T-Mobile USA begins 3G rollout

[T-Mobile launches its 3G network beginning in New York City and announces plans to offer its first HSDPA device in the coming months.]

New York & Bellevue -- T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced that the company has taken the first commercial step in the rollout of its third-generation (3G) wireless network by launching its UMTS/HSDPA network in New York City. T-Mobile plans to continue the rollout of its 3G network across major metropolitan markets through the year. By year's end, T-Mobile expects its high-speed data network will be available in those cities where a majority of its subscribers currently use data services.

"The launch of our 3G network comes at a time when 3G phones and services are more affordable, capable and appealing to our consumer marketplace than ever before," said Cole Brodman, chief development officer, T-Mobile USA. "We benefit not only from the economic scale of 3G, but also from the extensive commercial experience of 3G in our European markets. Today, T-Mobile USA customers already have among the highest adoption of data and messaging services in the industry. Through our 3G network, we look forward to delivering a rich portfolio of new and meaningful services to enrich our customers' lives."

T-Mobile's 3G network supports voice and data services consistent with available service and handset offerings. The company today offers multiple phones that are able to operate on the UMTS network. The phones are designed to automatically connect to the best available network (3G or GSM/GPRS/EDGE) to provide the great call quality and rich communication services customers expect from T-Mobile.

Customers using a 3G-capable handset from T-Mobile will also experience faster data speeds when accessing the Web, or downloading content from the T-Mobile t-zones content portal, for example.

In the coming months, T-Mobile plans to offer its first HSDPA device, along with new and compelling data-centric, all-in-one devices that help make the most of T-Mobile's high-speed data network.

The launch of the 3G network also enables T-Mobile to accommodate and serve more customers more efficiently through the use of its AWS spectrum, effectively doubling T-Mobile USA's spectrum position, and laying the foundation for the company's future growth. T-Mobile and the U.S. government, namely the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice, continue to work closely and effectively together to make available AWS spectrum that will give consumers access to the 3G network.

As the 3G service rolls out in targeted major markets, T-Mobile will continue to build upon its T-Mobile HotSpot Wi-Fi network -- its wireless high-speed Internet offering that launched in 2003 -- and its nationwide voice and data network, to empower customers to effortlessly stay connected using the best available network.

T-Mobile International is following a common technology path across all of its markets in Europe and the United States, from GSM/GPRS/EDGE to UMTS/HSDPA. T-Mobile USA greatly benefits from T-Mobile International's 3G experiences in Europe, where adoption of non-messaging mobile data is growing dynamically; and with more than 120 million customers worldwide, T-Mobile International is able to generate significant global procurement synergies.

Nokia Siemens Networks and Pirelli Broadband Solutions cooperate on 3G Femto Home Access Solution

[Pirelli's femto-enabled CPEs to be coupled with Nokia Siemens 3G Femto Home Access network solution to improve 3G coverage in homes. The CPE is installed similarly to a xDSL/WiFi modem. ]

Espoo, Finland -- Nokia Siemens Networks and Pirelli Broadband Solutions, a leading supplier of customer premise equipment (CPE), set-top boxes and remote management systems for the connected home and office, have signed an agreement for cooperation on 3G Femto Home Access solution.

Pirelli's femto-enabled CPEs coupled with the 3G Femto Home Access network solution from Nokia Siemens Networks will enable operators to introduce femtocell-based services to home and small office environments through a wide choice of CPE models developed by Pirelli in compliance with the Nokia Siemens Networks' open architecture. Femtocells are a new way of improving 3G coverage in homes. In this concept, the CPE is installed at the subscriber's home in the same way as xDSL/WiFi modem. The combined solution of the two leading companies means an opportunity for operators to extend their 3G coverage and introduce new attractive services for subscribers. Subscribers benefit from excellent voice and broadband user experience on any 3G device at the place where they spend most of their time: at home.

The Pirelli Multiplay CPE portfolio will offer 3G femtocell functionality integrated with diverse broadband access technologies (ADSL2+, VDSL2 and FTTH) and with Pirelli's EpicentroTM CPE middleware and applications platform. EpicentroTM enables cooperative use cases between 3G phones and Pirelli's access gateway, IPTV Set Top Box and 3G femtocell, and enhances the usage of mobile handset-based applications and services in the connected home in new ways.

"3G femtocells are part of Pirelli's converged home proposition which provides operators with an open environment to create new applications and foster indoor usage of 3G services. We are therefore pleased to announce our collaboration with Nokia Siemens Networks, as the leading player in driving an open ecosystem for 3G femtocells" said Roberto Pellegrini, Marketing and Innovation, Pirelli Broadband Solutions.

