe is missing or not found" and the software will not allow and installation. There is an easy solution to this, but it requires an internet connection to download what you need. For this process you will not use the CD that comes with the product at all.

go to http://sprint.com/downloads
select the operating system (ex: Windows XP)
then select the first instance of the Pantech PX500 you see, should be the 2nd or 3rd selection available.
Be sure that when you download this file it is saved to the desktop!
Once this is done open the file on the desktop.
Open the setup folder inside it.
Run the ISScript setup/install first then the Pantech Setup/install

Now you are done!

Step by Step Pantech PX500 install with Vista

Thanks Tristan McGowan for finding this easy to follow step by step install!

If you run across the rare occasion where you have a customer that has Windows Vista but dose not have an express slot and dose not want to spend the extra money on the U720, You can use the Pantec PX-500 with Windows Vista, Here's How



1A) Install the CD that comes with the PX-500 the same as you would if it was a Windows XP computer.

2A) Use the Sprint Connection Manager to program the MDN and MSID like you normally would.

3A) After doing this you will get an error saying the Connection Card WAS NOT ACTIVATED.

4A) Close out of the Sprint Connection Manager and Restart it.

5A) Hit "GO" and it should say "updating user profile" when that is done you will get another error.

6A) Close out of the Sprint Connection Manager and Delete its shortcut off of the desktop.

AFTER DOING THAT FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW

1B) In the Network and Sharing Center (which you can open from the Control Panels window or by right-clicking the network icon in the Windows Tray), select "Set up a connection or network."

2B) The next dialog presents a list of types of connections that can be created. You want to select * Connect to the Internet

3B) Vista may already have a connection to the Internet. Creating a new connection will not disable the existing connection. Choose "Set up a new connection anyway."

4B) Even though the Sprint service is wireless, the connection to select is Dial-up.

5B) Select Pantech PC Card.

6B) This step is much simpler than it appears. Because the EV-DO card is activated and ready to negotiate the connection with the network, all you need to do here is enter the dial-up phone number #777, leaving the User name and Password fields blank as they are.

Check the Remember this password box and name the connection. Also change the Connection name to "Sprint Mobile Broadband"

After that is done Test the connection by clicking "Connect"

Select the network type as "Home"

7B) In the Network and Sharing Center (which you can open from the Control Panels window or by right-clicking the network icon in the Windows Tray), select "Manage network connections."

8B) Right Click on "Sprint Mobile Broadband" and Select "Create Shortcut"

Now the connection can be accessed from the desktop for easy use!

Sprint Download Page

I talked to sprint today and they have a page that will show you all air cards that will work on vista with the driver downloads on the page. Go to Sprint Download Page . They say that any of the Novatel Cards will work like the U720, S720, and the S620 all are compatible with Windows Vista.



amanda h.

mount vernon

Thanks Amanda!

Apple Aircard Support!!!

Thanks Mike Kendall!

NOTE:This works only for the newer Intel based Macs. MacBook & MacBook Pro. It will not work with iBook and Powerbook. Please use drivers already listed for those.

Aircard Support Update

Written by Christopher Price

Monday, 19 February 2007

Apple today issued an update the expanded its built-in support for WWAN/Aircard units. The update adds support for USB aircards, as well as newer ExpressCard models. Apple's release notes detail the new cards supported:

Available on the Cingular network:
• Novatel Merlin XU870 ExpressCard (HSDPA)

Available on the Sprint network:
• Novatel Wireless Merlin EX720 Express Card (EVDO Rev. A)
• Novatel Wireless Ovation U720 USB Modem (USB Adapter, EVDO Rev. A)

Available on the Verizon network:
• Novatel XV620 ExpressCard (EVDO Rev. 0)
• Novatel V740 ExpressCard (EVDO Rev. A)
• Novatel Wireless Ovation U720 (USB Adapter, EVDO Rev. A)

The update can be installed by running Apple Software Update from the Apple menu. It requires an Intel-based Macintosh. Despite the fact that PowerPC-based systems could also take advantage of the USB WWAN cards on Sprint or Verizon, Apple has not made clear if a PowerPC variant of the update will be released.