"Our 3G Femto Home Access Solution enables telecommunications service providers to offer an advanced user experience to their customers. The innovative Femto CPE of Pirelli Broadband Solutions makes an excellent addition to the leading 3G Femto Home Access ecosystem enabled by the open architecture of Nokia Siemens Networks, and so expands the options our customers have" said Timo Hyppoli, Indoor Radio Solutions Product Line, Nokia Siemens Networks.

Launched in July 2007, the Femto Home Access Solution from Nokia Siemens Networks introduces truly open interfaces that allow selected partners to make their Femto CPE compliant with NSN network solution, boosting the femtocell ecosystem and enabling operators to further enhance their 3G service offering and coverage.

Samsung F110 Adidas review: Your coach, miCoach

Samsung F110 is not revolutionary. And no, it's not a high-end gadget either. But it's part of a unique workout system developed by Adidas. The Adidas miCoach system makes your phone a full-fledged workout sidekick recording each of your steps and guiding you along your sports endeavors while playing your favorite music to make sweating a bit more pleasant.

Samsung F110 Adidas official images

Beside that, Samsung F110 also sports a 2 megapixel camera, FM radio, stereo Bluetooth and 1GB of onboard memory - it's all there to make your personal sports coach that much useful in your everyday life when you are not on the track. You are more than welcome to join us as we take the Samsung 110 out for a jog.

Key features:

• Dedicated sports features:
  
  
  
  • On-board miCoach application measuring sports progress and giving voice feedback
    
  • Synchronization with miCoach web-based coaching system
    
  • Built-in accelerometer with step counter
    
  • Stride sensor and heart rate sensor in the extended package
    
  • Comes with sports headset, 3.5mm audio jack remote and an armband
  
  
• 2 megapixel camera
  
• 1GB of onboard storage
  
• FM radio
  
• Stereo Bluetooth
  
• Works without a SIM card inserted

Main disadvantages:

• Boring design
  
• Camera has no autofocus
  
• Poor display resolution and poor sunlight legibility
  
• Built-in step counter is really inaccurate
  
• No memory card slot
  
• No 3G
  
• No office documents viewer

Adidas is not new to computer-based running. Back in the mid-1980s they were making headlines with their Micropacer running shoes. There was a built-in microprocessor in the tongue of one shoe, linked to a sensor in the sole. The runner needed to input the length of their stride and some other data, which helped the microprocessor calculate distance, average speed and calories burned. A LED on the tongue of the shoe displayed all the data plus elapsed time. The Micropacer running shoes were being sold for around $100, which back then was a preposterous sum to spend on trainers.

Archrivals Puma had their own geeky running shoes too. For about $200 you would get the Puma RS Computer running shoes along with an Apple II personal computer, a connecting cable and some software to record and analyze all the data for you and present it graphically.

Adidas Micropacer shoes and competing Puma RS Computer shoes back in the 1980s

Back to modern day, a popular digital training system is the Nike +. It includes Nike+ ready shoes, Nike+ iPod Sport Kit and an iPod nano. You put the wireless sensor in the sole of your Nike+ shoe and you plug the wireless receiver with your iPod nano. And off you go running and listening to music and live feedback with your running stats. Once you are done, you sync your iPod nano with the Nike+ server and you can see how you did. Plus, you can see how you stack up against all those other runners in the Nike+ community.

The Adidas miCoach system is rather similar, but with a few enhancements. You don't need special Adidas shoes, the stride sensor is easy to fit on the laces of every running shoe on the market. Next, you have a heart rate monitor, something that the Nike+ system lacks. Both the stride sensor and the HRM sensor transmit the data to the Adidas miCoach phone wirelessly. And finally, the last part of the miCoach system is the Samsung F110 mobile phone. It doubles as a music player and it also gives real-time feedback on your running stats. Once you get home, you simply sync it with the miCoach website and see how you did. You can also load a new workout tailored specifically to your profile.

The Adidas sports accessories we had for the review: there will be a single stride sensor in the retail package

Speaking of the Samsung F110 mobile phone, it obviously will be the focus of our review. After all, mobile phones are our line of business. But for your reading pleasure, we will be covering the miCoach system too. So sit back and pop your slippers on, but keep them trainers at hand, ready for some digital jogging across the pages to come right after this short jump.

Samsung F110 Adidas review shots

Note: Sponsored advertising links are in green.

Sony Ericsson G502 preview: First look

If you thought great internet experience can only be delivered by insanely expensive high-end mobile phones, maybe it's about time you reconsidered. Sony Ericsson G502 is said to be the most affordable HSDPA phone and, from what we see, the browsing and data transfer potential is all there, waiting to be unleashed.

Sony Ericsson G502 official photos

Sony Ericsson G502 is almost identical to Sony Ericsson K660, at first glance at least. A closer look at the specs of both models reveals that the G502 has shed down a few features. Not really important ones, that is, so it might be well worth it. There's nothing wrong with saving yourselves a few bucks.