Apple Download Link

Sales Tips: Verizon "no so unlimited" Unlimited Data Plan

For the past 6 months or so, Verizon has been shutting off the accounts of users with "unlimited" data plans.

Great sales pitch for all them Verizon card hoo-hahs.

Verizon Wireless Also Pretends Customers Don't Know What Unlimited Means

Verizon Shuts Off Unlimited AirCard Plans

Windows Vista & AirCards

Most new laptops are now shipping with Windows Vista. I have heard of truckers looking high and low for XP computers, and not finding them. So, like it or not, the latest evil Microsoft product is something we are just going to have to get used to dealing with more and more. Why evil? Windows Vista has the ability to "turn off" anything it pleases, and it pleases Windows Vista to turn off products from manufacturers that have not paid Microsoft a hefty licensing fee... This includes many of our AirCards.

For now, the safe bet is to sell the U720 or S720 to those customers. It is the easiest one to deal with as far install with Vista goes. Also, if they scoff at the higher price, point out that when they get spoiled having SUPER fast internet in the truck, they don't have to go without at home. They just plug it into their desktop, or anyother computer (including a Mac), sit back, and relax.

Here is Sierra's list of Vista supported AirCards:

Windows Vista Support Available AirCard 595, AirCard 850, AirCard 860, AirCard 875
Windows Vista Support Planned AirCard 580/PC5220, AirCard 775
No Windows Vista Support Planned AirCard 550, AirCard 555, PC 3300, AirCard 710, AirCard 750, and all other legacy AirCard PC Card modems.

It will also work with the Pantech PX500. Here is how:

The Pantech PX-500 card works flawlessly with Vista (Build 5600). Needs to first be activated under XP.

Install the Sprint software in Vista - this may hang during or towards the end of installation. If it hangs, cancel or reboot. The drivers are loaded which is what you're looking for. A Pantech dial up connection will be created in Network Connections or you will need to manually create a dial up connection using the Pantech card as the modem.

When I get a chance to research more, I will add more info on AirCards and Vista.

New York, Bloomberg and the Cell Phone

The Institute for the Future quotes Mayor Bloomberg's plan to allow 911 and other city services to accept video and pictures taken and sent via cell phone:

This year, we'll begin a revolutionary innovation in crime-fighting: Equipping "911" call centers to receive digital images and videos New Yorkers send from cell phones and computers something no other city in the world is doing.

If you see a crime in progress or a dangerous building condition you'll be able to transmit images to 911, or online to NYC.GOV. And we'll start extending the same technology to 311 to allow New Yorkers to step forward and document non-emergency quality of life concerns holding City agencies accountable for correcting them quickly and efficiently.

So, next time you are being mugged the Big Apple, don't forget to strike a pose.

NYC Launches Mass "Sousveillance"

Cancel Verizon Contract with out Early Termination Fee

Guess this is making the rounds of all carriers. Now it's Verizon's turn to up their text messaging from 10 to 15 cents.

Here is the link to the goods and the script for cancellation without an early termination fee.

Compliments of the Consumerist

u720 flies on Mac

I am writing this to you using the U720 on my iBook. You can use this method on any Mac G3 and up. I put the package here Ovation U720 Mac Driver.

Once you activate and update the U720 on a Windows computer, click the dmg file to uncompress it on the Mac. There is a Read Me file. Read it! It will explain how to set up everything else.

Here is a low down:

Wait a moment, the go to the Apple icon in the top left bar. Click System Preferences. Go to Network.

Under PPP put in the provider, put #777 into the phone number. Leave the rest blank. Click Apply Now.

Click the Modem button. Choose Sprint PCS Vision from the drop down menu of modems. Uncheck "Enable Error Correction". Uncheck "Wait for Dial Tone". Check "Show Modem Status." Click Apply Now.

You will see a little phone modem on the top bar near a piece of pie that indicates the Airport connection. Choose "Connect". If it does not connect, make sure to click it again and choose the Sprint U720 from the menu.

Guess what? You are up and running!