Plus, we do happen to like the G502 design a bit better than the K660. We are still curious however, if it will be able to deliver the same performance as its K-series alternative.

Here is the first set of Sony Ericsson G502 images we present you. It should give you an idea of what the handset looks like in real life. Likeable, isn't it?

iPhone gets the Vodafone treatment

Vodafone announced they have signed an agreement with Apple to sell the controversial handset in as many as 10 countries where Voda have coverage. Those countries include Australia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Italy, India, Portugal, New Zealand, South Africa and Turkey.

No word on Spain yet - one the few large European countries that are still not getting an official carrier for the iPhone. May be it's not Vodafone that's going to offer the iPhone there.

You've probably already heard that Canada will also be having the iPhone through Rogers - so this all sounds like a major expansion for the device is being planned out.

As major as this news is, it took the Vodafone PR team not one but a total of two sentences to announce the news - no specifics about a release date or pricing are available yet.

Our guess is - we will get more info once the rumored 3G iPhone is finally announced in mid-June 2008.

Apple iTunes to compete "day-and-date" with DVD releases -- Wal-Mart weeps (now official)

Hollywood Reporter says that Apple is expected to announce today an across-the-board deal to sell new release films at its iTunes Store. The deal is said to allow Apple to offer a "broad slate of top-shelf films" day-and-date with home video releases -- a long time sticking point with brick-and-mortar interests who want to keep their early-release edge on digital downloads. The deal includes Fox, Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros., Paramount, Universal, Sony Pictures, Lionsgate, New Line and more -- all of which are currently inked to deliver rentals through iTunes. MGM is not part of the deal. That puts Apple in direct competition with Wal-Mart's DVD empire after having pushed Wal-Mart from the top spot in music sales for the first two months of the year.

Update: It's official. New releases will cost $15 and catalog titles will cost $10 -- US only for now. Full press release after the break.

CUPERTINO, Calif., May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apple(R) today announced that new movie releases from major film studios and premier independent studios are available for purchase on the iTunes(R) Store (http://www.itunes.com) on the same day as their DVD release. New releases and catalog titles will be available from 20th Century Fox, The Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Lionsgate, Image Entertainment and First Look Studios. Movies purchased from iTunes can be viewed on an iPod(R) with video, iPhone(TM), Mac(R) or PC or on a widescreen TV with Apple TV(R), with new releases priced at $14.99 and most catalog titles at $9.99.

"We're thrilled to bring iTunes Store customers new films for purchase day-and-date with the DVD release," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "We think movie fans will love being able to buy their favorites from major and independent studios."

New releases available for purchase on the iTunes Store this week, concurrent with their DVD release, include "American Gangster" and "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly." Other popular titles now available for purchase include "Juno," "Cloverfield," "I Am Legend," "There Will Be Blood," "Alvin and the Chipmunks" and "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story."

The iTunes Store is the world's most popular online music, TV and movie store with a catalog of over six million songs, 600 TV shows and over 1,500 films including 200 in stunning high definition video. With Apple's legendary ease of use, pioneering features such as new iTunes Movie Rentals, integrated podcasting support, iMix playlist sharing, the ability to turn previously purchased tracks into complete albums at a reduced price, and seamless integration with iPod and iPhone, the iTunes Store is the best way for Mac and PC users to legally discover, purchase and download music and video online.


Pricing & Availability

Movie purchases and rentals from the iTunes Store for Mac or Windows require iTunes 7.6.2, available as a free download immediately from http://www.itunes.com. iTunes movie purchases and rentals require a valid credit card with a billing address in the country of purchase. iTunes Movies are available in the US only and are $9.99 (US) for library title purchases and $14.99 (US) for new release purchases and $2.99 (US) for library title rentals and $3.99 (US) for new release rentals, and high definition rental versions are priced just one dollar more with library title rentals at $3.99 (US) and new release rentals at $4.99 (US). Short films are available to rent for 99 cents (US). Movies can be previewed, purchased and watched on iPod classic, iPod nano with video, iPod touch, iPhone and on a widescreen TV with Apple TV.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

(C) 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iTunes, iPod, iPhone and Apple TV are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Next-gen iPhone spotted in the wild?

Well here's an interesting one. French iPhone blog iPhon.fr got these pics from an anonymous and unverified source, and while there's no way of telling if the shots are legit, they certainly have a truthy ring to them. They follow what we know so far about the shape, size and color of the upcoming 3G iPhone, and while there's always the possibility of knockoff, a Photoshop job, or some other evil plot to mislead us, we're certainly not going to discount these shots entirely in the runup to iPhone's second coming.

Update: Some commenters have pointed out that the size and shape of this phone bares a striking resemblance to LG's Vu. As we said up above, we're not ruling out some handy editing work here.