One quirky thing: I had to plug in both USB connectors. This usually only has to be done when there is not enough power. My light was on, but it wasn't "juicing". If the Mac has trouble recognizing the modem, you might try plugging both in.

Enjoy!

New Meaning to Shanghaied

When someone was kidnapped, back in the day it was called "Shanghaied". Today, we worry more about our kids than we did even 30 years ago. Now a cell phone keeps our kids safer (as long as the phones aren't dumped along the way).

From Shanghai Daily News:

Shanghai Telecom, the city's largest fixed-network operator, has teamed with the Shanghai Education Commission to launch a handset for children to allow parents to check their child's location by global positioning system, Shanghai Daily reported.

The company sent 2,000 free "Little Smart" handsets to primary and middle school students in the city yesterday.

The phones have only five pre-set numbers instead of a normal keypad, with GPS built in. Parents can track their child's location by visiting Shanghai Telecom's Website, making a phone call or sending an SMS.

Future Now Blog

CIngular and Apple - Leggo My Eggo

What happens when two innovative companies release news of an excellent revolution? Well, good on Cingular for landing the iPhone exclusive until 2009. Good on Apple for stepping up to the plate and not releasing the iPhone before it was ready. Below is an article from Apple Insider. It's a little disappointing, however, that they plan to work together to stop "bad guys" (their words, not mine) from unlocking the iPhone for use with other carriers. I wonder if it will also be released in a different version in Europe, usually far ahead of the US in cell phones. I also wonder, if it can't be unlocked, then what happens when you want to travel to other GSM countries? It seems silly to lock a phone for use only with Cingular, incurring high international roaming rates, when this phone will appeal to many traveling execs. Just my humble opin.

A little hacker once told me, if someone wants in, they will get in. Years ago, Apple released a hacker challenge of a cool million to any hacker who could get into a certain Apple machine. No one won, touting Apple's high security ever since. Do I smell another challenge in the air?


Apple, Cingular claim victory over each other, say more iPhones in queue

By Aidan Malley
Published: 07:50 PM EST
Apple, Inc. and iPhone partner Cingular last week engaged in a brief war of words over which company forced the other to change its business model, but nevertheless have both promised to collaborate on many more Apple-branded cellphones in the future.



While creating an impression of harmony on the surface, Apple and Cingular executives fueled a minor spat following the launch of iPhone last Tuesday, hinting that at a power struggle ensued before the two came to terms on the project.

Igniting the controversy was Apple chief executive Steve Jobs, who told TIME editor Lev Grossman that he had earned "special treatment" from Cingular, forcing a change in the cellular service provider's voicemail system to allow for iPhone's random-access voice message interface. In the same interview, Apple's iPod division headman Tony Fadell added that Cingular "broke all [its] typical process rules" to implement Apple's requests.

Jobs also claimed to have ducked around the arrogance prevalent amongst carriers, which regularly include proprietary applications or force feature changes upon users in order to protect their services. "There's some hubris, where they think they know better," Jobs said. "They dictate what's on the phone. That just wouldn't work for us."

The comments from Jobs triggered a surprisingly sharp rebuttal from Cingular national distribution president Glenn Lurie, who flatly denied that any concessions were made and implied that Jobs' assertions were little more than posturing. "I'm not sure we gave anything," Lurie stated. "I think they bent a lot."

Lurie similarly drew attention to the necessarily exclusive multi-year contract Apple signed with the American cell service that gives iPhone customers the "luxury" of requiring a Cingular subscription. Apple, he added, also agreed to help stop the "bad guys" who would unofficially unlock the iPhone or its SIM card for use on competing networks.

In spite of the apparent rift between the two companies, the Cingular exec was quick to make amends and hinted that the depth of the Apple-Cingular partnership would become clear soon. Several new Apple-branded phones may be "coming out very quickly," he said.

That allusion may help address complaints that iPhone's current limitation to EDGE mobile broadband would curb its appeal in the face of much faster HSDPA (or 3G) access, which Cingular already offers in a few key cities and through rival smartphones such as Samsung's BlackJack.

Jobs himself was already pointing towards future models in his keynote speech at Macworld San Francisco. He mentioned in passing that the company's choice of GSM network support via EDGE would allow it to produce a 3G wireless phone and "many other amazing things" in the near future.

Cingular Exclusive Carrier for Apple's iPhone!

You have got to check out the keynote iPhone demo. It takes you step by step through this truly revolutionary phone!

Macworld Expo, San Francisco, January 9, 2007

Apple and Cingular announced that Cingular will be Apple's exclusive U.S. carrier partner for Apple's revolutionary iPhone unveiled today. As part of this multi-year partnership, Apple and Cingular are working together to provide innovative new features to mobile phone users, such as iPhone's pioneering and unique Visual Voice Mail, a first on any mobile phone in the world.

“Apple chose Cingular because they are the best and most popular carrier in the U.S.," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. “We are thrilled to be offering our revolutionary new iPhone exclusively with Cingular, and look forward to working together with them to create some wonderful new features for our customers."

"By partnering with Apple, we are continuing our commitment to raising the bar for customers," said Stan Sigman, Cingular's president and CEO. "We think the iPhone is one of the most innovative devices ever created, and we look forward to letting our customers be the first in the world to experience the future of mobile phones."

iPhone's unique Visual Voice Mail was co-developed by Apple and Cingular. Visual Voice Mail makes voicemail as fast and convenient as email by allowing users to go directly to any of their voice messages without listening to any of the prior messages.

iPhone will be available in the U.S. beginning in June 2007 in a 4GB model for $499 and an 8GB model for $599, and will work in combination with Apple's iTunes running on either a PC or Mac.

iPhone will be sold in the U.S. through Apple's retail and online stores (www.apple.com), and through Cingular's retail and online stores (www.cingular.com).

Apple's iPhone Unveiled

What's this I see on Apple's home page? FINALLY, news, officially from Apple, on the iPhone. And do I see a Cingular signal indicator? That would make sense, since talks with TMobile fell through and they both work on GSM.

The iPhone is sure to be spendy, but worth it. I am a Mac Geek at heart, and love the simplicity, the ease of use and the steadfast reliability that Apple offers in all their devices. Since this has gone back to the drawing board several times, there is no doubt that the iPhone will be held to a higher standard as well.

Revolutionary Phone

iPhone

Google Beat to the Punch by AT and T/Cingular?

Eric Schmidt of Google has been advocating a day when advertisement would make cell phone subscriptions free. It's natural with the popularity of Google's AdSense program, that the company should take over the lead. Endgadget: Google Chief Sez:"Your Mobile Phone Should be Free.

Every day on the Internet, we are bombarded by advertisement. Does that mean our Internet is free? Even NetZero, who used to be free, funding dial up on the backs of advertisers, charge for the privilege now.

Has AT and T beaten Google to the punch? Or is there another partnership in the works?

NEW YORK ( Reuters) - AT and T Inc. (T.N) plans to push new wireless services and make advertising a key revenue stream following its $86 billion acquisition of BellSouth Corp. (BLS.N), The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.

The acquisition, which closed last week, gives AT and T control of mobile phone service provider Cingular Wireless. The companies previously ran Cingular in a joint venture.

``The biggest asset we bought here was Cingular,'' AT and T Chairman and Chief Executive Edward Whitacre said, according to the Journal. ``We're about to become a company with wireless at its heart.''

AT and T will begin selling wireless service under its own brand name to its pool of corporate phone and Internet customers, the Journal reported. Control of Cingular will allow it to offer discounts for bundles that were impossible when the wireless carrier was a separate entity, the paper reported.

Consumers will get the choice of signing up for a new package of mobile phone and Internet service rather than the traditional bundle of land-line phone and Internet service, the paper also reported.

AT&T has been testing cellphones that can run on Wi-Fi networks when at home, which could let consumers save money on their mobile phone bills and perhaps get better reception indoors, the paper said.

It also reported that AT and T will begin selling advertising on mobile phones, television and Internet access service this year.

Advertisers will be able to buy spots for TV and broadband beginning early this year, with wireless ads following later this year, the Journal said. The advertising business could generate several billion dollars in revenue per year in the next five years, the paper cited the company as saying.